The League Scene

AJ and Rhys react live to the announcement of the Origin teams and have a spirited debate over the inclusion of Ezra Mam… it is a contentious talking point and we're the only podcast to present both sides of the argument.Onto club land, we look at the big comeback from Newcastle and debate whether the fans were vindicated by booing the team off the field. We also discuss how the comeback has saved Adam O'Brien while discussing the lack of finish from Manly in the second half. Friday saw Melbourne clinical against a Cowboys side that has seemingly lost direction while the Dolphins leave Shane Flanagan searching for answers after an Isaiya Katoa masterclass.Super Saturday again left us with more questions than answers for Cronulla after their second 40-point thrashing in a row. Are they just a ‘flat-track bully' team or is there anything to salvage from a shocker against the Warriors. AJ lets rip over Cronulla's recruitment after two ‘rejects' in Luke Metcalf and Sam Healey produce amazing performances. We also delve into the Broncos massive win as Rhys has a big look at his side's performance.Sunday footy saw big wins for Canberra and Penrith. Rhys tells us why Ethan Strange is equal to or even better than Lachlan Galvin. It is a major win for the Raiders as Souths lack of an 80-minute performance is examined minutely. We turn attention quickly to CommBank Stadium to discuss the ‘embarrassing calls' that the NRL cleared but look at the unsung heroes that have salvaged Penrith's season. Monday saw the King's Birthday honours go to Canterbury in a ruthless second half showing over the Eels. We also answer the charge of the media of over-exposing Galvin on club debut and if it is fair on a young teen.

AJ and Rhys are back, albeit a bit flat for another memorable instalment of the podcast. We recap all things State of Origin and the Women's State of Origin and look at the changes QLD need to make for game 2 if they want any chance to save the series. Mainly, looking at the forward battle between Reuben Cotter and Corey Horsburgh and the changes needed.Onto the NRL scene, and there were wins for the Dragons, Storm, Cowboys, Sea Eagles, Warriors, Panthers and Raiders. We debate the major issues of the NRL landscape including officiating and interchange use with the boys continuing their rage at Des Hasler. We also look at the Broncos woes and also address the Roosters poor performance. We find anything and everything to discuss in the crazy game of rugby league.

AJ and Rhys are back to have a look at the shortened Round 12 of the NRL season.It's been a crazy week; the boys look at all the carnage at Belmore with Lachlan Galvin arriving as Reed Mahoney and Toby Sexton look set to go out the door. We decide what the go is at the Bulldogs moving forward amid the off field signing chaos.The Dogs, albeit depleted struggled on Thursday night against the Dolphins. Isaiya Katoa and Francis Molo continue their strong run form as the Dogs outside of Josh Curran and a couple others. Friday night saw the Eels led by Dean Hawkins, Junior Paulo and Jack Williams destroy a pretty lethargic Manly side with AJ ripping into Luke Brooks' ambitions to partner Jamal Fogarty in the halves. Saturday saw the Knights beat an opposition, they are familiar with, a reserve grade Panthers side as Fletcher Sharpe begins the drum beating around Kalyn Ponga's future, along with Dylan Lucas starring. Saturday's last game saw the Roosters prove way too strong for the Sharks. After AJ gets his gloating out of the way, Rhys calms him down with a scathing assessment of the Cronulla win as the Roosters young core delivers another titanic upset in 2025. The match of the round in Auckland lived up to expectations, Canberra winning a brutal struggle against the Warriors who once again switched off in the second half. We assess the battle of the forwards and the strong performance of Savelio Tamale. We then switch gears to State of Origin as the boys draw their allegiances to preview the opener from Suncorp.

AJ and Rhys have reunited to go through the Origin teams, we go through the controversial Terrell May omission and the big bolters picked by the QLD Maroons and NSW Blues. We then change tact to the Women's Origin and debate Ali Brigginshaw's future as a QLD Maroon. Plus, we make a mockery of Brad Donald's decision to omit Olivia Kernick after she singlehandedly destroyed the QLD pack. Onto the NRL games, Parramatta were way too strong forNewcastle as once we again we hold Adam O'Brien accountable for his horriblestate of Newcastle's attack while Zac Lomax gets praised universally. The Roosters rue many mistakes in their loss to the Dogs, while we praise the unsung Bulldogs heroes that got them home. Super Saturday saw a scrappy Warriors win over the Dolphins after Peter Gough made the howler of season 2025. Manly found their groove despite Turbo playing broken and Jurbo being KO'ed. Manly's pack gets them home despite the Cowboys mixing their halves combination with little success. Then the Sharks and Storm play the game of the year in season 2025.Sunday's matches are recapped quickly as the Dragons takeadvantage of a poor Broncos side as Rhys launches into a tirade. Canberra proved too strong for a poor Titans side while Keaon and Terrell showed their stuff for really no reason as NSW didn't pick them.

