Where Legends Were Born and Warriors Are Made. Carlaw Park Die Hards is then ultimate rugby league podcast dedicated to preserving the history, passion and culture of New Zelanad's most iconic ground - Carlaw Park. Hosted by Troy Hardy and Gordy Gibbons, the show dives into the legends, rivalries, and unforgettable moments that shaped Kiwi rugby league. From exclusive interviews with former greats to deep dives into the modern game, we celebrate the past, present, and future of league in Aotearoa. Expect die hard conversations, behind-the-scenes stories, and the spirit of Carlaw Park brought back to life. Whether you’re a long-time league diehard or a new fan, this is your home for authentic Kiwi rugby league storytelling. New Zeland's spiritual home of rugby league. Carlaw Park Legends.
For over a decade, these tapes have been locked in the vault. Now, we are opening them up 🔓📼. Welcome to the very first Carlaw Park Die Hards Legacy Session 🎙️. In this raw, unarchived interview recorded over ten years ago, we sit down with the legendary Roger Bailey to completely turn back the clock to the golden era of Auckland Rugby League 🏉✨. Before the bright stadium lights and modern contracts, there was the mud, the blood, and the unmatched, tribal atmosphere of Carlaw Park 🌧️🩸. We dive deep into the trenches with a man who lived it, breathed it, and left everything out on that sacred turf 😤💪. This is more than just an interview; it is the vital preservation of our game's history 📚. Whether you stood shoulder-to-shoulder on the terraces back in the day, or you are here to learn about the absolute titans who paved the way for today's generation, this is a must-listen 🎧🙌. Hit play ▶️, step back in time 🕰️, and let’s keep the legacy alive 💯. #CarlawParkDieHards #RogerBailey #LegacySessions #NZRugbyLeague #AucklandRugbyLeague #CarlawPark #RugbyLeagueHistory #TurnBackTheClock #DieHards #NZPodcasts
🔥 EPISODE 15 FINALE: GARY KEMBLE HOLDS NOTHING BACK! 🔥 🚨 IT'S THE SEASON 1 FINALE, DIE HARDS! 🚨 What an absolute ride this first season has been! To close out chapter one of the Carlaw Park Die Hards Podcast in true style, we are bringing you a heavy hitter for Episode 15: New Zealand Kiwis legend, Gary Kemble! From the legendary, muddy clashes at Carlaw Park to his iconic stints overseas and his time behind the coach's clipboard, Gary holds absolutely nothing back. We dive deep into the gritty reality of rugby league back in the day, the unbreakable brotherhood of the sport, and some cracking behind-the-scenes stories you won't hear anywhere else. It’s the perfect capstone to an incredible first season of preserving our rugby league history. But don't worry, the full-time whistle hasn't blown for us yet... Season 2 is already underway, and we have even more massive legends lining up to share their stories! 🔥 WE NEED YOUR HELP TO FINISH STRONG! 🔥 If you've loved the yarns in Season 1, do us a massive favour: 👉 LIKE this episode 👉 SHARE it with your mates and fellow league fans 👉 SUBSCRIBE / FOLLOW so you are the first to know when Season 2 drops! 📺 Watching on YouTube? Drop a comment and let us know your favourite moment from Season 1! Thank you for backing the Carlaw Park Die Hards. We couldn't do it without you. See you in Season 2! 🏉 #CarlawParkDieHards #GaryKemble #NZKiwis #RugbyLeague #RugbyLeagueHistory #SeasonFinale #Episode15 #NewZealandSport #DieHardsPodcast
