Well, it was Magic up in Newcastle, on, off and around the pitch as Phil reports on his experiences pitchside, and it is one of the great press vantage points in sport, and Richard from his armchair, as Toulouse breathe life in the battle at the bottom, Saints leave it late, Leeds outclass Cas, Ian Watson's process brings rewards for Huddersfield, Warrington are good for a change and the Hull Derby ends the weekend on a high (unless your a Robin, bobbing along home.) All that, plus the the future of the event, as we have to discuss every year, and a round up of the goings on elsewhere, including more bother at the Bulls.... PLUS, Wales Wheelchair Rugby League star Harry Jones talks about his career so far, their World Cup hopes, and where they're going in 2023. If you don't already know, you won't believe it...
Lots of comings and goings for Phil and Richard to discuss, after an interesting weekend of results ahead of a Magic Weekend in Newcastle. Speaking of, Jon Wells talks about Sky0, and what that's all about, as well as what we can expect to see this weekend with the further integration of stats into the Sky Sports coverage.
Reflecting on a superb weekend of international action, a Wheelchair Challenge Cup Final with skill and suspense, all the other stuff that happened, including staying awake during Warrington vs. Hull FC, Batley's win at Post Office Road, and why Fev fans shouldn't be too worried and more. Plus, as a bonus on the podcast, Tom Halliwell and James Simpson speak after that Final and and interview Richard did with Harry Gration back in 2009, to mark his passing.
It's too hot to be inside podcasting, so here's a look back on the international weekend, the positives coming out of it, and more for the future when the calendar comes out. Plus, whatever else we can think of before melting...
We heading to Wales for our special guest this week, as the latest dual code international Rhi Parker joins us, fresh from her debut for the national team against England on Sunday at Cross Keys. She's new to Rugby League, and tells us about her journey from turning up at a Cardiff Demons trial, to starting at 7 in the famous red of Cymru. A fascinating guest, with a positive story to tell, not just on the field, but also in the classroom on a daily basis! We've got clips from Shaun Wane and Ellery Handley as England and the Combined Nations All Stars come head-to-head, as we're for the concept, but not quite enamoured with the execution of, especially with "actual" Test Matches being played this weekend... All that, plus a look back at the weekend, and there's a new issue of the magazine out this week as well!
As State of Origin kicks off in Australia, we head there to catch up with Robert Burgin, to talk a little bit about Brazil, and a lot about his new book The Maroons, which, as the title suggests is about the Queensland Rugby League team. But, as he tells us, this is not a book of facts and figures, but of the stories of the 221 men who have worn the shirt of the Maroons, and how they reached that goal, many through adversity.
Reflections of a Saturday at Spurs, from the surroundings, to the stadium and the the all important action on the field, as Leigh and Wigan made their way home with trophies, and most of those there with a feeling of positivity (apart from if they lost.)
Before we head to Spurs on Saturday, John Davidson joined us in the studio to talk about some bits of news in the world of Rugby League, your questions on YouTube, and list people who were involved at the North Sydney Bears. Then, we get into the craft beer and cheese of the 1895 and Challenge Cup Finals as Leigh Centurions meet Featherstone Rovers, in a battle of the Championship's top two, while Wigan Warriors and Huddersfield Giants look to end Challenge Cup Final winning droughts of slightly different lengths. Enjoy the games, and give us a wave if you see us...
Just under an hour of Rugby League chat as we look back on the weekend's action, talk a bit about what IMG may be impressed by as we await further instruction, and are joined by London Skolars CEO Colin Browne ahead of Friday Night Lights at the New River Stadium, the day before the Challenge and 1895 Cup Finals up the road at Spurs. Speaking of, join us LIVE at 6pm this Thursday to look ahead to the big day at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium...
Time to reflect, again, on the passing of a huge figure in British Rugby League, and the game world wide, as Phil reflects on the life and career of Maurice Lindsay, a key man in where the game is today. From turning Wigan around, to running the RFL, the creation of Super League, and reinvigoration of the international game...fair to say his impact, whether a fan of his or not, is still being felt today. As well as a look back on the action, we're joined by Karsten Brumme, our favourite German, as he tells us how he started watching the sport, what he's found on his recent tour here, how hard it is to watch the game in Switzerland, and his impressive collection of shirts!