Sam Thaiday

Sam Thaiday is a retired professional Broncos rugby league player who has hosted his own radio show and is known for his generous support of community and charitable groups. Sam is also an outstanding keynote speaker who engages audiences with ease and entertains with stories garnered from his long connection to the game in the sunshine state.

Sam Thaiday grew up in Townsville where he played for his local junior club and followed the North Queensland Cowboys. He was a big fan from an early age and loved watching his local footy heroes.

Sam’s own playing career took off when he signed with the Brisbane Broncos in 2003 and made his professional NRL debut that year. He spent his entire career at the Broncos, with whom he won the 2006 Premiership. In 2011, he was awarded the Captaincy and went on to win the Dally M Award for Best Second Row player.

Sam played an impressive 29 matches for Queensland in the State of Origin series and has over 30 test caps to his name, having represented Australia on successful domestic and European tours.

Playing at the top of his game, he was one of only three current players to be named in the Indigenous Australian rugby league team of the century. He retired from NRL at the end of the 2018 season, cementing himself in an elite club of players having played over 300 games for the one club.

One of the most highly regarded and respected players in the League, Sam is also known for his community involvement.

Sam has been awarded the Ken Stephen Medal for his outstanding commitment to a wide range of community and charity activities.

October 2020 saw Sam Thaiday launch a Podcast – We are Human. Sam dives into the mental health of our elite athletes sharing stories and knowledge to inspire others in the same space to seek help. In the first 4 episodes Sam tells his story. The highest of highs and the lowest of lows from growing up in a mixed race family, to his own struggles with low self worth and the end of his NRL days. Long after the last siren sounds and the last autograph is signed how do these athletes transition into every day life. 

In his retirement, apart from spending time with his wife and beautiful girls, Sam has forged a successful media career with Channel Nine and having also hosted his own radio show Thank God Its Thaiday on Nova. Sam is also an ambassador for a host of brands including for The Starlight Children’s Foundation. He has a strong and interactive social media presence and is actively sought after by many corporates to take part in various speaking engagements.

Sam has a personality that endears him to many and is often commended on his personable, approachable and very professional manner.