The Rugby League Digest

The Rugby League Digest episodes:

• 04.17.2024

  Ian Heads Tribute

  This is taken from a recent Patreon episode. We wanted to share our thoughts on a man to whom we owe a great debt of gratitude: a true gentleman and statesman of the game. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for...

  
• 04.04.2024

  The Super League War - Chapter 40 - Peace

  After three years of backroom deals, broken contracts, court cases, public sniping, and the splitting of the competition, peace was finally declared, and the National Rugby League was born. In our final chapter, we look at the rocky road to...

  
• 01.02.2024

  Adelaide Rams with Guy Wilson

  Michael is joined by our long time Adelaide correspondent Guy Wilson to discuss the rise and demise of the Rams, Rugby League in South Australia before and after and the case for a return to big time Rugby League in...

  
• 12.21.2023

  The Super League War - Chapter 39 - Crushed

  In this episode we discuss the demise of the Reds, Crushers and Chargers, troubling economic realities, transit lounges, the "original sin" of 1995 mass-expansion, gifting Perth to rugby union, the Crushers’ surprisingly good start, Packer the (off)white knight, packed lunches,...

  
• 12.04.2023

  The Super League War - Chapter 38- Steel City Miracles (Part 2)

  Our extended recap of all the on-field action in 1997 concludes with the Newcastle Knights historic grand final win over Manly. We trace the Knights' road to glory, Joey's redemption arc, the convoy of Sid Foggs willing them to victory,...

  
• 10.31.2023

  The Super League War - Chapter 38 - Steel City Miracles (Part 1)

  In this long awaited episode we discuss Newcastle's mining history, identity as the steel city, BHP's closure, the tragic Newcastle earthquake, the miners' strike, seige mentality as a cultural feauture, Barabara Davis and the Aussies for the ARL, vitriol towards...

  
• 09.13.2023

  The Super League War - Chapter 37 - The Optus Cup (Part 3)

  In this concluding episode of 'The Optus Cup', we discuss the 1997 RLW Player's Poll, shorts fuses of the era, an odd but pleasantly competitive finals system, knee-jerk calls to implement the video ref, Nick Kosef vs the Johns family,...

  
• 08.16.2023

  The Super League War - Chapter 37 - It's My Game (Part 2)

  In part two of our 1997 ARL recap we look at the battlers, the heavyweights, and everyone in between. From coaching drama in Campbelltown to a Tigers resurgence, Roosters on the rise, the miracle of the Chargers and much, much...

  
• 08.01.2023

  The Super League War - Chapter 37 - It's My Game (Part 1)

  In this instalment, we discuss the RLW Players' Q and A, performance-enhancing drugs, the Perth Reds, pokies taxes, schoolboy brawls, notable player scandals, Craig Field, Willie Peters, Paul McGregor, Tim Brasher, Tom Brock, Ken Shine, Craig Coleman and much more! ...

  
• 06.28.2023

  English Rugby League with Anthony Broxton

  Michael is joined by English labour historian and author of the upcoming Hope and Glory: Rugby League in Thatcher's Britain Anthony Broxton. In a wide-ranging and fascinating interview we look at the state of ENglish Rugby League before, during and...

  
• 05.17.2023

  The Super League War - Chapter 36 - The World Club Challenge (Part 3)

  The culmination of an unbridled and unmitigated disaster, a piece of ingenious club marketing, Graham Murray's impact on the Mariners, format issues, for and against taken to the extreme, Paris St Germain squalor, coaching carnage, London Broncos on the rise,...

  
• 05.10.2023

  The Super League War - Chapter 36 - The World Club Challenge (Part 2)

  In part two of this chapter on the WCC we discuss the relatively competitive round one results, Super League pinning their hopes on Wigan, Tallis vs O'Connor, the state of the UK Super League, Wigan vs Tescos, Bradford Bullmania, rating UK...

