League Express Podcast

Martyn Sadler and Jake Kearnan

A Podcast about the sport of Rugby League Football.
This is closely linked to the League Express newspaper and the Totalrl.com website.

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153 episodes
Updated Yesterday

Episodes153

Newest first

Sep 30, 2025 · 1 hr 5 min
#108: Ashes Ticket Sales, Super League Playoffs & NRL Grand Final Preview with RL Commercial's Rhodri Jones
In this week’s episode of the League Express Podcast, Editor Martyn Sadler and host Jake Kearnan are joined by Rhodri Jones, Managing Director of RL Commercial, to discuss the business side of Rugby League and the latest on the field. 🏉 Topics include: How Ashes ticket sales are progressing The financial boost the Ashes series could bring to Rugby League Updates on the upcoming broadcast rights deal negotiations Reaction to the first week of the Super League Playoffs: Leigh Leopards defeating Wakefield Trinity St Helens beating Leeds Rhinos in a clash that saw a controversial Jon Bennison try Analysis of the NRL Preliminary Finals: Melbourne Storm beating the Cronulla Sharks Brisbane Broncos ending the Penrith Panthers’ streak A full preview of this weekend’s playoff action: Wigan Warriors vs Leigh Leopards Hull KR vs St Helens The Championship Grand Final between York and Toulouse The NRL Grand Final between the Brisbane Broncos and Melbourne Storm Packed with exclusive insight, financial updates, and match analysis, this episode delivers the latest on Rugby League both on and off the pitch. 🔔 Subscribe to the League Express Podcast for weekly Rugby League news, Super League analysis, and exclusive interviews from around the game. #RugbyLeague #SuperLeague #RLCommercial #RhodriJones #AshesSeries #BroadcastRights #LeighLeopards #WakefieldTrinity #StHelens #LeedsRhinos #JonBennison #WiganWarriors #HullKR #York #Toulouse #NRL #BrisbaneBroncos #MelbourneStorm #PenrithPanthers #RugbyLeaguePodcast
Sep 24, 2025 · 1 hr 5 min
#107: Super League Playoffs Preview & Dream Team Reaction + Jason Demetriou to London Broncos
In this week’s episode of the League Express Podcast, Editor Martyn Sadler and host Jake Kearnan break down the biggest stories in Rugby League, from the Super League Playoffs to the NRL Finals and beyond. 🏉 Topics include: Full preview of the Super League Playoffs and who the favourites are going into the weekend Reaction to the announcement of the Super League Dream Team Predictions for the NRL Preliminary Finals Which players have declared their allegiance to Australia and England ahead of the Ashes series Martyn’s bold proposal for a brand-new Super League Nines competition Jason Demetriou signing as London Broncos head coach for the next three seasons The Broncos’ marquee move in signing Reagan Campbell-Gillard With sharp insight and debate on the game’s biggest talking points, this episode is packed with analysis, predictions, and bold ideas about the future of Rugby League. 🔔 Subscribe to the League Express Podcast for weekly Rugby League news, Super League analysis, and exclusive insights from around the sport. #RugbyLeague #SuperLeague #SuperLeaguePlayoffs #DreamTeam #NRLFinals #JasonDemetriou #LondonBroncos #ReaganCampbellGillard #SuperLeagueNines #EnglandRugbyLeague #AustraliaRugbyLeague #AshesSeries #RugbyLeaguePodcast
Sep 16, 2025 · 1 hr 13 min
#106: Steve McNamara on Life After Catalans | NRL or Super League Next?
In this week’s episode of the League Express Podcast, Editor Martyn Sadler and host Jake Kearnan are joined by former Catalans Dragons and England coach Steve McNamara for an honest and wide-ranging conversation about his coaching journey, playing career, and what’s next. 🏉 Topics include: Steve’s recent trip to Australia and the NRL clubs he visited Whether his next coaching role will be in Super League or the NRL An honest breakdown of what went wrong at Catalans Dragons The highlights of his coaching career and the best players he has coached His candid thoughts on Super League expansion The importance of French Rugby League and whether French clubs are treated fairly With rare behind-the-scenes insight, McNamara reflects on the highs and lows of his career and shares his vision for the future of Rugby League. 🔔 Subscribe to the League Express Podcast for exclusive interviews, Super League analysis, and insider discussion from the world of Rugby League. #RugbyLeague #SuperLeague #SteveMcNamara #CatalansDragons #EnglandRugbyLeague #NRL #SuperLeagueExpansion #FrenchRugbyLeague #RugbyLeaguePodcast
Sep 9, 2025 · 1 hr 11 min
#105: Darren Lockyer’s London Broncos Bid | Could They Return to Super League?
