John catches up with Salford Red Devils forward Tyrone McCarthy. They talk about life in lockdown, Tyrone's childhood in Warrington, playing for the Wolves, his move to Australia with the Northern Pride, his season at Hull KR and his time in NRL. Tyrone gives his take on the current struggles of St George Illawarra, his move to Salford in 2017 and the Red Devils' run to the grand final last year. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support ....
Jun 10, 2020•52 min
Ross and John are joined on the pod by Gary Carter from The Sun newspaper. The trio chat about Warrington's signing of Greg Inglis, talk of Super League's salary cap being cut, the proposals for the season to resume in England, the return of the NRL down under and the John Bateman contract saga. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support ....
May 23, 2020•50 min
We are joined by rugby league writer and author Steve Mascord. Steve talks to us about his new book on the Super League war and split Australian season of 1997, gives his take on current developments in the NRL and Super League, and also chats about the new proposed Euro XIII competition. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support ....
May 15, 2020•49 min
Ross and John are joined by League Weekly editor Paul Bennett to talk about the UK government's £16 million emergency loan to rugby league, what it means and what could be the impact, whether Super League is set to rejoin with the Rugby Football League, the retirement of Nigel Wood, and the possible return of the season. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support ....
May 04, 2020•50 min
John is joined by Fox Sports journalist George Clarke to talk about all things NRL. They chat about the departure of NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg, the May 28 competition return date, the fate of the Ashes, players breaking isolation rules and a new book on Olsen Filipaina. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support ....
Apr 28, 2020•46 min
Ross and John discuss the best sports films they have seen, the best sports books they have read, the best matches they have been to and covered as journalists, their best sports interviews and best sports stories. They also talk about the news of the week, such as Shaun Wane's Ashes bid with England and a blow to Scotland Rugby League. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support ....
Apr 16, 2020•51 min
Ross and John are back together (in different houses of course) to talk about the impact of the Coronavirus on the world of sport and chat about the future of UK rugby league, what might happen in Super League, whether promotion and relegation will be scrapped, Liverpool FC's controversial move to furlough staff and more in this strange self-isolating time. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support ....
Apr 06, 2020•51 min
Our special guest is Hull KR halfback Ryan Brierley. Ryan talks to us about his career, the 2020 Super League season, his upbringing in Bolton, his breaking through at Leigh, brief spell at Huddersfield and time at Toronto. He gives us his take on North American expansion and chats to us about his experiences in the international arena with Scotland. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support ....
Apr 01, 2020•51 min
We catch up with Warrington Wolves and England international Mike Cooper. Mike tells us about his journey in rugby league, his time with Warrington, his spell in the NRL, his experiences in grand finals and Challenge Cup finals, dealing with pressure, working under Steve Price and his plans off the field. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support ....
Mar 23, 2020•48 min
John catches up with Salford Red Devils hooker Joey Lussick. They talk about the 2020 Super League season, Joey's spell with Salford, his background and family, his friendship with Joey Lussick, his upbringing in Sydney, the 2019 grand final and a lot more. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support .
Mar 18, 2020•37 min
John interviews Leeds Rhinos prop Adam Cuthbertson. They talk about the 2020 Super League season, the changes at Leeds and Adam's future. They also go through Adam's background and journey in rugby league, coming through the ranks at Manly, playing in the NRL, the impact Wayne Bennett had on him and more. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support ....
Mar 18, 2020•51 min
John was in Liverpool for the launch of the New York Rugby League club. He interviews club CEO Ricky Wilby and finds out the plans for the new team in North America. He also gets reaction from veteran journalist Steve Mascord and League Weekly editor Paul Bennett on New York. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support ....
Mar 10, 2020•51 min
Super League champs St Helens take on NRL premiers the Roosters in the 2020 World Club Challenge. John heads to the Totally Wicked Stadium to hear from Trent Robinson, Kristian Woolf, James Roby, Mitchell Aubussson, Jonny Lomax and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves ahead of the game. He is also joined by St Helens CEO Mike Rush and The Sun's rugby league reporter Gary Carter. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support ....
Feb 19, 2020•41 min
John is joined by the creative director of Super League and head of The City Talking, Lee Hicken. Lee talks about his work in rugby league, the rebranding of the sport and the new documentary series We Play League. He also chats about his background, his involvement in sport and his two films on Leeds United. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support ....
Feb 14, 2020•52 min
Sheffield Eagles utility and United States international Corey Makelim is our special guest. He talks to us about his upbringing in western Sydney, his time with the Parramatta Eels, representing America, playing in the 2017 World Cup, his spell with Sheffield, scoring a try at Wembley, experiencing the 2019 Nines World Cup and more. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support ....
