PHOTO: Matt Srama. SPORTING NEWS
đŻ âFooty was just the beginning â real success came when I took control of my money.â đŻ
đ„ From Big Hits to Bigger Moves
Matt Srama had what many would consider a dream career â making it to the NRL as a professional athlete, earning big money, and living the lifestyle. But when injuries cut his rugby league career short, Matt was faced with a terrifying reality:
Whatâs next when your identity and income vanish overnight?
Instead of spiralling, he pivoted â and today, heâs not just surviving but thriving with a 16-property portfolio and his own successful business.
đ The NRL Glory Days â and the Financial Blind Spots
Matt debuted in the NRL with the Gold Coast Titans and quickly became a fan favourite. But while the paycheques were big, financial literacy wasnât part of the game plan.
âI didnât grow up with money skills. I had to unlearn bad habits and re-learn how to make money work for me.â
Like many young athletes, Matt admits he initially spent freely. It wasnât until the career-ending injuries hit that he realised his lifestyle wasnât sustainable without a serious financial plan.
đĄ The First Investment â And the Property Snowball
Matt didnât waste time. After hanging up the boots, he jumped into real estate â starting with a single property, then another, and then:
đ Boom: A 16-property portfolio built strategically over years.
He didnât do it with luck. He did it with:
-
Smart asset selection
-
Strong lending structures
-
A clear, evolving investing philosophy
âItâs not just about buying. Itâs about buying right, with a long-term plan.â
đŒ Building a Business From Scratch
Post-NRL, Matt didnât just invest in bricks and mortar. He also started his own business, learning everything from the ground up.
âIt was like being a rookie again. I had to build from scratch, network, learn marketing, finance, everything. But I loved the grind.â
đ§ Lessons From the Journey
Mattâs journey is filled with hard-earned wisdom, including:
â
The power of financial education
â
Why your first few purchases matter most
â
How to leverage equity smartly
â
Why mental resilience is more important than money
He also shares why heâs changed his investing strategy over time, now focusing more on long-term growth and sustainability rather than just high-yield buys.
đ Whatâs Next? Mattâs 2025 Playbook
Looking ahead, Matt is eyeing key markets to buy in 2025, with a focus on:
-
Areas with strong infrastructure spending
-
Properties with upside potential through renovation or development
-
Smarter lending and tighter portfolio management
âThe game changes, and youâve got to change with it.â
đ Takeaway: Anyone Can Rebuild â But You Have to Start
Matt Sramaâs story is proof that life after sport â or any major career shift â doesnât have to be a fall from grace. With mindset, strategy, and hustle, you can go from zero to serious success.
đą Want to build your own portfolio like Matt?
Start with education, surround yourself with the right mentors, and stop waiting for the âperfect time.â









