
Advertise on podcast: Rugby League Insider with James Hooper
This podcast has
183 episodes
Language
EnglishPublisher
FanaticsTVExplicit
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Date created
2026/03/02
Latest episode
2026/10/21
Average duration
54 min.
Release period
2 days
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Join Hoops, Brandon, Darcie McDonald, and Matt Vautin for Rugby League Insider! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Check latest episodes from Rugby League Insider with James Hooper podcast
PNG POUNCE! Chiefs Closing In On Their Target + Sam Walker’s Roosters Contract Standoff | RLIEP184
2026/10/21
🏉 Welcome to The Rugby League Insider Podcast
Brought to you by FanaticsTV.
James Hooper is joined by Craig Gower and Christian Nicolussi to unpack the biggest rugby league talking points.
The team discuss the latest mail linking AJ Brimson to the PNG Chiefs, whether the Perth Bears have the roster to compete, and the debate over PNG’s tax-free recruitment advantage.
Plus, Sam Walker’s contract standoff with the Roosters, Australia’s World Cup win over New Zealand, Kalyn Ponga’s injury, David Fifita’s resurgence under Wayne Bennett, Josh Addo-Carr’s uncertain Parramatta future and Eli Katoa’s recovery.
⏱️ TIMESTAMPS
0:00 — Welcome to Rugby League Insider
1:37 — PNG Chiefs recruitment and AJ Brimson transfer mail
5:14 — Can the Perth Bears compete? Roster concerns and expansion debate
15:10 — PNG’s tax-free advantage, player lifestyle and recruitment challenges
20:55 — PNG’s halfback hunt: Cleary, Walker
23:53 — Sam Walker’s Roosters deadline and contract standoff
35:25 — World Cup reaction: Australia overcome New Zealand
36:43 — Kalyn Ponga’s injury and the Kiwis’ chances
41:36 — Can Tonga and Samoa challenge Australia?
43:22 — David Fifita’s resurgence and Kangaroos opportunity
47:13 — PNG Chiefs logo, jersey reveal and naming dispute
50:50 — Josh Addo-Carr’s uncertain Parramatta future
54:32 — Is Jack Bostock the best winger in the game?
55:03 — Eli Katoa’s recovery and potential return
59:39 — Tonga team news and final wrap-up
📞 INSIDER HOTLINE
Got a question, opinion or hot take? We’d love to hear from you.
☎️ (02) 8001 6260
Leave us a voicemail and you could feature on an upcoming episode.
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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
World Cup Explodes: Tonga Fire, Bostock Stars & Kangaroos Selection Debate | RLIEP183
2026/10/18
🏉 Welcome to The Rugby League Insider Podcast
Brought to you by FanaticsTV.
James Hooper is joined by Simon Woolford and Sean O’Sullivan to unpack a blockbuster opening weekend of the Rugby League World Cup.
The team discuss Tonga’s win over England, Isaiya Katoa’s composure, Jack Bostock’s sensational Australian debut and the Kangaroos’ epic clash with New Zealand.
Plus, Kalyn Ponga’s injury, Reece Walsh versus James Tedesco, Australia’s halves selection, Samoa’s attacking firepower and the player market heating up ahead of November 1 — including Hudson Young, Xavier Willison and Herbie Farnworth.
⏱️ TIMESTAMPS
0:00 — Welcome, Simon’s wedding weekend and Sean’s watch-along debut
2:25 — Tonga beat England: defensive grit and controversial calls
6:24 — Isaiya Katoa’s masterclass and Tonga’s forward power
8:46 — World Cup crowds, TV ratings and representative pride
12:05 — Offseason training, fat clubs and old-school Raiders stories
19:08 — Tonga’s injury setbacks and Siua Wong’s dummy-half effort
21:16 — Robert Toia’s rise and Herbie Farnworth’s future
25:39 — Samoa’s attacking clinic and the Tonga showdown
27:42 — Phoenix Crossland, Mitch Moses and Australia’s halves options
30:34 — Jack Bostock’s stunning Kangaroos debut
32:00 — Kalyn Ponga’s injury and the Kiwis’ World Cup hopes
34:35 — Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad and New Zealand’s attacking adjustments
37:00 — Reece Walsh versus James Tedesco: who owns the No.1 jersey?