In this week’s episode of the League Express Podcast, Editor Martyn Sadler and host Jake Kearnan dive into the biggest Rugby League stories from Super League, the NRL, and beyond. 🏉 Topics include: RFL Chief Executive Tony Sutton standing down and what it means for the sport Darren Lockyer leading a consortium looking to buy the London Broncos Could former Souths coach Jason Demetriou be a target for the Broncos? Will new investment help the Broncos return to Super League and become a household name in London? Which marquee players are on the Broncos’ radar? The latest at the Salford Red Devils and what their struggles mean for Paul Rowley’s future A full preview of this week’s Super League fixtures Predictions for week one of the NRL Finals Packed with analysis, bold predictions, and exclusive insight, this episode covers the biggest stories shaping Rugby League right now. 🔔 Subscribe to the League Express Podcast for weekly Super League news, NRL updates, and in-depth Rugby League debate. #RugbyLeague #SuperLeague #LondonBroncos #DarrenLockyer #JasonDemetriou #TonySutton #RFL #SalfordRedDevils #PaulRowley #NRLFinals #SuperLeagueFixtures #RugbyLeaguePodcast
Sep 3, 2025 · 1 hr 3 min
#104: Mike Ford on Oldham’s Super League Bid, Expansion & Rugby League’s Future
In this week’s episode of the League Express Podcast, Editor Martyn Sadler and host Jake Kearnan are joined by Oldham Roughyeds Managing Director Mike Ford for an in-depth discussion on the future of Rugby League, Super League expansion, and Oldham’s ambitious rise.🏉 Topics include: Oldham’s bid to join Super League The proposed merger of the Betfred Championship and League 1 How Oldham climbed from League 1 to the Championship top four Is the sport ready for a 14-team Super League? Should new clubs get a grace period in Super League? Could Mike tempt his son, England rugby star George Ford, to join Oldham at the end of his career? The future of Salford Red Devils and their ongoing challenges How recruitment uncertainty affects Championship clubs The exciting off-field projects and community growth at Oldham Plans for a brand-new Oldham youth academy With exclusive insight from one of Rugby League’s most respected figures, this episode dives deep into the challenges, opportunities, and future direction of the sport. 🔔 Subscribe to the League Express Podcast for more exclusive Rugby League interviews, Super League analysis, and weekly updates from the world of Rugby League.#RugbyLeague #SuperLeague #OldhamRoughyeds #MikeFord #GeorgeFord #BetfredChampionship #League1 #SuperLeagueExpansion #SalfordRedDevils #RugbyLeaguePodcast #YouthAcademy #LeagueExpress
Aug 27, 2025 · 1 hr 4 min
#103: John Kear on Championship Playoffs, Super League Promotion & Lewis Dodd’s Future
In this week’s episode of the League Express Podcast, Editor Martyn Sadler and host Jake Kearnan are joined by Batley Bulldogs coach John Kear for a wide-ranging discussion on the Championship playoffs, Super League, and the international game. 🏉 Topics include: How the Championship playoff race is shaping up Which club John believes should be promoted to Super League next year His prediction for the Championship winners Reaction to the weekend’s Super League action: Leeds Rhinos defeating Hull KR Wigan Warriors welcoming back Bevan French and Junior Nsemba to beat Wakefield Who John expects to feature in the Super League Grand Final The proposed merger of the Championship and League 1 competitions The future of Lewis Dodd — will he stay in the NRL, and what advice would John give him? Ivan Cleary’s bold call to rest all of his players for the Bulldogs clash With expert insights from one of Rugby League’s most respected coaches, this episode delivers sharp analysis and strong opinions on the biggest stories in the game. 🔔 Subscribe to the League Express Podcast for more exclusive Rugby League interviews, Super League analysis, and weekly updates from the world of Rugby League. #RugbyLeague #SuperLeague #ChampionshipRugbyLeague #JohnKear #BatleyBulldogs #LeedsRhinos #HullKR #WiganWarriors #BevanFrench #JuniorNsemba #LewisDodd #IvanCleary #NRL #SuperLeagueGrandFinal #League1 #ChampionshipMerger #RugbyLeaguePodcast
Aug 20, 2025 · 54 min
#102: Payne Haas Chooses Samoa, Billy Smith for England | League Express Podcast
🎙️ In this week's episode of the League Express Podcast, Editor Martyn Sadler and host Jake Kearnan break down another huge weekend of Super League action and the biggest talking points across the sport. 🏉 Topics include: Hull KR’s dramatic win over the Wigan Warriors in a top-of-the-table clash How Wigan battled without stars Bevan French and Junior Nsemba Payne Haas choosing to represent Samoa over Australia Billy Smith putting his hand up for Shaun Wane's England side Are Hull KR favourites to win the League Leaders’ Shield? Salford Red Devils vs Wakefield Trinity cancelled – the latest on the situation Martyn shares the latest whispers on which clubs could join Super League in 2026 From international rugby league to Super League expansion rumours, this episode is packed with analysis, debate, and exclusive insight you won’t find anywhere else. 🔔 Subscribe now to the League Express Podcast for more weekly Rugby League analysis, breaking Super League news, and insider updates. #SuperLeague #RugbyLeague #HullKR #WiganWarriors #BevanFrench #JuniorNsemba #PayneHaas #SamoaRugbyLeague #EnglandRugbyLeague #BillySmith #SalfordRedDevils #WakefieldTrinity #LeagueLeadersShield #SuperLeagueExpansion #RugbyLeaguePodcast
Aug 13, 2025 · 1 hr 7 min
#101: Huddersfield’s Big Mistake? Tim Butcher on IMG, Brad Arthur & 14-Team Super League
🎙️ In this week’s episode of the League Express Podcast, Editor Martyn Sadler and host Jake Kearnan welcome Rugby League Yearbook author Tim Butcher for an in-depth conversation about the sport’s history and the biggest stories in today’s game. 🏉 Topics include: The origins of League Express and how Martyn & Tim first launched it What it takes to research and write the annual Rugby League Yearbook Why the Huddersfield Giants changing stadiums could be a costly mistake The Leeds Rhinos re-signing coach Brad Arthur and what it means for the club Which clubs Tim would include in a 14-team Super League His verdict on IMG’s impact on Rugby League Previewing this weekend’s blockbuster clash: Wigan Warriors vs Hull KR From behind-the-scenes publishing stories to passionate debates about the future of the sport, this episode delivers history, insight, and analysis for every Rugby League fan. 🔔 Subscribe now for more exclusive Rugby League interviews, breaking Super League news, and expert analysis from the team at League Express. #RugbyLeague #SuperLeague #LeagueExpress #TimButcher #MartynSadler #HuddersfieldGiants #LeedsRhinos #BradArthur #WiganWarriors #HullKR #RugbyLeagueYearbook #IMG #SuperLeagueNews #14TeamSuperLeague #RugbyLeaguePodcast
Aug 6, 2025 · 1 hr 14 min
#100: “Super League in Crisis or Evolution? Eamonn McManus Talks RFL, IMG & Playoff Hopes”
🎙️ In this week’s episode of the League Express Podcast, Editor Martyn Sadler and host Jake Kearnan sit down with St Helens Chairman Eamonn McManus for an unmissable conversation about the current state and future of Super League. 🏉 Topics covered include: The proposed 14-team Super League expansion for 2025 St Helens' push toward the playoffs Has IMG’s involvement in Rugby League been a success? Eamonn’s personal journey into Rugby League His concerns with the video referee system The long-term future of the sport under the RFL’s direction Eamonn pulls no punches as he shares his insights on the decisions shaping the game, the challenges facing top clubs, and what needs to change for Super League to thrive. 🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review to stay updated with the biggest conversations in Rugby League. #SuperLeague #StHelensRLFC #EamonnMcManus #RugbyLeaguePodcast #RFL #SuperLeagueExpansion #IMG #RugbyLeagueNews #LeagueExpress
Jul 31, 2025 · 1 hr 1 min
#99 - League Express - Wakefield Trinity Owner Matthew Ellis joins the show
In this week's episode of the League Express Podcast, Editor Martyn Sadler and Host Jake Kearnan are joined by Wakefield Trinity Owner Matthew Ellis. They discuss Wakefield's rebuild under Ellis, there return to Super League and what the future holds for the club. Matt gives his thoughts on the decision to move to 14 teams, his honest assessment of the state of the game and if he thinks they should stop at 14 teams.
Jul 29, 2025 · 25 min
League Express - Will a 14 team Super League work?
In this week's mini episode of the League Express Podcast, Editor Martyn Sadler and Host Jake Kearnan discuss Super League expanding to 14 teams. They discuss whether it is enough notice for clubs, who will be brought up and whether Salford will remain in 2026.
Jul 22, 2025 · 39 min
#98 - League Express - Gary Hetherington joins the show to talk London Broncos future
In this week's episode of the League Express Podcast, Editor Martyn Sadler and Host Jake Kearnan are joined by Leeds Rhinos CEO Gary Hetherington to talk the future of the London Broncos. Gary discusses the new direction London are taking, new investment opportunities and whether he supports a 14-team Super League. He discusses what his new role with London will entail, his discussions with Australian investors and the potential Rugby League has in London if marketed correctly.
