5 Live Rugby League

Warrington Wolves’ Chief Executive, Karl Fitzpatrick, joins Dave Woods and former England half-back Kevin Brown to discuss IMG’s proposals to change the game, grading each professional club to determine who will be in Super League come 2025. Plus, what’s behind Warrington’s great start to the year and should there be genuine concern amongst the fans of a couple of clubs already?

Dave Woods is joined by former England half-back Kevin Brown and Huddersfield Giants Head of Youth, Andy Kelly, to discuss whether rugby league’s reserve team structure is fit for purpose and why it should be a priority for IMG’s soon to be released new grading criteria. Plus, there’s reaction to the surprise departure of Lee Radford from Castleford Tigers; can the Giants be amongst the silverware this season under ‘rugby league nerd’ Ian Watson; and the joys of cold water swimming!

Following the re-appointment of Shaun Wane as head coach of the men’s national team, Dave Woods is joined by ex-England coach John Kear and Kevin Brown, who played in the 2017 World Cup Final, to discuss the state of international rugby league. Plus, what a start to the season the two Hull clubs have made, and is this the most open race for promotion from the Championship in recent years?

Tanya Arnold is joined one more time by former England international Jon Wilkin and Australian journalist Steve Mascord, while the BBC’s rugby league correspondent Dave Woods also joins the pod.They discuss all three finals as Australia’s men and women triumph, while England defeated France on Friday to win the wheelchair competition. Talking of which, wheelchair World Cup winner Seb Bechara drops by with a bottle of champagne.Oh, and the team discuss the Australian love of haircuts and coffee.Time codes 1 – The team discuss the men’s final. 10 – Aussie coach Mal Meninga interviewed. 12 – England wheelchair winner Seb Bechara drops by with some champagne. 25 – The team discuss the women’s final. 28 - Final thoughts from the team.

Tanya Arnold is joined once again by former England international Jon Wilkin and Australian journalist Steve Mascord for their weekly take on all things Rugby League World Cup. Lee Radford is part of the Samoan coaching staff and he explains how England’s semi-final opponents have been getting better and better. England wheelchair player Seb Bechara discusses playing the trumpet and what exactly constitutes good bread. And Jillaroos co-skipper Sammy Bremner joins the pod to talk through a few language issues and returning to the game after having a baby. Oh – and don’t forget to find out what Steve has lost this week.TIMECODES6.00 - Lee Radford joins the team to discuss the England men's team's upcoming semi-final against Samoa. The Castleford Tigers head coach is currently working as an assistant coach for Samoa, and hoping to plot the downfall of his home nation. 16.25 England wheelchair star Seb Bechara discusses their great start to the event, and life as a professional trumpet player in the South of Fra

Tanya Arnold is once again joined by former England international Jon Wilkin and Australian journalist Steve Mascord to discuss the World Cup, food and what they have lost over the past week.They are joined by England’s Tommy Makinson to find out who he looks like and who he is currently rooming with.Ahead of the women’s tournament starting PNG’s Elise Albert and Canada’s Gabby Hindley open up on their journeys to the World Cup. And there is also time for England’s Jack Brown to explain what makes the wheelchair game so special. Timecodes: 05.00 England’s Tommy Makinson joins the team to talk about their success in the men's tournament so far, and the teams plans for a Haloween-themed training session 17.48 Papua New Guinea Orchids captain Elsie Albert talks about changing perceptions at home as she prepares to lead her country in the Women's World Cup tournament which starts this week. 25.42 Gabby Hindley, who captains the Canada Ravens, talks us through her off-field CV which includes work as a biologist an

Jamaica in the Rugby League World Cup? Who knew! Well, Nesta McGregor travelled to Leeds to watch them train and spoke to the key people around the team. Jamaican journalist and team media manager Simon Preston explains how it all started while head coach Romeo Monteith discusses what it means for the team to be over here in England competing at the RLWC. Alex Young – the brother of England winger Dom – explains why he is playing for Jamaica and Chevaughn Bailey – who plays club rugby back in Jamaica – explains the emotions of playing for his country and the reaction back home from the pupils that he teaches.Timecodes…. 2 mins – Jamaican journalist Simon Preston on the evolution of the team. 6 mins – head coach Romeo Monteith on the growth of the sport. 14 mins - Chevaughn Bailey on his pride at playing in Jamaica’s World Cup opener. 19 mins – Alex Young on his decision to play for Jamaica.

