Sport Is Life

Episode Summary:

The Rugby League World Cup has delivered one of its greatest spectacles, and now we're heading into two blockbuster semi-finals!

Ian and Steve look back at an extraordinary Sunday at CommBank Stadium, where Tonga and Samoa produced an unforgettable contest. The passion, the atmosphere, the physicality and the noise from the crowd were something special. But with Tonga advancing to face New Zealand and Samoa preparing to take on Australia, could we be heading towards a World Cup final without the Kangaroos?

Australia might be undefeated, but Ian and Steve have serious concerns about the Kangaroos' forward pack. They've struggled to dominate the middle throughout the tournament, and Samoa have the size, aggression and confidence to make life extremely difficult. Could Ronald Volkman's inclusion provide the attacking spark Samoa need to cause a massive upset?

Meanwhile, Steve believes Tonga and New Zealand have been the two best teams in the competition. Their semi-final promises an enormous battle through the middle, with Kalyn Ponga's availability potentially deciding the outcome. The boys also question whether Tonga and Samoa will benefit from last weekend's emotional encounter or struggle to back it up.

Away from the World Cup, the November 1 NRL transfer frenzy hasn't quite materialised, but the speculation is building.

Sam Walker's future at the Roosters remains uncertain, with PNG emerging as a possible destination. Bradman Best, Bostock, Hudson Young, Cameron Munster and Harry Grant are all part of the discussion as clubs position themselves for the next wave of player movements.

The boys also debate whether the Perth Bears have recruited enough quality to be competitive in their inaugural season, particularly if Matt Burton joins the club. And there's a remarkable twist in Josh Addo-Carr's situation at Parramatta following a negative B-sample result.

Plus, a tribute to Bulldogs great Paul Langmack, a discussion about England's disappointing World Cup campaign and why the growth of Pacific rugby league could change the international game forever.

Four nations. Two semi-finals. And for the first time in a long time, nobody can confidently predict who'll be playing in the World Cup final.

About the Host:

Ian Hawkins is dedicated to showing how sports can transform lives. With extensive experience as an athlete, a coach, PE teacher, community volunteer, and manager at Fox Sports, Ian brings a wealth of knowledge to the podcast. His journey began in his backyard, mentored by his older brother, and has since evolved into coaching elite athletes and business leaders. Ian's commitment to sports and personal development is evident in his roles as a performance coach and active community member. Through "Sport Is Life," Ian shares inspiring stories and valuable lessons to help listeners apply sports principles to all areas of life.

Check Me Out On:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ianhawkinscoaching

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ianhawkinscoaching

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SportIsLife-IanHawkins

Theme Music Artist:

One Day Kings https://www.instagram.com/onedaykings/

See https://www.captivate.fm/privacy-policy-for-listeners for privacy information.

Episode Summary:

The NRL season might be over, but the drama is only getting started!

With November 1 approaching, Ian and Steve dive into one of the most extraordinary player markets in recent memory. Big-money offers, contract negotiations falling apart, expansion clubs circling and some of rugby league's biggest names potentially on the move.

Sam Walker's contract situation at the Roosters raises plenty of questions. Do the premiers really want to keep their young halfback, or have they got something bigger planned? Ian throws up an intriguing possibility involving Mitchell Moses and Parramatta, while the boys discuss the speculation surrounding Tom Dearden and Herbie Farnworth.

Hudson Young's contract negotiations spark another debate about player valuations, the salary cap and whether the NRL's rules are creating unintended problems. There's also plenty to unpack at Melbourne, with Cameron Munster and Harry Grant attracting attention, and the Perth Bears and PNG preparing to reshape the player market.

The boys then turn their attention to the worrying state of English rugby league. With the NRL's proposed investment in Super League rejected, can the English game find a way to rebuild its popularity, attract better players and become a genuine international force again?

On the field, Australia has survived another scare, this time against Fiji. Ian and Steve question whether the Kangaroos have the forward power, backline balance and intensity to handle the tournament's strongest nations when the knockout matches arrive.

And then there's the blockbuster everyone is waiting for.

