League Express Podcast

Martyn Sadler and Jake Kearnan
  • 0.0 (0)
  • 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. 4d ago

    #157: Wakefield Make HISTORY! World Club Challenge, England Squad & NRL Grand Final

    In this week’s episode of the League Express Podcast, Editor Martyn Sadler and Host Jake Kearnan look back on a huge weekend of Rugby League as Wakefield Trinity were crowned Super League champions and the Sydney Roosters won the NRL Grand Final. They begin with Wakefield’s historic Grand Final victory over Warrington Wolves, discussing what the result means for the club and the significance of a packed crowd for the Super League Grand Final. They also discuss Tom Johnstone’s heroics, as the Wakefield winger claimed the Rob Burrow Award after a memorable performance on the biggest stage. The pair then turn their attention to the NRL Grand Final, analysing the Roosters’ victory over the Newcastle Knights and what the result means for the Australian game. With the domestic seasons now complete, attention quickly turns to a potential World Club Challenge. Martyn and Jake discuss whether the champions could meet, where the match could be staged and what a renewed World Club Challenge could mean for the sport. They also react to the announcement of England’s World Cup squad, including the decision to leave Jake Connor out of the squad, before taking a closer look at the Australian Kangaroos and New Zealand Kiwis squads ahead of the international tournament.

  2. Sep 29

    #156: Wakefield STUN Wigan! Warrington Win & Nathan Cleary Horror Injury

    In this week’s episode of the League Express Podcast, Editor Martyn Sadler and Host Jake Kearnan look back on a dramatic weekend of Super League and NRL preliminary-final action, with two new teams booking their places in the Super League Grand Final. They begin with Warrington Wolves’ dramatic victory over Leeds Rhinos, which was decided by a controversial late penalty after George Williams was taken out while chasing a kick. Martyn and Jake discuss the decision, the resulting penalty goal and whether Warrington deserved to get the crucial call.  They then turn to the biggest surprise of the weekend as Wakefield Trinity stunned Wigan Warriors to reach their first-ever Super League Grand Final. The pair discuss Adam Keighran’s yellow card, the impact it had on the game and what it means for Super League to have Warrington and Wakefield contesting the Grand Final. Over in the NRL, they review the Sydney Roosters’ win over the Dolphins and the Newcastle Knights’ incredible victory over the Penrith Panthers, which sent Newcastle into their first Grand Final since 2001.  The Knights' victory came at a huge cost, however, with Nathan Cleary suffering a serious leg injury following the tackle from Phoenix Crossland. Martyn and Jake discuss the incident, Crossland’s red card and whether he should face a suspension for the Grand Final. Crossland has since been referred to the NRL Judiciary.  They also provide an update on the ongoing NRL–RFL negotiations before giving their predictions for the Super League and NRL Grand Finals.

  3. Sep 22

    #155: Should They Be SUSPENDED? Red Cards, NRL Finals & Man of Steel

    In this week’s episode of the League Express Podcast, Editor Martyn Sadler and Host Jake Kearnan dissect all the latest action from the Super League and NRL playoffs, with plenty to discuss both on and off the field. They look back at Warrington Wolves’ big win over Hull KR, which saw the reigning champions knocked out of the Super League playoffs, while Wakefield Trinity defeated Leigh Leopards to book their place in the semi-finals. They also review the NRL action, including the Sydney Roosters’ victory over the Cronulla Sharks and the Newcastle Knights’ dramatic win over the New Zealand Warriors.  The pair also debate the two major red-card incidents from the weekend, involving Emre Guler and Peta Hiku, and discuss whether either player should face further suspension. Off the field, the latest NRL–RFL negotiations take centre stage, with another meeting of Super League clubs taking place this week. They discuss where the talks currently stand and what the future relationship between the two competitions could look like. There is also a major change at the top of the NRL, with Peter V’landys set to become chairman and CEO. Betfred officially ending its long-running sponsorship of the game provides another major talking point. And with the Man of Steel award approaching, Martyn and Jake debate who should take home Super League’s biggest individual prize. Finally, they look ahead to this weekend’s NRL and Super League finals, with places in the respective Grand Finals on the line. The Super League semi-finals will see Leeds Rhinos take on Warrington Wolves and Wigan Warriors face Wakefield Trinity.

  4. Sep 17

    #154: Are Hull KR a Dark Horse? Super League Playoffs, NRL Finals & Potential DAZN Deal

    In this week’s episode of the League Express Podcast, Editor Martyn Sadler and Host Jake Kearnan look ahead to a huge weekend of Rugby League, with the Super League playoffs and NRL semi-finals getting underway. They preview the opening week of the Super League playoffs, with Warrington Wolves taking on Hull KR and Wakefield Trinity facing Leigh Leopards. Who will make it through to the next stage and keep their Grand Final dreams alive? The pair also look ahead to the NRL semi-finals, as the Sydney Roosters take on the Cronulla Sharks and the New Zealand Warriors face the Newcastle Knights. Martyn and Jake then dissect the Super League Dream Team, including who Martyn voted for and some of the selections that have caught their attention. They also discuss the latest developments in the NRL–Super League negotiations, including what a potential DAZN broadcast deal could look like and what it might mean for the future of the game. With Wigan Warriors continuing their push for more silverware, they ask what another trophy could do for Matty Peet’s coaching legacy. Finally, they turn their attention to the bottom end of Super League, with London Broncos seemingly set to miss out on Super League status under the current grading system. Could any existing Super League club also be at risk of relegation?