AJ and Rhys return to recap a crazy week of rugby league which saw the Bears return to the competition and comebacks galore in our great code of the NRL. We also saw a ruthless side put up the highest total of the regular season so far AND an onslaught of trainers spraying water on footys become big news.On the show today we look at Isaiya Katoa's rapid rise, theEels blowing a golden chance to move off the bottom of the ladder, Newcastle blowing another winnable game, Klese Haas proving that he has something against the Knights. We also look at the Broncos struggles and the rise of Keaon the Middle, the “weak-gutted dog” has the last laugh in the capital… AGAIN! While Canberra are left to rue another winnable game. We go to the Gong where AJ rips on the Dragons game management in the clutch with all eyes firmly set on the half that has escaped the axe so far in Kyle Flanagan. The Wahs show their muscle up front although we question what happens to their bench when JFH return. Our late game saw a 30-30 draw between the Cowboys and Penrith where Blaize Talagi had a coming out party to remember! As well as look at the controversial ref call and the calls to calm down Panthers nation. Sunday saw the Tigers repeat a 24 year first and concede 64 points in Melbourne as Papi goes bananas. We conclude with a Billy Burns masterclass against Manly as the Sea Eagles face the wrath of DCE!

AJ is joined for the first time in two weeks by his trusty sidekick Rhys Sullivan to review the NRL Magic Round.On the show this week we recap the first Women's State of Origin as well as all the festivities of the NRL's version of the Met Gala. We analyse the Sharks fade outs, the Roosters strong return to form, Newcastle's renewed attacking form and the Warriors revival led by their cheeky halfback.Also we reminisce on the brilliant bombed try by Jaydn Su'Aas the Tigers look very united for a team that were labelled as ‘bullies' by He's who's name we cannot mention. We turn attention to Sunday and put the microscope on Jacob Preston's judiciary record as the Bulldogs rout the Titans. We also look at the MAIN reason why David Fifita got dropped.Rhys unleashes an ALL TIME RANT on the troubles at the Brisbane Broncos and we have THAT DISCUSSION on Ezra Mam. Plus, look at the chaos of 6:25 as Melbourne blow a big time game against the Raiders.

AJ is again joined by Johnny Lew to recap Round 8 of the NRL season. A round that will be remembered for 18 sin-bins and a ‘crackdown' on high contact.We also have a fun take on all the games this week including the Bulldogs first loss of the season over the Broncos. Some ANZAC Day fun for the Roosters as they tear apart the Dragons once again. We also rip the Newcastle attack apart for a second week in a row as the Warriors improvement is once again on show for everyone to see. We look at Souths' struggles as we analyse Melbourne's improvement on a whole.Saturday football sees us go up north to Townsville to see how the Cowboys massacred a Titans side that led 18-6... to put 50 on them and eliminate the Gold Coast from the NRL finals race. We also put the cleaners through Penrith after a disastrous performance against Manly thanks to Haumole and Turbo going bonkers.Sunday footy sees the Dolphins blow a 28-10 lead while we crucify the Sharks late game management before rounding out the week with a look at the English Super League and the news of a potential NRL takeover of the struggling competition.

AJ is joined by a new co-host this week. No we haven't had acoup, Rhys is on assignment with his work so AJ is joined by Ramblings of a Saint podcast host Johnny Lew to recap the week that was in the NRL and in Super League.We look at every game closely with our eyes firmly set tothe State of Origin series as well as the Ashes tour at the end of the season.There is a lot of good natured banter with our friend from England and lots of laughs along the way.Join us as we look at rugby league from the angles we want to and the angles you will love. Yes, we managed to get through an entire program without mentioning the Galvin drama.

AJ and Rhys return to a firestorm surrounding the contract future of Lachlan Galvin. We have a fierce debate about the role of controversial player-manager Isaac Moses in this and several other contract sagas.Away from that, we look at the Dolphins big win over Penrith as the Panthers have a serious fault in them. We also look at the win from the Dragons over the Titans as Fifita and Egan shine on the edges. We have fierce debate on the refereeing in the Roosters upset win over the Broncos as Rhys cries wolf. We also look at Super Saturday which kicked off in WA as Trindall and the Sharks deliver a big blow to a Manly side that cop a basting for their forward pack and we break Origin embargo to talk if the NSW captain will keep his spot. Souths struggle in attack and in the middle as Jaxon Purdue shows his class. While the last game (for now) in Darwin brought further pain for Parra against the Raiders.Sunday footy saw Melbourne put on a clinic against a Warriors side missing their heart and soul for a potential long time as JFH awaits results on a pec injury. The last game left a lot to be desired as Newcastle's attack sputtered out of control against a controlled Tigers side.

