There are plenty of politics in rugby league but few manage to make a successful career out of both.
Glenn Lazarus, the Senator, has tread a unique path since retiring on the highest of highs.
Who can forget those images of Lazzo in full celebration mode after the 1999 NRL Grand Final, moments after leading Melbourne Storm to its first ever NRL premiership.
That was 18 years ago and a lot has happened in his life since.
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In the year following his retirement he dabbled in the coaching game, spending some time with the Broncos as their forwards coach.
Then came a move to the world of business with Lazarus setting up a PR company with his wife, which they still own and operate to this day.
However what he is most known for post-career was the time he spent in Canberra.
It all started with a phone call from Clive Palmer in the lead up to the 2013 election to join his new political party.
Lazarus chose to run and as it turns out was successfully elected in the Senate.
Lazarus served under the umbrella of the Palmer United Party for those first few years before becoming an Independent until last year’s election.
Now he is out of the political game, for at least the time being, the next stop on the Lazarus adventure is an entirely new challenge.
It doesn’t involve making big hits or formulating policies but rather running the local drop offs.
“It’s good now to be a bit of a stay at home dad,” Lazarus said.
“Things like making the kids sandwiches and taking them to school, you don’t really get to do that sort of thing when you are an NRL player or a politician.
“It is nice to spend more time with the kids now.”
Lazarus continues to work with his wife on growing their successful PR company but enjoys finally being able to live somewhat out of the public eye.
He does admit he would love to get back into the rugby league industry someday.
The thought of coaching again does interest the 51-year-old but recent life experience has him eyeing more of a shift to the administration side of things.
Lazarus played 254 games across 13 seasons at the highest level.
He played 44 games for Melbourne, proving to be a central figure in helping to build the Club in those first two seasons.
All these years on, the Club still remains at the forefront of his thoughts.
“The Club was a big part of my life and still is,” Lazarus said.
“I enjoy coming down for the Old Boys weekend. I was there last year so it was great to catch up with a lot of familiar faces.
“I love the fact we set up the Club from Day One and to see where it is today is very satisfying.”