  
• 05.02.2023

  The Super League War - Chapter 36 - The World Club Challenge (Part 1)

  In this much-anticipated chapter we discuss the genesis of the WCC concept, going from 8 teams to 22, arbitrary promotion expenditure, convoluted formatting, ignoring the lower grades, goals of globalisation, cavalier management, the players loving the concept, presenting it as...

  
• 03.28.2023

  The Super League War - Chapter 35 - Two Tones (Part 2)

  In this episode we discuss Super League's legacy on international rugby league, fireworks over developing nations, the Japanese pipe dream, an Anzac Day furore, Langlands defects to Super League, the Super League test vs City Country, eligibility farces abound, the...

  
• 03.21.2023

  The Super League War - Chapter 35 - Two Tones (Part 1)

  In this installment we discuss the abominable '97 Blues jerseys, Tom Raudonikis as coach, QLD feeling flat, spin galore, NSW hooking dramas, disappointing Orign crowds, the Aaron Raper incident, Daryl Rodgers, cattle dog, Chris Close the voice of reason, the...

  
• 03.14.2023

  Chapter 34 Omnibus Episode

  In preparation for next Wednesday's return of the Super League War series (Monday on Patreon), we have put together all 5 parts of 'Chapter 34 - The Telstra Cup' in a mega omnibus ep. If you feel like a refresher on...

  
• 12.21.2022

  The Super League War - Chapter 34 - The Telstra Cup (Part 5)

  In this concluding episode of 'The Telstra Cup' we discuss the semi finals, ANZ Stadium, Princess Diana, Taking the grand final to Brisbane, grand final week celebrations, ET's stirring speech, the excellence of Bill Harrigan, our Olivia, Human Nature, our...

  
• 12.06.2022

  The Super League War - Chapter 34 - The Telstra Cup (Part 4)

  In the penultimate episode of our 1997 Super League season recap we look at the grand finalists Cronulla and Brisbane. A likeable Sharks outfit up against a Broncos team looking for redemption after three seasons of disappointment.  Hosted on...

  
• 11.22.2022

  The Super League War - Chapter 34 - The Telstra Cup (Part 3)

  In this the third installment of chapter 34, we discuss Penrith in 1997, Gower the prodigy, Tony Puletua, Ryan Girdler being more than a super boot, an oddly in-depth debate on rugby league’s sexiest man, Matt Adamson, the Bulldogs season,...

  
• 11.01.2022

  The Super League War - Chapter 34 - The Telstra Cup (Part 2)

  In this second installment of ‘The Telstra Cup’, we discuss the ill-fated Perth Reds through the lens of three genuine rugby league bad boys, Scott Wilson, Julian O'Neill and Mark Geyer. We discuss the tragedies, nuance, and the redemption arcs,...

  
• 10.25.2022

  The Super League War - Chapter 34 - The Telstra Cup (Part 1)

  In the first installment of ‘The Telstra Cup’ we discuss the Cowboys, Tim Sheens and the coaching merry go round, player clean outs, John ‘Chicka’ Ferguson, The Adelaide Rams, Liz Dawson, Kevin Campion, being cast aside, the Warrior’s board, Phil Blake,...

  
• 09.13.2022

  The Super League War - Chapter 33 - Two Tribes (Part 3)

  In this concluding episode of ‘Two Tribes’ we discuss the ARL's preseason trip to East Japan, the ARL World Sevens vs the Super League World Nines, Super League jersey designs and numbering system, a Baz Luhrmann opening night, underwhelming opening...

  
• 09.07.2022

  The Super League War - Chapter 33 - Two Tribes (Part 2)

  In part two of 'Two Tribes' we discuss the ad campaigns of both competitions, the ARL ramps up nostalgia, false anniversaries, Ron Casey lunacy, Super League goes all in on the sizzle, Cubby Checker, Dionne Warwick, Rodney O, great Aussie companies,...