Feb 07, 2020•47 min
Ross and John are joined by Paul Bennett at the Super League 2020 season launch at Headingley. They talk about the latest news and events, and also interview new St Helens coach Kristian Woolf, Hull FC outside back Mahe Fonua, Leeds prop Matt Prior, Warington halfback Gareth Widdop, new Huddersfield signing Aiden Sezer and Wigan playmaker Jackson Hastings. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support ....
Jan 24, 2020•52 min
John heads to Headingley for the Leeds Rhinos media day. He talks to Richard Agar about the appointment of Jamie Jones-Buchnan as assistant coach and his team ahead of the 2020 season. He also chews the fat with new recruit Kruise Leeming, sits down with Rhyse Martin on the Kumuls and leaving the NRL, and catches up with Konrad Hurrell on the rise of Tonga and his experiences with Leeds so far. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support ....
Jan 14, 2020•51 min
John and Ross head to the Huddersfield Town Hall for the launch of the 2020 Championship, League 1 and Women's Super League seasons. They speak to York forward Chris Clarkson, Sheffield coach Mark Aston, Widnes boss Tim Sheens, London coach Danny Ward, Bradford boss John Kear and Casteford and England woman's star Kelsey Gentles. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support ....
Jan 13, 2020•52 min
John is joined by former professional footballer Daniel McBreen. The striker had a 20-year career as a striker playing in Romania, Scotland, England, China, Hong Kong and his native Australia. He talks about his career, his life in football, his current roles as youth team coach at the Newcastle Jets and assistant coach of Guam, and a whole lot more. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support ....
Jan 03, 2020•51 min
John is joined by League Weekly editor Paul Bennett for some Xmas cheer to review the 2019 Super League season and take a look at 2020, as they analyse the recruitment and chances of all 12 clubs for next year. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support .
Dec 19, 2019•52 min
Ross and John are joined by James Willoughby, the author of the new book Ups and Downs: The Inside Stories from Leeds United's biggest matches. In this episode James talks about his book, his love for the club, the history of the Whites, their promotion push and the Championship season so far. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support ....
Dec 06, 2019•52 min
It's the rugby league off-season so we decided to catch up with Sky Sports presenter Carney. We talked to the ex-Great Britain, Super League and NRL winger about the current state of Super League, Toronto Wolfpack, the signing of Sonny Bill Williams, the salary cap system, the Bradford Bulls, trust in the RFL and more. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support ....
Dec 02, 2019•52 min
We have two special guests joining Ross and John in League Weekly editor Paul Bennett and rugby league reporter for The Sun Gary Carter. They discuss Great Britain's loss to Papua New Guinea, the dismal Lions tour, the future of Wayne Bennett and who is to blame for the failure. They also talk about Super League 2020, recruitment and the title and relegation candidates. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support ....
Nov 21, 2019•48 min
Damian Irvine returns as a guest and he chats to John Davidson about his new role with Hunslet RLFC and gives his take on the Bradford Bulls, the administration of rugby league in the UK, good governance and the wider perception of how the sport is run in England. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support ....
Nov 20, 2019•52 min
Ross and John are back together to discuss Great Britain's rugby league tour from hell, Wayne Bennett's future, Toronto's super signing of Toronto Wolfpack, the recent Rugby World Cup, the worth of salary caps in sport and England's final loss against South Africa. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support ....
Nov 10, 2019•51 min
John heads to Auckland for the second game of the Great Britain Lions tour. He talks to Elliot Whitehead, Danny Ward and Jake Connor about the defeat against Tonga and preparations for the match against New Zealand. He also sits down with Jack Hughes about his experience on tour so far, his season to date and taking on the Kiwis. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support ....
Oct 29, 2019•30 min
We bring you this episode from Hamilton as we talk with Great Britain assistant coach Ian Watson ahead of the Lions' match against Tonga. We discuss Ian's time under Wayne Bennett, but also cover his upbringing and background in Salford, his playing career, his spell representing Wales, his move into coaching and the Red Devils' fantastic 2019 season. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support ....
Oct 25, 2019•53 min
John catches up with Fox Sports Australia journalist George Clarke in sunny Sydney to talk about the 2019 NRL season, George's experiences covering the sport down under, the topic of heritage players for Great Britain, the World Cup Nines and a lot more. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support .
Oct 18, 2019•44 min
In Part 2 of our 2019 Super League grand final special we talk all things Salford. We catch up with Gil Dudson, Josh Jones and Jackson Hastings about the club's fantastic rise into the decider, the team spirit within the camp and the prospect of facing St Helens in the big one. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support ....
Oct 07, 2019•31 min
In Part 1 of our 2019 Super League grand final special John and Ross look at St Helens and their journey to Old Trafford. They talk to Kevin Naiqama, Alex Walmsley, Justin Holbrook and James Roby as they prepare for the big one. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support .
Oct 07, 2019•44 min
