Joe is a proud Wiradjuri/Wolgalu, First Nation Aboriginal man born in Cowra and raised in Wagga NSW, Australia. Joe played in the National Rugby League for South Sydney Rabbitohs, Penrith Panthers and Canterbury Bulldogs before switching to professional Boxing in 2009. Joe is a 2x WBF World Jnr Welterweight champion and won a WBC Asia Continental Title.

Although forging a successful professional sporting career, Joe battled the majority of his life with suicidal ideation and bipolar disorder. After a suicide attempt in 2012, Joe felt his purpose was to help people who struggle with mental illness. Through customised workshops, Joe talks of dealing with adversities, struggles, resilience, addiction, connection, emotional wellbeing and healing trauma in schools, communities, correctional services, sporting clubs and workplaces.

Now a published author, Joe’s autobiography ‘Defying The Enemy Within’ shares not only his life’s story but offers practical tools anyone can implement into their lives to improve and maintain their emotional wellbeing.