The Daily Telegraph NRL Podcast

Gus Gould has publicly admitted the Lachlan Galvin halfback experiment isn't working — and Mick Carayannis isn't holding back, firing up at the Bulldogs boss over the Galvin gamble at Canterbury. With Sam Walker off contract and under pressure on State of Origin's biggest stage, the panel debates whether his Queensland debut can convince the Roosters to keep him — or whether Reece Walsh's Origin snub was the right call. Plus, we dig into the Billy Slater and Aaron Woods rift — is it real? — and take your questions on Dean Young's future at the Dragons, Junior Paulo's contract at Parramatta, and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The State of Origin team announcement sparks an explosive debate as the James Tedesco NSW recall and the shock news that Reece Walsh was dropped by QLD completely rock both camps. Trav slams the controversial Dylan Edwards axing as "ridiculous" while Bulldog defends Laurie Daley putting the cleaners through the Blues squad.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NRL Magic Round 2026 preview and official tips for every game including the New Zealand Warriors vs Brisbane Broncos blockbuster at Suncorp Stadium. Could Billy Slater pull off a shock State of Origin selection gamble by moving Kalyn Ponga to the halves alongside Cameron Munster to make the QLD Maroons instant favorites over the NSW Blues? Plus, breaking NRL transfer news as Luke Metcalf signs a massive contract with the St George Illawarra Dragons after the Canterbury Bulldogs officially pulled out of the $1 million race.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ivan Cleary is leaving the Penrith Panthers. The club has confirmed that the four-time premiership-winning coach will step down at the end of 2027, with assistant Peter Wallace already named as his successor. With Nathan Cleary, Liam Martin, and Brian To'o all off-contract at the same time, we break down why the Panthers face a vital fight to stop a total dynasty collapse.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The five-year plan at Belmore is in deep trouble as 20 positional changes leave the Bulldogs attack looking like a dogs breakfast. Following a 44-12 thrashing, we debate if the season is already over and why the current coaching strategy has the roster in total disarray.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jarome Luai has emerged as the shock favourite for the NSW No. 6 jersey, but can he jump Mitchell Moses for the State of Origin opener? Dave Riccio, Brent Read, and Michael Carayannis dive into the explosive Origin selection debate and the statement game that could decide the Blues halves pairing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Bulldogs are "unravelling" at Belmore, the Tigers' premiership bubble has officially burst, and Queensland is facing an Origin selection crisis.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Lachie Galvin left the Tigers, Luai was one of the loudest voices against him. Now Luai is the one headed out the door, to PNG and he could lure Tigers players with him.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jarome Luai's visit to the PNG Chiefs has ignited outrage across the NRL — is the Tigers captain about to walk out on a club that's finally flying? The panel debates whether Luai's mid-season PNG trip is a genuine move or a play for more money, why Tigers fans feel betrayed, and whether the Chiefs' tax-free millions are making a mockery of the NRL salary cap.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Benji Marshall wants the media to back off the Wests Tigers — but Mick can't win either way. He copped it when he wrote they were struggling, and now he's copping it for writing about how well they're going.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Dragons board axed Flanagan by "mutual agreement" Monday morning, but the press conference raised more questions than answersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A rival coach leaks the secret reason Wayne Bennett wants a critical NRL rule change, while the Dragons bid against themselves for Scott Drinkwater. We preview Round 7 tips for Tigers vs Broncos and Eels vs Bulldogs, plus Latrell Mitchell’s position status.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Parramatta Eels fans booed their team off after a 52-10 humiliation against the Gold Coast Titans, the club's worst home loss since 1995.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dave Riccio and Brent Read break down the growing crisis at the St George Illawarra Dragons as they spiral into an 0-5 start. We dive into the friction between board members and the impact of the current club-wide signing freeze that has stalled all roster movements ahead of their clash with Manly. Plus, we have the latest on Nathan Cleary’s $4.5M contract bombshell. As he celebrates his 200th game tonight, the tax-free figures from the PNG Chiefs have the Panthers facing a massive fight to keep their superstar before the November 1 deadline. We also go inside the Perth Bears internal tension, with friction erupting between the administration and the Football Department ahead of a high-stakes board meeting this Friday. Also in our NRL Round 6 Official Preview: Tigers v Knights: A top-of-the-table showdown and the $1.2M Kalyn Ponga dilemma. Connor Watson: Why the Roosters have granted their utility star permission to negotiate for 2027. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shane Flanagan and the St George Illawarra Dragons face an existential crisis after a 32-0 humiliation, with Damien Cook’s contract talks halted. The Brisbane Broncos have also hit a breaking point with a triple injury blow to Reece Walsh, Adam Reynolds, and Ben Hunt.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

