Podcasts about Challenge Cup

The boys are back to discuss the latest in the EIHL, including the Fife rumours, have Dundee checked out, Storm loving OT, more reviews/previews of the Challenge Cup and much more.

Tune into this weeks podcast lots of Salford RLFC chat to enjoy. We talk about our cup defeat against Hull FC, cover all the big news stories of the week including new lonan signings, the RFL framing of the future document, 30 years since we beat Wigan in the Challenge Cup and More. Head Coach Mike Grady joins us to look forward to Hunslet on Sunday

The qualification period is over and we have our top 32 runners for the main tournament and the next 64 runners for the Challenge Cup. Emo, Chuckles and Jimbo are on hand to review the 2nd half of the qualification season and then look over the first few matches in the initial group phase!

We review Widnes vs Leeds from the Challenge Cup. Enjoy!

Johnny and Andy are back with the first episode of 2026 of the Super League pom-cast and theyre joined by Bry from 6 again. The boys do their ladder predictors along with the Challenge Cup, Grand Final and man of steel winners. who do they think will be on top? please like and subscribe/follow to keep up with everything SL

This week we break down the round three Challenge Cup ties, including Hull FC's 60–0 win away at Salford and Hull KR's 104–0 victory over Lock Lane.We also look ahead to the opening round of the Super League season, with Hull FC hosting Bradford Bulls and Rovers travelling to York Knights. Alongside the previews, we re-announce our predictions for Round 1 of the league. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A busy Tuesday Thoughts for SDH AMWe start with quick notes from USYNT goalkeeper James Donaldson before the U17 group decider in CONCACAF World Cup qualifying from St Vincent and the GrenadinesWe preview all the action in Challenge Cup as well...Hour 2 has Villanova Professor Bret Myers discussing analytics and how it can help on the field and off. Myers looks at everything from which categories he uses to break down data points, to what teams expect in information, plus what he sees in the USMNT from an analytic perspective...And an early look at the MLS evaluations from Sportico- more on that Wednesday...

Welcome back to The Robin Pod, your go-to place for everything Hull Kingston Rovers!On this week's episode, we look back at a professional and emphatic Challenge Cup performance as the Robins got the job done against community club Lock Lane in the third round. It was a night that showed the respect the competition deserves — and we'll pick out the key moments and performances.We'll also react to the fourth round draw, which has handed Rovers a trip to face the Huddersfield Giants. What does that tie look like, and how might Willie Peters approach it?Attention then turns to the bread and butter, as we preview the Super League opener against York Knights. We'll talk selection, key battles, and what a strong start could mean for the season ahead.As always, we've got your Question Time contributions to get through — plenty of opinions, debates, and talking points from the Red and White faithful — plus all the latest news and chatter from around Hull KR.Strap yourselves in… it's time for The Robin Pod!

