John and Ross are back for the first episode of 2023. They review the Rugby League World Cup, England’s performance, the future of Shaun Wane, changes at the RFL, IMG plans and a lot more. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support .
John is joined by Forty20 magazine editor Phil Caplan to discuss the first week of the Rugby League World Cup Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support .
Former player and current Sky pundit Terry O’Connor joins as a special guest. Terry talks about his son, Leeds forward Jarrod, ahead of the Super League grand final. He chats about his son’s journey in the sport, their relationship, and reflects on his own playing career and move into broadcasting. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support ....
Ross and John are back to preview the Super League grand final, where Leeds will take on St Helens at Old Trafford. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support .
Ross and John are back to discuss Ralph Rimmer’s exit from the RFL, what could happen next, the departure of Brett Hodgson from Hull FC and whether Tony Smith will get the job. They also debate the Super League Dream Team, the upcoming semi-finals and Kristian Woolf leaving St Helens. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support ....
We sit down with one of the best women’s rugby league players in the world, Amy Hardcastle. We chat with the St Helens and England star about her background, her journey in the sport, her infamous nickname, the upcoming World Cup, the rise of women’s sport, her future and more. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support ....
John and Ross talk the three Rs - revivals, relegation and recruitment. They chat about Warrington and Hull FC’s decline, Castleford and Salford’s rise, Toulouse and Wakefield’s race against the drop, and Leeds’ lamping Wigan. They also discuss Steve McNamara’s attack on Huddersfield, IMG, the World Cup, Victor Radley’s decision to represent England and more. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support ....
We talk with Patrick Skene, the author of the book The Big O: The Life and Times of Olsen Filipaina. We chat with Patrick about Olsen, his life and amazing career, his legacy for Polynesians and the rise of Pasifica talent in the world of rugby league. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support .
John is in France for a Toulouse-themed special. He interviews new signings Daniel Alvaro and Corey Norman, and coach Slyvain Houles ahead of their Super League encounter against Castleford. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support .
Ross and John talk about the passing of Maurice Lindsay, IMG’s new deal with rugby league and issues at Warrington. They also chat about the Challenge Cup, Super League’s relegation battle and answer questions from listeners. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support .
Our special guest on this episode is rugby league coach Lee Addison. Lee talks to us about his online coaching business, his career in the sport, his background, working for Manly Sea Eagles and Penrith Panthers, his time in schoolboy footy, his thoughts on the international game and more. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support ....
John and Ross are back to talk about the latest in Super League, the movers and shakers on the table, who’s impressed them after five rounds and who’s disappointed them, they also discuss the crackdown on high shots and foul play, and talk about the sad passing of Dave Hadfield. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support ....
Our special guest on this episode is Wigan Warriors halfback Cade Cust. The Australian chats to us about Wigan's unbeaten start to the 2022 season, his background in Scone, his time in Manly, his transition to Super League and much more. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support .
John and Ross are back to preview the new Super League season. They profile all of the 12 clubs, look at the contenders, the pretenders, the key signings and coaching changes, and the teams who will be battling relegation. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support .
Paul Anderson joins us to talk about his new role with talent pathways at the RFL. Paul, a former professional rugby league player and Super League head coach, chats about his work with England, the World Cup and the international game. He also discusses his career at Leeds, Halifax, Bradford and St Helens, battling back from stoma sugery, dealing with adversity, his time coaching Huddersfield and more. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/su...
Our special guest is rugby league journalist and author Steve Mascord. Steve returns to the podcast to talk about his new book Two Tribes. He chats about the process of writing the book, what he learned from it, takeaways from the 1997 split ARL/Super League season and more. He also responds to questions from listeners and gives his view on Channel 4 showing Super League. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support ....
Our special guest on this episode is Midland Hurricanes CEO and co-owner Alan Robinson. Alan is the founder of the Coventry Bears and he joins us to talk about the launch of the Hurricanes, the idea behind the rebrand, the future of the Bears and rugby league in that area. He also chats about League 1, Cornwall RLFC and his journey and experiences in the sport, from northern Ireland to Coventry. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support ....
