Rugby League Insider - James Hooper NRL podast

🏉 Welcome to The Rugby League Insider Podcast
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James Hooper is joined by Simon Woolford, Christian Nicolussi and Brendan Savage to unpack a massive week of NRL contract drama.

The team discuss Sam Walker’s shock Roosters contract breakdown, with Hoops challenging reports that he agreed to a deal before backflipping. Where could Walker land next, and could a swap involving Cowboys halfback Tom Dearden be an option?

Plus, Hudson Young’s uncertain Canberra future, the PNG Chiefs’ recruitment power, Hoops’ mail on Herbie Farnworth and the Roosters, Penrith’s contract decisions, and Melbourne’s coaching succession.

The boys also debate Australia’s World Cup selections, Ethan Strange’s Kangaroos debut, Manase Fainu’s potential return to rugby league, and the blockbuster clash between Tonga and Samoa.

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS

0:00 — Welcome to Rugby League Insider
1:12 — Hudson Young’s Canberra contract shock
2:49 — Sam Walker bombshell: Hoops challenges the backflip reports
8:27 — Where could Walker land? Bulldogs, Souths, PNG and a Cowboys swap
15:52 — Did the Roosters’ opening offer sour negotiations?
19:33 — Hoops’ Herbie Farnworth mail and the Roosters’ recruitment strategy
24:57 — Could Melbourne make a play for Walker?
27:18 — Salary cap growth and Penrith’s contract balancing act
32:58 — Could the Titans enter the Walker race?
35:01 — Craig Bellamy’s future and Melbourne’s succession plan
38:18 — Hudson Young, the Raiders’ withdrawn offer and PNG interest
49:27 — Kangaroos selections: Latrell Mitchell, James Tedesco and the halves
52:29 — Ethan Strange’s journey from Thailand to a Test debut
54:34 — Manase Fainu and a potential return to rugby league
58:24 — Tonga v Samoa: ticket demand, predictions and Australia’s World Cup threats
1:03:58 — Final wrap-up

📞 INSIDER HOTLINE
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🏉 Welcome to The Rugby League Insider Podcast
Brought 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?

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS

0:00 — Welcome to Rugby League Insider
1:59 — Fiji push Australia and Kurt Donoghoe shines
6:12 — Sean O’Sullivan on Donoghoe’s remarkable rise
10:20 — Tedesco or Walsh? Australia’s fullback dilemma
12:05 — Dearden or Walker? Picking the Kangaroos’ halfback
17:53 — World Cup blowouts and growing the international game
25:47 — Tonga v Samoa: a blockbuster awaits
28:23 — Samoa’s jersey giveaways and PNG fans’ incredible journey
29:40 — Matt Burton’s future: Bulldogs, playing position and rival interest
37:54 — November 1: big names and a changing player market
39:26 — Could Harry Grant transform the Titans?
41:09 — Melbourne’s future: Bellamy, Munster and player uncertainty
45:45 — Why Hooper would tell Harry Grant to name his price
48:02 — Zane Harrison’s future on the Gold Coast
51:58 — Does the NRL’s contract system need to change?
56:05 — Final 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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Choc Fires Up Over PNG’s NRL Advantage, Bradman Best’s Future & Tigers Rebuild | RLIEP185

🏉 Welcome to The Rugby League Insider Podcast

Brought 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?

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS

0:00 — Welcome to Rugby League Insider
2:49 — International footy preview and Tonga’s big omission
3:26 — 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 wars
16:10 — Choc fires up over PNG’s recruitment advantage
22:54 — Perth Bears: Mal Meninga, coaching tensions and recruitment
30:18 — Choc’s Manly exit and the politics of rugby league
35:16 — Cooper Bai’s future and PNG’s third-party deals
42:29 — Wayde Egan’s Warriors extension and Kiwis eligibility
46:18 — Tigers secure Samuela Fainu: a key piece of the rebuild
48:15 — Second chances and the pathway back to the NRL
50:06 — Tigers recruitment and expectations for next season
52:51 — Benji Marshall’s coaching, player managers and burying the hatchet
59:22 — Final wrap-up and weekend plans

📞 INSIDER HOTLINE
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🏉 Welcome to The Rugby League Insider Podcast
Brought 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.

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS

0:00 — Welcome to Rugby League Insider
1:37 — PNG Chiefs recruitment and AJ Brimson transfer mail
5:14 — Can the Perth Bears compete? Roster concerns and expansion debate
15:10 — PNG’s tax-free advantage, player lifestyle and recruitment challenges
20:55 — PNG’s halfback hunt: Cleary, Walker
23:53 — Sam Walker’s Roosters deadline and contract standoff
35:25 — World Cup reaction: Australia overcome New Zealand
36:43 — Kalyn Ponga’s injury and the Kiwis’ chances
41:36 — Can Tonga and Samoa challenge Australia?
43:22 — David Fifita’s resurgence and Kangaroos opportunity
47:13 — PNG Chiefs logo, jersey reveal and naming dispute
50:50 — Josh Addo-Carr’s uncertain Parramatta future
54:32 — Is Jack Bostock the best winger in the game?
55:03 — Eli Katoa’s recovery and potential return
59:39 — Tonga team news and final 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.

🎧 Listen on Spotify: Rugby League Insider with James Hooper
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Join the Fanatics Clubhouse for exclusive sports content, live show invites, member-only discounts, sports tours, giveaways and bar shout perks throughout the year.
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🏉 Welcome to The Rugby League Insider Podcast
Brought 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.

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS

0:00 — Welcome, Simon’s wedding weekend and Sean’s watch-along debut
2:25 — Tonga beat England: defensive grit and controversial calls
6:24 — Isaiya Katoa’s masterclass and Tonga’s forward power
8:46 — World Cup crowds, TV ratings and representative pride
12:05 — Offseason training, fat clubs and old-school Raiders stories
19:08 — Tonga’s injury setbacks and Siua Wong’s dummy-half effort
21:16 — Robert Toia’s rise and Herbie Farnworth’s future
25:39 — Samoa’s attacking clinic and the Tonga showdown
27:42 — Phoenix Crossland, Mitch Moses and Australia’s halves options
30:34 — Jack Bostock’s stunning Kangaroos debut
32:00 — Kalyn Ponga’s injury and the Kiwis’ World Cup hopes
34:35 — Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad and New Zealand’s attacking adjustments
37:00 — Reece Walsh versus James Tedesco: who owns the No.1 jersey?
41:19 — November 1 approaches: Hudson Young and PNG’s recruitment push
44:12 — Xavier Willison’s contract situation and Brisbane’s retention battle
46:38 — Herbie Farnworth and the decisions facing off-contract stars
49:05 — Final 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.

🎧 Listen on Spotify: Rugby League Insider with James Hooper
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🔥 FANATICS CLUBHOUSE
Join 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
Head to www.fanatics.tv for more insights & banter.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.