Rob's flying solo this week and it's a full-tilt sporting diary as he throws himself headfirst into the glorious chaos of the Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina… from the comfort of his sofa (mostly).It all started pre-tournament for Britain's Curlers last Wednesday, before the week snowballs into opening ceremony splendour, men's and women's downhill drama, that terrifying Lindsey Vonn crash and the heart-in-mouth heli-ambulance evacuation, women's Big Air, Ice Dancing in the team event, and huge excitement as Jenn and Bruce battle their way into the semi-finals of the Mixed Doubles Curling.Somewhere along the way, things get a bit… real. The action ramps up, the FOMO kicks in, and Rob finds himself making a very impulsive, very last-minute decision that might just involve heading out to the mountains himself. He sets off tomorrow. Or does he?And because one sport-fuelled week apparently isn't enough, Rob also squeezes in Leeds United v Nottingham Forest, catches the start of the Super Bowl, and continues his budding love affair with the Broncos with a trip to the Challenge Cup clash against the Bradford Bulls.It's a rambling, joyful, slightly unhinged celebration of elite sport, emotional investment, and the dangerous idea that watching too much sport can lead to international travel.And don't go anywhere — this is just the warm-up. Make sure you're subscribed and ready to sprint back for a bonus episode next week… live from the Olympics.Comment with you Olympics best watch moments, like, follow and subscribe! @StageDoorAthletic#RobShawCameron #StageDoorAthletic #SportsPodcast #WinterOlympics #MilanoCortina #TeamGB #Curling #IceDancing #BigAir #SportsObsessed #SoloEpisode #UKPodcast #LeedsUnited #SuperBowl #LiveFromTheOlympicsHosts: Jack Loxton & Rob Shaw CameronEdited by: Rob Shaw Cameron@jackloxton1 @robshawcameron@thecourtofjames Stage Door Athletic is a [NON]FICTION PEOPLE Podcast © [NON]FICTION PEOPLE LtdPRS Licence: LC-002182Visit our website for more information on this and other great podcasts.Published by RiversideFMMilano Cortina (Official Soundtrack for Team Belgium Winter Olympics 2026) - Pegassi ℗ 2025 Sweet NothingSki Sunday - The London Theatre Orchestra ℗ 2003 Demon Music Group Ltd.

We are back baby! Six seasons in! We go through each team and give our thoughts on their season ahead. We have a discussion on the Challenge Cup round 3 and round 4 draw, a pre-season only in rugby league section to go through. And as always we finish off with the predictions league! Welcome back!!

Lee & Jamie chat through the 82-6 victory against Swinton in the Challenge Cup!

Check out this weeks pop up podcast for reaction to our Challenge Cup defeat against Hull FC from Head Coach Mike Grady, Sam Bowring and Toby Hughes

Welcome back to The COYFCast, brought to you by the Castleford Tigers Supporters Club! This episode is sponsored by DDW Air Conditioning. For a free quote, contact DDW at dan@ddwac.co.uk or 07399 547669.Ross previews Castleford's first competitive game of 2026 - a Challenge Cup third round clash with Doncaster RLFC...You can now support Ross and the podcast by joining our Patreon membership service here: https://www.patreon.com/COYFCastIf you simply want to show your support, you can became a COYFer for £3 per month. You can also unlock early access to each and every episode by becoming a Premium COYFer, for £4.50 per month.Follow The COYFCast on social media:Twitter: @COYFCastFacebook: The COYFCastInstagram: @coyfcastTikTok: @COYFCastContact the podcast: coyfcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode of the League Express Podcast, Editor Martyn Sadler and Host Jake Kearnan are joined by BBC pundit and former Super League coach John Kear for a full 2026 Rugby League predictions special.The trio deliver their bold calls for the 2026 season, debating which club will exceed expectations, which side could struggle or disappoint, and which player is primed for a breakout season. They also discuss the future of the England head coach role, offering insight into who could take charge next.Attention then turns to silverware, with predictions on who will win the Challenge Cup, the Super League Grand Final, the NRL Grand Final, and the World Club Challenge, making this a must-listen episode for Rugby League fans looking ahead to the biggest year yet.

Tune into this weeks podcast for all your Salford RLFC chat. We look back at our 1st win of 2026 beating Hammersmith Hills Hoist in the Challenge Cup, talk about the new documentary from all out rugby league about Salford Red Devils 2025 season and look forward to Barrow on Saturday sharing some memories of games we have played there over the years. Listen here or via your podcast playing app

In this week's episode of the League Express Podcast, Editor Martyn Sadler and Host Jake Kearnan react to a packed weekend of Rugby League action and off-field debate.The pair review the latest Challenge Cup fixtures, breaking down the standout performances and biggest talking points. They discuss the future of international Rugby League, as Martyn and Jake debate whether NRL players leaving the sport to pursue a Rugby Union World Cup highlights shortcomings in Rugby League's own World Cup structure.They also look ahead to the business end of the season, discussing which teams could meet in the Super League Grand Final, before analysing growing speculation around the England head coach role, with Brad Arthur and Willie Peters both reportedly showing interest.Elsewhere, the episode covers key transfer and media news, including Cameron Smith's departure to Wakefield next season, Tex Hoy's new club, and whether Sky Sports will bid for Super League broadcasting rights in the next major TV deal.

