Overview

Murray Hurst, a coach in the NRL for several years, was infamously sacked as head coach of the North Queensland Cowboys in 2002. He has been an influential figure in Queensland Rugby League for more than 30 years, with an illustrious record. Murray coached Queensland Emerging State of Origin, Australia Under-17 and numerous Queensland representative teams. He also assisted Wayne Bennett with Queensland State of Origin and was head coach of Tonga for the 2000 World Cup. As the NRL Wellbeing and Education Manager for Queensland, Murray brought compassion and strength to the role while working with families affected by player suicide. He is a man who has shown that good leaders must be good listeners. Murray credits his resilience and ability to listen deeply to growing up on the family sheep station at Surat in outback Queensland in the 1960s. He learned all about hardship, being the youngest of five on a working farm. Through drought, loss of sheep, floods and tough times, Murray learned the skills that he first brought to the field of coaching and now takes with him into his next challenge: a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease. Told with simplicity and depth, Murray's story is one of resilience, and it is far from over.

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9781922375124

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Reviews

Murray has gifted us a remarkable and honest story of a country boy from Surat who grew to exemplify the values of integrity, loyalty, courage, compassion and hard work. His success as a coach flows from his innate understanding that the development of sporting talent (or any talent for that matter) is best realised if you nurture and respect the person before the talent. It is not surprising Murray is approaching his next journey through Parkinson's with the same courage and resilience he has always embraced. Katrina Robertson - World Powerlifting Champion and Psychologist When Murray and I first brainstormed the ideas for this book, I had no idea of the drama, devastation and disappointments he has endured during his life. The story that unfolded needs to be told. Murray not only wanted to clear the air about his controversial period as a professional Rugby League coach but also to highlight his extraordinary life as a mental health advocate, business executive, politician and - above all else - a family man. Murray Clifford - Journalist, Communications/Photography Specialist In On Shaky Ground, Murray takes us on a journey through the highs and lows of his time as an NRL coach. Murray provides an insight into the sacrifices made by rugby league players and coaches in pursuit of sporting and financial success. Murray's vision to recognise the welfare of players and the mental health challenges they face makes it a must-read for coaches and all involved in sport. Adair Donaldson - Director, Donaldson Law Murray's story is engaging and captivating as well as heartbreaking. He has had so many high points in his life but beautifully reveals his struggles as well in this warts and all story. Murray was a kid from country Queensland who leaves a legacy across Rugby League that will be spoken about long after he is gone. Truly inspirational. David Solomona - QLD Wellbeing and Education Programs Manager, Rugby League Central QLD

Author Information

Murray Hurst has been an influential character in Rugby League for 30 years, with seven years at the North Queensland Cowboys as head coach and assistant coach, coaching Tonga in the World Cup and Australia U17's while at the Cowboys. He has just completed eight immensely rewarding years as NRL QLD's Manager of Wellbeing and Education. Murray's career hasn't all been about sport but it has been all been about people. Before the NRL He spent six years with Townsville Catholic Education applying for grants to build and extend schools, and was also an elected councillor in local government for four years. Before this he was in management roles in the construction and airline industry right across Queensland. His wife of forty years, Pam, and children Yana and Jarrod have moved all around Queensland to support a long and diverse career, so these days health challenges mean Murray finally has a chance to stay in one place.

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