By the Balls - podcast cover

By the Balls

By The Ballswww.spreaker.com
UK-based journalists John Davidson and Ross Heppenstall discuss the latest sports topics of the day and endeavour to give you the story behind the stories. Lots of opinion, insight and detail on the world of rugby league, rugby union, football and more.

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Episodes

Episode 125: Jermaine Coleman

Our special guest is London Skolars and Jamaica coach Jermaine Coleman. Jermaine talks to us about the new League 1 season, challenges at Skolars, the state of rugby league in capital and his background. He also discusses his involvement with Jamaica, the Reggae Warriors' involvement in the World Cup and diversity in rugby league. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support ....

May 07, 202143 min

Episode 124: Broadcasting blows, haircuts and handy debuts

Ross and John are back for another episode to discuss the new Super League TV deal with Sky Sports - how will rugby league survive, what happens next with the cut in funding? They also chat about Leeds run of five losses in a row, Kyle Eastmond, preview the Challenge Cup quarter-finals, the return of Greg Inglis and talk about the protest at Old Trafford at the game bewteen Manchester United and Liverpool. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437...

May 03, 20211 hr 4 min

Episode 123: Paul Lakin

Our special guest on this episode is Hull KR chief executive Paul Lakin. The new CEO talks to us about his plans for the club, the bid to make the Robins self-sustainable, stadium redevelopment, the new season, the state of Super League, his work in football, the search for new investors in Hull KR, recruitment and more. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support ....

Apr 14, 202140 min

Episode 122: Taylor Regan

The special guest on this episode is former A-League defender Taylor Regan. Regan, who had spells with the Newcastle Jets and Adelaide United, now plays for Sarawak United in the Malaysian Premier League. He takes us through his life in professional football, his journey into the A-League, his experiences with Nathan Tinkler and Phil Stubbins, explains what football is like in Malaysia and more. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support ....

Apr 01, 20211 hr 1 min

Episode 121: Brendan O'Hagan

Our special guest in this episode is York City Knights halfback Brendan O'Hagan. Brendan joins us to talk about his move to York, the new Championship season, the prospect of facing Wigan in the Challenge Cup, his background in Australia, his 2021 World Cup ambition, working under James Ford and a lot more. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support ....

Apr 01, 202122 min

Episode 120: 2021 Super League season preview

Ross and John are back to preview the new Super League season. They discuss who are the contenders, the pretenders, the title challengers and the relegation favourites in 2021. They look at recruitment and changes at each club. They also touch on the Championship campaign and who will be pushing for promotion to Super League. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support ....

Mar 16, 20211 hr 14 min

Episode 119: Chris Chester

Our special guest is Wakefield Trinity head coach Chris Chester. On the eve of the new Super League season, Chris talks to us about the club's pre-season, recruitment and reflects on changes at Wakefield. He also talks about the difficult 2020 campaign, battling relegation, proving people wrong and how he reacted to facing online abuse and media pressure on his performances as a coach. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support ....

Mar 03, 202130 min

Episode 118: Barrie McDermott

We are joined by rugby league legend and Sky TV commentator Barrie McDermott. The former prop talks to us about his playing days - his emergence at Oldham, his year at Wigan, his time at Leeds, his experiences for Great Britain and for Ireland. He also talks about his 'notorious' hard-man reputation, overcoming his disability, the opportunity he had to play in the NRL, his work for Sky and his thoughts on the 2021 Super league season. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/...

Feb 17, 20211 hr 14 min

Episode 117: Mitch Garbutt

We are joined by Toulouse Olympique prop Mitch Garbutt. Mitch takes us through his transfer to France, the new season ahead and his background. He talks about the start of his rugby league career with Newcastle Knights, breaking in with Melbourne Storm, his brief spell at Brisbane Broncos, as well as discussing his successful stint with Leeds Rhinos and his time at Hull KR. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support ....