Wall Pass Wednesday starts your day on SDH AMWe look back at the USWNT win in Santa Barbera late Tuesday nightWe keep an eye on the FIFA Women's Challenge Cup with Gotham FCHuntsville City FC Managing Director Chad Emerson drops by to look at the off-the-field progress of the team in MLS NEXT PROWe preview the last match day in the league phase of UCL, your transfer news, ATLUTD2 roster adds, and the rest of your AM news 

Tune into this weeks podcast as we look back at Salford RLFC opening day defeat at home to Oldham, talk more good work in the community by the Foundation as we take our 1st steps in the 2026 Challenge Cup with a potentially tricky tie in Hammersmith on Saturday. listen here or via your podcast playing app

The NWSL schedule is out and the FA Cup is getting good! We're kicking it off with NWSL news including all new developments that the 2026 NWSL schedule brings. Why is the Challenge Cup in the middle of the season this year? Next, it's onto the FA Cup and the key matchups that the fifth round has to offer including Chelsea vs. United. Episode edited by Mike Adams @monkeyhillmedia. Follow us on socials @thewososhow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt Greer, David Forrest and James Cairney are here to discuss our Challenge Cup exit to Inverness, our 3-1 win over Montrose in the Scottish Cup, and of course Elgin Away.

Welcome to Monday's Rugby Daily, with David Wilson. Coming up today, Munster's discipline costs them dearly. Alan Quinlan on blooding fresh new talent. And a Jacques Nienaber on the battle between Sam Prendergast and Harry Byrne.Rugby on Off The Ball with Bank of Ireland | #NeverStopCompetingBecome a member and sign up at offtheball.com/join

Ce samedi 17 janvier, les Catalans sont parvenus à arracher leur qualification pour les 8èmes de finale en neutralisant les Lions de Johannesbourg sur le score de 20-20. Retour sur cette qualification sans éclat en compagnie de Hugo Bové du service des sports. Crédits audio : Heavy - Huma Humahttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_W1E9g8m2ac

Agradece a este podcast tantas horas de entretenimiento y disfruta de episodios exclusivos como éste. ¡Apóyale en iVoox! Cruces eliminatorias octavos de final: Montpellier-USAP; Connacht-Sharks; Stade Français-Dragons; Zebre-Section Paloise; Benetton-Cardiff; Exeter-Munster; Ulster-Ospreys; Newcastle- La Rochelle. Con Urbano Nuviala y Javier Señarís, by https://www.divertisenvivo.com/seis-naciones/ y https://sinduena.es/Escucha este episodio completo y accede a todo el contenido exclusivo de Hablemos de Rugby. Descubre antes que nadie los nuevos episodios, y participa en la comunidad exclusiva de oyentes en https://go.ivoox.com/sq/644699

Hello and welcome to another Rugby Daily Sunday Special with Susanna Mollen!She is up in Belfast to witness Ulster top their pool in the Challenge Cup, with reactions from head coach Richie Murphy ahead of Andy Farrell's Ireland squad announcement on Wednesday for the upcoming Men's Six Nations. Elsewhere, it's less happy scenes in Limerick as Dara Smith-Naughton chats to Munster's Clayton McMillan and Tadgh Beirne after the province are knocked out of the Champions Cup with their loss to Castres.Rugby Daily is on Off The Ball with Bank Of Ireland | #NeverStopCompeting Check back for more tomorrow!

