Ep 210: Michael Zerafa

St George Illawarra Dragons head coach Anthony "Hook" Griffin stops by for a chat with TK.Talking League Cup is open now with the league pin DVRFR5TJ jump in an have some fun with the crew.Find all our podcast episodes at www.talkingleaguepod.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cronulla Sharks head coach Craig Fitzgibbon stops by for a chat with TK.Talking League Cup is open now with the league pin DVRFR5TJ jump in an have some fun with the crew.Find all our podcast episodes at www.talkingleaguepod.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

G’day welcome to episode 217 of the Talking with TK podcast. Phil is a former professional rugby league player who played 127 NRL games kicking off at Manly before spending the majority of his career at the Cronulla Sharks. He represented NSW and Australia in 3 games each before moving over to England spending 4 seasons with Wigan racking up 101 games. Post footy, Phil has crossed code to Rugby Union where he has served as Head Defensive Coach at the USA Eagles, Director of Rugby at the Hong Kong Football club and spent some time at the NSW Waratahs.   Time Stamps 1:01 - Growing up in Inverell 2:19 - Backyard battles with his brother Chris 4:52 - Growing up knowing the Tingha NRL boys 6:35 - His body post footy  6:56 - How he found rugby league 8:31 - The joy of the Saturday 3pm game 9:11 - His pathway to the NRL 11:56 - Tales of his first NRL coach Bob Fulton 14:42 - In he sheds with all the champion Manly players 16:34 - The advantage of playing all three grades 17:38 - The pain of the Northern Eagles merger 18:34 - Being identified by Chris Anderson still at the Storm 19:36 - His perspective of the Chris Anderson era 20:39 - How he found his versatility as a centre 21:54 - Running good lines and late footwork 24:00 - His bond with Matty Johns 26:16 - The flat attack 28:00 - Brett Kimmorley  29:42 - David Peachey 30:33 - Issues with his feet 34:22 - His origin debut at Suncorp Stadium 35:45 - Andrew Johns 38:00- 2004 Kangaroo Tour 40:55 - Getting his eye saved by Doctors after the test match 41:25 - Brain Carney 42:40 - What made him move to Wigan 45:05 - Playing under Brian Noble and Madge Maguire 47:00 - Coming back from an Achilles tear 48:00 - Planning for retirement but getting rejected by the Army 51:30 - How he got over to America 56:08 - Coaching 57:28 - Being part of the USA coaching staff at the World Cup  1:00:28 - Moving to Hong Kong 1:02:39 - Transferable skills from sports to business 1:04:50 - 5 people he would invite to a private dinner party   Find 200 + episodes of Talking with TK in that back catalogue. I've been blessed to interview the likes of Ellyse Perry, Petero Civoniceva, Robert Whittaker, Mark Schwarzer, Shane Webcke, Adrian Morley, Mark Ella, Willie Tonga, Steve Menzies, Jamie Lyon Craig Wing, Danny Buderus, Mat Rogers, Anthony Minichiello, Luke Lewis, Chad Townsend, Andrew Ettingshausen, Bradley Clyde, Stirling Mortlock, Alex McKinnon, Mark Geyer, Cameron Murray ,Craig Lowndes, Pat Cash, Matt Toomua, Kieren Perkins, Paul Harragon, Robbie Maddison and many more. www.talkingwithtk.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