  
• 08.30.2022

  The Super League War - Chapter 33 - Two Tribes (Part 1)

  In this installment we examine rugby league's competitors in 1997, Stadium Australia, Paddington vs Homebush, contract fiascos, a trademarks quagmire avoided, football magazine wars, gossip mongers, petty radio squabbles, primitive Pay TV, The Footy Show, Channel 9's true colours, the...

  
• 08.23.2022

  The Super League War - Chapter 32 - Clearing The Decks

  As we kick off season three, we see a clearing of the decks of some of the major players in the war to date, Cowley goes, Frykberg arrives, Ribot and Quayle stand down, and we reflect on Ribot and Quayle's...

  
• 08.16.2022

  The Super League War Season 3: WE ARE BACK

  News on the imminent release of The Super League War season 3. We are pumped for the season ahead! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  
• 06.01.2022

  Patreon exclusive episode - Royce Simmons charity event

  A very special episode featuring long time loyal listener Murray Croft and his wonderful fundraiser with the legendary Royce Simmons, as well as Mick and Andy discussing the origin teams, indigenous jersey ratings, the week that was, the RLD catch...

  
• 03.16.2022

  Round One Recap - Patreon Bonus Episode

  To apologise for the lack of new episodes this year we have unlocked one of our Patreon bonuses, recapping round one of the NRL. This episode includes thoughts on the state of the women's game, RLD vindication watch, jersey talk,...

  
• 01.17.2022

  Americanisation Case Study with Spencer Kassimir

  Americanisation was a cultural buzzword inside and outside Rugby League during the Super League period, and American sport was an obvious influence on the presentation of the Super League vision. But what did it all mean? We break it down...

  
• 01.11.2022

  Two Tribes: an interview with Steve Mascord

  The big one! Michael is joined by Super League fellow traveller Steve Mascord to discuss the war and his new, greatly anticipated book Two Tribes. RLD listeners can go to http://stevemascord.com/product/twotribes and enter product code "rugby league digest" for a...

  
• 12.30.2021

  The Super League War - Chapter 31 - The Appeal (Part 2)

  In the second and final episode of this chapter, we look at the fallout from News Limited's comprehensive court victory. It was a frenzied week of speculation following the judgment, with crisis talks at the ARL and in club boardrooms,...

  
• 12.16.2021

  The Super League War - Chapter 31 - The Appeal (Part 1)

  The RLD takes an in-depth look at the appeal judgment, the lead up to the case, predictions, the court's interpretation competition, overturning nearly all of Justice Burchett's decision, the immediate courtroom reactions, Ray Hadley's public backflip, Arko's naive reaction to...

  
• 11.12.2021

  The Super League War - Chapter 30 - The Optus Cup (Part 4)

  In this concluding episode of Chapter 30: The Optus Cup, we discuss the semi-final runs of Manly and St George, the post mortems for their victims, a surprisingly entertaining grand final despite popular sentiment, the infamous Manson blunder, John Raper's...

  
• 10.26.2021

  The Super League War - Chapter 30 - The Optus Cup (Part 3)

  In this penultimate episode of the Optus Cup chapter we compare the seasons of the 1996 ARL grand finalists, we discuss Manly's veterans, the impact of unlimited interchange, the Lyons and Menzies combination, offer some overdue Daniel Gartner appreciation, discuss...

  
• 10.14.2021

  Vale Norm Provan

  A tribute to the life and career of the Immortal Norm Provan. Vale Sticks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  
• 10.01.2021

  The Magpie Wing with Max Easton

  Max Easton is host of the excellent Barely Human music history podcast and author of The Magpie Wing. Michael talks with Max about all of things, about Rugby League in the western suburbs, about Chilli's Hill, and more! The Magpie Wing...

  
• 09.24.2021

  The Parramatta Splurge with Ben Darwin

  While we are immersed in the 1996 season it is time for a deep dive on Parramatta's buying spree and its failure to generate instant success, with former Wallaby and Gain Line Analytics founder Ben Darwin Hosted on Acast. See...

