Marlee and Me

Marlee sits down with two of the NRLW's most influential figures, Corban Baxter and Kiana Takairangi, to discuss a journey that started on the playing field and evolved into a shared business and community mission. The duo—who grew up together and share a deep, personal bond—candidly discuss the future of the women's game, sharing their vision for the next generation of players and the...

Marlee sits down with the dynamic NRLW and former Olympic Rugby Sevens star Emma Verran (née Tonegato) for a raw and honest conversation about identity, pressure, and never being satisfied. Emma opens up about celebrating a recent wedding anniversary and how her family history, including her Italian roots, shaped her. She bravely discusses her decision to change her surname, sharing her dee...

Broncos, Queensland, and Australia legend Sam Thaiday, who connects his Torres Strait Islander heritage to his career success; and respected Pasifika consultant David Lakisa, who works tirelessly to validate the unique cultural identities of athletes joins Marlee for an in depth chat. Together, they offer a deep, moving discussion on the vital intersection of culture, community, and elite sport, e...

Josh Kerr (or as he has become to be known as 'The Microwave man') is one of the biggest characters in the NRL. As a proud Quandamooka man from the Moreton Bay region, Josh opens up about navigating his path and understanding his place in the world, influenced profoundly by his family and community.  We delve into how his cultural roots and the significance of the Indigenous All Stars experie...

Gayle Broughton, has an incredible story rooted in her Māori identity and her journey from Hawera, New Zealand.  She opens up about the unique challenges she faced growing up and how her whānau played a vital role in guiding her towards sport.  That journey led her to incredible heights, like winning Olympic medals with the Black Ferns, to the devastating lows like losing her best friend...

Lewis Brown, a true veteran of the NRL with nearly 200 games and a proud Kiwi international. Lewis's journey through professional rugby league was defined by resilience, both on and off the field, profoundly shaped by his family and Māori heritage.  He shares candidly about the significant moments in his life that impacted his perspective and personal identity, particularly during and after h...

Olivia Kernick, is an NRLW Dally M Medalist and a dominant force for the Sydney Roosters and Jillaroos.  Olivia's rapid rise from a junior on the Central Coast to the elite level is a testament to unwavering dedication. She opens up about the immense support and values instilled by her family, which she credits as fundamental to her success.  We chat about how that strong foundation shap...

From growing up in Macksville to becoming one of the most dominant players in NRL history, Greg Inglis’ journey is one of talent, resilience, and deep cultural pride. He opens up about his roots, the challenges of moving away from home, and the values his family instilled in him. We also dive into the toughest period of his life—his struggles with mental health, addiction, and the road...

Jahrome Hughes has developed into one of the most composed and skillful playmakers in the game. From growing up in New Zealand to becoming a premiership-winning NRL star to being a Dally M winner—this story is worth a listen. We dive deep into the role his family and culture have played in shaping him, exploring his identity as a proud Māori man and the values instilled in him from a young a...

Joe Tapine from the Canberra Raiders is a powerhouse. From growing up in Wellington to making his mark in the NRL, Joe’s journey is one of resilience and growth. He opens up about his family, the challenges of moving to Australia, and the harsh lessons he learned along the way.  Joe opens up candidly about his pokies addiction early on in his footballing career and how his wife, Kirsten...

Will Warbrick is one of the most exciting rising stars in the NRL. Hailing from New Zealand, he comes from a proud Māori background and first made his mark in rugby sevens, winning a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics. His transition to rugby league with the Melbourne Storm has been nothing short of impressive, showcasing his athleticism, strength, and natural try-scoring ability. With a unique jo...

Valentine Holmes is one of the NRL’s most dynamic and versatile players. Born in Townsville with proud Cook Island heritage, he made his mark early with the Cronulla Sharks, playing a key role in their historic 2016 premiership win. Known for his speed, skill, and game-changing ability, Val has represented Queensland and Australia at the highest level. His journey also took him to the U.S.,...

Marlee is joined by one of the biggest current family names in rugby league - Tom, Jake and Ben Trbojevic.  Known for their talent, toughness, and humility, the boys open up about family, culture, and the journey from playing footy in the backyard to representing their club, state, and country. It’s a chat about brotherhood, sacrifice, and what drives them both on and off the field. See...

At just 26 years old, Nathan Cleary already boasts three premiership titles, state and national representation, and is widely regarded as one of the best in the game. In this final episode of Marlee and Me Season 1, Nathan welcomes us into his childhood home, which he purchased from his parents a few years ago. Growing up with a father who was an NRL coach and quickly catching the attention of fan...

Widely regarded as one of the best to ever play the game, and recently inducted into the NRL’s Hall of Fame, Johnathan Thurston is an icon.  Famous for his 2015 grand final field goal, his uncanny ability to curve conversions from the sideline, and his infectious laugh. Today, beyond his legendary footy career, we explore his life, fatherhood, family, and finding pride in his identity as an Aborig...

Connor Watson, Roosters and Blues star, co-founded the nonprofit Cultural Choice Association, which supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children by helping them access mental health resources. The organisation gained attention during the NRL’s Indigenous round with football boots featuring Aboriginal art. Over the years, Cultural Choice Association has made a significant impact on the y...

One of the most exciting wingers in the NRL, the Cronulla Sharks’ Ronaldo Mulitalo has made a name for himself through his try scoring acrobatics and a passion on the field that sometimes boils over and gets under his opponents skin.  Off the field, he’s larger than life! A true extrovert that describes himself as someone who gets his energy from being around his teammates and having a good time. ...

In this episode we sit down with Brisbane Broncos forward Jordan Riki.  Jordan’s journey from growing up in New Zealand to making his mark in the NRL is nothing short of inspiring.  We’ll dive deep into the role his family and culture have played in shaping the man he is today. We’re also lucky enough to have Jordan’s Grandfather or Koroua join us for a yarn. We also discuss the challenge Jordan f...

Kalyn Ponga, superstar fullback at the Newcastle Knights. 2023 Dally M Medalist, a sporting prodigy who, at the age of 15 was being head hunted by six clubs across three different sports. That story is the one most rugby league fans have heard of. This isn’t that story. Kalyn Ponga, the proud Maori man, the big brother, the loyal friend the proud son That’s who you’ll hear from in this episode. Si...