From NRL to the classroom: Albert Vete’s second act

Former rugby league star Albert Vete has traded the field for the classroom, returning to his old school to inspire the next generation.

After nearly a decade in the sport, the prop retired last year. During his career, he played for the New Zealand Warriors, Melbourne Storm, and spent four years in England’s Super League with Hull KR and Castleford Tigers. He also represented Tonga at the international level.

Speaking with John Pulu on PMN Tonga, Vete says stepping away from the game was bittersweet. “I’m not as fast as I used to be … but it was time for me to come home and begin the next chapter.”

That next chapter involves teaching. Vete has returned to St Kentigern College, where he once captained the First XV to the Auckland schools title, and is now teaching physical education and health.

He says being a student there, he already knew how hard it was to navigate being at a private school like St Kent. “And I thought, ‘What a great opportunity for me to come back and help those students who are navigating the same journey I did’.”

Vete says his parents instilled the importance of having a life beyond sports. They encouraged him to have a plan B. “For me, that was teaching, a way to help others, especially Māori and Pasifika youth.”

Watch Albert Vete's full interview below.

After balancing his studies with a demanding NRL schedule and family life, Vete completed his Bachelor of Physical Education last year, graduating in May.

He juggled lectures, exams and placements alongside his busy NRL schedule. “But I’m glad I finished.

“Auckland University let me complete my last two papers last year, and I graduated in May. I wouldn't be where I am today if it weren't for my family, my friends, that was really important.”

Albert Vete of the Warriors is tackled by Issac Luke and John Sutton of the Rabbitohs during the 2015 NRL Round 13 Rugby League match. Photo/Photosport/Will Russell

A star-studded career

Vete’s rugby league career began in his final year of school when the Warriors offered him a place in their under-20s system.

He spoke with his father and brother, whom he goes to for advice. “And they told me to give it a go. I went to the Warriors under-20s system and fell in love with rugby league. The rest is history.”

One particular highlight stands out to him. It was when his parents presented him with his debut jersey in 2015.

“Being able to see the joy in my parents' faces…that was probably a moment I'll never forget. And that led on to representing Tonga against Sāmoa and the Gold Coast later that year. That was crazy.”

Reflecting on his career, Vete says rugby league gave him opportunities he never imagined. It also enabled him to travel the world and live in different countries.

Albert Vete, Captain of the St Kentigern 1st XV, celebrates winning the Auckland Secondary Schools Rugby Union final in 2011. Photo/Photosport/Andrew Cornaga

“That came about from a passion for wanting to be an NRL player. That was a really special time of my life.”

As for his favourite team, Vete’s Tongan roots shine through his loyalty to the iconic colours of Mate Ma’a Tonga. He is excited about the upcoming league.

“I'm very much in the Red Sea. I love taking my kids there, supporting the boys. I’m really looking forward to this campaign and seeing the new blood that we're very lucky to see in the NRL this year, and maybe seeing those boys get the opportunity [to play] for Mate Ma’a Tonga.”

Alongside teaching, Vete coaches the Warriors under-17s in the Harold Matthews Cup, but insists that his main focus is on education.

“At the moment, I'm a teacher and then the coaching is just a bit of a bonus, something for me to give back to the club that gave me so much.”