Send us a textWith the URC season reaching its midpoint and the Challenge Cup heating up, it's the perfect time to take stock of Italian rugby's progress on the European stage. In this episode, we dive deep into the campaigns of Zebre Parma and Benetton Treviso, analysing where they've grown, where they've stumbled, and what lies ahead in the second half of the season.We break down Zebre's development as a competitive side, their performances at home and away, and what their evolving identity means for the future of Italian rugby. Meanwhile, we assess Benetton's push to remain a consistent URC contender, their squad depth, and how their style of play stacks up against the league's elite.With both teams also navigating the Challenge Cup, we discuss their European journeys so far, key matches, standout players, and what a successful run in the competition could mean for Italian rugby as a whole.From emerging Italian talent to coaching strategies and the wider national picture, this is a thoughtful, honest, and passionate mid-season review for anyone invested in the Azzurri game.Support the showLike, Share, Rate and Subscribe.For all our socials please follow: https://linktr.ee/fratellidrugby

À une semaine d'affronter Montauban en TOP14, les Sang et Or reçoivent les Lions de Johannesbourg pour le compte de la 4ème journée de Challenge Cup. Dans leur stade, les Catalans ont l'opportunité de faire le plein de confiance à une semaine du match crucial face à Montauban. On en parle dans notre émission consacrée à l'USAP.Crédits audio : Heavy - Huma Humahttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_W1E9g8m2ac

We're starting 2026 by looking back at a truly historic treble-winning season, reliving the moments that made it one to remember. We'll react to Oliver Gildart's new two-year deal (sorry we recorded this before the Joe Burgess announcement), break down what we've seen so far in pre-season and give our thoughts on the Challenge Cup third round draw.There's also a focus on the Hull KR academy shake up, reaction to Shaun Wane's departure, and, as always, we finish by answering all your questions in Question Time.And don't forget the Robin Pod is powered by Budget Tyres Auotcoentre on Leads Road in Hull. The only car specialist trusted by the players, club officials and supporters of Hull KR!

Agradece a este podcast tantas horas de entretenimiento y disfruta de episodios exclusivos como éste. ¡Apóyale en iVoox! Montpellier, Ospreys, Benetton, Newcastle, Stade Français, Ulster, Cardiff y Exeter, están clasificados para octavos de final a falta de la última jornada. Cuatro puestos de octavos de final, pendientes de la cuarta fecha. Con Urbano Nuviala y Javier Señarís, by https://www.divertisenvivo.com/seis-naciones/ y https://sinduena.es/Escucha este episodio completo y accede a todo el contenido exclusivo de Hablemos de Rugby. Descubre antes que nadie los nuevos episodios, y participa en la comunidad exclusiva de oyentes en https://go.ivoox.com/sq/644699

Pour le compte de la troisième journée de Challenge Cup, les Catalans de l'USAP faisaient un déplacement éclair en Angleterre pour y affronter le Red Bull Newcastle. Devant les 6000 spectateurs de Kingston Park, les Sang et Or s'inclinent d'une courte tête sur le score de 26-19 avec trois essais marqués. On en parle en compagnie d'Hugo Bové du service des sports.Crédits audio : Heavy - Huma Humahttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_W1E9g8m2ac

À l'occasion de la troisième journée de Challenge Cup, les Catalans de l'USAP revigorés après leurs récents succès en championnat se déplacent à Newcastle pour y affronter les Red Bull. Quelle sera l'équipe alignée par Laurent Labit, quelles sont les ambitions du club dans cette compétition ? On en parle en compagnie de Hugo Bové du service des sports !Crédits audio : Heavy - Huma Humahttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_W1E9g8m2ac

Lauren Salter is joined by former Wales internationals Jonathan Davies and Ellis Jenkins as well as Wales and Dragons prop Dillon Lewis who reacts to Aaron Waingwright leaving the region for Leicester Tigers at the end of the season. The team also look back on the festive derbies, look ahead to round three of the Champions and Challenge Cup and give their early picks for Six Nations selection.

