In this episode of Lessons from the Game, former international rugby stars and coaches Gurthro Steenkamp and Ben Pegna sit down with Denis Betts, one of the most decorated rugby league forwards of all time, to uncover the truth behind elite performance.
From a violent, working-class upbringing to lifting trophies with Wigan and coaching on the world stage, Betts reflects on a career defined not by talent alone—but by discipline, consistency, and the drive to grow.
In this raw and wide-ranging conversation, they discuss:
How discipline saved his life and kept him grounded through success
Coaching men vs. women — and what most coaches get wrong
Why elite players must lead with actions, not words
Lessons from Wayne Bennett and the golden Wigan era
Creating a supportive, high-performance culture in any team
Why the real work begins when motivation fades
Chapters
00:00 The Journey Begins: Discipline and Success
09:30 Coaching Women in Rugby: A New Perspective
09:59 Lessons from the Game: Discipline and Motivation
13:47 Overcoming Adversity: The Impact of Upbringing
19:03 The Legacy of a Rugby Legend: Achievements and Reflections
31:50 Transitioning to Coaching: Lessons Learned
40:35 Mindset Differences: Rugby League vs. Rugby Union
42:52 The Mindset of Elite Athletes
46:06 The Drive Behind Coaching
51:42 Understanding Gender Dynamics in Coaching
56:57 Building a Supportive Environment for Women in Sports
01:01:37 The Importance of Personal Commitment in Coaching
01:08:35 Leading by Example in Sports
01:12:57 The Coaching Philosophy of Wayne Bennett
This episode is packed with powerful stories, coaching insights, and mindset lessons for players, coaches, and leaders chasing long-term success in rugby and life.
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