Carlaw Park Die Hards

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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.

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    Carlaw Park Die Hards Episode 13 Roger Rota

    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.

    48 min

  2. 25 APR

    Mark “Horse” Bourneville: The Original ‘Run It Straight’ Merchant

    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

    1 hr

  3. 12 APR

    Carlaw Park Die Hards Podcast Episode 11 Gary Prohm

    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

    1hr 4min

  4. 28 MAR

    Carlaw Park Die Hards Podcast Episode 10 Riki Cowan

    💥 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

    59 min

  5. 14 MAR

    Carlaw Park Die Hards Podcast Episode 9 Mark Graham

    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!

    1hr 17min
  6. Carlaw Park Die Hards Podcast Episode 8 Don Mann

    28 FEB

    Carlaw Park Die Hards Podcast Episode 8 Don Mann

    🚨 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

    59 min

  7. 14 FEB

    Carlaw Park Die Hards Podcast Episode 7 Ken Stirling

    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.

    59 min
  8. Carlaw Park Die Hards Podcast Episode 6 Ron O'Regan

    31 JAN

    Carlaw Park Die Hards Podcast Episode 6 Ron O'Regan

    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

    1hr 18min
See All (14)

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    carlawparkdiehards
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Carlaw Park Die Hards

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