Rugby League Insider with James Hooper – Details, episodes & analysis

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Rugby League Insider with James Hooper

FanaticsTV

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Frequency: 1 episode/1d. Total Eps: 175

Join Hoops, Anthony Watmough, Craig Gower, Simon Woolford, Christian Nicolussi, Brandon Savage & Darcie McDonald for a daily take on the greatest game of all!

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

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RSS feed quality

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Score global : 73%

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"BLOW IT UP" Dally M Outrage As Multiple Players/Coaches Get SNUBBED! Ft. Buzz Rothfield | RLIEP176

Season 1 · Episode 176

Thursday, October 1, 2026 • Duration 01:05:15

🏉 Welcome to The Rugby League Insider Podcast

Brought to you by FanaticsTV.

James Hooper is joined by Buzz Rothfield and Darcie McDonald for a huge grand final week edition of Rugby League Insider.

The team unpack the Dally M Awards, calls for greater voting transparency, and the incredible Newcastle Knights run to the grand final. Can the Knights complete one of rugby league’s greatest fairytales, or will Trent Robinson’s star-studded Roosters claim the premiership?

Plus, the Roosters’ academy and recruitment power, Herbie Farnworth’s future, Jason Ryles’ Eels extension, Cody Walker and Latrell Mitchell at South Sydney, Matt Burton, Bradman Best and grand final predictions.

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS

0:00 — Welcome to Rugby League Insider

2:15 — Dally M Awards: voting transparency and the big calls

8:35 — Newcastle’s remarkable grand final run

10:00 — Dally M stories and Mark Nawaqanitawase

15:00 — Old-school Rothmans and Dally M after-party yarns

22:30 — Lachlan Galvin, Wests Tigers and Gus Gould

26:15 — Newcastle’s finals road and why they believe

27:55 — Roosters v Knights grand final preview

35:10 — Trent Robinson, Justin Holbrook and the coaching battle

37:30 — Grand final predictions: Roosters or Newcastle?

39:30 — Nick Politis, the Roosters academy and club culture

46:20 — Herbie Farnworth and the Roosters’ recruitment power

50:00 — Jason Ryles and Parramatta’s extension talks

52:30 — Cody Walker, Latrell Mitchell and South Sydney’s future

57:30 — Matt Burton, Bradman Best and player movement

60:00 — Grand final plans and 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

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Connor's Conundrum, Crossland Ban, Adam Gee & Dally M Awards | RLIEP175

Season 1 · Episode 175

Wednesday, September 30, 2026 • Duration 01:07:45

🏉 Welcome to The Rugby League Insider Podcast

Brought to you by FanaticsTV.

James Hooper is joined by Christian Nicolussi and Brandon Savage for a full NRL Grand Final week breakdown.

The team unpack Phoenix Crossland’s suspension after the tackle that injured Nathan Cleary, the fallout for Newcastle, and why the Knights’ remarkable run has captured the rugby league world.

Plus, Connor Watson’s race to be cleared, the Roosters’ key selection calls, Newcastle’s defensive heroes, Adam Gee’s grand final appointment, Dally M predictions, and the coaching cases for Justin Holbrook, Andrew Webster and more.

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS

0:00 — Welcome to Rugby League Insider

5:49 — Phoenix Crossland’s ban and Nathan Cleary injury fallout

8:00 — Crossland’s response and Newcastle’s grand final preparations

12:00 — Judiciary stories and grand final precedents

24:30 — Connor Watson’s concussion call and Roosters selection dilemma

32:23 — Newcastle fever: the city’s grand final buzz

36:00 — Knights’ defensive heroics and why they can challenge the Roosters

41:14 — Roosters team preview: Reece Robson, depth and key match-ups

48:35 — Adam Gee appointed grand final referee

53:20 — Dally M predictions: can Nathan Cleary win from hospital?

58:42 — Coach of the Year debate: Holbrook, Webster, Bennett and Ivan Cleary

64:20 — Captain of the Year: Kalyn Ponga’s Newcastle transformation

67:18 — Final wrap-up

From Wooden Spoon to Grand Final: Newcastle’s Unbelievable NRL Story | RLIEP174

Season 1 · Episode 174

Tuesday, September 29, 2026 • Duration 56:34

🏉 Welcome to The Rugby League Insider Podcast

Brought to you by FanaticsTV.

