Fuimaono & Ford building their futures

“You’ve gotta have something to lean on after footy,” said Jackson Ford, who this season was studying to obtain his building licence alongside 2022 St George Illawarra teammate Tyrell Fuimaono.

With help from Scott Stewart, St George Illawarra Dragon’s NRL/RLPA Wellbeing & Education Manager, Fuimaono and Jackson Ford have been studying to obtain their building licenses during a busy season.

Recognised as a member of the 2022 Academic Team of the Year, Fuimaono juggled his education with first-grade commitments in an NRL team.

Watch Tyrell Fuimaono and Jackson Ford’s story in the latest episode of Hitting The Books:

The 2022 Academic Team of the Year

Fuimaono was selected in the team for his Cert IV in Building and Construction at Masters in Building and Construction Training.

RLPA Player Operations Manager Jamie Buhrer praised Fuimaono and the 2022 Academic Team of the Year for their achievements on and off the field.

“It is hugely impressive that, despite the continuing increases in training and playing demands for players, that this group has shown such resolute commitment to their career development,” Buhrer said.

“Throughout the year they have remained engaged in their academic studies and have separated themselves from an impressive list of worthy recipients across both the NRL and NRLW playing groups.”