League Express Podcast

Martyn Sadler and Jake Kearnan
  • 4.5 (21)
  • Rugby
  • Updated weekly

A Podcast about the sport of Rugby League Football.This is closely linked to the League Express newspaper and the Totalrl.com website.

  1. 2 days ago

    #142: Nathan Cayless to Hull KR, Leeds on Top and Origin Drama

    In this week’s episode of the League Express Podcast, Editor Martyn Sadler and Host Jake Kearnan discuss all the major talking points from a busy weekend of Rugby League action across Super League and the NRL. The pair react to Leeds Rhinos’ victory over Warrington Wolves, a result that sees Leeds move to the top of the Super League table. They also break down Queensland’s victory over New South Wales in State of Origin Game Two, discussing the key moments from the match and setting the scene for a decisive series finale. Martyn and Jake also discuss the news that Nathan Cayless has been appointed as Hull KR’s next head coach, with the former Parramatta Eels captain set to take over when Willie Peters departs. They debate what the appointment means for the Robins and whether the club can maintain its recent success. The episode also covers Brian McDermott’s latest England squad, with the pair discussing who deserved selection and which players were unfortunate to miss out ahead of the upcoming international programme. Elsewhere, they react to Jesse Arthars signing with the Catalans Dragons, before previewing this weekend’s Super League and NRL fixtures, highlighting the biggest games and storylines to watch.

    1hr 6min

  2. 15 Jun

    #141: Historic Weekend for Charnley, Origin Game Two & NRL Referees Gambling Problem

    In this week’s episode of the League Express Podcast, Editor Martyn Sadler and Host Jake Kearnan discuss all the major talking points from a busy weekend of Rugby League action across Super League and beyond. The pair react to Josh Charnley overtaking Ryan Hall on the all-time try-scoring list, and debate who will finish the season on top. They also discuss Leeds Rhinos holding off a late Toulouse comeback, and take a look at the impressive performances of Warrington Wolves’ emerging young talent. Martyn and Jake also pay tribute to Sir Kevin Sinfield following the announcement of his knighthood, recognising his remarkable contribution to Rugby League and his fundraising efforts for MND awareness. Elsewhere, they discuss a report detailing NRL referee Ashley Klein’s betting history, and what it means for the sport, while also reacting to Morgan Gannon securing a release from the New Zealand Warriors. To round off the episode, they preview State of Origin Game Two, before taking a look ahead at this weekend’s Super League fixtures.

    1hr 5min

  3. 9 Jun

    #140: Super League Returns to Paris, London Score 134 & Origin Squads Announced

    In this week’s episode of the League Express Podcast, Editor Martyn Sadler and Host Jake Kearnan discuss all the major talking points from a busy weekend of Rugby League action across Super League and beyond. The pair react to Super League’s return to Paris, as the Wigan Warriors took on the Catalans Dragons, and analyse what the event means for the game’s growth in France. They also break down Wakefield Trinity’s dramatic late victory over Hull KR, including the controversy surrounding two red cards, and discuss Leeds Rhinos’ impressive win over St Helens. Martyn and Jake debate whether London Broncos should be promoted to Super League next season after their incredible 134-point victory over North Wales, and what a return to the top flight would mean for the sport in the capital. The episode also covers the latest off-field developments, including the search for the next RFL CEO, Matty Lees signing with the PNG Chiefs, Brad Arthur remaining as Leeds Rhinos head coach, and Toby King’s move to London. To round things off, they analyse the squads selected for State of Origin Game Two, discussing the biggest selection calls and key battles ahead of the series.

    53 min

  4. 1 Jun

    #139: John Kear Tribute, Wigan Win the Challenge Cup and State of Origin Fallout

    In this week’s episode of the League Express Podcast, Editor Martyn Sadler and Host Jake Kearnan pay tribute to BBC Pundit, Legendary Coach and League Express Podcast regular John Kear.  They breakdown the Wigan Warriors winning their 22nd Challenge Cup, following a dominant 40-10 victory over Hull KR at Wembley. They discuss the standout performers from the final, including Jack Farrimond’s career-defining display, and analyse where it all went wrong for Hull KR on the biggest stage. The pair also debate the selection dilemma facing Matt Peet with Bevan French returning from injury, as well as the Sam Walters’ red card and whether the RFL should be concerned about the Challenge Cup Final attendance. The episode also covers the opening match of the State of Origin series, with New South Wales defeating Queensland, and the controversy surrounding Kalyn Ponga’s sending off. Martyn and Jake discuss whether the decision was justified and what it could mean for the remainder of the series. They also react to the shock news of NRL CEO Andrew Abdo’s resignation, discussing the implications for the game and what comes next for the negotiations between the two competitions.

