Rugby League Insider - James Hooper NRL podast

🏉 Welcome to The Rugby League Insider PodcastBrought to you by FanaticsTV.James Hooper is joined by Craig Gower, Christian Nicolussi and Brandon Savage to unpack the biggest NRL talking points in the final studio episode of the season.The team discuss Sam Walker’s contract standoff with the Roosters, Matt Burton’s potential move to Perth and how the Bulldogs could reshape their halves around Walker and Lachlan Galvin.Plus, could Cameron Munster land at the Roosters? The panel debate Melbourne’s changing landscape, Harry Grant’s links to the Titans, who could eventually replace Craig Bellamy, Parramatta’s pursuit of Bradman Best and Penrith’s fight to keep their stars.There’s also Samoa’s World Cup exit, Cooper Bai’s Melbourne signing, and the Golden Boot debate as Reece Walsh and Kalyn Ponga prepare for the Australia–New Zealand final.⏱️ TIMESTAMPS0:00 — Welcome, guest introductions and World Cup final build-up1:57 — Transfer dominoes: Matt Burton, Perth and Sam Walker6:02 — Phil Gould’s Bulldogs rebuild and a Walker–Galvin halves pairing13:23 — Sam Walker’s Roosters standoff: what happens next?20:25 — Cameron Munster’s future: Melbourne, PNG or the Roosters?26:43 — Melbourne’s changing landscape and Craig Bellamy’s future28:44 — Eli Katoa’s recovery and the decision on his playing future30:55 — Harry Grant to the Titans? The potential recruitment shake-up34:10 — Who follows Bellamy? Billy Slater and Jason Ryles discussed39:28 — Bradman Best, Parramatta’s recruitment and Ryles’ contract43:03 — Samoa’s exit, Spencer Leniu’s ban and the pre-game passion debate48:05 — Craig Gower’s French rugby stories53:46 — Cooper Bai’s Melbourne signing54:37 — Penrith’s retention battle: Liam Martin, Moses Leota and the salary cap1:00:03 — Golden Boot debate: Reece Walsh or Kalyn Ponga?1:03:04 — Season farewell and a personal tribute from Brandon Savage📞 INSIDER HOTLINEGot a question, opinion or hot take? We’d love to hear from you.☎️ (02) 8001 6260Leave us a voicemail and you could feature on an upcoming episode.🎧 Listen on Spotify: Rugby League Insider with James Hooper🍎 Listen on Apple Podcasts: Rugby League Insider with James Hooper🔥 FANATICS CLUBHOUSEJoin the Fanatics Clubhouse for exclusive sports content, live show invites, member-only discounts, sports tours, giveaways and bar shout perks throughout the year.No spam — just quality updates delivered straight to your inbox twice a week.👉 Join now: fanatics.tvHead to www.fanatics.tv for more insights & banter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🏉 Welcome to The Rugby League Insider PodcastBrought to you by FanaticsTV.James Hooper is joined by Simon Woolford and Brandon Savage to unpack the World Cup semi-finals and preview a blockbuster Australia v New Zealand decider.The team discuss Australia’s dominant performance against Samoa, Spencer Leniu’s costly loss of discipline, Reece Walsh’s attacking brilliance and Kalyn Ponga’s outstanding return for the Kiwis against Tonga.Plus, Hudson Young’s PNG Chiefs move and his future in Canberra, the Raiders’ recruitment targets, the Wests Tigers’ reported Nathan Cleary and Mary Fowler bid, and the fallout from Paul Gallen’s fight with Nelson Asofa-Solomona.