The Story Behind 284: Why We Built These Kicking Tees

People often ask me, "Why 284?"

For those who don't know, 284 is the number I wore throughout my career at the Canberra Raiders. It's a number I'm incredibly proud of because it represents much more than games played.

It represents years of hard work.

Early mornings.

Late afternoons after training.

Countless kicks after everyone else had gone home.

Highs, lows, setbacks and moments I'll never forget.

When we started talking about creating a kicking tee, we didn't want to simply put a logo on an existing product.

If we were going to build something, it had to have purpose.

It had to solve problems for players.

It had to be something I'd genuinely trust if I were lining up a kick with the game on the line.

That's how 284 began.

 

More Than Just A Number

To me, 284 isn't just a statistic.

It's a reminder that improvement doesn't happen overnight.

Every game taught me something.

Every training session added another layer.

Every missed kick gave me an opportunity to learn.

The same mindset has gone into building this brand.

We wanted 284 to stand for preparation, consistency and continual improvement.

Whether you're playing under 10s, local first grade or chasing a professional career, those values never change.

 

 

Why We Started With Kicking Tees

Throughout my career I used plenty of different kicking tees.

Some were good.

Some weren't.

Some suited certain kickers but not others.

The more we spoke to players and coaches, the more one thing became obvious.

Every kicker is different.

Different routines.

Different techniques.

Different preferences.

Yet most products expected every player to adapt to the same design.

That didn't make sense to us.

Instead of asking players to change their technique to suit the equipment, we wanted the equipment to support the player's natural style.

That idea became the foundation of 284.

 

Built With Purpose

Every decision we made came back to one simple question:

Would this help someone kick with more confidence?

If the answer was no, we kept working.

We tested different heights.

Different shapes.

Different materials.

Different base designs.

Different ball positions.

Nothing was added just because it looked good.

Everything had to earn its place.

That's why you'll often hear us say our products are Made with Intent.

Because every detail has a reason behind it.

 

Why Three Different Heights?

One of the biggest decisions we faced was whether to build one kicking tee or several.

It would have been easier to make one.

But easier isn't always better.

The more testing we did, the clearer it became that different players naturally preferred different setups.

Some wanted the ball sitting lower.

Others preferred a balanced position.

Some immediately felt more comfortable with extra height.

Rather than forcing everyone into one option, we built three.

Viper – 91.5mm

For players who like a lower-profile setup and a compact strike.

Boom – 111.5mm

Our balanced option that suits a wide range of kicking styles.

Elevate – 115mm

Designed for players who prefer a higher ball position and extra elevation.

Each tee shares the same commitment to quality and durability.

The only difference is finding the setup that feels right for you.

 

Learning From A Career Of Goal Kicking

Goal kicking teaches you a lot.

It teaches patience.

It teaches resilience.

It teaches accountability.

When you make a conversion after the siren, everyone celebrates with you.

When you miss one, there's nowhere to hide.

That's why preparation matters so much.

You learn to trust your routine.

Trust your work.

Trust your equipment.

Those lessons don't only apply to rugby league.

They apply to almost everything in life.

That mindset is something we've tried to build into 284 from day one.

 

Designed For Every Level Of The Game

One thing we were passionate about from the beginning was making products that weren't only for elite players.

Some of my favourite memories in rugby league came long before I played professionally.

They came from local grounds.

Junior clubs.

Kicking the footy around with mates after training.

That's where the love of the game starts.

Whether you're taking your first conversion in under 8s or lining up a kick in a grand final, you deserve equipment that's been designed with care.

That's who 284 is for.

 

More Than Products

We don't want 284 to simply be known for making kicking tees.

We want it to become a place where players can learn.

Improve.

Ask questions.

Build confidence.

That's why you'll continue to see us sharing goal kicking tips, training ideas, coaching insights and content that helps players develop their game.

If we can help the next generation enjoy kicking as much as I have, then we're achieving exactly what we set out to do.

 

The Future Of 284

This is only the beginning.

We're committed to continuing to improve our products, listen to feedback from players and work alongside coaches and athletes who genuinely love the game.

Our goal has never been to create the biggest brand.

Our goal is to create products that players trust.

If we can do that consistently, everything else will take care of itself.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 284 mean?

284 represents the number of first-grade games I played for the Canberra Raiders. It's a reminder of the journey, the work behind every achievement and the values that shaped my career.

Why did you create three kicking tee heights?

Because every goal kicker is different. We wanted players to choose the tee that best matches their natural technique rather than forcing one option to suit everyone.

Who are 284 kicking tees for?

They're designed for every level of rugby league—from junior players learning the game to experienced goal kickers looking for consistency.

What does "Made with Intent" mean?

It means every design decision has a purpose. Every height, angle and feature has been carefully considered to help players perform with confidence.

Will 284 release more products?

We're always looking at ways to support players and continue improving. Right now our focus is delivering products that genuinely make a difference on the field.

 

Final Thoughts

Looking back, I'm incredibly grateful for everything rugby league has given me.

The friendships.

The lessons.

The opportunities.

And, of course, the moments standing over the football knowing the next kick mattered.

Those experiences shaped the way we built 284.

We wanted to create products that players could trust, whether they're kicking goals on a local oval or under the bright lights.

If 284 can help even one player feel a little more confident when they place the ball on the tee, then we've achieved what we set out to do.

Thanks for being part of the journey.

See you out on the field.

– Jarrod Croker (Draft for review and approval)

Find Your Perfect Kicking Tee

Whether you're just starting your goal-kicking journey or you've been kicking for years, there's a 284 tee designed to suit your style.

Explore the Viper (91.5mm), Boom (111.5mm) and Elevate (115mm) kicking tees and discover why they're Made with Intent.