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🏉 Welcome to The Rugby League Insider Podcast Brought to you by FanaticsTV. James Hooper is joined by Craig Gower, Christian Nicolussi and Brandon Savage to unpack the biggest NRL talking points in the final studio episode of the season. The team discuss Sam Walker’s contract standoff with the Roosters, Matt Burton’s potential move to Perth and how the Bulldogs could reshape their halves around Walker and Lachlan Galvin. Plus, could Cameron Munster land at the Roosters? The panel debate Melbourne’s changing landscape, Harry Grant’s links to the Titans, who could eventually replace Craig Bellamy, Parramatta’s pursuit of Bradman Best and Penrith’s fight to keep their stars. There’s also Samoa’s World Cup exit, Cooper Bai’s Melbourne signing, and the Golden Boot debate as Reece Walsh and Kalyn Ponga prepare for the Australia–New Zealand final. ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 0:00 — Welcome, guest introductions and World Cup final build-up 1:57 — Transfer dominoes: Matt Burton, Perth and Sam Walker 6:02 — Phil Gould’s Bulldogs rebuild and a Walker–Galvin halves pairing 13:23 — Sam Walker’s Roosters standoff: what happens next? 20:25 — Cameron Munster’s future: Melbourne, PNG or the Roosters? 26:43 — Melbourne’s changing landscape and Craig Bellamy’s future 28:44 — Eli Katoa’s recovery and the decision on his playing future 30:55 — Harry Grant to the Titans? The potential recruitment shake-up 34:10 — Who follows Bellamy? Billy Slater and Jason Ryles discussed 39:28 — Bradman Best, Parramatta’s recruitment and Ryles’ contract 43:03 — Samoa’s exit, Spencer Leniu’s ban and the pre-game passion debate 48:05 — Craig Gower’s French rugby stories 53:46 — Cooper Bai’s Melbourne signing 54:37 — Penrith’s retention battle: Liam Martin, Moses Leota and the salary cap 1:00:03 — Golden Boot debate: Reece Walsh or Kalyn Ponga? 1:03:04 — Season farewell and a personal tribute from Brandon Savage 📞 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.

🏉 Welcome to The Rugby League Insider Podcast Brought to you by FanaticsTV. James Hooper is joined by Simon Woolford and Brandon Savage to unpack the World Cup semi-finals and preview a blockbuster Australia v New Zealand decider. The team discuss Australia’s dominant performance against Samoa, Spencer Leniu’s costly loss of discipline, Reece Walsh’s attacking brilliance and Kalyn Ponga’s outstanding return for the Kiwis against Tonga. Plus, Hudson Young’s PNG Chiefs move and his future in Canberra, the Raiders’ recruitment targets, the Wests Tigers’ reported Nathan Cleary and Mary Fowler bid, and the fallout from Paul Gallen’s fight with Nelson Asofa-Solomona. ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 0:00 — Welcome to Rugby League Insider 2:16 — Australia dominate Samoa to book their World Cup final spot 4:41 — Spencer Leniu’s sin-bin and Samoa’s discipline 8:27 — Refereeing debate: did Samoa get a fair go? 11:32 — Kangaroos forwards fire, Harry Grant shines and the halves click 16:17 — Could goal kicking decide the World Cup final? 17:24 — Reece Walsh’s brilliance and the Tedesco selection debate 20:05 — Kiwis v Tonga: Kalyn Ponga’s toughness and match-winning influence 26:41 — Ponga’s international switch and Casey McLean’s remarkable rise 29:12 — New Zealand’s forward pack and Naufahu Whyte’s injury concern 32:44 — Phoenix Crossland’s return and Ronaldo Mulitalo’s selection 37:04 — Tonga’s World Cup effort earns praise 38:54 — World Cup final watch-along on FanaticsTV 40:02 — Hudson Young’s PNG move: could he leave Canberra early? 47:00 — Do short-term player deals work? 48:33 — Could Hudson Young fit at Melbourne? Eli Katoa’s uncertain return 50:06 — Raiders recruitment: who could replace Hudson Young? 52:15 — Wests Tigers boardroom turmoil 54:12 — Tigers’ reported Nathan Cleary and Mary Fowler bid 58:00 — Gallen v Asofa-Solomona: knockout, stoppage and crowd controversy 1:02:47 — Usman Khawaja’s book and the Sandpapergate debate 1:05:31 — Chin Music preview and final wrap-up 🎧 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.