St George Illawarra Dragons under fire, Kalyn Ponga to the rescue? Shane Flanagan's job is on the line and the Code NRL panel has found the long-term fix the Dragons need — and it's a bold one.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Dragons have equalled their worst ever losing streak after eight straight losses dating back to last season, and their fans have had enough. With Kyle Flanagan sidelined after a serious concussion, two five-eighths could now be running the Red V's attack — and the panel asks whether Shane Flanagan is running out of answers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The St George Illawarra Dragons can't win a game in 2026 and the Code NRL boys reckon benching Clint Gutherson and buying AJ Brimson from the Gold Coast Titans is the fix the Red V desperately need.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The team break down the "petty" decision to strip the legend's name from a team room and replace it with Ali Brigginshaw, questioning if the club has become too "thin-skinned". We also dive into the Parramatta Eels' devastating blow, with star J'maine Hopgood facing a season-ending ACL injury after a controversial Ryan Couchman hip-drop.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NRL Round 3 2026: Seibold sacked? Manly Sea Eagles crisis deepens, Bronson Xerri axed as Tigers circle, and Gorden Tallis slams Broncos Adam Reynolds leadership in a massive week of NRL 2026 news.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Brisbane Broncos are officially in a 0–2 crisis after a defensive collapse against the Eels. With Adam Reynolds under an injury cloud, Michael Maguire has put his superstars "on notice" as the team looks like they are "waiting for somebody to make things happen".See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alex Johnston is two tries from breaking the NRL try-scoring record — and the NRL is threatening $5,500 fines for any fan who storms the field. Jake Trbojevic is back after three concussions in 2025 knowing one more could end his career. And Benji Marshall told his Tigers squad "there's the door" if they don't meet his standards — now Round 2 is the first test. Plus Melbourne Storm's roster overhaul post-Lomax and who Readie reckons should fill their two spots.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Zac Lomax ends the saga with a code switch to the Western Force, the Broncos suffer their worst performance under Maguire in a 26-0 belting by Penrith, and DCE's Roosters debut ends in a 42-18 horror loss in Auckland. NRL Round 1 2026 review — the Titans' 50-10 embarrassment, Manly's golden point collapse, Alex Johnston chasing Ken Irvine's all-time try record, and the game of the round: Penrith vs Cronulla at Bathurst.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Zac Lomax, Parramatta and a salary cap bombshell. Are the NRL pressuring the Eels with a cap penalty to force them into letting Lomax play?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re live from the Las Vegas Strip! The Code NRL team is at ‘Old Red’ breaking down why the Bulldogs are coming into Round 1 with a massive chip on their shoulder and a point to prove. But the heat is even higher for the Knights and Cowboys. As the boys put it: “No one would be surprised if Newcastle win the spoon or if the Cowboys sack their coach at some point this year... whoever loses this weekend, the pressure’s instantly on.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former NRL Star James Maloney sits down with Alex Pichaloff to discuss his pathway to the NRL, his time in park footy and overseas in France, and the lessons he hopes to teach as he transitions into his coaching afterlife.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some fans are furious after the NRL's State of Origin eligibility bombshell, with many saying the rule change will destroy the greatest rivalry in rugby league. The boys also break down whether the Broncos can still go back-to-back without Payne Haas, the NRL's finals hosting crackdown and what it means for Shark Park. Plus: can the Parramatta Eels make the top eight if Mitch Moses stays fit?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Payne Haas is leaving the Broncos for the South Sydney Rabbitohs in a bombshell move masterminded by Wayne Bennett. We break down the Bennett factor, the family explanation, what his manager Ahmed really said, and why the Maguire rumours don't stack up. Plus: Zac Lomax headed to court — will he play Round 1? The R360 10-year ban double standard explained. Should the NRL All Stars be scrapped or moved? And the young guns lighting up the pre-season trials.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We break down the Zac Lomax court bombshell, the "Secret Deal" with the Storm, and the Origin in NZ shock...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The build-up to the 2026 NRL season has exploded with a bitter feud. On the first episode of Code NRL, the team reveals why the Melbourne Storm were "arrogant" in their pursuit of Zac Lomax. Plus, Jerome Luai looked us "dead in the eyes" with a massive Wests Tigers promise, and we investigate the depth crisis threatening to derail South Sydney’s campaign before a ball is kicked.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Wests Tigers are "beyond imploding" after the Holman Barnes Group launched a boardroom coup to take back control of the club. But is this actually a secret plan to kill the joint venture and bring back the Western Suburbs Magpies?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The TAB has released the official Premiership odds for the 2026 NRL season, and Dean "Bulldog" Ritchie is stunned by the disrespect shown to the South Sydney Rabbitohs. With a roster featuring Latrell Mitchell, Cam Murray, and Jack Wighton, are the Bunnies really $21 outsiders, or is this the bet of the year? In this market breakdown, we analyse every major price for 2026. Bulldog labels the St George Illawarra Dragons as the "bolter" for the Top 8, while delivering a brutal verdict on the Wests Tigers' chances of avoiding another wooden spoon. Plus, we debate the Parramatta Eels' drought-breaking chances under Jason Ryles, whether Manly is a trap at $34 following the DCE exit, and if the Brisbane Broncos deserve to be $5 favourites. We also look at the Warriors, Raiders, and the looming "Spoon Bowl" between the Knights and Titans.