By the Balls

We are joined on the podcast by Sheffield Eagles general manager Liam Claffey. We talk to Liam about the interrupted 2020 Championship season, the plans for next year, issues over the Eagles' stadium and the impact that the 2021 World Cup could have on Sheffield. We also talk about the state of rugby league in the UK, Liam's background and links to the sport, and diversity and inclusion. Become a...

Ross is back as he and John discuss the 2020 Super League grand final between Wigan and St Helens. The two chat about the semi-finals, the key issues and talking points heading into Friday's decider, and the strengths and weaknesses of both the Saints and Warriors. They also talk about the Dream Team and the race to who will be promoted to be the 12th team in Super League for next year. Become a s...

We are joined by Dr Emma Kirke to talk about head injuries in rugby, the dangerous nature of concussions and the increase in neurological conditions in retired rugby players. We also chat about the rise of Physical Disability Rugby League and Emma's involvement in the sport. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support .

Our special guest on this episode is rugby league star James Graham. Over 17 years with St Helens, the Bulldogs, St George Illawarra, Great Britain and England, James has been a hit in both Super League and the NRL. One of the best players of his generation, James talkes about his impending retirement, his fabulous career, his future, what rugby league means to me, the Toronto Wolfpack decision an...

John is joined by Keighley fullback Quentin Laulu-Togagae and Ottawa Aces assistant coach Jack Howieson. The pair talk about their new rugby coaching offering, The Complete Rugby Project. They discuss coaching, mentoring and the pathway in rugby, and also touch on expansion, the new club in Ottawa, the future of Toronto Wolfpack, the impact of Covid-19 on rugby league and a lot more. Become a supp...

Our special guest is Salford assistant coach and former Toronto Wolfpack head coach Paul Rowley. Paul talks to us about Salford, the Challenge Cup final and working with Ian Watson. He also discusses his time at Toronto, the future of the club, as well as his own playing and coaching career. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support .

Ross Heppenstall and Steve Mascord join John Davidson for a chat on the important rugby league topics of the day. They discuss the allegations on Sam Burgess, the future of Toronto Wolfpack and the impact of Covid-19 on both English and Australian rugby league. They also touch on the 2021 World Cup and the general uncertainty gripping the sport. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spre...

We are joined by England and Leeds Rhinos' inspirational wheelchair rugby league star James Simpson. An ambassdor of the 2021 World Cup, James talks us to about the tournament, wheelchair rugby league and his journey in the sport. James also chats about his time in the Army, his recovery from horrific injuries suffered while serving in Afghanistan and how wheelchair rugby league has changed his li...

We are joined by Sunderland and Socceroos centre back Bailey Wright. The defender talks to us about joining the Black Cats, leaving Bristol City, his journey from Victoria to England, representing his country, the pain of missing out on the 2018 World Cup, breaking through at Preston North End, fighting back from injury and more. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast...

For our 100th episode we are joined by England international and St Helens fullback Jodie Cunningham. She talks to us about her life and career in rugby league, the rise of the women's game, the challenges it faces, her ambassador role with the 2021 World Cup and more. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support .

Our special guest is Newcastle Jets head coach and former Wales international midfielder Carl Robinson. Carl joins us to talk about his time at the A-League club, his impact in Newcastle and his plans for next season. He also chats about his background in Wales, becoming a professional at Wolves, his 16-year playing career in England and Major League Soccer, his transition into coaching, represent...

We're joined by former Rochdale Hornets coach Alan Kilshaw. We go through all the burning issues in rugby league right now - the Covid outbreak at Hull FC, the fall of Toronto Wolfpack, expansion, the impact on Ottawa, the new rules, the latest in the NRL, the rise of Penrith Panthers and the implosion of the Brisbane Broncos. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by...

Ross and John are joined by Steve Mascord to debate Toronto's decision to withdraw from Super League in 2020. They look at the issues around the decision, what may happen next, the future of the club and also chat about why historically rugby league has been so terrible at expanding. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support .

Our special guest is Wigan Evening Post and Wigan Observer sports editor Phil Wilkinson. Phil takes through the Wigan Athletic saga, how the club found itself in administration and what its future might hold. He takes us through the bid by Ian Lenagan to buy the club, and also gives his take on the Warriors' signing of John Bateman and their recruitment plans for 2021. Become a supporter of this p...

Ross and John are back and they talk about the meetings for the Championship, League 1 and Super League seaspms to return. They chat about the recruitment market hotting up in England, Lee Radford's move to rugby union, James Graham's return to St Helens and a proposed Kangaroos vs All Blacks clash. They also disucss Liverpool's title win, Leeds United closing in on promotion and drama at Hull Cit...

John catches up with Salford Red Devils forward Tyrone McCarthy. They talk about life in lockdown, Tyrone's childhood in Warrington, playing for the Wolves, his move to Australia with the Northern Pride, his season at Hull KR and his time in NRL. Tyrone gives his take on the current struggles of St George Illawarra, his move to Salford in 2017 and the Red Devils' run to the grand final last year....

Ross and John are joined on the pod by Gary Carter from The Sun newspaper. The trio chat about Warrington's signing of Greg Inglis, talk of Super League's salary cap being cut, the proposals for the season to resume in England, the return of the NRL down under and the John Bateman contract saga. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support .

We are joined by rugby league writer and author Steve Mascord. Steve talks to us about his new book on the Super League war and split Australian season of 1997, gives his take on current developments in the NRL and Super League, and also chats about the new proposed Euro XIII competition. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support .

Ross and John are joined by League Weekly editor Paul Bennett to talk about the UK government's £16 million emergency loan to rugby league, what it means and what could be the impact, whether Super League is set to rejoin with the Rugby Football League, the retirement of Nigel Wood, and the possible return of the season. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-b...

John is joined by Fox Sports journalist George Clarke to talk about all things NRL. They chat about the departure of NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg, the May 28 competition return date, the fate of the Ashes, players breaking isolation rules and a new book on Olsen Filipaina. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support .

Ross and John discuss the best sports films they have seen, the best sports books they have read, the best matches they have been to and covered as journalists, their best sports interviews and best sports stories. They also talk about the news of the week, such as Shaun Wane's Ashes bid with England and a blow to Scotland Rugby League. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/...

Ross and John are back together (in different houses of course) to talk about the impact of the Coronavirus on the world of sport and chat about the future of UK rugby league, what might happen in Super League, whether promotion and relegation will be scrapped, Liverpool FC's controversial move to furlough staff and more in this strange self-isolating time. Become a supporter of this podcast: http...

Our special guest is Hull KR halfback Ryan Brierley. Ryan talks to us about his career, the 2020 Super League season, his upbringing in Bolton, his breaking through at Leigh, brief spell at Huddersfield and time at Toronto. He gives us his take on North American expansion and chats to us about his experiences in the international arena with Scotland. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www...

We catch up with Warrington Wolves and England international Mike Cooper. Mike tells us about his journey in rugby league, his time with Warrington, his spell in the NRL, his experiences in grand finals and Challenge Cup finals, dealing with pressure, working under Steve Price and his plans off the field. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/su...

John catches up with Salford Red Devils hooker Joey Lussick. They talk about the 2020 Super League season, Joey's spell with Salford, his background and family, his friendship with Joey Lussick, his upbringing in Sydney, the 2019 grand final and a lot more. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support .