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These are the guys who used to play on 'the edge'. In the days when almost everything was considered 'legal', some were employed as enforcers, whilst others never ever took a backward step. Many were just simply fearless, but you'd definitely try and avoid running towards all of them. They are rugby league's hard men. Rugby league was a little bit different in the 1990s. A mainly part-time sport where the attributes of some players could have easily secured themselves alternative employment as bouncers! Such as the charging rhino himself, Barrie McDermott, who used a not so subtle trick to further intimidate his opponents. Or Kelvin Skerrett, who won six Championships and four Challenge Cups with Wigan. The Wales and Great Britain international is the man described as a "dirty get" on Mick Morgan's famous viral commentary. Castleford legend Mal Reilly was just as tough as a coach as he was as a player. When he moved to Manly he used to ask his team-mates who the toughest players on the opposition were so he could target them to gain respect. Later, he coached at Newcastle Knights, where he found out which of his players had the best records on the rowing machine before smashing them all with his own stamina and fitness. He's even got a an intense training drill named after him... the Malcolm! And then there's the likes of Adrian Morley. Known as 'The Enforcer' in Australia, 'Moz' kept his own little black book to keep tabs on opponents who were due a little retribution. He once received a seven-match ban for kneeing an opponent in the chest. However, the ban was expected to be more than double that before a character reference from long-time foe 'Big' Willie Mason described him as "one of the toughest players in the toughest competition in the world" helped his case. There's a fine line between legal and illegal violence in rugby league and often some of these fellas crossed it. Nowadays it would lead to an instant red card, but that doesn't mean hard men don't exist in the sport today. They just go about showing it slightly differently!

Tanya Arnold, Kevin Brown, Andrew Henderson and John Kear reflect on a gripping Grand Final after Wigan defeated Hull KR 9-2. Victory meant the Warriors completed an incredible quadruple in 2024 and their CEO and former player, Kris Radlinski, joins the team to give an insight in to the preparations, celebrations and what now lies ahead for the most successful side of the Super League era.

It’s Grand Final week with Wigan Warriors and Hull KR battling for the right to be crowned Super League Champions. Tanya Arnold is at Old Trafford to preview the biggest night of the Rugby League year. Wigan are looking to win the Grand Final for the 7th time, whilst Hull KR are playing in their very first Super League title decider. Head Coach Matt Peet and players Bevan French and Kruise Leeming offer an insight into the Warriors’ preparations as they seek to lift their fourth trophy of the campaign. Hull KR boss Willie Peters, Captain Elliot Minchella and forward James Batchelor reveal their thoughts ahead of the big game. Rugby League legend Paul Sculthorpe and commentator Matt Newsum set the scene for what promises to be an epic contest.

Tanya Arnold and Kevin Brown look ahead to a crucial weekend of Super League action featuring the Women’s Grand Final in St Helens and the Semi-finals in the men’s competition. Zoe Harris of St Helens and York Valkyrie’s Kelsey Gentles join the podcast to talk about their preparations for the Women’s Final in which Saints will be looking to complete the Treble against the defending Champions from York. They describe their own journeys through the sport, the physical and mental demands of playing the game and their own personal motivations for Sunday’s Final. Grand Final places are up for grabs in the Men’s competition and Kevin offers his analysis of the two Semi-finals.

Warning: This episode contains discussion of suicide. If you have been affected by any of the issues raised you can find support via the BBC Action Line at https://bbc.co.uk/actionline/

It’s Play-off time in the 2024 Men’s Super League season and six teams are still standing in the race to be crowned Champions at the home of Manchester United. Tanya Arnold is at the official launch event to preview the upcoming series with representatives from all the teams involved. Salford coach Paul Rowley and his Leigh counterpart Adrian Lam look ahead to their clash in the elimination round, where the winners will progress to the semi-finals but the loser’s season will end. It’s the same scenario for Warrington and St Helens when they meet on Saturday. Warrington Full-back Matt Dufty and St Helens Coach Paul Wellens reflect on their seasons so far and what they hope to achieve in the play-offs. Wigan and Hull KR have earned a week off in the opening round of matches and we find out from Liam Marshall, Mikey Lewis and Willie Peters how they will approach the break. Leeds’ Rhyse Martin discusses his final season with the Rhinos and Rugby League legend Paul Sculthorpe makes some predictions about how the play-off series might unfold. Tara Jones of St Helens and York Valkyrie’s Sade Rihari react to their success in the Women’s semi-finals before they meet in the Grand Final on October 6th.

