Sword and Shield | Ian Roberts

Sword and Shield | Ian Roberts

From No Limitations by Blenheim Partners

February 18, 2026 · 1h 44m · Episode 162

About this episode

Ian Roberts shares his personal journey, challenges, and advocacy for education and mental health.

In Episode 162 of the No Limitations Podcast,  Sword and Shield , Blenheim Partners’ Gregory Robinson speaks with Ian Roberts, a former Australian and New South Wales professional Rugby League player and Director of Venues NSW.   In an open and insightful conversation, Ian reflects on his personal journey, recounting the challenges he faced both on and off the field and the key individuals who helped shape the person he is today. Ian discusses the sense of empowerment he discovered through his acting career, and how learning to read and write as an adult freed him from a lifelong burden of shame. Finally, Ian speaks about how he has used his professional identity and platform to strengthen education and foster more open discussions around social inclusion and mental health.   Ian played professional Rugby League from 1985 to 1998, making nine State of Origin appearances for New South Wales and playing in thirteen Test Matches with the Australian Kangaroos. During his distinguished career, Ian has represented multiple national and international professional Rugby League clubs, including the South Sydney Rabbitohs, Wigan Warriors, Manly Warringah Sea Eagles and…

People in this episode

Host: Gregory Robinson

Guest: Ian Roberts

Topics covered

  • Rugby League
  • LGBTIQ+
  • mental health
  • social inclusion
  • education

Keywords

  • empowerment
  • acting career
  • reading and writing
  • professional identity

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Sword and Shield, No Limitations, “ Light – The Ian Roberts Story”

Places: New South Wales, Sydney

More episodes of No Limitations

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the No Limitations podcast page.