By the Balls

Ross and John sit down for the first episode of 2019 to talk about the Challenge Cup fiasco involving Catalans Dragons, the coming 2019 Super League season, Robert Elstone's promise of new beginnings and RFL bumbling. They also touch on the incident between Sale head coach Steve Diamond and journalist Sam Peters, look at the recent Manchester City win over Liverpool and muse on the stunning FA Cup third round.

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John and Ross talk with Forty20 magazine editory Phil Caplan at Headingley Stadium about Leeds Rhinos, the Dave Furner era, the state of Super League, the prospect of a Eddie and Barry Hearn takeover and the appointment of Tony Adams by the RFL.

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John goes one on one with Warrington Wolves CEO Karl Fitzpatrick to discuss the state of Super League, Warrington's 2018 campaign, plans for 2019, the Robert Elston era and more.

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Ross catches up with Mick Hogan, the commercial director of Newcastle Falcons and chairman of Newcastle Thunder, to talk rugby union, rugby league, the moving of Magic Weekend, bidding for 2021 World Cup games and the battle for rugby eyeballs and fans in the north-east.

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We chew the fat with Sheffield Eagles coach Mark Aston as he takes us through the turbulent recent history of the Eagles, plans to play Toronto in Belgrade in 2019, Sheffield's bid for 2021 World Cup games, his time as coach of Ireland and more.

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John and Ross chew the fat with former Super League and NRL winger Brian Carney. Now the face of Sky Sports' Super League coverage, Carney give his frank assessment on the state of rugby league in England, what needs to change, media strategy, public relations, the change in governance and the international game.

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John and Ross analyse the first two tests of the series between England and New Zealand, look at the impact of Wayne Bennett and the emergence of England as a real force. They also touch on the meeting between the All Blacks and England this weekend and look at the latest in Premier League, Championship and Champions League football.

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The team preview the England vs New Zealand Rugby League three Test series from the launch at Elland Road. They interview Kodi Nikorima, Elliot Whitehead, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Jesse Bromwich ahead of the first Test in Hull.

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Ross and John tackle the latest in Premier League and Championship football, from Jose Mourinho's sideline run-in to impressive Arsenal, Newcastle's wobbles, Middlesbrough top and Ipswich in trouble. They also look at the ups and downs at Sale, a growing trend of contentious red cards in rugby union, and touch on the Super League grand final and the latest in international rugby league.

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