AJ and Rhys are back once again to review a chaotic Round 5 of the NRL season. We had everything from crackdowns appearing to come and go, some great football, some indifferent football and some great laughs to be had along the way. AJ also has come up with a way to fix the short dropout! We analyse Canberra's great escape over the Sharks as we criticise how the Sharks are playing at the moment. What is Penrith's big problem at the moment as the Cowboys find their stride. We take a trip to Sydney Olympic Park as Souths with one fresh player beat the Roosters, leading AJ to declare the Chad Townsend experiment to be sent to the scrap heap and NEVER EVER return.Parramatta getting win number one of the year as Dylan Brown finds his stride. Rhys questions if the Ilias and Flanagan halves combination is the right one for the Red V as Clint Gutherson shows his stride. AJ delivers a classic Ryan Matterson yarn from the NSW Cup.The Titans continue their inconsistency, but we have praise for the Brimson/Campbell halves combination. The Dolphins also get off their duck as their forwards deliver a big win as Katoa and Nikorima continue their dominance. Brisbane show their class in a great way over the Tigers despite a shaky first half. Tigers just missing some experience out there in this one.Melbourne have a great opening hour, but the last twenty they turned off as the stars got an early mark. Manly did go with them early but when Melbourne get going, good luck and amen ladies and gents. Canterbury tough out a terrific win at home. Newcastle were struggling for numbers (down to 14 in the second half). We also return our segment Yes they are still PLAYING! as well as our LOLCOW OF THE WEEK!

AJ and Rhys are back to review Round 4 of the NRL Telstra Premiership and we have a crazy week to review. We also have some major breaking news on the future of NRL referees and their current contract status'.On the show- South Sydney dominance as Penrith's premiership defence looks on shaky ground. Jye Gray - will he be the fullback or does Trell claim his 1 jumper back.- Gold Coast win two straight against a frustrated Roosters side. AJ casts his eyes on the problems in attack and praises some of his forwards.- Brisbane claim the Battle of Brisbane as we question the Dad's Army approach of the Dolphins and highlight the emergence of Shibasaki.- Dragons show their muscle thanks to a leaders showing from Clint Gutherson. Plus we question whether or not Tyran Wishart is the halfback several clubs are chasing.- Cowboys get their first win as Canberra's resillience is questioned. Does Jeremiah Nanai get the start on the edge.- Canterbury show their class for the first time against a premiership contender - Do Cronulla have the resillience to overcome adversity in big matches?- Parramatta's bad start gets worse as questions linger around Dylan Brown and his form and we ask the big question about Tommy Turbo's hamstring.- The match of the round, the Warriors and Tigers show us a great game of football and how Andrew Webster properly used his interchange bench.- Our new segment YES THEY ARE STILL PLAYING FOOTBALL- Plus we finish off with our LOLCOW of the Week.

AJ and Rhys review a crazy round of rugby league which saw the high-scoring theme of the first two rounds completely disappear with attack seemingly going out the window. We also have a live reaction to Daly Cherry-Evans' explosive decision to leave Manly at the end of the 2025 season.On the show- Costly GF rematch for both sides with key men injured. Penrith's young halves deliver while Melbourne's pack delivers !- Warriors find a way to grind out a win while the Roosters attacking credentials come under fire amid young squad.- Souths have first loss of the year as mascot shows more fight than their forward pack. Cronulla's first half blitz overshadowed by second half no show.- Tigers comeback from 18-6 down and show signs of improvement under Benji. Dolphins game smarts called into question after several missed opportunities.- Titans attack finds some shine and defensively show resillience while Newcastle forget their footy IQ as Ponga and co. go missing on the Glitter Strip- Bulldogs find a way to win, but questions linger over attack without Burton. Parramatta show some form of resillience.- Manly show their class with ruthless display of football. Canberra's discipline questioned after ruthless set restart count goes against them as Ricky Stuart chucks yet another tantrum.

AJ and Rhys return to recap Round 2 of the NRL season. There was lots of upsets this week, so if you won last week but lost unexpectedly, take our learnings from Round 1 and don't panic. Unless you are a Cowboy or Eels fan, then you scream silently.On the show!- Newcastle prove they can be a force despite the Brown news, we analyse what that means for Sharpe and KP as well as what is going wrong at Redcliffe.- Warriors get redemption in their home opener while Manly experience some dejavu from last season. Vossy got that call 100% correct as Turbo and DCE have injury clouds.- The Roosters miracle win as AJ praises Tedesco, Whyte and Wong as well as the entire team's committment to the cause. Are there any concerns for Penrith or is it just an off night.- Was Shane Flanagan right to call out Lachie Ilias or was Kyle Flanagan deserving of the firing line? Souths' 1 dilemna as Jye Gray delivers another standout performance.- Cronulla get it done in a gritty display as further questions mount of the Cowboys and Todd Payten's approach.- Canberra show their early season muscle - going 2-0 for the second year running with an impressive win over Brisbane. Rhys gives his side a dressing down.- Forget the first 25 mins of the Eels v Tigers game, but the rest was pure enjoyment. The Tigers turning it on through Rooster reject Terrell May, as we put the blowtorch on Parramatta.- Bulldogs back at Belmore as we put the Titans on the blastfernace for the way they used their interchange. - LOLCOW of the Week