As a player and coach Mike Ford has been involved at the very top level in both codes of Rugby and is currently the Managing Director of Oldham. He talks to Tanya Arnold about the recent revival at the club which has seen them promoted to the Championship, and reveals his vision for Rugby League in the town which prioritises pathways for junior players and establishing a permanent base at Boundary park. He reflects on his time as a player with Wigan, and his coaching journey through Rugby Union, including spells with Ireland, England, Saracens and Bath. He discusses why so many Rugby League players have become successful defence coaches in Rugby Union, and ponders whether it might be time to start a discussion on merging the two codes. Ford also talks about the challenges his club face in gathering enough grading points for potential promotion to Super League one day, and whether his England Rugby Union international son George might play Rugby League for Oldham in the future.

Salford Red Devils captain Kallum Watkins joins the podcast as his team continue their quest to secure a place in the Super League play-offs. After losing two of their key players before the start of the campaign Salford have defied expectations this year and enter the final fortnight of the season in fourth place. Watkins reveals some of the secrets to their success and discusses his own positional move from centre to second-row forward. He highlights the players who influenced him most during his early career at Leeds Rhinos, and responds to recent speculation linking him with a return to Headingley. He talks openly about the three ACL injuries he has suffered during his career and how he hopes that talking about his mental health challenges will help others in the future.

Leeds Rhinos’ Sporting Director Ian Blease joins the podcast to talk about his role at one of the biggest clubs in Rugby League. After an inconsistent season the Rhinos have three games left to secure a place in the play-offs and Blease discusses the decision to bring in Brad Arthur as Head Coach midway through the campaign. He talks about his short, medium and long-term goals for the club, and the pressures of trying to deliver success for the eight-time Grand Final winners. Transfer deals, the financial challenges facing the sport and development pathways for players are also on the agenda.

With four rounds to go until the Super League play-offs it’s Hull KR who lead the way at the top of the table and their captain Elliot Minchella joins the podcast to talk about the run-in. He discusses the secrets of their success in 2024, and how the players have benefited from the philosophies of Head Coach Willie Peters. Minchella reflects on his own Rugby League career, including a spell playing part-time with Bradford which he combined with work on a building site. He reflects on his England debut, the influences on his career as a loose forward and the challenges of captaincy. He also discusses the progress that has been made on and off the field at Hull KR in the last few years.

Canberra Raiders captain Elliott Whitehead joins the podcast to talk about rugby league life in the Australian Capital and his move back to Super League at the end of the year. He reveals how a promise to Catalan Chairman Bernard Gausch will see him return to the south of France for one last season before he retires from the game and sets up a new life in Australia. He reflects on his early days with his hometown club Bradford, and discusses the best players he has played against. He also chats about the highlights of his international career with England and Great Britain.

Warrington’s Lachlan Fitzgibbon joins Tanya Arnold and Kevin Brown to talk about his first year in Super League. The second row forward joined the Wolves from Newcastle in Australia for the start of the 2024 campaign and is widely considered to be one of the best signings of the season. He reveals how playing in the northern hemisphere has been a long-term goal, and how recent successes for the Super League clubs in the World Club Challenge underlines the quality of the British game. He describes the lessons Warrington have learnt from their defeat in the Challenge Cup Final and their goals for the rest of the season. He talks about exploring Europe, rugby league in Las Vegas, watching the Euros, and as an Australian living in the UK what does he think of the British summer?

In an emotional 5 live Rugby League Podcast, Tanya Arnold and former stand-off Kevin Brown are joined by Leigh flying winger Josh Charnley. The former England international opens up about the highs and lows of his stellar career, including the drive to become Super League’s record try-scorer, the joy of the Leopards recent Challenge Cup success, his long-term passion for fishing and bricklaying, falling out of love with the sport and the heartache of a fellow player mocking his disabled son.

Reflections on the victories for England’s Men and Women in the mid-season internationals against France. Author and journalist Steve Mascord was at both matches in Toulouse and shares some ideas about how to raise the profile of international Rugby League in the Northern Hemisphere. England men’s Assistant Coach Andy Last and debutant Elliot Minchella assess their game, and Head Coach Stuart Barrow gives his reaction to a comfortable win for England’s women and looks ahead to future challenges for his team.

Toulouse Head Coach Sylvain Houles joins Tanya Arnold and Kevin Brown. As the England men’s and women’s teams head across the channel for a weekend of international Rugby League they discuss the status of the sport in France and what the future holds for Toulouse under the new grading system for clubs. Houles reflects on the challenges of Toulouse’s last Super League campaign in 2022 and lessons the sport can learn from that season to help grow the game on the continent. He reveals how his interest in Rugby League first came about, the philosophies that have shaped his coaching career and how working with Rugby League players compares to life on the family sheep farm in the French countryside.

