Sportscafe

NRL Star Connor Watson reacts to the bombshell announcement that State of Origin is heading to Eden Park in Auckland, and debates what it means for the future of the series, along with the new eligibility changes that could reshape Origin.

We also sit down with Australian cricket great Ian Healy, who gives his honest take on Australia’s World Cup disappointment and where things have gone wrong for the national side.

Plus, there’s an incredible comeback story out of LIV Golf, Olympic drama, curling cheating controversy, viral sporting clips, and plenty of classic Sportscafe chaos along the way.

Big sporting stories, big opinions, and zero chance of staying on track - as always.

We are back with another episode of Sportscafe - and this week, we unpack the incredible story of Sydney-born punter Michael Dickson, who helped the Seattle Seahawks win Super Bowl LX, becoming one of the few Australians ever to claim a Super Bowl ring.

We also react to one of the biggest NRL shocks in years, with Payne Haas pulling off a surprise move that has completely rocked the rugby league world.
We also dive into:

- Winter Olympics and the 'Pe**s Gate' controversy
- Why NZ could beat Australia in the medal count
- The internet's best cricket bowling clips
- Whether or not Bad Bunny put on a good halftime show

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Chris Lynn, Conor Watson and Tayla Montoya kick off the new year by catching up with co-producers Marc Ellis and Ric Salizzo to unpack what they’ve been up to over the break.

Chris shares his cricketing hiccup in Malaysia, Conor reflects on tackling the Kokoda Track with the Roosters during pre-season, and Tayla shares what life looks like juggling newborn twins while her husband Marcelo gears up for another NRL campaign.

We're joined by rugby league and union great Brad Thorn, who gives his honest take on why standards have dropped in modern professional sport.

Plus:
• Rating the latest viral, quirky sports taking over social media
• Hot takes on fantasy sport and why it divides fans so hard
• Plenty of laughs, tangents, and classic Sportscafe chaos

The boys (and Tayla) are back. Welcome to Sportscafe in 2026.

Get closer to the show by joining our Facebook Group here: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/17817MfEdg/

Timestamps:

0:00 Catching Up For the First Time in 2026
5:00 Conor’s Kokoda Walk with the Roosters
8:40 Brad Thorn Interview
13:00 Brad’s High Standards
20:11 Brad Thorn’s Favourite Athletes
23:25 Aussie Open Questions
27:45 20/20 Chances
31:15 Rating Viral Sports
35:40 NRL Pre-Season

In this episode of Sportscafe , the crew unpack Marc's theory about Australia's sporting dominance, and solicit the help of Stuart McKenzie, renowned snake wrangler, to put it to the test. We cover the chaos in the Aussie sports media over Bazball and the upcoming Ashes fixtures. We're also joined by Bondi Rescue star Chase Hardaker, to hear about his record-breaking wave at Bondi beach. Subscribe to make sure you never miss an episode! Join our Legends club here: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Es7kTY4Yo/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia is firing on all cylinders this week - The Ashes drama, Supercars final, Formula 1 and more. In this episode, the crew unpack a massive weekend across cricket, motorsport, NRL, F1 and netball. We’re joined by Supercars driver Scott Pye and Ryan Wood, who help us preview the Adelaide 500 this weekend. Gretel Bueta also jumps in to explain the inaugural Fast5 netball tournament in Malaysia - and why the sport is changing fast. Plus: Travis Head’s monster Ashes innings Lynny knocking someone out (again) Connor's hilarious breath work story Tayla’s TikTok fame and car crash Subscribe so you never miss an episode! Join our Facebook Group to get closer to the show: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1AZtNJigiM/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.