Welcome to The Rugby League Insider Podcast – NOW 7 DAYS A WEEK! Brought to you by FanaticsTV. Join James Hooper, Darcie McDonald & Brandon Savage as they break down the biggest talking points, breaking news, rumours and opinions from across the NRL. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Intro 00:20 - Choc's big weekend in Newcastle 02:51 - Choc on his son 04:22 - BREAKING: PNG Chiefs go to $1 million for Hudson Young 08:05 - Third-party deals: is PNG's an unfair advantage? 15:52 - Nathan Cleary knocks back PNG's $2m offer 16:39 - Cleary injury update: third surgery next week 17:40 - Choc's torn bicep & the third-party money he never saw 19:33 - Players burnt by clubs going bust 20:28 - World Cup semi preview: Kiwis v Tonga 28:47 - Kangaroos v Samoa: can the forwards step up? 31:32 - 11 Kangaroos off contract: a distraction? 33:04 - Kogarah, Brookvale & the old dog-park days 34:05 - Latrell Mitchell v Kotoni Staggs: the selection debate 36:05 - Bradman Best on Peter O'Sullivan 40:34 - Could Samoa pull off the biggest upset in World Cup history? 41:04 - Wayne Bennett in drag: the 2008 photo that vanished 43:03 - How Samoa win it: the middles 44:24 - "Dr" Nicolussi and the arts degree 46:35 - Nico's Fairfield roots 48:29 - Spencer Leniu v Keaon Koloamatangi 50:21 - Knee surgeries & Choc's mate Snake 52:30 - Manly's new coaching staff: Brent Kite & Steve Hansen 53:19 - Harry Grant to Manly? 56:42 - Who wins the World Cup? 58:23 - Nico's Melbourne Cup Day & Jane Flemming ⸻ INSIDER HOTLINE Got a question, opinion or hot take? We'd love to hear from you! Call the Rugby League Insider Hotline: (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.

🏉 Welcome to The Rugby League Insider Podcast Brought to you by FanaticsTV. James Hooper is joined by Simon Woolford and Brandon Savage to unpack the biggest NRL talking points. The team discuss Hudson Young’s trip to Papua New Guinea as the PNG Chiefs close in, whether Liam Martin could be the Raiders’ big replacement signing, and the Sam Walker saga as Nick Politis and Phil Gould get ready to meet. Plus, Matt Burton’s likely move to the Perth Bears, the long feud between Politis and Gould, Rugby League World Cup semi-final teams, Kalyn Ponga’s fitness, the Katoni Staggs selection debate and a Melbourne Cup wrap. ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 0:00 — Welcome to Rugby League Insider and the Melbourne Cup wrap 6:32 — Hudson Young heads to PNG: is the Chiefs deal a formality? 9:20 — Liam Martin open to joining the Raiders 14:28 — Why Hudson Young and Canberra split 19:36 — Liam Martin, the Ben Kennedy comparison and what he’d bring to Canberra 22:24 — Sam Walker saga: Roosters, Bulldogs and the Politis–Gould meeting 27:04 — Matt Burton swap-deal rumours: setting the record straight 30:48 — Why Matt Burton is heading to the Perth Bears 34:04 — The long history between Nick Politis and Phil Gould 37:48 — World Cup semi-final teams: Phoenix Crossland returns and Kalyn Ponga’s fitness 40:36 — Kangaroos team and the Katoni Staggs debate 46:40 — 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 🍎 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.

