Create an experience with Luke Bateman

Former NRL Athlete, Podcaster, Author & Mental Resilience Advocate

Luke Bateman is a former professional NRL player, media personality, and author known for his compelling commentary on modern identity, mental resilience, and masculinity. After making 71 first-grade appearances for the Canberra Raiders between 2015 and 2019, Luke retired from professional rugby league in 2020. Returning to rural Western Queensland to work in agriculture, he channeled the isolation and reflective pace of country life into a passion for reading, writing, and storytelling.

Following a notable television appearance on Network 10’s The Bachelors Australia in 2023, Luke built a substantial digital following through his candid content on reading and culture. In 2025, he secured a multi-book publishing deal with Simon & Schuster for an original fantasy series, and launched In The Good Books, a podcast with 9Podcasts featuring interviews with prominent literary figures and creators. In 2026, he placed in the Top 3 on Network 10’s I’m a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!, raising awareness for rural charity Farm Angels.

As a speaker, Luke brings grounded authenticity to topics surrounding high performance, personal transition, mental health recovery, toxic masculinity, and emotional resilience. Drawing from his transition from professional sport to regional agriculture, creative publishing, and digital media, his talks provide practical insights on navigating career shifts, overcoming adversity, and reshaping personal identity.