My special guest is Matt Adamson. Matt is a former professional rugby league player who played 175 NRL games across the Parramatta Eels, Penrith Panthers and Canberra Raiders and 72 games for the Leeds Rhinos in the Super league. His representative career includes 2 state of origins for NSW, 1 tri series game for NSW and represented Australia on 5 occasions during the Super League year of 1997. Time stamps 0:30 - Welcome to Matt Adamson 1:00 - Taree 1:43 - Where his height comes from  2:18 - Where his brother Phil is these days 3:00 - Growing up as a star cricketer 7:00 - Learning from Brad McNamara and Greg Matthews 8:48 - Opening the batting with Adam Gilchrist 10:38 - Learning from the Australian Cricket team 13:00 - Key lessons from Alex Ferguson and Craig Bellamey 16:33 - Leading without the captaincy  18:45 - How he got the Rhinos a day at Manchester Utd 21:50 - Putting yourself out there 23:00 - How he got his start at the Parramatta Eels 27:30 - The pitch from Phil Gould to get them to Penrith 29:40 - His huge left boot 31:01 - Who’s idea it was to move him into the back row 33:17 - His bond with Ryan Girdler and Craig Gower 35:13 - Signing with Super League 37:50 - His break out year in 1997 41:43 - Touring England at the end of 97 42:19 - Moving over to the Leeds Rhinos 43:13 - The Challenge Cup  45:46 - Trying to establish a culture with players from different countries 47:49 - Enjoying being a senior player and leader 49:02 - The cross over skills between sports and business 50:42 - His relationship with Christian Welch 51:50 - Teaching young players leadership 57:00 - Harry Grant 58:48 - Planning for retirement 1:03:25 - Missing the thrill of playing rugby league 1:04:58 - 5 people he would invite to a private dinner party Find 200 + episodes of Talking with TK in that back catalogue. I've been blessed to interview the likes of Ellyse Perry, Petero Civoniceva, Robert Whittaker, Mark Schwarzer, Shane Webcke, Adrian Morley, Mark Ella, Willie Tonga, Steve Menzies, Jamie Lyon Craig Wing, Danny Buderus, Mat Rogers, Anthony Minichiello, Luke Lewis, Chad Townsend, Andrew Ettingshausen, Bradley Clyde, Stirling Mortlock, Alex McKinnon, Mark Geyer, Cameron Murray ,Craig Lowndes, Pat Cash, Matt Toomua, Kieren Perkins, Paul Harragon, Robbie Maddison and many more. www.talkingwithtk.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to episode 215 of the Talking with TK podcast. Special guest today is South Sydney Rabbitohs front rower Mark Nicholls. Mark’s career has seen him play 110 NRL first grade games, debuting at the Canberra Raiders in 2012, with his journey also taking him to the Melbourne Storm before finding first grade consistency at the Rabbitohs where he has been since 2018. Time Stamps 0:00 - Welcome Mark Nicholls 0:45 - Leeton and the Nicholls family 1:52 - His secret goal kicking ability 5:55 - Growing up around footy with his Dad and Uncles 6:42 - Little Mark at School 7:46 - Why they moved to Canberra 9:14 - The edge back rower10:54 - Early years at the Raiders 11:29 - The story of his debut against the Dragons 14:36 - Why he used to wear a headgear 17:43 - Injuries and falling out of first grade 22:45 - Moulding the right mind set 25:10 - The joys of Fatherhood 26:43 - Moving to the Storm, the work program and Army camp 29:23 - Why the Storm system works so well 31:23 - The benefits of working with so many different coaches 32:09 - Leadership and the story behind his game as captain 38:30 - The real Wayne Bennett 41:05 - How he actually got to the Rabbitohs 45:02 - Exploring work outside of rugby league 48:10 - How he balanced work and footy 50:45 - Transferable skills from sports to business 52:45 - The 2021 season 54:40 - How his found consistency at the Rabbitohs 58:35 - Finally getting more than a one year deal after he was 30 59:34 - 5 people he would invite to a private dinner party   Find 200 + episodes of Talking with TK in that back catalogue. I've been blessed to interview the likes of Ellyse Perry, Petero Civoniceva, Robert Whittaker, Mark Schwarzer, Shane Webcke, Adrian Morley, Mark Ella, Willie Tonga, Steve Menzies, Jamie Lyon Craig Wing, Danny Buderus, Mat Rogers, Anthony Minichiello, Luke Lewis, Chad Townsend, Andrew Ettingshausen, Bradley Clyde, Stirling Mortlock, Alex McKinnon, Mark Geyer, Cameron Murray ,Craig Lowndes, Pat Cash, Matt Toomua, Kieren Perkins, Paul Harragon, Robbie Maddison and many more. www.talkingwithtk.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

