Dave Woods previews an historic Challenge Cup Finals Day when Hull KR and Leigh Leopards will contest the 80th Men’s Final to be played at Wembley, whilst St Helens and Leeds Rhinos face each other in the first ever Women’s Final to be held there. Players and coaches from all four teams reveal what it means to be involved in one of the most prestigious days on the Sporting Calendar.

Super Saturday at Wembley

Jim Mills

Dave Woods and Kevin Brown are joined by legendary prop-forward Jim Mills who, as an amateur playing union for Cardiff, switched codes in the mid-1960s to sign professionally for Halifax. He’s best remembered for his time with the all-conquering Widnes side of the 1970s, alongside appearances for Great Britain and Wales in the infamous ‘Battle of Brisbane’ victory over England at the 1975 World Cup. Big Jim, as he’s affectionately known, regales us with stories of Welsh rugby union players being offered suitcases full of cash to sign for rugby league clubs, the part he played in the capture of Jonathan Davies for Widnes, his ferocious reputation which led to him being banned from playing in New Zealand and about the statue recently unveiled in Cardiff to finally honour the great players who moved north to play league.

Big Jim Mills

Dave Woods and Kevin Brown are joined by the St Helens half-back Faye Gaskin who, after two years out with injury, scored the dramatic match-winning drop-goal last weekend to take her team to the Challenge Cup Final.  She tells her incredible and inspirational story of being stopped from playing at school, to the dark days during her recovery from her injury, and the realisation of her dream to play at Wembley for the very first time in a sport where she’s not even being paid.

“We’re going to Wembley... “

Ahead of this weekend’s Challenge Cup semi-finals, Dave Woods and ex-England international half-back Kevin Brown are joined by the St Helens prop forward Alex Walmsley, whose side face Leigh Leopards for a place at Wembley against either Wigan Warriors or Hull KR. As well as examining the games, Alex talks about what it takes to win a semi-final, the modern science of rugby league recovery and recuperation and the mental strength he needed to come back and play again after breaking his neck.

You can call me Al

Dave Woods and ex-England half-back Kevin Brown are joined by former referee James Child who retired in December after more than a decade of officiating at the top level. They discuss the abuse referees receive, whether they’re swayed by the crowd and how they react when they realise they’ve made a wrong decision. Child also came out as gay while still refereeing and he talks how difficult it was and is for others within sport in general to make that very public decision.

Who’d be a ref?

Warrington Wolves’ Chief Executive, Karl Fitzpatrick, joins Dave Woods and former England half-back Kevin Brown to discuss IMG’s proposals to change the game, grading each professional club to determine who will be in Super League come 2025. Plus, what’s behind Warrington’s great start to the year and should there be genuine concern amongst the fans of a couple of clubs already?

Game changer?

Dave Woods is joined by former England half-back Kevin Brown and Huddersfield Giants Head of Youth, Andy Kelly, to discuss whether rugby league’s reserve team structure is fit for purpose and why it should be a priority for IMG’s soon to be released new grading criteria. Plus, there’s reaction to the surprise departure of Lee Radford from Castleford Tigers; can the Giants be amongst the silverware this season under ‘rugby league nerd’ Ian Watson; and the joys of cold water swimming!

Making the grade

Following the re-appointment of Shaun Wane as head coach of the men’s national team, Dave Woods is joined by ex-England coach John Kear and Kevin Brown, who played in the 2017 World Cup Final, to discuss the state of international rugby league. Plus, what a start to the season the two Hull clubs have made, and is this the most open race for promotion from the Championship in recent years?

Wane’s World: The state of international rugby league

Tanya Arnold is joined one more time by former England international Jon Wilkin and Australian journalist Steve Mascord, while the BBC’s rugby league correspondent Dave Woods also joins the pod.They discuss all three finals as Australia’s men and women triumph, while England defeated France on Friday to win the wheelchair competition. Talking of which, wheelchair World Cup winner Seb Bechara drops by with a bottle of champagne.Oh, and the team discuss the Australian love of haircuts and coffee.Time codes1 – The team discuss the men’s final.10 – Aussie coach Mal Meninga interviewed.12 – England wheelchair winner Seb Bechara drops by with some champagne.25 – The team discuss the women’s final.28 - Final thoughts from the team.

