The Progressive Rugby League Podcast

In August 2020, at the 125th anniversary of Rugby League's birth, Professor Tony Collins joined us to crystal ball what Rugby League could be 125 years into the future.The Rugby split was the product of a specific period of modern history. What social, economic and cultural ingredients would be needed for reunification to ever be on the cards? Are Rugby League's core tenets strong enough to withstand a major societal shock? What about an economic meltdown? Or a hyper-capitalistic future?It was prognostications off the back fence, with the good Professor using his limitless knowledge of Rugby League and societal history to whack some sense into proceedings.It's Rugby League Looking Back, Looking Forward.Contact us via progressiverugbyleague@gmail.com

New Ep! Rob Cardno joins the pod to confirm that no, the Toronto Wolfpack were not a figment of our wildest imaginings. Yes, it actually happened, and yes, it was a wild ride.Rob was there from the beginning, bearing witness to the dizzying highs and depressing lows as the Wolfpack went from an idea, to a curiosity, to a big deal, and then to dust.With a few years clear air, Rob reflects on a truly unique Rugby League experience, witnessed from the very front row.Contact us via progressiverugbyleague@gmail.com

PRL Classics returns with an illuminating chat about Rugby League's role in the evolution of that strange ol' state of Queensland.In June 2020, Joe Gorman joined the pod to take us deep into his award-winning book, Heartland: How Rugby League Explains Queensland.Tales of Jacko, King Wally, Bigs Artie and Mal, Kerry Boustead, the rollicking back stories of the Broncs, the Cows and Super League, and of course....the mysterious power of the Maroons...Cracking read, super chat.Contact us via progressiverugbyleague@gmail.com

Candid, engaging, funny, Ian Roberts graced our little pod in March 2021 for a wide-ranging chat about his unique life on and off the field.Before this chat, we'd never heard him reflect on the 1997 authorised biography on his life, Finding Out, we hadn't heard much about his time at Souths, or playing for and against Wigan at Central Park. In fact, despite having heard, seen and read much about Ian over the years, there was a lot in this chat that was fresh to us.And upon another listen more than 5 years later, it still felt fresh.It's time to revisit The Life and Times of Ian Roberts.

Most old podcast episodes gather virtual dust. But some deserve a second hearing.Introducing PRL Classics...

How much is enough data in Rugby League? Mike Meehall Wood joins the pod to chat about how data is shaping our game in 2026.From the micro to the macro, from the NRL to Super League, Mike breaks down the trends and the nuances, while musing on more philosophical pieces like 'what makes good Rugby League?' and 'making the risky look sensible'.Check out Mike's excellent new Substack What You Get Is What You See at mikemeehallwood.substack.com

Australian sports publishing heavyweight, Geoff Armstrong, joins this very special PRL Book Club to share tales from his favourite all-time Rugby League books.As author, publisher, editor and more, Geoff has shepherded book releases that together have sold in the millions. So who better to ask about books from Rugby League's storied history that simply cannot be ignored.As most of our PRL Book Clubs have had an international bent, we've asked Geoff to focus on Australian Rugby League books. But never fear, British fans, Geoff also finds time to shout out a few of his UK faves - that's just the kind of guy he is.In and around talk of these immense tomes, we also chat about the tricks of the sports-writing trade, the trajectory of sports publishing and the Rugby League stories we want to read in the future.

Rugby League largely splutters where it exists around the world. But it's a different story in New South Wales and Queensland. What is it that has made Australia's 'northern states' unique, and their capitals - Olympic cities no less - the only 'global cities' on the planet where Rugby League sits atop the sporting summit?This (draft) essay muses on this question and ponders how it all came to be.Contact the pod via progressiverugbyleague@gmail.com

Roy Francis is one of the most significant figures in British Rugby League history. A Black British sporting legend, Roy followed up a distinguished playing career with a ground-breaking period as coach, where he pioneered methods decades ahead of their time.What is less known is the impact the game in Australia had on this storied personality.Professor Tony Collins joins the pod to take us through the remarkable times of Roy Francis, Rugby's Forgotten Black Leader, including how a stint with the North Sydney Bears went sour and changed Roy's life.If you want to get in touch, you can do so at progressiverugbyleague@gmail.com