FORMER Hull FC favourite Motu Tony is hoping he can stay involved in the game by learning about how to run a business.
Only 32, the 2005 Challenge Cup winner could still line up in Super League, but has chosen to tread a different long-term path.
With one eye on remaining involved in rugby league, he's now at Huddersfield University studying for his Masters in Business Administration as he aims to copy one of the sport's most well-known figures.
"People like Gary Hetherington have shown you can go from being a player to being a huge success in the administration side and I believe we need more former players in admin roles throughout the game," Tony told the Mail.
"Some people stay involved by going into coaching, like Lee Radford or Andy Last at Hull, but that's not for everyone. I'm trying to show people is there is a different route they can take."
After enjoying a stellar career which saw him play in an NRL Grand Final with New Zealand Warriors and win the 2005 Tri-Nations with the Kiwis, Tony has already gained a Bachelor of Arts in Communications.
Now, he is doing all he can to make sure he educates the current crop of Super League players about the possibilities beyond the game.
"Huddersfield University have a close relationship with rugby league because the city is the birthplace of the greatest game after all," he said.
"I'm trying to promote the importance of education to professional rugby players because too many finish their careers with no qualifications.
"You have to make plans, so I'm getting out and speaking to a lot of the guys and encouraging them to try out University.
"I was very nervous when I started as a student. I went from being a professional athlete in that environment to being in a whole different world. But you find the skills you learn as a rugby player give you an advantage.
"There are a lot of pressures to being a student and I see a lot of my class-mates having to deal with that pressure. But as a rugby player you have the pressure to perform every week and that big-game pressure that comes with playing at Old Trafford.
"I've handled it and so can other players if they just give it a chance.
"I'd like to end up in the administration side of the game and I feel like I have something I can offer.
"Now it's all about getting an education and getting work experience because we have to look after our players and game, both now and in the future."
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