From the mud and blood of Carlaw Park to the VIP ropes guarding global superstars! 🤯 Join the Carlaw Park Die Hards for Episode 14 as we sit down with the ultimate rugby league journeyman, Glen "GM" Moore. This is a story of pure grit, unbelievable versatility, and a post-footy career that sounds like a Hollywood movie script. Whether he was doing the hard yards on the field or managing high-stakes security off it, GM holds nothing back in this explosive interview. In this episode, we dive into: 🏉 The Grassroots Grind: His fierce local battles moving from Mt Albert to City Newton, before taking his talents south to Christchurch and Wellington. 💥 The Ultimate Positional Shift: The insane, bone-rattling transition from flying on the wing to doing the heavy lifting in the front row. 🇦🇺 Taking on the Aussies: Getting the legendary call-up for one very specific, brutal job—"softening up" the touring Australian Kangaroos! * 🕶️ VIP Security Secrets: Swapping the footy boots for the earpiece. Hear unbelievable stories about protecting David Tua, guarding Neil Diamond, and the reason he literally said "NO" to Michael Jackson. Hit play to hear a masterclass in toughness and old-school spirit. 👇 Support the Show! 👇 If you love these untold stories, please Follow the podcast, leave a rating, and share the episode with your mates to help us keep the memories of Carlaw Park alive! #CarlawParkDieHards #GlenMoore #Episode14 #RugbyLeagueHistory #NZRugbyLeague #LeagueLegends #WingerToProp #SofteningUpTheKangaroos #DavidTua #VIPSecurity #PodcastDrop
Roger Rota | The Stylist of Carlaw Park In an era often defined by raw bulk and power, Roger Rota stood out as a true master of timing, vision, and technique. In Episode 13 of the Carlaw Park Die Hards, we trace the journey of a gifted back who turned the wing and center positions into an art form. From his early days as an opening bowler at Mt Albert Grammar to becoming a cornerstone of the Otahuhu Leopards, Roger’s story is a masterclass in the Auckland game. In This Episode, We Cover: The Cricket Roots: How a talent for the pitch translated to the footy field. The Ponsonby Connection: Following family tradition to the Ponsonby Ponies. A Journey of Growth: Life with the Otara Scorpions and the road back to the Ponies. The Defining Moment: The legendary training run at Mangere East that changed the course of his career. Style of Play: Why class and vision made him one of the most dangerous outside backs of his era. Roger Rota’s legacy still resonates within the Otahuhu Rugby League Club. Join us as we revisit the suburban grounds and the hallowed turf of Carlaw Park to celebrate a true league stylist.
In Episode 12 of the Carlaw Park Die Hards, we’re joined by a man who defined "tough." Mark "Horse" Bourneville wasn't just a player; he was a one-man wrecking ball who lived by a simple creed: Run it straight. Horse openly admits he never figured out how to sidestep, and frankly, he didn't need to. Whether he was leading the charge for the New Lynn Stags and Mt Albert Lions or stepping into the ring as a "one tough customer" for Fight for Life, Horse knew exactly how to throw and exactly how to win. In this unfiltered, R18 conversation, we dive into: The Original "Run It Straight" Guy: Why the direct route was the only route. The Hard Runner: Stories from the Auckland club scene where reputation was earned on the run. Fight for Life: Taking that toughness and aggression into the boxing ring and proving why he was feared across codes. The Dual International Twist: The surreal experience of playing for France Rugby League against his own Kiwis, and the clinical satisfaction of sitting the New Zealand big men on their arses. This is Horse telling it like it is. No filters, no apologies, just the raw truth of a legendary career. Help us grow the Die Hards community! We’re building this for the fans of the real game. If you love these stories, please Like, Share, and Subscribe. Hashtags #CarlawParkDieHards #MarkBourneville #RunItStraight #NoSidestep #FightForLife #Horse #NewLynnStags #MtAlbertLions #NZKiwis #FranceRugbyLeague #AucklandRugbyLeague #FrontRow #RugbyLeagueLegends #SaddleUp #R18
