Joseph Tapine, captain of the Canberra Raiders, has shared his journey with gambling addiction, particularly his early obsession with poker machines during his NRL career. At 30 years old, Tapine is now regarded as one of the most respected players in rugby league, showcasing his talent for both the Raiders and the New Zealand national team.
Having started his professional career with the Newcastle Knights over a decade ago, Tapine transitioned to Canberra, where he honed his skills as an exceptional front-rower. However, the early years were not without their challenges. In a recent interview on Nine’s podcast Marlee and Me, he candidly recounted the influence of the gambling culture prevalent in rugby league at the time.
Tapine described his introduction to poker machines as a turning point. After a fateful evening out with teammates, where he won a significant amount of money on his first try, he soon found himself grappling with an addiction that lingered for three years. He recognised that the thrill associated with gambling and drinking was more than just a pastime; it became a daunting hurdle for him to overcome.
He explained, "The harshest lesson was probably that I got addicted to pokies," emphasising how easy it was to fall into this trap within the sporting environment, where the excitement of the game often coincided with a culture of risk-taking.
Learning to manage his finances and overcoming his gambling addiction were not things he grasped growing up. It was his wife, Kirsten, who played a vital role in teaching him about financial responsibility. Tapine mentioned that it was during a tumultuous period that he finally received the needed push for change in his life, associated with relocating and reassessing his priorities.
His openness about these struggles highlights an ongoing issue within sports, as younger athletes, some as young as 17, now embark on full-time NRL careers. The league is increasingly focused on addressing such issues, aiming to provide better support for players.
Tapine recently made headlines for his performance in Canberra’s opening match of the season in Las Vegas before facing a two-game suspension for a shoulder charge. He is expected to return to the field in round four against the Cowboys, looking to continue his influential role in leading the Raiders both on and off the field.