⏱️ TIMESTAMPS0:00 — Welcome to Rugby League Insider2:16 — Australia dominate Samoa to book their World Cup final spot4:41 — Spencer Leniu’s sin-bin and Samoa’s discipline8:27 — Refereeing debate: did Samoa get a fair go?11:32 — Kangaroos forwards fire, Harry Grant shines and the halves click16:17 — Could goal kicking decide the World Cup final?17:24 — Reece Walsh’s brilliance and the Tedesco selection debate20:05 — Kiwis v Tonga: Kalyn Ponga’s toughness and match-winning influence26:41 — Ponga’s international switch and Casey McLean’s remarkable rise29:12 — New Zealand’s forward pack and Naufahu Whyte’s injury concern32:44 — Phoenix Crossland’s return and Ronaldo Mulitalo’s selection37:04 — Tonga’s World Cup effort earns praise38:54 — World Cup final watch-along on FanaticsTV40:02 — Hudson Young’s PNG move: could he leave Canberra early?47:00 — Do short-term player deals work?48:33 — Could Hudson Young fit at Melbourne? Eli Katoa’s uncertain return50:06 — Raiders recruitment: who could replace Hudson Young?52:15 — Wests Tigers boardroom turmoil54:12 — Tigers’ reported Nathan Cleary and Mary Fowler bid58:00 — Gallen v Asofa-Solomona: knockout, stoppage and crowd controversy1:02:47 — Usman Khawaja’s book and the Sandpapergate debate1:05:31 — Chin Music preview and final wrap-up🎧 Listen on Spotify: Rugby League Insider with James Hooper🍎 Listen on Apple Podcasts: Rugby League Insider with James Hooper🔥 FANATICS CLUBHOUSEJoin the Fanatics Clubhouse for exclusive sports content, live show invites, member-only discounts, sports tours, giveaways and bar shout perks throughout the year.No spam — just quality updates delivered straight to your inbox twice a week.👉 Join now: fanatics.tvHead to www.fanatics.tv for more insights & banter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The Rugby League Insider Podcast – NOW 7 DAYS A WEEK!Brought to you by FanaticsTV.Join James Hooper, Darcie McDonald & Brandon Savage as they break down the biggest talking points, breaking news, rumours and opinions from across the NRL. TIMESTAMPS00:00 - Intro00:20 - Choc's big weekend in Newcastle02:51 - Choc on his son04:22 - BREAKING: PNG Chiefs go to $1 million for Hudson Young08:05 - Third-party deals: is PNG's an unfair advantage?15:52 - Nathan Cleary knocks back PNG's $2m offer16:39 - Cleary injury update: third surgery next week17:40 - Choc's torn bicep & the third-party money he never saw19:33 - Players burnt by clubs going bust20:28 - World Cup semi preview: Kiwis v Tonga28:47 - Kangaroos v Samoa: can the forwards step up?31:32 - 11 Kangaroos off contract: a distraction?33:04 - Kogarah, Brookvale & the old dog-park days34:05 - Latrell Mitchell v Kotoni Staggs: the selection debate36:05 - Bradman Best on Peter O'Sullivan40:34 - Could Samoa pull off the biggest upset in World Cup history?41:04 - Wayne Bennett in drag: the 2008 photo that vanished43:03 - How Samoa win it: the middles44:24 - "Dr" Nicolussi and the arts degree46:35 - Nico's Fairfield roots48:29 - Spencer Leniu v Keaon Koloamatangi50:21 - Knee surgeries & Choc's mate Snake52:30 - Manly's new coaching staff: Brent Kite & Steve Hansen53:19 - Harry Grant to Manly?56:42 - Who wins the World Cup?58:23 - Nico's Melbourne Cup Day & Jane Flemming⸻ INSIDER HOTLINEGot a question, opinion or hot take? We'd love to hear from you!Call the Rugby League Insider Hotline: (02) 8001 6260Leave us a voicemail and you could feature on an upcoming episode.⸻ Listen on Spotify: Rugby League Insider with James Hooper Listen on Apple Podcasts: Rugby League Insider with James Hooper⸻ FANATICS CLUBHOUSEJoin the Fanatics Clubhouse for exclusive sports content, live show invites, member-only discounts, sports tours, giveaways and bar shout perks throughout the year. No spam — just quality updates delivered straight to your inbox twice a week. Join now: fanatics.tvHead to www.fanatics.tv for more insights & banter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🏉 Welcome to The Rugby League Insider Podcast Brought to you by FanaticsTV.James Hooper is joined by Simon Woolford and Brandon Savage to unpack the biggest NRL talking points. The team discuss Hudson Young’s trip to Papua New Guinea as the PNG Chiefs close in, whether Liam Martin could be the Raiders’ big replacement signing, and the Sam Walker saga as Nick Politis and Phil Gould get ready to meet.Plus, Matt Burton’s likely move to the Perth Bears, the long feud between Politis and Gould, Rugby League World Cup semi-final teams, Kalyn Ponga’s fitness, the Katoni Staggs selection debate and a Melbourne Cup wrap.