He was one of rugby league's stars, captaining the Parramatta Eels, representing New South Wales and Australia.

But Bowral-born Nathan Hindmarsh carried a secret that was bringing him undone.

"I was 18 when I started gambling," he told ABC North Coast Morning Show presenter Joanne Shoebridge.

"I wasn't forced to gamble by anyone.

"It was just one of those things that affected me worse than my mate beside me."

A win of $30 was enough to give Hindmarsh a taste for poker machines.

"I'd leave training, drive home, but not make it home," he said.

"I'd pull into a pub, think 'I'll just put a quick hundred through,' then it would turn into a thousand."

Hindmarsh said he then began to cover up his behaviour.

"There was constant lying," he said.

"I couldn't walk away.

"I couldn't stop until I had no money left on me.

"I'd spend it all."

Eventually, Hindmarsh lost his enjoyment of gambling.

"So many times I said 'I'll stop on Monday,' but I just couldn't do it," he said.

"But it wasn't fun anymore."

Hindmarsh, who is running workshops on the New South Wales north coast on how to avoid problem gambling, said the first step to his recovery was speaking to his partner.

"When my partner saw that I had an issue, that's when things became easier," he said.

"Many people around me knew about my issue and they helped me when we went out.

"They kept an eye on me."

After speaking to friends and family, Hindmarsh recommended seeking professional help.

"Talk to someone who's not a spouse or loved one, so you can get a little bit more off your chest," he said.

"As soon as it's not fun anymore, put your hand up and ask for help. You don't have to hit rock bottom."

Hindmarsh also urged parents to talk to their children about the dangers of gambling.

"I remember the conversations my parents had with me about drugs and alcohol and sex, but there was never the gambling talk," he said.

"We talk about these other problems and gambling is no different, the way you can get hooked on it."