Advertise on podcast: By the Balls

John, Ross and Phil Caplan are live from the Aviva Studios in Manchester for the launch of the new Super League season. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support.

John is joined on the podcast by author and journalist Steve Mascord. The pair talk about the launch of the Championship and League 1 seasons, changes at Wakefield Trinity, the new concussion rules, Super League’s foray into streaming and a new broadcasting platform and Steve’s new book on the 1994 Kangaroos. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support.

We are joined by former professional rugby league player Brett Kearney. Brett, who retired in 2014, had spells with South Sydney, Cronulla and Bradford. Now an ambassador for the Brain Foundation, he joins us to talk about concussion in sport, his history of brain injuries, dealing with retirement, the financial dramas at the Bulls and more. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support.

John and Ross are back and discuss England’s big series win over Tonga, Samoa pulling out of a Uk tour and the Kiwis beating the Kangaroos. They also chat about Magic Weekend going to Leeds, Salford’s stadium situation, new rule changes in Super League, the World Club Challenge and a lot more in rugby league. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support.

Our special guest is Gareth Ellis. He joins us to talk about his new book, his amazing career, his plans for the future, his time in Super League, his time in the NRL and more. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support.

John and Ross are back to preview the 2023 Super League grand final between Catalans and Wigan. We discuss the main talking points of the big match, and the Championship grand final between London and Toulouse, and interview Jai Field and Matty Peet. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support.

John and Ross discuss the new Super League TV deal, the battle to avoid relegation and the fight for the competition’s top six. They also look at the issues at Leeds Rhinos, Kevin Sinfield’s involvement with England rugby union and answer your questions. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support.

Anthony Broxton, author of ‘Hope and Glory: Rugby League in Thatcher’s Britain, joins the pod to talk about his new book. He chats about the changes in the UK and UK rugby league in the 1980s and 1990s, the influence of people like David Oxley and Maurice Lindsay, and the learnings and parallels with where the sport sits in 2023. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support.

John and Ross are back to talk about the Super League relegation battle, Catalans’ title charge, Leeds and Leigh’s rise, and Warrington’s slide. We discuss revival at Hull FC and a slip at Salford. We also touch on Fev’s promotion push, the next World Cup, the Ashes and the next TV deal. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support.

Our special guest is Northampton Town manager Jon Brady. Jon take to us about clinching promotion to League One, dealing with heartbreak and disappointment, and his plans for the new season. He also chats about his background, his playing career in the UK, dealing with adversity and blazing a trail for Australian coaches. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support.

Our special guest is Sheffield Eagles utility Bayley Liu. He joins us to talk about his career, the amazing season to date with Sheffield and his background. He also chats about No Limits, the disability support service he runs that supports people with learning disabilities. Liu talks about his passion for helping others and how No Limits is benefiting the community. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support.

John and Ross are back to talk about England’s huge double win over France, international teething problems, the Tonga series, the 2025 World Cup and IMG. They also touch on broadcast deals, rugby union’s wobbles and the work of player agents. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support.