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we reveal the massive recruitment shockwaves hitting the Sydney clubs. The panic is real at Manly after Reuben Garrick officially signed with the Sydney Roosters, while Souths are fighting to stop Keon Koloamatangi from following him out the exit door. We break down how the Roosters secured Garrick's signature—involving a $650k deal and a post-career real estate gig—and why Parramatta is reportedly "well and truly in front" to snatch Koloamatangi from the Rabbitohs. Is Bulldog's teenage sensation Mitch Woods ready to partner Lachlan Galvin? We discuss the "ideal" 6 and 7 combination and why Stephen Crichton might switch to Fullback And finally, we cover the latest movements for 2026/27: The Storm’s pursuit of Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, and which clubs (including Perth?) could land Jahream Bula if he hits the open market.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Souths’ cap is a mess with big money in all the wrong spots. Bulldogs star Matt Burton might be headed to Perth. Should the Eels swing hard at Nelson Asofa-Solomona now Lomax is gone? And with Katoa now out the Storm need Tino even more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2026 NRL draw is out — and Dave and Brent give their first reaction to who wins, loses, and why one club “can’t win the comp” based on the road ahead. We also break down the latest on Eliesa Katoa's uncertain playing future, plus the news that South Sydney’s Keaon Koloamatangi is being actively chased by both the Raiders and Eels. Full analysis, team-by-team discussion and all the early talking points for the 2026 season.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Amateur Hour!” is how Brent Read has described the handling of Eliesa Katoa’s shocking head injury during the Pacific Championships. In this week’s CODE NRL show, Dave and Brent break down what really happened, how the system failed, and why player welfare is again under the spotlight. Meanwhile, the Melbourne Storm face a fresh crisis as a player exodus deepens, with departures testing the club’s depth and stability heading into 2026. And over in the UK, England’s Rugby League Ashes campaign has fallen apart. After another poor showing, fans are demanding change. The Brits need Sam Burgess and Wayne Bennett to turn it all aroundSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Star fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen has walked out on a $1 million deal with the Melbourne Storm — but did the club quietly tip off Tino Fa’asuamaleaui that salary-cap space was opening up? Meanwhile, if Jonah Pezet’s Broncos gamble backfires, he could end up back at Parramatta And down south, David Fifita might just be the buy of the season for the South Sydney Rabbitohs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The boys break down why Jonah Pezet could be the fix Parramatta desperately need, what now for Cameron Munster and the Storm? How Kieran Foran’s return to Manly could settle a club at war, Plus, Tonga v Samoa — the Pacific clash everyone’s talking about.

The Dragons have a speed problem — and the CODE NRL team says the fix is simple: move Gutherson and sign Papenhuyzen. Plus, Josh Hannay has a Craig Bellamy clause drama, will Billy Slater coach the Storm, PNG’s plan to lure the Clearys for 2028, and why Souths are cleaning house after a horror injury run.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rugby 360 continues to dominate headlines but would the breakaway competition actually work? What are the NRL's next steps and should they be more worried? David Riccio, Brent Read, and Michael Carayannis also look at whether Jonah Pezet will leave the Storm and if David Fifita will land at the Rabbitohs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Queensland reporters Peter Badel and Travis Meyn have taken over the Sydney studio for a special recap of the Broncos Grand Final triumph. How did Brisbane fight back against the Storm? How did Michael Maguire turn their season around? They look at the futures of Adam Reynolds and Payne Haas, how Brisbane's spine will look next year, and is this the start of a Broncos dynasty?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a special post-Grand Final episode, Brent Read and Michael Carayannis share their thoughts shortly after full-time at Accor Stadium on an epic decider. There’s a breakdown Reece Walsh’s all-round ’11 out of 10’ game to win the Clive Churchill Medal, but should he have been sin-binned? They also look at Michael Maguire’s job at turning the Broncos’ season around, what went wrong for the Storm, plus there’s big news brewing on Payne Haas.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Riccio, Brent Read and Michael Carayannis break down the Grand Final between the Storm and Broncos, plus share their tips for the big game. They discuss whether James Tedesco was a deserving Dally M Medal winner and whether Joseph Tapine deserved Captain of the Year. With Teddy out of the Ashes, who will be the fullbacks heading to England? And what should we make of the Rugby 360 competition?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nathan Cleary’s 2023 Grand Final was an all-time classic. Reece Walsh just tore Canberra apart in a finals blitz. Now they face off in a blockbuster Broncos v Panthers NRL prelim — but which star shapes the outcome? We break down both performances, compare their styles, and ask the big question: whose form decides the Prelim?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.