Love Rugby League Weekly

Samoa's 2000 World Cup captain Willie Poching joins Love Rugby League's George Riley for a special semi-final podcast as Samoa seek revenge on England, and New Zealand bid to topple world champions Australia. Poching discuss the pride and emotion of watching Samoa beat Tonga in a memorable quarter-final in Warrington, and reveals the key components to Samoa's remarkable resurgence since their 60-6 defeat to England on the opening day of the competition. The former Wakefield coach also reveals the truth behind being turned away from Samoa's training base and the subsequent conversations with head coach Matt Parish, and discusses why Parish has been so prickly with the media during the tournament. Poching also reveals his own future plans, and how he and his family are discussing leaving the UK after 25 years in the British game. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're back for a World Cup podcast special, with host George Riley discussing all the latest with editor James Gordon and deputy editor Drew Darbyshire.  The men's tournament heads into the quarter-finals this weekend, with Shaun Wane's England set to take on Papua New Guinea in Wigan on Saturday. Australia and Lebanon kick-off the quarter-finals action on Friday in Huddersfield. Meanwhile, New Zealand face Fiji in Hull on Saturday evening, while Samoa will come head-to-head with Tonga in Warrington on Sunday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

NRL and Super League winner and former Ireland international Pat Richards is this week's guest on the Love Rugby League podcast. The former Parramatta, Wests Tigers, Wigan and Catalans winger joins host George Riley to reflect on his career and discuss life after league. Richards, 40, discusses Wigan's culture and the 'best' eight years of his life in the Super League competition. The Australian-born player looks ahead to the World Cup and reflects on representing his heritage with Ireland on the international stage. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Super League winner and current Featherstone Rovers player and coach Adam Cuthbertson is this week's guest on the Love Rugby League podcast! The 37-year-old joins host George Riley for this week's big interview on the podcast. A former NRL forward, Cuthbertson discusses his time at Leeds and the success he enjoyed, as well as looking at the current resurgence at the Rhinos. Cuthbertson discusses the fight for promotion to Super League, with his club Featherstone facing Batley Bulldogs in the semi-finals in the Championship this weekend. Meanwhile, deputy editor Drew Darbyshire joins the show to discuss all the latest. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Warrington's 2023 recruit and Wales international forward Gil Dudson is this week's guest on the Love Rugby League podcast. The former Wigan and Salford prop joins host George Riley for this week's big interview. Dudson, 32, discusses his time at Catalans and the frustrating end to his time in France following the club's play-off defeat to Leeds. He also talks about his experiences at Wigan and World Cup doubts while looking ahead to joining Daryl Powell's Wolves next season. Dudson also reveals the time he nearly hung up the boots during his career due to the ruthlessness of the sport. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's a Super League Dream Team special on this week's Love Rugby League podcast! Host George Riley and Love Rugby League deputy editor Drew Darbyshire caught up with some of the stars that were included in the team last weekend. Wigan fans can enjoy hearing from in-form full-back Jai Field about his combination with team-mate Bevan French, making the Dream Team and loving Manchester city life. Super League play-off underdogs Salford Red Devils feature with try-scoring talent Ken Sio. The winger discusses being underdogs and wanting a long-term stay at the club. Huddersfield and now World Cup hopeful Chris McQueen also joins the show. The back-rower talks about how he came over to Super League with a point to prove and wanting to play for England at this year's tournament. Additionally, St Helens and Leeds supporters can hear from Jack Welsby and Mikolaj Oledzki. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Toulouse Olympique winger and Scotland international Matty Russell is this week's guest on the Love Rugby League podcast.  The 29-year-old joins host George Riley for this week's big interview. Russell discusses Toulouse's relegation from Super League after just one year in the top flight and where his future lies in 2023.  The winger also opens up on his personal journey and the rollercoaster of his career, including problems with gambling and alcohol. Meanwhile, reporter Josh McAllister joins the show to discuss all the latest. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wigan Warriors assistant coach Lee Briers joins host George Riley for this week's Love Rugby League podcast. Briers, 44, joined Wigan in October 2021 as part of the club's new coaching team under Matt Peet. The former international half-back discusses his coaching journey, from leaving Warrington, his chance at Wigan and the unmissable opportunity at Brisbane Broncos. Briers will make the move to the NRL club as transition coach at the end of 2022, and discusses how he believes things happen for a reason.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rugby League World Cup 2021 chief executive Jon Dutton joins host George Riley for this week's Love Rugby League podcast.  The World Cup boss discusses the work behind this year's tournament and how it will become the best one year when it kicks-off on October 15.  This year's World Cup will be the biggest and best yet, according to Dutton and officials, with 61 matches scheduled.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wigan winger Liam Marshall joins host George Riley for this week's Love Rugby League podcast. Marshall discusses his unique journey in his career to first-team rugby league during this week's big interview. The 26-year-old almost turned his back on the sport to go into accountancy as a youngster before making his mark at the Warriors. He also talks through his World Cup hopes with England and the current season at Wigan under Matt Peet in his debut year in charge. Meanwhile, reporter Josh McAllister joins the show to discuss all the latest. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