🏉 Welcome to The Rugby League Insider Podcast Brought to you by FanaticsTV. James Hooper is joined by two-time premiership winner Anthony Watmough, Sydney Morning Herald journalist Christian Nicolussi and Brandon Savage to unpack the biggest rugby league talking points. The team break down the epic Tonga v Samoa World Cup clash, Junior Paulo’s shoulder charge, and whether anyone can stop the Kangaroos. Plus, November 1 free agency is officially here: Jack Bostock’s next move, Herbie Farnworth and the Roosters, Nathan Cleary’s Penrith v PNG decision, a possible Matt Burton–Sam Walker swap, Hudson Young and AJ Brimson to PNG, the latest from Melbourne and what’s going on at Manly. ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 0:00 — Welcome: November 1 is here and free agency is open 0:55 — Tonga v Samoa: an Origin-style World Cup epic 5:51 — Junior Paulo’s shoulder charge: will he miss the Kangaroos clash? 8:53 — Can anyone beat Australia? The forward pack battle 13:43 — How the game unfolded: Ronnie Volkman, Spencer Leniu and the goal-kicking woes 17:21 — Chuck’s Halloween mask prank on Brandon 20:27 — Can Tonga or Samoa go all the way? 21:30 — The miracle injury comebacks: what’s going on? 27:32 — November 1 mayhem: Jack Bostock to the Dragons and Herbie Farnworth to the Roosters 32:17 — Nathan Cleary: Penrith or PNG? 35:20 — Loyalty v money: Chuck on chasing premierships 41:49 — Nick Politis and Gus Gould to meet: a Matt Burton–Sam Walker swap? 45:27 — Hudson Young and AJ Brimson to PNG 45:56 — Melbourne mail: Craig Bellamy, Harry Grant and Cameron Munster 47:14 — Is Matt Burton the right marquee signing for Perth? 50:10 — Manly free agents and what’s going on at the Sea Eagles 52:29 — 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.

🏉 Welcome to The Rugby League Insider Podcast Brought to you by FanaticsTV. James Hooper is joined by Anthony “Choc” Watmough and Brandon Savage to unpack the Sam Walker contract saga and the fallout at the Sydney Roosters. Could Walker land at the Bulldogs? The team debate his next move, a potential partnership with Lachlan Galvin, and how Matt Burton, the Perth Bears and Papua New Guinea could shape the NRL player market. Plus, Zane Harrison’s Titans future, Cameron Munster’s contract situation, Choc’s stories about Des Hasler and Manly’s World Club Challenge trip, and a look ahead to Tonga v Samoa. ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 0:00 — Welcome, opening bloopers and Friday banter 1:53 — Choc on work, family and life after footy 7:54 — Sam Walker’s Roosters fallout and lessons from Manly 12:18 — Could the Bulldogs land Sam Walker? 14:56 — Matt Burton, Perth Bears and the halfback domino effect 22:29 — NRL 360 coverage and the Roosters’ media strategy 27:17 — Gus, Uncle Nick and the politics behind Walker’s next move 34:37 — Zane Harrison’s Titans deal and proving your worth 36:54 — Choc’s wild World Club Challenge memories 39:25 — PNG’s recruitment targets: Cleary, Walker and more 40:36 — Cameron Munster’s contract and Melbourne’s salary-cap history 44:39 — Des Hasler pranks and Manly’s training-ground stories 48:27 — Walker’s options: Bulldogs, PNG, Cowboys, Souths and rugby 54:06 — Tonga v Samoa, World Cup chat 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.

🏉 Welcome to The Rugby League Insider Podcast Brought to you by FanaticsTV. James Hooper is joined by Simon Woolford, Christian Nicolussi and Brendan Savage to unpack a massive week of NRL contract drama. The team discuss Sam Walker’s shock Roosters contract breakdown, with Hoops challenging reports that he agreed to a deal before backflipping. Where could Walker land next, and could a swap involving Cowboys halfback Tom Dearden be an option? Plus, Hudson Young’s uncertain Canberra future, the PNG Chiefs’ recruitment power, Hoops’ mail on Herbie Farnworth and the Roosters, Penrith’s contract decisions, and Melbourne’s coaching succession. The boys also debate Australia’s World Cup selections, Ethan Strange’s Kangaroos debut, Manase Fainu’s potential return to rugby league, and the blockbuster clash between Tonga and Samoa. ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 0:00 — Welcome to Rugby League Insider 1:12 — Hudson Young’s Canberra contract shock 2:49 — Sam Walker bombshell: Hoops challenges the backflip reports 8:27 — Where could Walker land? Bulldogs, Souths, PNG and a Cowboys swap 15:52 — Did the Roosters’ opening offer sour negotiations? 19:33 — Hoops’ Herbie Farnworth mail and the Roosters’ recruitment strategy 24:57 — Could Melbourne make a play for Walker? 27:18 — Salary cap growth and Penrith’s contract balancing act 32:58 — Could the Titans enter the Walker race? 35:01 — Craig Bellamy’s future and Melbourne’s succession plan 38:18 — Hudson Young, the Raiders’ withdrawn offer and PNG interest 49:27 — Kangaroos selections: Latrell Mitchell, James Tedesco and the halves 52:29 — Ethan Strange’s journey from Thailand to a Test debut 54:34 — Manase Fainu and a potential return to rugby league 58:24 — Tonga v Samoa: ticket demand, predictions and Australia’s World Cup threats 1:03:58 — 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.

