League Express Podcast

In this week’s episode of the League Express Podcast, Editor Martyn Sadler and Host Jake Kearnan break down all the action and talking points from the men’s and women’s Rugby League World Cup semi-finals.They start with the controversial clash between Australia and Samoa, debating whether Samoa were robbed of a place in the final and discussing Spencer Leniu’s sin-binning for dissent. They also analyse New Zealand’s impressive performance against Tonga, questioning whether the wet-weather conditions played a part in limiting Tonga’s chances of reaching the final.Away from the action, Martyn and Jake discuss some major news surrounding the future of the Rugby League World Cup. Could the 2030 tournament adopt a Magic Round-style format, with matches staged across multiple locations including Hawaii and Utah? They also examine plans for a 12-team World Cup and the proposed extension of the heritage eligibility rule to include great-grandparents. Is this the right direction for international Rugby League?The pair also discuss the NRL's investment in French Rugby League, France's proposed tour of the Pacific next year and the latest developments in the ongoing NRL–RFL negotiations.Finally, they look ahead to this weekend's men's and women's Rugby League World Cup finals, discussing the match-ups and giving their predictions.

In this week’s episode of the League Express Podcast, Editor Martyn Sadler and Host Jake Kearnan dissect England’s disappointing exit from the Rugby League World Cup, asking where it all went wrong and what needs to change if the national team is to compete with the best in the world.With England failing to reach the semi-finals for the first time in their World Cup history, the pair discuss the independent review involving former greats Paul Sculthorpe, Adrian Morley and Gareth Ellis, and what questions need to be asked about the state of the English game.Martyn and Jake also take aim at the tournament format, England’s extraordinary journey to Australia and the lack of preparation time afforded to Brian McDermott’s squad. Were England put at an unfair disadvantage before they even took to the field?They also look back on the dramatic final round of group matches, including Lebanon’s remarkable victory over France in a controversial thriller and another historic encounter as Tonga defeated Samoa.With the semi-finals now set, Martyn and Jake preview Australia v Samoa and New Zealand v Tonga, assessing the four remaining teams and predicting who will book their place in the World Cup final.Finally, they discuss the latest developments in the Josh Addo-Carr false-positive drug test saga and what the situation means for the former Kangaroos winger.

In this week’s episode of the League Express Podcast, Editor Martyn Sadler and Host Jake Kearnan break down all the action from Week Two of the Rugby League World Cup.The pair begin with England’s huge victory over France, assessing their response to the opening-round defeat to Tonga and exactly what they now need to do to keep their World Cup campaign alive and book a place in the semi-finals.Martyn and Jake also review the rest of the weekend’s action, including New Zealand’s dominant win over the Cook Islands, Australia’s narrow escape against Fiji, Samoa’s big victory over Papua New Guinea and Tonga overcoming a brave Lebanon side.Away from the World Cup, they discuss the latest surrounding the London Broncos and whether the club will be playing in Super League next season, as well as the ongoing NRL–RFL negotiations.They also turn their attention to the NRL, with the Sydney Roosters pulling out of contract negotiations with Sam Walker’s management. What does it mean for Walker’s future, and where could the star halfback end up next?The pair also discuss Tom Starling signing with St Helens and what he could bring to the Saints before looking ahead to Week Three of the Rugby League World Cup and the crucial matches that will determine who progresses to the semi-finals.

In this week’s episode of the League Express Podcast, Editor Martyn Sadler and Host Jake Kearnan break down all the action from the opening week of the Rugby League World Cup.The pair react to England’s disappointing defeat to Tonga, analysing what went wrong and where Brian McDermott’s side fell short. They also question whether the structure of the tournament has already left England with a mountain to climb and what they now need to do to keep their World Cup hopes alive.Martyn and Jake also discuss Brian McDermott’s decision to make no changes to his line-up for this weekend and whether sticking with the same side is the right response following the opening-round defeat.They then turn their attention to the blockbuster clash between Australia and New Zealand, as well as Samoa’s huge victory over France. With Kalyn Ponga suffering an injury, they assess what his absence could mean for the Kiwis and their chances of going all the way in the tournament.Away from the World Cup, Martyn and Jake provide the latest on the ongoing NRL–RFL negotiations and discuss what the talks could mean for the future relationship between the NRL and the British game.Finally, they look ahead to Week Two of the Rugby League World Cup, previewing the key matches and what is at stake as the tournament begins to take shape.

In this week’s episode of the League Express Podcast, Editor Martyn Sadler and Host Jake Kearnan are joined by legendary Rugby League commentator Andrew Voss to preview the opening fixtures of this year’s Rugby League World Cup.Vossy joins Martyn and Jake to break down the team lists and assess the major contenders ahead of the opening round, including the blockbuster clash between Australia and New Zealand, England taking on Tonga and Samoa facing France.Who has named the strongest squad? Which players should fans be watching? And which nations have what it takes to go all the way?Away from the World Cup, Vossy reveals the Rugby League rules he would change and tells the fascinating story of the role he played in helping bring about a change to the corner-post rule.The trio also discuss the ongoing relationship between the NRL and Super League, with Vossy giving his thoughts on what a potential deal between the two competitions should look like and how it could benefit Rugby League on both sides of the world.And with NRL expansion continuing to generate debate, Vossy reveals where he believes the 20th NRL club should be based.

