THE HONEY BADGER TREK
Much loved Australian rugby union great and Channel Ten’s Bachelor, Nick Cummins - aka The Honey Badger - undertook the trek of a lifetime with Mick O’Malley of Australian Kokoda Tours
After years of thrilling tackles and dramatic moments on the field, he was eager for a new adventure, one that would challenge both his physical and mental limits. The rugged and historic Kokoda Trail in Papua New Guinea beckoned him.
With one of his best mates “James Brodie” (J Train Athletic ) they set of with Mick O’Malley director of Australian Kokoda Tours . Mick O’Malley is a veteran of over 100 successful Kokoda crossings and James had trekked Kokoda with Mick & Australian Kokoda Tours in the past and it was always going to be Australian Kokoda Tours that the Honey Badger trekked with.
The trek raised funds and awareness for the Grass Skirt Project, a local organisation to Papua New Guinea committed to empowering women and girls through sport.
The Honey Badger has represented Australia in rugby on an international stage, having played for both the Australian Sevens team and the Wallabies. He also played Rugby Union for the Western Force in Super Rugby and for the Coca-Cola Red Sparks in the Japanese Top League.
The Honey Badger and James Brodie trained together during the lead up to their Kokoda trek. With a backpack, only essentials and his trademark grin, he set off on the journey. The Kokoda Track is steeped in history, a path trodden by soldiers during World War II, and it was said to test the spirit of even the hardest adventurers. As he embarked on the trail, the vibrant green jungle enveloped him, filled with the sounds of chirping birds and rustling leaves.
On the first day, Nick felt energised, bounding over roots and rocks with exuberance. He noticed the camaraderie amongst fellow trekkers, sharing stories and laughter as they tackled the challenging terrain, inspired, by the stories Mick O’Malley told along the way they trekked on with humour.
However, day two brought a reality check. The relentless uphill climbs grew steeper, and the humidity soaked their clothes through. A few of the boys found themselves gasping for breath, the weight of their pack feeling heavier and heavier. It was a moment that mirrored the pressure Nick faced on the rugby field—a test of endurance. He took a deep breath, recalling the perseverance he learned during his sport. Teaming up with his trekking companions, they encouraged each other, proving that motivation can drive you through even the toughest challenges.
As they reached the peaks, the breathtaking views reminded Nick of the triumphs he experienced in his career. The more stories Mick O’Malley told of the Kokoda campaign, the more the group were thankful for the incredible feats of courage showed by the diggers in 1942. Conversations with fellow trekkers also, revealed that Mick O’Malley was also, a sporting star having won 2 State, 3 National & Commonwealth boxing championships and being ranked number 2 in the world.
The quiet moments atop the mountains provided clarity, the kind of clarity that eludes many amid our busy life’s.
After almost a week of trials, triumphs, and self-discovery on the Kokoda Trail, the group emerged not just as trekkers, but as a leaders and friends. The experience deepened the appreciation for life, fuelled passion for adventure, and ignited a newfound connection with nature and camaraderie.
The Kokoda Trail not only transforms fitness but enriched his soul—a journey that aligned with heart and spirit more than any trophy ever could.
Our Director Mick O’Malley with Nick Cummins (Honey Badger) at Kokoda, October 2018.