Rugby League Insider - James Hooper NRL podast

🏉 Welcome to The Rugby League Insider Podcast
Brought to you by FanaticsTV.

James Hooper is joined by Simon Woolford and Christian Nicolussi to unpack the biggest rugby league stories as the World Cup gets underway.
The team debate the Kangaroos’ fullback call between Reece Walsh and James Tedesco, preview Australia v New Zealand, and assess the representative squads.

Plus, Spencer Leniu’s move to Parramatta, Junior Paulo’s future, the looming November 1 player market, Hudson Young’s PNG links, Sam Walker’s Roosters deal, Jason Ryles’ contract clause and the issues facing Perth’s NRL entry.

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS

0:00 — Welcome to Rugby League Insider
1:55 — Reece Walsh v James Tedesco: who should be Kangaroos fullback?
4:00 — Kangaroos team news, halves and squad selections
9:36 — Bradman Best, Latrell Mitchell and Australia’s centres
14:48 — Australia v New Zealand preview and World Cup predictions
17:56 — Samoa, PNG and the rest of the World Cup weekend
18:53 — Parramatta sign Spencer Leniu
21:46 — Junior Paulo’s future, Samoa and Perth’s interest
23:36 — Can Spencer Leniu become a starting front-rower?
27:18 — November 1 market: why this year could be different
29:54 — Hudson Young, Canberra’s offer and PNG links
35:14 — Sam Walker’s Roosters future and contract value
37:57 — Roosters roster changes and recruitment plans
43:55 — Jason Ryles’ Parramatta contract clause
46:41 — Eels rebuild, pathways and expectations for 2026
53:00 — Perth’s CEO fallout and Mal Meninga’s challenge
58:56 — Wrap-up and upcoming World Cup coverage

📞 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.
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🏉 Welcome to The Rugby League Insider Podcast
Brought to you by FanaticsTV.

James Hooper is joined by Craig Gower and Brandon Savage to review the 2026 NRL Grand Final, as the Sydney Roosters defeat the Newcastle Knights 19–18.
The team breaks down Newcastle’s remarkable finals run, the Roosters’ clinical performance, Daly Cherry-Evans’ key moments, James Tedesco’s legacy and the impact of Spencer Leniu.

Plus, the Knights’ future, Roosters recruitment and academy success, Kangaroos selection discussion, and the upcoming Rugby League World Cup.

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS

0:00 — Welcome and Roosters crowned 2026 premiers
1:40 — Newcastle’s brave grand final performance
4:00 — Key moments: Dom Young, Ponga and Newcastle’s tries
6:20 — Daly Cherry-Evans’ field goal and game management
8:00 — Roosters’ possession, kick chase and clinical edge
10:00 — Tedesco, Mark Nawaqanitawase and the Roosters’ big names
12:00 — Spencer Leniu’s impact off the bench
13:40 — Roosters’ forward pack and physicality
15:05 — Newcastle’s future and Justin Holbrook’s impact
18:10 — Thomas Cant at dummy-half and Newcastle’s desperation
22:30 — Roosters recruitment, academy and next generation
25:30 — James Tedesco’s place among the great Roosters fullbacks
28:00 — Kangaroos squad discussion and selection calls
29:30 — Pacific Championship concerns and player availability
32:00 — Tedesco, Edwards and the fullback debate
35:55 — Rugby League Insider’s World Cup coverage
36:55 — 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.

Head to www.fanatics.tv for more insights & banter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🏉 Welcome to The Rugby League Insider Podcast
Brought to you by FanaticsTV.

James Hooper is joined by Anthony Watmough and Brandon Savage for a huge grand final week edition of Rugby League Insider.
The team break down Newcastle’s extraordinary finals run and whether they can upset the star-studded Roosters to complete one of rugby league’s great fairytales.

Plus, the Kangaroos World Cup squad, key grand final match-ups, Connor Watson’s fitness, Phoenix Crossland’s tackle on Nathan Cleary and the hip-drop debate, player welfare, Herbie Farnworth’s Roosters link, Raiders contract news, and Ivan Cleary’s hopes of keeping Nathan at Penrith.

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS

0:00 — Welcome to Rugby League Insider
2:25 — Kangaroos World Cup squad: Turbo, Teddy, Walsh and the big selection calls
15:53 — Can Newcastle upset the Roosters in the grand final?
23:24 — Key match-ups: Gagai and Dom Young target the Roosters’ edges
26:10 — Newcastle’s young halves and the grand final game plan
29:02 — Connor Watson’s fitness and Roosters team selection
32:00 — Concussion protocols and the independent doctor call
33:11 — Phoenix Crossland, Nathan Cleary and the hip-drop tackle debate
43:00 — Player welfare, fatigue, interchanges and the NRL’s balancing act
47:31 — Herbie Farnworth’s Roosters sponsor post and contract speculation
52:53 — Raiders extend Ethan Sanders; Hudson Young’s future
57:35 — Ivan Cleary wants Nathan to remain at Penrith
58:47 — Grand final wrap-up and FanaticsTV watch-party details

📞 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.