41:19 — November 1 approaches: Hudson Young and PNG’s recruitment push
44:12 — Xavier Willison’s contract situation and Brisbane’s retention battle
46:38 — Herbie Farnworth and the decisions facing off-contract stars
49:05 — Final wrap-up
📞 INSIDER HOTLINE
Got a question, opinion or hot take? We’d love to hear from you.
☎️ (02) 8001 6260
Leave us a voicemail and you could feature on an upcoming episode.
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Australia Survive NZ Thriller as Jack Bostock Stars | Rugby League World Cup | RLIEP183
2026/10/15
🏉 Welcome to The Rugby League Insider Podcast
Brought to you by FanaticsTV.
James Hooper is joined by Anthony Watmough and Brendan Savage to unpack Australia’s thrilling Rugby League World Cup win over New Zealand.
The team discuss Jack Bostock’s incredible Kangaroos debut, the selection calls facing Kevin Walters, and whether Australia’s forward pack needs reshuffling for the next Test.
Plus, Choc relives the 2008 World Cup final, the debate around responding to the haka, Isaah Yeo’s remarkable injury battle, Bostock’s future, and World Cup previews including England v Tonga.
⏱️ TIMESTAMPS
0:00 — Welcome to Rugby League Insider
1:24 — Australia v New Zealand: instant Test-match classic
6:06 — Jack Bostock’s remarkable Kangaroos debut
7:45 — Kangaroos selection calls and players short of match fitness
15:40 — Australia’s halves, Munster and the game’s key moments
19:05 — Choc relives the 2008 World Cup final
21:16 — The haka debate and Australia’s potential war cry
29:05 — Jack Bostock’s future and the player market
32:48 — Isaah Yeo’s ruptured pec and playing through injury
36:50 — How Australia can improve: pack balance and team changes
41:30 — Sam Walker, Tom Dearden and the next halves pairing
46:25 — World Cup fixtures: Samoa, PNG, Lebanon, England and Tonga
49:40 — Final wrap-up
📞 INSIDER HOTLINE
Got a question, opinion or hot take? We’d love to hear from you.
☎️ (02) 8001 6260
Leave us a voicemail and you could feature on an upcoming episode.
🎧 Listen on Spotify: Rugby League Insider with James Hooper
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🔥 FANATICS CLUBHOUSE
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Dragons TARGET Bostock | Rugby League World Cup Preview & Cleary’s Contract Call | RLIEP181
2026/10/14
🏉 Welcome to The Rugby League Insider Podcast
Brought to you by FanaticsTV.
James Hooper is joined by Sean O’Sullivan and Brandon Savage to preview the opening weekend of the Rugby League World Cup.
The team unpack Australia v New Zealand, including the Kiwis’ imposing forward pack, Kalyn Ponga’s threat, Australia’s selection calls and who can make the difference.
Plus, the latest on Jack Bostock, Cody Walker, Latrell Mitchell and Nathan Cleary, Peter O’Sullivan’s move to Brisbane, Newcastle’s roster squeeze, and previews of Samoa v France, PNG v Lebanon, England v Tonga and Fiji v Cook Islands.
⏱️ TIMESTAMPS
0:00 — Welcome to Rugby League Insider
2:20 — Jack Bostock: Dragons interest, Test debut and rise at the Dolphins
9:06 — Cody Walker’s Souths future and Latrell Mitchell’s contract situation
17:38 — Nathan Cleary puts contract talks on hold
22:00 — Peter O’Sullivan to Brisbane, Justin Holbrook’s Newcastle extension and the Knights’ halves puzzle
33:28 — Australia v New Zealand preview: can the Kangaroos stop the Kiwis?
45:04 — Samoa v France preview
51:28 — Papua New Guinea v Lebanon preview
54:48 — England v Tonga preview
1:03:42 — Fiji v Cook Islands preview
1:09:24 — Final wrap and Australia v New Zealand watch-along
📞 INSIDER HOTLINE
Got a question, opinion or hot take? We’d love to hear from you.
☎️ (02) 8001 6260
Leave us a voicemail and you could feature on an upcoming episode.
🎧 Listen on Spotify: Rugby League Insider with James Hooper
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🔥 FANATICS CLUBHOUSE
Join the Fanatics Clubhouse for exclusive sports content, live show invites, member-only discounts, sports tours, giveaways and bar shout perks throughout the year.
