Denis Betts is a rugby league legend.
But behind the trophies and the Great Britain caps lies a story about ego, endings, and learning what really matters.
In this raw and revealing conversation, Denis and I dive into:
- Why he chose to let go of anger in his mid-twenties
- The clash of egos and the regret of stepping away too soon
- The role of family and the influence of strong women in his life
- What coaching Wigan Women has taught him about leadership
- Why joy and purpose matter more than medals
This is Denis Betts like you’ve never heard him before.
SHOW NOTES
The Making of a Legend
- Dennis’s rise at Wigan and Great Britain
- What success looked like in a golden era of rugby league
Family, Joy & Simplicity
- Why his happiest moments weren’t always on the pitch
- Grass, sun, family dinners — finding joy in the small things
Letting Go of Anger
- The moment he decided anger wasn’t serving him anymore
- Playing a violent sport without carrying violence inside
Ego, Endings & Regret
- The clashing egos that led to his retirement
- The regret of stepping away too soon
- Lessons from endings and identity beyond sport
Strong Women & Leadership
- Raising three daughters and how it shaped him
- Coaching Wigan Warriors Women
- What leadership really means when you adapt to the people in front of you
Season 3 is proudly sponsored by Lightside Financial Planning - a fiercely independent, Liverpool-based firm focused on clear, human conversations about money.
Find out more at https://lightsidefp.co.uk/
