Hull KR hooker Shaun Lunt reflects on the importance of his family and friends
As part of the State of Mind round this year Hull Kingston Rovers hooker Shaun Lunt believes that the support network family and friends can provide is vital for a player’s wellbeing.
Lunt has played for multiple clubs during his career, swapping Huddersfield Giants for Leeds Rhinos before joining Hull KR on loan in 2015 before a permanent deal ahead of this season.
The 29-year-old has appeared in Challenge Cup finals for both Huddersfield and Hull KR and the 2012 Grand Final with Leeds and says it’s easier moving to new clubs now he’s older.
“It’s not as daunting as it is when you’re a youngster and you don’t know anyone. When you’re older and a bit more mature, it’s just like a change of job,” he said.
“The transition to a new town can be difficult, if you’ve got a family and you’ve got to up sticks.”
However, Lunt highlights the importance of family when transferring to a new club and in everyday life.
“I have a large family in Cumbria, but down here it’s just my wife and my two boys, but the support system from them is magnificent for me.
“Obviously, if you’ve had a tough game or you’re going through a bad patch of form, you come home and they take your mind off it.
“People look at players and think they’re invincible or indestructible, but they can often be very vulnerable.
“You need that outlet, and it’s important for players to learn how to channel things away from the game.”
The theme for this year’s State of Mind campaign was change and how to cope with it.