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Reece Walsh v Teddy, Sam Walker’s Deal & Spencer's Eels Deal | RLIEP180
2026/10/11
🏉 Welcome to The Rugby League Insider Podcast
Brought to you by FanaticsTV.
James Hooper is joined by Simon Woolford and Christian Nicolussi to unpack the biggest rugby league stories as the World Cup gets underway.
The team debate the Kangaroos’ fullback call between Reece Walsh and James Tedesco, preview Australia v New Zealand, and assess the representative squads.
Plus, Spencer Leniu’s move to Parramatta, Junior Paulo’s future, the looming November 1 player market, Hudson Young’s PNG links, Sam Walker’s Roosters deal, Jason Ryles’ contract clause and the issues facing Perth’s NRL entry.
⏱️ TIMESTAMPS
0:00 — Welcome to Rugby League Insider
1:55 — Reece Walsh v James Tedesco: who should be Kangaroos fullback?
4:00 — Kangaroos team news, halves and squad selections
9:36 — Bradman Best, Latrell Mitchell and Australia’s centres
14:48 — Australia v New Zealand preview and World Cup predictions
17:56 — Samoa, PNG and the rest of the World Cup weekend
18:53 — Parramatta sign Spencer Leniu
21:46 — Junior Paulo’s future, Samoa and Perth’s interest
23:36 — Can Spencer Leniu become a starting front-rower?
27:18 — November 1 market: why this year could be different
29:54 — Hudson Young, Canberra’s offer and PNG links
35:14 — Sam Walker’s Roosters future and contract value
37:57 — Roosters roster changes and recruitment plans
43:55 — Jason Ryles’ Parramatta contract clause
46:41 — Eels rebuild, pathways and expectations for 2026
53:00 — Perth’s CEO fallout and Mal Meninga’s challenge
58:56 — Wrap-up and upcoming World Cup coverage
📞 INSIDER HOTLINE
Got a question, opinion or hot take? We’d love to hear from you.
☎️ (02) 8001 6260
Leave us a voicemail and you could feature on an upcoming episode.
🎧 Listen on Spotify: Rugby League Insider with James Hooper
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🔥 FANATICS CLUBHOUSE
Join the Fanatics Clubhouse for exclusive sports content, live show invites, member-only discounts, sports tours, giveaways and bar shout perks throughout the year.
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Roosters Crowned 2026 NRL Premiers: Grand Final Review | RLIEP179
2026/10/05
🏉 Welcome to The Rugby League Insider Podcast
Brought to you by FanaticsTV.
James Hooper is joined by Craig Gower and Brandon Savage to review the 2026 NRL Grand Final, as the Sydney Roosters defeat the Newcastle Knights 19–18.
The team breaks down Newcastle’s remarkable finals run, the Roosters’ clinical performance, Daly Cherry-Evans’ key moments, James Tedesco’s legacy and the impact of Spencer Leniu.
Plus, the Knights’ future, Roosters recruitment and academy success, Kangaroos selection discussion, and the upcoming Rugby League World Cup.
⏱️ TIMESTAMPS
0:00 — Welcome and Roosters crowned 2026 premiers
1:40 — Newcastle’s brave grand final performance
4:00 — Key moments: Dom Young, Ponga and Newcastle’s tries
6:20 — Daly Cherry-Evans’ field goal and game management
8:00 — Roosters’ possession, kick chase and clinical edge
10:00 — Tedesco, Mark Nawaqanitawase and the Roosters’ big names
12:00 — Spencer Leniu’s impact off the bench
13:40 — Roosters’ forward pack and physicality
15:05 — Newcastle’s future and Justin Holbrook’s impact
18:10 — Thomas Cant at dummy-half and Newcastle’s desperation
22:30 — Roosters recruitment, academy and next generation
25:30 — James Tedesco’s place among the great Roosters fullbacks
28:00 — Kangaroos squad discussion and selection calls
29:30 — Pacific Championship concerns and player availability
32:00 — Tedesco, Edwards and the fullback debate
35:55 — Rugby League Insider’s World Cup coverage
36:55 — Final wrap-up
📞 INSIDER HOTLINE
Got a question, opinion or hot take? We’d love to hear from you.
☎️ (02) 8001 6260
Leave us a voicemail and you could feature on an upcoming episode.