Tanya Arnold is joined one more time by former England international Jon Wilkin and Australian journalist Steve Mascord, while the BBC’s rugby league correspondent Dave Woods also joins the pod. They discuss all three finals as Australia’s men and women triumph, while England defeated France on Friday to win the wheelchair competition. Talking of which, wheelchair World Cup winner Seb Bechara drops by with a bottle of champagne. Oh, and the team discuss the Australian love of haircuts and coffee. Time codes 1 – The team discuss the men’s final. 10 – Aussie coach Mal Meninga interviewed. 12 – England wheelchair winner Seb Bechara drops by with some champagne. 25 – The team discuss the women’s final. 28 - Final thoughts from the team.

Super Aussies and supping champagne with Seb Bechara

Tanya Arnold is joined once again by former England international Jon Wilkin and Australian journalist Steve Mascord for their weekly take on all things Rugby League World Cup.Lee Radford is part of the Samoan coaching staff and he explains how England’s semi-final opponents have been getting better and better. England wheelchair player Seb Bechara discusses playing the trumpet and what exactly constitutes good bread.And Jillaroos co-skipper Sammy Bremner joins the pod to talk through a few language issues and returning to the game after having a baby. Oh – and don’t forget to find out what Steve has lost this week.TIMECODES6.00 - Lee Radford joins the team to discuss the England men's team's upcoming semi-final against Samoa. The Castleford Tigers head coach is currently working as an assistant coach for Samoa, and hoping to plot the downfall of his home nation. 16.25 England wheelchair star Seb Bechara discusses their great start to the event, and life as a professional trumpet player in the South of France. 32.14 Australian Jillaroos co-captain Sammy Bremner makes some early observations about life in the UK and how she's hoping her World Cup performances will be an inspiration to others.

Tanya Arnold is joined once again by former England international Jon Wilkin and Australian journalist Steve Mascord for their weekly take on all things Rugby League World Cup. Lee Radford is part of the Samoan coaching staff and he explains how England’s semi-final opponents have been getting better and better. England wheelchair player Seb Bechara discusses playing the trumpet and what exactly constitutes good bread. And Jillaroos co-skipper Sammy Bremner joins the pod to talk through a few language issues and returning to the game after having a baby. Oh – and don’t forget to find out what Steve has lost this week. TIMECODES 6.00 - Lee Radford joins the team to discuss the England men's team's upcoming semi-final against Samoa. The Castleford Tigers head coach is currently working as an assistant coach for Samoa, and hoping to plot the downfall of his home nation. 16.25 England wheelchair star Seb Bechara discusses their great start to the event, and life as a professional trumpet player in the South of France. 32.14 Australian Jillaroos co-captain Sammy Bremner makes some early observations about life in the UK and how she's hoping her World Cup performances will be an inspiration to others.

Pommie police, trumpets and counting the calories

Your weekly rugby league podcast from BBC Radio 5 Live featuring the latest news, analysis and interviews with Dave Woods.

Tanya Arnold is once again joined by former England international Jon Wilkin and Australian journalist Steve Mascord to discuss the World Cup, food and what they have lost over the past week.They are joined by England’s Tommy Makinson to find out who he looks like and who he is currently rooming with.Ahead of the women’s tournament starting PNG’s Elise Albert and Canada’s Gabby Hindley open up on their journeys to the World Cup. And there is also time for England’s Jack Brown to explain what makes the wheelchair game so special. Timecodes:05.00 England’s Tommy Makinson joins the team to talk about their success in the men's tournament so far, and the teams plans for a Haloween-themed training session 17.48 Papua New Guinea Orchids captain Elsie Albert talks about changing perceptions at home as she prepares to lead her country in the Women's World Cup tournament which starts this week. 25.42 Gabby Hindley, who captains the Canada Ravens, talks us through her off-field CV which includes work as a biologist and a wildfire fighter, and explains the difference between urgency and panic.  34.48 England’s Jack Brown joins the programme to preview the wheelchair tournament - and also tells us how to prepare the perfect recipe for Yorkshire Puddings.

