League Express Podcast

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.

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.