🎧 Listen on Spotify: Rugby League Insider with James Hooper
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🔥 FANATICS CLUBHOUSE
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Rabbitohs Multi Million Dollar Jigsaw Puzzle 🧩 | RLIEP178
2026/10/03
Head to www.fanatics.tv for more insights & banter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Kangaroo Selection Shock: Kevin Walters Squad Early Mail | RLIEP177
2026/10/01
🏉 Welcome to The Rugby League Insider Podcast
Brought to you by FanaticsTV.
James Hooper is joined by Anthony Watmough and Brandon Savage for a huge grand final week edition of Rugby League Insider.
The team break down Newcastle’s extraordinary finals run and whether they can upset the star-studded Roosters to complete one of rugby league’s great fairytales.
Plus, the Kangaroos World Cup squad, key grand final match-ups, Connor Watson’s fitness, Phoenix Crossland’s tackle on Nathan Cleary and the hip-drop debate, player welfare, Herbie Farnworth’s Roosters link, Raiders contract news, and Ivan Cleary’s hopes of keeping Nathan at Penrith.
⏱️ TIMESTAMPS
0:00 — Welcome to Rugby League Insider
2:25 — Kangaroos World Cup squad: Turbo, Teddy, Walsh and the big selection calls
15:53 — Can Newcastle upset the Roosters in the grand final?
23:24 — Key match-ups: Gagai and Dom Young target the Roosters’ edges
26:10 — Newcastle’s young halves and the grand final game plan
29:02 — Connor Watson’s fitness and Roosters team selection
32:00 — Concussion protocols and the independent doctor call
33:11 — Phoenix Crossland, Nathan Cleary and the hip-drop tackle debate
43:00 — Player welfare, fatigue, interchanges and the NRL’s balancing act
47:31 — Herbie Farnworth’s Roosters sponsor post and contract speculation
52:53 — Raiders extend Ethan Sanders; Hudson Young’s future
57:35 — Ivan Cleary wants Nathan to remain at Penrith
58:47 — Grand final wrap-up and FanaticsTV watch-party details
📞 INSIDER HOTLINE
Got a question, opinion or hot take? We’d love to hear from you.
☎️ (02) 8001 6260
Leave us a voicemail and you could feature on an upcoming episode.
🎧 Listen on Spotify: Rugby League Insider with James Hooper
🍎 Listen on Apple Podcasts: Rugby League Insider with James Hooper
🔥 FANATICS CLUBHOUSE
Join the Fanatics Clubhouse for exclusive sports content, live show invites, member-only discounts, sports tours, giveaways and bar shout perks throughout the year.
No spam — just quality updates delivered straight to your inbox twice a week.
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"BLOW IT UP" Dally M Outrage As Multiple Players/Coaches Get SNUBBED! Ft. Buzz Rothfield | RLIEP176
2026/10/01
🏉 Welcome to The Rugby League Insider Podcast
Brought to you by FanaticsTV.
James Hooper is joined by Buzz Rothfield and Darcie McDonald for a huge grand final week edition of Rugby League Insider.
The team unpack the Dally M Awards, calls for greater voting transparency, and the incredible Newcastle Knights run to the grand final. Can the Knights complete one of rugby league’s greatest fairytales, or will Trent Robinson’s star-studded Roosters claim the premiership?
Plus, the Roosters’ academy and recruitment power, Herbie Farnworth’s future, Jason Ryles’ Eels extension, Cody Walker and Latrell Mitchell at South Sydney, Matt Burton, Bradman Best and grand final predictions.
⏱️ TIMESTAMPS
0:00 — Welcome to Rugby League Insider
2:15 — Dally M Awards: voting transparency and the big calls
8:35 — Newcastle’s remarkable grand final run
10:00 — Dally M stories and Mark Nawaqanitawase
15:00 — Old-school Rothmans and Dally M after-party yarns
22:30 — Lachlan Galvin, Wests Tigers and Gus Gould
26:15 — Newcastle’s finals road and why they believe
27:55 — Roosters v Knights grand final preview
35:10 — Trent Robinson, Justin Holbrook and the coaching battle
37:30 — Grand final predictions: Roosters or Newcastle?
39:30 — Nick Politis, the Roosters academy and club culture
46:20 — Herbie Farnworth and the Roosters’ recruitment power
50:00 — Jason Ryles and Parramatta’s extension talks
52:30 — Cody Walker, Latrell Mitchell and South Sydney’s future
57:30 — Matt Burton, Bradman Best and player movement
60:00 — Grand final plans and final wrap-up
📞 INSIDER HOTLINE
Got a question, opinion or hot take? We’d love to hear from you.
