What a Lad

Peter Gubb is one of rugby league’s great characters. A Queensland Cup legend known for his physicality, longevity and hilarious stories, Gubby shares plenty of great yarns in this one. From the 3rd XV at school to still playing high-level footy at 37, his journey is anything but ordinary.

Some parts that stood out for me in this episode were…

- Hearing his side of the story on what growing up was like for him with his brother Charlie.
- The reality of chasing an NRL dream.
- His unique thoughts on training, longevity and being a “lifetime trainer”
- The dangers of superstitions and when they can become too much
- What the ultimate amount of caffeine is to take pre a podcast
- His thoughts on confidence, backing yourself and saying yes to opportunities
And some of the funniest stories you'll hear!

It's not often I'll listen back to and episode and be laughing out loud but there's something about the Gubb brothers that crack me up! Peter is one of those blokes you could listen to for hours — authentic, funny and just a genuine lad.
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Brad Thorn is one of the most unique athletes to ever come out of New Zealand. A cross-code legend known for his physicality, discipline and longevity, Thorn built an incredible career winning amore variety of titles than anyone to have played the game.

In this episode of What a Lad, Thorny opens up about his full journey through rugby league and union. From dominating in the NRL as a teenager, to making the bold decision to switch codes and start again, and everything it took to become one of the most respected forwards in world rugby.

Some parts that stood out for me in this episode were…

- Reflecting on previous stories that had been told on the podcast about him before
- The moment his mindset changed and he was a whole different beast
- How he dealt with what came with being an NRL star as a teenager
- Making the call to leave rugby league at his peak and sacrifice his prime years to learn rugby union
- Being told he was hurting the team and how he dealt with that pressure
- The mindset behind his training and pushing himself when no one else was watching
- The pressure of playing for the All Blacks and what it really means to represent New Zealand
- Winning the Rugby World Cup and how it felt in the moment
- His journey into head coaching at the Reds and the pressure involved with that
- His reflections on his career and the standards he held himself to throughout
And heaps more!

This episode is full of honesty, perspective and a real look into what it actually takes to reinvent yourself at the highest level. Thorny is one of the toughest and most respected players to do it, and this one gives a proper insight into how he became that guy.
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Seti Tafua has one of the most powerful and inspiring stories you’ll hear in New Zealand rugby. A talented young player chasing his dream overseas, Seti’s life changed in an instant after a horrific neck injury left him paralysed and fighting for his life. Doctors told him he may never walk again.

In this episode of What a Lad, Seti opens up about that journey through rugby and life. From the moment of the injury, to the reality of being unable to move, the long road through rehab, and the mindset that helped him defy the odds and walk again. He also shares how he found purpose after rugby and built a new career as the Hurricanes Analyst.

Some parts that stood out for me in this episode were…

- The moment he made a tackle and instantly knew something was seriously wrong
- Being told by doctors he would likely have to rely on others for the rest of his life
- Spending over two years in a wheelchair and the reality of daily rehab
- The mindset he used to stay positive and never give up despite the odds
- Taking his first steps again and the emotion that came with it
- The unbelievable support from the rugby community during his recovery
- How he managed to become part of the Hurricanes Analyst team.
- His outlook on life now and the importance of staying positive and being grateful
And heaps more!

This episode is incredibly powerful. Seti’s mindset, resilience and positivity through everything he’s been through is something special. He’s the kind of person that puts life into perspective and reminds you what really matters.
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Jason Holland is one of the most respected coaches in New Zealand rugby. A brilliant rugby mind known for his attacking detail, leadership and ability to get the best out of people. The man known as Alfie has built an impressive career through Manawatu, Taranaki, Munster, Canterbury, the Hurricanes and the All Blacks.

In this episode of What a Lad, Alfie opens up about his full journey through rugby, from a young kid growing with a love for the game, to coaching the All Blacks and everything in between.

Some parts that stood out for me in this episode were…

- Always having a ball in hand as a kid and how rugby became ingrained in him from a young age
- While always loving the game but not always training as hard as he could have
- Heading overseas to Munster and the moment he realised what it took to become a true professional
- Spending over a decade at Munster as both a player and coach and how that shaped his career
- Getting the opportunity to move into coaching and the challenges involved
- His time with the Hurricanes and winning a Super Rugby title with a special group of players
- The transition into the All Blacks environment and the pressure that comes with coaching at the very top
- Reflection on his time in the All Blacks and an insight into his decision to step away
- An insight into his move to Head Coach the Blues next season.
And heaps more!

This episode is full of insight, honesty and some great perspective on the realities of professional rugby and coaching. Alfie was one of my all time favourite coaches, such a genuinely good guy who loves talking footy. I'm sure you'll enjoy this episode as much as I did.
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Marc Ellis is one of the most iconic and entertaining characters New Zealand rugby has ever produced. A former All Black known for his speed, skill and ability to light up a game, Ellis became just as famous off the field for his larger-than-life personality, quick wit and outrageous stories that have become the stuff of legend.

In this episode of What a Lad, Marc opens up about the journey through rugby and beyond. From his rise through Otago and into the All Blacks, to the wild days of student life, media, business ventures and everything in between, this one is packed with laughs, chaos and a few unexpected insights.

Some parts that stood out for me in this episode were…

His rise through Otago rugby and what it took to reach the All Blacks
The famous stories from his university days and how loose things really got
Buying a fire engine with his mates and the chaos that came with it
The reality behind some of the stories people have heard over the years
His mindset around taking opportunities and backing yourself
His memories from the All Blacks including score 6 or 8 tries in one game!
How he found the Warriors and the culture difference to rugby
His perspective on risk, failure and why you’ve just got to have a crack
And heaps more!

This episode is pure entertainment. Marc brings unbelievable energy, humour and honesty, with story after story that somehow just keep getting better. There’s a lot of laughs in this one, but also some great perspective around life, backing yourself and making the most of every opportunity.

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