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Rugby League Insider with James Hooper
Luai’s Up Yours To The TIGERS! Josh Addo-Carr’s Future & Dolphins Finals Call | RLIEP161
Season 1, Ep. 161
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🏉 Welcome to The Rugby League Insider Podcast
Brought to you by FanaticsTV.
James Hooper is joined by Christian Nicolussi and Brandon Savage to unpack the biggest NRL finals talking points.
The boys discuss Josh Addo-Carr’s future after his latest incident, whether Parramatta should stand by the Foxx, and the likely consequences ahead.
Plus, Jarome Luai’s no-show at the Wests Tigers awards night, the Dolphins’ frustration over tactics used against Jack Bostock, looming contract calls, and the finals outlook for the Roosters, Sharks, Warriors and Knights.
⏱️ TIMESTAMPS
0:00 — Welcome to Rugby League Insider
0:31 — NFL Melbourne and NRL finals crowd debate
3:37 — Josh Addo-Carr’s future and Parramatta’s call
11:34 — Jarome Luai misses the Wests Tigers awards night
21:58 — Jarome Luai’s surprise post-footy career option
25:03 — Dolphins defend Jack Bostock over aerial tactics
27:41 — AFB’s no-try and the double-movement debate
28:37 — Dolphins’ contract crunch: Bostock, Herbie and Hammer
31:28 — Roosters halves, Sam Walker’s recovery and finals prospects
34:00 — Roosters v Sharks finals preview
38:16 — Warriors injuries and the Newcastle test
41:10 — Final predictions and 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.
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162. Prelim Schedule MISTAKE? Luke Brooks’ Manly Exit & Knights’ Rise | RLIEP162
01:00:30||Season 1, Ep. 162🏉 Welcome to The Rugby League Insider PodcastBrought to you by FanaticsTV.James Hooper is joined by Anthony Watmough and Darcie McDonald to unpack the biggest NRL talking points.The team discuss Manly’s off-season coaching shake-up, Luke Brooks’ future at the Sea Eagles, and the Newcastle Knights’ remarkable rebuild.Plus, Warriors v Knights and Roosters v Sharks finals previews, the preliminary-final schedule, Jerome Luai’s West Tigers awards-night absence, contract news and the stories shaping the week in rugby league.⏱️ TIMESTAMPS0:00 — Welcome to Rugby League Insider2:39 — Preliminary-finals schedule locked in4:30 — Peter V’landys and the NRL landscape6:00 — West Tigers advertise for a defensive coach6:59 — Manly’s coaching shake-up8:49 — Luke Brooks set to leave Manly?12:25 — Tom Starling linked to the Sea Eagles15:00 — Manly’s junior pathways problem19:18 — Newcastle’s rebuild and the Dylan Brown deal22:40 — Warriors v Knights finals preview and predictions38:31 — Roosters v Sharks: Trindall’s shoulder and key match-ups44:39 — Jerome Luai snubs the West Tigers awards night59:35 — 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.tv160. Who Wins Coach Of The Year? Cleary Foot Scare, Cowboys Crisis & Souths’ Big Call | RLIEP160
01:01:10||Season 1, Ep. 160🏉 Welcome to The Rugby League Insider Podcast Brought to you by FanaticsTV.James Hooper is joined by Simon Woolford to unpack Nathan Cleary’s foot injury and Penrith’s push for a seventh straight preliminary final.Plus, the boys preview Knights v Warriors, debate the Coach of the Year race, assess the Cowboys’ disappointing finish against the Sharks, and discuss South Sydney’s future—including Latrell Mitchell, Cody Walker and the Rabbitohs’ halves dilemma. They also look at Canberra’s roster options and the Tigers’ search for a new assistant coach for Benji Marshall.⏱️ TIMESTAMPS0:00 — Welcome to Rugby League Insider1:20 — Nathan Cleary’s Foot Injury & Penrith’s Finals Chances12:10 — Finals Form, Injury Returns & Dally M Debate15:30 — Knights v Warriors Preview18:00 — Coach of the Year: Holbrook, Webster & Woolf31:40 — Cowboys v Sharks: What Went Wrong?39:30 — Cowboys’ Consistency, Todd Payten & Tom Dearden’s Future45:30 — Rabbitohs’ Finals Exit, Latrell Mitchell & Cody Walker52:50 — Raiders’ Halves and Roster Decisions53:25 — Tigers’ Search for Benji Marshall’s New Assistant60:50 — 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.tv159. Nathan Cleary ESCAPES BAN, Panthers March On, Dolphins Dream & Finals Fallout | RLIEP159
53:28||Season 1, Ep. 159🏉 Welcome to The Rugby League Insider Podcast Brought to you by FanaticsTV.James Hooper is joined by Anthony Watmough and Darcie McDonald to unpack a huge opening weekend of the NRL finals.The team debates whether Nathan Cleary is facing a preliminary-final ban, breaks down Penrith’s win over the Roosters, and looks ahead to the Sharks v Roosters sudden-death clash.Plus, the Dolphins keep their dream debut finals run alive, South Sydney’s season comes to an emotional end, and the Cowboys are sent packing by Cronulla.⏱️ TIMESTAMPS0:00 — Welcome to Rugby League Insider4:46 — Nathan Cleary’s dangerous-contact charge10:00 — Panthers v Roosters: Penrith march into another prelim16:40 — Dylan Edwards, Reece Walsh and the fullback debate19:42 — Roosters’ form concerns ahead of Cronulla23:02 — Souths eliminated: Latrell, Gagai and the Knights29:30 — Dolphins defeat the Warriors and reach a preliminary final36:20 — Warriors v Knights: who advances?41:42 — Sharks end the Cowboys’ season47:00 — Can Cronulla upset the Roosters?📞 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.tv158. Panthers STRANGLE Roosters In Arm-Wrestle Thriller To Book Prelim Spot | RLIEP158