Programa completo Directo Marca Sevilla 07/01/2026 en Radio Marca Sevilla. Dia de sorteo de los de copa del rey que ha emparejado al R. Betis con el Elche CF. Actualidad del equipo bético, que sigue con sus entrenamientos de cara a la próxima jornada liguera contra el R. Oviedo. De este choque hablamos con un ex de ambos clubes como es Oli. En clave sevillista, actualidad del equipo con la mira puesta en la próxima jornada del lunes contra el Celta de Vigo que se antoja vital. Empiezan a sonar con fuerza algunos nombres para reforzar a la entidad sevillista de cara al mercado invernal, entre ellos Juan Iglesias, lateral del Getafe, vemos como se encuentra esta operación que ha sonado con mucha fuerza en los últimos días. Como cada miércoles, tiempo para el polideportivo, hablamos del Fundación Cajasol Andalucía Vóley con su entrenador Ricardo Torronteras que disputan mañana los octavos de final de la Challenge Cup frente al Panionios griego. Para despedir, espacio para el baloncesto, nos atiende Adriá Alonso, entrenador del insolac Caja87 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week's episode of the League Express Podcast, Editor Martyn Sadler and Host Jake Kearnan reflect on the sad passing of League Express journalist Steve Brady, paying tribute to his contribution to Rugby League journalism and the wider game.The discussion then turns to the latest Rugby League news, including Salford Red Devils' future in the Championship, Willie Peters being honoured at the University of Hull, and what Martyn and Jake hope to see from the sport in 2026.They also cover Sean Long's new coaching role, Keon Koloamatangi signing for the St George Illawarra Dragons, and Josh Curran joining the NRL's newest franchise, the Perth Bears.To round off the episode, Martyn and Jake preview the opening round of the Challenge Cup and reflect on some of the biggest moments from the 2025 Rugby League season.

Dan, Simon, Tony & Harley discuss Cardiff becoming the definition of insanity in tough festive derby outings, whether it's time to panic and Corniel Van Zyl's role as Head Coach, as well as debating the approach to Racing and the Challenge Cup. Plus the latest news from the Arms Park, Rags and pathway. #CardiffRugby #Welshrugby #URC #WRU Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's our first pod in 2026 as we look back on a successful month for Dragons and turn our full attention to the Challenge Cup as the Men of Gwent face a tough trip to Benetton. We also react to reports that Aaron Wainwright will be leaving Dragons for Leicester. #WelshRugby #Dragons #URC #MenofGwent Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dave and Scott is joined by Ant to discuss the latest in the EIHL including the talking points from the weekend games, Challenge Cup 1/4 finals and much more.

Joe, Dave and Greth are back to discuss the latest news in the EIHL including new signings, the league run in over Christmas, the Challenge Cup and much more.

Welcome to Friday's Rugby Daily, with Cameron Hill.Coming up, just hours to go before Leinster take on Leicester in the Champions Cup.Munster head coach Clayton McMillan pulls no punches on last weekend's defeat to Bath,Ulster and Connacht name their teams for this weekend's Challenge Cup action,And everything you need to know ahead of a busy weekend of rugby.Rugby on Off The Ball with Bank of Ireland | #NeverStopCompeting

Neil Treacy is joined by Bernard Jackman and Gareth Steenson on this week's RTÉ Rugby podcast to discuss a mixed week of results for the Irish provinces in the Investec Champions Cup and the Challenge Cup.

Gareth Rhys Owen, Lauren Salter and Cennydd Davies reflect on the opening weekend of European rugby with the return of the Champions Cup and the Challenge Cup. Ospreys' comeback win over Connacht avoided a Welsh whitewash in Europe with Cardiff, Dragons and Scarlets all suffering defeat.

