Carlaw Park Die Hards

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! 🔗
 

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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.

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#NZRugbyLeague #KiwisReunion #CarlawParkDieHards #SirPeterLeitch #SirGrahamLowe #HughMcGahan #RugbyLeagueLegends #PodcastNZ #ChristmasSpecial