Sport Is Life

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Episode Summary:

The NRL finals are here and the week-one matchups are locked in. Ian and Steve look ahead to four huge games; Rabbitohs v Knights, Warriors v Dolphins, Sharks v Cowboys and Panthers v Roosters; and ask whether one qualifying final could have an enormous influence on who reaches Grand Final day.

Warriors v Dolphins shapes as one of the most exciting games of the finals. The Warriors have been one of the competition’s two standout teams, but the Dolphins possess exactly the attacking firepower that could trouble them. Ian and Steve discuss whether the Dolphins are the finals dark horse nobody wants to play and why victory in Auckland could completely transform their path to the Grand Final. The Roosters also can’t be written off despite losing Sam Walker, while South Sydney remain the most likely team outside the top four to make a serious run.

The boys also unload on another frustrating weekend of refereeing, questioning the increasing penalties, six-agains, sin bins and inconsistent decisions heading into the biggest games of the season.

Then it’s time to review four seasons that ended without finals football. The Dragons finally have genuine reasons for optimism after an enormous recruitment drive and the emergence of their young forwards. The Titans showed defensive improvement but still appear to be in a longer rebuild, while the Tigers’ promising 5–2 start collapsed into another hugely disappointing season.

And then there are the Broncos. After their dramatic fall, Ian and Steve question the culture, recruitment, roster and whether Michael Maguire’s intensity can produce another turnaround. With Payne Haas leaving, the challenge heading into 2027 only gets bigger.

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.

Join the 2025 Planning Session here https://www.facebook.com/share/1C6AqzhGeY/

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

Theme Music Artist:

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

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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:

With the NRL finals almost here, Ian and Steve ask the big question; has the premiership race already narrowed to just two teams?

The Warriors and Panthers have been the standout sides across the season, and both enter September with massive advantages. Penrith are getting key players back at exactly the right time, while the Warriors could potentially stay in New Zealand all the way through to Grand Final day. The boys discuss whether anything other than a major injury can stop one of these two teams from lifting the trophy.

There’s still plenty of intrigue behind them. The Dolphins have already produced a hugely successful season and look capable of making a serious finals run, while the Roosters face a major test without Sam Walker. Daly Cherry-Evans now has the opportunity to take control of the team and put an exclamation mark on the back end of his career. South Sydney also loom as the wildcard, with Latrell Mitchell returning and a largely experienced squad that could cause real problems if they hit form at the right time.

The boys also look at which teams are resting players in the final round, whether finishing first or second actually matters, which opponent nobody wants in week one, and what success should look like for the Panthers, Warriors and Dolphins once the finals begin. Plus, the latest predictions for the weekend and another stack of comments from Warriors fans who continue to dominate the Sport Is Life community.

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.

Join the 2025 Planning Session here https://www.facebook.com/share/1C6AqzhGeY/

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:

The NRL top eight is locked in with one round remaining, but the premiership picture is anything but settled. The Dolphins have just produced a massive statement performance and suddenly look capable of causing some serious damage in September. With arguably the most exciting backline in the competition and a top-four finish secured, could they even break one of rugby league’s most famous premiership hoodoos? Will digs into the numbers behind the “concede 50 and you can’t win the comp” stat; and finds some very interesting history that suggests the Dolphins shouldn’t be written off.

South Sydney are also coming at exactly the right time. Cam Murray produced a monster performance, Latrell Mitchell is returning and the Rabbitohs are getting close to full strength. Ian and Steve ask whether Souths are now the one team outside the top four that nobody will want to face in the finals.

Meanwhile, the Roosters’ premiership hopes have taken a huge hit. Their form has disappeared at the worst possible time and Sam Walker’s injury leaves a massive hole heading into September. Steve thinks their premiership run may already be over; Ian isn’t ready to bury them just yet.

Plus, the Sharks look dead in the water after another dreadful performance, the Warriors and Panthers take very different approaches into the finals, Nathan Cleary is hitting form at exactly the right time, and the boys look at what the locked-in top eight means heading into the final round.

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.

