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Down the Sideline | Rugby League Podcast
Ep. 13 Why Does Origin Feel So Flat This Year?
State of Origin is almost here… so why does rugby league suddenly feel flat?
In the debut episode of Down the Sideline, David Boldeman and Adrian Manca break down the strangely quiet build-up to the 2026 State of Origin series, the impact of split rounds on the NRL season, and whether the game has lost some of its momentum during its biggest moments.
The boys preview Game I of Origin, debate Nathan Cleary’s pressure heading into the series, discuss the changing rivalry between New South Wales and Queensland, and ask whether the “mate vs mate” hatred that once defined Origin still exists.
Also in this episode:
- Andrew Abdo’s shock move to Tennis Australia
- What happens next for the NRL CEO role?
- Vegas teams announced for 2027
- Is the Vegas concept actually helping the game?
- Ricky Stuart vs the referees
- Dolphins resurgence and finals chances
- South Sydney’s struggles without Latrell Mitchell
- Warriors vs Panthers discussion
- Upset Alert
- Full NRL Round Tips
Down the Sideline looks at rugby league through the lens of media, money, momentum and what the biggest stories actually mean for the game.
Live every Monday @ 8:30PM AEST on YouTube.
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14. Ep 14. Was The Origin Send-Off Actually Good For Rugby League?
53:42||Season 2026, Ep. 14The Down the Sideline Podcast goes live for the very first time as David Boldeman, Adrian Manca and Tim Micallef tackle one of the biggest talking points of the 2026 NRL season.Five days after State of Origin I, the boys revisit the Kalyn Ponga send-off and ask a question few others are asking: was the controversy actually good for rugby league?Rather than debating whether the referee got the call right, the discussion explores the reaction from fans, commentators and media throughout the week, and whether the incident created exactly the sort of conversation and attention the game thrives on.The boys also look ahead to Origin II, break down the Panthers vs Warriors thriller that may prove to be the match of the season, discuss the Dragons finally getting off the mark, examine the growing pressure on Michael Maguire and the Broncos, and debate the NRL's new taunting crackdown.Plus, the return of Boldo's Soapbox, Upset Alert and tips for every Round 14 clash.This episode includes:Was the Kalyn Ponga send-off actually good for rugby league?Origin II team changes and predictionsPanthers vs Warriors falloutDragons finally break through for their first winPressure building on the Broncos and Michael MaguireWinners and losers from Round 13The NRL's controversial taunting ruleUpset AlertRound 14 tipsDown the Sideline is the rugby league podcast that looks beyond the scoreboard, exploring the stories, personalities, media narratives, business decisions and big-picture issues shaping the game.
12. Ep 12. Why Does Origin Feel So Flat This Year? | Down the Sideline Podcast
59:58||Season 2026, Ep. 12Episode 12 of the Down the Sideline Podcast is here.This week the boys dive into the official State of Origin team announcements and ask the bigger question around the game right now… does Origin still feel as massive as it once did?The panel breaks down the key selections, surprise calls and what the squads say about where both NSW and Queensland are heading heading into the series opener.Plus:• Full Origin team reactions• Magic Round fallout and biggest takeaways• Ivan Cleary discussion and the wider impact on the game• Clubs rising and falling across the competition• Metcalf’s breakout performances• Upset Alert returns• Round predictions and bold takesNo safe takes. No fence sitting. Just rugby league through the lens of media, momentum and what it all means.Originally recorded during the 2025 NRL season and uploaded as part of the Down the Sideline archive collection.#NRL #StateOfOrigin #MagicRound #RugbyLeague #DownTheSideline