100,000+ Books, Games & Puzzles in-stock πŸ‡³πŸ‡Ώ

Overnight NZ-wide delivery on in-stock orders πŸš€

Tries, Lies and Meat Pies

The Sam Thaiday story
3.6 goodreads logo

Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.

Check link for latest rating.
( 60 ratings, 10 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Tries, Lies and Meat Pies by Sam Thaiday and James Colley is a candid and entertaining autobiography that explores the life and career of Sam Thaiday, an Australian rugby league legend. The book provides insights into Sam's rise in rugby league, his experiences on and off the field, and the challenges he faced throughout his journey. It's infused with humour, honesty, and a genuine love for the sport, showcasing Sam's larger-than-life personality.
Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$4000
AVAILABLE WITH SUPPLIER Ships from our Auckland warehouse within 4-6 weeks

Found a better price? Request a price match

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're a fan of rugby league and appreciate stories that blend humour with insight into the life of a professional athlete. The book offers a behind-the-scenes look at the world of sports through the eyes of Sam Thaiday, known for his humour and honesty, making it a delightful read for both sports enthusiasts and those who enjoy a good laugh.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

The autobiography of one rugby league's greatest characters.

Tries, Lies and Meat Pies is penned by Sam Thaiday, one of rugby league's most highly regarded and respected players. Often seen as one of the last true larrikins of the game, Sam has entertained Brisbane Broncos, Queensland State of Origin, and Australian fans over his sixteen-year career.

But behind that playful facade and infectious grin is a deeply caring and thoughtful individual, a family man who is passionate about working for equality in the community. Sam's book reveals his family connections to the Torres Strait, how it was his mum who taught him how to pass, tackle, and how to throw a punch (just in case it ever came up), how he married his high-school sweetheart, and his wishes for his daughters' futures.

He will also tell how this Townsville boy and die-hard Cowboys fan ended up a Broncos star. A one-club player, a rarity in the game today, he relives the high points of his career, including the 2006 premiership, his 2008 Dally M Award, and his many representative caps. He tells some of the wild stories from behind the scenes of the club and representative training camps, with a cast of characters all NRL fans will recognise.

This is Sam's unique story, told with his trademark humour, humility, and honesty.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780143791584

Publisher: Random House Australia

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 30 July 2018

Country: Australia

Imprint: Ebury Australia

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 30.0mm

Width: 159.0mm

Height: 240.0mm

Weight: 500g

Pages: 352

About the Author

Sam Thaiday (Author) Sam Thaiday played for the Brisbane Broncos for sixteen years in the NRL. He is a former Broncos captain, an Australian international and Queensland State of Origin representative, and was a member of the victorious Australian 2013 Rugby League World Cup team. He received numerous awards over his career, including the Dally M award for second-row forward of the year, was named in the Indigenous Australian Rugby League Team of the Century, won a premiership title with the Brisbane Broncos and was awarded the coveted Ken Stephen Medal for his tireless efforts to help close the gap on Indigenous health and youth issues. Sam, who is of Torres Strait Islander descent, was born in Sydney and raised in Townsville with his four brothers. He played rugby league football for the Brothers club in Townsville, attending Kirwan State High School. Off-field, Sam is a long-time Nine Network personality and also hosts a successful Saturday morning radio show called Thank God It's Thaiday on Nova.

Also by Sam Thaiday

View all
  • How the Fish Got Their Bones
    Pre-order
    How the Fish Got Their Bones
    Stories are our historyPassed on down the lineBut sometimes they get lostAnd jumbled over time This story is about the fishIn all their scaly tones -The story of the fishAnd how they got their bones Sam Thaiday, Broncos legend, brings to vivid life a powerful teaching story from the Torres Strait. When two boys encounter an old man on the...
    Hardback
    $2299
    Pre-order
    Out 4 Aug 2026

