Tackle the Tough Stuff | Tyler Dupree

Tyler Dupree has taken an unconventional route to the top of his profession. After almost walking away from rugby league to rekindling his love for the sport, Dupree’s life could have been very different.

In fact, even before his rollercoaster journey in rugby league began, Dupree almost went down a completely different path.

In his own words, he didn’t grow up in the nicest area. Broken homes, petty crime and ‘naughty’ individuals were a constant presence during Tyler’s formative years.

But thanks to a positive role model in the shape of his mum, Jackie, Dupree stayed down the straight and narrow, and always knew right from wrong.

Tyler Dupree: The Forward putting others first ? #SuperLeague Stories with @WiganWarriorsRL' @tylerdupree8 ?

? Wednesday 24th April
? YouTube, Facebook & #OURLEAGUE
? Exclusive extended cut for SuperLeague+ subscribers

In association with @GlensVodkaLLG ? pic.twitter.com/7DCRi2FAZ2— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) April 23, 2024

“It was massive to have someone like my mum, especially in the area I grew up in,” Dupree explained.

“There were a lot of broken homes – it wasn’t the best area, but it wasn’t the worst area either. There was a lot of low-level crime. Even now, there’s still stuff going on there. There’s some naughty people around there don’t get me wrong.

“It’s weird, you know people that have gone to prison who you used to be friends with but having my mum there she kept me out of that sort of thing. She always said that I could hang around with these sort of people, but as soon as I knew what was wrong I could get myself out of there.

“I feel like that’s what has helped me – I’ve been able to recognise situations, I know what’s right and wrong and I owe that to my mum.”

Dupree’s mum has and continues to be a huge influence not just on Tyler's life, but other people's lives too. Having a positive role model in life can help guide young people through their adolescent years – and Dupree made it his mission to ensure other young people can learn from - and look up to – him too.

He soon followed in his mum’s footsteps after taking on a part-time role working at a children’s home while playing semi-professionally at Championship side, Widnes Vikings.

“My mum used to do the job – she did the role when we were growing up. It’s weird to say but they’re like the only people we’ve really known, we’ve had friends who have been in the system and stuff like that.

“I was on a building site and I just realised I was wasting my time, I wasn’t getting anything out of it. I was getting up, doing a job and going home. So I thought while I was still part time it was something I could do alongside becoming a full time rugby player again.

“I felt like it was a good job for me; I’ve always had aspirations of teaching. From a young age, I wanted to be a primary school teacher, so I thought that was a natural fit for me. I could influence the kids in the home and show them people come from the same background as them and it’s not the end, it’s not the be all and end all.

“If they had someone like my mum in their lives, I’d love to know what would have happened. I feel like my mum would have had such a benefit [on their lives] – and that’s why I felt like I could take on that role.”

After starring for Widnes in the Championship and earning a full-time contract at Salford, Dupree caught the eye of Super League heavyweights Wigan.

He joined the club half-way through the 2023 season – a decision made easier thanks to the invaluable work the club does within its local community.

“That was part of what appealed to me when I decided to come to Wigan. The community work they do is incredible. I’m not just saying that because I’m here - I don’t know anyone else that’s doing it like the club are.

“In pre-season, we dedicated a day every week getting out into the community or going into schools. it was something I would’ve loved to have when I was that age – I’d have loved somebody to come onto the estate who we looked up to, and to tell us everything’s good.

“Seeing kids who you know aren’t coming from much, seeing them in awe over you, it was a special feeling.”

Being a rugby league player can be a wonderfully rewarding career, but one that doesn’t last forever.

Dupree already has one eye on the future after completing his teaching degree with a view of moving into the profession when he eventually hangs up the boots.

“I’ve just finished my degree and the next stage of that is to do a PGCE to then go into teaching if I ever go back to part time or retire. That’s always been my plan and it’s always been my back up plan to get into teaching because of the effect my teachers had on me.

“I was a little terror in school, but you always had that one teacher who knew there was more to you than just the behaviours you were portraying, so I’d love to be able to do that. I’d love to be able to show that I care for other people.

“When I was part time, that’s when I decided to do the uni course. But I’m hoping to go through Wigan and RL Cares to do my further education in terms of my PGCE – it’s all a conversation to have but I think with me just finishing my degree, it’s something for next year.”