Carlaw Park Die Hards

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.