The Progressive Rugby League Podcast

Journalist Mike Meehall Wood joins the pod to lay out the case for Private Equity to take International Rugby League to the next level, and to discuss the pros, cons, possibilities and barriers. Plus, how might a private equity investment work for the Super League? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Toulouse Olympique coach Sylvain Houles joins the pod to reflect on his life in French Rugby League - rising through the ranks, cracking Super League, representing the French national team and leaping into coaching. PLUS Sylvain shares his best French XIII from his lifetime. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rugby League is turning 125! So what can the last 125 years of Rugby League tell us about what we could expect in the next 125 years? Professor Tony Collins joins the pod to help us take on the impossible task of wondering aloud on what may (or may not) happen way down the track. That's right, it's an episode of pure (but hopefully informed) speculation! Tony's new book, Rugby League: A People's H...

Lech Blaine joins the pod to chat about his latest The Monthly essay, The Art of Class War, which tackles Rugby League's relationship with class in Australia, as well as the rise of Rugby League as a prized voting-bloc and what that means for the code's future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Romeo Monteith joins the pod to give us a glimpse into the Jamaican Rugby League experience. From early days learning the game off VHS, to State of Origin Jamaica-style, Romeo steps us through the long winding road that ultimately led to glorious Rugby League World Cup qualification. Plus, Romeo explains how the Reggae Warriors will be preparing for their debut World Cup appearance in the midst of...

The Wolfpack are down, but are they out? Canadian broadcaster and reporter Bryan Thiel gives us the view from downtown Toronto. How did it come to this? Can something be salvaged from the 2020 ruins? Plus Bryan gives us a glimpse into the Lamport experience, the challenges of winning over UK fans, and how Wolfpack fans have taken to Rugby League in Toronto. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy f...

Richmond Rose, Kiwi Fern and NZ Warrior, Georgia Hale is our very special guest to chat all things Kiwi Ferns; from debuting as a 19 year-old, to the 2019 World Cup Nines triumph and the challenge of wresting the 13s mantle from the Jillaroos. Georgia also gives us a glimpse into what it's like being named Young New Zealander of the Year and the amazing community work that led to her award. Hosted...

The world is drowning in data, statistics and information. And Rugby League is not immune. Liam from Pythago NRL joins the pod to help us make a bit more sense of it all. How should we approach the use of data and stats in Rugby League analysis? What are the pitfalls we should avoid? How much faith should we put in statistical modelling? And what are some tips to help us use stats and information...

What's the latest with Toulouse Olympique in 2020? What's life like for an Aussie plying his Rugby League trade in south-west France? Mark Kheirallah and Johno Ford join the pod to give an insight into how they've handled lockdown, their thoughts on a 2020 return, how a Rugby League Grand Final Day rolls in France, RLWC2021 thoughts, and plenty plenty more... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy...

This one's all about Queensland. We're joined by Joe Gorman to discuss his book Heartland: How Rugby League Explains Queensland . We go deep on how Rugby League has both reflected and helped shape Queensland over the past 40 years. From the mania around Origin and the rise of the Broncos, to Super League, the Cowboys' coming of age and the contribution of indigenous Queenslanders to Rugby League,...

The Rugby Codebreakers delves into why so many Welsh Rugby Union players 'went north' during the twentieth century to ply their trade in the 13-a-side code. Presenter Carolyn Hitt joins the pod to discuss the doco, the sporting and social context, and the change the release of the film has encouraged. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Maria Recouvreur joins Johnno to talk about the sad demise of Big League, the pressures and incentives changing the face of Rugby League journalism, and the pathway ahead "for the good yarn". Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The NRL is back! Big Al is back! Not much more to say is there? Well, sort of... Johnno and Big Al welcome back Rugby League and also provide an announcement - no, an update, on the status of this here little pod. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Reading Warrior, David Riley joins the pod explain how the Mate Ma'a Tonga Rugby League team has captured the imagination of Pasifika youth and how MMT's popularity now surpasses that of the All Blacks for many Pasifika kids. David and fellow teacher 'Alisi Tatafu have co-authored a new book, Rise of the To'a!, which combines stories of MMT players with lessons of culture. Oh, and the book is...

Power Meri tells the wonderful story of Papua New Guinea's first women's national Rugby League team. Director Joanna Lester joins us to talk about travelling and documentary making in PNG, her experiences in taking the film around the world, and the unfolding legacy of Power Meri across the Pacific. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2020 was looking rosy for the Newtown Jets after a once-in-a-lifetime, never-to-be-repeated end to 2019. Then the 2020 season was cancelled. How did it unfold? What's their financial situation? How can people help the club get through? Jets General Manager Stu McCarthy joins the pod to answer these questions, and also reflect on the best of times and the unique character of the club. Hosted on Aca...

Comedian, TV host and World Club Champion, Adam Hills joins Johnno to chat about his new doco Take His Legs, which follows the Warrington Wolves Physical Disability Rugby League team's tilt at international Rugby League glory. We also go deep on his Rugby League history, what it's like to play Physical Disability Rugby League , chowing down on the Royal hors d'oeuvres and his future plans. Hosted...

Professor Tony Collins joins the pod to talk about his upcoming book, Rugby League: A People's History. One of the true authorities of Rugby League history, Tony not only gives us the 'what' and the 'how', but importantly, takes us through the 'why', and adds some personal touches along the way. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Toulouse Olympique CEO Cédric Garcia joins Johnno to talk about what the crisis might mean for the French Club. PLUS the NRL to return in May? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

French sports broadcaster, Rodolphe Pires joins us to talk about his life in Rugby League. From growing up in the Rugby League heartland of Albi in southern France, to commentating on some of Rugby League history's most memorable moments across both hemispheres - including Catalans Dragons' famous 2018 Challenge Cup victory. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

PRL Book Club returns with the fascinating story of the life and times of Olsen Filipaina. Author Patrick Skene joins Johnno to step through the eventful career of an international Rugby League titan. More than a simple Rugby League biography, The Big O places Olsen's life and career in the context of changing societies across both sides of the Tasman, and explains how Olsen's struggle helped pave...

As Rugby League in Australia faces the unknown, Johnno and Big Al discuss what they'll really miss over the next weeks and months. And while it seems quaint now, we reflect on what we saw over the weekend, and how it made us feel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

However the 2020 NRL and Super League seasons proceed, what might it mean for the game, the clubs, the players and we fans? PLUS Johnno painstakingly relives his Rugby League playing debut and Big Al makes light work of an awkward hypothetical. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Steve Mascord joins Johnno to chat live streaming, books, life and the Wolfpack. Big Al phones in from self-isolation to check out what's in store for the 2020 NRL season. PLUS the guys check in on all things northern-hemisphere Sweet Baby-related. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Big Al and Johnno pop in to say hello to the new season of Northern Hemisphere Rugby League, reflect on the weekend gone by and dissect the big issues that have resonated over the off-season. PLUS the great Mike Rylance joins us to help welcome Carcassonne to the French-Canadian Rugby League Update. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.