James Hooper is joined by Simon Woolford and Brendan Savage to unpack the biggest NRL talking points.

The team discuss Newcastle’s remarkable run from wooden spoon to the grand final, Phoenix Crossland’s tackle on Nathan Cleary, and the stories shaping grand final week in rugby league.

Plus, Justin Holbrook’s coaching impact, the Roosters’ dangerous attack, Daly Cherry-Evans’ influence, team selection calls, and predictions for the weekend’s biggest match.

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS

0:00 — Welcome to Rugby League Insider

1:58 — Newcastle’s incredible grand final run

5:46 — Phoenix Crossland tackle, Nathan Cleary injury and hip-drop debate

17:08 — Justin Holbrook’s impact and Newcastle’s belief

28:40 — Roosters preview: Mark Nawaqanitawase, forward pack and key match-ups

35:35 — Roosters’ selection dilemmas: Connor Watson and Spencer Leniu

40:15 — Daly Cherry-Evans, Sam Walker and the grand final records on the line

43:17 — Viewer questions: Cleary, Crossland and Penrith’s finals exit

54:22 — Ivan Cleary’s selection calls and 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

Knights’ Fairytale Grand Final Run | Crossland Facing Ban | Roosters v Newcastle | RLIEP173

Season 1 · Episode 173

Monday, September 28, 2026 • Duration 49:12

🏉 Welcome to The Rugby League Insider Podcast

Brought to you by FanaticsTV.

James Hooper is joined by Darcie McDonald and Anthony Watmough to unpack one of the wildest preliminary-final weekends in recent memory.

The team breaks down Newcastle’s remarkable 12-man win over Penrith, including Phoenix Crossland’s send-off, Nathan Cleary’s injury and the Panthers’ costly selection calls. They then look ahead to a blockbuster Grand Final between the fairytale Knights and the star-studded Sydney Roosters.

Plus, Sandon Smith’s breakout performance, Newcastle’s game plan to expose the Roosters, Justin Holbrook’s inside knowledge, DCE’s premiership chance, and why the Hunter region is fully behind the Knights.

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS

0:00 — Newcastle’s stunning 12-man win over Penrith

1:54 — Where the Knights’ comeback ranks among great finals wins

3:20 — How Newcastle exposed Penrith’s edge defence

5:48 — The Knights’ fairytale run and the Newcastle fan wave

9:08 — Phoenix Crossland’s send-off and Nathan Cleary’s injury

18:58 — Did Penrith get their selection calls wrong?

20:27 — Panthers’ edge defence, leadership and late-game errors

23:06 — Sandon Smith’s quick tap and the defining moments

26:00 — Newcastle’s resilience and belief heading into the Grand Final

30:00 — How the Knights can target the Roosters’ defence

31:12 — Roosters v Dolphins and Justin Holbrook’s inside knowledge

33:52 — Can Newcastle win it after last year’s wooden spoon?

Newcastle's 12-Man MIRACLE: Knights Stun Penrith To Reach Grand Final | RLIEP172

Sunday, September 27, 2026 • Duration 36:24

One of the great finals performances — Newcastle played 44 minutes with 12 men after Phoenix Crossland's send-off and Nathan Cleary's broken leg, and somehow beat the Premiership-favourite Penrith Panthers 22-14 to book a grand final berth. Hoops, Anthony Watmough and John Sutton break down Kalyn Ponga's captain's performance, the small battles Newcastle won everywhere on the field, and where it all went wrong for Ivan Cleary's Panthers. Plus, a preview of next week's decider against the Roosters.

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TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 - Newcastle's Incredible 12-Man Miracle

00:55 - Choc & Sutto React To History

01:58 - Comparing This To Rugby League's Bravest Performances

03:10 - How The Knights Out-Panthered The Panthers

04:12 - Kalyn Ponga's Captain's Performance

05:38 - Cleary's Injury Twist

07:21 - Warren's Bold Grand Final Prediction

09:13 - Shades Of '97 And 2001

12:24 - Newcastle's Forward Pack: The Unsung Heroes

13:12 - Gagai's Inspirational Farewell-Season Form

14:02 - Were Penrith Ever The Deserved Favourites?

16:24 - Ad Break

16:54 - How Much Does This Win Take Out Of Them?

