League Express Podcast

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.

In this week’s episode of the League Express Podcast, Editor Martyn Sadler and Host Jake Kearnan react to a packed weekend of Rugby League action and off-field debate.
The pair review the latest Challenge Cup fixtures, breaking down the standout performances and biggest talking points. They discuss the future of international Rugby League, as Martyn and Jake debate whether NRL players leaving the sport to pursue a Rugby Union World Cup highlights shortcomings in Rugby League’s own World Cup structure.
They also look ahead to the business end of the season, discussing which teams could meet in the Super League Grand Final, before analysing growing speculation around the England head coach role, with Brad Arthur and Willie Peters both reportedly showing interest.
Elsewhere, the episode covers key transfer and media news, including Cameron Smith’s departure to Wakefield next season, Tex Hoy’s new club, and whether Sky Sports will bid for Super League broadcasting rights in the next major TV deal.
🔑 Topics covered:
Challenge Cup weekend review
NRL players switching to Rugby Union & World Cup debate
Who could reach the Super League Grand Final?
England coaching race: Brad Arthur & Willie Peters
Cameron Smith set to join Wakefield
Tex Hoy’s next club revealed
Future of Super League TV rights & Sky Sports
👉 Subscribe for weekly Super League analysis, Rugby League news, transfers, media insight and expert opinion from League Express.

In this week’s episode of the League Express Podcast, Editor Martyn Sadler and Host Jake Kearnan react to Rugby League news as the Championship season gets underway.
They discuss the London Broncos’ first win under new owners Darren Lockyer and Grant Wechsel, before turning their attention to the decision by the RFL to part ways with England head coach Shaun Wane. Martyn and Jake debate who should take over the role and what direction England Rugby League should take next.
The conversation also covers the controversial exclusion of Featherstone Rovers from the Championship, the significance of 5,000 fans attending Salford’s opening match against Oldham, and what it says about the club’s future.
They analyse key player movement and transfer news, including Matt Dufty signing for South Sydney Rabbitohs’ NSW Cup side, the ongoing Zac Lomax situation, and the Perth Bears’ recruitment drive with the signings of James McDonnell, Tyran Wishart and Nick Meaney.
🔑 Topics covered:
Championship season kicks off
London Broncos’ first win under Darren Lockyer & Grant Wechsel
RFL decision to move on from Shaun Wane
Who should be the next England head coach?
Featherstone Rovers excluded from the Championship
5,000 attend Salford vs Oldham opener
Matt Dufty to South Sydney (NSW Cup)
The Zac Lomax saga explained
Perth Bears sign McDonnell, Wishart & Meaney
👉 Subscribe for weekly Rugby League analysis, Super League & Championship news, NRL updates and exclusive insight from League Express.

In this week’s episode of the League Express Podcast, Editor Martyn Sadler and Host Jake Kearnan are joined by one of the greatest Rugby League players of all time, Darren Lockyer, alongside his business partner and London Broncos Owner Grant Wechsel.
Now a majority owner of the London Broncos, Lockyer discusses his transition from legendary player to club owner, why he believes in the London Broncos project, and what the future holds for the club. The conversation covers London’s importance to Rugby League, long-term ambitions for the Broncos, and what success looks like both on and off the field.
Lockyer and Wechsel also give insight into ownership challenges, building a sustainable Rugby League club in the capital, and how London fits into the wider picture of Super League expansion and growth.
🔑 Topics covered:
Darren Lockyer and Grant Wechsel's role as majority owner's of the London Broncos
Why London is vital to the future of Rugby League
Long-term vision and ambitions for the Broncos
Challenges of ownership and sustainability
Super League expansion and the growth of the game
Life after playing for one of Rugby League’s all-time greats
👉 Subscribe for exclusive Rugby League interviews, Super League insight and expert analysis from League Express.