🏉 Welcome to The Rugby League Insider Podcast Brought to you by FanaticsTV. James Hooper is joined by Sean O’Sullivan, Darcie McDonald to unpack the biggest rugby league talking points. The team discuss Fiji’s brave challenge against Australia, Kurt Donoghoe’s outstanding performance, and the Kangaroos’ selection headaches. Should James Tedesco or Reece Walsh wear the No.1, and who gets the nod at halfback — Tom Dearden or Sam Walker? Plus, World Cup blowouts, Tonga’s blockbuster clash with Samoa, Matt Burton’s future at Canterbury, and the November 1 player market. Could Harry Grant transform the Titans, and what lies ahead for Melbourne’s biggest stars? ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 0:00 — Welcome to Rugby League Insider 1:59 — Fiji push Australia and Kurt Donoghoe shines 6:12 — Sean O’Sullivan on Donoghoe’s remarkable rise 10:20 — Tedesco or Walsh? Australia’s fullback dilemma 12:05 — Dearden or Walker? Picking the Kangaroos’ halfback 17:53 — World Cup blowouts and growing the international game 25:47 — Tonga v Samoa: a blockbuster awaits 28:23 — Samoa’s jersey giveaways and PNG fans’ incredible journey 29:40 — Matt Burton’s future: Bulldogs, playing position and rival interest 37:54 — November 1: big names and a changing player market 39:26 — Could Harry Grant transform the Titans? 41:09 — Melbourne’s future: Bellamy, Munster and player uncertainty 45:45 — Why Hooper would tell Harry Grant to name his price 48:02 — Zane Harrison’s future on the Gold Coast 51:58 — Does the NRL’s contract system need to change? 56:05 — 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. 🎧 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.

Choc Fires Up Over PNG’s NRL Advantage, Bradman Best’s Future & Tigers Rebuild | RLIEP185 🏉 Welcome to The Rugby League Insider Podcast Brought to you by FanaticsTV. James Hooper is joined by Anthony “Choc” Watmough and Brandon Savage to unpack the biggest NRL off-season talking points. The team discuss Bradman Best’s future at Newcastle, the November 1 player market and the PNG Chiefs’ recruitment advantage — with Choc firing up over tax-free deals, third-party agreements and what it all means for the Perth Bears. Plus, Mal Meninga’s coaching tensions, Cooper Bai’s future, Wayde Egan’s Warriors extension and the Wests Tigers’ rebuild. Can Benji Marshall turn things around? ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 0:00 — Welcome to Rugby League Insider 2:49 — International footy preview and Tonga’s big omission 3:26 — Bradman Best’s future: Newcastle or Parramatta? 8:01 — Contract talk in representative camps: has the game changed? 9:56 — Super League stories and rugby league’s contract wars 16:10 — Choc fires up over PNG’s recruitment advantage 22:54 — Perth Bears: Mal Meninga, coaching tensions and recruitment 30:18 — Choc’s Manly exit and the politics of rugby league 35:16 — Cooper Bai’s future and PNG’s third-party deals 42:29 — Wayde Egan’s Warriors extension and Kiwis eligibility 46:18 — Tigers secure Samuela Fainu: a key piece of the rebuild 48:15 — Second chances and the pathway back to the NRL 50:06 — Tigers recruitment and expectations for next season 52:51 — Benji Marshall’s coaching, player managers and burying the hatchet 59:22 — Final wrap-up and weekend plans 📞 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.

🏉 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. 🎧 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.

🏉 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. 🎧 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.

🏉 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 🍎 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.

🏉 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 🍎 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.

🏉 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 🍎 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.

🏉 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 🍎 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.