☎️ (02) 8001 6260
Leave us a voicemail and you could feature on an upcoming episode.
🎧 Listen on Spotify: Rugby League Insider with James Hooper
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🔥 FANATICS CLUBHOUSE
Join the Fanatics Clubhouse for exclusive sports content, live show invites, member-only discounts, sports tours, giveaways and bar shout perks throughout the year.
No spam — just quality updates delivered straight to your inbox twice a week.
👉 Join now: fanatics.tv
Head to www.fanatics.tv for more insights & banter.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Connor's Conundrum, Crossland Ban, Adam Gee & Dally M Awards | RLIEP175
2026/09/30
🏉 Welcome to The Rugby League Insider Podcast
Brought to you by FanaticsTV.
James Hooper is joined by Christian Nicolussi and Brandon Savage for a full NRL Grand Final week breakdown.
The team unpack Phoenix Crossland’s suspension after the tackle that injured Nathan Cleary, the fallout for Newcastle, and why the Knights’ remarkable run has captured the rugby league world.
Plus, Connor Watson’s race to be cleared, the Roosters’ key selection calls, Newcastle’s defensive heroes, Adam Gee’s grand final appointment, Dally M predictions, and the coaching cases for Justin Holbrook, Andrew Webster and more.
⏱️ TIMESTAMPS
0:00 — Welcome to Rugby League Insider
5:49 — Phoenix Crossland’s ban and Nathan Cleary injury fallout
8:00 — Crossland’s response and Newcastle’s grand final preparations
12:00 — Judiciary stories and grand final precedents
24:30 — Connor Watson’s concussion call and Roosters selection dilemma
32:23 — Newcastle fever: the city’s grand final buzz
36:00 — Knights’ defensive heroics and why they can challenge the Roosters
41:14 — Roosters team preview: Reece Robson, depth and key match-ups
48:35 — Adam Gee appointed grand final referee
53:20 — Dally M predictions: can Nathan Cleary win from hospital?
58:42 — Coach of the Year debate: Holbrook, Webster, Bennett and Ivan Cleary
64:20 — Captain of the Year: Kalyn Ponga’s Newcastle transformation
67:18 — Final wrap-up
📞 INSIDER HOTLINE
Got a question, opinion or hot take? We’d love to hear from you.
☎️ (02) 8001 6260
Leave us a voicemail and you could feature on an upcoming episode.
🎧 Listen on Spotify: Rugby League Insider with James Hooper
🍎 Listen on Apple Podcasts: Rugby League Insider with James Hooper
🔥 FANATICS CLUBHOUSE
Join the Fanatics Clubhouse for exclusive sports content, live show invites, member-only discounts, sports tours, giveaways and bar shout perks throughout the year.
No spam — just quality updates delivered straight to your inbox twice a week.
👉 Join now: fanatics.tv
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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
From Wooden Spoon to Grand Final: Newcastle’s Unbelievable NRL Story | RLIEP174
2026/09/29
🏉 Welcome to The Rugby League Insider Podcast
Brought to you by FanaticsTV.
James Hooper is joined by Simon Woolford and Brendan Savage to unpack the biggest NRL talking points.
The team discuss Newcastle’s remarkable run from wooden spoon to the grand final, Phoenix Crossland’s tackle on Nathan Cleary, and the stories shaping grand final week in rugby league.
Plus, Justin Holbrook’s coaching impact, the Roosters’ dangerous attack, Daly Cherry-Evans’ influence, team selection calls, and predictions for the weekend’s biggest match.
⏱️ TIMESTAMPS
0:00 — Welcome to Rugby League Insider
1:58 — Newcastle’s incredible grand final run
5:46 — Phoenix Crossland tackle, Nathan Cleary injury and hip-drop debate
17:08 — Justin Holbrook’s impact and Newcastle’s belief
28:40 — Roosters preview: Mark Nawaqanitawase, forward pack and key match-ups
35:35 — Roosters’ selection dilemmas: Connor Watson and Spencer Leniu
40:15 — Daly Cherry-Evans, Sam Walker and the grand final records on the line
43:17 — Viewer questions: Cleary, Crossland and Penrith’s finals exit
54:22 — Ivan Cleary’s selection calls and final wrap-up
📞 INSIDER HOTLINE
Got a question, opinion or hot take? We’d love to hear from you.