Matt Newsum is joined by Hull KR winger Ryan Hall and England Head Coach Shaun Wane. Hall crossed for his 248th Super League try last week and is now the leading try-scorer in the competition’s history. He reflects on the relief of reaching the milestone and picks out some of his favourite scores from his record-breaking tally. Shaun Wane looks ahead to England’s 2024 schedule which now includes a two match series against Samoa in the autumn, and a game in France at the end of June.

Wigan winger Liam Marshall joins Matt Newsum and Kevin Brown to discuss the Warriors success in the 2024 Challenge Cup Final. Their victory at Wembley means they now hold all four trophies available to them, with the Super League title, League Leaders Shield and World Club Challenge already residing in the Wigan trophy cabinet. We hear about the Warriors post match celebrations, their motivation to win more silverware, and how a unique culture in the club drove them to their current position as the undisputed Kings of British rugby league. There are also reflections on St Helens’ fourth consecutive victory in the Women’s Challenge Cup Final and Wakefield’s triumph in the 1895 Cup Final against Sheffield.

Former team-mate Sam Burgess and Daryl Powell, the coach who gave Rob Burrow his first start in Super League, lead tributes to the Leeds Rhinos Legend who died on Sunday. They reflect on his amazing achievements as a player and his drive to raise awareness of Motor Neurone Disease after his diagnosis in December 2019. The Wigan coach Matt Peet describes the impact Burrow had on the whole of Rugby League and how Saturday’s Challenge Cup Finals Day provides the perfect platform for people to pay their respects. Players and personalities involved in the Men’s and Women’s Finals and the 1895 Cup Final look ahead to the matches on what will be an emotional day under the Wembley arch.

Daryl Powell joins Tanya Arnold and Kevin Brown to talk about Rugby League life with Wakefield Trinity and the ups and downs of his coaching career. Powell has guided Wakefield to Wembley, where they will play in the 1895 Cup Final in June and to the top of the Championship table after nine wins from nine matches at the start of the season. With significant off-field development at their stadium the club are confident they will be back at Super League level in 2025. Powell also reflects on how he might have approached things differently during a difficult spell in charge of Warrington Wolves and how the 2017 Grand Final with Castleford left him wanting to sit in a dark room. He also reveals how he loves spending time on the river and how a call on a camping trip persuaded him to take on his latest challenge.

London Broncos Head Coach Mike Eccles joins Tanya Arnold and Kevin Brown to talk about Rugby League life in the capital. The Broncos were promoted to Super League for 2024 but under the current grading system won’t have a place in the elite competition next year. Eccles outlines the challenges the club faces and his reasons why the Broncos should be given more support in the drive to establish a strong presence for the game in London. He reflects on how the club’s history can be used as evidence that anything is possible and describes his own unusual journey to becoming a Head Coach. Eccles also gives an insight into his approach to leading a group of players who lost 10 of their opening 11 matches of the Super League season.

Phil Bentham, who was recently appointed as the RFL's new Head of Referees joins Tanya Arnold and Kevin Brown to discuss the current issues around officiating in Rugby League. He reveals his priorities as he settles into his new role and talks about his previous experience working with the VAR team in Premier League football. He discusses some ideas for Super League in 2025 and the challenges presented by proposed new tackle-height laws. And we find out who he thought was the most difficult player to referee.

St Helens Captain Jonny Lomax joins Tanya Arnold and Kevin Brown for a rare interview about his remarkable life. Widely regarded as the one of the best players in Super League, Lomax talks in great detail about the life-threatening brain injury he suffered on the field at the age of 14, and how the support of his family helped him through. He describes his emotions after a third ACL injury left him close to retirement in 2015 and how he found the motivation to continue his career. He has since won four Super League Grand Finals. He also discusses the current season with St Helens, fatherhood, and his thoughts about what he might do at the end of his career.

Craig Lingard joins Tanya Arnold and Kevin Brown to chat about his role as the Head Coach of Castleford Tigers. He reveals how his life has changed since becoming a full time Head Coach in Super League, and discusses his previous occupation as a prison officer. Lingard talks about the issues facing Castleford and the sport of Rugby League in general, and how he has faced the challenges of leading a team in the lower half of the competition table. Also on the agenda is his reluctance to wear shoes, and the current location of the teapot he once won as a contestant on the TV word game “Countdown”.

Warrington Wolves Full Back Matt Dufty joins Tanya Arnold and Kevin Brown to discuss his terrific start to the season. He reveals why Head Coach Sam Burgess has been exactly what the Wolves needed to turn their form around, and talks about developing his skills playing touch-rugby alongside Wigan’s Jai Field and Huddersfield’s Adam Clune. Dufty was the leading metre-maker in the competition through the opening eight rounds and he discusses his combinations with England captain George Williams and how humility, late-night phone calls, and some scary eyes from the coaching staff have helped get the Wolves back on track in 2024.