Jul 16, 2025 · 1 hr 4 min
#97 - League Express - New RFL Chair Nigel Wood joins the show
In this week's episode of the League Express Podcast, Editor Martyn Sadler and Host Jake Kearnan are joined by RFL Chair Nigel Wood. They discuss Nigel's appointment as RFL Chair, Tueday's meeting with club's about the strategic review and what the future of the game holds. They discuss the potential of a 14 team Super League, getting the RFL's finances in order and the NRL's interest in Super League. They discuss the future of French clubs, the next broadcasting agreement and how the game can better market itself.
Jul 10, 2025 · 58 min
#96 - League Express - Where does this rank among the great Queensland series wins? + Danny McGuire exits Castleford
In this week's episode of the League Express Podcast, Editor Martyn Sadler and Host Jake Kearnan react to Queensland's winning the 2025 series win. They discuss where it ranks among the best Queensland series wins of all time, who they thought played the best and discuss the heroic efforts of Cam Munster playing three days after his father passed away. They discuss Danny McGuire's exit at Castleford and where he might end up, changes to the international player quota and Sam Lisone signing with Hull FC.
Jul 1, 2025 · 1 hr 4 min
#95 - League Express - Were Castleford robbed? + Who missed out on preliminary England squad?
In this week's episode of the League Express Podcast, Editor Martyn Sadler and Host Jake Kearnan discuss whether Castleford were robbed, whether Danny McGuire deserves to be punished for his comments and Catalans impressive display in sweltering conditions. They discuss Shaun Wane's preliminary 32-man England squad, who missed out on the squad and speculate which NRL players will join the list. They discs Nigel Wood being appointed Chair of RL Commercial, the State of Origin squad announcements and Brad Fittler withdrawing from the Kangaroos coaching search.
Jun 25, 2025 · 1 hr 7 min
#94 - League Express - Is this the turning point for the Saints? as Warrington struggles continue
In this week's episode of the League Express Podcast, Editor Martyn Sadler and Host Jake Kearnan discuss all the action from the weekend including St Helens crucial win, Wakefield toppling Wigan and Warrington dropping another match against Huddersfield. They discuss the importance of Warrington winning this weekend over Hull FC, Harry Robertson's tackle of the year and Hull KR's new partnership with the North Queensland Cowboys. They discuss Mark Aston's dispute with the RFL coming to an end, Hunslet's gripe with Salford and whether Selwyn Cobbo should leave the Broncos.
Jun 19, 2025 · 58 min
#93 - League Express - Were the Queensland Maroons lucky? State of Origin review
In this week's episode of the League Express Podcast, Editor Martyn Sadler and Host Jake Kearnan react to Queensland's game 2 State of Origin win in Perth. They discuss whether the penalty count was fair, who stood out to them and what they made of Cameron Munsters first match as captain. They discuss Jarome Luai's performance and whether he will be recalled for game three, how close the last 10 minutes were and whether the Blues should have sat Cleary following his groin injury. They take a look at whether Jake Connors should make England's Ashes squad, who should be the next knight in Rugby League and take a look at this weekend's Super League matches.
Jun 10, 2025 · 52 min
#92 - League Express - Is this just the start for Hull KR? Challenge Cup Finals review
In this week's episode of the League Express Podcast, Editor Martyn Sadler and Host Jake Kearnan discuss all the action from the Challenge Cup Final at Wembley, whether Warrington can bounce back from another major final loss and whether Hull KR can go on to win Super League. They discuss York's gritty golden point win over Featherstone, the Women's Wigan side knocking the defending Challenge Cup Champions St Helens off the podium and whether the weekend was a success. They discuss Australia searching for a new coach following Mal Meninga' accepting the Perth Bears job, Kai Pearce Paul signing with the Tigers and discuss Cameron Munster being announced as Maroons captain following Daly Cherry-Evans axing.
Jun 4, 2025 · 58 min
#91 - League Express - Who will win the Challenge Cup? + State of Origin review
In this week's episode of the League Express Podcast, Editor Martyn Sadler and Host Jake Kearnan discuss all the action from the weekend, last week's State of Origin opener and who they think will win this weekend's Challenge Cup Final. They discuss the rumours around a Tom Trbojevic and whether he will end up in Super League, Ryan Hall extending with Leeds and whether Mal Meninga has the Perth Bears coaching role locked in. They preview the 1895 Cup match, the women's Challenge Cup final and discuss what changes Billy Slater could make for game two of the Origin series.
May 27, 2025 · 1 hr 1 min
#90 - League Express - What team has recruited the best? + State of Origin preview
In this week's episode of the League Express Podcast, Editor Martyn Sadler and Host Jake Kearnan discuss which team has recruited the best this year, some new interest in Super League investors and what the future of London Rugby League holds. They discuss Steve McNamara losing his job, George Williams to the Dolphins whispers and the latest on Lachlan Galvin.