Rugby League Insider - James Hooper NRL podast

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Rugby League Insider is a daily NRL podcast providing scoops, opinions & hard takes on all the latest rugby league news. . James Hooper is joined by a rotating guest list including Anthony Watmough, Craig Gower, Simon Woolford, Christian Nicolussi, Brandon Savage & Darcie McDonald to discuss the greatest game of all! . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 1d ago

    Sam Walker to the DOGS? Inside the Nick Politis x Phil Gould Meeting That Could Decide It | RLIEP190

    🏉 Welcome to The Rugby League Insider Podcast Brought to you by FanaticsTV. James Hooper is joined by Simon Woolford and Brandon Savage to unpack the biggest NRL talking points. The team discuss Hudson Young’s trip to Papua New Guinea as the PNG Chiefs close in, whether Liam Martin could be the Raiders’ big replacement signing, and the Sam Walker saga as Nick Politis and Phil Gould get ready to meet. Plus, Matt Burton’s likely move to the Perth Bears, the long feud between Politis and Gould, Rugby League World Cup semi-final teams, Kalyn Ponga’s fitness, the Katoni Staggs selection debate and a Melbourne Cup wrap. ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 0:00 — Welcome to Rugby League Insider and the Melbourne Cup wrap 6:32 — Hudson Young heads to PNG: is the Chiefs deal a formality? 9:20 — Liam Martin open to joining the Raiders 14:28 — Why Hudson Young and Canberra split 19:36 — Liam Martin, the Ben Kennedy comparison and what he’d bring to Canberra 22:24 — Sam Walker saga: Roosters, Bulldogs and the Politis–Gould meeting 27:04 — Matt Burton swap-deal rumours: setting the record straight 30:48 — Why Matt Burton is heading to the Perth Bears 34:04 — The long history between Nick Politis and Phil Gould 37:48 — World Cup semi-final teams: Phoenix Crossland returns and Kalyn Ponga’s fitness 40:36 — Kangaroos team and the Katoni Staggs debate 46:40 — 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 🍎 Listen on Apple Podcasts: Rugby League Insider with James Hooper 🔥 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.

  2. 3d ago

    Tonga v Samoa EPIC & November 1 Chaos: Cleary, Walker, Bostock | RLIEP189

    🏉 Welcome to The Rugby League Insider Podcast Brought to you by FanaticsTV. James Hooper is joined by two-time premiership winner Anthony Watmough, Sydney Morning Herald journalist Christian Nicolussi and Brandon Savage to unpack the biggest rugby league talking points. The team break down the epic Tonga v Samoa World Cup clash, Junior Paulo’s shoulder charge, and whether anyone can stop the Kangaroos. Plus, November 1 free agency is officially here: Jack Bostock’s next move, Herbie Farnworth and the Roosters, Nathan Cleary’s Penrith v PNG decision, a possible Matt Burton–Sam Walker swap, Hudson Young and AJ Brimson to PNG, the latest from Melbourne and what’s going on at Manly. ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 0:00 — Welcome: November 1 is here and free agency is open 0:55 — Tonga v Samoa: an Origin-style World Cup epic 5:51 — Junior Paulo’s shoulder charge: will he miss the Kangaroos clash? 8:53 — Can anyone beat Australia? The forward pack battle 13:43 — How the game unfolded: Ronnie Volkman, Spencer Leniu and the goal-kicking woes 17:21 — Chuck’s Halloween mask prank on Brandon 20:27 — Can Tonga or Samoa go all the way? 21:30 — The miracle injury comebacks: what’s going on? 27:32 — November 1 mayhem: Jack Bostock to the Dragons and Herbie Farnworth to the Roosters 32:17 — Nathan Cleary: Penrith or PNG? 35:20 — Loyalty v money: Chuck on chasing premierships 41:49 — Nick Politis and Gus Gould to meet: a Matt Burton–Sam Walker swap? 45:27 — Hudson Young and AJ Brimson to PNG 45:56 — Melbourne mail: Craig Bellamy, Harry Grant and Cameron Munster 47:14 — Is Matt Burton the right marquee signing for Perth? 50:10 — Manly free agents and what’s going on at the Sea Eagles 52:29 — 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 🍎 Listen on Apple Podcasts: Rugby League Insider with James Hooper 🔥 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.

  3. 6d ago

    Sam Walker Roosters Fallout: Bulldogs Move & NRL’s Halfback Dominoes | RLIEP188

    🏉 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 Sam Walker contract saga and the fallout at the Sydney Roosters. Could Walker land at the Bulldogs? The team debate his next move, a potential partnership with Lachlan Galvin, and how Matt Burton, the Perth Bears and Papua New Guinea could shape the NRL player market. Plus, Zane Harrison’s Titans future, Cameron Munster’s contract situation, Choc’s stories about Des Hasler and Manly’s World Club Challenge trip, and a look ahead to Tonga v Samoa. ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 0:00 — Welcome, opening bloopers and Friday banter 1:53 — Choc on work, family and life after footy 7:54 — Sam Walker’s Roosters fallout and lessons from Manly 12:18 — Could the Bulldogs land Sam Walker? 14:56 — Matt Burton, Perth Bears and the halfback domino effect 22:29 — NRL 360 coverage and the Roosters’ media strategy 27:17 — Gus, Uncle Nick and the politics behind Walker’s next move 34:37 — Zane Harrison’s Titans deal and proving your worth 36:54 — Choc’s wild World Club Challenge memories 39:25 — PNG’s recruitment targets: Cleary, Walker and more 40:36 — Cameron Munster’s contract and Melbourne’s salary-cap history 44:39 — Des Hasler pranks and Manly’s training-ground stories 48:27 — Walker’s options: Bulldogs, PNG, Cowboys, Souths and rugby 54:06 — Tonga v Samoa, World Cup chat 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 🍎 Listen on Apple Podcasts: Rugby League Insider with James Hooper 🔥 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.

  4. Oct 28

    “Sam Never Agreed”: Walker Contract Bombshell & Hudson Young’s Future | RLIEP187

    🏉 Welcome to The Rugby League Insider Podcast Brought to you by FanaticsTV. 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 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 🍎 Listen on Apple Podcasts: Rugby League Insider with James Hooper 🔥 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.

  5. Oct 25

    Harry Grant to the Titans? + Kangaroos Selection Headaches | RLIEP186

    🏉 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. 🎧 Listen on Spotify: Rugby League Insider with James Hooper 🍎 Listen on Apple Podcasts: Rugby League Insider with James Hooper 🔥 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.

  6. Oct 22

    Choc Fires Up Over PNG’s NRL Advantage, Bradman Best’s Future & Tigers Rebuild | RLIEP185

    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 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 🍎 Listen on Apple Podcasts: Rugby League Insider with James Hooper 🔥 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.

  7. Oct 21

    PNG POUNCE! Chiefs Closing In On Their Target + Sam Walker’s Roosters Contract Standoff | RLIEP184

    🏉 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 🍎 Listen on Apple Podcasts: Rugby League Insider with James Hooper 🔥 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.

  8. Oct 18

    World Cup Explodes: Tonga Fire, Bostock Stars & Kangaroos Selection Debate | RLIEP183

    🏉 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 🍎 Listen on Apple Podcasts: Rugby League Insider with James Hooper 🔥 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.

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Rugby League Insider is a daily NRL podcast providing scoops, opinions & hard takes on all the latest rugby league news. . James Hooper is joined by a rotating guest list including Anthony Watmough, Craig Gower, Simon Woolford, Christian Nicolussi, Brandon Savage & Darcie McDonald to discuss the greatest game of all! . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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