Tanya Arnold and Kevin Brown are joined by former Hull FC Captain Gareth Ellis and former Scotland Head Coach Steve McCormack to discuss their current roles with Rugby League Cares, an organisation which provides off-field support and advice for players, coaches and officials within the sport. They talk about how the approach to player-welfare has developed over the last decade, and what they learnt on a recent fact-finding trip to Australia. There are also reflections on the Challenge Cup Quarter-finals as four men’s and four women’s teams moved a step closer to the Wembley finals. Kevin also gives his thoughts on an eventful few days at Hull FC, who have parted company with Head Coach Tony Smith and appointed former Leeds Half-back Richie Myler as their new Director of Rugby.

Ahead of the quarter-finals of the Challenge Cup, Hull Kingston Rovers head coach Willie Peters joins Tanya Arnold and Kevin Brown to relate his rugby league journey from Sydney to Humberside via Gateshead and Wigan. He talks about the culture he’s trying to create in East Hull, the progress being made on and off the field, the growth of players like Mikey Lewis and why his year playing at the Warriors alongside the likes of Andy Farrell was the best of his career.

Super League’s leading try-scorer Ash Handley joins Tanya Arnold and Kevin Brown to talk about his flying start to the 2024 campaign and the secrets to his success so far this season. The Leeds Rhinos winger has scored seven tries in the opening five rounds of the competition and reveals how he was inspired by Basketball legend Michael Jordan to visualize key moments in games and develop new off-field habits to help improve his performance. He talks about his hopes for the rest of the season, and the impact made by Leeds’ new signings this year.

Tanya Arnold and Kevin Brown are joined by Catalans Dragons half-back Jordan Abdull to discuss life as a Rugby League player in the South of France and how he is adapting to his new surroundings. Considered to be one of the finest play-makers in the competition, Abdull was surprisingly allowed to leave Hull KR during the winter and is spending the 2024 season on loan with the Dragons. They also discuss the latest Super League stories and what happened in Vegas on the opening night of the Australian NRL season.

Tanya Arnold and Kevin Brown are joined by the RFL’s Director of Operations Robert Hicks to discuss the controversial sending-off of Hull FC’s Fa’amanu Brown and the governing body’s subsequent decision to amend the rules of the game. As the sport continues it’s drive to protect players from brain injuries they debate the issues that have arisen in the opening two weeks of the season. There are also reflections on Wigan’s epic World Club Challenge win against Penrith Panthers at the DW Stadium.

Tanya Arnold and Kevin Brown are joined by some special guests to preview the World Club Challenge match between the Super League Champions Wigan Warriors and the best team from Australia, the Penrith Panthers. The winners will earn the right to be called World Club Champions. Wigan Head Coach Matt Peet offers an insight into their preparations for the match and talks about his pride in representing the British game in the fixture. Penrith co-captain Isaah Yeo joins Tanya and Kevin to talk about his team’s time in the UK, and how the Panthers have established themselves as the best team in Australia.

Ahead of the new Super League season the podcast returns with Tanya Arnold at the official launch event to preview the upcoming campaign with some of the key personalities involved. Former dual-code international Sam Burgess is back in the UK as the new head coach of Warrington Wolves, and London Broncos return to the top tier following their promotion from the Championship. Representatives from all 12 clubs discuss their hopes and ambitions for the season, including Matt Peet, the head coach of defending champions Wigan Warriors, who face Australian NRL champions Penrith Panthers in the World Club Challenge in the second week of the season.

Dave Woods and ex-England half-back Kevin Brown are joined by former referee James Child who retired in December after more than a decade of officiating at the top level. They discuss the abuse referees receive, whether they’re swayed by the crowd and how they react when they realise they’ve made a wrong decision. Child also came out as gay while still refereeing and he talks how difficult it was and is for others within sport in general to make that very public decision.

Warrington Wolves’ Chief Executive, Karl Fitzpatrick, joins Dave Woods and former England half-back Kevin Brown to discuss IMG’s proposals to change the game, grading each professional club to determine who will be in Super League come 2025. Plus, what’s behind Warrington’s great start to the year and should there be genuine concern amongst the fans of a couple of clubs already?

Dave Woods is joined by former England half-back Kevin Brown and Huddersfield Giants Head of Youth, Andy Kelly, to discuss whether rugby league’s reserve team structure is fit for purpose and why it should be a priority for IMG’s soon to be released new grading criteria. Plus, there’s reaction to the surprise departure of Lee Radford from Castleford Tigers; can the Giants be amongst the silverware this season under ‘rugby league nerd’ Ian Watson; and the joys of cold water swimming!