Tanya Arnold is once again joined by former England international Jon Wilkin and Australian journalist Steve Mascord to discuss the World Cup, food and what they have lost over the past week. They are joined by England’s Tommy Makinson to find out who he looks like and who he is currently rooming with. Ahead of the women’s tournament starting PNG’s Elise Albert and Canada’s Gabby Hindley open up on their journeys to the World Cup. And there is also time for England’s Jack Brown to explain what makes the wheelchair game so special. Timecodes: 05.00 England’s Tommy Makinson joins the team to talk about their success in the men's tournament so far, and the teams plans for a Haloween-themed training session 17.48 Papua New Guinea Orchids captain Elsie Albert talks about changing perceptions at home as she prepares to lead her country in the Women's World Cup tournament which starts this week. 25.42 Gabby Hindley, who captains the Canada Ravens, talks us through her off-field CV which includes work as a biologist and a wildfire fighter, and explains the difference between urgency and panic. 34.48 England’s Jack Brown joins the programme to preview the wheelchair tournament - and also tells us how to prepare the perfect recipe for Yorkshire Puddings.

The Count, the firefighter and the man inside a Yorkshire pudding

Jamaica in the Rugby League World Cup? Who knew! Well, Nesta McGregor travelled to Leeds to watch them train and spoke to the key people around the team.Jamaican journalist and team media manager Simon Preston explains how it all started while head coach Romeo Monteith discusses what it means for the team to be over here in England competing at the RLWC.Alex Young – the brother of England winger Dom – explains why he is playing for Jamaica and Chevaughn Bailey – who plays club rugby back in Jamaica – explains the emotions of playing for his country and the reaction back home from the pupils that he teaches.Timecodes….2 mins – Jamaican journalist Simon Preston on the evolution of the team.6 mins – head coach Romeo Monteith on the growth of the sport.14 mins - Chevaughn Bailey on his pride at playing in Jamaica’s World Cup opener.19 mins – Alex Young on his decision to play for Jamaica.

Jamaica in the Rugby League World Cup? Who knew! Well, Nesta McGregor travelled to Leeds to watch them train and spoke to the key people around the team. Jamaican journalist and team media manager Simon Preston explains how it all started while head coach Romeo Monteith discusses what it means for the team to be over here in England competing at the RLWC. Alex Young – the brother of England winger Dom – explains why he is playing for Jamaica and Chevaughn Bailey – who plays club rugby back in Jamaica – explains the emotions of playing for his country and the reaction back home from the pupils that he teaches. Timecodes…. 2 mins – Jamaican journalist Simon Preston on the evolution of the team. 6 mins – head coach Romeo Monteith on the growth of the sport. 14 mins - Chevaughn Bailey on his pride at playing in Jamaica’s World Cup opener. 19 mins – Alex Young on his decision to play for Jamaica.

All About Jamaica - history makers

On this week’s podcast, Dave Woods meets members of England’s World Cup squad at their training base in Wigan. Old hands Ryan Hall and Tommy Makinson join newer faces Matty Lees, Marc Sneyd, Andy Ackers and the ‘Australian Yorkshireman’ Victor Radley to look ahead to the tournament. They discuss the pride they felt when Shaun Wane called to inform them they were in the squad and their excitement as they look ahead to the potentially pivotal clash against a very impressive Samoan side which kicks things off on Saturday 15th October.Timecodes: 01:00  Journalist Steve Mascord and former Wigan scribe Phil Wilkinson discuss England’s chances. 05:50  Phil says he’s excited to see Shaun Wane in charge of an international team.07:10  St Helens duo Tommy Makinson and Matty Lees say they’ve enjoyed their Grand Final success, but now they’re purely focused on England.10:30  They discuss facing Samoa in their first game and potentially the chance to play a Samoan-filled Penrith Panthers in the World Club Challenge in 2023.12:00  Record England try-scorer Ryan Hall says he’s really proud to be a part of another international squad.14:30  He reflects on how close England were to winning the World Cup in 2017.16:25  Salford’s Marc Sneyd and Andy Ackers admit they were both very surprised and emotional when they heard they’d been selected. 19:10  They discuss the very nervous speeches they both had to give in front of their new international team mates.22:00  Victor Radley explains his decision to pledge his allegiance to England rather than Australia.23:10  He talks about his Yorkshire roots and how his dad, a Sheffield Wednesday fan is looking forward to watching England play at Sheffield United’s Bramall Lane! 27:10  Finally, England team manager Colin Maskell reveals his role and how a 40-year friendship with Shaun Wane got him the job.

