FORMER Hull FC and Rovers winger Liam Colbon hopes he can help rugby league stars to prevent injuries in his new career as a conditioner.
The 30-year-old hung up his boots at the end of the season to set up fitness business Y3K Sport, which offers conditioning and movement advice.
Having suffered hamstring problems throughout the latter stages of his career after moving from Hull KR to London Broncos, Colbon's degree studies in sports science are now being put into practice.
And by teaching different running techniques to his clients, which include Hull FC brotherly-duo Bobby and Harry Tyson-Wilson, Colbon believes he can help to prevent repeat injury woes.
"I've been doing a lot of personal courses throughout my rugby career," he told the Mail.
"I did my degree in sports science whilst I was at Wigan and also some conditioning and movement courses.
"First and foremost, I suppose it was to help myself out.
"By the end of my stay with London Broncos I knew something wasn't right. My hamstring was pulling up every two or three sessions.
"I couldn't go a few weeks without it becoming tweaked and that was setting me back massively. But when I came up to Hull FC my hamstring troubles were gone.
"I've been privileged to learn off some of the best conditioners and trainers throughout my career and I suppose I'll be taking the best advice I've learnt from them forward into my new venture."
Seeing former professionals go into business is becoming increasingly common in this day and age.
And Colbon believes it is something we will see more of because of increased awareness surrounding player welfare.
"It's very important nowadays that rugby league players have something to fall back on," he said.
"It's a very short career that could be over within a flash.
When London had financial difficulties and I had no contract on the table, I could have been out of work.
"Thankfully, I had a future career already planned out and we're seeing more and more players nowadays set up their own businesses after they finish their careers, which is great.
"I think my playing days are over now and I don't think I want to go down the path of rugby coaching.
"I had a few conversations with Paul Cooke at Doncaster, but my body is telling me it's had enough."
Colbon puts much of his passion for business down to former FC and current Rovers conditioner Billy Mallinson, who continues to work with KR on a day-to-day basis.
"Billy and I meet up regularly and we've kept in contact with each other," Colbon added.
"He's a great friend of mine who has an enthusiasm which is infectious. He's done a great job at both Hull and Rovers and I aim to take a lot of advice from him into my business.
"Adults can come down and have an initial consultation on their running techniques, but then can also take away tips to learn in their own time, so it doesn't become an expensive venture."
For more information, visit y3ksport.com
