Shaun Lane

Shaun Lane known fondly as the ‘Lane Train’, joined the Eels in 2019 and finished the season with the Jack Gibson NRL Coaches Award for best forward at the Ken Thornett Medal presentation. 

Shaun has been exposed to many unique challenges throughout his journey, all of which have taught him something valuable to continue growing. He is also fortunate enough to have experienced some professional success, most notably the Ken Thornett Player of the Year in 2022.

Shaun Lane, a standout player for the Parramatta Eels in the National Rugby League (NRL), dedicated his off-season to an extraordinary endeavour. Instead of a typically leisurely break, Lane embarked on a worldwide journey to craft a documentary spotlighting mental health issues. This personal initiative underscores Lane’s commitment to mental health advocacy, a topic he considers crucial within the sporting community.

Shaun’s venture was fuelled by a personal drive. Aware of the significance of mental well-being, especially within the high-pressure world of professional sports, he chose to use his influence to raise awareness and potentially offer support to those grappling with mental health challenges. His documentary project symbolizes a rising trend among athletes to openly address mental health, a subject historically viewed as taboo in their field.

As a teenage player the Eels' Shaun Lane blamed everyone else when things went wrong. Taking responsibility has helped him take a big leap forward.

Shaun has continued his studies throughout his career, currently completing a Master of Applied Positive Psychology out of the University of Melbourne. Well-being and mental skills are his passion.

His future aspirations are to utilise his professional subjective experiences in combination with his education aiming to help others be the best people and performers they can be.

Shaun's determination to help others is driven in trying to make the world a better place for everyone.