Annie, Ella & André take a seat and pull out the scrapbook to review the Washington Spirit's 2025 season!But first, they discuss the breaking news of former Orlando Pride general manager, Haley Carter, joining the Spirit as President of Soccer Operations. We get into Carter's background, the job ahead, and the magnitude of the move.Ok and then we get back to our 2025 season wrapup. From the Challenge Cup win to being scared of every availability report to an unexpected coaching change and another fun playoff run to another NWSL Championship — we take a look back at it all.Then, it's YOUR turn to have some fun! We're gathering nominees for our upcoming 2025 Hey Spirits Awards and need

RUGBY: Connacht back Sam Gilbert with Galway Bay FM's William Davies ahead of their European Challenge Cup trip to Ospreys

RUGBY: Connacht lineout & maul coach John Muldoon with Galway Bay FM's William Davies ahead of their European Challenge Cup trip to Ospreys

Connacht produced their best performance since beating Lyon in the Challenge Cup last January with a stunning 27-point victory over South Africa's HollywoodBets Sharks on Saturday (29th November 2025) to pick up their second win in this season's BKT United Rugby Championship. Tries from Paul Boyle, Chay Mullins, Hugh Gavin, Matthew Devine and Sam Illo gave Stuart Lancaster's side a five-star result, moving them up to 10th, just one point outside the top-8. Galway Bay FM's match commentary team were Rob Murphy and Joe Healy. == Our Connacht Rugby Coverage is brought to you by 'Screene's On The Square.'

It's Challenge Cup time!

Join us for Saturday's Race of the Day: Grade 1 Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup at Keeneland. David Aragona and Mike Beer share their thoughts and insights.

As we digest the first quarter of the season, Caley Thistle's 100% away league record lies in a shallow grave in Cumbernauld. Why is North Lanarkshire where ICT's dreams go to die? Why does no-one ever choose a pie for their last meal on earth? Why does The Climb make tough guys cry? And why should you never accept a ride in a boat from two foam-rubber Loch Ness Monsters? In our latest pod, Godfather Andrew Moffat and capos Sandy Sutherland, Stevie Riley and Andrew Young get stuck into all these questions and serve up the usual 31 years of ICT references, wild conjecture and mild distraction. Let's shuffle! 00:00:56 – Introduction and Hamilton Postmortem. Moff introduces the panel and we analyse Saturday's disappointing defeat in Cumbernauld and how the team might respond to it. 00:22:40 – First Quarter Report Card. We are 25% of the way through league season 2025-26, so it seems like a good time to look back and evaluate how ICT are doing so far. Who is top of the class? Who could do better? And who wins the prize for perfect attendance? 00:36:58 – Game by Game. The panel looks back at our recent league wins against East Fife and Queen of the South, a demolition of Dundee B in the KDM Evolution Challenge Cup Trophy, and considers whether new mascots Nessie and Nessa would be more at home in New Jersey. 00:48:09 – What yi sayeen? Remi Savage. Duncan Ferguson didn't do much right at ICT, but he did bequeath us Remi Savage, one of our standout players since signing in January 2024. Remi spoke to Stevie about coming through at Liverpool and Newcastle, moving to Inverness, surviving administration, and his very positive feelings about the ICT squad and manager. 01:20:30 – The Club. Stevie gets emotional over Kell's love of The Climb; we discuss Alan Savage's plans for the future of the club as he takes full control of ICT; and we look forward to good times later this week, as Moff hosts the ICT Supporters' Trust's Scottish Cup 10th Anniversary night. 01:31:48 – What yi sayeen? David Proctor. An important contributor to two successful promotion campaigns and with more than 100 top-flight appearances for ICT under his belt, David Proctor is something of an unsung hero in Inverness. Now in his third spell with the club, having exchanged his boots for the physio's table, David tells Stevie about life after leaving Caley Thistle, why he has returned, and how being a former player has helped him in his new career. 02:02:47 – League Lookahead. A very quick skip through the upcoming games against Forfar in the Challenge Cup and Kelty Hearts and Peterhead in the league. There's it!  Whaddayagottado?