Following the re-appointment of Shaun Wane as head coach of the men’s national team, Dave Woods is joined by ex-England coach John Kear and Kevin Brown, who played in the 2017 World Cup Final, to discuss the state of international rugby league. Plus, what a start to the season the two Hull clubs have made, and is this the most open race for promotion from the Championship in recent years?

Tanya Arnold is joined one more time by former England international Jon Wilkin and Australian journalist Steve Mascord, while the BBC’s rugby league correspondent Dave Woods also joins the pod.

They discuss all three finals as Australia’s men and women triumph, while England defeated France on Friday to win the wheelchair competition. Talking of which, wheelchair World Cup winner Seb Bechara drops by with a bottle of champagne.

Oh, and the team discuss the Australian love of haircuts and coffee.

Time codes 1 – The team discuss the men’s final. 10 – Aussie coach Mal Meninga interviewed. 12 – England wheelchair winner Seb Bechara drops by with some champagne. 25 – The team discuss the women’s final. 28 - Final thoughts from the team.

Tanya Arnold is joined once again by former England international Jon Wilkin and Australian journalist Steve Mascord for their weekly take on all things Rugby League World Cup. Lee Radford is part of the Samoan coaching staff and he explains how England’s semi-final opponents have been getting better and better. England wheelchair player Seb Bechara discusses playing the trumpet and what exactly constitutes good bread. And Jillaroos co-skipper Sammy Bremner joins the pod to talk through a few language issues and returning to the game after having a baby. Oh – and don’t forget to find out what Steve has lost this week.

TIMECODES

6.00 - Lee Radford joins the team to discuss the England men's team's upcoming semi-final against Samoa. The Castleford Tigers head coach is currently working as an assistant coach for Samoa, and hoping to plot the downfall of his home nation.

16.25 England wheelchair star Seb Bechara discusses their great start to the event, and life as a professional trumpet player in the South of France.

32.14 Australian Jillaroos co-captain Sammy Bremner makes some early observations about life in the UK and how she's hoping her World Cup performances will be an inspiration to others.

Tanya Arnold is once again joined by former England international Jon Wilkin and Australian journalist Steve Mascord to discuss the World Cup, food and what they have lost over the past week.

They are joined by England’s Tommy Makinson to find out who he looks like and who he is currently rooming with.

Ahead of the women’s tournament starting PNG’s Elise Albert and Canada’s Gabby Hindley open up on their journeys to the World Cup. And there is also time for England’s Jack Brown to explain what makes the wheelchair game so special.

Timecodes: 05.00 England’s Tommy Makinson joins the team to talk about their success in the men's tournament so far, and the teams plans for a Haloween-themed training session

17.48 Papua New Guinea Orchids captain Elsie Albert talks about changing perceptions at home as she prepares to lead her country in the Women's World Cup tournament which starts this week.

25.42 Gabby Hindley, who captains the Canada Ravens, talks us through her off-field CV which includes work as a biologist and a wildfire fighter, and explains the difference between urgency and panic.

34.48 England’s Jack Brown joins the programme to preview the wheelchair tournament - and also tells us how to prepare the perfect recipe for Yorkshire Puddings.

Jamaica in the Rugby League World Cup? Who knew! Well, Nesta McGregor travelled to Leeds to watch them train and spoke to the key people around the team. Jamaican journalist and team media manager Simon Preston explains how it all started while head coach Romeo Monteith discusses what it means for the team to be over here in England competing at the RLWC. Alex Young – the brother of England winger Dom – explains why he is playing for Jamaica and Chevaughn Bailey – who plays club rugby back in Jamaica – explains the emotions of playing for his country and the reaction back home from the pupils that he teaches.

Timecodes…. 2 mins – Jamaican journalist Simon Preston on the evolution of the team. 6 mins – head coach Romeo Monteith on the growth of the sport. 14 mins - Chevaughn Bailey on his pride at playing in Jamaica’s World Cup opener. 19 mins – Alex Young on his decision to play for Jamaica.

On this week’s podcast, Dave Woods meets members of England’s World Cup squad at their training base in Wigan. Old hands Ryan Hall and Tommy Makinson join newer faces Matty Lees, Marc Sneyd, Andy Ackers and the ‘Australian Yorkshireman’ Victor Radley to look ahead to the tournament. They discuss the pride they felt when Shaun Wane called to inform them they were in the squad and their excitement as they look ahead to the potentially pivotal clash against a very impressive Samoan side which kicks things off on Saturday 15th October.

