Cameron McInnes is preparing for an unprecedented challenge that extends beyond the rugby field.
The co-captain of the Cronulla Sharks is set to become the first active NRL player to deliver a TEDx Talk on April 17th at Inaburra School in Bangor.
This event, called TedxSutherland, marks the Shire's inaugural TEDx gathering and will feature notable figures such as two-time world surfing champion Tom Carroll and former NRL coach Matthew Elliott, among others.
"I think when I get closer to it, I'll be pretty nervous," admitted McInnes.
He expressed concern over the TEDx format, saying, "With the TEDx format, you can have slides up, but I'm terrible with technology. I've got a speech written, but I've got to remember it."
He further noted, "There's no palm cards, and you want it to flow properly. The execution, as much as what you're talking about, is pretty important. I'll see how I go."
On the challenge of practice, he shared, "In terms of the practice, it is quite hard ... You're speaking to a few hundred people; you don't really get to practise that."
Despite these nerves, McInnes has been refining his message, stressing, "Now it's just about getting as much of it in ... It's my story, so it's not like I'm talking about something I don't know, but it's just trying to execute it."
Aligning with the theme 'Thrive', his talk, titled The Comparison Trap and How to Avoid It, will draw upon his 226-game NRL career and is anticipated to last six to seven minutes.