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After 11 years leading the Canberra Raiders, NRL star Alan Tongue is embarking on a new career in real estate, guided by a former teammate as he transitions into his new role.
With 220 NRL appearances under Tongue’s belt, the ninth most capped Raider has traded in his boots and trademark headgear for a blazer, as he tackles a new challenge in his role as a sales agent with LJ Hooker Country Canberra.
In his new role, Tongue joins his former Raiders teammate, turned real estate mentor, LJ Hooker Gungahlin director and agent Troy Thompson.
The 2008 Dally M Lock of the Year and Captain of the Year has found that in real estate, much like his time in football, success comes from working with those around you.
“Rugby league taught me that no individual wins the game on their own,” Tongue said.
“Everyone has a role to play, and success comes when you put the team first. That team-first mindset has stayed with me.”
Tongue said the culture at LJ Hooker was similar to what he experienced at the Raider: hard work, trust, accountability and care for others
“We support each other, we celebrate each other’s wins, and we put the client at the heart of everything,” Tongue said.
The veteran rugby league star said he has always emphasised the importance of showing up consistently, working hard and not dwelling on details.
“I’ve always believed that effort and attitude are things you can control, no matter what the scoreboard says,” Tongue said.
“In real estate, there are good days and tough ones, good phone calls and rejections, but I try to show up the same way every day and be prepared as best I can.
“Results will come from doing the little things well.”
Additionally, Tongue said he had found communication to be one of the most important tools in both sport and real estate.
“I was told as a young kid growing up that you have two ears and one mouth, so listen twice as much as you speak. I learned early on that listening and being genuine go a long way,” Tongue said.
“I’m not trying to be flashy. I want the customers to know that I’ll work hard for them and that I’ll treat their property as if it were owned by my family.”
Tongue’s new mentor and long-term friend, Thompson, said that while it is easy for agents to lose focus, consistently applying oneself was the key to success.
“I keep focusing on the things I can control. Keep doing the work and you’ll get rewarded,” Thompson said.
Similarly to his sporting career, Thompson said he has carried the same mentality and was just trying to improve year on year.
“I wasn’t the best player but I like to think I had a strong work ethic,” Thompson said
“Every year, I’m consistent but I’m always trying to beat my previous year.”
Thompson said one of the biggest lessons he has learned over the years is that trust, being upfront and honest, even with difficult news, is absolutely everything in real estate.
“People can tell when you are genuine, and that is how trust is built.”
“That’s how strong relationships are formed, and that’s what generally gets the best results.”
Tongue said that while both real estate and sport have many highs, they also come with significant lows, and during tough times, he draws on his past experiences.
“When things get tough, I go back to my roots of growing up on the farm or my rugby league days. Focus on the things you can control and work hard, stay focused and reach out to the people around you in your team.
“In footy, you certainly didn’t always get the result you wanted, but you just have to keep turning up, even if you don’t see the reward straight away.”
The importance of community has not been lost on Tongue and Thompson, who have built a connection through the Raiders, playing a significant role in their real estate careers.
“I’ve been fortunate enough that rugby league connected me with so many people in this region, Tongue said.
“My upbringing in a small community and being a part of the Raiders have given me a strong sense of community and responsibility to give back.
“In real estate, those same connections and trust mean a lot. It’s about relationships, about serving the people and the community that’s given me so much.”
While Thompson’s career has been successful, the now real estate agent sometimes jokes that he could still benefit from the Side’s good performance this season, which has seen them hold the NRL minor premiers title.
“I might have a chance of getting more listings from their success in 2025,” Thompson joked.
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