By the Balls

Ross and John are back to talk about Ralph Rimmer's press conference, the future of UK rugby league, London Broncos, Ottawa Aces, the RFL, Magic Weekend back at Newcastle and more. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support .

In this episode we are joined by special guest Reno Santaguida. Reno is challenging to be the president of the Federazione Italiana Rugby League. He talks about the state of rugby league in Italy, issues in the country, problems with the sport's governance, board elections, problems with development and growth, and more. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-b...

We interview International Rugby League chairman Troy Grant with the 2021 Rugby League World Cup crisis rumbling on, following Australia and New Zealand's withdrawal. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support .

After Australia and New Zealand pulled out of the 2021 Rugby League World Cup, we spoke to Rugby League Players Association (RLPA) chief executive Clint Newton. We ask Clint about the controversial decision, the players' reaction and stance, the concerns involved, the discussions with World Cup organisers and potential next steps in this developing story. Become a supporter of this podcast: https:...

Australia and NZ have sensationally decided to boycott the 2021 Rugby League World Cup. So what next for the tournament? Will it still be on, or postponed? And what have the Aussies and Kiwis made this decision? John Davidson dives into the issue with Ross Heppestall, along with interviews with NZRL chief executive Greg Peters and rugby league legend Garry Schofield. Become a supporter of this pod...

Our special guest is York City Knights outside back Kieran Dixon. Kieran joins us to talk about the 1895 Cup final against Featherstone, the chance to win silverware, playing at Wembley, York's Championship 2021 season and personal redemption. He also chats about his background, the state of rugby league in London, his time at Hull KR, winning the Million Pound Game in 2018 and more. Become a supp...

We are joined by special guest Nick Rizzo. Nick was a left winger who spent time with Liverpool, Crystal Palace, Ternana, Milton Keyes Dons, Perth Glory and a host of other clubs in a professional career that took him to England, Italy and Australia. He played for the Socceroos and was an Olympian at the 2000 Sydney Games. Nick joins us to talk about his career, his highs and lows, and to discuss...

Ross and John are back to talk about the crazy scheduling conflict over the England vs Combined Nations All Stars game going up against Super League fixtures at the same time. They chat about the overall governance of English rugby league, issues affecting the sport and whether change is needed, or even possible, in the future. They also discuss Kevin Sinfield leaving Leeds, the Euros, England's d...

Our special guest is rugby league coach Tim Sheens. He joins us to talk about the Combined Nations All Stars game against England, his preparations and thoughts on the contest. We also chat about his career, his background, his thoughts on player development and the production line in the UK, the international game, the gap between the Kangaroos and England, and the NRL and the 'Six Again' rule. B...

Ross and John are back to discuss the backroom bloodshed at Leigh, the RFL's controversial academy cull, Ralph Rimmer's eyesore Sky interview, Super League's relegation battle, Catalans whipping Wigan and the Challenge Cup semi-finals. They also discuss George Williams' messy departure from Canberra. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support...

Our special guest is London Skolars and Jamaica coach Jermaine Coleman. Jermaine talks to us about the new League 1 season, challenges at Skolars, the state of rugby league in capital and his background. He also discusses his involvement with Jamaica, the Reggae Warriors' involvement in the World Cup and diversity in rugby league. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcas...

Ross and John are back for another episode to discuss the new Super League TV deal with Sky Sports - how will rugby league survive, what happens next with the cut in funding? They also chat about Leeds run of five losses in a row, Kyle Eastmond, preview the Challenge Cup quarter-finals, the return of Greg Inglis and talk about the protest at Old Trafford at the game bewteen Manchester United and L...

Our special guest on this episode is Hull KR chief executive Paul Lakin. The new CEO talks to us about his plans for the club, the bid to make the Robins self-sustainable, stadium redevelopment, the new season, the state of Super League, his work in football, the search for new investors in Hull KR, recruitment and more. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-b...

The special guest on this episode is former A-League defender Taylor Regan. Regan, who had spells with the Newcastle Jets and Adelaide United, now plays for Sarawak United in the Malaysian Premier League. He takes us through his life in professional football, his journey into the A-League, his experiences with Nathan Tinkler and Phil Stubbins, explains what football is like in Malaysia and more. B...

Our special guest in this episode is York City Knights halfback Brendan O'Hagan. Brendan joins us to talk about his move to York, the new Championship season, the prospect of facing Wigan in the Challenge Cup, his background in Australia, his 2021 World Cup ambition, working under James Ford and a lot more. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/...

Ross and John are back to preview the new Super League season. They discuss who are the contenders, the pretenders, the title challengers and the relegation favourites in 2021. They look at recruitment and changes at each club. They also touch on the Championship campaign and who will be pushing for promotion to Super League. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-...

Our special guest is Wakefield Trinity head coach Chris Chester. On the eve of the new Super League season, Chris talks to us about the club's pre-season, recruitment and reflects on changes at Wakefield. He also talks about the difficult 2020 campaign, battling relegation, proving people wrong and how he reacted to facing online abuse and media pressure on his performances as a coach. Become a su...

We are joined by rugby league legend and Sky TV commentator Barrie McDermott. The former prop talks to us about his playing days - his emergence at Oldham, his year at Wigan, his time at Leeds, his experiences for Great Britain and for Ireland. He also talks about his 'notorious' hard-man reputation, overcoming his disability, the opportunity he had to play in the NRL, his work for Sky and his tho...

We are joined by Toulouse Olympique prop Mitch Garbutt. Mitch takes us through his transfer to France, the new season ahead and his background. He talks about the start of his rugby league career with Newcastle Knights, breaking in with Melbourne Storm, his brief spell at Brisbane Broncos, as well as discussing his successful stint with Leeds Rhinos and his time at Hull KR. Become a supporter of t...

Ross Heppenstall and The Sun's Gary Carter join John Davidson on this episode. They discuss Israel Folau's muted return to the NRL, George Burgess' future, the new Super League TV, private equity being knocked back and aks what next for Robert Elstone, is his time up? They also talk about whether the Rugby League World Cup will be on this year, the struggles of Liverpool FC this season, the favour...

Our special guest is Featherstone Rovers centre Thomas Minns. Thomas talks to us about his amazing life journey, his time as a professional rugby league player, growing up around drugs and violence, and his own battles with depression, mental health and suicide. He explains how he fought back from the brink and is now helping others with their mental health. Become a supporter of this podcast: htt...

Our special guest on this episode is new Hull FC signing Josh Reynolds. Josh Reynolds joins us to talk about why he joined Hull FC, the attraction of Super League, his exit from Wests Tigers and linking up with Brett Hodgson. He also discusses his background, his time at the Bulldogs, his State of Origin experiences and linking with Marc Sneyd in the halves at Hull. Become a supporter of this podc...

Former Great Britain international Des Foy joins the podcast to talk about X-League, its origins and the future and growth of this new sport. Des also chats about his background, his career playing for Widnes and Oldham, coming up against the Kangaroos in the 1980s, and the current state of rugby league in Ireland. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--...

Our special guest on the first episode of 2021 is forward Joel Thompson. He talks to us about joining St Helens, leaving the NRL, his upbringing in country NSW and the Mindset Project. He also chats to us about his Indigenous background, his spell at Manly and his hopes for his time in Super League. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support...

Ross and John are back to discuss the decision to make Leigh the 12th team in Super League - was it the right call or the wrong call? What next for the sport? They also discuss the concussion lawsuit in rugby union, the repercussions of it and the affect on rugby league, as well as the latest results in the English Premier League. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcas...