NRL players’ foray into hospitality reaps rewards

Mastering the art of teamwork is vital for a NRL player’s triumph on and off-field – and it is a skill which goes hand-in-hand with success as a publican.

Andrew Jolliffe, HTL Property managing director, and Sydney Roosters board member told realcommercial.com.au that pubs and cafes can be attractive investments for current and former players alike.

“They are two character traits that are transferable… when I think about successful publicans broadly, there’s a couple of themes that spring to mind – one is resilience,” he said.

“I think that’s a character trait that probably most business owners require, but certainly that is one that is common with hoteliers and publicans, and I think that’s also consistent with elite sports people, particularly in contact sports like the NRL.”

And when it comes to teamwork, Mr Jolliffe said he was unaware of any “one person pub business.”

“Elite athletes that have been in team sports have had mastered that character trait, otherwise they can’t quite have been successful.”

While patrons might be drawn to the venue at the chance of seeing its famous owner, Mr Jolliffe said that has a “honeymoon period.”

“I think in itself, that isn’t enough, and that can be beneficial to a degree, but I think there’s more than that required, but that certainly doesn’t hurt being recognisable, and publicans are recognised, in many cases,” he said.

“The history of pubs in Australia has been one that commenced originally as brewery leases and families were identities in a different suburbs and they needed to participate in the community and be hospitable.”

This also tracks with the working class roots of rugby league.

The Milton

Melbourne Storm and Queensland captain Cameron Munster is behind The Milton, a new Caxton Street pub a stone’s throw from Suncorp Stadium.

The modern pub and rooftop venue “brings together elevated pub food, drinks and the kind of atmosphere you can only find in Queensland.”

It’s expected to launch in the next couple of months.

The Greenroof and King Street

Russell Richardson, former Newcastle Knight and Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks player, who also played for Australia, owns a number of pubs in Newcastle.

Mr Jolliffe said Richardson has made the transition from player to publican incredibly successfully owning pubs in Tamworth and other regional pubs, with a list that includes The Greenroof and King Street.

King Street is a multi-level live music venue in Newcastle, featuring a nightclub and bar, and is located in the CBD.

The Greenroof, located in Hamilton, Newcastle, is a community style pub favoured by locals.

The Gem Hotel

The Gem is owned by former Wallaby and Brumby, Bill Young who started playing league before switching codes.

Young added The Gem Hotel, at 201-207 Banna Avenue, Griffith to his hospitality empire, snapping it up for $50 million last year.

The newly renovated Gem Hotel comprises accommodation of 65 rooms, a cocktail bar, restaurant and a private dining function area.

The Bull and Bell restaurant at the Gem Hotel. Picture: Supplied

Mr Jolliffe said his foray into hospitality was a hugely successful example.

“In fact, I don’t know another Australian professional athlete, that has been more successful in this asset class than him,” Mr Jolliffe said.

“He’s an incredibly good host and I think, like any business, you need to understand your consumer, you need to understand your market, and he does that.”

Mr Joliffe said he owns multiple pubs worth in the multimillions with a twenty year career so far, and was one of New South Wales’ better publicans.

Girdlers Cafe

As the name suggests, Girdlers Cafe in Dee Why is owned by former Penrith Panther and 2003 Premiership winner Ryan Girdler.

The cafe promotes health-conscious, community-oriented food, where items like a ‘Goodness Bowl’ set you back $25.

Girdlers has expanded all over the Northern Beaches to Avalon, Narrabeen, Warringah Mall, and Manly, as well as Castle Towers shopping centre in Castle Hill.