AJ and Rhys recap the opening week on Australian soil! We live react to the Dylan Brown to Newcastle news, we wish we had his manager after earning $1.3 million a year for 10 years as well as the Taylan May return news, we have been consistent in our view on this and the verdict this week hasn't changed.Also this week:- Brisbane put on a masterclass in the middle as the Roosters search desperately for answers- Tigers attack stumbles but there's good returnees on the way as the Knights showed just enough to win- Dolphins cruel their attacking output as Souths have found their new look halfback.- Bulldogs and Dragons put on an epic rivalry at Kogarah!- Manly with their best half of footy in a while as they trounce a disappointing Cowboys side in the first half of the game.- Melbourne clinical as they show their premiership favouritism against the hapless Eels as we heap praise on the Eels rookies. Jack Howarth looks set for another big year at centre.We dedicate this episode to the life of Joanna Constable who passed away last week. We extend our love to friend of the show Will Bates, his son Josh and extended family during this traumatic time.RIP Joanna Constable - 28/04/1972-4/03/2025

AJ and Rhys are back (albeit a little late) to preview the 2025 season. We have some wildly controversial takes and also some normal takes to look ahead to our amazing game returning this season!A massive thanks to our guest contributors once again this season for joining us and giving their thoughts ahead of the season! It's going to be a year like never before on The League Scene and we hope you can join us for all the action this year.

AJ and Rhys review the NRL's second adventure into Las Vegas.A crowd improvement of 5,000 has shown that there are green shoots a plenty but there are still many areas of improvement if the game is to grow internationally beyond Australasia and Europe. AJ and Rhys debate whether the Vegas program (should they keep four games) be spread across the Friday and Saturday night OR if they cut games.On the show- Canberra's depth put on a show as Jamal Fogarty's kicking game comes up trumps.- Warriors show the concerns AJ raised in the pre-season. Will they make the changes for R2 and beyond- Cronulla show their premiership muscle and the key signs of improvement needed to match and better Penrith.- The continuing emergence of Lindsay Smith.- The Salford Red Devils Crisis- The future of Vegas ?- What NRL coaches have been stitched up deluxe?

AJ and Rhys are back on the eve of Las Vegas to look at the third week of the NRL's Pre-Season Challenge and how they are tracking on the eve of the NRL season which kicks off in the Sin City. There is so many selection talking points and takeaways from the trials that see each club on the brink. We also live react to the Raiders Las Vegas bust-up as an inflatable baseball bat sends us into hysterics.On the show - Penrith's NSW Cup boys go to battle against Manly's well rounded unit. We look at Trent Toelau and his breakout performance as well as Manly's performance and those that are pushing for Round 1 selection.- Terrell May and Jeral Skelton improve the one areaof the Tigers game. Plus we uncover some question marks around the Eels back-row spots and the hooker spot.- Charity Shield recap - the Dragons showing impressive signs early on! Souths have some question marks around the halves.- Brisbane show their class to win their second pre-season tournament in a row while the Dogs get out the rust as we prove the impact of Kurt Mann.- Titans show us that they will be the NRL's equivalent of a Snakes and Ladders boardgame. Dolphins struggle to find their right half as we question where Max Plath's best position is.- Newcastle's impressive performance as Sharpe and KP's combination becomes the talking point. AJ gives a brutal trial assessment on the Roosters BUT it isn't all doom and gloom!- We answer our Cowboys questions and analyse how their halves will line up as we answer the question of Tom Duffy v Jake Clifford. We also analyse the Melbourne FB conundrum with the injuries to Papi and Fa'alogo.

AJ Lucantonio is joined for the first time in 2025 by co-host Rhys Sullivan to review the first full round of Pre Season Challenge matches.On the show- Stonestreet v Katoa while Raiders have some future dilemmas with the rise of future prodigies.- Iongi v Papalii gets interesting for the fullback jersey as the Knights halves crisis leaves more questions than answers.- What did we learn from the Dolphins and Warriors after beating up on their opposition who were playing their first trials.- Metcalf, Tuaupiki and Leiataua make their mark ahead of Vegas.- Lewis Dodd's Australian debut, our verdict... - Brisbane dominate a disappointing Titans side- Bulldogs and Tigers show their youth of the future will be a goldmine in future years- What did the new look Dragons REALLY show against the Roosters- All Stars Review- LOLCOW of the Week!

AJ and guest host Aidan Edgecomb review the opening week of the NRL's third pre-season challenge.They look at the Warriors run-on side and the performance of Luke Metcalf as well as Sam Healey's rise to potentially become the 14 for the trip to Vegas. Also the boys praise Demitric Vaimauga's performance off the bench as the Warriors look for impact off the bench. The Sharks discussion focuses on their young guns as well as Tom Hazelton and the wing battle.The second game was more of a focus on youth as Canberra and Penrith answered little questions about their make up for Vegas. Young gun hooker Owen Pattie showed what he was worth while Chevy Stewart and Albert Hopoate impressed outwide. For Penrith, we debate the halves dilemna if Cleary gets hurt as well as debate Mav Geyer's future.To wrap up, we address the Broncos win over QLD Cup side Burleigh and debate whether Jock Madden is the next man up in the halves if there is any other problem areas for the Broncos halves in 2025.