Join the 2025 Planning Session here https://www.facebook.com/share/1C6AqzhGeY/

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:

Are we finally ready to take the Warriors seriously? They’re sitting on top of the NRL ladder, have been one of the competition’s most consistent teams all season, and Ian and Steve believe they should now be premiership favourites. After dismantling Penrith earlier in the run home, the Warriors have their destiny in their own hands; two home games remain before the finals, and a top-two finish could mean they don’t leave New Zealand again until Grand Final day. Meanwhile, the Roosters’ shock loss to the Tigers may have cost them dearly in the race for a top-two finish.

Queensland also has a major decision to make after Billy Slater’s departure, with potential candidates seemingly reluctant to take the State of Origin job. Ian and Steve discuss why Darius Boyd could be the ideal replacement, his remarkable playing career, Origin experience and the personal challenges that could help make him an outstanding man-manager. The boys also assess whether Slater’s three series wins from five should ultimately be considered a successful Queensland coaching tenure.

Plus, the PNG Chiefs continue building an extraordinary inaugural roster with Joey Manu becoming their seventh signing. The boys discuss whether the Chiefs are already assembling a potential premiership contender, questions around player valuations and their salary-cap advantage, before turning to the final top-eight battle between the Cowboys and Bulldogs. They also preview a massive Roosters-Dolphins showdown and ask whether Cronulla can rediscover their form before September.

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.

Join the 2025 Planning Session here https://www.facebook.com/share/1C6AqzhGeY/

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:

Latrell Mitchell could be back, and suddenly South Sydney become one of the most dangerous teams heading into the NRL finals. Ian and Steve discuss how Wayne Bennett could use Latrell off the bench, why he can change a game even without being at full fitness, and just how far the Rabbitohs could go if their superstar returns firing. That sets up a huge clash with the Warriors, who are fighting to secure a top-two finish and potentially avoid leaving New Zealand again until Grand Final day. The boys also explore what has made Andrew Webster’s Warriors so connected and why that culture could become their secret weapon in September.

The finals race is tightening everywhere. The Sharks’ dramatic slide raises serious questions about whether their premiership window is closing, with injuries, inconsistent form and several players departing at season’s end adding to the pressure. Ian even tips the Titans as his upset of the round. Meanwhile, Tom Trbojevic returns for Manly despite their finals hopes being virtually over, the Roosters continue to emerge as one of the competition’s form teams, and the Panthers face a crucial few weeks after brutal clashes with the Warriors and Roosters.

The episode finishes with a tribute to retiring Raiders great Josh Papalii and another deep dive into the Broncos’ problems. Ian and Steve question whether Brisbane’s issues extend well beyond their on-field performances, with recruitment, depth, leadership and Michael Maguire’s future all coming under scrutiny heading towards 2027.

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.

Join the 2025 Planning Session here https://www.facebook.com/share/1C6AqzhGeY/

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:

The Sydney Roosters have thrown down a massive premiership marker. Ian and Steve break down their outstanding defensive performance against Penrith and ask whether the Roosters have now joined the Warriors as the teams to beat heading into the NRL finals. With their spine clicking, young stars continuing to emerge and big-game experience throughout the squad, the Roosters suddenly look built for September. The boys also assess Penrith’s adjustment to life without Isaah Yeo and why Nathan Cleary may need to take on an even greater role if the Panthers are going to defend their title.

The spotlight then turns to Brisbane after a passionate Broncos fan describes a club that has lost its aura. Ian and Steve dig into what has gone wrong at one of rugby league’s biggest clubs, the impact of losing Payne Haas and whether Michael Maguire can turn things around. South Sydney have also forced themselves back into the finals conversation, but how dangerous can the Rabbitohs really be if Latrell Mitchell returns? Meanwhile, injuries continue to reshape the premiership race, with Luke Metcalf ruled out, the Sharks hit by key injuries and Will Bedell uncovering some fascinating numbers around Cronulla, the Dolphins and Nathan Cleary’s increased involvement without Yeo.

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.