Timecodes: 01:00 Journalist Steve Mascord and former Wigan scribe Phil Wilkinson discuss England’s chances. 05:50 Phil says he’s excited to see Shaun Wane in charge of an international team. 07:10 St Helens duo Tommy Makinson and Matty Lees say they’ve enjoyed their Grand Final success, but now they’re purely focused on England. 10:30 They discuss facing Samoa in their first game and potentially the chance to play a Samoan-filled Penrith Panthers in the World Club Challenge in 2023. 12:00 Record England try-scorer Ryan Hall says he’s really proud to be a part of another international squad. 14:30 He reflects on how close England were to winning the World Cup in 2017. 16:25 Salford’s Marc Sneyd and Andy Ackers admit they were both very surprised and emotional when they heard they’d been selected. 19:10 They discuss the very nervous speeches they both had to give in front of their new international team mates. 22:00 Victor Radley explains his decision to pledge his allegiance to England rather than Australia. 23:10 He talks about his Yorkshire roots and how his dad, a Sheffield Wednesday fan is looking forward to watching England play at Sheffield United’s Bramall Lane! 27:10 Finally, England team manager Colin Maskell reveals his role and how a 40-year friendship with Shaun Wane got him the job.

On this week’s podcast Dave Woods speaks to Sam Tomkins, the England Men’s captain, following the announcement that all 61 matches at this year’s World Cup will be broadcast live on the BBC. Plus, following IMG’s presentation to the clubs and the media of their ‘reimagining rugby league’ strategy, we hear from Matt Dwyer vice-president of sports management at IMG, the chairman of the RFL Simon Johnson and journalist Steve Mascord on the proposals to change the game from next season and beyond.

On this week’s podcast Dave Woods is joined by a legend of both the English and Australian game, Sam Burgess, who, following his retirement, is now a rugby league coach in Australia. He talks about his own upcoming Grand Final and his interest in coaching in Super League and with England. Sam reflects on the disappointment he suffered in both the 2013 and 2017 World Cups and looks ahead to England’s chances this time around. In Australia, he’s a huge star and he discusses the difficulties which have come with that and his legendary appearance on SAS: Who Dares Wins.

TIMECODES:

02:00 Sam is now coaching in Australia and has guided his team to a Grand Final in his first year. 06:30 He suggests he’d be really interested in taking up a coaching opportunity in Super League. 07:25 After a more than a decade down under, Sam hates the fact he’s now got something of an Aussie accent. 09:20 Sam talks about the challenge that England face in the World Cup, but feels they can be successful. 11:10 He reminisces about his two World Cup campaigns in 2013 and 2017. 18:00 Due to injury, retirement came early, so how has he reconciled that? 20:40 In Australia, Sam is a huge star, and he talks of the difficulties which come with that. 23:00 Sam took part in Australia’s version of SAS: Who Dares Wins and was the only contestant to escape. 27:00 However, reality TV is not something he wants take part in going forward. 31:30 Ahead of the World Cup, Sam is returning to the UK to go on a speaking tour with Jamie Peacock and Adrian Morley. 33:00 He says Morley was the trailblazer down under for him and others to follow. 36:45 He suggests the Australian public are excited about the World Cup and promos are all over TV. 39:00 Ahead of his own Grand Final he says he’s proud of his achievement over the last 12 months.

On this week’s podcast, Dave Woods is joined by Warrington prop-forward Kyle Amor and Neil Ormston, the organiser for the Rugby League Records Keepers’ Club, who’s partly behind a new website which details the records of all players and matches worldwide throughout the history of the game. Neil tests Kyle on his knowledge of his own career, before the panel discuss Leigh’s march to Super League, Warrington’s woes, the play-off picture and who are the contenders for Coach of the Year and Man of Steel.

On this week’s podcast, Dave Woods is joined by Wigan Warriors assistant coach Lee Briers and former dual-code international Iestyn Harris. They discuss Lee’s impending new role down under with the Brisbane Broncos, the fight for the top six and why relegation is an out-dated concept. Plus, the detail behind Wigan’s success and those names who have thrilled and excited us down the years.

03:00 Lee discusses his impending move to the NRL with Brisbane Broncos.

08:25 He talks about the disappointment of leaving Warrington and the excitement of joining Wigan this season.

13:40 Iestyn moved from English rugby league to Wales rugby union and says there’s a similarity with the intensity Lee will face in Australia.

15:20 The focus turns to Super League and the race for the title and the play-off places.

18:00 Both are very surprised by the season their former club Warrington have endured.

22:00 Toulouse are likely to be relegated, but Lee feels they should remain in Super League and that promotion and relegation is an out-dated concept.

26:55 Leeds are looking like they’ll make the play-offs, but are they Grand Final outsiders?

29:30 Salford are the entertainers this year, and the panel think they play the game the way it should be played.

33:00 Lee talks about the ‘detail’ behind Wigan’s approach on defence and attack and how the past is influencing the present.

39:10 The importance of detail is highlighted by famous tries scored by Jonathan Davies and Martin Offiah.