Welcome back to the field of dreams! In Episode #11 of the Carlaw Park Die Hards Podcast, we sit down with absolute rugby league royalty: former Kiwi international and Otahuhu Leopards legend, Gary Prohm. From his debut for the New Zealand national team in 1978 to his incredible 23-test match run, Gary was a versatile force of nature who could do damage anywhere from the wing to the back row. We dive deep into his legendary career, looking back at his unforgettable stint in the UK with Hull Kingston Rovers—where he set a club record with 45 tries in the '84-'85 season—and his time crossing the ditch to play under Arthur Beetson at the Eastern Suburbs Roosters. Listen in as Gary shares his raw, unfiltered memories of the spiritual home of NZ rugby league, what it took to battle the Kangaroos in the brutal 1980s, and his transition into life after footy. In this episode, we cover: Early days coming up through the Otahuhu Leopards. The grit, glory, and memories of playing at the iconic Carlaw Park. Dominating English footy with Hull KR and winning championships. His experiences playing in the NSWRL for the Roosters. Behind-the-scenes stories from the legendary 1983 Trans-Tasman tests. 👇 Click to Listen & Subscribe! 👇 If you love hearing the raw history of the game from the men who built it, hit that play button! Don't forget to Subscribe to the podcast on Podbean and check us out on YouTube for the full video interviews with our Die Hard Legends. Hashtags: #GaryProhm #CarlawParkDieHards #RugbyLeague #NZKiwis #HullKR #SydneyRoosters #OtahuhuLeopards #RugbyLeagueHistory #NRL #PodcastEpisode
💥 EPISODE 10: Riki Cowan – Mt Albert Glory, Provincial Grinds, and the Black & White V! 💥 Strap yourselves in for a massive episode of the Carlaw Park Die Hards Podcast! This week, we are joined by the uncompromising, hard-hitting Riki Cowan to unpack a rollercoaster rugby league career that has absolutely everything. From grassroots glory to the blood and thunder of international test matches, Riki pulls no punches as he shares the raw, unfiltered stories from his incredible journey through the golden era of rugby league. In this episode, we cover: 🦁 The Mighty Mt Albert Lions: Riki takes us back to his roots and the fierce, unforgettable days during his absolute best years dominating the local Auckland scene. 🏉 Provincial Powerhouses: The grit and grind of his massive five years playing top-tier footy in Wellington, alongside the stories from his impactful season down in Canterbury. 🇳🇿 Pride of the Jersey: The ultimate honor of representing Auckland and stepping up to the pinnacle of the sport to pull on the Kiwi jersey. 💔 The Ultimate "What If": Hear the heartbreaking story of the devastating injury that struck right at the peak of his powers. 🥊 The Lang Park Brawl: Riki gives us the exclusive, inside perspective on that explosive, infamous Kiwis Test match punch-up at Lang Park! This is a no-holds-barred conversation with a true rugby league warrior. Whether you were on the terraces at Carlaw Park or just love legendary footy folklore, you do not want to miss this! Hit play, subscribe, and let us know your favorite Riki Cowan memory in the comments! #KiwiRugbyLeague #MtAlbertLions #CanterburyRugbyLeague #WellingtonRugbyLeague
Welcome to Episode 9 of the Carlaw Park Die Hards Podcast. This week, hosts Troy Hardy and Gordy Gibbons are sitting down with absolute rugby league royalty: the ultimate enforcer, New Zealand’s Player of the Century, and the first Kiwi ever inducted into the NRL Hall of Fame, Mark Graham. From the hallowed, muddy turf of Carlaw Park to dominating the Winfield Cup with the North Sydney Bears, Mark holds nothing back in this episode. Listen in as he shares untold stories of the brutal 1980s trans-Tasman wars, what it took to lead the Kiwis as captain in 18 grueling Tests, and the reality of being a predator in a sea of sharks. Grab a brew and settle in for a masterclass in toughness, leadership, and pure footy soul. Listen to hear us cover: Memories of the terraces at Carlaw Park and the golden era of NZ league. What it took to dominate the Australian premierships in the 80s. The true meaning of wearing the black jersey and leading from the front. Don't forget to hit Follow so you never miss an episode, and let us know your favorite Mark Graham memory in the comments!
