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In this week’s episode of the League Express Podcast, Editor Martyn Sadler and Host Jake Kearnan are joined by BBC pundit and former Super League coach John Kear for a full 2026 Rugby League predictions special. The trio deliver their bold calls for the 2026 season, debating which club will exceed expectations, which side could struggle or disappoint, and which player is primed for a breakout season. They also discuss the future of the England head coach role, offering insight into who could take charge next. Attention then turns to silverware, with predictions on who will win the Challenge Cup, the Super League Grand Final, the NRL Grand Final, and the World Club Challenge, making this a must-listen episode for Rugby League fans looking ahead to the biggest year yet. 🔑 Topics covered: 2026 Super League season previewWhich team will exceed expectations?Which club could disappoint?Breakout player predictionsWho will be the next England head coach?Challenge Cup winner predictionsSuper League Grand Final winnerNRL Grand Final winnerWorld Club Challenge predictions👉 Subscribe for weekly Rugby League analysis, Super League & NRL coverage, exclusive interviews and expert predictions from League Express.

In this week’s episode of the League Express Podcast, Editor Martyn Sadler and Host Jake Kearnan react to a packed weekend of Rugby League action and off-field debate. The pair review the latest Challenge Cup fixtures, breaking down the standout performances and biggest talking points. They discuss the future of international Rugby League, as Martyn and Jake debate whether NRL players leaving the sport to pursue a Rugby Union World Cup highlights shortcomings in Rugby League’s own World Cup structure. They also look ahead to the business end of the season, discussing which teams could meet in the Super League Grand Final, before analysing growing speculation around the England head coach role, with Brad Arthur and Willie Peters both reportedly showing interest. Elsewhere, the episode covers key transfer and media news, including Cameron Smith’s departure to Wakefield next season, Tex Hoy’s new club, and whether Sky Sports will bid for Super League broadcasting rights in the next major TV deal. 🔑 Topics covered: Challenge Cup weekend reviewNRL players switching to Rugby Union & World Cup debateWho could reach the Super League Grand Final?England coaching race: Brad Arthur & Willie PetersCameron Smith set to join WakefieldTex Hoy’s next club revealedFuture of Super League TV rights & Sky Sports👉 Subscribe for weekly Super League analysis, Rugby League news, transfers, media insight and expert opinion from League Express.

In this week’s episode of the League Express Podcast, Editor Martyn Sadler and Host Jake Kearnan react to Rugby League news as the Championship season gets underway. They discuss the London Broncos’ first win under new owners Darren Lockyer and Grant Wechsel, before turning their attention to the decision by the RFL to part ways with England head coach Shaun Wane. Martyn and Jake debate who should take over the role and what direction England Rugby League should take next. The conversation also covers the controversial exclusion of Featherstone Rovers from the Championship, the significance of 5,000 fans attending Salford’s opening match against Oldham, and what it says about the club’s future. They analyse key player movement and transfer news, including Matt Dufty signing for South Sydney Rabbitohs’ NSW Cup side, the ongoing Zac Lomax situation, and the Perth Bears’ recruitment drive with the signings of James McDonnell, Tyran Wishart and Nick Meaney. 🔑 Topics covered: Championship season kicks offLondon Broncos’ first win under Darren Lockyer & Grant WechselRFL decision to move on from Shaun WaneWho should be the next England head coach?Featherstone Rovers excluded from the Championship5,000 attend Salford vs Oldham openerMatt Dufty to South Sydney (NSW Cup)The Zac Lomax saga explainedPerth Bears sign McDonnell, Wishart & Meaney👉 Subscribe for weekly Rugby League analysis, Super League & Championship news, NRL updates and exclusive insight from League Express.

