League Express Podcast

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.

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.