20:55 - Cleary's Costly Coaching Calls Under Scrutiny

24:35 - Panthers' Bench Carnage Explained

27:18 - Sam Smith's Pivotal Quick Tap

28:09 - Penrith's Injury Toll: Brown, Suli, Mooney

29:04 - Average Joes vs The Purple Cobras

30:04 - How Newcastle Can Trouble The Roosters

33:21 - Sutton's Grand Final Tip

Roosters STORM Into Grand Final After Marky Mark Masterclass, Bunker Controversy Erupts | RLI EP171

Season 1 · Episode 171

Friday, September 25, 2026 • Duration 33:51

Description:

Live from the Hyde Park House pub — the Sydney Roosters have booked their first grand final berth since 2019, outclassing the Dolphins 36-20 at Suncorp Stadium. Simon Woolford and Sean O'Sullivan break down Marky Mark's stunning 313m masterclass, the controversial bunker call that upheld a Dolphins try, and the fresh headache of Connor Watson's grand final-ending HIA. Plus, reaction to the Dolphins' season ending short, breaking news on George Williams' move to the Dragons, and a preview of Sunday's Panthers-Knights blockbuster.

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TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 - Roosters Into The Grand Final: Cock-A-Doodle-Doo!

01:03 - Simon Woolford's Instant Reaction

02:05 - Sean O'Sullivan Breaks Down The Result

03:24 - DCE & Sam Walker's Statement Combination

06:48 - Izzy Katoa's Ugly Head-Slam Tackle

09:14 - Victor Radley's Lucky Judiciary History

09:58 - Bunker Chaos: Osako's Try Controversy

14:10 - Marky Mark's Man-Of-The-Match Masterclass

16:56 - The Numbers: Marky Mark's 313m Game

19:07 - What This Grand Final Means For Robbo & The Roosters

20:56 - Reece Robson's Rise Under Robinson

22:21 - Breaking: Connor Watson OUT Of The Grand Final

23:09 - Ad Break

24:08 - Connor Watson HIA Category Bombshell Explained

24:46 - Dolphins' Gutsy Season Ends Short

27:16 - Is This The Dolphins' Ceiling Or Just The Start?

30:09 - Breaking: George Williams Set For Dragons Move

Panthers BIG 4 Set to Re-Sign | Harry Grant Contract Saga & Canberra Gun to Super League | RLI EP170

Season 1 · Episode 170

Friday, September 25, 2026 • Duration 55:10

🏉 Welcome to The Rugby League Insider Podcast

Brought to you by FanaticsTV.

James Hooper is joined by Christian Nicolussi and Brandon Savage to unpack the biggest NRL talking points.

The team discuss Penrith’s moves to retain Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo, Liam Martin and Moses Leota — plus the Panthers’ secretive finals preparations.

Also on the agenda: Raiders contract news, Latrell Mitchell’s South Sydney future, Harry Grant’s Melbourne contract situation, Victor Radley’s career-best season, and a preview of Dolphins v Roosters.

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS

0:00 — Welcome to Rugby League Insider

2:24 — Raiders news: Tom Starling, Matt Nicholson and the hooker puzzle

5:03 — Christian Wolff’s boxing stories and the contract market heats up

7:38 — Raiders roster update and Matt Nicholson’s extension

10:30 — Penrith’s secret training setup and Nathan Cleary update

17:36 — Panthers’ big four: Cleary, Yeo, Martin and Leota contract talks

22:50 — Latrell Mitchell’s South Sydney future and Perth links

37:20 — Harry Grant’s Melbourne Storm future

45:20 — Victor Radley’s fitness overhaul and Roosters future

49:28 — Dolphins v Roosters preview, tips and finals 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.

Ponga's EVOLUTION | Can Newcastle Stop Penrith? | Titans Contract Drama | RLIEP169

Season 1 · Episode 169

Wednesday, September 23, 2026 • Duration 01:00:36

🏉 Welcome to The Rugby League Insider Podcast

Brought to you by FanaticsTV.

James Hooper is joined by Darcie McDonald and Anthony Watmough to unpack the biggest NRL finals talking points.

The team pay tribute to Australian rock icon Angry Anderson and discuss Jai Arrow’s inspiring response to adversity, before turning to the NRL’s blockbuster finals weekend.

