On the eve of his 150th NRL game, Nigel Plum set out his future plans which includes a return to the Riverina.
The Kangaroos junior announced earlier this season that his 11th season in the top grade would be his last but he doesn't plan to hang up the boots just yet.
Plum is looking to link with the Wagga club next season, but it won’t be on a full-time basis.
He’s gained work with the Panthers and is hoping he can start his career outside of football while helping out his junior club.
“I’ve always wanted to captain-coach or play footy in the bush and would have loved to go back to Wagga but now that I’ve got a young family things and have to do what’s best for the family career wise,” Plum said.
“It’s look like I’m going to get a career in sponsorship up here (in Penrith) but I still haven’t ruled out the possibility of playing a few games back in the bush.
“I’d love to come back and play footy for the Roos, play with my junior club and be able to give back to bush.”
Leaving Wagga when he was 19 to pursue his NRL dream, the hardworking forward never dreamed his career would go so far.
First joining the Western Suburbs lower grades, Plum switched to the Roosters, where he made his NRL debut in 2005, before moving to Canberra in 2007.
Linking with the Panthers in 2010, due to injuries he didn’t play first grade until the following season before will run out for his 92nd game with the club against the Warriors on Saturday.
“I was stoked to play one NRL game and doing to the hard work I’ve done to make 150 is a massive, massive achievement for me,” Plum said. “I never thought I could make it this far and it never really crossed my mind.
“Playing each game as it comes has always been a privilege and I’m extremely proud of what I have achieved and how far I’ve come.”
Finding a home at Penrith, the 32-year-old is pleased to play his milestone game with the club.
His 150th game had to be delayed after Plum was heavily concussed playing against Canberra three weeks ago.
He was helped off the field by the trainers after a nasty collision with Josh Papalii, however he has no recollection of the hit.
“It was pretty hard that head knock and I have no memory from just before the clash until after I was in the sheds,” Plum said.
“I don’t remember standing up and walking off at all, which is a bit scary in a way, but I’ve passed all the tests, been cleared and am feeling good.”