⏱️ TIMESTAMPS0:00 — Welcome to Rugby League Insider and the Melbourne Cup wrap6:32 — Hudson Young heads to PNG: is the Chiefs deal a formality?9:20 — Liam Martin open to joining the Raiders14:28 — Why Hudson Young and Canberra split19:36 — Liam Martin, the Ben Kennedy comparison and what he’d bring to Canberra22:24 — Sam Walker saga: Roosters, Bulldogs and the Politis–Gould meeting27:04 — Matt Burton swap-deal rumours: setting the record straight30:48 — Why Matt Burton is heading to the Perth Bears34:04 — The long history between Nick Politis and Phil Gould37:48 — World Cup semi-final teams: Phoenix Crossland returns and Kalyn Ponga’s fitness40:36 — Kangaroos team and the Katoni Staggs debate46:40 — Final wrap-up📞 INSIDER HOTLINE Got a question, opinion or hot take? We’d love to hear from you. ☎️ (02) 8001 6260 Leave us a voicemail and you could feature on an upcoming episode.🎧 Listen on Spotify: Rugby League Insider with James Hooper 🍎 Listen on Apple Podcasts: Rugby League Insider with James Hooper🔥 FANATICS CLUBHOUSE Join the Fanatics Clubhouse for exclusive sports content, live show invites, member-only discounts, sports tours, giveaways and bar shout perks throughout the year.No spam — just quality updates delivered straight to your inbox twice a week. 👉 Join now: fanatics.tvHead to www.fanatics.tv for more insights & banter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🏉 Welcome to The Rugby League Insider Podcast Brought to you by FanaticsTV.James Hooper is joined by two-time premiership winner Anthony Watmough, Sydney Morning Herald journalist Christian Nicolussi and Brandon Savage to unpack the biggest rugby league talking points. The team break down the epic Tonga v Samoa World Cup clash, Junior Paulo’s shoulder charge, and whether anyone can stop the Kangaroos.Plus, November 1 free agency is officially here: Jack Bostock’s next move, Herbie Farnworth and the Roosters, Nathan Cleary’s Penrith v PNG decision, a possible Matt Burton–Sam Walker swap, Hudson Young and AJ Brimson to PNG, the latest from Melbourne and what’s going on at Manly.⏱️ TIMESTAMPS0:00 — Welcome: November 1 is here and free agency is open0:55 — Tonga v Samoa: an Origin-style World Cup epic5:51 — Junior Paulo’s shoulder charge: will he miss the Kangaroos clash?8:53 — Can anyone beat Australia? The forward pack battle13:43 — How the game unfolded: Ronnie Volkman, Spencer Leniu and the goal-kicking woes17:21 — Chuck’s Halloween mask prank on Brandon20:27 — Can Tonga or Samoa go all the way?21:30 — The miracle injury comebacks: what’s going on?27:32 — November 1 mayhem: Jack Bostock to the Dragons and Herbie Farnworth to the Roosters32:17 — Nathan Cleary: Penrith or PNG?35:20 — Loyalty v money: Chuck on chasing premierships41:49 — Nick Politis and Gus Gould to meet: a Matt Burton–Sam Walker swap?45:27 — Hudson Young and AJ Brimson to PNG45:56 — Melbourne mail: Craig Bellamy, Harry Grant and Cameron Munster47:14 — Is Matt Burton the right marquee signing for Perth?50:10 — Manly free agents and what’s going on at the Sea Eagles52:29 — Wrap-up📞 INSIDER HOTLINE Got a question, opinion or hot take? We’d love to hear from you. ☎️ (02) 8001 6260 Leave us a voicemail and you could feature on an upcoming episode.🎧 Listen on Spotify: Rugby League Insider with James Hooper 🍎 Listen on Apple Podcasts: Rugby League Insider with James Hooper🔥 FANATICS CLUBHOUSE Join the Fanatics Clubhouse for exclusive sports content, live show invites, member-only discounts, sports tours, giveaways and bar shout perks throughout the year.No spam — just quality updates delivered straight to your inbox twice a week. 