Tonga v Samoa at CommBank Stadium.

Two proud Pacific nations, enormous forward packs, passionate supporters and a rivalry that promises an extraordinary atmosphere. The boys preview the battle, discuss what it means for the semi-finals and explain why this fixture deserves a regular place on the international rugby league calendar.

Plus, previews of England v PNG, New Zealand v Fiji and Australia v Cook Islands.

How good is rugby league when the biggest stories keep coming, even after the NRL season ends?

About the Host:

Ian Hawkins is dedicated to showing how sports can transform lives. With extensive experience as an athlete, a coach, PE teacher, community volunteer, and manager at Fox Sports, Ian brings a wealth of knowledge to the podcast. His journey began in his backyard, mentored by his older brother, and has since evolved into coaching elite athletes and business leaders. Ian's commitment to sports and personal development is evident in his roles as a performance coach and active community member. Through "Sport Is Life," Ian shares inspiring stories and valuable lessons to help listeners apply sports principles to all areas of life.

Check Me Out On:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ianhawkinscoaching

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ianhawkinscoaching

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SportIsLife-IanHawkins

Theme Music Artist:

One Day Kings https://www.instagram.com/onedaykings/

See https://www.captivate.fm/privacy-policy-for-listeners for privacy information.

Episode Summary:

How wrong can three blokes get their NRL predictions?

With the 2026 NRL season officially in the books, Ian and Steve look back at their preseason ladder predictions, the calls they made throughout the year and the moments that made this one of the most unpredictable seasons in recent memory.

Some predictions were pretty good. Others were absolute disasters!

The Newcastle Knights made fools of just about everyone, going from wooden spooners in 2025 to Grand Finalists in 2026. Meanwhile, the Melbourne Storm and Brisbane Broncos were tipped to finish near the top but missed the finals altogether. Ian and Steve revisit where they got it right, where they got it horribly wrong and how quickly their opinions changed as the season unfolded.

Then there's Lyle, a Dragons supporter who wasn't shy about criticising the boys' predictions before submitting his own ladder. With all three ladders scored, who comes out on top, and who earns bragging rights for the summer?

The boys also revisit their State of Origin predictions, Nathan Cleary's Dally M Medal, the Rookie of the Year debate and Ian's remarkable rollercoaster of opinions on the Cronulla Sharks.

Beyond the predictions, Ian and Steve reflect on their favourite moments of 2026, including Newcastle's incredible finals run, New South Wales' Origin triumph and the powerful displays of passion and community that make rugby league special.

There's also plenty of discussion about the changing interpretation of the rules, the impact on different teams and whether the game got its balance right.

Plus, the boys share some exciting plans for Sport Is Life in 2027, including live YouTube episodes, more fan involvement and taking the show on the road.

The predictions might have been questionable, but the entertainment certainly wasn't!

About the Host:

Ian Hawkins is dedicated to showing how sports can transform lives. With extensive experience as an athlete, a coach, PE teacher, community volunteer, and manager at Fox Sports, Ian brings a wealth of knowledge to the podcast. His journey began in his backyard, mentored by his older brother, and has since evolved into coaching elite athletes and business leaders. Ian's commitment to sports and personal development is evident in his roles as a performance coach and active community member. Through "Sport Is Life," Ian shares inspiring stories and valuable lessons to help listeners apply sports principles to all areas of life.

Check Me Out On:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ianhawkinscoaching

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ianhawkinscoaching

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SportIsLife-IanHawkins

Theme Music Artist:

One Day Kings https://www.instagram.com/onedaykings/

See https://www.captivate.fm/privacy-policy-for-listeners for privacy information.

Episode Summary:

Australia got the win, but did New Zealand expose some serious weaknesses in the Kangaroos?

After an extraordinary opening weekend of the Rugby League World Cup, Ian and Steve break down the performances, surprises and biggest talking points from a tournament that's already exceeding expectations.

The Kangaroos survived a massive challenge from the Kiwis, but New Zealand dominated the middle, controlled field position and arguably deserved to win. The boys discuss Australia's defensive resilience, Reece Walsh's brilliance, Kalyn Ponga's courageous performance despite a broken arm, and why the Kiwis remain genuine World Cup contenders.

