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. 3d ago

    #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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. Aug 11

    #149: NRL & Super League Deal in Trouble? Dublin Rugby League and trouble at Castleford

    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. They review Leeds Rhinos’ tight victory over Wakefield Trinity, Huddersfield Giants’ continued form against Catalans Dragons, and Hull FC finally ending their seven-game losing streak with a much-needed win. The pair also discuss the decision to take two Rugby League matches to Dublin next year, debating whether the Irish capital can become an important destination for the sport and which other cities could potentially host future fixtures. There is also plenty of controversy to discuss, including the ongoing drama at Castleford Tigers and questions surrounding the decision to suspend coach Ryan Carr. Martyn and Jake then examine the latest developments in the ongoing NRL and Super League negotiations, following comments from Peter V’landys that the two competitions are struggling to make the numbers work. They also discuss reports that Betfred could end its role as Super League’s title sponsor, V’landys’ plans for a potential Global Round in 2028, and whether the ambitious concept would be good for Rugby League. Over in the NRL, they discuss Brian To’o’s move to the PNG Chiefs and reports that the NRL is considering introducing a third-place playoff.

  6. Aug 4

    #148: St Helens Lose £3m, London in Limbo & NRL Media Cop Controversy

    In this week’s episode of the League Express Podcast, Editor Martyn Sadler and Host Jake Kearnan discuss all the latest talking points from across Super League and the NRL. The pair review the weekend’s Super League action, including York Knights’ impressive victory over St Helens, Wigan Warriors’ win against Leigh Leopards, and Huddersfield Giants’ second consecutive victory over Hull FC. They return to the ongoing situation at St Helens, discussing the club’s reported £3 million loss in 2025 and asking who could take over as the club’s next head coach following Paul Rowley’s departure. The episode also looks at the uncertainty surrounding the London Broncos, with the club still reportedly unsure whether they will be competing in Super League next season. Martyn and Jake discuss how unacceptable the situation is for a club trying to plan its future. Over in the NRL, they react to reports that the competition could introduce a media code of conduct or "media cop" to monitor reporting and potential conflicts of interest, debating whether the proposed measures would benefit or harm Rugby League journalism. They also discuss Matt King’s appointment as the new NSW Blues head coach, before looking ahead to this weekend’s Super League fixtures.

  7. Jul 28

    #147: Was Paul Rowley Hard Done By? St Helens Coaching Debate

    In this week’s episode of the League Express Podcast, Editor Martyn Sadler and Host Jake Kearnan discuss all the latest major talking points from across the Rugby League world. The pair begin with the shock news that Paul Rowley has stepped down as head coach of St Helens, discussing whether the decision was made by Rowley himself or the club. Martyn and Jake debate whether Rowley was hard done by, whether pressure from supporters played a role in the decision and who could potentially take over as St Helens head coach next season. They also discuss the Perth Bears' recruitment drive, including the signing of Tyson Smoothy and the other players linked with the NRL's newest club as they prepare to enter the competition. The episode also covers the news that Clint Goodchild has stepped down as a director of the York Knights, while the pair discuss reports that Adam Doueihi has refused to play for the Wests Tigers and what could happen next. To round off the episode, Martyn and Jake debate a controversial Rugby League World Cup commercial, discussing the reaction it has generated and whether it represents the right approach for promoting the international game.

  8. Jul 21

    #146: Cas Upset Leeds, Hull FC's Apology & Joey Manu's NRL Return?

    In this week’s episode of the League Express Podcast, Editor Martyn Sadler and Host Jake Kearnan discuss all the latest talking points from across Super League and the NRL. They begin with the ongoing struggles at Hull FC, reacting to a statement released by the club's owners and discussing what it means for the future of the club amid a difficult period. The pair also discuss Mikey Lewis’ four-match suspension following his headbutt and the ramifications for Hull KR's season, and debate whether St Helens’ recent victory will ease the pressure on head coach Paul Rowley. The latest Man of Steel rankings are also analysed, with Jake Connor and Ash Handley currently sharing top spot alongside Lachlan Miller, while Brad O’Neill sits in fourth. Martyn and Jake discuss who they believe is the leading contender to win the prestigious award. Over in the NRL, they react to reports that Joey Manu has been photographed meeting with PNG Chiefs representatives, raising the question of whether the former Roosters star could make a return to the NRL. They also review the Brisbane Broncos’ narrow victory over Penrith Panthers and debate whether Brisbane can finish the season strongly.

See All (158)

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
    158
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 League Express Podcast
  • Show Website
    League Express Podcast

You Might Also Like