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PODCAST

By the Balls

UK-based journalists John Davidson and Ross Heppenstall discuss the latest sports topics of the day and endeavour to give you the story behind the stories. Lots of opinion, insight and detail on the world of rugby league, rugby union, football and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support.

sports rugby

All Episodes

01:00:04

Episode 189: Challenge Cup final preview and more

By the Balls ·

2025/05/30

John and Ross are back to preview the Challenge Cup final of Hull KR against Warrington. They discuss the two teams, their form and history going into the final, and who might emerge victorious at Warrington. They also chat about the horror show at Huddersfield, Steve McNamara's axing at Catalans, if he would be a good fit at Leeds, and they give the latest on the Salford schemozzle. They also touch on the punishment of Luke Keary and the recent five-year plan for London Broncos.

en-us

01:12:20

Episode 188: Civil War, Devilish Disaster and Pie & Peas

By the Balls ·

2025/04/11

John and Ross are back and they discuss the latest on the worrying Salford Red Devils circus. They touch on the proposed NRL takeover of Super League, what it may involve, why its come about and what a new competition could look like. They also chat about RFL boss Tony Sutton's recent media appearance, Phil Gould's comments and break down the Ashes series, including potential selections.

en-us

00:49:58

Episode 187: Implosions, Farces and Back to the Future

By the Balls ·

2025/03/14

John and Ross are back for a special episode after an insane week in rugby league. They chat about the farce at Salford Red Devils and how the issues and the situation rolls on. They discuss the raft of resignations at the RFL and the coup that has seen Nigel Wood controversially return to the governing body as interim chairman. They also touch on the serious complaints raised by women at the RFL and the departure of Gary Hetherington from Leeds to take over at London.

en-us

00:30:25

Episode 186: Vegas Baby

By the Balls ·

2025/02/28

Ross and John are live from Las Vegas ahead of rugby league’s takeover of Allegiant Stadium. They talk about the experience of being in Vegas, the events and activities they have been on, the impact of it all, and what it all may mean for the NRL and Super League in the future.

en-us

00:26:22

Episode 185: Karl Fitzpatrick

By the Balls ·

2025/02/19

John Davidson sits down with Warrington CEO Karl Fitzpatrick ahead of the journey to Las Vegas. They talk about the massive game against Wigan in Sin City, rugby league's attempts to crack America and the impact the event has already had. They also discuss Super League's dramatic opening round, gaining publicity and breaking out the bubble, Warrington's partnership with Luke Littler.

en-us

00:56:49

Episode 184: Richard de la Riviere

By the Balls ·

2024/12/10

John catches up with rugby league journalist and author Richard de la Riviere. The pair talk about media access in rugby league, the women's game and his website womensrl.com. They also discuss the upcoming match in Las Vegas, the Ashes and Garry Schofield.

en-us

00:40:47

Episode 183: Samoa, Sua'ali'i and Code Wars

By the Balls ·

2024/11/17

John and Ross are back to discuss the England vs Samoa series, international rugby league and Joseph Sua'ali'i crossing codes. They talk about code hoppers in rugby union and rugby league, the difficulties involved and whether a merger could happen in the future - of if it's pure pipedream. They also touch on the Mark Aston/concussion case and answer your questions.

en-us

35:05

Episode 182: 2024 Super League Grand Final Preview

By the Balls ·

2024/10/08

Ross and John are back to preview this year’s Super League grand final. This discuss Wigan and Hull KR, analyse their teams and players, and look at each club’s journey to the decider.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support.

en-us

21:24

Episode 181: Matt Parcell

By the Balls ·

2024/10/01

Hull KR hooker Matt Parcell joins the podcast ahead of the Super League semi-final against Warrington. Matt talks about Hull KR’s great season, the danger of Warrington, his career and his impending retirement.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support.

en-us

17:56

Episode 180: Matt Dufty

By the Balls ·

2024/09/24

Warrington Wolves fullback Matt Duffy joins us ahead of the Super League semi-final against St Helens. Matt talks to us about his excellent season, being name in the Dream Team and the upcoming finals. He discuses Sam Burgess’ transformation of Warrington, his background in the NRL and his transfer to Super League.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support.

en-us

54:57

Episode 179: Viva Las Vegas

By the Balls ·

2024/08/06

Ross and John are back for a bumper episode where they discuss Las Vegas, the NRL and Super League teaming up in America, and Hull KR top of the table. They chat about IMG and cutbacks at the RFL, the next World Cup being hosted by Australia and PNG, Salford rising, St Helens struggling and loads more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support.

en-us

34:45

Episode 178: Rob Burrow, Tributes and Changes

By the Balls ·

2024/06/21

John and Ross are back with a special tribute to Rob Burrow. They also discuss Rohan Smith’s dismissal at Leeds, potential candidates to replace him, England’s shocking player payments for the France test and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support.

en-us

24:13

Episode 177: Cups, Carty and Coming Up With A Plan

By the Balls ·

2024/05/18

The boys talk about the declining popularity of the Challenge Cup, IMG’s London Broncos problem, the coaching and recruitment situation at Hull FC, the sustainability of the Championship and League 1, and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support.

en-us

45:55

Episode 176: Rowley, Rohan and Richie

By the Balls ·

2024/04/23

Ross and John are back to discuss Paul Rowley staying with Salford, the hell at Hull FC, the club’s appointment of Richie Myler, pressure on Rohan Smith and the future for Tony Smith. We also talk about the rise of Warrington and Huddersfield, Challenge Cup quarter-final results and England to play France in Toulouse.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support.

en-us

51:01

Episode 175: Money, Media and Mismanagement

By the Balls ·

2024/03/15

John and Ross are back to discuss the first few rounds of Super League, the shocking situation at Featherstone Rovers and whether a player’s union is needed in UK rugby league. They also talk about the match review panel, the issue of media facilities in Super League, and the latest international news involving Italy, Ireland, Scotland and Lebanon dropping down in membership and out of World Cup qualification.Become a supporter of this podcast:

en-us

48:22

Episode 174: Super League 2024 Season Launch

By the Balls ·

2024/02/08

John, Ross and Phil Caplan are live from the Aviva Studios in Manchester for the launch of the new Super League season.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support.

en-us

26:14

Episode 173: New beginnings

By the Balls ·

2024/01/19

John is joined on the podcast by author and journalist Steve Mascord. The pair talk about the launch of the Championship and League 1 seasons, changes at Wakefield Trinity, the new concussion rules, Super League’s foray into streaming and a new broadcasting platform and Steve’s new book on the 1994 Kangaroos.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support.

en-us

31:10

Episode 172: Brett Kearney

By the Balls ·

2023/12/08

We are joined by former professional rugby league player Brett Kearney. Brett, who retired in 2014, had spells with South Sydney, Cronulla and Bradford. Now an ambassador for the Brain Foundation, he joins us to talk about concussion in sport, his history of brain injuries, dealing with retirement, the financial dramas at the Bulls and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support.

en-us

63:52

Episode 171: Whitewashes, Magic mayhem and more

By the Balls ·

2023/12/02

John and Ross are back and discuss England’s big series win over Tonga, Samoa pulling out of a Uk tour and the Kiwis beating the Kangaroos. They also chat about Magic Weekend going to Leeds, Salford’s stadium situation, new rule changes in Super League, the World Club Challenge and a lot more in rugby league.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support.

en-us

65:50

Episode 170: Gareth Ellis

By the Balls ·

2023/10/21

Our special guest is Gareth Ellis. He joins us to talk about his new book, his amazing career, his plans for the future, his time in Super League, his time in the NRL and more.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support.

en-us

189 results

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