And after questioning several Australian selections before the tournament, Ian and Steve are happy to admit they got a few things wrong!

Tonga made an enormous statement against England, with a devastating forward pack and a disciplined performance that has them looking like serious premiership contenders. The boys explain why England weren't necessarily poor; Tonga were simply that good.

Samoa put France to the sword, but how much can we read into such a one-sided contest? There's also plenty of praise for PNG's performance against Lebanon, Fiji's win over the Cook Islands and the passion and atmosphere surrounding the Pacific nations.

Looking ahead to Round 2, Ian and Steve preview the key matchups, including PNG's home clash with Samoa, Australia's selection questions against Fiji and England's increasingly difficult path to the semi-finals.

Plus, the boys discuss the growing gap between NRL and Northern Hemisphere rugby league, the remarkable talent emerging across the Pacific and why this could be one of the most entertaining World Cups we've seen.

The heavyweights have arrived, but nobody's got their hands on the trophy yet.

About the Host:

Ian Hawkins is dedicated to showing how sports can transform lives. With extensive experience as an athlete, a coach, PE teacher, community volunteer, and manager at Fox Sports, Ian brings a wealth of knowledge to the podcast. His journey began in his backyard, mentored by his older brother, and has since evolved into coaching elite athletes and business leaders. Ian's commitment to sports and personal development is evident in his roles as a performance coach and active community member. Through "Sport Is Life," Ian shares inspiring stories and valuable lessons to help listeners apply sports principles to all areas of life.

Check Me Out On:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ianhawkinscoaching

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ianhawkinscoaching

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SportIsLife-IanHawkins

Theme Music Artist:

One Day Kings https://www.instagram.com/onedaykings/

See https://www.captivate.fm/privacy-policy-for-listeners for privacy information.

Episode Summary:

Is Australia about to lose its grip on international rugby league?

With the 2026 NRL season finished, Ian and Steve turn their attention to what could be one of the most competitive Rugby League World Cups we've seen. And Steve isn't holding back. He believes New Zealand have the strongest squad in the tournament and questions whether the Kangaroos will even make the final.

The boys break down Australia's predicted selections, including the controversial decision to start Reece Walsh ahead of Clive Churchill Medal winner James Tedesco. With concerns about Australia's forward pack, several players coming off inconsistent seasons and powerful challenges from New Zealand, Tonga and Samoa, could the Kangaroos be in serious trouble?

There's also the looming November 1 contract frenzy, with some of the NRL's biggest names approaching the open market. Cameron Munster, Harry Grant, Nathan Cleary, Sam Walker and Herbie Farnworth are among the players discussed, along with Spencer Leniu's move to Parramatta and Peter O'Sullivan's recruitment role at the Broncos.

Ian and Steve pay tribute to retiring Roosters great Daniel Tupou before completing their 2026 season reviews.

For Newcastle, it's a remarkable turnaround from wooden spooners to Grand Finalists, driven by Justin Holbrook's influence, Kalyn Ponga's leadership and a group of young players who refused to take a backward step.

For the premiership-winning Roosters, it's a story of patience, defensive improvement and outstanding young talent, with Trent Robinson's side timing its run to perfection.

Plus, the boys preview the opening World Cup matches and give their predictions.

About the Host:

Ian Hawkins is dedicated to showing how sports can transform lives. With extensive experience as an athlete, a coach, PE teacher, community volunteer, and manager at Fox Sports, Ian brings a wealth of knowledge to the podcast. His journey began in his backyard, mentored by his older brother, and has since evolved into coaching elite athletes and business leaders. Ian's commitment to sports and personal development is evident in his roles as a performance coach and active community member. Through "Sport Is Life," Ian shares inspiring stories and valuable lessons to help listeners apply sports principles to all areas of life.

Check Me Out On:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ianhawkinscoaching

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ianhawkinscoaching

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SportIsLife-IanHawkins

Theme Music Artist:

One Day Kings https://www.instagram.com/onedaykings/

See https://www.captivate.fm/privacy-policy-for-listeners for privacy information.