🚨 EP 8: THE LEGEND SPEAKS – Don Mann's Life in Rugby League | Carlaw Park Die Hards Strap in, footy fans—the legend is in the building! 🎙️🔥 Welcome to Episode #8 of the Carlaw Park Die Hards Podcast. This week, we are sitting down with an absolute titan of New Zealand Rugby League: the one and only Big Don Mann. From lacing up the boots in the golden days of Carlaw Park to calling the shots from the coach's box, we’re holding nothing back. You get to hear straight from the Mann himself as he drops raw, untold stories from the trenches of grassroots footy all the way to the international stage. Whether you're a lifelong student of the game or just love hearing legendary yarns from the Carlaw Park era, this is the high-energy conversation you need to fuel your week. 💥 In this episode, we dive deep into Don’s time with: 🐎 Ponsonby Ponies: Where the grit, determination, and that classic "Big Don" energy started. 🐻 Glenora Bears: Building an undeniable, hard-hitting legacy out west. 🔵 Auckland: Wearing the famous blue with pride and unfiltered passion. 🇳🇿 The Kiwis: Representing New Zealand on the world stage as both a fierce player and a brilliant mind for the game. Don't just listen—be part of the Die Hards movement! If these legendary stories get your blood pumping, smash that LIKE button right here on Podbean, drop a COMMENT with your favorite Don Mann memory, and FOLLOW the podcast so you never miss an update! Keep the history of Auckland Rugby League alive. 🎧 🔗 Links & Resources: Watch the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/mB9yyR2UkMw?si=W7ozcXASFEh7Vo5_ Follow the banter on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarlawParkDieHards Catch the highlights on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlawparkdiehards?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Tags: #DonMann #CarlawParkDieHards #RugbyLeague #NZKiwis #AucklandRugbyLeague #PonsonbyPonies #GlenoraBears #CarlawPark #FootyLegends #PodcastLife #Podbean #ListenNow
Ep #7: Ken Stirling – From the Shore to the Kiwis "They don’t make them like this anymore." In this episode of the Carlaw Park Die Hards Podcast, we sit down with a man whose name is synonymous with the engine room of NZ Rugby League: Ken Stirling.
In this explosive sixth episode of the Carlaw Park Die Hards Podcast, we sit down with a man whose name is synonymous with the grit, the glory, and the pure "old school" soul of Auckland Rugby League: Ron O’Regan. Known in his prime as "Ronnie the Rogue," O’Regan wasn’t just a player; he was a standard-bearer for an era when pulling on the jersey meant war. This week, we go on a deep-dive journey from his early days at Mt Albert to the hardened "winter league" fields of Northern England, and back home to make history. Inside this episode, we tackle: From Lions to Dragons: Ron opens up about the tough decision to leave the legendary Mt Albert Lions to become the cornerstone of the City Newton Dragons, leading to back-to-back Rothville Trophy wins (1981 & 1983). The Barrow Frontier: At just 21, Ron headed to the North of England to captain the Barrow Raiders. Hear raw, unfiltered stories of earning respect in the brutal British packs. Auckland’s Iron Man: We break down the stats of a true legend. Ron holds the record for the most appearances for Auckland (60+ caps), achieved when Auckland didn't just play international touring sides—they beat them. Kiwis & The Fox: From debuting alongside Dean Bell against the Aussies in '83 to his 8 Test appearances, Ron shares the pinnacle of his playing days and his transition to coaching the Te Atatu Roosters to a famous Fox Memorial title in 1988. Prepare for plenty of laughs, a fair bit of nostalgia, and a masterclass in what it takes to be an Auckland League legend. Career Stats at a Glance Milestone Detail Auckland Caps 60+ (All-time Record Holder) Kiwi Tests 8 (Debut vs Australia, 1983) Barrow Raiders 44 Appearances (Captain at 21) Individual Honours 2x Rothville Trophy Winner #CarlawParkDieHards #AucklandRugbyLeague #Kiwis #BarrowRaiders #MtAlbertLions #CityNewtonDragons #TeAtatuRoosters #MaoriRugbyLeague #RugbyLeagueLegends #RonRegan #TheFoxMemorial
