Two sports, one theme: Australia’s method beats England’s emotion unless we change how we play. We kick off with rugby league where the Ashes series underlined a harsh gap—Australia’s defensive reading and set-for-set control shut down England’s predictable shapes. We unpack what England must do before the World Cup, why the Tonga opener in Perth is the hinge that decides the route, and how more NRL minutes for English forwards and playmakers is the only sustainable fix. We also go inside Manly’s reset: a new CEO, Kieran Foran’s rapid move into coaching, Tom Trbojevic with the armband, roster questions around Garrick and the backline, and a mobile middle rotation that could grind out a competitive season if the stars stay healthy.

Across the league, we weigh the Roosters’ win-now bet, Storm’s reload under Bellamy, and the market noise around departures and arrivals. The most urgent topic is player welfare: the Eli Katoa head knock in warm-up exposed a serious blind spot. We talk gumshield tech, automated HIA triggers, and why pre-match protocols must match in-game standards if the sport is serious about brain health.

Then we switch to the cricket Ashes. England produced a magnificent new-ball spell—control, hostility, and precision—only to hand momentum back with impatient batting. We break down why discipline beats bravado with the pink ball in Brisbane, how selection should rotate raw pace to keep speeds high, and what England’s top order must change to turn pressure into partnerships. Australia’s attack wasn’t at full strength, which makes smart decision-making even more critical. Leave better, score off the right balls, and manage the night session—do that and the series can swing.

If you care about smart tactics, honest selection, and turning passion into results, you’ll feel right at home here. Subscribe, share with a friend who loves their code, and drop your call: does England level the Ashes in Brisbane or fall 2–0 behind? Your take might feature next time.

Rugby League Coach Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/5idCuI81vn8M78XGIF8F1a

The scoreboard said 26–6, but the real story was tempo, chemistry, and a crowd that never tipped the pitch. We dig into how England’s ruck speed, defensive depth, and selection choices handed Australia the angles they wanted—then map a clear route to flip the tone in Game Two. From Reese Walsh’s sharpened decision-making to Angus Crichton’s gut-punch try on fifth tackle, we unpack the moments that swung the match and the adjustments that can still turn a cold, wet northern night into a cauldron.

We also tackle the sport’s bigger horizon. The NRL’s global round—Vegas, London, Dubai, Miami—promises new eyeballs and big tourism dollars, but what does it cost core fans who lose a home game? We debate a smarter rollout and explore how a potential stake in Super League could fuse Australia’s on-field quality with the UK’s terrace culture. Get ready for a vision of double-headers, better venue picks, and atmosphere-first scheduling that grows the game without thinning its soul.

The Pacific Championships brought pure theatre: Samoa pushing New Zealand to the edge, Tonga-Samoa delivering collisions that rattled screens, and refereeing decisions that reignited the fairness debate when a concussed player sits and the tackler stays. We examine what consistency should look like and how Tonga can trouble New Zealand with early line speed and middle dominance. Plus, a rapid-fire tour of roster moves—Turbo’s extension, Manly’s evolving pack, hooker succession puzzles, and league-wide signings that could reshape the top eight.

If you’re into sharp analysis, selection debates, and the future of international rugby league, this one’s for you. Tap follow, share with a mate who bleeds footy, and drop a review telling us the one change you’d make before Game Two.

We relive a blistering 26–22 grand final where Brisbane’s effort plays, edge fixes, and a full-field masterclass from Reece Walsh decided a tight, high-skill contest. Melbourne’s spine faltered at key moments, a lenient whistle let the spectacle breathe, and futures for Munster, Papenhuyzen, and Bellamy headline a pivotal off‑season.

• heat, crowd energy, and pre‑match ceremony setting the tone
• Mariner’s early strike and Storm’s targeted left‑edge raids
• Reece Walsh’s try‑saver, chase‑down, solo try, and three assists
• officiating balance between safety and game flow
• Mam’s defensive steel and Haas’s second‑stint platform
• Broncos’ fitness, resilience, and path through Raiders and Panthers
• Storm crossroads: spine cohesion, roster churn, Bellamy’s last year
• fullback era, jersey culture, and competitive parity across the ladder
• Pacific Championships outlook and Ashes tour storylines

Hit that subscribe button, trying to get to a hundred in the near future

The week starts with cowboy boots and Catskills scenery and ends with a grand final preview that pulls no punches. We swap travel stories for tactics fast: how Brisbane built a wall against Penrith, why Payne Haas looks like a physics cheat code, and where Melbourne can still bend a game with Jerome Hughes’ poise and Cameron Munster’s chaos. If you care about the details—ruck speed, edge legality, last-tackle decisions, and the quiet power of a clean kicking game—you’ll find the edges here.