The Sydney Roosters are the 2026 NRL Premiers.

Ian and Steve wrap up the Grand Final and break down a remarkably controlled Roosters performance that eventually wore down a Newcastle side that simply refused to go away.

Despite falling 12–0 behind, the Roosters never panicked. They dominated field position, completed at 90%, repeatedly forced Newcastle to work out of their own end and trusted an elite defensive system that has been building throughout the season. Rather than asking how Newcastle lost a 12-point lead, the boys argue this was a Grand Final the Roosters won through relentless pressure, discipline and control.

James Tedesco caps an outstanding season with the Clive Churchill Medal after another enormous performance, prompting the question of where he now sits among the great fullbacks of the modern era. There’s also a huge farewell performance from Mark Nawaqanitawase, Spencer Leniu’s devastating impact from the bench, and some brilliant individual stories throughout the Roosters’ premiership-winning side.

But Newcastle deserve plenty of credit too. Despite being starved of possession and field position, missing key forwards and looking physically exhausted, they were still within striking distance in the final minutes. Kalyn Ponga produced an extraordinary individual performance, while Newcastle’s young forwards showed exactly why there is so much excitement around what this team could become.

Ian and Steve also reflect on the incredible support Newcastle received throughout Grand Final week and what the Knights’ remarkable rise has meant to the Hunter community.

Then attention turns to the Rugby League World Cup and the Australian squad, including some notable omissions and whether the Kangaroos have enough size through the middle to handle the powerful Kiwi, Tongan and Samoan packs.

Season one done. What a way to finish it.

About the Host:

Ian Hawkins is dedicated to showing how sports can transform lives. With extensive experience as an athlete, a coach, PE teacher, community volunteer, and manager at Fox Sports, Ian brings a wealth of knowledge to the podcast. His journey began in his backyard, mentored by his older brother, and has since evolved into coaching elite athletes and business leaders. Ian's commitment to sports and personal development is evident in his roles as a performance coach and active community member. Through "Sport Is Life," Ian shares inspiring stories and valuable lessons to help listeners apply sports principles to all areas of life.

Check Me Out On:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ianhawkinscoaching

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ianhawkinscoaching

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SportIsLife-IanHawkins

Theme Music Artist:

One Day Kings https://www.instagram.com/onedaykings/

See https://www.captivate.fm/privacy-policy-for-listeners for privacy information.

Episode Summary:

It all comes down to this.

The Sydney Roosters and Newcastle Knights meet in the 2026 NRL Grand Final, and Ian and Steve break down the match-ups and moments that could decide the premiership.

The Roosters arrive with big-game experience throughout their side and a defence that has become increasingly difficult to break down. Newcastle come in from the opposite direction; a young team riding an extraordinary wave of momentum after fighting their way past South Sydney, the Warriors and Penrith. Can that youthful fearlessness carry them through one more enormous challenge, or will the Roosters’ experience prove decisive when the pressure reaches its highest point?

Then there’s the battle of the superstar fullbacks. Kalyn Ponga is producing some of the best football of his career, while James Tedesco remains one of the game’s great big-match performers. If the forward packs cancel each other out, could Ponga or Tedesco be the player who unlocks the Grand Final?

The battle through the middle could be even more important. Newcastle’s young forwards have continued to defy expectations, but now face an experienced Roosters pack while dealing with the enormous loss of Phoenix Crossland. Ian and Steve look at how Newcastle can survive the opening exchanges, where each team can attack, and why the first 20 minutes could shape the entire game.

Plus, do the fairytales actually matter? From Daly Cherry-Evans’ final game to Newcastle’s remarkable run and the similarities to their famous 1997 premiership, there are storylines everywhere. But once the ball is kicked off, does any of it make a difference?

Ian and Steve also review the seasons of the Dolphins, Warriors and Panthers before making their Grand Final calls.

One game. Two very different journeys. Who handles the pressure?