On this week’s podcast, Dave Woods meets members of England’s World Cup squad at their training base in Wigan. Old hands Ryan Hall and Tommy Makinson join newer faces Matty Lees, Marc Sneyd, Andy Ackers and the ‘Australian Yorkshireman’ Victor Radley to look ahead to the tournament. They discuss the pride they felt when Shaun Wane called to inform them they were in the squad and their excitement as they look ahead to the potentially pivotal clash against a very impressive Samoan side which kicks things off on Saturday 15th October.Timecodes: 01:00 Journalist Steve Mascord and former Wigan scribe Phil Wilkinson discuss England’s chances. 05:50 Phil says he’s excited to see Shaun Wane in charge of an international team. 07:10 St Helens duo Tommy Makinson and Matty Lees say they’ve enjoyed their Grand Final success, but now they’re purely focused on England. 10:30 They discuss facing Samoa in their first game and potentially the chance to play a Samoan-filled Penrith Panthers in the World Club Challenge i

On this week’s podcast Dave Woods speaks to Sam Tomkins, the England Men’s captain, following the announcement that all 61 matches at this year’s World Cup will be broadcast live on the BBC. Plus, following IMG’s presentation to the clubs and the media of their ‘reimagining rugby league’ strategy, we hear from Matt Dwyer vice-president of sports management at IMG, the chairman of the RFL Simon Johnson and journalist Steve Mascord on the proposals to change the game from next season and beyond.

On this week’s podcast Dave Woods is joined by a legend of both the English and Australian game, Sam Burgess, who, following his retirement, is now a rugby league coach in Australia. He talks about his own upcoming Grand Final and his interest in coaching in Super League and with England. Sam reflects on the disappointment he suffered in both the 2013 and 2017 World Cups and looks ahead to England’s chances this time around. In Australia, he’s a huge star and he discusses the difficulties which have come with that and his legendary appearance on SAS: Who Dares Wins.TIMECODES: 02:00 Sam is now coaching in Australia and has guided his team to a Grand Final in his first year. 06:30 He suggests he’d be really interested in taking up a coaching opportunity in Super League. 07:25 After a more than a decade down under, Sam hates the fact he’s now got something of an Aussie accent. 09:20 Sam talks about the challenge that England face in the World Cup, but feels they can be successful. 11:10 He reminisces about

On this week’s podcast, Dave Woods is joined by Warrington prop-forward Kyle Amor and Neil Ormston, the organiser for the Rugby League Records Keepers’ Club, who’s partly behind a new website which details the records of all players and matches worldwide throughout the history of the game. Neil tests Kyle on his knowledge of his own career, before the panel discuss Leigh’s march to Super League, Warrington’s woes, the play-off picture and who are the contenders for Coach of the Year and Man of Steel.

On this week’s podcast, Dave Woods is joined by Wigan Warriors assistant coach Lee Briers and former dual-code international Iestyn Harris. They discuss Lee’s impending new role down under with the Brisbane Broncos, the fight for the top six and why relegation is an out-dated concept. Plus, the detail behind Wigan’s success and those names who have thrilled and excited us down the years.03:00 Lee discusses his impending move to the NRL with Brisbane Broncos.08:25 He talks about the disappointment of leaving Warrington and the excitement of joining Wigan this season.13:40 Iestyn moved from English rugby league to Wales rugby union and says there’s a similarity with the intensity Lee will face in Australia.15:20 The focus turns to Super League and the race for the title and the play-off places.18:00 Both are very surprised by the season their former club Warrington have endured.22:00 Toulouse are likely to be relegated, but Lee feels they should remain in Super League and that promotion and relegation is

02:20 John Hughes, the director of partnerships and communities for the charity, Community Integrated Care, explains how learning disability rugby league came about and the impact its had.06:50 We hear from Warrington’s Oliver Thomason who has become a star both of the sport and social media, having replicated Alan Shearer’s celebration at Magic Weekend.08:00 And his brother Craig, explains his involvement in initially helping to set up Learning Disability Rugby League and how it’s changed Oliver’s life and that of many others.17:00 Dave goes behind the scenes at Glenwood Care Home which houses those with learning disabilities who don’t or can’t play the game, but supports them by using rugby league themes.19:10 England international Jodie Cunningham is on hand to help make soap. The players at last season’s Grand Final were gifted bars made by the residents at Glenwood.21:10 Glenwood is based in Widnes and the facility is littered with image of Widnes Vikings RL team.23:10 Dave is joined by members of