St Helens and England prop forward Alex Walmsley is this week's guest on the Love Rugby League podcast. The 32-year-old joins host George Riley for the latest big interview, reflecting on his career and looking ahead to the Rugby League World Cup. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sam Tomkins is the latest guest on the Love Rugby League captain! The Catalans Dragons and England international full-back joins host George Riley for this week's big interview. Tomkins, 33, discusses his club's goals of reaching the Grand Final this season. He also has his say following alleged comments that Catalans Dragons bring nothing to Super League. The former Wigan number one discusses this year's Rugby League World Cup, while revealing Shaun Edwards is his neighbour!  He also believes James Roby will pull on the England shirt for this year's tournament if fit.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joining host George Riley this week is Salford Red Devils head coach Paul Rowley on the Love Rugby League podcast. The former player discusses his debut season in charge of the Super League side, who are eyeing up a spot in the play-offs in Super League. Rowley, 47, discusses Brodie Croft's first season with the club and the growing partnership he has made with Marc Sneyd and Ryan Brierley. The former Toronto boss discusses his experience with the Wolfpack and has his say on the fight for promotion to Super League, backing his former club in Leigh. Rowley also pays his respects to ex-player Ricky Bibey, who sadly passed away last week, aged 40. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former England and Great Britain prop forward Adrian Morley is the latest guest on the Love Rugby League podcast! The 45-year-old joins host George Riley on this week's show to discuss a range of rugby league topics. He discusses England's World Cup chances under boss Shaun Wane and praises forward Morgan Knowles as a forward who will lead the side for years to come. Morley also discusses disciplinary in the modern game and reflects on his NRL memories. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Castleford Tigers captain Paul McShane is the latest guest on the Love Rugby League podcast! The England international joins host George Riley for this week's big interview. McShane, 32, discusses Castleford's play-off goals following their turn of form in the season. Lee Radford's side sit fifth in the Super League table, and have won three games on the bounce in Super League. Meanwhile, the hooker discusses the international scene with England, having made his debut against the Combined Nations All Stars last year. He also discusses former team-mates Jacques O'Neill's inclusion in this year's hit reality TV show Love Island.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Batley Bulldogs head coach Craig Lingard is the latest guest on the Love Rugby League podcast. The former player joins host George Riley for this week's big interview following his side's impressive 28-20 victory over promotion-chasing Featherstone Rovers in the Championship. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John Kear is the latest guest on the Love Rugby League podcast. The incoming Widnes boss is fresh from the trip to Albi as Wales returned to the international scene in more than three years against France. Meanwhile, host George Riley is joined by deputy editor Drew Darbyshire to discuss all the latest. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Combined Nations All Stars assistant coach Andrew Henderson is this week's guest on the Love Rugby League podcast. The Keighley Cougars head of rugby has linked up with the All Stars once again, this time under new boss Ellery Hanley ahead of their clash against England. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