☎️ (02) 8001 6260
Leave us a voicemail and you could feature on an upcoming episode.
🎧 Listen on Spotify: Rugby League Insider with James Hooper
🍎 Listen on Apple Podcasts: Rugby League Insider with James Hooper
🔥 FANATICS CLUBHOUSE
Join the Fanatics Clubhouse for exclusive sports content, live show invites, member-only discounts, sports tours, giveaways and bar shout perks throughout the year.
No spam — just quality updates delivered straight to your inbox twice a week.
👉 Join now: fanatics.tv
Head to www.fanatics.tv for more insights & banter.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Knights’ Fairytale Grand Final Run | Crossland Facing Ban | Roosters v Newcastle | RLIEP173
2026/09/28
🏉 Welcome to The Rugby League Insider Podcast
Brought to you by FanaticsTV.
James Hooper is joined by Darcie McDonald and Anthony Watmough to unpack one of the wildest preliminary-final weekends in recent memory.
The team breaks down Newcastle’s remarkable 12-man win over Penrith, including Phoenix Crossland’s send-off, Nathan Cleary’s injury and the Panthers’ costly selection calls. They then look ahead to a blockbuster Grand Final between the fairytale Knights and the star-studded Sydney Roosters.
Plus, Sandon Smith’s breakout performance, Newcastle’s game plan to expose the Roosters, Justin Holbrook’s inside knowledge, DCE’s premiership chance, and why the Hunter region is fully behind the Knights.
⏱️ TIMESTAMPS
0:00 — Newcastle’s stunning 12-man win over Penrith
1:54 — Where the Knights’ comeback ranks among great finals wins
3:20 — How Newcastle exposed Penrith’s edge defence
5:48 — The Knights’ fairytale run and the Newcastle fan wave
9:08 — Phoenix Crossland’s send-off and Nathan Cleary’s injury
18:58 — Did Penrith get their selection calls wrong?
20:27 — Panthers’ edge defence, leadership and late-game errors
23:06 — Sandon Smith’s quick tap and the defining moments
26:00 — Newcastle’s resilience and belief heading into the Grand Final
30:00 — How the Knights can target the Roosters’ defence
31:12 — Roosters v Dolphins and Justin Holbrook’s inside knowledge
33:52 — Can Newcastle win it after last year’s wooden spoon?
36:42 — Grand Final odds, pressure and the Roosters’ strike power
41:58 — Why the Knights have nothing to lose
43:10 — Phoenix Crossland referred straight to the judiciary
46:10 — Does DCE deserve to finish with another premiership?
48:05 — Final Grand Final predictions and wrap-up
📞 INSIDER HOTLINE
Got a question, opinion or hot take? We’d love to hear from you.
☎️ (02) 8001 6260
Leave us a voicemail and you could feature on an upcoming episode.
🎧 Listen on Spotify: Rugby League Insider with James Hooper
🍎 Listen on Apple Podcasts: Rugby League Insider with James Hooper
🔥 FANATICS CLUBHOUSE
Join the Fanatics Clubhouse for exclusive sports content, live show invites, member-only discounts, sports tours, giveaways and bar shout perks throughout the year.
No spam — just quality updates delivered straight to your inbox twice a week.
👉 Join now: fanatics.tv
Head to www.fanatics.tv for more insights & banter.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Newcastle's 12-Man MIRACLE: Knights Stun Penrith To Reach Grand Final | RLIEP172
2026/09/27
One of the great finals performances — Newcastle played 44 minutes with 12 men after Phoenix Crossland's send-off and Nathan Cleary's broken leg, and somehow beat the Premiership-favourite Penrith Panthers 22-14 to book a grand final berth. Hoops, Anthony Watmough and John Sutton break down Kalyn Ponga's captain's performance, the small battles Newcastle won everywhere on the field, and where it all went wrong for Ivan Cleary's Panthers. Plus, a preview of next week's decider against the Roosters.
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TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 - Newcastle's Incredible 12-Man Miracle
00:55 - Choc & Sutto React To History
01:58 - Comparing This To Rugby League's Bravest Performances
03:10 - How The Knights Out-Panthered The Panthers
04:12 - Kalyn Ponga's Captain's Performance
05:38 - Cleary's Injury Twist
07:21 - Warren's Bold Grand Final Prediction
09:13 - Shades Of '97 And 2001
12:24 - Newcastle's Forward Pack: The Unsung Heroes
13:12 - Gagai's Inspirational Farewell-Season Form
14:02 - Were Penrith Ever The Deserved Favourites?
