Rugby League Insider with James Hooper

🏉 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.tv

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.tv

🏉 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.tv

🏉 Welcome to The Rugby League Insider PodcastBrought to you by FanaticsTV.James Hooper is joined by Simon Woolford and Sean O’Sullivan to unpack a blockbuster opening weekend of the Rugby League World Cup.The team discuss Tonga’s win over England, Isaiya Katoa’s composure, Jack Bostock’s sensational Australian debut and the Kangaroos’ epic clash with New Zealand.Plus, Kalyn Ponga’s injury, Reece Walsh versus James Tedesco, Australia’s halves selection, Samoa’s attacking firepower and the player market heating up ahead of November 1 — including Hudson Young, Xavier Willison and Herbie Farnworth.⏱️ TIMESTAMPS0:00 — Welcome, Simon’s wedding weekend and Sean’s watch-along debut2:25 — Tonga beat England: defensive grit and controversial calls6:24 — Isaiya Katoa’s masterclass and Tonga’s forward power8:46 — World Cup crowds, TV ratings and representative pride12:05 — Offseason training, fat clubs and old-school Raiders stories19:08 — Tonga’s injury setbacks and Siua Wong’s dummy-half effort21:16 — Robert Toia’s rise and Herbie Farnworth’s future25:39 — Samoa’s attacking clinic and the Tonga showdown27:42 — Phoenix Crossland, Mitch Moses and Australia’s halves options30:34 — Jack Bostock’s stunning Kangaroos debut32:00 — Kalyn Ponga’s injury and the Kiwis’ World Cup hopes34:35 — Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad and New Zealand’s attacking adjustments37:00 — Reece Walsh versus James Tedesco: who owns the No.1 jersey?41:19 — November 1 approaches: Hudson Young and PNG’s recruitment push44:12 — Xavier Willison’s contract situation and Brisbane’s retention battle46:38 — Herbie Farnworth and the decisions facing off-contract stars49:05 — 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.tv

🏉 Welcome to The Rugby League Insider PodcastBrought to you by FanaticsTV.James Hooper is joined by Sean O’Sullivan and Brandon Savage to preview the opening weekend of the Rugby League World Cup.The team unpack Australia v New Zealand, including the Kiwis’ imposing forward pack, Kalyn Ponga’s threat, Australia’s selection calls and who can make the difference.Plus, the latest on Jack Bostock, Cody Walker, Latrell Mitchell and Nathan Cleary, Peter O’Sullivan’s move to Brisbane, Newcastle’s roster squeeze, and previews of Samoa v France, PNG v Lebanon, England v Tonga and Fiji v Cook Islands.⏱️ TIMESTAMPS0:00 — Welcome to Rugby League Insider2:20 — Jack Bostock: Dragons interest, Test debut and rise at the Dolphins9:06 — Cody Walker’s Souths future and Latrell Mitchell’s contract situation17:38 — Nathan Cleary puts contract talks on hold22:00 — Peter O’Sullivan to Brisbane, Justin Holbrook’s Newcastle extension and the Knights’ halves puzzle33:28 — Australia v New Zealand preview: can the Kangaroos stop the Kiwis?45:04 — Samoa v France preview51:28 — Papua New Guinea v Lebanon preview54:48 — England v Tonga preview1:03:42 — Fiji v Cook Islands preview1:09:24 — Final wrap and Australia v New Zealand watch-along📞 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.tv

🏉 Welcome to The Rugby League Insider PodcastBrought to you by FanaticsTV.James Hooper is joined by Simon Woolford and Christian Nicolussi to unpack the biggest rugby league stories as the World Cup gets underway.The team debate the Kangaroos’ fullback call between Reece Walsh and James Tedesco, preview Australia v New Zealand, and assess the representative squads.Plus, Spencer Leniu’s move to Parramatta, Junior Paulo’s future, the looming November 1 player market, Hudson Young’s PNG links, Sam Walker’s Roosters deal, Jason Ryles’ contract clause and the issues facing Perth’s NRL entry.⏱️ TIMESTAMPS0:00 — Welcome to Rugby League Insider1:55 — Reece Walsh v James Tedesco: who should be Kangaroos fullback?4:00 — Kangaroos team news, halves and squad selections9:36 — Bradman Best, Latrell Mitchell and Australia’s centres14:48 — Australia v New Zealand preview and World Cup predictions17:56 — Samoa, PNG and the rest of the World Cup weekend18:53 — Parramatta sign Spencer Leniu21:46 — Junior Paulo’s future, Samoa and Perth’s interest23:36 — Can Spencer Leniu become a starting front-rower?27:18 — November 1 market: why this year could be different29:54 — Hudson Young, Canberra’s offer and PNG links35:14 — Sam Walker’s Roosters future and contract value37:57 — Roosters roster changes and recruitment plans43:55 — Jason Ryles’ Parramatta contract clause46:41 — Eels rebuild, pathways and expectations for 202653:00 — Perth’s CEO fallout and Mal Meninga’s challenge58:56 — Wrap-up and upcoming World Cup coverage📞 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.tv

🏉 Welcome to The Rugby League Insider PodcastBrought to you by FanaticsTV.James Hooper is joined by Craig Gower and Brandon Savage to review the 2026 NRL Grand Final, as the Sydney Roosters defeat the Newcastle Knights 19–18.The team breaks down Newcastle’s remarkable finals run, the Roosters’ clinical performance, Daly Cherry-Evans’ key moments, James Tedesco’s legacy and the impact of Spencer Leniu.Plus, the Knights’ future, Roosters recruitment and academy success, Kangaroos selection discussion, and the upcoming Rugby League World Cup.⏱️ TIMESTAMPS0:00 — Welcome and Roosters crowned 2026 premiers1:40 — Newcastle’s brave grand final performance4:00 — Key moments: Dom Young, Ponga and Newcastle’s tries6:20 — Daly Cherry-Evans’ field goal and game management8:00 — Roosters’ possession, kick chase and clinical edge10:00 — Tedesco, Mark Nawaqanitawase and the Roosters’ big names12:00 — Spencer Leniu’s impact off the bench13:40 — Roosters’ forward pack and physicality15:05 — Newcastle’s future and Justin Holbrook’s impact18:10 — Thomas Cant at dummy-half and Newcastle’s desperation22:30 — Roosters recruitment, academy and next generation25:30 — James Tedesco’s place among the great Roosters fullbacks28:00 — Kangaroos squad discussion and selection calls29:30 — Pacific Championship concerns and player availability32:00 — Tedesco, Edwards and the fullback debate35:55 — Rugby League Insider’s World Cup coverage36:55 — 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.tv