Imagine being three years removed from your dream career, operating an excavator, and suddenly getting a call that changes everything. That’s exactly what happened to Pat Herbert, a former NRL player who thought his days on the field were long behind him. But here’s where it gets inspiring: after a series of setbacks, injuries, and a detour into landscaping, Herbert found himself back in the spotlight with the Wests Tigers, proving that second chances do exist—even when they seem impossible.
Herbert’s journey hasn’t been easy. After a planned move to the Super League fell apart in early 2023, he found himself stranded in what felt like a rugby league wilderness. He traded the bright lights of professional football for hard labor, working as a landscaper and operator, far from the glamour of the NRL. Yet, it was during one of these grueling workdays that his phone rang, offering him a chance most retired players only dream of—a return to the game he loved.
‘I got a call from the Tigers while I was on the excavator, and here we are,’ Herbert recalled, still in awe of the unexpected turn of events. For him, the break from rugby wasn’t just a pause—it was a period of personal growth. ‘That time away was necessary for me to grow outside of being a footy player,’ he explained. ‘It’s only when I came back that I realized what we had at our fingertips.’ His message to younger players? Seize every opportunity, because you never know when it might slip away.
And slip away it did—at least temporarily. After being released by the Titans and recovering from knee surgery, Herbert suffered a devastating Achilles injury just weeks before his planned move to Europe. The Super League deal collapsed, and his professional football career seemed over. ‘I found myself with no chips on the table, and it became my new normal,’ he said. ‘Sometimes you get a bad hand, and you just have to play it.’
Herbert and his family moved back to Wollongong, where he had once captained the St George Illawarra Under 20s team. He worked odd jobs, raised his three sons with his fiancée, and slowly began to move beyond his football identity. But as time passed, the distance from his playing days grew, and so did the fading optimism. ‘My boys always knew me as a footy player,’ he shared. ‘When we watched games on TV, they’d point to my old teammates and say, ‘That’s Uncle so-and-so.’ But that was fading, and the optimism was fading with it.’
And this is the part most people miss: when Herbert got the call from the Tigers, there was no hesitation. He was determined to make the most of this unexpected opportunity, no matter the outcome. ‘It just put my foot back in the door,’ he said. ‘I felt like I had a lot to offer and some fire in the belly. Whatever happens, happens—but the only way I can show my gratitude is by showing up and doing my thing.’
Why did the Tigers call him? It could’ve been his standout performance in last year’s Tukana Tournament, an all-Maori knockout competition where he starred for the champions. Or perhaps it was his reputation as a powerhouse in the gym, earning him the nickname ‘Mr Uppers’ during his time with the Warriors. Maybe it was simply his former teammate, now coach Benji Marshall, remembering his potential. But here’s the controversial part: does talent alone deserve a second chance, or is it the grit and resilience Herbert showed during his time away that truly earned him this opportunity? We’ll let you decide in the comments.
For Herbert, the ‘why’ doesn’t matter. He’s just grateful to be back. ‘I’ve been loving it,’ he said. ‘I had to find that passion and love again when I was given this opportunity. I can’t be any more grateful.’ The physical demands of pre-season are tough, but his time away gave him a new perspective. ‘It’s a lot more fulfilling now,’ he added. ‘But the higher purpose for me is to make my boys proud—that’s what keeps me going when it gets tough.’
Herbert’s journey is far from over. He’s already made it past the first major cut-off, Christmas, and the Tigers’ first pre-season match is on the horizon. But he’s not looking too far ahead. Instead, he’s savoring every moment, relishing the camaraderie of the team, and the chance to work under Marshall, a coach who’d do anything for his players—and vice versa. ‘I was out on the field for my first day and had a moment to myself,’ Herbert recalled. ‘I almost shed a tear. It was just a moment of gratitude, because it’s hard enough to get one shot at this thing. Whatever role I can get here, I just want to repay.’
So, here’s the question for you: Do second chances like Herbert’s inspire you, or do they feel like an unfair advantage? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your thoughts!