    1hr 2min

  5. 22 May

    #138: Warrington Sign Croft, Jai Arrow's Shock Diagnosis and NRL x Super League Negotiations

    In this week’s episode of the League Express Podcast, Editor Martyn Sadler and Host Jake Kearnan discuss all the major talking points across Rugby League, beginning with the tragic news that Jai Arrow has been forced into medical retirement following an MND diagnosis. They also react to including Brodie Croft signing with the Warrington Wolves and John Cartwright being appointed as the new head coach of the Catalans Dragons. The pair provide the latest update on the on-going NRL and Super League negotiations, discussing where talks currently stand and what a future agreement between the competitions could look like. They also discuss the exciting news that Bradford Bulls and Leigh Leopards will head to Las Vegas alongside the Melbourne Storm, Wests Tigers, Gold Coast Titans and Parramatta Eels, as Rugby League’s push into the American market continues. To round off the episode, Martyn and Jake give their thoughts on the newly announced State of Origin squads, analysing the biggest selection calls and key talking points ahead of the series.

    1hr 1min

  6. 12 May

    #137: Have Wigan Silenced the Doubters? Hull KR Look Unstoppable + Sam Burgess fires a shot at referees

    In this week’s episode of the League Express Podcast, Editor Martyn Sadler and Host Jake Kearnan break down all the action from the Challenge Cup Semi Finals, including Wigan Warriors’ huge victory over St Helens and Hull KR’s convincing win against Warrington Wolves. They discuss whether Wigan have silenced their critics after their dominant performance, and ask the big question — can anyone stop Hull KR from winning the Super League title this season? The pair also debate Sam Burgess’ controversial comments surrounding the use of the video referee system, and whether match officials should face the media to explain major decisions after games. Elsewhere, they discuss whether Hull KR fans should be concerned about Willie Peters potentially taking players with him to the PNG Chiefs, as well as the latest developments in the ongoing NRL and Super League talks during the NRL’s Magic Round. The episode also covers London Broncos’ new Australian investor Andrew Gray, the New Zealand Warriors allowing Luke Metcalfe to negotiate with rival clubs, and the debut of Phillip Coates, younger brother of Xavier Coates, for the Brisbane Broncos. To round things off, Martyn and Jake preview this weekend’s Super League fixtures and the key storylines to watch.

    1hr 4min

  7. 5 May

    #136: Leeds Rhinos Rise, Cup Semi Finals & NRL Expansion Debate

    In this week’s episode of the League Express Podcast, Editor Martyn Sadler and Host Jake Kearnan discuss all the latest action from Super League and the NRL, analysing the biggest talking points across both competitions. They debate which Albert Goldthorpe Medal contenders they most enjoy watching, before turning their attention to the Leeds Rhinos and the continued evolution of Jake Connor. The pair also preview this weekend’s Challenge Cup Semi Finals, with St Helens taking on Wigan Warriors and Hull KR facing Warrington Wolves. Off the field, they discuss developments at the top of the game, including the RFL’s CEO shortlist and changes at Odsal Stadium. The episode also covers major news from the NRL, including Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy’s health diagnosis, as well as a debate around expansion, with discussion on whether the PNG Chiefs have an unfair advantage over the Perth Bears and if further support from the NRL is needed.

    59 min

  8. 28 Apr

    #135: McDermott speaks, Luai signs with PNG Chiefs and George Williams injury

    In this week’s episode of the League Express Podcast, Editor Martyn Sadler and Host Jake Kearnan break down all the action from the Super League weekend and the NRL’s Anzac Round, analysing the standout performances and biggest talking points from both competitions. They also discuss a key question for the international game — who will captain England at the World Cup if George Williams is unavailable? The pair react to Brian McDermott’s interview following his appointment as England head coach, with Martyn sharing insight into McDermott’s family history and his time as a Royal Marine. Elsewhere, they reflect on a historic milestone as four players reach 400 career appearances, discuss Tyler Dupree’s move to Castleford, and explore how the NRL could invest in the growth of Rugby League in Wales. The episode also covers emerging expansion news, including reports that Jarome Luai could become the first signing for the PNG Chiefs, with rumours suggesting Alex Johnston may follow.

    1 hr
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4.5
out of 5
21 Ratings

About

A Podcast about the sport of Rugby League Football.This is closely linked to the League Express newspaper and the Totalrl.com website.

Information

  • Creator
    Martyn Sadler and Jake Kearnan
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    147
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 League Express Podcast
  • Show Website
    League Express Podcast

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