🎙️Carlaw Park Die Hards: Christmas Special Carlaw Park Die Hards Podcast Episode 5 Christmas Special: KIWIS REUNION EXCLUSIVE: Sir Peter Leitch, Sir Graham Lowe & Hugh McGahan | Die Hards Christmas Special 🚨 KIWIS LEGENDS UNLEASHED! Your hosts Gordy Gibbons and Troy Hardy crash the New Zealand Kiwis Reunion 2025 for an unforgettable Christmas Special! This is the ultimate, unfiltered, behind-the-scenes access to the legends of NZ Rugby League. We sit down with TWO SIRS and a Kiwi Captain to hear their greatest stories, share a few laughs, and down some cold ones. HIT PLAY for an absolute goldmine of league history! Welcome to the spiritual home of Kiwi league! The Carlaw Park Die Hards Podcast is live from the monumental New Zealand Kiwis Reunion 2025 to deliver a Christmas Special packed with pure gold. This is the only place you'll hear raw, authentic interviews with these legendary figures: Sir Peter Leitch (The Mad Butcher): Hear his famous, unfiltered take on the game, the Kiwis, and the moments that defined his career as one of the game's greatest ambassadors. Sir Graham Lowe: The legendary coach and administrator opens up about the pressure, the pride, and the emotional impact Carlaw Park had on his life. Hugh McGahan (Kiwi Captain): Get the true captain's perspective on what it means to lead the Kiwis and the stories from the dressing room you've never heard before. Important Die Hards Update: We caught up with Bears Legend and Kiwi International Fred Ah Koui, but sadly, the recording was lost. We are committed to the Die Hards faithful and will be bringing you a FULL, dedicated interview with Fred Ah Koui in the New Year! 🔗 CONNECT & SUPPORT THE DIE HARDS! 🔗 This podcast runs on the passion of our listeners! If you want more epic league stories, we need your help: SUBSCRIBE: Follow the Carlaw Park Die Hards Podcast on your app right now so you never miss a legend! REVIEW: Leave a 5-star rating and a review—it’s the single best way to help us grow and reach more Kiwi league fans. WATCH: Find the full video episode on our YouTube channel ([Your YouTube Channel Name/Link])! CONNECT: Follow us on social media for behind-the-scenes content and throwbacks! #NZRugbyLeague #KiwisReunion #CarlawParkDieHards #SirPeterLeitch #SirGrahamLowe #HughMcGahan #RugbyLeagueLegends #PodcastNZ #ChristmasSpecial
CLAYTON FRIEND — THE MAGNIFICENT #7** Kia ora whānau — welcome back to the Carlaw Park Die Hards Podcast! I’m Troy Hardy, joined by my co-host, the walking rugby-league almanac himself… Gordon “Gordy” Gibbons. And today… mate… we have cooked up an absolute beauty. This is Episode Four, and we’re sitting down with one of the great entertainers of New Zealand rugby league — Clayton “The Magician” Friend. A Kiwi icon. A North Sydney Bear. A UK journeyman who carved up at Carlisle Rugby League and tore it up at Whitehaven. A man who lit up tests, tour matches, and club footy with the kind of natural flair you just cannot coach. Clayton didn’t just wear the seven — he made it sparkle. Today, me and Gordy dive deep with him into: • His unforgettable days in the New Zealand Kiwis jersey • The old-school Carlaw Park battles where the terraces shook • His time with the North Sydney Bears and why that era was so special • Life and league in the UK with Carlisle and Whitehaven • The test matches where Clayton was on fire, carving up edges with those dummies, steps and pure instinct • The players he rated, the moments he lived, and the magic only he could produce This is pure rugby league gold — the stories that shaped the game on both sides of the world. So buckle up, settle in, and let Troy & Gordy take you back to the places and moments that made Clayton Friend a name etched forever in league history. Episode 4 — Clayton Friend Where legends were born… and warriors were made. Let’s go.
