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

    World Cup SHOWDOWN! Ponga Vs Walsh EPIC AWAITS | RLIEP192

    🏉 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 World Cup semi-finals and preview a blockbuster Australia v New Zealand decider. The team discuss Australia’s dominant performance against Samoa, Spencer Leniu’s costly loss of discipline, Reece Walsh’s attacking brilliance and Kalyn Ponga’s outstanding return for the Kiwis against Tonga. Plus, Hudson Young’s PNG Chiefs move and his future in Canberra, the Raiders’ recruitment targets, the Wests Tigers’ reported Nathan Cleary and Mary Fowler bid, and the fallout from Paul Gallen’s fight with Nelson Asofa-Solomona. ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 0:00 — Welcome to Rugby League Insider 2:16 — Australia dominate Samoa to book their World Cup final spot 4:41 — Spencer Leniu’s sin-bin and Samoa’s discipline 8:27 — Refereeing debate: did Samoa get a fair go? 11:32 — Kangaroos forwards fire, Harry Grant shines and the halves click 16:17 — Could goal kicking decide the World Cup final? 17:24 — Reece Walsh’s brilliance and the Tedesco selection debate 20:05 — Kiwis v Tonga: Kalyn Ponga’s toughness and match-winning influence 26:41 — Ponga’s international switch and Casey McLean’s remarkable rise 29:12 — New Zealand’s forward pack and Naufahu Whyte’s injury concern 32:44 — Phoenix Crossland’s return and Ronaldo Mulitalo’s selection 37:04 — Tonga’s World Cup effort earns praise 38:54 — World Cup final watch-along on FanaticsTV 40:02 — Hudson Young’s PNG move: could he leave Canberra early? 47:00 — Do short-term player deals work? 48:33 — Could Hudson Young fit at Melbourne? Eli Katoa’s uncertain return 50:06 — Raiders recruitment: who could replace Hudson Young? 52:15 — Wests Tigers boardroom turmoil 54:12 — Tigers’ reported Nathan Cleary and Mary Fowler bid 58:00 — Gallen v Asofa-Solomona: knockout, stoppage and crowd controversy 1:02:47 — Usman Khawaja’s book and the Sandpapergate debate 1:05:31 — Chin Music preview and final wrap-up 🎧 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. 4d ago

    PNG Go To $1 MILLION! Hudson Young Deal, Cleary Snub & World Cup Semis | RLIEP189

    Welcome to The Rugby League Insider Podcast – NOW 7 DAYS A WEEK! Brought to you by FanaticsTV. Join James Hooper, Darcie McDonald & Brandon Savage as they break down the biggest talking points, breaking news, rumours and opinions from across the NRL. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Intro 00:20 - Choc's big weekend in Newcastle 02:51 - Choc on his son 04:22 - BREAKING: PNG Chiefs go to $1 million for Hudson Young 08:05 - Third-party deals: is PNG's an unfair advantage? 15:52 - Nathan Cleary knocks back PNG's $2m offer 16:39 - Cleary injury update: third surgery next week 17:40 - Choc's torn bicep & the third-party money he never saw 19:33 - Players burnt by clubs going bust 20:28 - World Cup semi preview: Kiwis v Tonga 28:47 - Kangaroos v Samoa: can the forwards step up? 31:32 - 11 Kangaroos off contract: a distraction? 33:04 - Kogarah, Brookvale & the old dog-park days 34:05 - Latrell Mitchell v Kotoni Staggs: the selection debate 36:05 - Bradman Best on Peter O'Sullivan 40:34 - Could Samoa pull off the biggest upset in World Cup history? 41:04 - Wayne Bennett in drag: the 2008 photo that vanished 43:03 - How Samoa win it: the middles 44:24 - "Dr" Nicolussi and the arts degree 46:35 - Nico's Fairfield roots 48:29 - Spencer Leniu v Keaon Koloamatangi 50:21 - Knee surgeries & Choc's mate Snake 52:30 - Manly's new coaching staff: Brent Kite & Steve Hansen 53:19 - Harry Grant to Manly? 56:42 - Who wins the World Cup? 58:23 - Nico's Melbourne Cup Day & Jane Flemming ⸻ INSIDER HOTLINE Got a question, opinion or hot take? We'd love to hear from you! Call the Rugby League Insider Hotline: (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 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.

  4. Nov 1

    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.

  5. Oct 29

    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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

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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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