On this week’s podcast, Dave Woods meets members of England’s World Cup squad at their training base in Wigan. Old hands Ryan Hall and Tommy Makinson join newer faces Matty Lees, Marc Sneyd, Andy Ackers and the ‘Australian Yorkshireman’ Victor Radley to look ahead to the tournament. They discuss the pride they felt when Shaun Wane called to inform them they were in the squad and their excitement as they look ahead to the potentially pivotal clash against a very impressive Samoan side which kicks things off on Saturday 15th October. Timecodes: 01:00 Journalist Steve Mascord and former Wigan scribe Phil Wilkinson discuss England’s chances. 05:50 Phil says he’s excited to see Shaun Wane in charge of an international team. 07:10 St Helens duo Tommy Makinson and Matty Lees say they’ve enjoyed their Grand Final success, but now they’re purely focused on England. 10:30 They discuss facing Samoa in their first game and potentially the chance to play a Samoan-filled Penrith Panthers in the World Club Challenge in 2023. 12:00 Record England try-scorer Ryan Hall says he’s really proud to be a part of another international squad. 14:30 He reflects on how close England were to winning the World Cup in 2017. 16:25 Salford’s Marc Sneyd and Andy Ackers admit they were both very surprised and emotional when they heard they’d been selected. 19:10 They discuss the very nervous speeches they both had to give in front of their new international team mates. 22:00 Victor Radley explains his decision to pledge his allegiance to England rather than Australia. 23:10 He talks about his Yorkshire roots and how his dad, a Sheffield Wednesday fan is looking forward to watching England play at Sheffield United’s Bramall Lane! 27:10 Finally, England team manager Colin Maskell reveals his role and how a 40-year friendship with Shaun Wane got him the job.

C’mon England!

On this week’s podcast Dave Woods speaks to Sam Tomkins, the England Men’s captain, following the announcement that all 61 matches at this year’s World Cup will be broadcast live on the BBC. Plus, following IMG’s presentation to the clubs and the media of their ‘reimagining rugby league’ strategy, we hear from Matt Dwyer vice-president of sports management at IMG, the chairman of the RFL Simon Johnson and journalist Steve Mascord on the proposals to change the game from next season and beyond.

The World Cup and beyond

Sam Burgess

On this week’s podcast Dave Woods is joined by a legend of both the English and Australian game, Sam Burgess, who, following his retirement, is now a rugby league coach in Australia. He talks about his own upcoming Grand Final and his interest in coaching in Super League and with England. Sam reflects on the disappointment he suffered in both the 2013 and 2017 World Cups and looks ahead to England’s chances this time around. In Australia, he’s a huge star and he discusses the difficulties which have come with that and his legendary appearance on SAS: Who Dares Wins.TIMECODES: 02:00  Sam is now coaching in Australia and has guided his team to a Grand Final in his first year.06:30  He suggests he’d be really interested in taking up a coaching opportunity in Super League.07:25  After a more than a decade down under, Sam hates the fact he’s now got something of an Aussie accent.09:20  Sam talks about the challenge that England face in the World Cup, but feels they can be successful.11:10  He reminisces about his two World Cup campaigns in 2013 and 2017.18:00  Due to injury, retirement came early, so how has he reconciled that?20:40  In Australia, Sam is a huge star, and he talks of the difficulties which come with that.23:00  Sam took part in Australia’s version of SAS: Who Dares Wins and was the only contestant to escape.27:00  However, reality TV is not something he wants take part in going forward.31:30  Ahead of the World Cup, Sam is returning to the UK to go on a speaking tour with Jamie Peacock and Adrian Morley.33:00  He says Morley was the trailblazer down under for him and others to follow.36:45  He suggests the Australian public are excited about the World Cup and promos are all over TV.39:00  Ahead of his own Grand Final he says he’s proud of his achievement over the last 12 months.

On this week’s podcast Dave Woods is joined by a legend of both the English and Australian game, Sam Burgess, who, following his retirement, is now a rugby league coach in Australia. He talks about his own upcoming Grand Final and his interest in coaching in Super League and with England. Sam reflects on the disappointment he suffered in both the 2013 and 2017 World Cups and looks ahead to England’s chances this time around. In Australia, he’s a huge star and he discusses the difficulties which have come with that and his legendary appearance on SAS: Who Dares Wins. TIMECODES: 02:00 Sam is now coaching in Australia and has guided his team to a Grand Final in his first year. 06:30 He suggests he’d be really interested in taking up a coaching opportunity in Super League. 07:25 After a more than a decade down under, Sam hates the fact he’s now got something of an Aussie accent. 09:20 Sam talks about the challenge that England face in the World Cup, but feels they can be successful. 11:10 He reminisces about his two World Cup campaigns in 2013 and 2017. 18:00 Due to injury, retirement came early, so how has he reconciled that? 20:40 In Australia, Sam is a huge star, and he talks of the difficulties which come with that. 23:00 Sam took part in Australia’s version of SAS: Who Dares Wins and was the only contestant to escape. 27:00 However, reality TV is not something he wants take part in going forward. 31:30 Ahead of the World Cup, Sam is returning to the UK to go on a speaking tour with Jamie Peacock and Adrian Morley. 33:00 He says Morley was the trailblazer down under for him and others to follow. 36:45 He suggests the Australian public are excited about the World Cup and promos are all over TV. 39:00 Ahead of his own Grand Final he says he’s proud of his achievement over the last 12 months.

Sam Burgess Special

On this week’s podcast, Dave Woods is joined by Warrington prop-forward Kyle Amor and Neil Ormston, the organiser for the Rugby League Records Keepers’ Club, who’s partly behind a new website which details the records of all players and matches worldwide throughout the history of the game. Neil tests Kyle on his knowledge of his own career, before the panel discuss Leigh’s march to Super League, Warrington’s woes, the play-off picture and who are the contenders for Coach of the Year and Man of Steel.

Stats your lot

On this week’s podcast, Dave Woods is joined by Wigan Warriors assistant coach Lee Briers and former dual-code international Iestyn Harris. They discuss Lee’s impending new role down under with the Brisbane Broncos, the fight for the top six and why relegation is an out-dated concept. Plus, the detail behind Wigan’s success and those names who have thrilled and excited us down the years.03:00  Lee discusses his impending move to the NRL with Brisbane Broncos.08:25  He talks about the disappointment of leaving Warrington and the excitement of joining Wigan this season.13:40  Iestyn moved from English rugby league to Wales rugby union and says there’s a similarity with the intensity Lee will face in Australia.15:20  The focus turns to Super League and the race for the title and the play-off places.18:00  Both are very surprised by the season their former club Warrington have endured.22:00  Toulouse are likely to be relegated, but Lee feels they should remain in Super League and that promotion and relegation is an out-dated concept.26:55  Leeds are looking like they’ll make the play-offs, but are they Grand Final outsiders?29:30  Salford are the entertainers this year, and the panel think they play the game the way it should be played.33:00  Lee talks about the ‘detail’ behind Wigan’s approach on defence and attack and how the past is influencing the present.39:10  The importance of detail is highlighted by famous tries scored by Jonathan Davies and Martin Offiah.42:10  Lee and Iestyn talk of the players who’ve thrilled them down the years.

On this week’s podcast, Dave Woods is joined by Wigan Warriors assistant coach Lee Briers and former dual-code international Iestyn Harris. They discuss Lee’s impending new role down under with the Brisbane Broncos, the fight for the top six and why relegation is an out-dated concept. Plus, the detail behind Wigan’s success and those names who have thrilled and excited us down the years. 03:00 Lee discusses his impending move to the NRL with Brisbane Broncos. 08:25 He talks about the disappointment of leaving Warrington and the excitement of joining Wigan this season. 13:40 Iestyn moved from English rugby league to Wales rugby union and says there’s a similarity with the intensity Lee will face in Australia. 15:20 The focus turns to Super League and the race for the title and the play-off places. 18:00 Both are very surprised by the season their former club Warrington have endured. 22:00 Toulouse are likely to be relegated, but Lee feels they should remain in Super League and that promotion and relegation is an out-dated concept. 26:55 Leeds are looking like they’ll make the play-offs, but are they Grand Final outsiders? 29:30 Salford are the entertainers this year, and the panel think they play the game the way it should be played. 33:00 Lee talks about the ‘detail’ behind Wigan’s approach on defence and attack and how the past is influencing the present. 39:10 The importance of detail is highlighted by famous tries scored by Jonathan Davies and Martin Offiah. 42:10 Lee and Iestyn talk of the players who’ve thrilled them down the years.