G’day guys welcome to episode 214 of the Talking with TK podcast. Special guest is David Mead. David is a current member of the Brisbane Broncos. His career started at the Gold Coast Titans in 2009 and his played 171 career games for 75 tries. He played 3 seasons at the Catalans in the Super League, winning the Challenge Cup in 2018. His represented NSW Country in 2 games and PNG in 14 tests which includes 3 World Cups and he also had the honour of captaining PNG at the 2017 World Cup. Away from footy he hosts The David Mead Podcast and had some incredible guests including the likes of Marcus Bai, Justin Olam, Alex Johnston, Ben Ikin and Dave Donaghy. Time stamps: 1:01 - Why he started his podcasts6:30 - His upbringing in PNG9:50 - Family values and traditions11:15 - School in PNG15:35 - When he first came across Rugby League 18:05 - Why he moved over to Australia at 1220:11 - Did he ever want to move back home?21:44 - Why he changed his surname from Moore to Mead22:55 - How he broke out of his shy nature25:08 - Developing despite a late start to playing footy 26:07 - Where his speed comes from27:55 - Signing his first contract with the Titans at 17 31:16 - Discipline and extras32:43 - His first grade debut against Wendall and the Dragons33:40 - Family watching his NRL games back in PNG34:55 - Marcus Bai36:46 - His try against the Sharks39:20 - Long range trys40:51 - Early success and the frustrations of the following seasons43:13 - His leadership style with the Broncos youngsters44:25 - Leadership and becoming captain of PNG47:40 - Playing infront of his family in PNG48:20 - Moving over to the Catalans in the Super League50:51 - Memories from winning the Challenge Cup in 201854:08 - What are 3 things men can do to stay mentally healthy 56:35 - 3 masculine traits he most admires59:30 - 5 people he would invite to a private dinner party Find 200 + episodes of Talking with TK in that back catalogue. I've been blessed to interview the likes of Ellyse Perry, Petero Civoniceva, Robert Whittaker, Mark Schwarzer, Shane Webcke, Adrian Morley, Mark Ella, Willie Tonga, Steve Menzies, Jamie Lyon Craig Wing, Danny Buderus, Mat Rogers, Anthony Minichiello, Luke Lewis, Chad Townsend, Andrew Ettingshausen, Bradley Clyde, Stirling Mortlock, Alex McKinnon, Mark Geyer, Cameron Murray ,Craig Lowndes, Pat Cash, Matt Toomua, Kieren Perkins, Paul Harragon, Robbie Maddison and many more. www.talkingwithtk.com  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to episode 213 of the Talking with TK Podcast. My special guest today is Darius Boyd. Darius is a two time NRL premiership winner who played 337 first grade games across the Brisbane Broncos, Newcastle Knights and St George Illawarra Dragons, 23 games for Australia without losing a game and was part of the most dominate Queensland side in State of Origin history where he played 28 games from 2008 to 2017. Post footy, Darius is a mental health ambassador and facilitator. Time Stamps0:00 - Welcome Darius Boyd0:45 - First year out of retirement2:07 - Moving away from structure of footy 3:07 - Challenges of his childhood5:10 - Did he always want to be parent given his childhood adversity 6:59 - What its like having three daughters9:05 - How he found Rugby League 11:15 - Early struggles in the NRL11:30 - The influence of Rod Patison at Palm Beach Currumbin13:45 - How he picked his manager14:49 - The first time he met Wayne Bennett16:55 - The impact of his Nan in his life18:54 - His first grade debut for the Broncos21:48 - The culture of the Broncos23:21 - Celebrating the 2006 premiership24:24 - Why he left the Broncos and how he got to St George28:01 - The fullback move to being a third ball player31:07 - Intercepts and defensive reads32:34 - His negative relationship with media during his career36:00 - The special bond of the Queensland State of Origin team40:21 - His left edge combo with Greg Inglis 44:00 - Why he checked himself into a mental health clinic at 2748:38 - Key areas to positive mental health51:21 - What masculine traits he most admires52:57 - 5 people he would invite to a private dinner party Find 200 + episodes of Talking with TK in that back catalogue. I've been blessed to interview the likes of Ellyse Perry, Petero Civoniceva, Robert Whittaker, Mark Schwarzer, Shane Webcke, Adrian Morley, Mark Ella, Willie Tonga, Steve Menzies, Jamie Lyon Craig Wing, Danny Buderus, Mat Rogers, Anthony Minichiello, Luke Lewis, Chad Townsend, Andrew Ettingshausen, Bradley Clyde, Stirling Mortlock, Alex McKinnon, Mark Geyer, Cameron Murray ,Craig Lowndes, Pat Cash, Matt Toomua, Kieren Perkins, Paul Harragon, Robbie Maddison and many more. www.talkingwithtk.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

G’day guys welcome to episode 212 of the Talking with TK podcast. My special guest is Luke Rooney. Luke is a NRL premiership winner with the Penrith Panthers in 2003. He played 140 first grade games for the Panthers scoring 65 tries as well as 5 games for the NSW blues in State of Origin and 6 test matches for Australia. He converted to rugby union for 7 seasons and played for the likes of Toulon in France and Melbourne Rebels in Super Rugby. Today he is the founder of Rugby Pro Academy, coach at LRperformance and coaching at Scotch College in Melbourne.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

G’day guys welcome to episode 211 of the Talking with TK podcast. Today my special guest is Darren Albert. Given its grand final week what a week to get Darren on.Darren played 89 first grade games for the Newcastle Knights being part of premiership winning teams of 1997 and 2001. He moved to St Helens for 4 seasons playing 118 games, winning a grand final in 2002 and a Challenge Cup final in 2004. Darren finished his career with the Cronulla Sharks in 2005. Over his career Darren scored 165 tries in 230 professional games and he played one game of state of origin in 1999 and two games for NSW country. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome back to the Talking with TK podcast. Episode 210 is Aussie middleweight boxer Michael Zerafa. Michael is a world ranked Australian boxer currently rated number 7 by the WBA in the middleweight division and number 11 by Box rec.He has a record of 28-4 (17 wins by knock out) and fought with some of the best boxers in the world including former world champions Jeff Horn, Anthony Mundine, Kell Brook and Peter Quillin. Michael is a former Super Welterweight Commonwealth Champion and is the current WBA Oceania Middleweight Champion. Catch the back catalogue of podcasts at https://www.talkingwithtk.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.