Jason Stevens is best known for his rugby league career, which spanned over 14 years. He played for New South Wales in the State of Origin and also represented Australia. Reflecting on his time in the sport, he calls it the highlight of his career. Recently, he joined Doug to share stories from his life, career, and transition into filmmaking.

The Transition to Media

After retiring from rugby, Jason moved into media and entertainment. “I was doing entertainment reporting for The Footy Show while I was still playing,” he explained. This role allowed him to interview stars like Heath Ledger and Dwayne Johnson.

Interestingly, Jason had written in his high school yearbook that he wanted to work in media. “It was a dream come true,” he said. However, when his contract with Channel Nine ended, he faced a career setback. “The door closed abruptly in my face. I couldn’t even get a meeting with the new executive producer.”

Instead of giving up, Jason turned to writing scripts and screenplays. “One script I wrote in 2009 is only now gaining traction,” he said. “It’s a grind, but if God gives you a promise, He’ll bring it to pass—though there are sleepless nights along the way.”

Finding Faith in Hard Times

Jason’s journey hasn’t always been easy. As a child, his father left the family, and his sister was seriously injured in an accident. “It was traumatic,” he admitted. “But in that brokenness, we found a deeper faith.” Although his family always went to church, their faith took on a new meaning during tough times.

“We went from just attending to truly seeking God,” he said. “It helped us through the hardest times.” Today, Jason uses his experiences to connect with others. “When I talk to people who’ve faced tragedy, I can relate in a way others might not.”

Though he grew up in church, Jason wasn’t always committed to following Jesus. “I was ‘Jesus-adjacent’ for a long time,” he admitted. But eventually, he made a life-changing decision. “Deciding to follow Jesus was huge. Telling my teammates about it was even bigger.”

A Passion for Storytelling

Beyond football and faith, Jason has always had a love for storytelling. His latest film, Finally Me, is a heartwarming romantic comedy that carries an uplifting message. “It’s about discovering who you truly are, rather than chasing an image the world expects,” Jason explained.

The film follows a young woman who struggles with self-worth but learns to embrace who she is. “There’s humour, romance, and a lot of heart,” Jason said. “I love sharing stories that make people laugh but also make them think.”

Christians in the Marketplace

On Saturday, March 15th, Jason Stevens will be the first speaker of the year at Christians in the Marketplace. Christians in the Marketplace is a vibrant networking community which aims to connect and empower Christian professionals.

Whether you’re just beginning your career or are already a seasoned pro, they can’t wait to connect with you and help you grow alongside others who share your faith and drive. Find out all the information here.

Listen to the full conversation here.