Anyone audacious enough to publicly label themselves a ‘Rugby League Guru’ needs to understand the game better than most – and thankfully for Nathan Durkin, he may as well be a footy encyclopedia.
The former Sydney school teacher turned fulltime NRL content creator had no interest in pursuing the traditional sports journalism path via university, a private college or an internship.
Instead, Durkin, 33, managed to turn his life passion into a career.
Be it multiple weekly podcasts with former NRL stars Jamie Soward and Denan Kemp to constantly updating his multiple platforms on social media, Durkin now works around the clock during the footy season.
And he wouldn’t have it any other way.
From interviewing the likes of Panthers superstar Nathan Cleary at this week’s Captain’s Call in Sydney ahead of the NRL finals to being mobbed by supporters in Las Vegas in March ahead of the season kicking off, it has been a rapid rise for Durkin, who first began producing online content in 2020.
Anyone audacious enough to publicly label themselves a ‘Rugby League Guru’ needs to understand the game better than most – and thankfully for Nathan Durkin, he is a footy encyclopedia
Durkin (pictured, with NRL superstar Nathan Cleary) isn’t a journalist – but it didn’t stop him chatting to the Panthers halfback at this week’s Captain’s Call ahead of the NRL finals
Dane Clarke also produces mass rugby league content online – and with an impressive 214,000 followers on Facebook and 147,000 on Instagram, clearly he is doing something right
‘I’ve always been a rugby league tragic, my family have loved the game for generations,’ he told the Daily Mail.
‘For years, we had a members pass at the SFS (Sydney Football Stadium), and we went to as many games as possible.
‘In terms of content, I created a page initially to gee my mates up, but then as my followers increased I realised there was a gap in the market.’
Durkin watches every game intently across each NRL round, and sometimes has to pinch himself this is now his ‘job.’
He confirmed he commands a comfortable salary – and has capitalised on the media landscape changing when it comes to fans consuming content.
‘Audiences are different now, they don’t just rely on NRL 360 or The Daily Telegraph for their footy news,’ he said.
‘I’ve aligned myself with other content creators…(unlike some journalists) we don’t fight for stories, we lift each other up.
‘I’m always looking to learn on the run, and the key is to be relatable.’
Former NRL star Denan Kemp is a fan favourite after turning his attention to podcasting
‘Beak’ also has his own clothing label and branded beer (pictured, with his wife)
Dane Clarke’s journey as a rugby league influencer began a decade ago.
The Gold Coast Titans fanatic is a busy man, juggling fulltime work in the government sector and three kids.
With an impressive 214,000 followers on Facebook and 147,000 on Instagram, clearly Clarke is doing something right.
‘My page is profitable, which I am grateful for, but being in a position to do it fulltime is definitely the end goal,’ he said.
‘I do produce a fair bit of content, but you must in order you stay relevant.
‘I also love seeing what other content creators do…we all share a love of the game, and if we can keep footy fans up to date with what’s happening, then it is job done.’
Some rugby league reporters have privately contacted Clarke after viewing his content online – and the ‘feedback’ hasn’t always been positive.
But it doesn’t deter Clarke, who stressed in his eyes there is ‘room at the table for everyone’.
After retiring in 2013, Kemp lacked purpose in his own eyes before launching his ‘Locker Room’ podcast two years later
Kemp made his NRL debut with the Broncos in 2007 and also played for the Warriors
Like Durkin, Clarke had no desire to enter mainstream media.
Elsewhere, former Brisbane Broncos winger Denan Kemp transitioned into rugby league analysis with ease.
Adapting to a ‘normal’ life initially came with its challenges – but now Kemp is a cult hero among NRL supporters.
‘I needed a new focus, I felt my life was worthless….in my eyes, my whole purpose and identity was to be an athlete,’ he told the Daily Mail in 2023.
‘Once that was all over, I wondered what was next. ‘After footy, I was working in the mines, listening to plenty of podcasts, and eventually I thought ‘hey I can do that.’
‘Everyone has a story to tell, so I thought why not interview players about their lives.’
Kemp also believes the fact he played in the NRL from 2007 onwards significantly aids his cause.
‘There is a sense of brotherhood, the guys approve of what I have done, there is mutual respect,’ he said.
‘Only a certain few people are lucky enough to play in the NRL, so previously being in the system fulltime, that works in my favour.
‘My fundamental aim is always to tell stories through players eyes with no negative agenda…and if there are elements they have a think about post interview, be it contracts or something personal, I just don’t run it.’
