Learning from inspirational motivational speaker John Coutis

John ‘JC’ Coutis dropped in to the Men of League Foundation’s National Office recently. The team was pleased to speak with John and better understand how to provide emotional wellbeing support to our rugby league community.

John provided the team with invaluable messages that encompass respect for diversity, anti-bullying, inclusion, resilience, goal setting, tolerance, motivation, self-determination and courage.

Born with a severe disability that resulted in very limited use of his legs, John defied medical opinion by refusing to die.

Today, he gets around on a skateboard and travels the world inspiring tens of thousands of adoring fans to block out the negatives and be the best that they can be.

John has inspired and motivated some of Australia’s greatest sporting icons like Samantha Riley, Susie O’Neill, the Australian Cricket team, Balmain and Parramatta rugby league teams, the Collingwood Magpies, the NSW State of Origin Rugby League team and now, the Men of League Foundation.

John, also a Penrith Panthers tragic, shared a number of stories of the good old days with Ben Ross and how he helped him through his career.