John and Ross are back to preview the Challenge Cup final of Hull KR against Warrington. They discuss the two teams, their form and history going into the final, and who might emerge victorious at Warrington. They also chat about the horror show at Huddersfield, Steve McNamara's axing at Catalans, if he would be a good fit at Leeds, and they give the latest on the Salford schemozzle. They also touch on the punishment of Luke Keary and the recent five-year plan for London Broncos.
May 30, 2025•1 hr
John and Ross are back and they discuss the latest on the worrying Salford Red Devils circus. They touch on the proposed NRL takeover of Super League, what it may involve, why its come about and what a new competition could look like. They also chat about RFL boss Tony Sutton's recent media appearance, Phil Gould's comments and break down the Ashes series, including potential selections.
Apr 11, 2025•1 hr 12 min•Season 7Ep. 188
John and Ross are back for a special episode after an insane week in rugby league. They chat about the farce at Salford Red Devils and how the issues and the situation rolls on. They discuss the raft of resignations at the RFL and the coup that has seen Nigel Wood controversially return to the governing body as interim chairman. They also touch on the serious complaints raised by women at the RFL and the departure of Gary Hetherington from Leeds to take over at London.
Mar 14, 2025•50 min
Ross and John are live from Las Vegas ahead of rugby league’s takeover of Allegiant Stadium. They talk about the experience of being in Vegas, the events and activities they have been on, the impact of it all, and what it all may mean for the NRL and Super League in the future.
Feb 28, 2025•30 min•Ep. 186
John Davidson sits down with Warrington CEO Karl Fitzpatrick ahead of the journey to Las Vegas. They talk about the massive game against Wigan in Sin City, rugby league's attempts to crack America and the impact the event has already had. They also discuss Super League's dramatic opening round, gaining publicity and breaking out the bubble, Warrington's partnership with Luke Littler.
Feb 19, 2025•26 min•Ep. 185
John catches up with rugby league journalist and author Richard de la Riviere. The pair talk about media access in rugby league, the women's game and his website womensrl.com. They also discuss the upcoming match in Las Vegas, the Ashes and Garry Schofield.
Dec 10, 2024•57 min
John and Ross are back to discuss the England vs Samoa series, international rugby league and Joseph Sua'ali'i crossing codes. They talk about code hoppers in rugby union and rugby league, the difficulties involved and whether a merger could happen in the future - of if it's pure pipedream. They also touch on the Mark Aston/concussion case and answer your questions.
Nov 17, 2024•41 min•Ep. 183
Hull KR hooker Matt Parcell joins the podcast ahead of the Super League semi-final against Warrington. Matt talks about Hull KR’s great season, the danger of Warrington, his career and his impending retirement. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support .
Oct 01, 2024•26 min
Warrington Wolves fullback Matt Duffy joins us ahead of the Super League semi-final against St Helens. Matt talks to us about his excellent season, being name in the Dream Team and the upcoming finals. He discuses Sam Burgess’ transformation of Warrington, his background in the NRL and his transfer to Super League. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support ....
Sep 24, 2024•21 min
Ross and John are back for a bumper episode where they discuss Las Vegas, the NRL and Super League teaming up in America, and Hull KR top of the table. They chat about IMG and cutbacks at the RFL, the next World Cup being hosted by Australia and PNG, Salford rising, St Helens struggling and loads more. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support ....
Aug 06, 2024•1 hr 4 min
John and Ross are back with a special tribute to Rob Burrow. They also discuss Rohan Smith’s dismissal at Leeds, potential candidates to replace him, England’s shocking player payments for the France test and more. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support .
Jun 21, 2024•41 min
The boys talk about the declining popularity of the Challenge Cup, IMG’s London Broncos problem, the coaching and recruitment situation at Hull FC, the sustainability of the Championship and League 1, and more. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support .
May 18, 2024•29 min
Ross and John are back to discuss Paul Rowley staying with Salford, the hell at Hull FC, the club’s appointment of Richie Myler, pressure on Rohan Smith and the future for Tony Smith. We also talk about the rise of Warrington and Huddersfield, Challenge Cup quarter-final results and England to play France in Toulouse. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support ....
Apr 23, 2024•53 min
John and Ross are back to discuss the first few rounds of Super League, the shocking situation at Featherstone Rovers and whether a player’s union is needed in UK rugby league. They also talk about the match review panel, the issue of media facilities in Super League, and the latest international news involving Italy, Ireland, Scotland and Lebanon dropping down in membership and out of World Cup qualification. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--296...
Mar 15, 2024•1 hr
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 .
Feb 08, 2024•56 min
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 ....
Jan 19, 2024•31 min
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 ....
Dec 08, 2023•37 min
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 ....
Dec 02, 2023•1 hr 14 min
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 .
Oct 21, 2023•1 hr 16 min
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 .
Oct 13, 2023•42 min
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 .
Aug 29, 2023•1 hr 5 min
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 ....
Aug 03, 2023•1 hr 25 min
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 ....
Jul 12, 2023•1 hr 1 min
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 ....
Jun 28, 2023•53 min
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 ....
May 29, 2023•33 min
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 .
May 05, 2023•51 min
Ross and John are back to review the first seven rounds of Super League. They discuss Warrington and Catalans’ great starts, the relegation battle, Hull FC’s struggles, Wakefield’s woes, Wigan, the Hull derby, IMG and more. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support .
Apr 03, 2023•56 min
We sit down with Tom Coyd, head coach of England’s World Cup-winning wheelchair rugby league team. We talk about the World Cup win, the wheelchair game and its plans for growth and expansion. We discuss Tom’s journey and path in the sport, the next World Cup in 2025 and last year’s epic final against France. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support ....
Mar 28, 2023•41 min
We’re back to review the first round of Super League 2023, St Helen’s’ famous win over Penrith, the Joe Westerman saga and pay tribute to friend of the podcast Ian Laybourn. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support .
Feb 22, 2023•48 min
Our special guest on this episode is the chairman of Wakefield Trinity John Minards. We talk to John about Wakefield’s stadium redevelopment, the upcoming season, replacing Willie Poching as head coach, the future of the club, IMG’s involvement in rugby league and more. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support ....
Jan 20, 2023•1 hr 12 min