After the success of last year's episode, AJ and Rhys are back to analyse each club's train-and-trial prospects and those on supplementary deals (formerly development deals). We do warn it will be a lengthy episode. To make it easier, here are the best attached timestamps so you can fast-forward to a club of your choice to listen to our assessment on junior talent. 2:39 - Brisbane Broncos 21:28 - Canterbury Bulldogs 35:18 - North Queensland Cowboys 52:59 - Dolphins 1:07:18 - St George-Illawarra Dragons 1:16:43 - Parramatta Eels 1:25:39 - Newcastle Knights 1:33:29 - Penrith Panthers 1:38:14 - South Sydney Rabbitohs 1:46:33 - Canberra Raibers 1:54:26 - Sydney Roosters 2:01:21 - Manly Warringah Sea Eagles 2:09:55 - Cronulla Sharks 2:16:35 - Melbourne Storm 2:22:19 - Gold Coast Titans 2:30:03 - New Zealand Warriors 2:42:04 - Wests Tigers Also linked into this episode are the show notes, where you can read the same document that we are reading as we go through the mammoth lists! https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vSvKp6KwLyG2uurQ3lt9zz1t5rtcqoaXpL2LmTjYcdNKeA7eHAzL47tTT4FDaKl1jMGsIQeU0Hm9Xvd/pub Thanks so much for your support in 2024 and we will see and hear from you again in 2025! AJ and Rhys

AJ and Rhys return to make their assessment on the recent round of international rugby league. On the show today - We assess all the chaos of the NRL off-season! - We analyse how the Cook Islands and Fiji can improve their rosters ahead of the World Cup qualifiers and World Cup respectively. - The boys analyse PNG's rise as they assess whether they are ready to be accepted into the NRL - How can NZ rise to the challenge set by Tonga - How can Tonga rise to get to the levels of Australia and England - Has Mal Meninga's gamble of planning Australia's future paid off ahead of an Ashes series on foreign soil - Could Herbie Farnworth be the Golden Boot pick!

AJ and Rhys cap off a successful but strangely predictable NRL season with a recap of a spectacular Grand Final Day. The boys celebrate the success of the Penrith Panthers as they celebrate four successive premierships, a feat that hasn't been achieved since the greatest Dragons side that won 11 on the bounce. We look at the stars of the night including Clive Churchill Medallist Liam Martin. AJ again asks if Isaah Yeo is the greatest lock of the modern era after an under the radar grand final performance. We also offer our condolences to Melbourne who gave Penrith one big fright and ask whether they showed too many attacking plays in their blowout of the Roosters. We also analyse how their attack just lacked that final umph to get them over the top. Also this Grand Final Day we saw wins for the Roosters and Devils in the NRLW and State Championship. The boys conclude our regular season with a look at the Australian representative sides as well as the awarding of our LOLCOW of the Week.

AJ and Rhys review what was a chaotic preliminary final week in the NRL. On the program this week - NAS, will he or won't he play - we give our views before the judiciary handed down their sentence - Melbourne's spine going to work as Jack Howarth has his coming out party. - Roosters post mortem's - why there is hope in 25' - Penrith grind out a prelim win - how much does that take it out of them - Trindall takes the reigns at 7 - NRLW Semis Recap - NSW Cup GF Recap

AJ and Rhys are back to review the major talking points of the second week of the finals. We look at all the big moments that dictated the course of the season and saw the Cowboys and Manly eliminated. On the show - Braydon Trindall's coming out party - Nicho Hynes game management taking positive steps in the right direction - Cowboys first half struggles - Reflecting on Val Holmes' time as a Cowboy - Jeremiah Nanai's involvement questioned. - Redemption for Sandon Smith - Teddy's best game as a Rooster - Manly needing to diversify their forward pack to match it with the top four - Is Garrick the answer at centre - Round 9 NRLW review + finals preview - NSW Cup prelim final recap + grand final review - QLD Cup Grand Final Review - LOLCOW of the Week

AJ and Rhys are back to review a chaotic opening week of the NRL finals. On the show this week - Roosters sticking loyal to Sandon Smith amid calls to bring in Joey Manu - Penrith put together their best first half all year as they blitz the Roosters and AJ criticises Trent Robinson's bench rotation and praises Naufahu Whyte - Melbourne blitz Cronulla as Hughes, Munster and Grant run riot - The Hynes Impact - we analyse and see if it is truely his fault like the social media trolls tell us. - North Queensland say goodbye to the Knights as Cotter and Dearden show their class. - AJ and Rhys criticise the Knights' lack of recruitment direction as another recruitment manager comes in. - Bulldogs fall just short but we review what was an incredible journey for the boys from Belmore - Turbo playing busted but doing enough as Brooks and Koula show their class - Reviews of NSW Cup and QLD Cup as grand final day draws near.