  
• 09.16.2021

  The Super League War - Chapter 30 - The Optus Cup (Part 2)

   In the second installment of Chapter 30, we discuss the Super League teams forfeiting round one in1996, Illawarra club turmoil, the Crushers failing on and off the field, South Sydney's abysmal record, Balmain punching above their weight, Sironen remaining a one...

  
• 09.08.2021

  The Super League War - Chapter 30 - The Optus Cup (Part 1)

  It is part one of our 1996 season recap. In this episode we look at the state of the game in 1996. Rule changes, falling attendances, threats from AFL and rugby union, and the return of Monday Night Football. Hosted...

  
• 08.10.2021

  State of the Game - Part 2 - Current issues and team talk

  In part 2 of this Patreon exclusive episode (available to everyone this week), the RLD's heartfelt tribute to Peter Sterling commentary career descends into bashing modern commentary once again, we discuss Joey, Cooper Cronk, the expected exciting top 8 finish...

  
• 08.10.2021

  State of the Game - Part 1 - Respecting the International Game

  In this Patreon exclusive episode (available to everyone this week), the RLD goes hard on the NRL / ARLC for their attitude towards the international game, the differences between Australasian Covid response and that of the UK and Europe, the...

  
• 07.26.2021

  The Super League War - Chapter 29 - Tarnished Gold

  'Tarnished Gold' is a chapter highlighting the farcical nature of both sides of the war regarding the appalling treatment international football. We discus limbo, the City vs Country litmus test, reconnected state or origins squads, rebel teams, Fiji being used...

  
• 07.07.2021

  An interview with Professor Tony Collins

  To conclude our English miniseries, Michael is joined by the legendary Professor Tony Collins for an expansive look at the RFL's road to Super League, and the fallout afterwards.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  
• 07.05.2021

  The politics of English Rugby League with Anthony Broxton

  As a companion piece to our Chapeltown Road chapter of the Super League War, Michael chats to British labour historian Anthony Broxton about Thatcherism, striking miners, economic depression and how it all relates to Rugby League in England. Go to...

  
• 06.27.2021

  The Super League War - Chapter 28 - Chapeltown Road (Part 3)

  The RFL receives a mammoth offer to defect to Super League, the ARL begs them to stay, clubs unanimously agree to the switch, then immediately revolt over proposed mergers, fans mobilise with the publication 'Merging on the Ridiculous', the ARL makes...

  
• 06.17.2021

  Michael and Andy's all-time Dragons & Raiders teams

  In anticipation of a potentially season-defining clash between the Raiders and Dragons in Wollongong Saturday, we bring a Patreon bonus ep from behind the paywall, as Michael and Andy (separately) list their favourite ever Dragons and Raiders teams respectively. NOTE:...

  
• 06.10.2021

  The Super League War - Chapter 28 - Chapeltown Road (Part 2)

  English two of 'Chapeltown Road' the RLD discusses Engl rugby league in the 1980s. financial peril, expansion plans and at times lack thereof, teams in London, Kent and Carlisle, Australian imports, the bizarre history of the Golden Boot award, the...

  
• 06.02.2021

  The Super League War - Chapter 28 - Chapeltown Road (Part 1)

  In this episode the RLD discusses the cultural idiosyncrasies of the English game, the lasting impact and legacy of the 1982 'Invincibles', comparing kangaroo tour squads, the British sporting psyche, fudging gate figures, fighting Paul Weller and The Jam, a...

  
• 05.11.2021

  The 1996 Challenge Cup Final with Mike Meehall Wood

  The RLD is joined this week by a very special guest to discuss the incredible 1996 Challenge Cup Final between the Bradford Bulls and St Helens, Mike Mehall Wood is a brilliant journalist with a life long immersion in English rugby...

  
• 05.05.2021

  Interview with author Mel Hoffman

  Andrew speaks with author and intelligent WAG Mel Hoffman who discusses her new book 'Full Credit To The Boys: A cliche free tale of marrying into footy', growing up in Melbourne, meeting Ryan, thoughts on the never ending league scandals...