He personifies our tagline — Carlaw Park: Where Legends Were Born and Warriors Are Made. 🏟️ This week, we sit down with the one and only Dean “Deano” Bell — a true Kiwi Rugby League legend. From Manukau to Wigan, from the roar of Carlaw Park to wearing the New Zealand Kiwis jersey, and then helping build the NZ Warriors legacy — Deano has done it all. ⚫️⚪️ In this powerful, emotional, and unfiltered episode, Dean opens up about the pride, the passion, and the pain behind his journey through some of the game’s most defining eras. 💪🔥 🎧 On Air Now! 📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and iHeartRadio. 💥 Do us a solid — hit LIKE, drop a COMMENT, SHARE it with your mates, and smash that 🔔 BELL ICON so you never miss another classic yarn from the legends of league! Let’s remind everyone… 🏉 Carlaw Park — Where Legends Were Born & Warriors Were Made. ⸻ 🎯 Tags: New Zealand Rugby League Museum • Wigan Warriors • Wigan Warriors Fan Group • One NZ Warriors • Aotearoa NZ Māori Rugby League • New Zealand Kiwis • Manukau Rugby League Football & Sports Club Inc • Auckland Māori Rugby League Inc • Auckland Rugby League • Sydney Roosters • Carlaw Park Die Hards • Access Railway & Concrete Stand Carlaw Park Die Hards • New Zealand Rugby League Kiwis Assoc • Sky Sport NZ • The Crowd Goes Wild • Rugby League Week #carlawparkdiehards #deanbell #RugbyLeagueLegends #nzkiwis #wiganrl #nzwarriors #aucklandrugbyleague #manukaurugbyleague #easternsuburbsroosters #CarlawPark #wherelegendswereborn #leaguepodcast #nzrugbyleague #TroyHardy #GordyGibbons #leagueheritage #PodcastNZ #RugbyLeagueFans
In this episode, we sit down with one of New Zealand rugby league’s true greats — Dane O’Hara. Originally from the Bay Roskill Vikings before joining the Glenora Bears, Dane carved out a remarkable career that took him from the heart of Auckland club footy to the grand stage of English Super League. In 1981, Dane joined Hull FC, where he went on to play 271 games, scoring 116 tries and becoming a fan favourite across Yorkshire. He later played for Doncaster RLFC, rounding out an incredible professional journey. Between 1976 and 1980, he represented Auckland six times and proudly wore the black and white of the New Zealand Kiwis in 36 tests, crossing the line 15 times as one of the game’s most electrifying wingers. Join us as Dane shares stories from his Carlaw Park days, memories of his club footy roots, and the incredible moments that shaped his career — from teaming up with Gary Kemble, James Leuluai, and Fred Ah Kuoi at Hull FC to the legendary Wembley Challenge Cup Final, and his 1989/1990 testimonial year — the first ever awarded to an overseas player by Hull FC. It’s a nostalgic, emotional, and inspiring trip through time with one of league’s finest ambassadors. Welcome to the Carlaw Park Die Hards — where legends were born and warriors are made.
Where Legends Were Born and Warriors Are Made Step into the beating heart of New Zealand rugby league with hosting legends Troy Hardy and Gordy Gibbons. Broadcasting from the spiritual home of the game, the Carlaw Park Die Hards Podcast celebrates the history, passion, and people who shaped Aotearoa’s league culture. Each episode brings you raw stories, untold memories, and powerful conversations with the players, coaches, and fans who lived it — and the new voices carrying the game forward today. Whether you stood on the terraces at Carlaw Park, bled for your local club, or just want to understand why league runs so deep in Kiwi communities, this is your home. 👉 Expect heritage, pride, banter, and a few battle scars along the way. Carlaw Park Die Hards Podcast — where legends live forever, and the next warriors are made.
Where Legends Were Born and Warriors Are Made Step into the beating heart of New Zealand rugby league with hosting legends Troy Hardy and Gordy Gibbons. Broadcasting from the spiritual home of the game, the Carlaw Park Die Hards Podcast celebrates the history, passion, and people who shaped Aotearoa’s league culture. Each episode brings you raw stories, untold memories, and powerful conversations with the players, coaches, and fans who lived it — and the new voices carrying the game forward today. Whether you stood on the terraces at Carlaw Park, bled for your local club, or just want to understand why league runs so deep in Kiwi communities, this is your home. 👉 Expect heritage, pride, banter, and a few battle scars along the way. Carlaw Park Die Hards Podcast — where legends live forever, and the next warriors are made.
