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.
Season 2 Kickoff – Mark Robinson Walker Park Die Hard to the NRL Warriors
We are kicking off Season 2 of the Carlaw Park Die Hards Podcast with a massive exclusive featuring New Zealand Warriors owner, Mark Robinson. Gordon and I strip away the corporate spin to get directly into the mud and reality of running an NRL franchise in Aotearoa.
Episode Highlights
The Burden of Ownership: Mark details the raw pressure, fierce loyalty, and heavy expectations of steering the Warriors.
Culture and Resilience: A candid look at the vital connection between boardroom decisions and locker room grit.
Grassroots Foundations: Exploring Mark’s personal journey into sports ownership and his deep respect for the local clubs that form the backbone of the sport.
The Path Forward: An uncompromising look at the club’s ambitious future and the enduring passion that binds the fans to the game.
18 Jul 2026
LEGACY SESSIONS: Roger Bailey – 🕰️ Turn Back the Clock at Carlaw Park
In our first-ever Legacy Session, we unlock a 10-year-old vault 🔐 for an exclusive, raw conversation with legend Roger Bailey 🏉. Turn back the clock ⏱️ to the mud, blood, and glory of the Carlaw Park era in this special bonus release 🎙️🔥.
6 Jun 2026
Carlaw Park Die Hards Podcast Episode 15 Gary Kemble
The Season 1 Finale is here! We close out an epic first season of the Carlaw Park Die Hards Podcast with New Zealand Kiwis legend Gary Kemble in Episode 15. Hear the untold stories from his incredible playing days, his time overseas, and the gritty reality of classic rugby league. Thank you for a massive first season—and get ready, because Season 2 is already underway!
23 May 2026
Carlaw Park Die Hards Podcast Episode 14 Glen Moore "GM"
In Episode 14, we talk to the ultimate rugby league journeyman, Glen ”GM” Moore. Hear about his brutal transition from the wing to the front row, his infamous role in the squad tasked with ”softening up” the touring Australian Kangaroos, and the gritty battles from Mt Albert to Wellington. But the stories don’t stop at the touchline—GM opens up about his unbelievable post-footy career running high-stakes VIP security for icons like David Tua and Neil Diamond, and why he turned down Michael Jackson. A must-listen tale of grit, old-school footy, and fame!
9 May 2026
Carlaw Park Die Hards Episode 13 Roger Rota
Explore the career of Roger Rota, the gifted back who prioritized timing and technique over raw bulk. From the Ponsonby Ponies to the Otahuhu Leopards, we dive into the legacy of one of Auckland’s most dangerous outside backs.
25 Apr 2026
Mark “Horse” Bourneville: The Original ‘Run It Straight’ Merchant
Before ”Run It Straight” was a catchphrase, it was Mark ”Horse” Bourneville’s entire game plan. A man who never met a sidestep he liked, Horse joins us for an R18 session covering his journey from the New Lynn Stags to the Mt Albert Lions, the Fight for Life ring, and the day he suited up for France to sit the Kiwis’ front row on their arse. Saddle up, this is a tough ride.
12 Apr 2026
Carlaw Park Die Hards Podcast Episode 11 Gary Prohm
Rugby League legend Gary Prohm joins us to look back at an extraordinary career spanning from the Otahuhu Leopards to the NZ Kiwis and a record-breaking stint at Hull KR. We dive into the glory days of Carlaw Park and the grit of 1980s international footy with one of the game’s most versatile greats.
28 Mar 2026
Carlaw Park Die Hards Podcast Episode 10 Riki Cowan
💥 EPISODE 10: Riki Cowan – Mt Albert Glory, Provincial Power, 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, hulking prop Riki Cowan to unpack a rollercoaster rugby league career from the golden era of the 80s and 90s.
From the spiritual home of Carlaw Park to the fierce provincial battlegrounds of the North and South Islands, Riki pulls no punches as he shares the raw, unfiltered stories of a true front-row warrior.
In this episode, we cover:
🦁 The Mighty Mt Albert Lions: Riki reflects on his ”best years” in the blue and gold, dominating the Auckland club scene under legendary coaching during a golden era for the Lions.
🏉 The Provincial Journey: A deep dive into his five massive years in Wellington representing Petone and the City Firehawks, plus that iconic 1990 season in Canterbury where he helped Addington to a Grand Final and featured in Canterbury’s historic wins over Auckland and Great Britain.
🇳🇿 The Kiwis & The Black Jersey: From being a 20-year-old ”bolter” in 1984 to facing the green and gold in the unforgettable 1985 series.
💔 The Peak & The Pain: Riki opens up about the devastating injury that struck just as he was reaching the height of his powers.