For many, the Challenge Cup Final was their first real taste of the sport. Either watching on TV and listening to legendary commentators such as Eddie Waring and Ray French, or travelling down to Wembley to witness rugby league's 'big day out' in person.The 1968 'Watersplash' final remains iconic, but this list of top ten finals begins forty years ago with a record crowd of 99,801 inside the national stadium witnessing a classic encounter between two teams of rugby league superstars wearing their classic hooped kits. Peter Sterling and James Leuluai of Hull manufactured some memorable moments, and there was a sensational try for Wigan's Henderson Gill, but it was Brett Kenny of Wigan who became the first Australian to win the Lance Todd Trophy as man-of-the-match after scoring a stunning try.Martin Offiah's 1994 length of the field score and iconic celebration, slumped to his knees with his head in his hands, is now immortalised as part of the rugby league statue at Wembley. Bradford Bulls superstar Robbie Paul scored the first-ever final hat-trick two years later and in 1998 Sheffield Eagles caused one of, if not, the biggest shock in a major final in any sport in any era. Head coach John Kear was at it again with Hull FC in 2005 as Paul Cooke danced his way over the line for a crucial late score. While one of the great Wembley tries occurred in 2011, a real family affair, made by Sam Tomkins and finished by brother Joel.Catalans Dragons played in the first final at the newly developed Wembley in 2007. They lost that day to St Helens, but just over a decade later returned to become the first non-English team in 121 years to win the cup. And when Papua New Guinea international half-back Lachlan Lam travelled half-way round the world to play for his father Adrian, his crucial golden point drop goal which claimed the cup for “Little old Leigh” 52 years after their last success, was the stuff of fairy tales.But which one will come out as the most memorable Challenge Cup Final?

The signing of overseas players hasn't always meant adding quality to the competition, but this list of the very best certainly did. Although it's fair to say some made much more of an impact than others.For instance, the 'greatest player of all-time', Andrew Johns, made just three appearances for Warrington at the end of the 2005 season, and couldn't lead them to silverware. In the 1980s it was common practice for legendary NRL players to sign short-term contracts in England during the off-season 'Down Under'. More recently, imports have actually made their name in Super League, winning Grand Finals, Challenge Cups and earning recognition as the Man of Steel.Widely regarded as one of the games' finest players, Australian international player and coach, Mal Meninga, joined St Helens for the 1984/85 season and helped them win the Lancashire Cup and Premiership title. While Kiwi centre, Dean Bell, won seven successive Challenge Cup Finals with Wigan, including three as captain, and made such an impact he was the subject of 'This is Your Life' in 1993.Robbie Paul followed his brother Henry to Bradford and lit up the game making rugby league 'cool'. He was named 'Super League Player of the Season' aged just 20, whilst loose-forward Adrian Vowles with Castleford, centre Jamie Lyon at St Helens, full-back Brett Hodgson with Huddersfield and winger and goal-kicking machine Pat Richards at Wigan were all crowned the 'Man of Steel' between 1999 and 2010.Joining Robbie at the Bulls was 'The Volcano', Lesley Vainikolo. The huge New Zealand winger won two Super League titles and three Challenge Cup finals with Bradford scoring 149 tries in 152 games. And more recently, Wigan's Bevan French has really shone in Super League, not only winning silverware, but incredibly being named as 'Player of the Match' in three finals during 2024.So, who will take the accolade as the greatest import of all?

This episode talks to Dr Nick Halafihi about the life and career of his father, Nanumi (Nan) Halafihi, the first Tongan to play at Wembley and the first-ever Tongan to play professional rugby league. This is a fascinating story of how Nan travelled with his brother Sione, a world-ranked cruiserweight boxer, and family friend Sam Felatu, and made a home in the north of England. He began his career with Doncaster in 1958 and then moved to Roy Francis's Hull, where he established himself as attacking left-centre and played in the 1960 Challenge Cup final at Wembley. This is about much more than rugby talent - it's a tale of crossing hemispheres and cultures, of the warm welcomes he received but also of the racism he and his family faced. Most of all, it's about someone whose career who paved the way for hundreds of other Tongan rugby players who would follow the path laid down by Nan Halafihi.