Former league star John Doyle is kicking goals coaching country kids for coastal footy careers

Growing up in the sweltering streets of Rockhampton, John Doyle knew from his earliest years that his life would be dominated by rugby league. 

«Ever since I could walk, I had a football in my hands,» John said. 

Following in the footsteps of his father, rugby league legend Malcolm Doyle, John set his sights on a professional football career.

«I spent most of high school trying to get into the footy system, but I was knocked back,» he said.

«They told me I was too small or too skinny. Then [rugby league coach] Murray Hurst gave me a call.»

At 18, John packed his bags and left the beef capital behind, joining the North Queensland Cowboys under-19s side.

A year later, he was lacing up his footy boots for the first-grade squad.

Under the arena lights, with crowds cheering him on, John felt he was exactly where he was supposed to be.

A series of injuries, including a fractured neck, led to his early retirement after completing stints with the Sydney Roosters and Queensland Maroons.

Fans were crushed.

«I played in the professional system for eight years. I played 74 games. The average games you'll play is 20 or so a year, I was averaging like 10,» he said.

Fed up with the politics of rugby league, John headed to the desert town of Mount Isa, in North West Queensland to take a job in the mines and look to the future. It was there he met his wife, and together they had three sons.

«I think of myself as a family man that's trying to get people to be happier and healthier and live a better life,» he said.

«And create some opportunities for young kids, boys and girls.»

Now a business owner, John uses his gym, 3SonsFitness, to further his love for the game, as well as his passion to help others.

Jack Petitt was a 17-year-old filled with doubt