👉 Join now: fanatics.tvHead to www.fanatics.tv for more insights & banter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🏉 Welcome to The Rugby League Insider PodcastBrought to you by FanaticsTV.James Hooper is joined by Anthony “Choc” Watmough and Brandon Savage to unpack the Sam Walker contract saga and the fallout at the Sydney Roosters.Could Walker land at the Bulldogs? The team debate his next move, a potential partnership with Lachlan Galvin, and how Matt Burton, the Perth Bears and Papua New Guinea could shape the NRL player market.Plus, Zane Harrison’s Titans future, Cameron Munster’s contract situation, Choc’s stories about Des Hasler and Manly’s World Club Challenge trip, and a look ahead to Tonga v Samoa.⏱️ TIMESTAMPS0:00 — Welcome, opening bloopers and Friday banter1:53 — Choc on work, family and life after footy7:54 — Sam Walker’s Roosters fallout and lessons from Manly12:18 — Could the Bulldogs land Sam Walker?14:56 — Matt Burton, Perth Bears and the halfback domino effect22:29 — NRL 360 coverage and the Roosters’ media strategy27:17 — Gus, Uncle Nick and the politics behind Walker’s next move34:37 — Zane Harrison’s Titans deal and proving your worth36:54 — Choc’s wild World Club Challenge memories39:25 — PNG’s recruitment targets: Cleary, Walker and more40:36 — Cameron Munster’s contract and Melbourne’s salary-cap history44:39 — Des Hasler pranks and Manly’s training-ground stories48:27 — Walker’s options: Bulldogs, PNG, Cowboys, Souths and rugby54:06 — Tonga v Samoa, World Cup chat and final wrap-up📞 INSIDER HOTLINEGot a question, opinion or hot take? We’d love to hear from you.☎️ (02) 8001 6260Leave us a voicemail and you could feature on an upcoming episode.🎧 Listen on Spotify: Rugby League Insider with James Hooper🍎 Listen on Apple Podcasts: Rugby League Insider with James Hooper🔥 FANATICS CLUBHOUSEJoin the Fanatics Clubhouse for exclusive sports content, live show invites, member-only discounts, sports tours, giveaways and bar shout perks throughout the year.No spam — just quality updates delivered straight to your inbox twice a week.👉 Join now: fanatics.tvHead to www.fanatics.tv for more insights & banter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🏉 Welcome to The Rugby League Insider PodcastBrought to you by FanaticsTV.James Hooper is joined by Simon Woolford, Christian Nicolussi and Brendan Savage to unpack a massive week of NRL contract drama.The team discuss Sam Walker’s shock Roosters contract breakdown, with Hoops challenging reports that he agreed to a deal before backflipping. Where could Walker land next, and could a swap involving Cowboys halfback Tom Dearden be an option?Plus, Hudson Young’s uncertain Canberra future, the PNG Chiefs’ recruitment power, Hoops’ mail on Herbie Farnworth and the Roosters, Penrith’s contract decisions, and Melbourne’s coaching succession.The boys also debate Australia’s World Cup selections, Ethan Strange’s Kangaroos debut, Manase Fainu’s potential return to rugby league, and the blockbuster clash between Tonga and Samoa.⏱️ TIMESTAMPS0:00 — Welcome to Rugby League Insider1:12 — Hudson Young’s Canberra contract shock2:49 — Sam Walker bombshell: Hoops challenges the backflip reports8:27 — Where could Walker land? Bulldogs, Souths, PNG and a Cowboys swap15:52 — Did the Roosters’ opening offer sour negotiations?19:33 — Hoops’ Herbie Farnworth mail and the Roosters’ recruitment strategy24:57 — Could Melbourne make a play for Walker?27:18 — Salary cap growth and Penrith’s contract balancing act32:58 — Could the Titans enter the Walker race?35:01 — Craig Bellamy’s future and Melbourne’s succession plan38:18 — Hudson Young, the Raiders’ withdrawn offer and PNG interest49:27 — Kangaroos selections: Latrell Mitchell, James Tedesco and the halves52:29 — Ethan Strange’s journey from Thailand to a Test debut54:34 — Manase Fainu and a potential return to rugby league58:24 — Tonga v Samoa: ticket demand, predictions and Australia’s World Cup threats1:03:58 — Final wrap-up📞 INSIDER HOTLINEGot a question, opinion or hot take? We’d love to hear from you.