On this week’s podcast, Dave Woods is joined by Widnes Vikings and Wales head coach John Kear and rugby league author Richard de la Riviere. Amongst the topics up for discussion are the latest twists and turns in Super League, the Championship’s Summer Bash and the quality of the players within. And there’s a trip down memory lane, picking out the prized moments from decade’s gone by.TOPICS 01:30 The panel look back on last weekend’s dramatic results in Super League and what they might mean for the final few weeks ahead. 06:10 The race to avoid relegation has turned on it’s head, and John Kear says the jeopardy must stay in the sport. 10:00 A reflection on the Summer Bash, which took place for the first time at Leeds’ Headingley Stadium. 14:00 The importance of capitalising on the current success of women’s sport. 16:45 The controversy over the new blue and white England shirt released this week ahead of the World Cup. 22:40 The talk turns to the history of the game and some of the iconic moments in rug

Dave Woods is joined by ex-England half-back Kevin Brown and former Leeds Rhinos head coach Richard Agar, who will be assisting Samoa at the forthcoming World Cup. They discuss the strength of England’s first opponents and the news that NRL sensation Victor Radley has made himself available to Shaun Wane’s side. Plus, in the battle to avoid relegation, who will beat the drop; can anyone stop St Helens; and why are there seemingly so many more injuries and tries in Super League this season?TOPICS 02:45 The panel discuss the announcement that NRL star Victor Radley has made himself available to play for England at the World Cup. 08:40 Richard, who will assist Samoa at the tournament, lays out the potential frightening strength of England’s first opponents. 13:10 Should Jackson Hastings, a former Man of Steel now in the NRL with West Tigers, be part of the England World Cup squad? 15:45 The Tigers are now coached by 71 year-old Tim Sheens, while Wayne Bennett, a year older, is also still coaching. 18:00

Dave Woods meets two leading figures from the wider world of rugby league to discuss the future of the game and highlight the growth and popularity of wheelchair rugby. Matt Dwyer is Vice-president, Sports Management at IMG, the company tasked with “re-imagining” and re-shaping the future of rugby league with big ambitions for the sport at every level. And Seb Bechara of Catalans Dragons is one of the biggest personalities in wheelchair rugby. His side face Leeds Rhinos in the Wheelchair Rugby Challenge Cup Final this weekend. Bechara, whose day job is a professional trumpet player, starred for England in last week’s win against France, but this weekend re-joins his club teammates to take on his international colleagues.TIMECODES: Matt Dwyer 3’16 “What we’re looking to do is re-imagine rugby league in the UK” – discusses their three-phase plan 8’50 On the future structure of the game 11’26 On international development including a future potential international club competition 17’08 On mergers b

This week’s round of Super League matches sees the return of the ‘Tackle the Tough Stuff’ campaign, focusing on mental and physical wellbeing. And on this week’s podcast, several high-profile current and former players share their deeply personal stories around issues such as suicide, domestic violence and dealing with grief. WARNING: This episode contains discussions about suicide. If you or someone you know is in need of help, you can find links to organisations who can provide help and support at www.bbc.co.uk/actionline Warrington’s Peter Mata’utia opens up on his difficult upbringing, his attempted suicide and his young son’s severe illness, Wigan assistant coach Lee Briers talks about dealing with the death of his brother and Salford’s Elijah Taylor on forgiving his former friend and agent who stole £200,000 from him. Time codes:: 01:15 – Katy Graham, Super League’s marketing manager, gives an overview of why the campaign is taking place. 04:30 – An interview with Warrington’s Peter Mata’utia, who

Two of the games’ greats, former Great Britain coach and captain Brian Noble and legendary dual-code international Iestyn Harris, join Dave Woods to discuss whether players are feigning injury to get players sent to the sin bin; who are the surprise packages and the coaches under pressure after five rounds of Super League; the Sixth Round Challenge Cup draw; and how Iestyn is shaping up ahead of his dancing debut at Rob Burrow’s Strictly Ball!

Two of the games’ greats, former Great Britain coach and captain Brian Noble and legendary dual-code international Iestyn Harris, join Dave Woods to discuss whether players are feigning injury to get players sent to the sin bin; who are the surprise packages and the coaches under pressure after five rounds of Super League; the Sixth Round Challenge Cup draw; and how Iestyn is shaping up ahead of his dancing debut at Rob Burrow’s Strictly Ball!

Two of the sport’s highest profile CEOs, Ralph Rimmer of the Rugby Football League and Karl Fitzpatrick of Warrington Wolves, join Dave Woods to discuss the new alliance between the RFL and Super League. Almost four years since the acrimonious split between the game’s elite and the governing body, the two sides are once again joining forces to grow rugby league and drive, with a new strategic partner on board, the commercial revenues it needs to compete in an ever-changing sporting landscape.