In this week’s episode of the League Express Podcast, Editor Martyn Sadler and Host Jake Kearnan are joined by one of the greatest Rugby League players of all time, Darren Lockyer, alongside his business partner and London Broncos Owner Grant Wechsel. Now a majority owner of the London Broncos, Lockyer discusses his transition from legendary player to club owner, why he believes in the London Broncos project, and what the future holds for the club. The conversation covers London’s importance to Rugby League, long-term ambitions for the Broncos, and what success looks like both on and off the field. Lockyer and Wechsel also give insight into ownership challenges, building a sustainable Rugby League club in the capital, and how London fits into the wider picture of Super League expansion and growth. 🔑 Topics covered: Darren Lockyer and Grant Wechsel's role as majority owner's of the London BroncosWhy London is vital to the future of Rugby LeagueLong-term vision and ambitions for the BroncosChallenges of ownership and sustainabilitySuper League expansion and the growth of the gameLife after playing for one of Rugby League’s all-time greats👉 Subscribe for exclusive Rugby League interviews, Super League insight and expert analysis from League Express.

In this week’s episode of the League Express Podcast, Editor Martyn Sadler and Host Jake Kearnan reflect on the sad passing of League Express journalist Steve Brady, paying tribute to his contribution to Rugby League journalism and the wider game. The discussion then turns to the latest Rugby League news, including Salford Red Devils’ future in the Championship, Willie Peters being honoured at the University of Hull, and what Martyn and Jake hope to see from the sport in 2026. They also cover Sean Long’s new coaching role, Keon Koloamatangi signing for the St George Illawarra Dragons, and Josh Curran joining the NRL’s newest franchise, the Perth Bears. To round off the episode, Martyn and Jake preview the opening round of the Challenge Cup and reflect on some of the biggest moments from the 2025 Rugby League season. 🔑 Topics covered: Tribute to League Express journalist Steve BradySalford Red Devils’ Championship futureWillie Peters honoured by the University of HullHopes and priorities for Rugby League in 2026Sean Long’s new coaching jobKeon Koloamatagi to St George Illawarra DragonsJosh Curran signs for the Perth BearsChallenge Cup round one reviewThe standout moments of Rugby League in 2025👉 Subscribe for weekly Rugby League analysis, Super League news, NRL updates and expert insight from League Express.

In this week’s episode of the League Express Podcast, Editor Martyn Sadler and Host Jake Kearnan break down the biggest talking points in Rugby League as the sport looks ahead to the new season. The pair discuss Magic Weekend ticket sales before reacting to Harry Grant and Julia Robinson winning the Golden Boot awards. Attention then turns to Super League recruitment, with debate over which club has strengthened the most ahead of next season and whether Robbie Mulhern could be heading to the South Sydney Rabbitohs. Martyn and Jake also explore the growing dispute between the National Conference League and the RFL, the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the Salford Red Devils’ future, and the decision to postpone R360 until 2028. They assess which club that missed out on the playoffs this year is best placed to bounce back and challenge next season.

In this week’s episode of the League Express Podcast, Editor Martyn Sadler and Host Jake Kearnan are joined by Hull KR CEO Paul Lakin to reflect on one of the most historic seasons in the club’s history. Paul breaks down how Hull KR completed the treble, the club’s rise since his return in 2020, and what the future looks like both on and off the field. They also discuss the enormous impact Willie Peters has had on the club’s transformation and whether NRL clubs are now chasing his signature after Hull KR’s success. Lakin provides exciting insight into next year’s World Club Challenge against the Brisbane Broncos, including previously unreleased details about secret takeover talks with Brisbane several years ago and what those discussions meant for the future of the club. He also explains what it means for Hull KR to be playing in Las Vegas in 2026 and how the club is preparing for the global spotlight. The conversation then turns to Paul’s career in football, including his time with Wolverhampton Wanderers and Stoke City, and how lessons from the Premier League and Championship have shaped his leadership at Hull KR. This is a must-listen episode for Hull KR supporters and Rugby League fans interested in club growth, coaching futures, expansion, leadership, and the future of Super League.

