What a Lad

Jamie Hannah is one of the most impressive young players in our game, you don't often see forwards with the skillset and game awareness that this kid has as well as the engine and toughness to boot. He is one very impressive player.

He is also a massive lad as well, growing up in North Canterbury living the good life on the farm riding motorbikes and playing footy. Some key points in this episode were..

• His journey from playing in the academy to making his mark in professional rugby.
• The challenges of maintaining weight and strength. 
• The valuable lessons he learned from experienced players like Sam Whitelock.
• The importance of playing freely
• His journey to becoming a Crusader, and his aspirations to play for the All Blacks.
• The importance of skill development, overcoming challenges, and maintaining a positive mindset
• And heaps more.

This episode will be one we can all watch back in 10 years time and see how cool it was to hear the future star of our game talking about his journey but for now it's an awesome insight into the journey of a very talented lad. If you enjoy this episode please give it a share so I can continue to bring you these episodes.

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Cam Roigard is one of the most exciting talents in the game right now. In the last couple of years he has made every post a winner, rapidly climbing through the ranks after starring for Counties Manakau, carving up Super Rugby with the Hurricanes before heading of to the RWC with the All Blacks. It was here on the world stage where we all got to see the huge talent that this young man possesses and has got plenty excited about where he can get to.

The beauty of this story is that Cam wasn't the star growing up. He didn't make the rep teams and at just 17 years old he was told that he had peaked. His incredible work ethic combined with his love for the game and competitive nature meant he did everything he could to achieve his dream and did he what!

As you'll hear Cam is a champion lad, someone who just loves the game and wants to push himself as far as he can and it's exciting to think where he could potentially end up. If you enjoy this episode please let me know in the comments and please give it a share so that I can have more awesome guests like Cam come on.

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Norm Maxwell was pound for pound the hardest hitter this game has probably ever seen. At just 90kgs the All Black lock through himself into collisions like no other every time he stepped on the field. However you tell Norm that he's tough and he's not buying it.

From growing up with feeling the field was the only place he was free and his first big collision being the first time he felt respected, Norm always was going to play rugby. His Crusaders contract came quicker than he'd ever thought and something that was was far from ready for. Throughout his career his battled with injuries and a sore body which took it's toll and forced him to change his identity as a player and a person.

It's clear after this episode that players weren't prepared for professional rugby at the time and you can hear the struggles that Norm had to face not just physically but mentally and psychologically as well.

This is one of my all time favourite episodes Norm is a story teller who is so open and honest and I know you'll enjoy this one! If you do can you please do me a favour and share and subscribe so I can keep bringing you more legends like the great Norm Maxwell.

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In this episode I am joined by the legendary Black Fern sisters Chelsea and Alana Bremner. These two champion humans have a very special bond, having grown up in the same room together until 17, to winning a RWC together. They have shared many special moments throughout their journey to becoming professional rugby players.

As you will hear both Chelsea and Alana are such great inspirations for all athletes in our game especially the young females.

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This week we are joined by the lad Peter Breen, who is the founder of Rugby Bricks which is responsible for improving goal kicking all over the world with the production of some of the great kicking tees ever. He’s also played the game professionally for Otago and Northland and has been coaching professionally all around the world, including plenty of NRL clubs and has just recently finished as an assistant coach with the mighty Matatu. Theres plenty of gold in this episode, whether you're an aspiring player, coach, business owner, content creator or father I'm sure you will learn plenty from this one. 

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For this episode I jump on one of the biggest podcasts in the country, The Dom Harvey podcast which is of course hosted by the great Dom Harvey. I talk through everything from footy, coaching and podcasting. If you enjoy Dom's work go and check out his other episodes as well. 

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One of the great lads of Welsh and NZ rugby Johnny McNicholl is on What a Lad this week, after returning to Super Rugby in red hot form!

Having started in Christchurch with Canterbury and the Crusaders, Johnny then spent 8 seasons over in Wales with the Scarletts as well as playing international rugby for Wales. Now he has returned to where it all started and is back with the Crusaders passing on his wisdom and ripping it up on the field.

Some bits that stood out in this chat were...

How setbacks early in his career fuelled him to work harder

The confidence Johnny has always had in his own ability

Why he decided to leave NZ rugby at a young age

How tough it was for him to miss out on the RWC with Wales

What made him send his address to a keyboard warrior

Some epic yarns including one of him fighting Ray Lee-Lo at training

As you'll hear the man they call J Mac is an absolute champion, someone who understands the game of rugby so well, he's always willing to help others and is just good value to be around.

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For this episode I jump on the other side of the mic by going on the O-Studio podcast hosted by the 2 time What a Lad guest Tim Bateman and his co hosts Sophie and Matty. 

They do such an awesome job hosting as I share my journey and a few things I have learnt along the way.

To listen to more episodes of theirs head to the link below...

https://www.ostudio.co.nz/community/o-studio-podcast

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Tim Naki has to be one of the most likeable lads you'll meet. He's as down to earth as they come, he's quick witted, he loves a beer, he loves a punt and to his amazement he has somehow managed to get over 1 Million people along for his Blackjack journey of turning $1500 into over half a million dollars.

 

The champion Tim Naki will answer every question you have ever wanted to know about the man in this one some key topics...

How the idea started to bet 10c for every follower,

How high or low he will go before he takes the money,

He talks about some exciting opportunities that have come from it,

How he deals with the emotions of having 100k on 1 hand of Blackjack,

He strongly advisors against anyone trying the same thing or betting out of their mean,

He shares plenty of great advice and answers some seriously tough question.

 

Post listening to this episode I'm sure you will agree that Tim is one of the all time great lads, honour to have him on What a Lad and if you're not already go and follow his journey!

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Sam Whitelock is one of the all-time greats of rugby! In this episode he discusses his recent decision to retire from Rugby and future plans. The man who is the most capped All Black ever has had an incredible career which was so cool to go through with him. You will be sure to learn plenty in this one!

I loved hearing around Sam's mindset to the game, his consistency to perform in some of the biggest games has been special to witness. Also his leadership is something that has really stood out for anyone who has played with him and when you hear the detail he would go to to make sure everyone was on, you can see why that part of his game is so well respected.

As you'll hear Sam is such a champion lad and you will realise why he has had so much success in his career.

Chapters

00:00- Introduction and Retirement Announcement

02:31- The Decision to Retire

07:47- Life After Rugby and Future Plans

10:00- The Challenges of Life After Rugby

11:11- The Influence of Family and Multiple Sports

24:49- Joining Canterbury and Playing with Legends

30:04- Transitioning to Canterbury and Making an Impact

31:09- Introduction to Canterbury Rugby

33:18- Journey to Becoming an All Black

41:08- Challenges of the Earthquakes and the Rugby World Cup

45:08- Captaining the Crusaders

55:17- Leadership and Developing Future Leaders

01:03:47- Transition to Japan and New Challenges

01:08:18- Memorable Games

01:08:22- The Importance of Family Support and Enjoying the Journey

01:11:15- From Good to Great: Consistency and Continuous Improvement

01:13:29- Questions

01:31:53- Setting Goals and Celebrating Achievements

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