We also tackle the story shaking the code: Rugby 360. City franchises, Saudi-backed budgets, and career-changing offers that make even loyal players take a meeting. When names like Ponga, Pappenhausen, and Lomax get linked, it’s not gossip—it’s leverage. We break down what that money means for NRL cohesion, how sanctions and eligibility threats might land, and why every club should be planning for contract turbulence over the next 12 months. Then we circle back to the Dally M awards—Tedesco’s consistency, coaching debate—and the way narratives shape pressure heading into the biggest night of the year.

From there, it’s matchups that matter: Walsh vs Pappenhausen in broken play, Reynolds vs the moment with the tee in hand, and forward rotations that decide who’s still moving on minute 70 under Sunday heat. We talk officiating consistency, bunker influence, and those Round 27 edge tactics refs will be ready for. Picks? We lean Broncos—fitness, middle dominance, and a kicking edge—while leaving room for a Munster masterclass to make it messy. Plus a quick spin through the England Ashes pace stack and a salute to England’s women, now world champions in front of a roaring crowd.

If you’re into smart, grounded footy chat with real stakes, hit play. When you’re done, drop your winner, margin, and Clive Churchill pick—and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share to help more league fans find the show.

The quest for rugby league immortality continues as Penrith Panthers deliver what might be the most clinical 40 minutes of football ever witnessed. Their demolition of the Canterbury Bulldogs—the league's best defensive team—was nothing short of spectacular, with players like Brian To'o showing why the Panthers machine becomes nearly unstoppable during finals football.

Meanwhile, the Cronulla Sharks continue their impressive late-season surge, winning nine of their last ten games and moving silently through the competition like "the G in lasagna." Their defensive resilience against Canberra, absorbing 29 tackles in the red zone without breaking, showcases why they're legitimate title contenders despite flying under the radar.

Off the field, drama unfolds at Manly with Tom Trbojevic's contract negotiations hitting a snag. Initially offered $2.5 million over three years, the board has reduced this by $300,000, creating a situation reminiscent of the Daly Cherry-Evans saga years ago. This leads us to fascinating discussions about player value versus availability and the salary cap implications for the Sea Eagles.

We also dive into the fascinating concept of restructuring the NRL finals format to include a bye week before the grand final—similar to the NFL model—which would allow concussed players the mandatory recovery period without missing the season's biggest game. However, implementing such changes would require significant restructuring of the entire finals system.

Before predicting the preliminary finals outcomes (spoiler: we're split on whether the Sharks can upset the Storm), we review our preseason ladder predictions with some hilariously inaccurate forecasts—particularly around the Raiders, who we tipped for the wooden spoon but finished minor premiers!

Hit that subscribe button to join our growing community as we continue analyzing rugby league's most compelling storylines. We're trying to reach 100 subscribers and we're over halfway there—your support makes all the difference!

Returning after Ben's battle with man flu, we dive into Victor Radley's record 10-match suspension and $120,000 fine for drug-related text messages, comparing it to previous player punishments.

• Manly's season wrap-up – finishing 10th after strong performances in their first and last four games
• Recap of final round fixtures including Broncos' dominant win over Storm
• Extensive analysis of Raiders vs Broncos elimination final and controversial referee decisions
• Discussion of Storm's uninspiring win over Bulldogs and their failure to utilize Xavier Coates
• Sharks' surprise victory over Roosters with standout performance from Ronaldo Mulitalo
• Panthers finding form at the right time against Warriors
• Predictions for Raiders vs Sharks and Bulldogs vs Panthers semi-finals
• Updates on Rugby Championship, Women's Rugby World Cup, and England cricket's record-breaking performances

Please hit that like and subscribe button to help us reach 100 subscribers. Your support means a lot to us!

The NRL season is drawing to a dramatic close with just one round remaining before finals, and we're breaking down all the action as the competition reaches its climax.

We kick things off discussing standout performers who've made their mark this season. Matty Nicholson proved Super League talent can translate to NRL success before his unfortunate injury, while rookies Robert Toia and Leka Halasima have exploded onto the scene. Manly's Tolu Kola has been a revelation at center, with his blistering speed apparently inherited from his father – a former Tongan 100m sprinter who reportedly ran a 10.5-10.6 second time.

Team performances have delivered major surprises, none bigger than the Raiders claiming the minor premiership after being widely tipped for the wooden spoon. The Bulldogs have been another revelation, securing a finals position after years in the wilderness. Meanwhile, the Warriors and Dolphins both showed promise before injuries derailed their campaigns.

The disappointments have been equally notable. Jerome Luai's $1.2 million move to the Tigers hasn't delivered as expected, while Manly's star-studded roster has significantly underperformed despite showing frustrating flashes of brilliance in recent weeks. Even Nathan Cleary has had an uncharacteristically inconsistent season by his lofty standards.