AJ and Rhys break-down the final round of this minor premiership year. Off the top, the boys quickly analyse the biggest issue in the game after the drama surrounding Josh Addo-Carr's road-side drug test, we look it all angles. Also on the program - Brisbane post-mortems, what is needed as the Storm blow the Broncos off the park - SPOON BOWL! Parramatta play for their lives as the Tigers wave the white-flag - The debut of Mr Nawaqanitawase as the Roosters battle prep for the Panthers as Souths ponder 2024 and prepare for Wayne's arrival - Dragons let another lead slip as Flano blow torches the squad as Canberra finish the year with a bang ! - Cowboys put Canterbury's defence to the blow-torch as AJ puts question marks on the Bulldogs edges. - Penrith farewell their stadium in style as they do just enough to squeeze past the Titans - Cronulla show their spark - putting Manly to the sword without Nicho playing a starring role. - Newcastle show enough class to get in the 8th spot!

AJ and Rhys review a chaotic round of football as the playoff picture becomes clearer. On the program - Cowboys defensive concerns amid Melbourne's B Grade putting on a show. - Manly showing they are a force to be reckon with - Jarome Luai's emergence as a controlling half - Dragons' finals chances coming to an end - Brisbane's home implosion as the PHINS go rising - Cronulla's 22-4 collapse as SJ goes off into the sunset - Newcastle ain't dead yet in this NRL race - Roosters in crisis amid a number of major spinal injuries - NRLW recap + Round 26 NSW Cup + FW1 QLD Cup - How the Russians saved Mal Meninga's arm

AJ and Rhys recap a dramatic week of rugby league. The boys have an open revolt against the NRL Bunker after a week of inconsistent approaches in regard to foul play. The boys also review the big results of the weekend. The Tigers have a big upset over a fluterring Manly, the Warriors have a reason to be upset after the weekend's loss. Rhys gives praise to the Broncos while the boys challenge Penrith's title credentials. They also give a ruthless post mortem of Souths' 2024 campaign. They wrap up with a look at the Roosters win - but AJ has some concerns for his chargers while the Sharks circle for a home final.

AJ and Rhys recap one big week of rugby league as they examine all the big issues. AJ tells the case of Latrell Mitchell, how Souths have failed both their team and Latrell by failing to take a stronger stance on disciplining their star number 1. We also reviewed the rest of the weekend which saw wins to Melbourne, Manly, Roosters, Dogs, Cowboys, Tigers, Dragons and Sharks. We also look at Round 4 of the NRLW, before we examine the race for the finals in the KOE NSW Cup and the Hostplus Cup in QLD. Before we award our LOLCOW of the Week to Let's Trot.

AJ and Rhys review what has been a drama filled week of footy. We recap all eight games, answer the key questions in the game and look at the second tier results and performances. We also examine the media defences of Kyle Flanagan's alleged bite before he fronted the judiciary as well as analyse the incident in question. They also investigate the Panthers defensive inefficiences after allowing 34 points to lowly Parramatta.

AJ and Rhys recap one chaotic week of rugby league. We pay tribute to Shaun Johnson's retirement and his amazing contribution over the last decade as well as the news of Kasey Badger's "ban" on officiating Souths matches. The boys recap the week that was in rugby league, including some defence optional games as AJ has no cause for panic despite the Roosters defensive panic. We also put Rhys under the microscope for the Broncos recent woes, we also look at the other matches as the boys dissect the going on's for all 17 clubs including the finals charge. We also look at Rd 2 of the NRLW and give you some other content creators to check out in updating you on all things NRLW. We also review Round 20 of the QLD Cup and Round 22 of the KOE NSW Cup. Before AJ awards our most CONTROVERSIAL LOLCOW of the Week as he takes on the biggest issue facing world sports in the Olympic movement and ONE prominent journalist in particular.

AJ and Rhys are back together as they recap Round 21 in a way that they know how. The boys review a sketchy win for the Wahs over the Tigers as they again rip on Andrew Webster;s bench rotation (he's not the only one we go after) as well as Stefano Utoikamanu's decision to leave. We review the Storm's win over Parra and the return of one C. Munster. Super Saturday saw wins to the Bulldogs as Rhys is raging over Brisbane's performance, the Cowboys as the Sharks middles earn criticism as well as Craig Fitzgibbon's bench. AJ's heart-rate rose signficiantly with the Roosters struggling to put away Manly. Sunday saw a ruthless win to Penrith, the Dolphins continuing second half fadeouts and the end of South Sydney's unlikely finals charge. We review R1 of the NRLW, R21 of the KOE NSW Cup and R20 (Country Week) in HostPlus Cup. We also keep tabs on our Olympic heroes during the program.

AJ hosts solo with Rhys away on assignment for work. AJ casts his keen eye on all things rugby league, thankfully for him, he gets to put any thought he wants out there, unchallenged. Thankfully, he is smart and won't say anything too outrageous. He debates the big issues in the game including the big returns of Nathan Cleary and Adam Reynolds. A massive lower grade report sees the return of young stars and veterans as well. We send our best to Lewis Murphy after yet another cruel injury blow!