☎️ (02) 8001 6260Leave us a voicemail and you could feature on an upcoming episode.🎧 Listen on Spotify: Rugby League Insider with James Hooper🍎 Listen on Apple Podcasts: Rugby League Insider with James Hooper🔥 FANATICS CLUBHOUSEJoin the Fanatics Clubhouse for exclusive sports content, live show invites, member-only discounts, sports tours, giveaways and bar shout perks throughout the year.No spam — just quality updates delivered straight to your inbox twice a week.👉 Join now: fanatics.tvHead to www.fanatics.tv for more insights & banter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🏉 Welcome to The Rugby League Insider PodcastBrought to you by FanaticsTV.James Hooper is joined by Sean O’Sullivan, Darcie McDonald to unpack the biggest rugby league talking points.The team discuss Fiji’s brave challenge against Australia, Kurt Donoghoe’s outstanding performance, and the Kangaroos’ selection headaches. Should James Tedesco or Reece Walsh wear the No.1, and who gets the nod at halfback — Tom Dearden or Sam Walker?Plus, World Cup blowouts, Tonga’s blockbuster clash with Samoa, Matt Burton’s future at Canterbury, and the November 1 player market. Could Harry Grant transform the Titans, and what lies ahead for Melbourne’s biggest stars?⏱️ TIMESTAMPS0:00 — Welcome to Rugby League Insider1:59 — Fiji push Australia and Kurt Donoghoe shines6:12 — Sean O’Sullivan on Donoghoe’s remarkable rise10:20 — Tedesco or Walsh? Australia’s fullback dilemma12:05 — Dearden or Walker? Picking the Kangaroos’ halfback17:53 — World Cup blowouts and growing the international game25:47 — Tonga v Samoa: a blockbuster awaits28:23 — Samoa’s jersey giveaways and PNG fans’ incredible journey29:40 — Matt Burton’s future: Bulldogs, playing position and rival interest37:54 — November 1: big names and a changing player market39:26 — Could Harry Grant transform the Titans?41:09 — Melbourne’s future: Bellamy, Munster and player uncertainty45:45 — Why Hooper would tell Harry Grant to name his price48:02 — Zane Harrison’s future on the Gold Coast51:58 — Does the NRL’s contract system need to change?56:05 — Final wrap-up📞 INSIDER HOTLINEGot a question, opinion or hot take? We’d love to hear from you.☎️ (02) 8001 6260Leave us a voicemail and you could feature on an upcoming episode.🎧 Listen on Spotify: Rugby League Insider with James Hooper🍎 Listen on Apple Podcasts: Rugby League Insider with James Hooper🔥 FANATICS CLUBHOUSEJoin the Fanatics Clubhouse for exclusive sports content, live show invites, member-only discounts, sports tours, giveaways and bar shout perks throughout the year.No spam — just quality updates delivered straight to your inbox twice a week.👉 Join now: fanatics.tvHead to www.fanatics.tv for more insights & banter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Choc Fires Up Over PNG’s NRL Advantage, Bradman Best’s Future & Tigers Rebuild | RLIEP185🏉 Welcome to The Rugby League Insider PodcastBrought to you by FanaticsTV.James Hooper is joined by Anthony “Choc” Watmough and Brandon Savage to unpack the biggest NRL off-season talking points.The team discuss Bradman Best’s future at Newcastle, the November 1 player market and the PNG Chiefs’ recruitment advantage — with Choc firing up over tax-free deals, third-party agreements and what it all means for the Perth Bears.Plus, Mal Meninga’s coaching tensions, Cooper Bai’s future, Wayde Egan’s Warriors extension and the Wests Tigers’ rebuild. Can Benji Marshall turn things around?