The Daily Telegraph NRL Podcast

'He's not doing his job': Why the Tigers must dump Luai, plus 'Is it a pride thing?', the Bulldogs halves call that has fans frustrated.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jarome Luai has fronted the media to address his early Wests Tigers exit, and there's more to his "I'll wear that burden" confession than it first seems. Plus, why comparing Luai's move to Parramatta with the mixed results of the Jonah Pezet deal doesn't tell the full story. Also this episode: Zac Lomax closing in on a big-money PNG Chiefs deal, Toby Rudolf's decision to stay at Cronulla, a massive Sharks vs Knights clash, our tips for every game this weekend, and your BS Messages of the week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jarome Luai's Wests Tigers exit has blown wide open, and the fallout goes deeper than anyone expected. We break down the real reason behind the Benji Marshall–Luai split, why Parramatta might be walking into the same trap that failed with Jonah Pezet, and the wild card scenario that could see Cameron Munster leave the Melbourne Storm.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Suncorp Humble Pie Show: The panel unloads on Queensland's inept, mediocre decider performance. The New King of NSW: Nathan Cleary's untouchable 15-minute blitz and why the Immortal debate is officially over. Calling Out Gus Gould: Why Gould is dead wrong about "owning Origin". Mitchell Moses Silences the Panel: Readie pulls out the receipts on the hosts wanting Moses dropped. The Forward Monster Class: How Payne Haas, Mitch Barnett, and Addin Fonua-Blake completely destroyed the Queensland pack. Daley vs. Slater: Laurie Daley’s ultimate tactical vindication. The Bunker Robbery Debate: Breaking down the "very dodgy" Bradman Best try and the hidden camera angle home viewers didn't see.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A full clash on whether the Bunker is ruining rugby league, the Dragons' shock win over the Tigers (and growing tension over Dean Young's coaching future), and a heated debate on Cody Walker's temperament.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dave, Mick and Readie preview Round 18 and dig into the big Parramatta question: is Mitchell Moses on $1.4M giving the Eels bang for buck? The panel goes back and forth on his form, his value to the club, and what he's set to earn when his deal ramps up in 2028. From there the boys pitch a wild recruitment idea, prying Matt Burton away from the Bulldogs to play six at Parramatta alongside Moses, and debate what that would actually cost and whether it stacks up. Plus tips for every game this weekend including Broncos-Sharks, Souths-Penrith, Parra-Manly and Knights-Dolphins, a look at the danger game for the West Tigers at Jubilee Oval.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eels fans, look away, actually no, read this anyway. Bulldog Dean Ritchie joins Alex "NRL Soapbox" for Round 17 Review, and he's not holding back on Parramatta's latest implosion (38% second-half completion rate says it all).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michael Maguire's Broncos future is under the microscope as Brisbane's form crisis deepens, while the panel asks whether the Dolphins have overtaken the Broncos as Queensland's premier club ahead of their Round 17 top-four showdown with the Warriors. Elsewhere: Cody Walker's future and Bronson Xerri's move away from the Bulldogs (Storm or Eels?), Spencer Leniu's Roosters exit edging closer, and Junior Paulo's Parramatta contract stand-off. The boys also lock in their tips for the full Round 17 slate, tackle the mailbag on the bunker's forward-pass calls and whether halves are over-protected by the refs, and debate who's really second favourite for the comp behind Penrith.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

State of Origin fallout, Bulldogs' spine shake-up & Dean Young's Dragons future — Round 16 Review. Laurie Daley is under fire after NSW's Origin 2 blowout loss to Queensland, and the panel doesn't hold back Alex demands accountability from the coach, while Dean Ritchie pushes back on the personal criticism crossing the line. Is "sorry, we got it wrong" the speech Daley needs to give before Game 3? Plus, the Canterbury Bulldogs survived an ugly golden-point win over Manly, but Cameron Ciraldo's constant spine tinkering raises a bigger question is this team good enough to make the finals? The panel locks in the spine they believe can get the Bulldogs there. And at the Red V, Dean Young keeps finding signs of life in a one-win Dragons season. The panel asks the hard question: can you sign a coach based on potential alone, or does St George Illawarra need to look elsewhere?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following a humiliating 44-24 defeat in Origin 2 at the MCG, State of Origin Game 2 leaves the NSW Blues in absolute tatters. Michael Carayannis and Brent Read unload on the disgraceful second-half performance, calling out Laurie Daley getting out-coached again by Billy Slater's rampant Maroons. With the series heading to a Suncorp decider, the boys orchestrate an unprecedented roster cleanout, demanding up to 10 player changes. They break down the diabolical bench rotation that left Api Koroisau completely unused, the catastrophic Dylan Lucas selection blunder over Haumole Olakau'atu, and why bringing back Latrell Mitchell, Tom Trbojevic, and Stephen Crichton is the only way New South Wales can bully their way to an improbable series victory.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The NRL has put Kalyn Ponga on notice. We break down the formal warning over his parallel leg extensions and studs-up catching mechanics and what it means for Queensland if he can't clean it up before the MCG. Plus, the Brisbane Broncos 48-6 demolition at the hands of Souths was their sixth straight loss, and the reigning premiers are now on the brink of an unwanted piece of NRL history, missing the top eight entirely for the first time in two decades. Then we head to Leichhardt Oval, where Jarome Luai had a very pointed answer for his critics. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is Payne Haas being pushed to his absolute physical limit before his mega-move to Souths? We break down the explosive claims that the Broncos are running Payne Haas into the ground as Brisbane teeters on an internal dressing room fracture right before tonight's grudge match. Plus, we dive into the total confidence crisis at Tiger Town after Mick launches a blistering attack on Jarome Luai following their 68-0 humiliation, and look at the massive accountability trap closing in on NSW Blues coach Laurie Daley as Mitchell Moses is forced into separate training drills ahead of State of Origin Game 2 at the MCG.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Broncos superstar was a controversial scratching from Slater's Game 1 squad and is in a serious form slide. But Billy Slater has refused to answer the question on everyone's lips.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Latrell Mitchell's recent injury record sparking a massive debate, the panel discusses whether a club should ever risk paying him a $1.4m marquee salary or if he is becoming too much of a salary cap gamble.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

State of Origin Game 1 selection fallout explodes as Laurie Daley faces a fierce panel debate over his controversial NSW Blues team tactics and debutants.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The official scoreboard reads a NSW Blues victory, but the actual tape shows a performance that should have Laurie Daley deeply worried about the team's true form.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We dive into the brutal win-rate statistics behind NSW Blues players like James Tedesco, Nathan Cleary, Mitchell Moses, and Reece Robson to prove New South Wales are the true underdogs for the 2026 series opener.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.