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 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.

In this week’s episode of the League Express Podcast, Editor Martyn Sadler and Host Jake Kearnan break down all the action from the NRL x Super League Las Vegas event. They discuss whether the crowd of just over 45,000 was a success, whether the games are drawing in American audiences, and what can be done to improve the event next year. They also celebrate the Halifax Panthers' return to the Championship this weekend after their liquidation last month. The hosts also address a wave of injuries hitting Super League, including Jay Field’s appendicitis, Will Price’s and Blake Taaffe’s ACL injuries. Finally, they dive into the latest Zac Lomax drama and discuss whether we could see Lomax in the Super League. Stay tuned for expert analysis and all the biggest headlines in Rugby League this week!

In this week’s episode of the League Express Podcast, Editor Martyn Sadler and Host Jake Kearnan review the historic World Club Challenge, where Hull Kingston Rovers defeated the Brisbane Broncos. 
Martyn shares his thoughts on the atmosphere at the ground, the officiating and how this World Club Challenge compares to past editions. They also discuss the Brisbane Broncos' performance once and whether they were truly up for this challenge. 
After that, they debate whether the event got enough media coverage in the UK and what this win does for Willie Peters’ coaching resume, with many now seeing him as a front-runner for the England head coach role. 
They break down the new State of Origin eligibility rules in Australia and preview the upcoming Round two Super League match-ups, setting the stage for another thrilling weekend of Rugby League.

In this week’s episode of the League Express Podcast, Editor Martyn Sadler and Host Jake Kearnan preview Round One of the Super League season, breaking down the key match-ups and early storylines as the campaign gets underway.
The conversation then turns to the RFL’s strategic review, with Martyn and Jake analysing what it could mean for the future direction of the game. They also discuss speculation around which Super League coach could eventually succeed Craig Bellamy at the Melbourne Storm, should the legendary NRL coach step aside.
Off the field, the episode covers major developments across the sport, including the Halifax Panthers facing a winding-up order, Owen Trout signing with the Cronulla Sharks, and the shock news that has sent ripples through Rugby League — Payne Haas will leave the Brisbane Broncos to join the South Sydney Rabbitohs in 2027.
🔑 Topics covered:
Super League Round One preview
RFL strategic review explained
Who could replace Craig Bellamy at Melbourne Storm?
Halifax Panthers winding-up order
Owen Trout signs with Cronulla Sharks
Payne Haas to South Sydney Rabbitohs in 2027
👉 Subscribe for weekly Super League analysis, Rugby 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 are joined by BBC pundit and former Super League coach John Kear for a full 2026 Rugby League predictions special.
The trio deliver their bold calls for the 2026 season, debating which club will exceed expectations, which side could struggle or disappoint, and which player is primed for a breakout season. They also discuss the future of the England head coach role, offering insight into who could take charge next.
Attention then turns to silverware, with predictions on who will win the Challenge Cup, the Super League Grand Final, the NRL Grand Final, and the World Club Challenge, making this a must-listen episode for Rugby League fans looking ahead to the biggest year yet.
🔑 Topics covered:
2026 Super League season preview
Which team will exceed expectations?
Which club could disappoint?
Breakout player predictions
Who will be the next England head coach?
Challenge Cup winner predictions
Super League Grand Final winner
NRL Grand Final winner
World Club Challenge predictions
👉 Subscribe for weekly Rugby League analysis, Super League & NRL coverage, exclusive interviews and expert predictions from League Express.