Episode 172

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Published on:

18th Aug 2025

#172 – The Real NRL Crisis? Why Stress Is Fueling Infections

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Episode Summary:


In this episode, Ian Hawkins explores a surprising health crisis facing elite athletes in 2025 not hamstring tears, but infections. Drawing on insights from the NRL Physio and his own coaching experience, Ian reveals how emotional and psychological stress can weaken the immune system, leaving players more vulnerable to illness, reinfection, and prolonged recovery times.


He unpacks research linking stress and depressive symptoms to slower healing and higher rates of infection-related hospital readmission, highlighting the hidden mental and emotional pressures elite athletes face from family expectations and media scrutiny to personal life challenges. Ian also reflects on the cultural patterns that discourage emotional expression, especially among men, and the generational messages that perpetuate emotional suppression.


Offering both a warning and an opportunity, Ian outlines how sporting organisations can address the deeper causes of illness by creating support systems that tackle mental and emotional wellbeing, not just physical treatment. He emphasises the power of involving families in the process, breaking stress cycles, and building environments where athletes can thrive both on and off the field.


About the Host:


Ian Hawkins is dedicated to showing how sports can transform lives. With extensive experience as an athlete, a coach, PE teacher, community volunteer, and manager at Fox Sports, Ian brings a wealth of knowledge to the podcast. His journey began in his backyard, mentored by his older brother, and has since evolved into coaching elite athletes and business leaders. Ian's commitment to sports and personal development is evident in his roles as a performance coach and active community member. Through "Sport Is Life," Ian shares inspiring stories and valuable lessons to help listeners apply sports principles to all areas of life.


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About the Podcast

Sport Is Life
It's More Than Just A Game
The Sport Is Life podcast explores how sport can positively change your life. Join us as we delve into the powerful life lessons that sport teaches you, lessons that can be applied to every aspect of your life. Host Ian Hawkins shares wisdom and insights gained from a lifetime of experience as an athlete, husband, father, PE teacher, community volunteer, manager at Fox Sports and a performance coach to elite athletes, business owners, corporate leaders, and other coaches. Tune in to hear how sports can provide the tools you need to excel in your personal and professional life. From practical advice to heartfelt stories, the "Sport Is Life Podcast" is your guide to unlocking the potential within you through the power of sport.

Sport is more than just a game; Sport Is Life.

About your host

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Ian Hawkins

Ian Hawkins, host of "Sport Is Life," is dedicated to showing how sports can transform lives. With extensive experience as an athlete, a coach, PE teacher, community volunteer, and manager at Fox Sports, Ian brings a wealth of knowledge to the podcast. His journey began in his backyard, mentored by his older brother, and has since evolved into coaching elite athletes and business leaders. Ian's commitment to sports and personal development is evident in his roles as a performance coach and active community member. Through "Sport Is Life," Ian shares inspiring stories and valuable lessons to help listeners apply sports principles to all areas of life.