More from Sports

View all
  • Formula One 2026
    The world's bestselling Grand Prix handbook is back for the new season. This is the definitive guide to Formula One 2026 β€” a complete examination of all the teams, drivers, and tracks featured in the packed Grand Prix calendar. Also including a full review of the 2025 season and a breakdown of the new rules and regulations for 2026, this...
    Paperback
    $3800
    Elsewhere:
    $4499
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Legends and Soles
    The brilliant autobiography from the β€˜saviour of Nike’ If you’re a sneaker head, you know him as the saviour of Nike. If you’ve watched Air, you saw Matt Damon’s portrayal of the man who discovered Michael Jordan and how he revolutionised the payment structure of endorsements for athletes. Legends and Soles tells Sonny’s story – his blind-sided firing by Nike...
    Paperback
    $3200
    Elsewhere:
    $3999
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Surviving to Drive
    A hugely entertaining access-all-areas account of a year inside Formula 1, from Haas F1 team principal Guenther Steiner, star of Drive to Survive, one of the most successful Netflix series of all time. THE INSTANT NUMBER ONE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER 'Gripping to read. Funny, real, exciting. It's a brilliant book.' - Chris Evans 'Fearless and candid... A gleeful guide to...
    Paperback
    $2400
    Elsewhere:
    $3000
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • The Good, the Bad & the Rugby – Unleashed
    The long-awaited book from rugby stars Alex Payne, James Haskell and Mike Tindall. Rugby megastars James Haskell, Mike Tindall, and Alex Payne get together to discuss the highs and lows of their podcast, friendship, and rugby. Among the key questions answered: What happened when Mike took their shambles of a podcast inside the walls of Windsor Castle to meet the...
    Hardback
    $5500
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Gloves Off
    The unflinching autobiography from the two-time world heavyweight champion and British People's Champion, Tyson Fury, now out in paperback, Gloves Off is an enthralling journey into the life of one of boxing's most charismatic and controversial figures. From his humble beginnings to his meteoric rise and dramatic falls, Fury’s story is a testament to the indomitable human spirit. In this...
    Paperback
    $2800
    Elsewhere:
    $3000
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • The Salt Path
    The Salt Path is a deeply moving and profoundly inspiring true story that captures the essence of human resilience and the profound impact of nature on our well-being. This compelling narrative, a Sunday Times bestseller and shortlisted for the prestigious Wainwright Prize, recounts the life-changing journey of Raynor and Moth Winnβ€”a couple who, facing monumental life challenges, find solace and...
    Paperback
    $2300
    Elsewhere:
    $2600
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • The Salt Path
    The bestselling true story of the couple who lost everything and embarked on a journey not of escape but salvation, soon to be a major motion picture starring Golden Globe winning Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs. Just days after Raynor learns that Moth, her husband of 32 years, is terminally ill, the couple lose their home and their livelihood. With...
    Paperback
    $2700
    Elsewhere:
    $3000
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • States of Play
    The International Bestseller & Winner of the Football Book of the Year Award A Times Sports Book of the Year A Telegraph Book of the Year An Irish Times Book of the Year An Irish Independent Book of the Year 'Important, perfectly timed and hugely necessary.' The Guardian 'A monumental piece of investigative journalism.' Irish Times 'A must-read on how...
    Paperback
    $2999
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • The Swimmer of Auschwitz
    Pre-order
    The Swimmer of Auschwitz
    'Propulsive... Readers will be hooked' - Publishers Weekly Based on the extraordinary true story of Alfred Nakache, subject of the Oscar-nominated short film Papillon. Alfred Nakache, a Jewish child from Constantine, never imagined that he would one day swim for France at the Olympic Games in Berlin in 1936, nor that he would achieve a world record, as he did...
    Paperback
    $2799
    Pre-order
    Out 11 Aug 2026
  • The Formula
    A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER 'HANDS DOWN THE GREATEST BOOK EVER WRITTEN ABOUT F1.' - Sam Walker, author of The Captain Class 'MODERN F1 IS THE SPORTS STORY OF THIS ERA AND NO ONE COULD TELL IT BETTER' - Kevin Clark, ESPN 'THE FASTEST READ YOU WILL EVER PICK UP' - A.J. Baime, author of Go Like Hell F1 is...
    Paperback
    $2600
    Elsewhere:
    $2999
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Breath
    Discover the transformative power of breathing in Breath by esteemed journalist James Nestor. This revolutionary book delves into the science and history of one of the most fundamental human activities - breathing. From the bustling streets of SΓ£o Paulo to the serene temples of India, Nestor embarks on a global journey to uncover the secrets of ancient breathing techniques such...
    Paperback
    $2100
    Elsewhere:
    $2600
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Forever Forward
    With a foreword by McLaren CEO Zak Brown and written with inside access, this is the real-time, unfolding story of one of F1's greatest ever teams, as they rise back up from oblivion. Few names in motorsports carry the same authority as McLaren, and with their remarkable victory in the 2024 constructors championship, they are now returning to form in...
    Hardback
    $4000
    Elsewhere:
    $6000
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships today

Why buy from us?

Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!

Service & Delivery

Service & Delivery

Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 100,000 books, toys, board games and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.

Auckland Bookstore

Auckland Bookstore

We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.

Our Gifting Service

Our Gifting Service

Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.