League Express Podcast

In this week’s episode of the League Express Podcast, Editor Martyn Sadler and Host Jake Kearnan break down all the action from the Easter derby clashes, analysing the standout performances and debating which fixture delivered the most excitement.
They also discuss the ongoing drama at Hull FC, following the news that Head Coach John Cartwright will depart at the end of the season, and react to reports linking the club with a mega move for Nathan Cleary, exploring what such a signing could mean for Super League.
Elsewhere, the pair examine the continued growth of French Rugby League, debate expansion in the NRL with a new Brisbane team bid, and whether it should be prioritised over a second New Zealand franchise.
They also preview this weekend’s Challenge Cup Quarter Finals, looking ahead to the key match-ups and what promises to be another big weekend of Rugby League.

In this week’s episode of the League Express Podcast, Editor Martyn Sadler and Host Jake Kearnan are joined by former Rugby League coach and BBC pundit John Kear to break down all the latest Super League news and action.
The trio discuss the major story of the week — Willie Peters signing on as the inaugural PNG Chiefs head coach — and what it means for Hull KR moving forward. They debate whether the announcement could become a distraction, how quickly the club should appoint a successor, and which coaches could be in the frame for one of the biggest jobs in the game.
They also assess Brad Arthur’s future, react to the headline signing of Roger Tuivasa-Sheck joining Wakefield, and pay tribute to Geoff Burrow.
To round off the episode, Martyn, Jake and John preview the highly anticipated Easter Weekend rivalry fixtures, analysing the key match-ups and what fans can expect from one of the biggest weekends in the Rugby League calendar.
🔑 Topics covered:
 Willie Peters named PNG Chiefs head coach 
 Impact on Hull KR and potential distraction 
 Who could replace Peters at Hull KR? 
 Brad Arthur’s future 
 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck signs with Wakefield 
 Tribute to Geoff Burrow 
 Super League Easter Weekend rivalry preview 
👉 Subscribe for weekly Rugby League analysis, Super League news, NRL updates and expert insight from League Express.

In this week’s episode of the League Express Podcast, Editor Martyn Sadler and Host Jake Kearnan tackle some of the biggest issues in Rugby League, starting with the situation at Huddersfield Giants.
They discuss who should replace Luke Robinson as head coach, what has gone wrong at the club this season, and what needs to change moving forward. Martyn also outlines what he believes should be the key priorities for the RFL under Nigel Wood, as the governing body looks to shape the future of the game.
The episode also features a listener question on whether the Championship is becoming similar to the Queensland Cup or New South Wales Cup, with a detailed breakdown of the differences between the systems and what the future holds for the second tier in England.
Elsewhere, the hosts discuss a landmark moment in the sport, with Tara Jones becoming the first woman to referee a Super League match, as well as the potential shock of Fiji being excluded from the Rugby League World Cup.
They also break down the latest drama in the NRL involving Gordon Tallis, Ben Te’o, Michael Maguire and the Brisbane Broncos, rounding off another packed week in Rugby League.
🔑 Topics covered:
Huddersfield Giants coaching situation
Who replaces Luke Robinson?
What’s gone wrong at Huddersfield
RFL priorities under Nigel Wood
Is the Championship becoming like the NSW/QLD Cup?
Future of the second tier in Rugby League
Tara Jones refereeing milestone in Super League
Fiji’s potential World Cup exclusion
NRL drama: Tallis, Te’o, Maguire & Broncos
👉 Subscribe for weekly Rugby League analysis, Super League and NRL news, and expert insight from League Express.

🎙️ League Express Podcast | Challenge Cup Review, NRL Debate & Super League Issues
In this week’s episode of the League Express Podcast, Editor Martyn Sadler and Host Jake Kearnan break down all the action from the latest Challenge Cup fixtures, analysing the key moments and standout performances from the weekend.
They also discuss this week’s League Express readers poll, which asks fans what they believe is the best aspect of the NRL competition, sparking a wider debate about how the Australian game compares to Super League amidst on-going negotiations between the two competitions.
The conversation then turns to the future of the sport, with discussion around St Helens Chairman Eamon McManus’ comments on the need for greater consultation with club owners in any potential dealings with the NRL.
Elsewhere, the episode covers growing concerns around the injury crisis in Super League, including Hull FC coach John Cartwright’s views, as well as International Rugby League’s decision to scrap tier systems in the women’s game.
The hosts also discuss Oldham’s search for a new stadium and round up the latest NRL news, including a milestone moment for Alex Johnston.

In this week’s episode of the League Express Podcast, Editor Martyn Sadler and Host Jake Kearnan break down all the action from Super League Round 4 and the NRL’s opening round, analysing the biggest results, standout performances and talking points from both competitions.
The pair also discuss the growing conversation around a future agreement between the NRL and Super League, including what fans would like to see from closer collaboration between the two competitions. Martyn shares his advice to the RFL as negotiations with the NRL continue and explores what the next Super League broadcast deal could look like, with Sky Sports, DAZN and TNT Sports all potential bidders.
They also assess the growing injury crisis at Huddersfield Giants, the impact of Bevan French tearing his hamstring, and debate which NRL fullback could be targeted for a mid-season Super League transfer.
Elsewhere, the hosts examine blowout scorelines in the NRL, whether player salaries should be made public, Zac Lomax’s move to the Western Force in Super Rugby, and the major international news that Kalyn Ponga has switched his allegiance to represent New Zealand.
🔑 Topics covered
Super League Round 4 review
NRL opening round analysis
NRL and Super League partnership debate
RFL negotiations and Martyn’s advice
Next Super League TV deal (Sky, DAZN, TNT)
Huddersfield Giants injury crisis
Bevan French hamstring injury
Potential NRL fullback mid-season transfer target
NRL blowout scorelines debate
Should Rugby League player salaries be public?
Zac Lomax signing with the Western Force
Kalyn Ponga switching allegiance to the Kiwis
👉 Subscribe for weekly Rugby League insight, Super League analysis, NRL discussion and exclusive commentary from League Express.