🥊 The Lang Park Punch-Up: Get the exclusive, inside perspective on the explosive 1985 Test match brawl at Lang Park—one of the most infamous moments in Trans-Tasman history!
This is a no-holds-barred conversation with a man who bled for the jersey, whether it was for his club, his province, or his country.
Hit play, subscribe, and journey back to the days when the hits were harder and the stories were legendary!
#KiwiRugbyLeague #MtAlbertLions #CanterburyRugbyLeague #WellingtonRugbyLeague
14 Mar 2026
Carlaw Park Die Hards Podcast Episode 9 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.
28 Feb 2026
Carlaw Park Die Hards Podcast Episode 8 Don Mann
💥 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.
14 Feb 2026
Carlaw Park Die Hards Podcast Episode 7 Ken Stirling
Ken isn’t just a guest; he’s a walking archive of the game’s toughest eras. We take a trip down memory lane, starting with his grassroots beginnings on the North Shore playing for the Albions, through to his legendary status with the Ellerslie Eagles.
In this episode, Ken gets candid about:
The Black Jersey: What it was really like on tour with the Kiwis and the weight of the Auckland representative legacy.
The ”Enforcer” Mentality: Ken reveals the one player he loved to clash with most—the kind of rivalries that defined the Carlaw Park era.
The Evolution: From the mud of club footy to the professional shift of the Lion Red Cup and the North Harbour Sea Eagles.
The Boardroom Battle: How he took his on-field grit to the NZRL Board to help shape the future of the sport.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan of the Eagles, a North Shore local, or just a lover of hard-nosed Rugby League history, this conversation with Ken Stirling is essential listening.
Inside the Episode:
[05:20] Growing up on the Shore: The Albion days.
[18:45] The Ellerslie Eagles: Building a powerhouse.
[32:10] Playing for Auckland & The Kiwis: The ultimate honors.
[44:55] The Rivalry: Who was the toughest man Ken ever faced?
[58:20] Transitioning to the Lion Red Cup and Hibiscus Coast.
[1:12:10] Politics and Progress: Sitting on the NZRL Board.
Follow the Journey:
If you love these stories from the golden era of League, make sure to Follow us here on Podbean and leave a review! It helps other Die Hards find the show.
Find us on Socials:
Facebook: Carlaw Park Die Hards
Instagram: @CarlawParkDieHards
#RugbyLeague #KenStirling #CarlawPark #NZKiwis #EllerslieEagles #LeagueLegends #NZRL #LionRedCup #Podcast
31 Jan 2026
Carlaw Park Die Hards Podcast Episode 6 Ron O'Regan
60+ Auckland Caps. 8 Kiwi Tests. One ”Rogue” Legend.
In this episode, we go inside the engine room with the ultimate Iron Man of Auckland Rugby League: Ron O’Regan. From a young pup at Mt Albert to captaining Barrow in the brutal English winter at just 21, Ronnie lived the game at its hardest and most honest.
Discover how he became a two-time Rothville Trophy winner with City Newton, his memories of the legendary Carlaw Park wars against international giants, and the tactical mind that led the Te Atatu Roosters to Fox Memorial glory. If you love the grit, the laughs, and the raw history of the greatest game on earth, you cannot miss this deep dive with ”The Rogue.”
29 Nov 2025
Carlaw Park Die Hards Podcast Episode 5 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.
15 Nov 2025
Carlaw Park Die Hards Podcast Episode 4 Clayton Friend
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.
1 Nov 2025
Carlaw Park Die Hards Podcast Episode 3 Dean Bell
🎥💥 CARLAW PARK DIE HARDS PODCAST — EPISODE 3 💥🎥
He personifies our tagline —
Carlaw Park: Where Legends Were Born and Warriors Are Made. 🏟️
This week we sit down with Dean “Deano” Bell — from Manukau to Wigan, from Carlaw Park to the New Zealand Kiwis jersey, and helping launch the NZ Warriors legacy. ⚫️⚪️
Dean opens up about the pride, passion, and pain that shaped one of rugby league’s true greats. 💪🔥
🎧 Episode drops November 2!
Hosted by Troy Hardy & Gordy Gibbons
📺 Watch on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or iHeartRadio — and don’t forget to LIKE, SHARE, and hit the 🔔 BELL so you never miss an episode.
Have a listen and enjoy —
🏉 Carlaw Park Die Hards — Where Legends Were Born & Warriors Were Made.
18 Oct 2025
Carlaw Park Die Hards Podcast – Episode 2: Dane O’Hara
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.
21 Sept 2025
Carlaw Park Die Hards Troy Hardy and Gordy Gibbons
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.
21 Sept 2025
Gordy Gibbons Joins Carlaw Park Die Hards Podcast
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.
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