St Helens assistant coach and former England and Great Britain full-back Paul Wellens is the latest guest on the Love Rugby League podcast. Meanwhile, host George Riley and journalist Josh McAllister discuss all the latest in rugby league. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former Huddersfield and England forward Eorl Crabtree is this week's guest on the Love Rugby League podcast. Joining host George Riley, Crabtree dissects Huddersfield's heartbreaking defeat to Wigan in the Challenge Cup final on Saturday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former Wigan, Huddersfield, Widnes, Warrington, Salford and England half-back Kevin Brown is this week's Big Interview, joining host George Riley. Brown previews the Challenge Cup final between his two former clubs in Huddersfield and Wigan. He also discusses the 1895 Cup, and how he is enjoying life in retirement. Meanwhile, George and deputy editor Drew Darbyshire discuss all the latest in rugby league and have their say on the finals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

James Graham is the latest guest on the Love Rugby League podcast. The former NRL, St Helens and England forward discusses a range of topics with host George Riley. Meanwhile, George and James Gordon discuss the latest in rugby league, including the Challenge Cup semi-finals.

Kallum Watkins is the latest guest on the Love Rugby League podcast. The England international centre joins George Riley for this week's big interview. He discusses his World Cup ambitions, returning to the field and in the pack and his time in the NRL.

Jamie Soward is the latest guest on the Love Rugby League podcast. The 2010 NRL Premiership winning half-back reflects on his playing career, discusses his time in England and opens up on his coaching ambitions. Soward also discusses which players he think could make it in the NRL from Super League.

Brad Singleton is the latest guest on the Love Rugby League podcast. Singleton shares his thoughts on the recent busy Easter period. He also discusses the power of positivity following the fall of Toronto, and plans for life after league. 

Chris Hill is the latest guest on the Love Rugby League podcast. The Huddersfield forward discusses Ian Watson and his potential to become an NRL coach, his move to the John Smith's Stadium and England. Meanwhile, James Gordon and Josh McAllister look ahead to the busy Easter weekend period, plus the good, the bad and the ugly. 

Jake Emmitt is the latest guest on the Love Rugby League podcast. The former Super League forward discusses his career, time with Toronto Wolfpack and French rugby league. Meanwhile, Josh McAllister and Ben Olawumi discuss all the latest in rugby league including the good, the bad and the ugly.

Rangi Chase is the latest guest on the Love Rugby League podcast. The 2011 Man of Steel winner discusses his career so far, including making the move to Castleford in 2009 from the NRL, and playing for England. Meanwhile, James Gordon and Josh McAllister go through all the latest news and results - including the good, the bad and the ugly from the weekend.

Mitch Garbutt is this week's guest on the Love Rugby League podcast as he discusses Toulouse's first win over St Helens, his take on Leeds and their search for a new coach and life in France. Meanwhile, James Gordon and Josh McAllister go through all the latest news and results - including the good, the bad and the ugly from the weekend.

Ryan Hall is this week's guest on the Love Rugby League podcast as he discusses his time in the NRL, his England call up and life after league. Meanwhile, Drew Darbyshire and Josh McAllister go through all the latest news and results - including the good, the bad and the ugly from the weekend.

John Bateman is this week's guest as he opens up on his journey from a young kid in Bradford to playing for Wigan and in the NRL. Meanwhile, James Gordon and Josh McAllister go through the latest action in rugby league - including the good, the bad and the ugly from this week. There's yet more disciplinary chatter and we look ahead to this weekend's action in Super League and the Challenge Cup.

Chris Thorman is this week's guest as he talks to us about the potential for Super League in Cumbria, his own experience of the NRL and the 'no d**khead' policy at Workington. Also, Love Rugby League editor James Gordon and Josh McAllister knock about the talking points from the weekend's games, and give their good, bad and ugly of the week.

The disciplinary has dominated rugby league discussions this week, following the weekend's games and subsequent bans dished out. Editor James Gordon and reporter Josh McAllister go over the big talking points, give their views on Luke Gale's red card and ban as well as the good, the bad and the ugly for this week. And in the feature interview, George Riley catches up with Ryan Brierley - who opens up on his traumatic experience at Toronto and his emotional homecoming with Salford.

