Why Wests Tigers Hopeful Pat Herbert Jumped Off an Excavator and Into an NRL Pre-Season
Pat Herbert's journey back to the NRL is a testament to resilience and the power of second chances. Just over three years after his last NRL game, Herbert found himself on an excavator, contemplating his future. Since his planned move to Super League fell through in early 2023, he had been navigating the rugby league wilderness, taking on various jobs like landscaping and laborer work.
Then, a phone call changed everything. The Wests Tigers offered him a second chance, a rare opportunity for a former player. Herbert, overwhelmed with gratitude, embraced the challenge, determined to make the most of this unexpected turn of events.
"I got a call from the Tigers while I was on the excavator, and here we are," Herbert said. "To have a pretty decent break due to unforeseen circumstances and mishaps and then get a second shot? It's overwhelming when I think about it. That time was necessary for me to do some growth within myself away from being a footy player, and it's only when I came back that I realized what we had at our fingertips."
Herbert's time away from the NRL was transformative. He raised his three sons, worked in various jobs, and gradually moved beyond his football life. This period of reflection and growth was crucial, allowing him to appreciate the opportunities he had left behind.
"They always knew me as a footy player, and when we watched the games on TV while I was in that intermission phase, they'd see my old teammates on TV and say, 'That's Uncle such-and-such,'" Herbert explained. "But that was fading, and the optimism was fading along with it as the days from my last match got longer."
When the Tigers called, Herbert's initial reaction was one of determination. He saw it as an opportunity to prove himself and repay their faith in him. Despite the physical demands of the pre-season, he embraced the challenge, finding fulfillment in the process.
"I've been loving it," he said. "I had to find that passion and love again when I was given that opportunity. I can't be any more grateful. The physical side is always tough, a pre-season is always demanding. But the time away helped me see it from a different perspective. It's a lot more fulfilling."
Herbert's journey is a reminder that sometimes, life takes unexpected turns. What matters most is the ability to adapt, grow, and seize the opportunities that come your way. As he continues his journey with the Wests Tigers, Herbert is grateful for the chance to make his boys proud and to show his gratitude for the second chance he's been given.