In this week’s episode of the League Express Podcast, Editor Martyn Sadler and Host Jake Kearnan are joined by London Broncos CEO Gary Hetherington for an in-depth discussion about the future of the Broncos and Rugby League in the capital. Gary provides an update on the Broncos’ new facilities, the club’s long-term vision, and how recruitment is shaping up ahead of the 2026 season. He reveals the key areas of London the club is targeting, the impact the new ownership group is having behind the scenes, and the Broncos’ ambitious plans to grow Rugby League at grassroots level across the capital. The conversation also turns to the international game, with Hetherington giving his thoughts on the Ashes series, Shaun Wane’s future as England coach, and the ongoing situation at the Salford Red Devils. This episode delivers unique insights into Super League expansion, the Broncos’ rebuild, and the future direction of Rugby League in London.

In this week’s episode of the League Express Podcast, Editor Martyn Sadler and Host Jake Kearnan break down the latest major stories shaping Rugby League across Super League, the NRL and the international game. They dive into: Rugby League World Cup fixtures – can the tournament deliver on expectations and what challenges lie ahead?The RFL strongly denying claims it owes the IRL £400,000, and what the dispute means for the international game.Magic Weekend moving to Everton’s new stadium – is it the right venue and what could it mean for attendance and atmosphere?Harry Newman’s blockbuster move to the NRL’s new expansion franchise, the Perth Bears, and what the signing says about the club's ambitions.Jackson Hastings signing with St Helens, what role he’ll play, and how the move reshapes Saints’ spine.The Brisbane Broncos unveiling a new logo – why the club made the change and how fans are reacting.Packed with insight, analysis and debate, this episode covers every major storyline fans need to know heading into another huge week of Rugby League.

In this week’s episode of the League Express Podcast, Editor Martyn Sadler and Host Jake Kearnan break down another massive week in Rugby League — from international rankings to domestic shake-ups and major NRL developments. They tackle the new International Rugby League rankings, what they mean for England, and which nations are trending up or down. Martyn gives an inside look at his upcoming Rugby League World Magazine column, arguing why Super League should seriously invest in Wales, especially with Welsh Rugby Union set to scrap one of their top-tier sides. The conversation then shifts to the NRL, with the ARL Commission’s potential bombshell proposal to shorten the season and introduce a mid-year representative window — a move that could change global Rugby League forever. They also discuss: London Broncos’ potential new home and what it means for their Super League pushWorld Club Challenge tickets selling out for Brisbane Broncos vs Hull KR in 2025The latest on Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, and Payne Haas being linked to R360Packed with insight, opinion, and big-picture analysis, this episode covers everything shaping Rugby League’s future on both sides of the globe.

n this week’s episode of the League Express Podcast, Editor Martyn Sadler and Host Jake Kearnan are joined by BBC Pundit and Rugby League Coach John Kear to break down the Ashes series following Australia’s 3–0 sweep over England. They analyse where England fell short, what lessons can be learned ahead of the next Rugby League World Cup, and whether Shaun Wane has done enough to remain as England coach. The panel also discuss: 🏆 Who deserves the Golden Boot award this year💬 England’s key takeaways from the Ashes series🇳🇿 New Zealand’s win over Samoa in the Pacific Championship❌ Sean Long’s departure from Oldham🌍 The lack of international fixtures before next year’s World CupTune in for expert insights and honest opinions from some of Rugby League’s most experienced voices.

In this week’s episode of the League Express Podcast, Editor Martyn Sadler and Host Jake Kearnan break down a huge weekend of international Rugby League action — headlined by Australia securing the Ashes at Everton’s new stadium in Liverpool and New Zealand’s dominant win over Tonga. 🏉 Topics include: Australia clinching the Ashes Series in LiverpoolWhat went wrong for England and what changes Shaun Wane should makeWhether Kevin Walters will give his other squad players a chance in Game 3The lack of attacking football from both sides at LiverpoolRugby League’s marketing struggles, Reece Walsh’s impact, and Jarvo’s pitch invasionPaul Wellens’ new NRL coaching role and what it means for English coaches abroadRyan Papenhuyzen taking a break — could he join R360?Eli Katoa’s head injury update and the growing concussion conversationPredictions for this weekend’s upcoming international matchesA mix of sharp analysis, big talking points, and inside Rugby League insight — this is your weekly fix of honest discussion on everything happening across the international and domestic scenes. 🔔 Subscribe to the League Express Podcast for weekly Rugby League news, Super League and NRL analysis, and exclusive interviews. #RugbyLeague #SuperLeague #AshesSeries #EnglandRugbyLeague #AustraliaRugbyLeague #NewZealandRugbyLeague #TongaRugbyLeague #PaulWellens #RyanPapenhuyzen #ReeceWalsh #Jarvo #EliKatoa #RugbyLeaguePodcast