⏱️ TIMESTAMPS0:00 — Welcome to Rugby League Insider2:49 — International footy preview and Tonga’s big omission3:26 — Bradman Best’s future: Newcastle or Parramatta?8:01 — Contract talk in representative camps: has the game changed?9:56 — Super League stories and rugby league’s contract wars16:10 — Choc fires up over PNG’s recruitment advantage22:54 — Perth Bears: Mal Meninga, coaching tensions and recruitment30:18 — Choc’s Manly exit and the politics of rugby league35:16 — Cooper Bai’s future and PNG’s third-party deals42:29 — Wayde Egan’s Warriors extension and Kiwis eligibility46:18 — Tigers secure Samuela Fainu: a key piece of the rebuild48:15 — Second chances and the pathway back to the NRL50:06 — Tigers recruitment and expectations for next season52:51 — Benji Marshall’s coaching, player managers and burying the hatchet59:22 — Final wrap-up and weekend plans📞 INSIDER HOTLINEGot a question, opinion or hot take? We’d love to hear from you.☎️ (02) 8001 6260Leave us a voicemail and you could feature on an upcoming episode.🎧 Listen on Spotify: Rugby League Insider with James Hooper🍎 Listen on Apple Podcasts: Rugby League Insider with James Hooper🔥 FANATICS CLUBHOUSEJoin the Fanatics Clubhouse for exclusive sports content, live show invites, member-only discounts, sports tours, giveaways and bar shout perks throughout the year.No spam — just quality updates delivered straight to your inbox twice a week.👉 Join now: fanatics.tvHead to www.fanatics.tv for more insights & banter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🏉 Welcome to The Rugby League Insider PodcastBrought to you by FanaticsTV.James Hooper is joined by Craig Gower and Christian Nicolussi to unpack the biggest rugby league talking points.The team discuss the latest mail linking AJ Brimson to the PNG Chiefs, whether the Perth Bears have the roster to compete, and the debate over PNG’s tax-free recruitment advantage.Plus, Sam Walker’s contract standoff with the Roosters, Australia’s World Cup win over New Zealand, Kalyn Ponga’s injury, David Fifita’s resurgence under Wayne Bennett, Josh Addo-Carr’s uncertain Parramatta future and Eli Katoa’s recovery.⏱️ TIMESTAMPS0:00 — Welcome to Rugby League Insider1:37 — PNG Chiefs recruitment and AJ Brimson transfer mail5:14 — Can the Perth Bears compete? Roster concerns and expansion debate15:10 — PNG’s tax-free advantage, player lifestyle and recruitment challenges20:55 — PNG’s halfback hunt: Cleary, Walker 23:53 — Sam Walker’s Roosters deadline and contract standoff35:25 — World Cup reaction: Australia overcome New Zealand36:43 — Kalyn Ponga’s injury and the Kiwis’ chances41:36 — Can Tonga and Samoa challenge Australia?43:22 — David Fifita’s resurgence and Kangaroos opportunity47:13 — PNG Chiefs logo, jersey reveal and naming dispute50:50 — Josh Addo-Carr’s uncertain Parramatta future54:32 — Is Jack Bostock the best winger in the game?55:03 — Eli Katoa’s recovery and potential return59:39 — Tonga team news and final wrap-up📞 INSIDER HOTLINEGot a question, opinion or hot take? We’d love to hear from you.☎️ (02) 8001 6260Leave us a voicemail and you could feature on an upcoming episode.🎧 Listen on Spotify: Rugby League Insider with James Hooper🍎 Listen on Apple Podcasts: Rugby League Insider with James Hooper🔥 FANATICS CLUBHOUSEJoin the Fanatics Clubhouse for exclusive sports content, live show invites, member-only discounts, sports tours, giveaways and bar shout perks throughout the year.No spam — just quality updates delivered straight to your inbox twice a week.👉 Join now: fanatics.tvHead to www.fanatics.tv for more insights & banter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.