Something old, something new

02:20  John Hughes, the director of partnerships and communities for the charity, Community Integrated Care, explains how learning disability rugby league came about and the impact its had.06:50  We hear from Warrington’s Oliver Thomason who has become a star both of the sport and social media, having replicated Alan Shearer’s celebration at Magic Weekend.08:00  And his brother Craig, explains his involvement in initially helping to set up Learning Disability Rugby League and how it’s changed Oliver’s life and that of many others.17:00  Dave goes behind the scenes at Glenwood Care Home which houses those with learning disabilities who don’t or can’t play the game, but supports them by using rugby league themes.19:10  England international Jodie Cunningham is on hand to help make soap. The players at last season’s Grand Final were gifted bars made by the residents at Glenwood.21:10  Glenwood is based in Widnes and the facility is littered with image of Widnes Vikings RL team.23:10  Dave is joined by members of the ‘Media Club’ at Community Integrated Care, who describe the roles they experienced within the media at the recent game between Wigan and Warrington.27:25  Steve Roberts, Widnes Vikings’ general manager, explains how those with learning disabilities utilise the same facilities at the club’s stadium as those in the first team.34:00  The podcast concludes with John Hughes detailing how more and more clubs are joining in and supporting the charity and the people it supports day after day.

02:20 John Hughes, the director of partnerships and communities for the charity, Community Integrated Care, explains how learning disability rugby league came about and the impact its had. 06:50 We hear from Warrington’s Oliver Thomason who has become a star both of the sport and social media, having replicated Alan Shearer’s celebration at Magic Weekend. 08:00 And his brother Craig, explains his involvement in initially helping to set up Learning Disability Rugby League and how it’s changed Oliver’s life and that of many others. 17:00 Dave goes behind the scenes at Glenwood Care Home which houses those with learning disabilities who don’t or can’t play the game, but supports them by using rugby league themes. 19:10 England international Jodie Cunningham is on hand to help make soap. The players at last season’s Grand Final were gifted bars made by the residents at Glenwood. 21:10 Glenwood is based in Widnes and the facility is littered with image of Widnes Vikings RL team. 23:10 Dave is joined by members of the ‘Media Club’ at Community Integrated Care, who describe the roles they experienced within the media at the recent game between Wigan and Warrington. 27:25 Steve Roberts, Widnes Vikings’ general manager, explains how those with learning disabilities utilise the same facilities at the club’s stadium as those in the first team. 34:00 The podcast concludes with John Hughes detailing how more and more clubs are joining in and supporting the charity and the people it supports day after day.

Rugby league - the sport for all

On this week’s podcast, Dave Woods is joined by Widnes Vikings and Wales head coach John Kear and rugby league author Richard de la Riviere. Amongst the topics up for discussion are the latest twists and turns in Super League, the Championship’s Summer Bash and the quality of the players within. And there’s a trip down memory lane, picking out the prized moments from decade’s gone by.TOPICS01:30  The panel look back on last weekend’s dramatic results in Super League and what they might mean for the final few weeks ahead.06:10  The race to avoid relegation has turned on it’s head, and John Kear says the jeopardy must stay in the sport.10:00  A reflection on the Summer Bash, which took place for the first time at Leeds’ Headingley Stadium.14:00  The importance of capitalising on the current success of women’s sport.16:45  The controversy over the new blue and white England shirt released this week ahead of the World Cup.22:40  The talk turns to the history of the game and some of the iconic moments in rugby league.26:05  One of those is the famous Rorke’s Drift test match.29:20  Nominations are suggested for new names to be inducted in to the rugby league ‘Hall of Fame’.33:00  Why aren’t Super League clubs tapping in to the quality of players who ply their trade in the Championship?35:30  When was the first four-point try scored?37:30  John identifies the 1969 Challenge Cup Final as his greatest moment in the history of the sport.39:10  Richard counters with his memories of his favourite Workington team of the mid-nineties.