Round 26 delivered some fascinating results, with the Roosters demolishing the Storm 40-10 in Melbourne to sound a serious finals warning. The Broncos strengthened their top-four hopes despite Reece Walsh's bizarre toilet water drinking incident going viral, while Manly continued their late-season form surge with a 40-24 win over the Dragons.

Looking ahead to the final round, crucial battles remain for the top four and to avoid the wooden spoon. The Knights and Titans are locked in a battle to avoid last place, potentially creating a "spoon relay" as last year's wooden spooners (Tigers) could hand over the unwanted trophy to this year's recipients.

With finals approaching, this season feels more unpredictable than most. Multiple teams are hitting form at the right time, creating genuine hope for several contenders. Subscribe to catch our full season review once the premiership is decided!

The NRL's latest drug scandal takes center stage as Brandon Smith faces charges of drug supply and betting involvement. What makes this situation particularly eyebrow-raising is the timing – just as the Rabbitohs prepare to face the Roosters in a match that could decide the final spot in the top eight. Despite the serious allegations, the NRL has opted not to implement their stand-down policy, leaving many fans questioning whether there's more to this story than meets the eye.

Round 25 delivered some genuine footballing brilliance across the board. The Raiders pulled off a stunning victory against the Panthers in Mudgee, with Ethan Strange cementing his case for Origin selection next season. Meanwhile, the Storm continued their impressive form by defeating the Bulldogs in a high-quality contest that showcased why both teams are serious contenders.

Perhaps the most surprising storyline from the weekend was Manly's explosive 58-30 victory over the Dolphins at Brookie Oval. Tom Trbojevic returned to his devastating best, creating opportunities all over the field and hitting holes with intent. This remarkable turnaround in form has sparked theories about whether senior Manly players have been deliberately underperforming due to behind-the-scenes disputes with coaching staff, only to turn up for Daly Cherry-Evans' 350th game.

The Eels continued their late-season resurgence by upsetting the Roosters, throwing the battle for eighth spot wide open. With Mitch Moses directing traffic, they looked like a completely different team from the one that struggled earlier in the season – setting themselves up as a team to watch in 2025.

As we head into Round 26, several crucial matches could determine final ladder positions. Will the Raiders secure the minor premiership? Can the Broncos sneak into the top four? And will Brandon Smith take the field for the Rabbitohs in their season-defining clash with the Roosters?

Subscribe now and join us as we break down all the action, controversies, and stunning performances from the world of rugby league!

The NRL's finals race is reaching fever pitch with just three weeks of regular season action remaining, and we're dissecting all the crucial matchups that are shaping the premiership landscape.

Storm edged Panthers in what might have been a grand final preview, but not without controversy. The talking point came when Harry Grant collided with Moses Leota during a field goal attempt, resulting in a penalty that wiped out the Penrith win. Was it the correct call? We break down why this moment might change how teams defend field goals moving forward.

Sydney Roosters have hit their stride at the perfect time, with their lethal back three of Tedesco, Tupou, and Nawaqanitawase terrorising opposition defenses. Meanwhile, Manly's season effectively ended with a disappointing loss to the Tigers, raising serious questions about coaching and roster management heading into 2025.

We tackle the growing trend of players switching international allegiances, with Payne Haas's announcement that he'll represent Samoa instead of Australia sparking debate about what this means for international rugby league. Should players be allowed to change nations after already representing one country?

In a fun segment, we've assembled our dream rugby league team using only Premier League footballers past and present. From Roy Keane's mongrel at hooker to Cristiano Ronaldo's aerial prowess on the wing, we've crafted a squad that would intimidate any opposition.

The Wallabies provided the sporting shock of the weekend by defeating South Africa at Ellis Park for the first time in 62 years. Does this result suggest the Australian rugby system is in better shape than many critics claimed after the Lions tour?

Join us as we make our predictions for Round 25 and analyze which teams are peaking at the right time as the NRL heads toward finals. Subscribe now to keep up with all our rugby league insights and banter each week!

The guys break down the full cost of their Lions Tour adventure while analysing the latest NRL action and making predictions for Round 24.

• Total Lions Tour cost breakdown: tickets, flights, accommodation, and spending money
• NRL Round 23 recap
• Critical analysis of Manly's attacking structure and coaching decisions in their loss to Raiders
• Round 24 predictions with Panthers vs Storm shaping up as match of the round
• Soccer/football season kickoff discussed with Birmingham City and Premier League predictions

Please make sure you hit that subscribe button. Every subscriber we appreciate and we're trying to march on towards our first big goal of 100 subscribers.