People of the Pirates with LA

Noosa Pirates
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A behind the scenes podcast sharing stories, characters, and community that make Noosa Pirates RLFC more than just a club. From players and coaches to volunteers and local legends, hear the voices driving the pirates forward.

Episodes

  1. Aug 13

    TIM BURGER

    Send us Fan Mail People of the Pirates with LA | EP12 – Tim Burger Some people find rugby league. Others find a community that changes their life. Born and raised in Canada, Tim Burger grew up on the ice with a hockey stick in hand. Fast forward a few years and he’s traded skates for footy boots, becoming a passionate rugby league supporter and a die-hard Cronulla Sharks tragic. Today, Tim is the dedicated Secretary of the Noosa Pirates, helping steer the club behind the scenes while playing a key role in one of the club’s greatest success stories. But his journey hasn’t been without incredible adversity. Tim shares the remarkable story of surviving a light plane crash, the long and challenging road back to health, and the physical and mental battle that followed. He opens up about the defining moment in his recovery—the day he stopped asking “Why me?” and started embracing the miracle that he was still here. It’s a powerful lesson in gratitude, resilience and perspective that will resonate with everyone. At the Pirates, Tim has been instrumental in building our female rugby league program from just a handful of girls into a thriving community of more than 120 female players. His passion for creating opportunities has helped shape the future of the club, and it’s especially fitting that his own daughter is set to become the first Noosa Pirates junior to earn a prestigious 10-Year Jacket. This is a conversation about family, community, overcoming adversity and giving back to a club that’s become home. A ripper yarn with one of the great people behind the Blue & Gold. Ep sponsor; Bullitt Espresso Van  📍 1 Gibson Rd, Noosaville  🏴‍☠️ People of the Pirates with LA – Episode 12. Arrrgggh

  2. Jul 23

    BRENDAN WILLIAMS

    Send us Fan Mail 🎙️ People of the Pirates with LA | EP11 – Brendan “Jukebox” Williams 🏴‍☠️ A Noosa Pirates junior, premiership winner and one of the toughest blokes to ever pull on the Blue & Gold. Brendan “Jukebox” Williams earned his nickname the hard way—delivering some bone-rattling hits that opponents never forgot. These days he’s serving the community in Victoria as a K9 Police Officer, but his love for the Pirates has never faded. In this episode, Jukebox shares plenty of laughs and great stories from his days at Pirate Park, representing the Affiliated States and Australia in Police Rugby League, and the journey that’s taken him from the footy field to policing. An authentic chat with one of our own that every Pirate will enjoy. 🏴‍☠️ Enjoy the yarn, legend! Episode proudly brought to you by Narellan Pools – bringing dream backyards to life with Australia’s trusted fibreglass pool specialists. Narellan Pools

  3. Jun 28

    NOEL GOLDTHORPE

    Send us Fan Mail Noel Goldthorpe Some players are born with natural talent. Others earn every inch through sheer determination. Noel Goldthorpe built his rugby league career on grit, resilience and a never-say-die attitude that earned the respect of teammates, coaches and opponents alike. Making his first-grade debut with the Western Suburbs Magpies, Noel went on to join the St George Dragons before discussing one of rugby league’s most turbulent periods during the Super League era, representing both the Hunter Mariners and Adelaide Rams. He also reflects on kicking the match-winning field goal to seal the Tri-Series for New South Wales, before finishing his NRL career with the North Queensland Cowboys—a first-grade journey forged through relentless hard work, toughness and leading by example. Following his professional career, Noel arrived at the Noosa Pirates and became the driving force behind one of the club’s greatest eras. As captain and leader of the ship, he guided the Pirates to an incredible three consecutive A Grade premierships in 2006, 2007 and 2008. Chasing a historic fourth straight title in 2009, the Pirates’ remarkable run came to a heartbreaking end in the semi-finals, closing the curtain on one of the most dominant periods in the club’s history. Still driven by his competitive spirit, Noel made a comeback in 2013, but his return was cruelly cut short by a shocking act of foul play that prematurely ended his competitive playing career. In this honest and inspiring conversation, Noel reflects on the highs and lows of professional rugby league, the sacrifices required to compete at the elite level, and the setbacks that shaped both his football career and the man he is today. Away from the field, Noel opens up with remarkable vulnerability about the health challenges he has faced since retiring from rugby league, the impact they had on his life, and the habits, mindset and support network that now help him maintain both his physical and mental health. A proud member of the Noosa Pirates family, Noel shares why grassroots rugby league remains so important, the value of strong club culture, and why resilience, mateship and community continue to drive him every day. A raw, authentic conversation about perseverance, leadership, purpose and finding strength through life’s toughest challenges. Enjoy, legends. 🏴‍☠️💙💛

  4. Jun 11

    HENRY HADFIELD

    Send us Fan Mail Henry Hadfield. Henry joined the Pirates from the north of England for the 2026 season. Having come through a school and club pathways as a young man, to playing plenty of Rugby League and Rugby Union across the UK leading to this  adventure abroad, the Aussie experience is pretty cool to hear first hand.  It’s been a journey throughout his footy career, plenty of ups and downs, times of feeling lost and discouraged by sport and finding his love for the game and the people around it over again.  Affirmation on what really makes him tick with the sporting community as well as his love of giving back on and off the field.  This is an honest and raw account of a journey through sport, filled with lots of highs, some set backs, a scandal or two & a thick Pommy accent.  Enjoy legends!

