What a Lad

Jahrome Hughes is one of the biggest names in the NRL, a Dally M Medal winner, premiership winner with the Melbourne Storm and proud New Zealand Kiwi. His rise to becoming one of the best halfbacks in the game is an incredible story of resilience, hard work and making the most of opportunities. In this episode of What a Lad, Jahrome takes us through his journey from growing up in Wellington to reaching the very top of rugby league. It's a career that has had some incredible highs but also plenty of setbacks, tough lessons and moments where things could have gone very differently. What makes Jahrome's story so good is how open he is about the mistakes he made, the people who helped him along the way and the mindset that changed everything. Some parts that stood out for me in this episode were… - Growing up dreaming of becoming an All Black before finding his way into rugby league. - Making his NRL debut at just 18 and getting too comfortable too early. - Losing his Titans contract and going from full-time NRL player back to Queensland Cup and pouring pints.- Going through back surgery and the challenges that came with that. - Almost giving the game away before getting another opportunity with the Cowboys.- Why he initially didn't want to join the Melbourne Storm and how he ended up there. - The brutal Craig Bellamy spray after returning to preseason overweight.- Being told he wasn't good enough to play halfback for the Storm. - Winning the Dally M Medal and the emotional haka that followed. - Having his childhood idol Benji Marshall present him with his Kiwis jersey. - Revealing just how close he came to signing with the Warriors! It's always an honour having one of my favourite players can on the podcast and this episod is just that. Jahrome is such a humble, genuine lad and it's awesome to see someone who has achieved so much still be so grounded. There are plenty of laughs, some incredible stories and some great lessons in this one. Let me know what you thought of it in the comments

Cam Howieson has one of the most incredible journeys in New Zealand football. From making his first-team debut for Burnley, becoming an All White and going to the Olympics all by the age of 18, to nearly walking away from the game completely. In this episode of What a Lad, Cam opens up about the full journey. From chasing his dream in England and getting caught up in the professional football lifestyle, to losing his love for the game in Scotland and coming home to New Zealand to find it again. He also shares the challenges his family have faced raising his daughter who lives with epilepsy and has seizures every day. The reality of caring for her, the incredible support of his wife, and why turning down overseas opportunities to be there for his family was never really a question. Then came the opportunity to return to professional football with Auckland FC, and a moment you couldn’t script — scoring the winning goal in the A-League Grand Final with his wife and two daughters at the stadium. This is an incredibly honest chat about chasing your dreams, dealing with setbacks and understanding what really matters. Cam has been through plenty, but the way he speaks about his family and the perspective he brings to football is pretty special.

Caleb Tangitau is one of the most exciting young talents in New Zealand rugby. Known for his incredible speed, footwork and ability to score tries from anywhere, he has become one of the most dangerous attacking players in Super Rugby with the Highlanders. In this episode of What a Lad, Caleb opens up about the journey behind the highlights. He shares the highs, the setbacks and the people who have helped shape him along the way, giving an honest insight into life as a professional rugby player chasing his dream. Some parts that stood out for me in this episode were… - How his dad inspired his dream of playing Sevens - Making the New Zealand Sevens team as a teenager and the emotional moment he found out - Struggling with the transition from Sevens to fifteens at the Blues - Why he initially wanted to stay at the Blues rather than join the Highlanders - The surprise phone call from Israel Dagg that completely changed his career - The brutal Highlanders preseason that helped transform him as a player - His breakout season and feeling closer to his All Blacks dream - The devastating Achilles injury and the mental challenges that followed - What the injury has taught him about appreciating every opportunity in rugbyOne thing you’ll take from this episode is that Caleb is an absolute lad. His journey is a great reminder of how quickly things can change in professional sport, from the highs of living out your childhood dreams to the setbacks that test you the most. There’s plenty still to come from this man, and I’m backing it won't be long him before he achieves that All Blacks dream.

Lachie Brook’s journey to becoming an Auckland FC champion has been anything but straightforward. From making his professional debut at just 16 in the A-League, to playing around the world in England and America, his career has included some incredible highs and some seriously tough lows.In this episode of What a Lad, Lachie opens up about losing his love for football in England, finding it again back in Australia, and then reaching his lowest point mentally while playing in America.He also shares the story behind joining Auckland FC, why he initially wasn’t excited about the move, and how it turned into one of the best chapters of his career — culminating in an unforgettable first season and finally experiencing what it feels like to win.Some parts that stood out for me were…What made him so good at such a young ageHow quickly things can change in Football How important it is to be enjoying yourself off the field to thrive on it.He shares how tough he found it mentally while in AmericaHow algorithms are being used to recruit footballersWhat he's loved about the Auckland FC environmentWinning with Auckland FC and experiencing that championship feelingAs you'll hear Lachie is a great lad, honest, reflective and has had an incredible journey for such a young man.

