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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.