  5. Sep 8

    #153: Can Anyone Stop Wigan? Bevan French, NRL Finals & Super League Final Round

    In this week’s episode of the League Express Podcast, Editor Martyn Sadler and Host Jake Kearnan discuss all the latest action and major talking points from another huge weekend of Rugby League. They begin with the blockbuster top-of-the-table clash between Wigan Warriors and Leeds Rhinos, as Wigan produced a dominant performance to win 40-8. The pair ask the big question: can anyone stop Wigan this season? Martyn and Jake also discuss the brilliance of Bevan French, questioning why one of the world's most exciting players has not been targeted by an NRL club and whether he could still make a return to Australia. Elsewhere, they review Wakefield Trinity's win over Warrington Wolves and Toulouse Olympique's continued impressive form, following another victory against Hull FC. The episode also covers Jake Connor winning this year's Albert Goldthorpe Medal, Liam Farrell announcing his retirement, and the battle at the bottom of the table as Martyn and Jake debate which club will finish with the wooden spoon. Over in Australia, they discuss Peter V'landys' ambitious idea to create a Disneyland-style NRL theme park, before previewing the first round of the NRL Finals and looking ahead to this weekend's Super League fixtures.

  6. Sep 1

    #152: London Broncos Win the 1895 Cup! Huddersfield's Incredible Revival

    In this week’s episode of the League Express Podcast, Editor Martyn Sadler and Host Jake Kearnan discuss all the major talking points from another busy weekend of Rugby League action. They begin with London Broncos’ victory over Widnes Vikings in the 1895 Cup Final, as London claimed the trophy in a major moment for the club. They also review the weekend’s Super League action, including Wigan Warriors’ big win over Hull KR, Leeds Rhinos’ victory over St Helens, and Huddersfield Giants’ impressive win over Leigh Leopards. The pair discuss Huddersfield’s remarkable turnaround since the arrival of Jim Lenihan, with the Giants now having won seven matches this season. Is Huddersfield a completely different team under their new coach? They also examine the broadcasting problems surrounding the 1895 Cup Final, after the Super League+ app crashed during the match, and question what the incident says about the current state of Rugby League broadcasting. There is also controversy surrounding Wakefield Trinity and coach Darryl Powell, after the club was fined over an illegal approach for St Helens youngster Harry Robertson.  The episode also covers Cameron McInnes’ move to York Knights, the latest news surrounding retiring players, and the emotional story of Jai Arrow, who made his 99th appearance for South Sydney Rabbitohs while continuing to deal with his MND diagnosis. Finally, they discuss Jett Cleary’s NRL debut for the New Zealand Warriors.

  7. Aug 25

    #151: Kevin Walters to St Helens, NRL–Super League Talks and Sir Billy Boston Tribute

    In this week’s episode of the League Express Podcast, Editor Martyn Sadler and Host Jake Kearnan discuss all the major talking points from another busy weekend of Rugby League action. The pair begin by paying tribute to Rugby League legend Sir Billy Boston, reflecting on his remarkable career and his contribution to the sport. They also discuss the ongoing disciplinary issues surrounding Hull KR star Mikey Lewis, asking whether his repeated suspensions are beginning to make him a liability for the Robins at a crucial stage of the season. The future of the sport remains a major talking point, with Martyn and Jake discussing the ongoing negotiations between the RFL and NRL. They examine the latest developments and Peter V’landys’ plans to travel to the UK to continue discussions about the future relationship between the two competitions. There is also major news from St Helens, with Australian Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters appointed as the club’s new head coach. Martyn and Jake discuss what Walters brings to Saints and whether he can help the club return to the top of Super League. The pair also react to the news that the BBC will not broadcast the upcoming Rugby League World Cup, with Premier Sports set to show the tournament behind a paywall. Finally, they discuss the disappointing news that Adam Reynolds will miss his Brisbane Broncos farewell after suffering a calf injury.

  8. Aug 18

    #150: Graeme Taylor on the NRL Offer: What Super League Should Do Next

    In this week’s episode of the League Express Podcast, Editor Martyn Sadler and Host Jake Kearnan are joined by Graeme Taylor, Founder and Managing Director of TM Group UK, a leading multi-service sports talent, events and commercial consultancy with a significant number of Rugby League clients. Graeme joins Martyn and Jake to discuss the current state of Super League and the ongoing debate surrounding the future of the competition. He gives his assessment of the NRL’s proposed offer to Super League, explaining where he believes the proposal falls short and what he feels the game needs to consider before agreeing to any potential deal. Graeme also provides his expert insight into how Super League can attract further investment, what needs to change commercially and how the sport can create a stronger proposition for potential investors. Graeme reveals what he would do if he were in charge of the negotiations, including his priorities and approach to securing the best possible future for Super League.

See All (162)

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
    162
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 League Express Podcast
  • Show Website
    League Express Podcast

You Might Also Like