42:10 Lee and Iestyn talk of the players who’ve thrilled them down the years.

02:20 John Hughes, the director of partnerships and communities for the charity, Community Integrated Care, explains how learning disability rugby league came about and the impact its had.

06:50 We hear from Warrington’s Oliver Thomason who has become a star both of the sport and social media, having replicated Alan Shearer’s celebration at Magic Weekend.

08:00 And his brother Craig, explains his involvement in initially helping to set up Learning Disability Rugby League and how it’s changed Oliver’s life and that of many others.

17:00 Dave goes behind the scenes at Glenwood Care Home which houses those with learning disabilities who don’t or can’t play the game, but supports them by using rugby league themes.

19:10 England international Jodie Cunningham is on hand to help make soap. The players at last season’s Grand Final were gifted bars made by the residents at Glenwood.

21:10 Glenwood is based in Widnes and the facility is littered with image of Widnes Vikings RL team.

23:10 Dave is joined by members of the ‘Media Club’ at Community Integrated Care, who describe the roles they experienced within the media at the recent game between Wigan and Warrington.

27:25 Steve Roberts, Widnes Vikings’ general manager, explains how those with learning disabilities utilise the same facilities at the club’s stadium as those in the first team.

34:00 The podcast concludes with John Hughes detailing how more and more clubs are joining in and supporting the charity and the people it supports day after day.

On this week’s podcast, Dave Woods is joined by Widnes Vikings and Wales head coach John Kear and rugby league author Richard de la Riviere. Amongst the topics up for discussion are the latest twists and turns in Super League, the Championship’s Summer Bash and the quality of the players within. And there’s a trip down memory lane, picking out the prized moments from decade’s gone by.

TOPICS 01:30 The panel look back on last weekend’s dramatic results in Super League and what they might mean for the final few weeks ahead. 06:10 The race to avoid relegation has turned on it’s head, and John Kear says the jeopardy must stay in the sport. 10:00 A reflection on the Summer Bash, which took place for the first time at Leeds’ Headingley Stadium. 14:00 The importance of capitalising on the current success of women’s sport. 16:45 The controversy over the new blue and white England shirt released this week ahead of the World Cup. 22:40 The talk turns to the history of the game and some of the iconic moments in rugby league. 26:05 One of those is the famous Rorke’s Drift test match. 29:20 Nominations are suggested for new names to be inducted in to the rugby league ‘Hall of Fame’. 33:00 Why aren’t Super League clubs tapping in to the quality of players who ply their trade in the Championship? 35:30 When was the first four-point try scored? 37:30 John identifies the 1969 Challenge Cup Final as his greatest moment in the history of the sport. 39:10 Richard counters with his memories of his favourite Workington team of the mid-nineties.

Dave Woods is joined by ex-England half-back Kevin Brown and former Leeds Rhinos head coach Richard Agar, who will be assisting Samoa at the forthcoming World Cup. They discuss the strength of England’s first opponents and the news that NRL sensation Victor Radley has made himself available to Shaun Wane’s side. Plus, in the battle to avoid relegation, who will beat the drop; can anyone stop St Helens; and why are there seemingly so many more injuries and tries in Super League this season?

TOPICS 02:45 The panel discuss the announcement that NRL star Victor Radley has made himself available to play for England at the World Cup. 08:40 Richard, who will assist Samoa at the tournament, lays out the potential frightening strength of England’s first opponents. 13:10 Should Jackson Hastings, a former Man of Steel now in the NRL with West Tigers, be part of the England World Cup squad? 15:45 The Tigers are now coached by 71 year-old Tim Sheens, while Wayne Bennett, a year older, is also still coaching. 18:00 Richard and Kevin say it’s a two-horse race in the battle to avoid relegation from Super League, with Toulouse the favourites to avoid the drop. 23:00 How good is this current St Helens side? 27:25 Would they be able to not only compete, but challenge in the NRL? 30:30 Are players suffering more injuries in Super League this season? 35:45 And is there a suspicion players are feigning injury on the field to gain penalties? 42:00 Following Bevan French’s Super League record-breaking seven tries against Hull FC, are we witnessing more attacking play this year?

Dave Woods meets two leading figures from the wider world of rugby league to discuss the future of the game and highlight the growth and popularity of wheelchair rugby. Matt Dwyer is Vice-president, Sports Management at IMG, the company tasked with “re-imagining” and re-shaping the future of rugby league with big ambitions for the sport at every level. And Seb Bechara of Catalans Dragons is one of the biggest personalities in wheelchair rugby. His side face Leeds Rhinos in the Wheelchair Rugby Challenge Cup Final this weekend. Bechara, whose day job is a professional trumpet player, starred for England in last week’s win against France, but this weekend re-joins his club teammates to take on his international colleagues.

