Jason Stevens
Jason Stevens had a reputation as one of Australia’s toughest rugby league players during his 14-year career, which ended a few years ago.
He was a big man – one of those ‘tough as teak’ forwards who sent opponents sprawling when in full stride. His rugged approach to the game often landed him in strife with referees.
But his on-field value was without question. He played for St George, Cronulla, NSW and Australia during a long career at the top level of the NRL (National Rugby League).
Though it all, he was open about his Christian commitment.
“I always had a belief in god. I went to church regularly. One of my best memories from growing up was my brother and me sharing a room. Our mum came in at night and stood in the middle of the room and prayed with us.”
“So I knew the basics about God; how Jesus died and rose again. As life got busy, I found it hard to connect at church. I felt I’d lost touch. I was a young man with all these needs and I just didn’t see how that fitted in.”
“Things began to change when I attended some bible study classes with a team mate Brad Mackay. He was a top bloke and was different in a good way. He often spoke about Jesus; it was like he was close to him. The turning point came when my brother committed his life to God and decided to save sex for marriage in the midst of a typical footballer’s lifestyle. Something had changed in him and soon after, I too realised that although I had believed in God, went to church, said the occasional prayer, I had led life as I saw fit. The message of Christ really hit home when I realised how big a deal it was that Jesus went to the cross for me. I could no longer neglect the sacrifice, the pain he endured. I realised that God wanted a friendship with me, and a commitment from me.”
“I was really shocked, to be honest, because I thought it you believe in God, go to church and try to be a good person, then that’s it. I had a lot of good things going for me. I was one of the highest paid players at the club at a very young age, had an attractive girlfriend, at school had a UAI that was in the top 4% in my state and completed a university degree. I had a good family. But I couldn’t put life together well and God helped me in every single area and really healed my heart.”
Stevens has influenced other players for Christ. Former Brisbane Broncos and later New Zealand All Blacks rugby union player Brad Thorn says Stevens helped him with his faith when the two played rugby league for Australia.
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