On this week’s podcast, Dave Woods is joined by Widnes Vikings and Wales head coach John Kear and rugby league author Richard de la Riviere. Amongst the topics up for discussion are the latest twists and turns in Super League, the Championship’s Summer Bash and the quality of the players within. And there’s a trip down memory lane, picking out the prized moments from decade’s gone by. TOPICS 01:30 The panel look back on last weekend’s dramatic results in Super League and what they might mean for the final few weeks ahead. 06:10 The race to avoid relegation has turned on it’s head, and John Kear says the jeopardy must stay in the sport. 10:00 A reflection on the Summer Bash, which took place for the first time at Leeds’ Headingley Stadium. 14:00 The importance of capitalising on the current success of women’s sport. 16:45 The controversy over the new blue and white England shirt released this week ahead of the World Cup. 22:40 The talk turns to the history of the game and some of the iconic moments in rugby league. 26:05 One of those is the famous Rorke’s Drift test match. 29:20 Nominations are suggested for new names to be inducted in to the rugby league ‘Hall of Fame’. 33:00 Why aren’t Super League clubs tapping in to the quality of players who ply their trade in the Championship? 35:30 When was the first four-point try scored? 37:30 John identifies the 1969 Challenge Cup Final as his greatest moment in the history of the sport. 39:10 Richard counters with his memories of his favourite Workington team of the mid-nineties.

Past, present and future

Dave Woods is joined by ex-England half-back Kevin Brown and former Leeds Rhinos head coach Richard Agar, who will be assisting Samoa at the forthcoming World Cup. They discuss the strength of England’s first opponents and the news that NRL sensation Victor Radley has made himself available to Shaun Wane’s side. Plus, in the battle to avoid relegation, who will beat the drop; can anyone stop St Helens; and why are there seemingly so many more injuries and tries in Super League this season?TOPICS 02:45  The panel discuss the announcement that NRL star Victor Radley has made himself available to play for England at the World Cup.08:40  Richard, who will assist Samoa at the tournament, lays out the potential frightening strength of England’s first opponents.13:10  Should Jackson Hastings, a former Man of Steel now in the NRL with West Tigers, be part of the England World Cup squad?  15:45  The Tigers are now coached by 71 year-old Tim Sheens, while Wayne Bennett, a year older, is also still coaching.18:00  Richard and Kevin say it’s a two-horse race in the battle to avoid relegation from Super League, with Toulouse the favourites to avoid the drop. 23:00  How good is this current St Helens side?27:25  Would they be able to not only compete, but challenge in the NRL?30:30  Are players suffering more injuries in Super League this season?35:45  And is there a suspicion players are feigning injury on the field to gain penalties?42:00  Following Bevan French’s Super League record-breaking seven tries against Hull FC, are we witnessing more attacking play this year?

Dave Woods is joined by ex-England half-back Kevin Brown and former Leeds Rhinos head coach Richard Agar, who will be assisting Samoa at the forthcoming World Cup. They discuss the strength of England’s first opponents and the news that NRL sensation Victor Radley has made himself available to Shaun Wane’s side. Plus, in the battle to avoid relegation, who will beat the drop; can anyone stop St Helens; and why are there seemingly so many more injuries and tries in Super League this season? TOPICS 02:45 The panel discuss the announcement that NRL star Victor Radley has made himself available to play for England at the World Cup. 08:40 Richard, who will assist Samoa at the tournament, lays out the potential frightening strength of England’s first opponents. 13:10 Should Jackson Hastings, a former Man of Steel now in the NRL with West Tigers, be part of the England World Cup squad? 15:45 The Tigers are now coached by 71 year-old Tim Sheens, while Wayne Bennett, a year older, is also still coaching. 18:00 Richard and Kevin say it’s a two-horse race in the battle to avoid relegation from Super League, with Toulouse the favourites to avoid the drop. 23:00 How good is this current St Helens side? 27:25 Would they be able to not only compete, but challenge in the NRL? 30:30 Are players suffering more injuries in Super League this season? 35:45 And is there a suspicion players are feigning injury on the field to gain penalties? 42:00 Following Bevan French’s Super League record-breaking seven tries against Hull FC, are we witnessing more attacking play this year?

Approaching the final stretch

I find your podcast to be enjoyable every episode &amp; especially the one on needing to further the game. As an American it tends to be hard to find good insight on RL, so thank you. Here is hoping that we can develop the game on our side of the pond as well, preferably before the 2025 RLWC. Cheers gents!

Interested American

5 Live Rugby League

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