Feb 15, 20211 hr 12 min

Episode 116: TV, turnarounds, trios and ticking clocks

Ross Heppenstall and The Sun's Gary Carter join John Davidson on this episode. They discuss Israel Folau's muted return to the NRL, George Burgess' future, the new Super League TV, private equity being knocked back and aks what next for Robert Elstone, is his time up? They also talk about whether the Rugby League World Cup will be on this year, the struggles of Liverpool FC this season, the favourites in the English Premier League title race and more. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://...

Feb 05, 202154 min

Episode 115: Thomas Minns

Our special guest is Featherstone Rovers centre Thomas Minns. Thomas talks to us about his amazing life journey, his time as a professional rugby league player, growing up around drugs and violence, and his own battles with depression, mental health and suicide. He explains how he fought back from the brink and is now helping others with their mental health. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support ....

Feb 01, 20211 hr 24 min

Episode 114: Josh Reynolds

Our special guest on this episode is new Hull FC signing Josh Reynolds. Josh Reynolds joins us to talk about why he joined Hull FC, the attraction of Super League, his exit from Wests Tigers and linking up with Brett Hodgson. He also discusses his background, his time at the Bulldogs, his State of Origin experiences and linking with Marc Sneyd in the halves at Hull. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support ....

Jan 13, 202131 min

Episode 113: Des Foy and X-League

Former Great Britain international Des Foy joins the podcast to talk about X-League, its origins and the future and growth of this new sport. Des also chats about his background, his career playing for Widnes and Oldham, coming up against the Kangaroos in the 1980s, and the current state of rugby league in Ireland. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support ....

Jan 13, 20211 hr 6 min

Episode 112: Joel Thompson

Our special guest on the first episode of 2021 is forward Joel Thompson. He talks to us about joining St Helens, leaving the NRL, his upbringing in country NSW and the Mindset Project. He also chats to us about his Indigenous background, his spell at Manly and his hopes for his time in Super League. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support ....

Dec 31, 202034 min

Epsode 111: Brains, breaking new ground and going backwards

Ross and John are back to discuss the decision to make Leigh the 12th team in Super League - was it the right call or the wrong call? What next for the sport? They also discuss the concussion lawsuit in rugby union, the repercussions of it and the affect on rugby league, as well as the latest results in the English Premier League. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support ....

Dec 17, 202057 min

Episode 110: Liam Claffey

We are joined on the podcast by Sheffield Eagles general manager Liam Claffey. We talk to Liam about the interrupted 2020 Championship season, the plans for next year, issues over the Eagles' stadium and the impact that the 2021 World Cup could have on Sheffield. We also talk about the state of rugby league in the UK, Liam's background and links to the sport, and diversity and inclusion. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support ....

Dec 10, 202059 min

Episode 108: 2020 Super League grand final preview

Ross is back as he and John discuss the 2020 Super League grand final between Wigan and St Helens. The two chat about the semi-finals, the key issues and talking points heading into Friday's decider, and the strengths and weaknesses of both the Saints and Warriors. They also talk about the Dream Team and the race to who will be promoted to be the 12th team in Super League for next year. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support ....

Nov 22, 202051 min

Episode 107: Rugby's concussion and head injury conundrum

We are joined by Dr Emma Kirke to talk about head injuries in rugby, the dangerous nature of concussions and the increase in neurological conditions in retired rugby players. We also chat about the rise of Physical Disability Rugby League and Emma's involvement in the sport. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support ....

Nov 18, 20201 hr

Episode 106: James Graham

Our special guest on this episode is rugby league star James Graham. Over 17 years with St Helens, the Bulldogs, St George Illawarra, Great Britain and England, James has been a hit in both Super League and the NRL. One of the best players of his generation, James talkes about his impending retirement, his fabulous career, his future, what rugby league means to me, the Toronto Wolfpack decision and more. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/s...

Nov 07, 202044 min

Episode 105: The Complete Rugby Project

John is joined by Keighley fullback Quentin Laulu-Togagae and Ottawa Aces assistant coach Jack Howieson. The pair talk about their new rugby coaching offering, The Complete Rugby Project. They discuss coaching, mentoring and the pathway in rugby, and also touch on expansion, the new club in Ottawa, the future of Toronto Wolfpack, the impact of Covid-19 on rugby league and a lot more. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support ....