About the Host:

Ian Hawkins is dedicated to showing how sports can transform lives. With extensive experience as an athlete, a coach, PE teacher, community volunteer, and manager at Fox Sports, Ian brings a wealth of knowledge to the podcast. His journey began in his backyard, mentored by his older brother, and has since evolved into coaching elite athletes and business leaders. Ian's commitment to sports and personal development is evident in his roles as a performance coach and active community member. Through "Sport Is Life," Ian shares inspiring stories and valuable lessons to help listeners apply sports principles to all areas of life.

Check Me Out On:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ianhawkinscoaching

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ianhawkinscoaching

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SportIsLife-IanHawkins

Theme Music Artist:

One Day Kings https://www.instagram.com/onedaykings/

See https://www.captivate.fm/privacy-policy-for-listeners for privacy information.

If you want to get support directly from us to remove your repetitive self-doubt, join our FREE community: The Sport Is Life Movement - https://www.facebook.com/groups/sportislife

Ready to gain the clarity and direction to move forward with purpose, especially when life throws you a curveball? Join the Game Plan training today. https://www.ianhawkinscoaching.com/gameplanmembership

Episode Summary:

How good is rugby league? After an extraordinary weekend of preliminary finals, Ian and Steve break down the two performances that have set up a fascinating NRL Grand Final between the Newcastle Knights and Sydney Roosters.

Newcastle produced one of the great finals performances to eliminate Penrith, somehow holding the Panthers out despite playing almost the entire second half with 12 men following Phoenix Crossland’s send-off. The boys unpack the Knights’ incredible defensive effort, the performances of Sandon Smith, Kalyn Ponga and Bradman Best, and the unbelievable support from the Newcastle fans. They also debate whether Crossland should have been sent off for the tackle that left Nathan Cleary with a broken foot, and what Penrith’s elimination means after years of dominating the competition.

On the other side of the draw, the Roosters dominated the Dolphins to book their place in the Grand Final. Their forward pack took control early, their completion rate remained strong and Sam Walker’s return added another dimension to an attack already hitting form at exactly the right time. Ian and Steve look at where the Dolphins missed their opportunity and why the Roosters have become such a difficult team to stop.

Plus, Will Badel returns with the Grand Final numbers, including an extraordinary piece of history: either Newcastle will become the team that wins the premiership from outside the top four, or the Roosters will break the long-standing hoodoo around teams conceding 50 points in a season. Something has to give.

About the Host:

Ian Hawkins is dedicated to showing how sports can transform lives. With extensive experience as an athlete, a coach, PE teacher, community volunteer, and manager at Fox Sports, Ian brings a wealth of knowledge to the podcast. His journey began in his backyard, mentored by his older brother, and has since evolved into coaching elite athletes and business leaders. Ian's commitment to sports and personal development is evident in his roles as a performance coach and active community member. Through "Sport Is Life," Ian shares inspiring stories and valuable lessons to help listeners apply sports principles to all areas of life.

Check Me Out On:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ianhawkinscoaching

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ianhawkinscoaching

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SportIsLife-IanHawkins

Theme Music Artist:

One Day Kings https://www.instagram.com/onedaykings/

See https://www.captivate.fm/privacy-policy-for-listeners for privacy information.

If you want to get support directly from us to remove your repetitive self-doubt, join our FREE community: The Sport Is Life Movement - https://www.facebook.com/groups/sportislife

Ready to gain the clarity and direction to move forward with purpose, especially when life throws you a curveball? Join the Game Plan training today. https://www.ianhawkinscoaching.com/gameplanmembership

Shane’s website - https://thesteadyadvantage.com

Episode Summary:

Former NRL forward Shane Shackleton joins Ian Hawkins for a conversation full of laughs, honesty and some brilliant rugby league stories. Shack takes us back to his first-grade debut under Ricky Stuart, including the questionable decision to give his famously hard-edged coach some cheek after celebrating a little too enthusiastically. There’s also the story of believing he’d put a huge shot on Petero Civoniceva, only to realise the Broncos legend had barely noticed. But underneath the humour is a much deeper story about the pressures of professional sport and the person behind the footballer.