AJ and Rhys lick the wounds of an explosive Origin decider from Suncorp Stadium. We review every controversial moment including the NRL's own Malice at the Palace which saw a smorgasbord of fines handed out today. AJ praises all the Blues but has special mention to Isaah Yeo while Rhys pinpoints where Billy Slater went wrong including omitting Dave Fifita. Mitch Moses shone but will miss the remainder of 2024 with a bicep injury, it also opens a debate if Nathan Cleary wins back the NSW 7 given his recent hamstring troubles.

AJ and Rhys review a big week in footy. Despite the limited games, we go in detail on the big issues, including wins to the Dolphins, Sharks, Titans, Dragons and Manly. The debuts of some great young talent, plus debate which teams are underachieving in 2024. We debate Tom Turbo's best position as well as David Fifita's show to Billy Slater. We recap the NSW and QLD Cup and the Australian Schoolboys squad for 2024. As well as concluding with our LOLCOW of the Week.

AJ and Rhys recap the Origin III teams as Rhys rages at the QLD selections. The boys recap Round 18 as only they can and look at the goings on in the state based competitions of the NSW and QLD Cup.

AJ and Rhys review a wet n wild weekend of footy. Some teams had great difficulty adapting to the slippery conditions as Origin restings took a toll on some. We discuss the Sharks mid year demise, Canterbury's improved defence. The problems facing Brisbane's forward pack, the re-emergence of Te-Marie Martin as well as the Knights finding the right Pryce for their attack. We dissect Parramatta's improvement despite the recent form slump as well as praise and criticise Canberra's performance against Melbourne as Bronson Garlick gives Bellamy food for thought. Sunday saw the Dragons breathe fire on the Dolphins as they lost JMK for the year. We dissect some question marks at Penrith as the Cowboys find their Mr Fix It as well as analyse the Roosters big win over the hapless Tigers (we're easy on the tigers). We look at our Lower Grade Report, our LOLCOW of the week and pay tribute to one of league's passionate fans. RIP Brian Cooley.

AJ and Rhys are mixed as their states shared the spoils in Origin this week. Origin II sees Payne Haas finally stand tall at Origin level while Mitch Moses shines. Rhys is critical of the QLD selection room and urges changes for the decider. Women's Origin sees QLD win over a pitiful NSW effort on Thursday night. We analyse Evania Pelite's great individual effort, especially defensively while looking at how NSW lost the game.

AJ + Rhys review a big week in footy. They start with a comprehensive review of the U/19's Origin as the stars of tomorrow strut their stuff. They quickly turn to the Storm's professional win over the Phins as they praise the second coming of Tyran Wishart. Super Saturday saw the Titans massacre the Wahs, leading Rhys to question whether 3 Titans stars can fit in the same backline as both hosts go in on what's going wrong across the Tasman. AJ celebrates the Roosters going into the top 4 with a convincing win over the Dogs as coaching selections reign havoc on the Dogs. Souths hold Manly to 0 as Anthony Seibold seems to forget they had a halfback playing reserve grade that could've plugged the gap this week. Before wrapping up with the Tiger Cubs mauling a disenchanted Raiders side. They look at the UK paying tribute to Rob Burrow CBE and review the lower grades with a comprehensive wrap of the NSW and QLD Cup.

AJ and Rhys review a fun and crazy week of rugby league. We had high scoring, high drama and all the tension of a game of Snakes and Ladders. They begin looking at the NSW side and AJ has a victory lap for his Connor Watson agenda. We review the back and forth Thursday night affair between the Phins and Sharks and see where Hammer's individual try rates on the best we've seen. Friday saw wins for the Cowboys and Rabbitohs as Rhys questions the Broncos finals desire. We shift gears for our SUPER TANK BOWL between the Tigers and Titans as the Tigers get a famous win. They then delve into the Warriors forward woes and the Roosters big victory as we wonder how Kelma Tuliagi wasn't sent off. Then Sunday saw a brave Manly win as well as Penrith skate by Newcastle. We look at the Lower Grade Report extensively while also awarding our LOLCOW of the Week.

AJ and Rhys review a dramatic round 14 of the NRL season. We review the post Origin I weekend of footy which kicked off in the ‘Gong on Friday where the Dragons inflicted a second half massacre on the Tigers as AJ slams Isaac Moses. Then Saturday saw Latrell fire against the hapless Titans, the Warriors inflicted further pain on the Cowboys and Brisbane's bench exposed by one Royce Hunt stint. Sunday saw Newcastle fall short against Melbourne while a win for the Panthers over Manly as Left Wingers went bananas. Monday saw the Dogs of War return defeating Parra in a gritty and brave display. We review the Challenge Cup Final, our Supercoach, Round 14 of the NSW Cup and Round 13 of the QLD Cup !

