Meet Mark Tookey – Founder of Big Tooks Sports
Mark Tookey, affectionately known as Big Tooks, is a retired professional NRL player who built an illustrious career as a formidable prop forward. Beginning with the South Queensland Crushers and representing Australian Indigenous teams, Tookey quickly earned a reputation as a “super-sub” with the Parramatta Eels, where his impactful performances off the bench made him a fan favourite. His career progressed with a pivotal move to the NZ Warriors, where he was part of the squad that reached the 2002 NRL Grand Final. Following his time in the NRL, Tookey continued his professional journey in England with the Castleford Tigers and London Broncos before retiring from the game.
Post-retirement, Tooks has remained deeply connected to sport and community. He has served as an assistant coach for the Tongan National Team and as a Development Officer with the Canberra Raiders, helping to foster the next generation of rugby league talent. Now pouring his energy into Big Tooks Sports and in his role as the recently appointed Community Manager for the One NZ Warriors in Logan, his focus is on connection, inclusion and wellbeing through sport and events.
Mental health and inclusivity are deeply personal to Tooks who understands the impact of mental health challenges and the importance of early support and open conversations. Tooks is a strong advocate for inclusion, accessibility and community connection. Through Big Tooks Sports events, community volunteering, charity walks and conversations as a guest speaker and podcast contributor, his mission is simple: show up, speak up and remind people they’re not alone.
Big Tooks Sports – Empowering Communities, Changing Lives
Mark Tookey’s mission is to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives, whether through sport, fitness, mental health advocacy, or community support – he simply wants to give back to the NRL fans and whole community.
Here's what Big Tooks Sports is all about:
-
Empowering People with Disabilities
With a strong belief in focusing on abilities rather than disabilities, Tooks works as a NDIS support worker, helping individuals achieve their true potential. His motto above, reflects his commitment to creating positive and fulfilling experiences for everyone he supports.
-
Big Tooks Sports Coaching – Elevate Your Game
With his NRL expertise to teams, clubs and individuals through tailored coaching sessions. Whether it’s a team training, club coaching updates, or personalized 1-on-1 sessions, Tooks offers professional guidance designed to enhance skills, strategy and performance. With insights from his playing and coaching career, Tooks ensures every session is practical, engaging and impactful.
-
All Inclusive, All Ability Golf Events
Tooks is passionate about creating inclusive sports opportunities, hosting all-ability golf days, championships and tours. As the caddy for Blind Golf Australia Order of Merit Winner Jaime Hain, he also supports other vision impaired golfers, proving that everyone can enjoy and excel in sports, regardless of ability.
-
Logan Running Festival
This event was born as after retiring from rugby league, Tooks faced challenges with weight and fitness, inspiring him to take up running and mentor others in their fitness journeys. Now in its 10th year, the Logan Running Festival continues to encourage people to take the first step in improving their health. Tooks shares his experience and passion for fitness, motivating participants to set and achieve their goals with his unwavering support. This event continues to grow each year, attracting participants of all levels—from beginners to intermediate runners and seasoned marathoners—and has proudly earned its status as a certified marathon event not to be missed.
-
Mental Health Advocacy
Having witnessed the devastating effects of poor mental health in his personal and professional life, including the loss of his brother to suicide, Tooks is a passionate advocate for positive mental wellbeing. Through Big Tooks Sports, hosting fundraising events like golf tournaments, boxing matches and gala dinners, raising awareness and funds for mental health initiatives. His mission is simple: show up, speak up and remind people they’re not alone.
-
Ambassador for the Arthur Beetson Foundation
Mark Tookey is proud to be an ambassador for the Arthur Beetson Foundation, which works to close the gap for Indigenous Australians in health, education, sport and business development. Through annual trips to remote Indigenous communities alongside fellow ex-NRL players, who all continue Arthur Beetson’s legacy of empowerment, leadership, and positive change. Tooks often describes these trips as one of the most rewarding highlights of his year.
Join Big Tooks on a Journey to Empowerment
Big Tooks Sports combines his love for sport and community to inspire, empower and create opportunities for people of all backgrounds and abilities. Whether it’s coaching league, supporting people with disabilities, or championing mental health initiatives, Big Tooks is all about building better lives and brighter futures for all.
Contact Big Tooks Sports 📞 0410 297 271 📧 bigtooks10@gmail.com
Because showing up matters, speaking up saves lives and everyone deserves to know they matter.