TIMECODES: Matt Dwyer 3’16 “What we’re looking to do is re-imagine rugby league in the UK” – discusses their three-phase plan 8’50 On the future structure of the game 11’26 On international development including a future potential international club competition 17’08 On mergers between clubs and the experience of how its worked in Australia 26’00 How can RL get beyond current boundaries 31’52 Matt compares potential growth of rugby league to what they have achieved with Euroleague Basketball and World Table Tennis Seb Bechara, wheelchair rugby league star of Catalans Dragons and England 37’53 Talks about choosing to play for England over France. Born in England to an English family but lived in France since aged 10. Talks of his “mega-pride of playing for England” 39’51 His journey on becoming a wheelchair rugby league player. Lost his leg in a motorbike accident in 2012 and how during rehab he discovered wheelchair basketball and then rugby league 42’18 On his career as a professional freelance trumpet player 47’23 Expectations for England in the World Cup and the fierce rivalry with France 50’14 The future of wheelchair rugby league and his ambition “to have club in every city” 52’30 On looking forward to “wiping smiles off Leeds Rhinos’ faces” this weekend in the Challenge Cup Final

This week’s round of Super League matches sees the return of the ‘Tackle the Tough Stuff’ campaign, focusing on mental and physical wellbeing.

And on this week’s podcast, several high-profile current and former players share their deeply personal stories around issues such as suicide, domestic violence and dealing with grief.

WARNING: This episode contains discussions about suicide. If you or someone you know is in need of help, you can find links to organisations who can provide help and support at www.bbc.co.uk/actionline Warrington’s Peter Mata’utia opens up on his difficult upbringing, his attempted suicide and his young son’s severe illness, Wigan assistant coach Lee Briers talks about dealing with the death of his brother and Salford’s Elijah Taylor on forgiving his former friend and agent who stole £200,000 from him. Time codes:: 01:15 – Katy Graham, Super League’s marketing manager, gives an overview of why the campaign is taking place. 04:30 – An interview with Warrington’s Peter Mata’utia, who begins by explaining his difficult upbringing. 07:25 – He talks of his attempted suicide aged 18. 10:20 – Peter suffered a serious injury – he broke his larynx playing rugby league and could have died, but it’s the game that keeps him going. 11:30 – His young son was found to have a football sized tumour in his stomach. 15:15 – Dave is joined by Craig Tomason, the partnerships and communities manager for Community Integrated Care, the social care partner of the RFL and Super League. 16:00 – His brother Oliver plays for the Warrington’s Learning Disability team, and has become a social media sensation through his try celebrations, having played and scored at Anfield and been invited to close the London Stock Exchange. 19:20 – Craig was behind the formation of the Learning Disability Super League, the only one of it’s type named after the sport’s premier competition. 21:25 – Salford’s Elijah Taylor discusses how his former manager, friend and father figure stole £200,000 from him when he was playing in Australia’s NRL. 25:00 – Elijah explains how he found out and how, despite four years of legal proceedings, not one penny was recovered. 28:40 – He tells how forgiveness was his route to help bring closure to this traumatic period in his life. 30:30 – Finally, Elijah is emotional when confronted with the question of how he would respond to ever meeting his former friend again. 34:10 – The final guest is Wigan Warriors assistant coach Lee Briers, who brother Brian died in 2001 and it took him a decade to confront his emotions. 36:30 – A very emotional Lee tells how in 2009 he took the Challenge Cup trophy to Brian’s grave and in 2010 why he pointed to the sky after winning the Lance Todd Trophy. 39:00 – Lee says it’s OK to show emotion, because it shows you care. 41:25 – He tells how he dealt with pain and loss through drinking. But in 2019 he gave it up for a year and despite the death of his mother was able to cope without the need to turn to alcohol. 44:30 – Dressing rooms these days are much more forgiving places and Lee credits his former coach, Tony Smith, with helping him deal with anxiety before games.

Two of the games’ greats, former Great Britain coach and captain Brian Noble and legendary dual-code international Iestyn Harris, join Dave Woods to discuss whether players are feigning injury to get players sent to the sin bin; who are the surprise packages and the coaches under pressure after five rounds of Super League; the Sixth Round Challenge Cup draw; and how Iestyn is shaping up ahead of his dancing debut at Rob Burrow’s Strictly Ball!

Two of the games’ greats, former Great Britain coach and captain Brian Noble and legendary dual-code international Iestyn Harris, join Dave Woods to discuss whether players are feigning injury to get players sent to the sin bin; who are the surprise packages and the coaches under pressure after five rounds of Super League; the Sixth Round Challenge Cup draw; and how Iestyn is shaping up ahead of his dancing debut at Rob Burrow’s Strictly Ball!