  5. Jun 5

    MATT BUNKER

    Send us Fan Mail EP8 - Matt Bunker Honest, raw & inspiring.  The former SAS leader opens up on some the formative moments of an abusive and traumatic childhood.  How he made some brave and difficult choices to brake the cycle.  Self doubt & challenges whilst rising through the ADF on the way to leading his brothers in arms in the SAS.  Battles with the Black Dog, re finding himself after the military & the unexpected toughest battle to date.  Rekindling a love for a career path that drives his “Why” and how he is helping people level up to the best versions of themselves.  Strap in legends, this is a compelling listen.  Episode sponsor:  Empower Longevity www.empowerlongevity.com.au

  6. May 18

    GEORGE BURGESS

    Send us Fan Mail From a burning desire to forge a career in rugby league alongside his brothers as a tribute to their late father, to becoming NRL Rookie of the Year and a premiership winner, life has been a roller coaster ride for George Burgess. Now balancing fatherhood, providing for his family, a growing career in the movie industry & ambassador roles, and preparing for his upcoming boxing bout against Nelson Asofa-Solomona in June, George joins LA for an honest and powerful conversation. Episode sponsor - https://clubdraws.com.au/sports-clubs/ One of rugby league’s most feared front-rowers of his era, George reflects on a remarkable career at the highest level. From his rise through the English system, he opens up on the highs, challenges, and sacrifices of professional rugby league. A proud representative for the England national rugby league team and Great Britain national rugby league team, George shares stories from some of the game’s biggest stages, life in Australia, and the bond of the famous Burgess rugby league family. A raw insight into footy, family, resilience, and life beyond the game. Enjoy legends!

  7. May 12

    MOSES MBYE

    Send us Fan Mail Moses Mbye, a seasoned NRL veteran and versatile playmaker, began his rugby league journey at the Noosa Pirates as a junior-playing A-grade in Year 12 before moving to Sydney the day after graduating from Sunshine Beach High School.  He made his mark with his NRL debut at the Canterbury - Bankstown Bulldogs, followed by stints at the West Tigers and St. George Illawarra Dragons, before finishing his professional career with St Helens R.F.C. in the Super League. Beyond club footy, Moses represented Queensland in State of Origin, and earned selection in both the Prime Minister's XIII and World All Stars. He shares reflections on leadership, community, and life both on and off the field.

  8. Apr 18

    MEL HARRIES

    Send us Fan Mail Mel Harries. 12 year ADF veteran - discharged as officer in charge of Mental health & psychology (ARA).  Mindset training - Principal psychologist + Newcastle Knights NRL team psychologist. Giving us a quick glimpse in to her journey and passion for athletic performance ahead of her " Building resilience, confidence and emotional strength in young athletes" workshop at the Pirates on the 24th of April.

  9. Apr 15

    ANTHONY ZIPF

    Send us Fan Mail Anthony Zipf - "ZIPPY" One of the pirate's favourite sons and a three time premiership winner, Zippy shares his journey from the Brisbane Broncos pathways as a young gun to etching his name into Queensland Cup history with a record that still stands today. Reflecting on the golden years of '06, '07, '08 and opens up on the highs, the setbacks, and everything else in between - from player to mentor to coach. A true Blue and Gold story of resilience and loyalty at the pirates.

  10. Apr 10

    TONY MCILROY

    Send us Fan Mail TONY MACILROY "Macca" or Mr Mac" as a lot of our listeners will know him. Teacher, coach, motivator, mentor and all round good bloke, talks his journey through rugby league, a rewarding career change into a school PE teacher and revisiting his youth in the bush as a DRT District Relief Teacher based out of longreach.

  11. Apr 2

    AARON BROOKS

    Send us Fan Mail  In the studio today we have Aaron Brooks. Director of Harcourts Property Centre. Former QLD cup player and 11 times premiership coach, recently on the coaching staff of the USA Hawks women's side talks rugby league and mentorship and business.

  12. Mar 27

    ANT PLATER

    Send us Fan Mail Ant Plater Current head of performance -Noosa Pirates. Former high performance consultant - Canberra Raiders (NRL side) Highly decorated former Australian Defence Force (ADF) Special Forces Operator and 2nd Commando Regiment Warrant Officer  who served for 27 years. A combat veteran with deployments in Somalia, East Timor, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Talks about his love of the sport, life in ADF, high performance and life in Noosa hinterland.

  • 12 Episodes

About

A behind the scenes podcast sharing stories, characters, and community that make Noosa Pirates RLFC more than just a club. From players and coaches to volunteers and local legends, hear the voices driving the pirates forward.

Information

  • Creator
    Noosa Pirates
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 People of the Pirates with LA
  • Show Website
    People of the Pirates with LA

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