Plus, a deep dive into Penrith’s premiership credentials, Newcastle’s fairytale run, South Sydney’s roster shake-up under Wayne Bennett, Latrell Mitchell’s future, and the Titans’ looming contract calls.

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS

0:00 — Welcome to Rugby League Insider

1:20 — Vale Angry Anderson and Jai Arrow’s inspiring tribute night

8:45 — NRL v AFL: Grand Final entertainment and the big-game build-up

14:30 — Greatest preliminary-final comebacks and finals memories

24:50 — Finals preview: can the Panthers be stopped?

28:00 — Newcastle’s game plan and the challenge of beating Penrith

35:10 — Kalyn Ponga’s form, leadership and Knights resurgence

40:15 — Penrith’s edge defence under the microscope

45:20 — South Sydney’s roster overhaul and Payne Haas

50:00 — Latrell Mitchell, Wayne Bennett and Souths’ culture

55:10 — Titans contract pressure and the next big-money call

59:40 — Final predictions and wrap-up

📞 INSIDER HOTLINE

Got a question, opinion or hot take? We’d love to hear from you.

'Souths Offered Him $800,000' What is Latrell Worth? + Key Team List Changes | RLIEP168

Season 1 · Episode 168

Wednesday, September 23, 2026 • Duration 01:09:06

🏉 Welcome to The Rugby League Insider Podcast

Brought to you by FanaticsTV.

James Hooper is joined by Christian Nicolussi and Brandon Savage to unpack the biggest NRL talking points ahead of preliminary-final weekend.

The team preview the Dolphins’ blockbuster clash with the Roosters, including the key match-ups, squad selections and who has the edge. They also discuss Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker’s South Sydney futures, Nathan Cleary’s fitness ahead of Penrith’s showdown with Newcastle, and make their finals predictions.

Plus, the Warriors’ straight-sets exit, the Ashley Klein controversy, contract news, team updates and a look ahead to the weekend’s biggest matches.

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS

0:00 — Welcome to Rugby League Insider

4:20 — Dolphins vs Roosters preliminary-final preview

8:45 — Dolphins’ roster, Herbie Farnworth and contract implications

15:15 — Roosters team selection: Sam Walker, Hugo Savala and Billy Smith

20:15 — Herbie Farnworth vs Robert Toia: key edge match-ups

26:10 — Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker’s South Sydney futures

41:20 — Nathan Cleary fitness update and Penrith’s kicking game

52:20 — Panthers vs Knights preview and finals predictions

58:20 — Warriors’ exit, Ashley Klein and the refereeing debate

65:15 — 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.

Cody's Lowball Offer EXPOSED, Ashley Klein AXED + Special Guest Buzz Rothfield | RLIEP167

Season 1 · Episode 167

Tuesday, September 22, 2026 • Duration 01:12:31

🏉 Welcome to The Rugby League Insider Podcast

Brought to you by FanaticsTV.

James Hooper is joined by Phil “Buzz” Rothfield and Simon Woolford to unpack the biggest NRL talking points.

The team discuss the contract stand-off involving Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker at South Sydney, the Newcastle Knights’ extraordinary resurgence, and Penrith’s injury concerns ahead of the preliminary finals.

Plus, Ashley Klein’s axing, the Broncos’ “root and branch” review, the Bulldogs’ disappointing season, coaches under pressure, Cronulla’s missing X-factor and Paul Gallen’s boxing return.

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS

0:00 — Welcome to Rugby League Insider with Phil “Buzz” Rothfield

3:20 — Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker’s Souths contract drama

20:50 — Newcastle Knights: from wooden spoon to preliminary final

27:00 — Dally M awards and Nathan Cleary’s foot injury

32:11 — Ashley Klein axed after Knights v Warriors controversy

35:20 — Is the six-again rule hurting finals crowds?

40:37 — Broncos’ root-and-branch review: what does it mean for Michael Maguire?

51:09 — Bulldogs’ dramatic slide from top four to 12th

55:09 — Coaches under pressure heading into 2027

58:10 — Bulldogs coaching staff and the Jason Taylor situation

1:07:40 — Cronulla’s X-factor problem

1:09:20 — Paul Gallen v Nelson: boxing return announced

1:12:10 — Final wrap-up

📞 INSIDER HOTLINE

Rugby League Insider with James Hooper – Details, episodes & analysis

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Rugby League Insider with James Hooper – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

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Apple Podcasts

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