Oct 22, 20201 hr 13 min

Episode 104: Paul Rowley

Our special guest is Salford assistant coach and former Toronto Wolfpack head coach Paul Rowley. Paul talks to us about Salford, the Challenge Cup final and working with Ian Watson. He also discusses his time at Toronto, the future of the club, as well as his own playing and coaching career. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support ....

Oct 09, 20201 hr 8 min

Episode 103: Burgess, balls and the future of Toronto Wolfpack

Ross Heppenstall and Steve Mascord join John Davidson for a chat on the important rugby league topics of the day. They discuss the allegations on Sam Burgess, the future of Toronto Wolfpack and the impact of Covid-19 on both English and Australian rugby league. They also touch on the 2021 World Cup and the general uncertainty gripping the sport. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support ....

Oct 08, 202051 min

Episode 102: James Simpson

We are joined by England and Leeds Rhinos' inspirational wheelchair rugby league star James Simpson. An ambassdor of the 2021 World Cup, James talks us to about the tournament, wheelchair rugby league and his journey in the sport. James also chats about his time in the Army, his recovery from horrific injuries suffered while serving in Afghanistan and how wheelchair rugby league has changed his life. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/suppo...

Sep 29, 202052 min

Episode 101: Bailey Wright

We are joined by Sunderland and Socceroos centre back Bailey Wright. The defender talks to us about joining the Black Cats, leaving Bristol City, his journey from Victoria to England, representing his country, the pain of missing out on the 2018 World Cup, breaking through at Preston North End, fighting back from injury and more. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support ....

Sep 14, 202042 min

Episode 100: Jodie Cunningham

For our 100th episode we are joined by England international and St Helens fullback Jodie Cunningham. She talks to us about her life and career in rugby league, the rise of the women's game, the challenges it faces, her ambassador role with the 2021 World Cup and more. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support ....

Sep 09, 202044 min

Episode 99: Carl Robinson

Our special guest is Newcastle Jets head coach and former Wales international midfielder Carl Robinson. Carl joins us to talk about his time at the A-League club, his impact in Newcastle and his plans for next season. He also chats about his background in Wales, becoming a professional at Wolves, his 16-year playing career in England and Major League Soccer, his transition into coaching, representing his country and more. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-th...

Aug 29, 202052 min

Episode 98: Restarts, expansion and wanting leadership

We're joined by former Rochdale Hornets coach Alan Kilshaw. We go through all the burning issues in rugby league right now - the Covid outbreak at Hull FC, the fall of Toronto Wolfpack, expansion, the impact on Ottawa, the new rules, the latest in the NRL, the rise of Penrith Panthers and the implosion of the Brisbane Broncos. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support ....

Aug 14, 202050 min

Episode 97: Hungry like the Wolf?

Ross and John are joined by Steve Mascord to debate Toronto's decision to withdraw from Super League in 2020. They look at the issues around the decision, what may happen next, the future of the club and also chat about why historically rugby league has been so terrible at expanding. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support ....

Jul 26, 202050 min

Episode 96: The Wigan Way

Our special guest is Wigan Evening Post and Wigan Observer sports editor Phil Wilkinson. Phil takes through the Wigan Athletic saga, how the club found itself in administration and what its future might hold. He takes us through the bid by Ian Lenagan to buy the club, and also gives his take on the Warriors' signing of John Bateman and their recruitment plans for 2021. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support ....

Jul 09, 202051 min

Episode 95: Road to Nowhere

Ross and John are back and they talk about the meetings for the Championship, League 1 and Super League seaspms to return. They chat about the recruitment market hotting up in England, Lee Radford's move to rugby union, James Graham's return to St Helens and a proposed Kangaroos vs All Blacks clash. They also disucss Liverpool's title win, Leeds United closing in on promotion and drama at Hull City. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/suppor...

Jun 26, 202051 min
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