By the Balls

Ross and John discuss the best sports films they have seen, the best sports books they have read, the best matches they have been to and covered as journalists, their best sports interviews and best sports stories. They also talk about the news of the week, such as Shaun Wane's Ashes bid with England and a blow to Scotland Rugby League.

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Ross and John are back together (in different houses of course) to talk about the impact of the Coronavirus on the world of sport and chat about the future of UK rugby league, what might happen in Super League, whether promotion and relegation will be scrapped, Liverpool FC's controversial move to furlough staff and more in this strange self-isolating time.

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Our special guest is Hull KR halfback Ryan Brierley. Ryan talks to us about his career, the 2020 Super League season, his upbringing in Bolton, his breaking through at Leigh, brief spell at Huddersfield and time at Toronto. He gives us his take on North American expansion and chats to us about his experiences in the international arena with Scotland.

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We catch up with Warrington Wolves and England international Mike Cooper. Mike tells us about his journey in rugby league, his time with Warrington, his spell in the NRL, his experiences in grand finals and Challenge Cup finals, dealing with pressure, working under Steve Price and his plans off the field.

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John catches up with Salford Red Devils hooker Joey Lussick. They talk about the 2020 Super League season, Joey's spell with Salford, his background and family, his friendship with Joey Lussick, his upbringing in Sydney, the 2019 grand final and a lot more.

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John interviews Leeds Rhinos prop Adam Cuthbertson. They talk about the 2020 Super League season, the changes at Leeds and Adam's future. They also go through Adam's background and journey in rugby league, coming through the ranks at Manly, playing in the NRL, the impact Wayne Bennett had on him and more.

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John was in Liverpool for the launch of the New York Rugby League club. He interviews club CEO Ricky Wilby and finds out the plans for the new team in North America. He also gets reaction from veteran journalist Steve Mascord and League Weekly editor Paul Bennett on New York.

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Super League champs St Helens take on NRL premiers the Roosters in the 2020 World Club Challenge. John heads to the Totally Wicked Stadium to hear from Trent Robinson, Kristian Woolf, James Roby, Mitchell Aubussson, Jonny Lomax and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves ahead of the game. He is also joined by St Helens CEO Mike Rush and The Sun's rugby league reporter Gary Carter.

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John is joined by the creative director of Super League and head of The City Talking, Lee Hicken. Lee talks about his work in rugby league, the rebranding of the sport and the new documentary series We Play League. He also chats about his background, his involvement in sport and his two films on Leeds United.

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Sheffield Eagles utility and United States international Corey Makelim is our special guest. He talks to us about his upbringing in western Sydney, his time with the Parramatta Eels, representing America, playing in the 2017 World Cup, his spell with Sheffield, scoring a try at Wembley, experiencing the 2019 Nines World Cup and more.

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