26:27||Season 1, Ep. 158Live from the Hyde Park House pub — the Penrith Panthers have ground out another preliminary final berth in a scrappy arm-wrestle against the Roosters. Anthony Watmough and Sean O'Sullivan break down the Nathan Cleary charge-down controversy and his late injury scare, Blaize Talagi's redemption story, and Liam Martin's momentum-turning try. Plus, a preview of the Roosters' sudden-death clash with Cronulla, a full recap of the Dolphins' stunning win over the Warriors, and reaction to the Knights' upset over the Rabbitohs.⸻TIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Panthers Book Another Prelim Final00:39 - Nathan Cleary Charge-Down: Suspension Fears02:31 - Cleary's Second-Half Injury Scare04:02 - Roosters' Sudden Death Fate vs Sharks06:24 - Cherry-Evans & Hugo's First Hit-Out As A Combo07:46 - Two Coaches, Two Different Finals Approaches08:29 - Panthers' Bold Selection Calls Explained10:18 - Blaize Talagi's Redemption Story11:22 - Liam Martin's Match-Turning Try13:02 - Previewing Roosters v Sharks14:06 - Keys For The Roosters To Beat Cronulla15:26 - Sharks' Win Over The Cowboys Reviewed16:29 - Katoa Tackle Avoids Suspension, Cleary Off The Hook?17:22 - Dolphins Stun Warriors: Farnworth & Bostock Shine19:38 - Finals Draw Sorted: Who Plays Who20:43 - Knights Upset Rabbitohs, Ponga & Young Shine22:10 - Roosters' Alarming Form Slide23:39 - Finals Schedule Confirmed24:27 - Rabbitohs' Season Ends: Cody Walker's Injury Impact25:44 - Outro⸻🎧 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.👉 Join now: fanatics.tv157. Cowboys' Season ENDS: Sharks Grind Out Do-Or-Die Thriller | RLIEP156
25:24||Season 1, Ep. 157Another team's premiership dream is over — the North Queensland Cowboys have been eliminated from the finals, going down 26-16 to the Cronulla Sharks in a hard-fought elimination final. Darcie, Simon Woolford and Toby Coachman break down the Cowboys' costly second-half errors, Sione Katoa's monster impact off the bench, Braden Trindade's shoulder scare, and what's next for both clubs heading into next season. Plus, a preview of tomorrow's blockbuster between Penrith and the Roosters.⸻TIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Cowboys Eliminated: Sharks Win Thriller 26-1600:57 - Cowboys' Costly Second-Half Errors03:02 - Cowboys Play Themselves Out Of It05:21 - Trindade's Shoulder Battle & Kicking Game06:16 - Nicho Hynes Steps Up With The Spotlight06:58 - Sione Katoa's Monster Impact Off The Bench09:33 - Would You Target Trindade's Shoulder?10:31 - Tackle Count Breakdown: Brailey & Wilton Machines12:20 - Cowboys' "Rocks and Diamonds" Problem13:48 - Drinkwater's Dragons Move Looms15:33 - Cowboys' Backline Boost: Ramien & Katoa Incoming16:36 - Do The Cowboys Have A Premiership Roster?17:45 - Todd Payten Locked In For Two More Years19:03 - Green Shoots: What Cowboys Can Build On19:55 - Can The Sharks Go All The Way?22:18 - What The Sharks Need To Fix To Win It All23:44 - Previewing Panthers v Roosters⸻🎧 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.👉 Join now: fanatics.tv158. Dolphins STUN Warriors In Epic Eliminator Final! | RLIEP156
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32:14||Season 1, Ep. 155🏉 Welcome to The Rugby League Insider Podcast Brought to you by FanaticsTV.James Hooper is joined by Anthony Watmough and Brandon Savage Breaking down Knights win over Rabbitohs 📞 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.tv154. Rabbitohs Premiership Push, Herbie’s Future & World Cup Squads | RLIEP154
55:30||Season 1, Ep. 154🏉 Welcome to The Rugby League Insider Podcast Brought to you by FanaticsTV.With Hoops away, Darcie and the team break down the opening week of the NRL finals, including South Sydney’s clash with Newcastle and why the Rabbitohs could be primed for a deep September run.Plus, the panel dives into rugby league’s goal-kicking problem, Souths’ contract priorities, Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker’s futures, World Cup selection debates, and the Dolphins’ growing salary-cap squeeze.⏱️ TIMESTAMPS0:00 — Welcome to Rugby League Insider1:26 — NRLW: Bulldogs, Roosters and Finals Fever4:19 — NRL World: Could Rugby League Get Its Own Theme Park?7:20 — Goal-Kicking Crisis: Why It Could Decide the Finals14:30 — South Sydney v Newcastle Finals Preview20:30 — Souths’ Fullback Puzzle: Latrell Mitchell, Jai Gray & Matt Dafty25:35 — Rabbitohs Contract Priorities: Cody Walker, Latrell and the Next Generation31:20 — How Far Can South Sydney Go in the Finals?36:25 — World Cup Squad Debate: Who Makes the Cut?45:20 — Dolphins Salary-Cap Squeeze and Contract Pressure50:40 — Player Movement, Injuries and Club Rebuilds53:15 — Friday Fill-Up & 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