AJ and Rhys recap the Origin matches this week. The men's game was a highly contested affair with the QLD side running away with it against a 12 man NSW side after the Suaalii send off. The boys debate the tackle ! We also review the second women's match played in horrible conditions but a high quality match between the sides saw QLD escape to force a decider thanks to Lauren Brown's field goal.

Lots to uncover for AJ and Rhys this week. We look at Parra's middles dominant win over Cronulla with Brendan Hands starting. Why does Reed Mahoney trigger Newcastle props? Liam Henry's monster effort overshadowed by Jesse Marschke, Jordan Rapana the field goal kicker and AJ's rant on why Michael Jennings should never play for the Roosters again. We also uncover Supercoach, Super League, the NSW and QLD Cups in this monster edition.

AJ and Rhys review a crazy Round 12 of the NRL season. Celebrating the great Indigenous athletes of our game and we saw some big wins to Canterbury, North Queensland, Manly, the Roosters (including a starring role by Naufahu Whyte). Penrith redeem themselves with a massacre of Cronulla, while Souths win for just the second time this year. Gold Coast upset the Broncos while the injury depleted Wahs put the Phins down. We look at the Lower Grade Report before an AJ Lucantonio exclusive, telling us what happens inside the NRL Bunker. Special thanks to Grant Atkins for making it happen.

AJ and Rhys review Magic Round. The boys look at the first women's state of origin which saw the NSW Sky Blues taste victory. The boys then look at the NRL scene where we dissect weekend's events. They then turn attention to the Lower Grade Report ahead of Origin time, some names will become familiar in the NRL sooner rather than later !!

AJ and Rhys have their hamstrings in tact (they're available to an NRL club in need!) and are into review Round 10. Tight win for the Dolphins as we answer the Fuller Conundrum, we assess Penrith's life without Cleary… AGAIN! As well as Canterbury's continued improvement. Rhys is joyous at Brisbane's big win over Parramatta and denies the Piakura slander. Super Saturday saw Bradman Best rocket into NSW's vacant centre spot, the Dragons big win as Latrell has a mixed return and discuss the Dragons litmus test. The boys debate the Harry Grant sin bin as the Storm falter to Dan Atkinson and the Sharks. Sunday sees the searing Roosters put on a clinic against a depleted Wahs and the Titans battle hard to upset the Cowboys. The boys look at UK, NSW and QLD Cup as well as award LOLCOW of the Week and assess the carnage of Supercoach.

The boys are back to review a great week of footy. They look at all eight games as Penrith smash a depleted Souths side dealing with the dismissal of Jason Demteriou. We slam Manly's collapse against the inexperienced Raiders, the Roosters big win over a depleted Brisbane. Super Saturday sees the boys slam some critical analysis on Kasey Badger on social media but still make valid points on her performance. Canterbury's big comeback, Melbournes get out of jail win (plus Papi's injury) and the QLD dual off. The boys conclude with wins in the wet for Newcastle and Cronulla. Also, UK watch, Lower Grade Report and our LOLCOW's

AJ and Rhys review a big week of rugby league as we salute those who fought for our freedom. They review the Titans maiden win over a scratchy Warriors side, the Roosters massacre of the Dragons plus Melbourne's tactical masterclass over Souths. Attention then turns to Maika Sivo's brain snap that cost Parramatta glory over Manly. Rhys is happy as the Broncos turn on the entertainment but criticise execution in their win over the Tigers plus review Brian To'o's record breaking tackle busting effort that guided Penrith home. They also review David Armstrong's debut victory as the Knights skated by the Phins while Cronulla massacre Canberra at their own home ground. The boys look at UK, Supercoach and the Lower Grade Report as well!! Plenty of choices for LOLCOW of the Week too!

AJ and Rhys review a big and chaotic round of rugby league. We address the Joey Manu news, Jack Hetherington's brain snap in the tunnel and all the fun things that occured within our wonderful sport this week. We review comprehensively all EIGHT games of the weekend and look at our Lower Grade Report and SuperCoach.

AJ and Rhys review a big weekend of rugby league. Wins for the Roosters and Broncos means we're in a jovial mood. We also look at problems for the losing coaches to contend with, as well as concerns for the Storm right edge, and Dolphins amid their injury crisis. We also look at the Challenge Cup quarters, Round 6 of the NSW Cup, Round 5 of the QLD Cup and Supercoach for the week that was.

AJ and Rhys debate a hot week of rugby league. The boys review the points fests which saw their sides lose, also the “Knight in Muddy Armour” as the Knights and Dragons play a slug fest. Saturday see Souths drop to another low against the Wahs, Manly ruffle the Penrith feather and the Dolphins outclass a Tigers side that saw both sides battered and bruised. Titans see AJ and Rhys go head to head about David Fifita's involvement (or lack of) as AJ defends the Titans' backrower. Also debate whether Brad Arthur and Mark O'Neill should remain in the roles they have as Parra drop to a low of their own. We review UK, NSW Cup and QLD Cup as well as the week in Super-Coach.