In this week’s episode of the League Express Podcast, Editor Martyn Sadler and Host Jake Kearnan are joined by former Super League and England coach Tony Smith for an in-depth conversation about his legendary career and the current state of Rugby League. 🏉 Topics include: Tony Smith’s reflections on his playing and coaching careerThe future of Rugby League and whether the NRL should invest in Super LeagueReaction to Australia’s 26–6 win over England in the first Ashes TestTony’s thoughts on England’s performance and what changes he would make ahead of Game TwoAnalysis of Tonga vs Samoa and which international clash was more entertainingThe state of international Rugby League and what needs to happen for the game to grow globallyA must-listen for Rugby League fans — Tony Smith gives honest insights on coaching, the Ashes, and the sport’s future direction. 🔔 Subscribe to the League Express Podcast for weekly Super League, NRL, and international Rugby League analysis and exclusive interviews. #RugbyLeague #SuperLeague #TonySmith #EnglandRugbyLeague #AustraliaRugbyLeague #AshesSeries #Tonga #Samoa #InternationalRugbyLeague #NRL #RugbyLeaguePodcast

In this week’s episode of the League Express Podcast, Editor Martyn Sadler and Host Jake Kearnan are joined by BBC Pundit and Coach John Kear to preview the first Ashes Test between England and Australia. 🏉 Topics include: Kevin Walters’ team list and why Shaun Wane is yet to name his 17Predictions for England’s starting lineupWhat England must do to beat Australia in Game 1The referee appointments and why Game 1 is crucial to the series outcomeReaction to Super League’s three new clubs: York, Toulouse, and BradfordThe London Broncos missing out on Super League inclusionFull review of the weekend’s Pacific Championships and standout performersPacked with expert insight, international previews, and domestic analysis, Martyn, Jake and John break down everything shaping the world of Rugby League this week. 🔔 Subscribe to the League Express Podcast for weekly Super League, NRL, and international Rugby League discussion. #RugbyLeague #AshesSeries #EnglandRugbyLeague #AustraliaRugbyLeague #JohnKear #ShaunWane #KevinWalters #SuperLeague #York #Toulouse #Bradford #LondonBroncos #PacificChampionships #RugbyLeaguePodcast

In this week’s episode of the League Express Podcast, Editor Martyn Sadler and Host Jake Kearnan break down a historic night at Old Trafford as Hull KR are crowned Super League Champions for the first time in their history after defeating the Wigan Warriors. 🏉 Topics include: Hull KR’s Grand Final triumph over Wigan WarriorsMikey Lewis’s heroic Rob Burrow Award-winning performanceWillie Peters’ tactical masterclass and how it outsmarted WiganWhat went wrong for Wigan in the Grand FinalBrad O’Neill’s yellow card for a lifting tackle — fair or harsh?Jared Waerea-Hargreaves’ final match and Michael McIlorum’s toughnessWhether the World Club Challenge will go ahead between Hull KR and the Brisbane BroncosEngland squad preview and which players were unlucky to miss selectionFrom tactical brilliance to international implications, Martyn and Jake unpack every major storyline from Hull KR’s Grand Final glory and look ahead to what’s next for Rugby League. 🔔 Subscribe to the League Express Podcast for weekly Rugby League news, Super League analysis, and exclusive insights from across the game. #RugbyLeague #SuperLeague #HullKR #WiganWarriors #MikeyLewis #WilliePeters #RobBurrowAward #BradONeill #JaredWaereaHargreaves #MichaelMcIlorum #WorldClubChallenge #BrisbaneBroncos #EnglandRugbyLeague #RugbyLeaguePodcast