Ross and John are back to talk about England's double win over France on Saturday, the return of international rugby league, a lack of ruthlessness and the need for a new promotional approach. They also discuss the Ottawa farce, missing leadership, the Super League grand final, Toulouse's promotion, Kevin Sinfield's success at Leicester and Liverpool FC embrassing Manchester United. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support ....
We are joined by authors Jason Goldsmith and Lucas Gillard to talk about their new book 'Be My Guest - Football Superstars in Australia'. The book looks at the history of star names who have played soccer down under such as Bobby Moore, Ian Rush, Graeme Souness, Gianfranco Zola, Bobby Charlton, George Best and many more. The authors chat about their book, about Australian football history and the controversial concept of marquee signings. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker....
Our special guest on this episode is Castleford Tigers prop Grant Millington. Grant talks to us about retirement, his career, his time in the NRL, his journey in rugby league, the 2017 Super League grand final and his long spell at Castleford. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support .
Ross and John are back to talk about Ralph Rimmer's press conference, the future of UK rugby league, London Broncos, Ottawa Aces, the RFL, Magic Weekend back at Newcastle and more. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support .
In this episode we are joined by special guest Reno Santaguida. Reno is challenging to be the president of the Federazione Italiana Rugby League. He talks about the state of rugby league in Italy, issues in the country, problems with the sport's governance, board elections, problems with development and growth, and more. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support ....
We interview International Rugby League chairman Troy Grant with the 2021 Rugby League World Cup crisis rumbling on, following Australia and New Zealand's withdrawal. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support .
After Australia and New Zealand pulled out of the 2021 Rugby League World Cup, we spoke to Rugby League Players Association (RLPA) chief executive Clint Newton. We ask Clint about the controversial decision, the players' reaction and stance, the concerns involved, the discussions with World Cup organisers and potential next steps in this developing story. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support ....
Australia and NZ have sensationally decided to boycott the 2021 Rugby League World Cup. So what next for the tournament? Will it still be on, or postponed? And what have the Aussies and Kiwis made this decision? John Davidson dives into the issue with Ross Heppestall, along with interviews with NZRL chief executive Greg Peters and rugby league legend Garry Schofield. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support ....
Our special guest is York City Knights outside back Kieran Dixon. Kieran joins us to talk about the 1895 Cup final against Featherstone, the chance to win silverware, playing at Wembley, York's Championship 2021 season and personal redemption. He also chats about his background, the state of rugby league in London, his time at Hull KR, winning the Million Pound Game in 2018 and more. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support ....
We are joined by special guest Nick Rizzo. Nick was a left winger who spent time with Liverpool, Crystal Palace, Ternana, Milton Keyes Dons, Perth Glory and a host of other clubs in a professional career that took him to England, Italy and Australia. He played for the Socceroos and was an Olympian at the 2000 Sydney Games. Nick joins us to talk about his career, his highs and lows, and to discuss football in Australia, coaching and his work with his own academy. Become a supporter of this podcas...
Ross and John are back to talk about the crazy scheduling conflict over the England vs Combined Nations All Stars game going up against Super League fixtures at the same time. They chat about the overall governance of English rugby league, issues affecting the sport and whether change is needed, or even possible, in the future. They also discuss Kevin Sinfield leaving Leeds, the Euros, England's draw with Scotland and much more. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcas...
Our special guest is rugby league coach Tim Sheens. He joins us to talk about the Combined Nations All Stars game against England, his preparations and thoughts on the contest. We also chat about his career, his background, his thoughts on player development and the production line in the UK, the international game, the gap between the Kangaroos and England, and the NRL and the 'Six Again' rule. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support ....
Ross and John are back to discuss the backroom bloodshed at Leigh, the RFL's controversial academy cull, Ralph Rimmer's eyesore Sky interview, Super League's relegation battle, Catalans whipping Wigan and the Challenge Cup semi-finals. They also discuss George Williams' messy departure from Canberra. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support ....
