ABOUT CRAIG
Born in Western Sydney, Craig relocated to Canberra at a young age with his parents and older sister. Like many children growing up in unstable, alcohol-fueled environments, the effects lingered into adulthood, at times leading to anxiety and disbelief within himself, which he didn’t fully understand until later in life.
At just 15 years old, Craig survived what doctors described as an avoidable and reckless car accident. Not long after, he made the difficult decision to leave high school, feeling the environment wasn’t the right fit for him. The following year, his world was shaken once again, he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer that required an experimental stem cell transplant, so risky that doctors feared the treatment itself might be fatal. Craig was the only patient in his treatment group to survive. His doctors called his survival "against the odds"words that would later define his life’s mission.
Over the years, Craig dedicated himself to giving back. In 2011, he fundraised to launch a community program for at-risk youth, aimed at helping high school dropouts find their path. This was followed by raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for cancer research, including becoming one of only five Australians to raise over $100,000 for the cancer charity Love Your Sister.
After years of facing struggles and setbacks, Craig finally came to terms with his anxiety, PTSD and lack of self-love—recognising how deeply they were rooted in his past experiences. In 2023, at the age of 37, he embarked on a personal 30-day journey of rediscovery, focusing on self-awareness, acceptance, goal-setting and building a mental health toolkit to carry him forward. That journey became the foundation for the Against the Odds 30-Day Challenge, designed to help others do the same, find clarity, rebuild strength, and transform struggle into triumph.
In late 2022, Craig also founded Blokes Walk and Talk, an initiative to encourage men to open up, connect and prevent suicide through honest conversation and community support. What began as a single walk quickly grew into a national movement, with events now running across various parts of Australia. In 2025, the initiative evolved into a new brand, a community of good blokes doing better things, dedicated to supporting those in need and volunteering with local organisations.
Craig’s
Passion for
the West Tigers
Craig’s love for the West Tigers began in his early childhood, attending games with his dad during what was often an unstable and challenging home life. Rugby league became more than just a sport, it was a safe escape, a place where Craig could forget his troubles, feel free and find joy in something he loved.
When Craig was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer in 2002 (at just 16 years old), doctors feared he might not survive. When asked what he wished to do with the time he had left, Craig’s answer was simple:
“I want to watch the West Tigers play and meet the team.”
That wish was granted. During his treatment, Craig spent time with the players and coaching staff, drawing inspiration from their words and support. That experience gave him the strength and determination to fight, a sense of purpose that carried him not only through his cancer battle but through many of life’s struggles that followed.
Craig’s connection to the Tigers has remained unbreakable. The team’s colors are deeply tied to his identity and are reflected throughout his work today. Now, Craig shares this same passion with his son, attending as many games as possible and continuing to find joy, hope, and comfort in the sport that once helped save his life.
“Without the West Tigers and the support they gave me, I truly believe I may not have survived my cancer battle. They gave me a reason to live in my darkest moments.”
