Former Great Britain captain and head coach Brian Noble and ex-England hooker and current Salford Red Devils head coach Paul Rowley join Dave Woods to reflect on what was a fantastic Magic Weekend in Newcastle. Plus, they discuss the unearthing of talent in the Championship, debate whether expansion clubs, like Toulouse, should be exempt from relegation and also look ahead to the start of the World Cup when England will face Samoa at St James’ Park.

TIMECODES:

03:00 The individual performances at Magic Weekend of Joe Batchelor, Bevan French and Jack Welsby are highlighted.

05:20 The discussion turns to the development and talent-spotting of players, like Batchelor, who started out in the Championship.

10:00 Toulouse’s victory over Wakefield leaves them two points behind Trinity at the bottom of the table. So which team will survive?

16:00 Does Super League need a second French team or a second expansion team and should they be exempt from relegation?

20:50 Paul asks what is the objective of having expansion clubs and whether TV viewers more important than fans coming through the turnstiles?

25:50 Brian says you have to earn the right to be in Super League, but perhaps there’s more reasons than just promotion to judge that on.

31:30 The World Cup is three months away and Paul remembers representing England at the 2000 World Cup.

34:40 Brian captained Great Britain in Australia in 1984 and reminisces about being unable to remember the names of his teammates as he introduced them to the Australian PM!

37:30 Paul discusses England chances and Brian warns of the importance of that first game in Newcastle against Samoa.