In this week’s episode of the League Express Podcast, Editor Martyn Sadler and Host Jake Kearnan look back on a huge weekend of Rugby League as Wakefield Trinity were crowned Super League champions and the Sydney Roosters won the NRL Grand Final.They begin with Wakefield’s historic Grand Final victory over Warrington Wolves, discussing what the result means for the club and the significance of a packed crowd for the Super League Grand Final. They also discuss Tom Johnstone’s heroics, as the Wakefield winger claimed the Rob Burrow Award after a memorable performance on the biggest stage.The pair then turn their attention to the NRL Grand Final, analysing the Roosters’ victory over the Newcastle Knights and what the result means for the Australian game.With the domestic seasons now complete, attention quickly turns to a potential World Club Challenge. Martyn and Jake discuss whether the champions could meet, where the match could be staged and what a renewed World Club Challenge could mean for the sport.They also react to the announcement of England’s World Cup squad, including the decision to leave Jake Connor out of the squad, before taking a closer look at the Australian Kangaroos and New Zealand Kiwis squads ahead of the international tournament.

In this week’s episode of the League Express Podcast, Editor Martyn Sadler and Host Jake Kearnan look back on a dramatic weekend of Super League and NRL preliminary-final action, with two new teams booking their places in the Super League Grand Final.They begin with Warrington Wolves’ dramatic victory over Leeds Rhinos, which was decided by a controversial late penalty after George Williams was taken out while chasing a kick. Martyn and Jake discuss the decision, the resulting penalty goal and whether Warrington deserved to get the crucial call. They then turn to the biggest surprise of the weekend as Wakefield Trinity stunned Wigan Warriors to reach their first-ever Super League Grand Final. The pair discuss Adam Keighran’s yellow card, the impact it had on the game and what it means for Super League to have Warrington and Wakefield contesting the Grand Final.Over in the NRL, they review the Sydney Roosters’ win over the Dolphins and the Newcastle Knights’ incredible victory over the Penrith Panthers, which sent Newcastle into their first Grand Final since 2001. The Knights' victory came at a huge cost, however, with Nathan Cleary suffering a serious leg injury following the tackle from Phoenix Crossland. Martyn and Jake discuss the incident, Crossland’s red card and whether he should face a suspension for the Grand Final. Crossland has since been referred to the NRL Judiciary. They also provide an update on the ongoing NRL–RFL negotiations before giving their predictions for the Super League and NRL Grand Finals.

In this week’s episode of the League Express Podcast, Editor Martyn Sadler and Host Jake Kearnan dissect all the latest action from the Super League and NRL playoffs, with plenty to discuss both on and off the field.They look back at Warrington Wolves’ big win over Hull KR, which saw the reigning champions knocked out of the Super League playoffs, while Wakefield Trinity defeated Leigh Leopards to book their place in the semi-finals. They also review the NRL action, including the Sydney Roosters’ victory over the Cronulla Sharks and the Newcastle Knights’ dramatic win over the New Zealand Warriors. The pair also debate the two major red-card incidents from the weekend, involving Emre Guler and Peta Hiku, and discuss whether either player should face further suspension.Off the field, the latest NRL–RFL negotiations take centre stage, with another meeting of Super League clubs taking place this week. They discuss where the talks currently stand and what the future relationship between the two competitions could look like.There is also a major change at the top of the NRL, with Peter V’landys set to become chairman and CEO. Betfred officially ending its long-running sponsorship of the game provides another major talking point.And with the Man of Steel award approaching, Martyn and Jake debate who should take home Super League’s biggest individual prize.Finally, they look ahead to this weekend’s NRL and Super League finals, with places in the respective Grand Finals on the line. The Super League semi-finals will see Leeds Rhinos take on Warrington Wolves and Wigan Warriors face Wakefield Trinity.

In this week’s episode of the League Express Podcast, Editor Martyn Sadler and Host Jake Kearnan look ahead to a huge weekend of Rugby League, with the Super League playoffs and NRL semi-finals getting underway.They preview the opening week of the Super League playoffs, with Warrington Wolves taking on Hull KR and Wakefield Trinity facing Leigh Leopards. Who will make it through to the next stage and keep their Grand Final dreams alive?The pair also look ahead to the NRL semi-finals, as the Sydney Roosters take on the Cronulla Sharks and the New Zealand Warriors face the Newcastle Knights.Martyn and Jake then dissect the Super League Dream Team, including who Martyn voted for and some of the selections that have caught their attention. They also discuss the latest developments in the NRL–Super League negotiations, including what a potential DAZN broadcast deal could look like and what it might mean for the future of the game.With Wigan Warriors continuing their push for more silverware, they ask what another trophy could do for Matty Peet’s coaching legacy.Finally, they turn their attention to the bottom end of Super League, with London Broncos seemingly set to miss out on Super League status under the current grading system. Could any existing Super League club also be at risk of relegation?

In this week’s episode of the League Express Podcast, Editor Martyn Sadler and Host Jake Kearnan discuss all the latest action and major talking points from another huge weekend of Rugby League.They begin with the blockbuster top-of-the-table clash between Wigan Warriors and Leeds Rhinos, as Wigan produced a dominant performance to win 40-8. The pair ask the big question: can anyone stop Wigan this season?Martyn and Jake also discuss the brilliance of Bevan French, questioning why one of the world's most exciting players has not been targeted by an NRL club and whether he could still make a return to Australia.Elsewhere, they review Wakefield Trinity's win over Warrington Wolves and Toulouse Olympique's continued impressive form, following another victory against Hull FC.The episode also covers Jake Connor winning this year's Albert Goldthorpe Medal, Liam Farrell announcing his retirement, and the battle at the bottom of the table as Martyn and Jake debate which club will finish with the wooden spoon.Over in Australia, they discuss Peter V'landys' ambitious idea to create a Disneyland-style NRL theme park, before previewing the first round of the NRL Finals and looking ahead to this weekend's Super League fixtures.