Kyle Amor joins George Riley for this week's big interview in the Love Rugby League podcast, while James Gordon and Josh McAllister discuss the good, the bad and the ugly from the weekend's action - including a triumphant start for Channel 4, disciplinary problems and the Championship latest.

Hear from all 12 Super League coaches ahead of the new season, as well as the presenter of the new Channel 4 TV coverage, comedian Adam Hills. Love Rugby League editor James Gordon and deputy Drew Darbyshire assess all 12 teams and give their predictions for the campaign.

The new look Love Rugby League podcast launches for 2022, with a quick look over the opening weekend of the Championship, the second round of the Challenge Cup and the issues surrounding Toulouse ahead of the Super League opener. Tyrone McCarthy is the guest for the first episode, as he reflects on his career. And in the new random rugby league feature, we've got our hands on 1997 Super League Sticker Album. Got something we might like? Drop us an email news@loverugbyleague.com

This week's talking points Academy players make their case Challenge Cup preview Join the debate

D-Day looms for Toronto Wolfpack More coronavirus woes, on and off the pitch Who has been the most impressive team since the restart?

Fans can return on September 30 Should Toronto be in Super League in 2021? Huddersfield coach contenders Run through all the latest news Have your say

Fans return? James and Drew discuss all the latest, including an update on the return of fans and look ahead to this weekend's Super League action.

James and Drew chat about a quiet week in rugby league.

The boys are back for a lunchtime special to talk about the Super League fixture list, restart plans and the latest on Toronto and more...

Former Super League and NRL forward Keith Mason joins Love Rugby League’s James Gordon and Drew Darbyshire to discuss his plans to take rugby league to the big screen. Rugby Blood is a graphic novel that Mason is turning in to a brand, backed by some of the biggest stars in Super League and the competition itself, with the hope that it will spread the game to new areas. He also tells us about his life from a troubled teenager, to earning a move to the NRL and Melbourne Storm before he was 20, where he played alongside legends Cameron Smith and Billy Slater. SUBSCRIBE to Love Rugby League: https://bit.ly/2GCG8P8 (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&v=ckNFvz1y30k&q=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2F2GCG8P8&redir_token=7YPXprBUwE6zNe307KkspSwX_-F8MTU4NDAxODI3NEAxNTgzOTMxODc0)

Toronto Wolfpack 'superfan' Sandy Shipley is this week's guest on The Last Tackle, with Love Rugby League's James Gordon and Drew Darbyshire. Sandy discusses her journey to the UK, falling in love with rugby league and all things Toronto. Find out too, her favourite memory in the sport so far in Drew's quick-fire 13! James and Drew also reflect on the weekend's results and discuss the World Club Challenge. SUBSCRIBE to Love Rugby League: https://bit.ly/2GCG8P8 (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&v=0B9B9VBosf0&q=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2F2GCG8P8&redir_token=6enyRSw-NPCD9DTt-kIsjQ2TGS98MTU4MjgwODMzNEAxNTgyNzIxOTM0) FOLLOW LOVE RUGBY LEAGUE Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/loverugbyleague (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&v=0B9B9VBosf0&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Floverugbyleague&redir_token=6enyRSw-NPCD9DTt-kIsjQ2TGS98MTU4MjgwODMzNEAxNTgyNzIxOTM0) Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/loverugbyleague (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&v=0B9B9VBosf0&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.twitter.com%2Floverugbyleague&redir_token=6enyRSw-NPCD9DTt-kIsjQ2TGS98MTU4MjgwODMzNEAxNTgyNzIxOTM0) Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/loverugbyle (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&v=0B9B9VBosf0&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Floverugbyle&redir_token=6enyRSw-NPCD9DTt-kIsjQ2TGS98MTU4MjgwODMzNEAxNTgyNzIxOTM0) ... #rugbyleague (https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=%23rugbyleague)