Shack reflects on the parts of his career he wishes he understood differently; trying to be liked, using humour as a shield, playing below what he now believes was his potential, and constantly searching for the small edges while caught inside the pressure of professional footy. He speaks openly about the difficulty of stepping away from the game and the questions that followed retirement; particularly what happens when the identity you’ve built your life around suddenly disappears.

The conversation also explores his horrific injury and recovery, the emotional side of elite sport, fatherhood, self-belief and the perspective that only came once he had enough distance from his playing career to look back clearly. It’s a funny episode, but also a powerful conversation about identity, regret, growth and the lessons athletes often don’t fully understand until their careers are over.

About the Guest:

Shane Shackleton

Former NRL player, Counsellor, Performance coach and Founder of The Steady Advantage.

Shane Shackleton is a former NRL player, counsellor, performance coach and founder of The Steady Advantage.

He spent close to a decade playing professional rugby league with clubs including the Sydney Roosters and Parramatta Eels—essentially getting folded in half for a living while learning firsthand what pressure does to people.

After football, Shane’s path was anything but linear. He worked as a prison officer, immigration officer and truck driver before moving into counselling, coaching and human performance.

That mix of professional sport, real-world experience and formal training shaped the work he does today.

Through The Steady Advantage, Shane helps individuals, leaders and teams understand the patterns operating beneath their performance—the automatic responses that can quietly limit confidence, decision-making, leadership and action.

His work combines psychology, neuroscience and lived experience, then strips away the jargon so people can actually use it when pressure arrives.

Links:/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-shackleton-8a618574/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shaneshackleton_/?hl=en

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/shane-shackleton-interview/id1609818659?i=1000682396605

Website: https://thesteadyadvantage.com

If you want to get support directly from us to remove your repetitive self-doubt, join our FREE community: The Sport Is Life Movement - https://www.facebook.com/groups/sportislife

Ready to gain the clarity and direction to move forward with purpose, especially when life throws you a curveball? Join the Game Plan training today. https://www.ianhawkinscoaching.com/gameplanmembership

Episode Summary:

IS SAM WALKER’S RETURN RIDICULOUS OR BRILLIANT?

Sam Walker is back just 24 days after syndesmosis surgery; and with a Grand Final spot on the line, the Roosters are taking one hell of a gamble.

But they’re not the only team rolling the dice.

Nathan Cleary is battling his own injury concerns as Penrith prepare to face a Newcastle side that just keeps finding a way to win. Could the Knights actually knock off the Panthers and complete one of the great NRL turnarounds?

We preview both Preliminary Finals; Dolphins v Roosters and Panthers v Knights; and look at where each game could be won and lost.

We also ask whether South Sydney are low-balling Cody Walker, with the veteran five-eighth reportedly being offered around $300,000 for another season. And with Latrell Mitchell also heading towards the open market, are Souths preparing for a significant change in direction?

Then there’s the referees.

After another week dominated by controversial decisions, have the officials and bunker become too big a story in the NRL Finals; and is the system itself setting referees up to fail?

We also continue our 2026 season reviews with the Cowboys, Rabbitohs and Sharks; what went right, what went wrong and what gives each club hope heading into 2027.

Is bringing Sam Walker back just 24 days after surgery ridiculous or brilliant? Let us know what you reckon in the comments.

About the Host:

Ian Hawkins is dedicated to showing how sports can transform lives. With extensive experience as an athlete, a coach, PE teacher, community volunteer, and manager at Fox Sports, Ian brings a wealth of knowledge to the podcast. His journey began in his backyard, mentored by his older brother, and has since evolved into coaching elite athletes and business leaders. Ian's commitment to sports and personal development is evident in his roles as a performance coach and active community member. Through "Sport Is Life," Ian shares inspiring stories and valuable lessons to help listeners apply sports principles to all areas of life.

Check Me Out On:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ianhawkinscoaching

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ianhawkinscoaching

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SportIsLife-IanHawkins

Theme Music Artist:

One Day Kings https://www.instagram.com/onedaykings/

See https://www.captivate.fm/privacy-policy-for-listeners for privacy information.