Finding Connection Beyond Football: Tazmin Rapana’s Journey Through Mareeba

For former NRLW representative Tazmin Rapana, a week in Mareeba became something she never expected.

What began as a visit with the Arthur Beetson Foundation Future Immortals Tour quickly evolved into a deeply personal journey of culture, connection and self-discovery.

Travelling through Far North Queensland alongside former players, community leaders and local organisations, Rapana found herself immersed in experiences that challenged her perspective and reminded her of something she had spent much of her life searching for — a sense of belonging.

Growing up in Australia after her family moved from New Zealand, Rapana often felt disconnected from her Māori heritage.

“I kind of felt lost,” she reflected.

“It wasn’t until playing football and being involved with the Māori All Stars that I really started learning about my culture and stopped feeling ashamed to be part of it.”

That reconnection to culture became even more profound during her time in Mareeba.

Despite being hundreds of kilometres from home and surrounded by people she had only just met, Rapana says she immediately felt accepted.

“I’ve never been in an environment like this before, but I feel a little bit like I’m at home,” she said.

“I feel a lot of connection to the land and to the people.”

Throughout the week, the Future Immortals Tour visited schools, community organisations and wellbeing programs across the region, creating opportunities for young people to engage with former athletes and community role models.

For Rapana, the school visits left a lasting impression.

Accustomed to the pace and scale of life on the Gold Coast, she was struck by the warmth and openness of students in regional communities.

“These kids wanted your attention. They wanted to talk to you, run up to you and connect with you,” she said.

“As a mum, I kept thinking about what it would mean for my own children if someone took the time to come and spend time with them at school.”

But it was the conversations beyond the football field that impacted her most.

Whether speaking with Elders, community leaders or young people determined to create positive change, Rapana found herself listening more than she was talking.

One discussion with local young women particularly stood out.

“They were talking about what they want for their community and how they’re trying to shift the burden away from drugs and alcohol and bring people back together,” she said.

“Everyone goes through challenges in life, but in smaller communities those challenges affect everyone. They affect families, children and future generations.”

The experience offered a powerful reminder that some of life’s most important lessons are found outside professional sport.

“The more people I spoke to, the more I realised how much there is to learn,” she said.

“They don’t realise they’re teaching you, but every conversation leaves you with something.”

As a retired athlete and mother of two, Rapana admits the week also provided something she hadn’t realised she needed — space to pause.

Away from the pressures of everyday life, school lunches, schedules and responsibilities, the tour became an opportunity to reflect.

Together with fellow former player Libby Cook-Black, she found herself considering the importance of slowing down and being present.

“We spoke about it being a reset,” Rapana said.

“Not because we’re struggling, but because sometimes you need to stop and remember what’s important.”

One cultural activity during the tour encouraged participants to reflect on what they were carrying and what they needed to let go of.

For Rapana, the experience became deeply personal.

“It reminded me that life isn’t supposed to be perfect,” she said.

“You make mistakes. You’re not always going to get everything right. It’s about being where your feet are and bringing yourself back to yourself.”

The reflection also brought reassurance.

“As mums, we spend so much time worrying whether we’re doing enough or getting it right,” she said.

“It reminded me that I am a good mum. That I am doing the right things.”

The week also reinforced her belief that programs like the Future Immortals Tour create benefits that extend well beyond the communities they visit.

While the primary focus remains supporting regional and remote communities, Rapana believes the experience can be equally transformative for the players who participate.

“You don’t know what you don’t know,” she said.

“If you’ve never experienced something like this, you don’t understand how much it can change your perspective.”

Having spent her career with clubs including the Broncos, Titans, Roosters and Warriors, and representing Queensland and Australia, Rapana understands the unique challenges athletes face when transitioning away from professional sport.

She believes more current and former players would benefit from opportunities to reconnect with community and culture.

“I’d encourage anyone to come and experience it,” she said.

“It’s connected me back to myself, connected me back to culture and reminded me that life is so much bigger than what we sometimes think.”

For Rapana, Mareeba wasn’t simply another stop on a tour.

It was a reminder that connection doesn’t always come from where you’ve been.

Sometimes it comes from where you’re willing to go.

And in the communities of Far North Queensland, she found something many people spend a lifetime searching for — a deeper understanding of culture, community and herself.

Listen Soon on IN SPORT

This powerful conversation with Tazmin Rapana is coming soon to the IN SPORT app as ABF FIT Podcast Episode 12.

Hear Tazmin’s reflections on culture, connection, motherhood, community and life beyond football in her own words as she shares the lessons, experiences and personal growth gained through the Future Immortals Tour in Mareeba.

Available exclusively on IN SPORT.

Download the app today and be the first to access this episode, along with exclusive podcasts, documentaries, interviews, VR experiences and stories from communities across Australia.

Because some of sport’s most important stories happen far beyond the scoreboard.