Respected rugby league journalist Gary Carter is the latest guest on The Last Tackle, with Love Rugby League's James Gordon and Drew Darbyshire. Gary talks candidly about the life-changing attack on him prior to an England test match in London that left him in a coma and required him learning how to walk again.  He reflects on the support and time afforded to him by rugby league personalities, including the tributes paid to him by England and Leeds.  Beyond that, the trio debate the merits of the World Club Challenge and how more should be done to incorporate the international game in to the calendar - with Gary giving his unique insight in to what makes the news desks tick at national newspaper level.  There's also talk on Toronto's move for Tony Gigot, the prospects of their relegation and how Super League is shaping up after three rounds.  Find out too, how Gary describes wife Gemma in one of the more controversial questions of Drew's quick-fire 13!  SUBSCRIBE to Love Rugby League: https://bit.ly/2GCG8P8 (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?q=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2F2GCG8P8&event=video_description&v=4E_MrgCfrDc&redir_token=u_yduIONhRj-PGrYrv9_vsklqNx8MTU4MjI4NzkxMEAxNTgyMjAxNTEw)

Joining Love Rugby League’s James Gordon and Drew Darbyshire this week is incoming Rochdale Hornets chairman Andy Mazey. Mazey walked away from Swinton Lions last season after controversial plans to rebrand the club to Manchester Lions were opposed by the club’s fans. After a brief spell out of the game, he now heads up a new board at Rochdale Hornets, who will be seeking promotion back to the Championship after their relegation at the end of 2019. He gives insight in to running a League One club, links with the amateur game and community, and how rugby league can boost its player pool. With the Hornets’ recent link-up with Toronto Wolfpack, Mazey also discusses Toronto and the other planned expansion clubs set to join League One soon. And of course, he has a go at Drew’s 13 quick-fire questions. For all the latest, visit www.loverugbyleague.com SUBSCRIBE to Love Rugby League: https://bit.ly/2GCG8P8 (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&v=VSYLp1vNSZA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2F2GCG8P8&redir_token=uim5t_rDX_wh_EJfK7YYDcp20v18MTU4MTUyMjM3MEAxNTgxNDM1OTcw)

What’s it like being a referee? How do you deal with the abuse? And do they do day to day? Love Rugby League’s James Gordon and Drew Darbyshire are joined by former Super League referee Ian Smith and gain some fascinating insight on the life of a match official, as well as talk about some of the key moments from the first round of fixtures. Smith speaks candidly about an incident in what turned out to be his final game as a referee which required the police to drive his car to get him out of the ground safely. He tells us about the routine of a full-time referee and how they prepare for games. We touch on Smith’s work now as a State of Mind presenter, where he uses his experience to deliver mental health sessions in the rugby league community and beyond. And Drew and Ian give their predictions for round two of Super League, as well as taking on the 13 quick-fire questions. For all the latest, visit www.loverugbyleague.com SUBSCRIBE to Love Rugby League: https://bit.ly/2GCG8P8 (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?redir_token=tyvy40--LjAli3SMMMnbQceEzzN8MTU4MTE2MjI3OUAxNTgxMDc1ODc5&event=video_description&v=KaJ4wxq6wrM&q=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2F2GCG8P8)

Is it Warrington's year? What's life like in Catalans? Matty Smith tells all. Love Rugby League's James Gordon and Drew Darbyshire are joined by Lance Todd Trophy winner Matty Smith to look ahead to the new season and discuss the fall out from Matty's former club Catalans signing controversial figure Israel Folau. Smith talks about his time at Wigan and how things went wrong on his return to hometown club St Helens. We ask if he regrets choosing rugby league over a football career, having started out at Everton, while he is the first victim of Drew's 13 quick-fire questions of the season. And hopefully you can do better than Drew and Matty did at naming the 12 players to have played for six or more Super League clubs. For all the latest, visit www.loverugbyleague.com SUBSCRIBE to Love Rugby League: https://bit.ly/2GCG8P8 (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?redir_token=m0BNHULzpcwt1evsRQmIEuClBuR8MTU4MTE2MjE4NUAxNTgxMDc1Nzg1&event=video_description&v=Tbh2EBfgZjs&q=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2F2GCG8P8)

Drew and Josh discuss all things rugby league. Join the debate.

Drew and Josh talk Super League, Championship and much more.