Five years ago Louie Chapman first came on What a Lad with a very different story to where he is now. Back then, Louie was still trying to establish himself in professional rugby in his first season with the Tasman Mako.Since then, he’s experienced the highs and lows of chasing a career in the game, become a key player for Canterbury, fought his way into the Crusaders, and is now preparing for the next chapter of his career with Edinburgh in Scotland.What I love about Louie’s story is hearing just how much perseverance has gone into getting to this point. Louie has always been a classy player, but nothing has come easy for him. He speaks openly about the periods where opportunities weren’t coming, the pressure of trying to prove himself whenever he did get a chance, and how doing anything you can to help the team can ultimately give you a better chance of getting your own crack.We also get into why he has decided to leave New Zealand at a point where he is playing some of the best rugby of his career, what excites him about joining Edinburgh, and what the move could potentially lead to in the future.Some parts that stood out for me in this episode were…Nearly going 1,000 days between Super Rugby appearancesBeing told there might not even be a fourth halfback spot for him at the Crusaders, and what that meant for himWhy leaving Tasman for Canterbury changed his careerThe emotional moment he found out he had earned a full Crusaders contractHis parents driving six hours just to watch him sit on the benchThe Dave Havili moment that taught him an awesome lesson about being a good teammateHis decision to join Edinburgh and move to ScotlandHis Scottish family connection and ambitions for what the move could lead toHis advice for young halfbacks trying to make itPlenty of quality stories from along the journeyAs you’ll hear, Louie is one of the genuine good buggers of New Zealand rugby. He has a massive impact on his teams both on and off the field, he speaks so well, and it was awesome to catch up again five years on.

Daniel Lienert-Brown is one of the great servants of New Zealand rugby. With 140 games for the Highlanders, 100 for Canterbury, a Super Rugby title and four NPC titles, DLB has built an incredible career through consistency, resilience and a genuine love for the game.In this episode of What a Lad, DLB opens up about the full journey — from growing up in Christchurch dreaming of one day playing for Canterbury or the Crusaders, to getting his first taste of professional rugby, receiving the call from Jamie Joseph to join the Highlanders and becoming part of their historic 2015 Super Rugby title.What stands out most is just how grateful he is for every opportunity rugby has given him. He talks about those early “pinch yourself” moments, becoming the Highlanders’ most capped forward and reaching 100 games for Canterbury.DLB also opens up about the tougher side of the journey. He reflects on a time when being “the rugby player” became his identity, how that affected his life away from the game, hitting rock bottom in 2021 and how faith, family and perspective helped completely change the way he sees himself today.Some parts that stood out for me in this episode were…Growing up watching Canterbury and the Crusaders and dreaming of one day being there The satisfaction he got from making his dad proudGoing from working at Pak n Save to getting his first Crusaders opportunityWhat made the 2015 Highlanders side special Why Nasi Manu is the best player he played withThe role faith now plays in his lifeWhy gratitude has become such a big part of the way he approaches rugby and lifeDLB is a special man and there is no man who his more grateful for his career then this man, I know you'll enjoy this one!

I know everyone will remember Sean Maitlands beautiful stride as he galloped down the field, what an athlete and what a journey he has had! From growing up in Tokoroa, to playing for the British and Irish Lions and everything in between!In this episode of What a Lad, Sean opens up about his career for the first time on a podcast and he did not disappoint, some parts that stood out for me in this episode were…- Growing up in Tokoroa alongside Quade Cooper and Isaac John- Playing for Waikato at just 17 while still at school- Walking into a Crusaders changing room full of his childhood idols- His experience during the devastating 2011 Christchurch earthquake- Missing out on the All Blacks and making the decision to head overseas- How quickly everything happened after joining Glasgow and Scotland- Being selected for the British & Irish Lions after only a handful of Tests- The incredible culture and team trips behind Saracens' success- Knowing when it was finally time to call time on his careerAnd heaps more!As you'll hear, Sean is an absolute lad who has experienced just about everything the game has to offer, he's played with almost every rugby legend alive and there are some incredible stories in this one. Enjoy!

The final Test of the Greatest Rivalry Tour is here, with the All Blacks and Springboks heading to Baltimore for one last showdown!South Africa lead the series 2-1 after two huge wins at home, but what's install for this one!?Searley is back to break down everything ahead of the final Test, including Richie Mo’unga’s return to the No.10 jersey, Ethan Blackadder’s massive opportunity, the battle at scrum time and whether the All Blacks can find a way to nullify the Springboks’ biggest strengths.We also look at South Africa naming another incredibly strong side, what playing in Baltimore could mean for the game, the importance of the bench, and why this could almost feel like a preview of a potential World Cup quarter-final.Can the All Blacks level the series in Baltimore, or will the Springboks finish the tour with three straight wins?Let me know your prediction in the comments!