Join the 2025 Planning Session here https://www.facebook.com/share/1C6AqzhGeY/

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:

This week Ian and Steve tackle one of the strangest ideas floated in the NRL this season: a third-versus-fourth playoff during Grand Final week. They explain why they believe the concept would struggle to engage players or fans, risk turning into a meaningless exhibition, and distract from the biggest week on the rugby league calendar. The boys also read out some of the growing feedback from YouTube viewers, including passionate Warriors fans reacting to the club’s rise and the increasing popularity of rugby league in New Zealand.

The conversation then turns to the 2026 Rugby League World Cup and a major question: will Australia even enter as favourites? With New Zealand, Samoa and Tonga building increasingly powerful squads, Ian and Steve argue this could be the most open World Cup in decades. They also preview a huge Panthers vs Roosters clash, discuss whether the Roosters can stamp their authority on a Penrith side missing key players, assess the crucial Bulldogs vs Rabbitohs battle in the finals race, and make their weekly predictions. The episode also reacts to breaking news around Jett Cleary’s reported request to leave the Warriors and return to Penrith.

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.

Join the 2025 Planning Session here https://www.facebook.com/share/1C6AqzhGeY/

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:

The Warriors have sent a massive warning to the rest of the NRL. Ian and Steve break down their statement victory over Penrith, including a dominant opening that overwhelmed the competition benchmark and a huge return from Luke Metcalf. With the Warriors now sitting No.1 in the podcast’s power rankings, the question is getting serious: are they now the team to beat for the premiership?

For Penrith, the picture suddenly looks very different. Isaiah Yeo’s injury could be a devastating blow to their premiership hopes, with the boys examining just how important he is to Nathan Cleary and the Panthers’ attack. Meanwhile, the Sharks’ shock loss to the Dragons sparks a debate over whether it was simply one bad night or another warning sign heading towards September. The Dragons’ young forwards also earn plenty of praise after taking it to one of the competition’s most highly rated packs.

Will Bedell returns with some extraordinary numbers, including a remarkable Broncos statistic that helps explain why their season fell apart, plus revealing trends around South Sydney and the Roosters. The Dolphins also celebrate their first finals appearance and emerge as a genuine danger outside the top four, while the premiership race continues to tighten heading into the final weeks of the regular season.

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.

Join the 2025 Planning Session here https://www.facebook.com/share/1C6AqzhGeY/

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:

The NRL's biggest blockbuster has arrived, and Ian and Steve preview what could be the game of the season as the Warriors host the Panthers in a clash that could shape the premiership race. The boys break down the battle between two elite forward packs, Nathan Cleary's incredible form since State of Origin, James Fisher-Harris facing his former club, and why the result could have huge implications for the Warriors' hopes of securing a top-two finish. They also debate whether Penrith's experience or the Warriors' home-ground advantage will prove decisive in what promises to be a finals-like contest.

The episode also reacts to Matt King's appointment as New South Wales coach, discussing why he's been trusted with the Blues job and what his leadership could bring to the Origin arena. The boys then examine whether any team outside the current top four can realistically win the premiership, make their weekly locks, upsets and match predictions, and discuss the Sharks' recent form, the race for the top eight, and the Perth Bears' latest recruitment moves ahead of their inaugural season.

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.

Join the 2025 Planning Session here https://www.facebook.com/share/1C6AqzhGeY/

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:

The top four teams made a statement in Round 23, with the Roosters, Panthers, Warriors and Sharks all delivering performances that reinforced why they're genuine premiership contenders. Ian and Steve break down the Roosters' extraordinary 82-point demolition of the Cowboys, why Nathan Cleary has taken his game to another level, and whether the gap between the competition's top four and the rest has become impossible to bridge. They also discuss the Warriors' passionate fanbase, the Sharks' impressive run of form, and which contender impressed them most over the weekend.

The conversation also covers the Cowboys' response after their record defeat, whether the Storm and Broncos should be concerned about their futures, the race for the final spots in the eight, and why Parramatta vs Wests Tigers may have been one of the poorest NRL games in recent memory. The episode finishes with updated power rankings and a look ahead to a blockbuster weekend featuring Warriors vs Panthers and several season-defining clashes.

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.

Join the 2025 Planning Session here https://www.facebook.com/share/1C6AqzhGeY/

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.