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

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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.

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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 rugby

One 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.

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