16:24 - Ad Break
16:54 - How Much Does This Win Take Out Of Them?
20:55 - Cleary's Costly Coaching Calls Under Scrutiny
24:35 - Panthers' Bench Carnage Explained
27:18 - Sam Smith's Pivotal Quick Tap
28:09 - Penrith's Injury Toll: Brown, Suli, Mooney
29:04 - Average Joes vs The Purple Cobras
30:04 - How Newcastle Can Trouble The Roosters
33:21 - Sutton's Grand Final Tip
35:21 - Outro: Average Joes All The Way
⸻
🎧 Listen on Spotify: Rugby League Insider with James Hooper
🍎 Listen on Apple Podcasts: Rugby League Insider with James Hooper
⸻
🔥 FANATICS CLUBHOUSE
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Roosters STORM Into Grand Final After Marky Mark Masterclass, Bunker Controversy Erupts | RLI EP171
2026/09/25
Description:
Live from the Hyde Park House pub — the Sydney Roosters have booked their first grand final berth since 2019, outclassing the Dolphins 36-20 at Suncorp Stadium. Simon Woolford and Sean O'Sullivan break down Marky Mark's stunning 313m masterclass, the controversial bunker call that upheld a Dolphins try, and the fresh headache of Connor Watson's grand final-ending HIA. Plus, reaction to the Dolphins' season ending short, breaking news on George Williams' move to the Dragons, and a preview of Sunday's Panthers-Knights blockbuster.
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TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 - Roosters Into The Grand Final: C**k-A-Doodle-Doo!
01:03 - Simon Woolford's Instant Reaction
02:05 - Sean O'Sullivan Breaks Down The Result
03:24 - DCE & Sam Walker's Statement Combination
06:48 - Izzy Katoa's Ugly Head-Slam Tackle
09:14 - Victor Radley's Lucky Judiciary History
09:58 - Bunker Chaos: Osako's Try Controversy
14:10 - Marky Mark's Man-Of-The-Match Masterclass
16:56 - The Numbers: Marky Mark's 313m Game
19:07 - What This Grand Final Means For Robbo & The Roosters
20:56 - Reece Robson's Rise Under Robinson
22:21 - Breaking: Connor Watson OUT Of The Grand Final
23:09 - Ad Break
24:08 - Connor Watson HIA Category Bombshell Explained
24:46 - Dolphins' Gutsy Season Ends Short
27:16 - Is This The Dolphins' Ceiling Or Just The Start?
30:09 - Breaking: George Williams Set For Dragons Move
30:34 - Previewing Panthers v Knights
33:19 - Outro & Grand Final Preview
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Panthers BIG 4 Set to Re-Sign | Harry Grant Contract Saga & Canberra Gun to Super League | RLI EP170
2026/09/25
🏉 Welcome to The Rugby League Insider Podcast
Brought to you by FanaticsTV.
James Hooper is joined by Christian Nicolussi and Brandon Savage to unpack the biggest NRL talking points.
The team discuss Penrith’s moves to retain Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo, Liam Martin and Moses Leota — plus the Panthers’ secretive finals preparations.
Also on the agenda: Raiders contract news, Latrell Mitchell’s South Sydney future, Harry Grant’s Melbourne contract situation, Victor Radley’s career-best season, and a preview of Dolphins v Roosters.
⏱️ TIMESTAMPS
0:00 — Welcome to Rugby League Insider
2:24 — Raiders news: Tom Starling, Matt Nicholson and the hooker puzzle
5:03 — Christian Wolff’s boxing stories and the contract market heats up
7:38 — Raiders roster update and Matt Nicholson’s extension
10:30 — Penrith’s secret training setup and Nathan Cleary update
17:36 — Panthers’ big four: Cleary, Yeo, Martin and Leota contract talks
22:50 — Latrell Mitchell’s South Sydney future and Perth links
37:20 — Harry Grant’s Melbourne Storm future
45:20 — Victor Radley’s fitness overhaul and Roosters future
49:28 — Dolphins v Roosters preview, tips and finals wrap-up
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