Marcus Bai: From PNG to Premiership Glory & Finding His Voice

“Rugby league is a team sport. It’s not about one person.” — Marcus Bai

Marcus is one of the few players in rugby league history to win an NRL Premiership, a Super League title, and a World Club Challenge. He has created an incredible legacy.

In this episode, Marcus shares powerful reflections on his journey from Papua New Guinea to the biggest stages in rugby league. When he first arrived in Australia, the language barrier made it hard to speak up. But that changed in 1998 at the Melbourne Storm. It was teammate Tawera Nikau who helped spark his confidence to find his voice in a team setting, and the culture at Melbourne laid the foundation for the club’s long-term success.

We talk about his upbringing, the role of family, and the responsibility rugby league players have to create positive change across PNG and the Pacific. One thing I’ve always admired about Marcus is his willingness to speak to anyone. This is a quality I would like to learn.

I really enjoyed this conversation and the stories Marcus shared.

About David Mead:
David played 14 years of professional rugby league, representing the Brisbane Broncos, Gold Coast Titans, Catalans Dragons, and captaining the PNG Kumuls. With over 230 professional games and 15 international appearances , he’s gained valuable insight into what it takes to perform at the highest level. Now, through conversations with fellow athletes, business minds, and community leaders, David shares real stories and lessons to inspire and empower the next generation.

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