What would Brian Bevan say

Has the podcast rebranded to become the Greg Inglis show? Flakey Blako preaches to his disciples about a Tuesday evening drive through, much to the annoyance of Brothers Waywell and London. Lockdown Letters receives its first transgender email, leaving two coaching styles embroiled in a clash of gender. The listeners vote relocation relocation to decide where Wire’s new superstar should call home. Dennis' new computer program V.A.N.K throws-up more permutations than Deep Blue, but it's Sam's strategical chess play that leads to a tactical King's move. Plus, it’s not quite a pair of Rugby sticks that the podcast dines out on, with Ben Currie’s curry of the week. And is today’s coaching methodology not such a new phenomenon, as we dig into Wilderspool’s past?

Chris Riley is this week's podcast guest. We chat with Chris about growing up and adapting to his brother's illness, and how playing Rugby League for Penketh High School gave him a great start in the game. Chris tragically lost his mother on Christmas Day, and we hear from Chris about the wonderful compassion Tony Smith showed him - a story not many have heard. We learn how Paul Cullen gave Chris his debut, and how James Lowes should be praised for his one-on-one coaching and his encouragement. We discuss Chris's staggering three Challenge Cup victory medals, one of which he gave to his Dad. But Chris's warm-heartedness doesn't stop there, as evidenced by his tireless work with the Warrington Foundation. Following his retirement, Chris found the love for his new job, a support worker helping young adults with autism. In his own words, Chris describes himself as "a boy playing a man's game" but in the podcast's and the fans' eyes he is much more than this - a cherished Wire player and an outstanding human being. 

With the 75th anniversary VE celebrations fresh in the podcasters’ minds, Dennis and Rob fight over their respective Granddads’ war contributions. And which Warrington players will have their conscriptions renewed, or be demobbed by the club? A political affair leaves Ben Currie on rations of powdered egg. Daniel is left shell shocked in the trenches following a podcasting mission that was a bridge too far, and Sam’s call of duty leads to a suggestion of a thinning out in the Wolves’ barracks.

With no guests on this week's episode, the podcasters are left scratching their heads with the realisation that embracing solitude is the "new norm". They discuss whether Wire were a second row forward short in their quest for the 93-94 Championship, before Dennis takes an in-depth look at the Halifax team and completely misses the point - along with managing to exceed this month's expletive quota. Jonathan Davies hangs the podcast out to dry, which leads to a jealous Rob attacking Dave Woods - but will the BBC have the last laugh and claim the Twitter vote? A weight of evidence indicates that the players’ group is not unique in possessing the neurological substrates that generate consciousness. And which Wolves player would make the perfect mental and physical candidate for The Krypton Factor?  But as all these lockdown emotions take hold, Sam's Scrupulosity disorder flares up again, and with the suggestion of relieving his anxiety through the medium of art, it amounts to nothing more than a selection of pathetic felt-tip pens on a canvas of vegan shite.

What would Brian Bevan say is honoured by the presence of the BBC's Mr Rugby League, Dave Woods. Strap in for a marathon podcast, as Dave discusses his endurance rowing achievement and his feeble pet guinea pig he keeps in his garage that he's trying to Mirror into a fine physical specimen. We discuss Dave's road to journalism - and Lincolnshire - but more importantly we discover the difference between catering at a 21st birthday party and a 25 year wedding anniversary bash. But the beatings don't stop there, as a lanky Kangaroo fullback is slayed by Welsh-side-step-wizardry and a man the size of Sampson. Dennis looks for a forward for his new RL cookbook, but will Dave save Dennis' bacon? Sam's Statistics are undermined by a Locker Cup programme. And just what colour would you paint Dave's genitals with the choice of only two Airfix paints? Enjoy and please stay safe.

Lee Briers personifies Rugby League and in this week’s episode Lee joins the podcast to discuss his incredible career, coaching, and multicoloured beard. We learn how he’d gatecrash Knowsley Road, which St Helens players are best to throw house bricks at, and just where and when to break into the Halliwell Jones. We chat about how Lee’s caring for NHS frontline workers, those vulnerable in the community, and Steve Price in the gantry. Lee offers insights into his debut Wilderspool neurophysiological disorientation training session, and how it’s impossible to park a bus when faced with a mob of Kangaroos, before offering to take an elevated golf iron to the face of the inventor of the “It’s Our Year” slogan. Enjoy.

What would Brian Bevan say podcast is honoured to be in the presence of Warrington Wolves legend and now head of strength & conditioning for England Rugby Union - Jon Clarke.  In an hour-long special, Jon reflects on his amazing Rugby League journey from signing as a teenager for Wigan, to his move to the capital following a life-changing experience, his arrival at his beloved Wire, and how his fondness for the Widnes pitch lead to a resowing of his lawn. We discuss his Warrington coaches - Darryl van der Velde and Steve Anderson, his adulation of Paul Cullen and how 'Psycho' saved the club, the art of Tony Smith's shit sandwiches, and just why Warrington missed out on a Super League title. He tells the podcast how the tragic loss of Paul Darbyshire affected him, and how Paul's son is now following in his wonderful father's footsteps. We also hear which Wire player defies all logic in his preparation for a game by eating a morning fry-up, and the secret for us all to staying fit and healthy during these difficult times. And chat about the brilliant players Jon has played with, from Andrew Johns and Alfie Langer, to Brett Hodgson and even Lee Briers! An episode not to be missed by any true Wire fan. 

With no Rugby League, the action comes in the way of the fabulous Sun sports journalist Gary Carter. The podcast questions Gary on the Wolves but the little devil seems more up for promoting his beloved Salford. We celebrate 25 years of Super League with more of Gary‘s Salford anecdotes, and will Dennis’ new board game be plagiarised by Gary to boost Salford revenue? Sam and Gary collectively knock one out over Salford prodigy Stefan Ratchford, before discussing the exact proximity of Daryl Clark’s house in relation to Castleford’s scoreboard. The blockbuster movie The King’s Reach premieres, and just how good is Steve Price‘s memory? And Rob endeavours to bring back the classic ITV game show Mr and Mrs, as a young couple from Salford prove to be a winning partnership.

With the Super League season suspended, Simon and Karl are trapped together in an underground Cheshire bunker, as the podcast is left to reflect in isolation on what was, and will be. Due to a booking error, rather than Tina Turner joining the show, the brilliant Matthew Turner, sports journalist from the Warrington Guardian, steps in. We find out from Matt just when Tony Smith will look you in the eye, although a carfeul edit of the recording is necessary after he constantly knocks Ben Murdoch Masila. Sam is reluctantly left to draw his stats from online gaming, Dennis's solitary confinement brings his mental state into question following his keep fit tackle bags, and Rob calls on all referees to be retrained mid-season. Plus, not all Price's community calls go to plan, and we Imagine a world without Rugby League - as we go out on a song.

As the apocalypse approaches, Warrington win in the city of Hull, which ironically is pretty much the end of the earth. Ben Murdoch Masila’s new hairstyle goes viral in a listener vote off, as Dennis - wearing his new, innovative, bright red chevron Wire jersey - offers to meet the big man at the barbers. Sam’s obsession with Ben Currie reaches pandemic proportions, and due to his self-isolation he’s left ordering a heat-o-meter takeaway. And with little time left for us all and Wire having travelled east, Rob decides to read a dubious email from the west about the construction of the Wilderspool stand that leads to infectious laughter.