The Progressive Rugby League Podcast

Australian sports publishing heavyweight, Geoff Armstrong, joins this very special PRL Book Club to share tales from his favourite all-time Rugby League books.As author, publisher, editor and more, Geoff has shepherded book releases that together have sold in the millions. So who better to ask about books from Rugby League's storied history that simply cannot be ignored.As most of our PRL Book Clubs have had an international bent, we've asked Geoff to focus on Australian Rugby League books. But never fear, British fans, Geoff also finds time to shout out a few of his UK faves - that's just the kind of guy he is.In and around talk of these immense tomes, we also chat about the tricks of the sports-writing trade, the trajectory of sports publishing and the Rugby League stories we want to read in the future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rugby League largely splutters where it exists around the world. But it's a different story in New South Wales and Queensland. What is it that has made Australia's 'northern states' unique, and their capitals - Olympic cities no less - the only 'global cities' on the planet where Rugby League sits atop the sporting summit?This (draft) essay muses on this question and ponders how it all came to be.Contact the pod via [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Roy Francis is one of the most significant figures in British Rugby League history. A Black British sporting legend, Roy followed up a distinguished playing career with a ground-breaking period as coach, where he pioneered methods decades ahead of their time.What is less known is the impact the game in Australia had on this storied personality.Professor Tony Collins joins the pod to take us through the remarkable times of Roy Francis, Rugby's Forgotten Black Leader, including how a stint with the North Sydney Bears went sour and changed Roy's life.If you want to get in touch, you can do so at [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Independent international Rugby League reporting raconteur, Steve Mascord, gives us the lowdown on which way the pendulum is currently swinging for French involvement in Super League. Who's on which side? Where does the NRL fit in (is 'NRL Europe' a thing)? How does it all play into the discussion of the future size of the competition - 10 teams? 12 teams? 14 teams??? As always in matters European Rugby League, things get existential...Get in touch with the Progressive Rugby League Podcast: [email protected]. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The banning of Rugby League in Vichy France continues to intrigue and appal 85 years on. Melissa McMahon, author of Unlucky 13: Amateurism as a weapon of war in Vichy France, joins the pod to discuss how it all went down, the key characters involved and the political and cultural context. There is simply no sporting story quite like it.Drop us a line - [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's a real treat to have the OG of Australian journalists with a penchant for foreign affairs named Hamish McDonald, Hamish McDonald on the pod to discuss his fascinating new book Melanesia: Travels in Black Oceania.This is a brilliant mix of travelogue, history and political analysis of a under analysed and misunderstood region. The books journeys from Fiji through Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands, New Caledonia and finally Papua New Guinea, where this chat mostly focuses.Hamish helps us delve through the milestones, landmarks and checkpoints of the Australia-PNG relationship that help explain how we've arrived at place where Rugby League tops the agenda when our two Prime Ministers meet. From the early European explorers to the World Wars, independence, and all the way to the impending inclusion of a PNG team into the NRL in 2028. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

ABC commentary doyen, Quentin Hull, joins the pod to discuss the art of commentary. This curious artform is a soundtrack to so many of our lives. Let's get under the hood to better understand how good Rugby League commentary is made, the ins and outs of radio commentary, how TV commentary differs, and the challenges of switching between sports.Plus, Quentin shares a fascinating perspective of the Brisbane sporting landscape and how it compares with Sydney's. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hard Ons founding member, bassist, artist and staunch Parramatta Eels fan, Ray Ahn joins the pod to take stock of 40-plus years of the Hard Ons and the travails of being a Parramatta supporter throughout the journey.A really engaging chat encompassing distant memories of Eels glory and not-so-distant Eels heartbreak, all while charting the rise of one of Australian rock n roll's seminal bands.Hard Ons Bandcamp - https://hard-ons1.bandcamp.com/Hard Ons doco trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3HgvrlDUwkContact The Progressive Rugby League Podcast - [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's time again to shove the thermometer where it needs to go to take the temperature of Rugby League in the Old Dart as we observe the State of the UK Rugby League Nation 2024.Joining us is a panel (if two guests can be counted as a panel) comprising two fine UK Rugby League minds - Anthony Broxton, author of Hope & Glory: Rugby League in Thatcher's Britain and Gavin Willacy, author of No Helmets Required: The Remarkable Story of the American All Stars and Rugby League Bravehearts: The Official History of Scottish Rugby League. IMG, the on-field product, broadcast market trends and more... on the table for your listening consideration. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A reboot from 2022 of a great chat with Brendan Cowell about his novel Plum, which has just been turned into a beaut TV series. Plum is the tale about the turbulent post-footy life of Rugby League great, Peter Lum.Brendan shared what he knows and what he's learnt about footy, fame, concussion, masculinity, the Johns brothers' reading habits and plenty more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rugby League in New Zealand: A People's History is the definitive account of the people and the culture of the great game in Aotearoa. Author and historian, Ryan Bodman joins us to chat about Rugby League's unique voyage in New Zealand, the events that have shaped its trajectory, and how it's faring in the modern day. It's simply a brilliant book - warmly conveyed, thoroughly researched and beautifully produced. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Newtown Jets CEO Stuart McCarthy joins the pod to give us a glimpse into what it's like running a Rugby League club away from the bright lights of the NRL. What are the spreadsheet tabs that matter? Is it possible to make ends meet? How does a rainy Saturday at Henson Park impact the bottom line? Who came up with the idea for the Beer Footy Food Festival? Oh and how close were we to experiencing the "Western Jets"? There's nothing quite like second-tier sport. And no-one does second-tier sport quite like the Newtown Jets. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Time to chat NRL OF THE FUTURE. How do we get from 17 to 20? What shape will the competition take? And what will it mean for Origin, International Rugby League, the NRLW and Super League. NRL.com and International Rugby League's Brad Walter joins us to discuss. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Parramatta Eels fans have a difficult relationship with momentum. There's an actual physical limit to how much we can talk about a certain match from a certain year against a certain team with a certain 16-point lead with a certain 10 minutes to go... ...maybe it's time we try understand momentum a little better. Dr Caitlin Fox-Harding joins us to go deep on this elusive sporting concept.Read Caitlin's article in The Conversation - https://theconversation.com/the-mystery-of-the-massive-sporting-comeback-whats-the-psychology-of-momentum-in-sports-232598 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How on earth does someone stay vital in Rugby League over six decades? What drives a man to continue coaching at the top level at an age when everyone else has either been pensioned off or has had enough?Andrew Webster has written a splendid biography on Wayne Bennett that goes deep on one of Rugby League's most significant all-time figures. The Wolf You Feed - Wayne Bennett, The Man, The Myth, The Mayhem dissects an extraordinary life and explains how family life and family strife shaped the man and the coach that has helped shape Rugby League. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Max Easton joins the pod to chat about his new novel Paradise Estate.A sequel to the Miles Franklin-nominated The Magpie Wing, Paradise Estate introduces us to a Hurlstone Park share house, including Rocco, who's making a late tilt at the Italian Rugby League World Cup squad.Like its predecessor, Paradise Estate is a brilliant Sydney snapshot, chronicling the real-life struggles of a generation as it faces up to the brutal reality of an economy and housing market totally stacked against them.And while far from a Rugby League novel, you can betcha bottom dollar we find a way to go deep on some alluring, but fundamental questions about the game in 2023. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We revisit our November 2021 chat with Professor Megan Davis that hopefully provides a little space and clarity amongst all the Referendum campaign din. All of course wrapped in a loving Rugby League blanket.This is an edited version of the original, which can still be found in the feed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anthony Broxton joins the pod to chat about his thoroughly excellent new book Hope & Glory: Rugby League in Thatcher's Britain.A turbulent period for the country meets an ambitious time for British Rugby League. How did it all come to be? And how can we make sense of it 30-40 years on? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former NRL referee Matt Cecchin joins us for a special Adjudication Edition of the PRL Podcast.Matt comes out of retirement to ref our specially convened match to help us better understand some of the grey areas of our great game. And in between rulings, Matt thoughtfully reflects on a storied career in the middle.The PRL Podcast takes full responsibility for all whistle sounds within this episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does the Dolphins' entry into the NRL actually mean for the character and make-up of South-East Queensland Rugby League?Celebrated Australian author and actor, and Redcliffe Dolphins fan from way back, William McInnes gives us 110% and then some, as he reflects on his personal history with the Redcliffe region, the Dolphins and the old Brisbane Rugby League.William also lays the richest foundation yet seen (by us anyway) for the burgeoning Dolphins-Broncos rivalry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're back for another year! And what better way to kick things off than with a chat with one of the most interesting Rugby League minds, Matt Elliott.We discuss some of the themes of his new book, The Change Room: Play The Game of Your Life and dip into some of his experiences from a lifetime in Rugby League, including some candid reflections from his coaching career. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Three years in the waiting, the 50th edition of the Koori Knockout has been run and won. Bidjigal man Brad Cooke joins us to discuss how it all went down. Plus we chat about how the Knockout continues to evolve, the social dividends it promotes, as well as Brad's memories of some of the all-time great Knockout moments. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's high time we took the pulse of Rugby League in the UK. And who better to place two fingers to its wrist than UK Labour historian and Rugby League thinker, Anthony Broxton from Tides of History.We chat with Anthony about his latest piece, 'Does Rugby League have a gambling problem?', delve into deeper territory on the IMG-led future of the British game, and ponder on the extent to which the UK Labour Party with play the 'Rugby League card' to win back crucial election-defining constituencies. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Grade Cricketer and North Sydney Bears lifer Sam Perry joins the pod to ruminate on the lot of Bears fans as the pendulum may be finally, possibly, potentially (don't shout it lest you jinx it!) swinging their way. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Foreign and public policy specialist, Hugh Piper takes us deep on soft power, sports diplomacy and the role Rugby League is playing and may play in Australia's foreign policy strategy in the Pacific, including through a potential PNG-based team in the National Rugby League. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trevor Gibbons joins the pod to discuss the writing and legacy of Dave Hadfield, with a focus on the seminal essay collections, XIII Winters and XIII Worlds. Trevor warmly reflects on Dave the person, his influence on British Rugby League writing, as well as some of the escapades he and Dave shared around the world in the name of the thirteen-folk code. Dave passed away in March 2022.And stay tuned after the outro for an excerpt from one of Dave's essays, A Tangerine Machine (with thanks to Phil Caplan and the kind folk at Scratching Shed Publishing). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For Sydney Rugby League fans, there's a bit of mystery and allure about the concept of a one-team-town. Like seriously, how does it work?THE MILK is a super new book that sneaks us a handy little glimpse into what it's like to follow one such team - the Canberra Raiders. But more than that, it's a fun ride through the history of a real community club; a club that arguably changed Australia's bush capital for good. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Raiders legend Alan Tongue joins the pod to talk us through the unsung senses of Rugby League - the stuff that can't penetrate our TV sets. Which smells dominate the dressing sheds, or at a scrum? What does it feel like to 'put on a good shot' or to succumb in a wrestle? And how common is the pre-game spew?Plus, Alan shares his experiences as a community servant and gives us his thoughts on the Raiders' chances in 2022. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

PLUM is a cracking new novel about the turbulent post-footy life of Rugby League superstar, Peter Lum.Author Brendan Cowell joins the pod to discuss the process of piecing Plum together and shares what he knows and what he's learnt about footy, fame, concussion, masculinity, the Shire, the Sharks, the Johns brothers' reading habits and much more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Steve Mascord joins the pod to explain why he took it upon himself to bring back into focus the rollicking ride that was the 1997 Rugby League season in Australia.Armed with a thick wad of interviews with the most influential figures of the Super League era, Steve reflects on what it all meant then and what it all means now.How can we judge who won the war? How should international Rugby League devotees feel about that period? How would the Super League war be reported upon if it unfolded in the 24/7 media and communications landscape of 2021?Lots to chat about; let's get stuck in. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sports broadcaster, journalist and media coach Niav Owens joins the pod to discuss how professional Rugby League players are preparing themselves to navigate the sprawling world of modern communication.What's involved in turning a shy suburban kid into a formidable sporting ambassador? How has media and communication training evolved with the times? What does the word 'certainly' have to do with it? And what's the deal with eye contact? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Professor Megan Davis joins the pod to discuss the deep and fascinating connection between First Nations and Rugby League, why the Uluru Statement From the Heart matters and how Rugby League helps to bind our society.Plus, Megan gives us a glimpse into how things roll at the Australian Rugby League Commission. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Toulouse Olympique are officially a Super League club.And we have two guests to help us reflect on this sweet sounding sentence.Toulouse Olympique CEO Cédric Garcia joins us to chat about how it all unfolded, as well as the road ahead for the club.And the doyen of French Rugby League history and author of The Forbidden Game, Mike Rylance, helps us put this achievement into historical context. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Author Lech Blaine joins the pod to chat about his Quarterly Essay 'Top Blokes - The Larrikin Myth, Class and Power', which surveys the changing nature of the Australian larrikin and how Rugby League is bearing witness. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Magpie Wing is a wonderful new coming of age novel with Rugby League in its veins.Author Max Easton joins the pod to chat about the threads that connect south-west and inner western Sydney, the quandary that is the Wests Tigers, and a man called Tommy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a game of fighters, Steve Mascord has always been a Rugby League lover. But what happens when that love runs a little cold?What do we love when we love Rugby League and what's really happening when it's all getting a little rocky?Steve joins the pod to candidly reflect on his revolving relationship with the game. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gavin Willacy's past 10 months has mirrored somewhat the state of International Rugby League - an ongoing battle with COVID-19, and a hopeful look ahead towards the Rugby League World Cup on the horizon.The 'No Helmets Required' author joins the pod to share his experience with Long COVID and sticks around to chat about his thoughts on RLWC2021 - will it go ahead, and if so, what are the fixtures he is especially looking forward to.PLUS, we discuss the state of Rugby League in London. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rugby League analyst Jason Oliver joins the pod to go deep on the NRL's on-field traits and trends, including - you guessed it - the Six Again rule.How much of a difference is it making? What are the good teams doing to take advantage? And has it made the NRL more or less attractive?PLUS we discuss the role of the modern fullback and chat about the two Rugby League topics that get Jason's blood pumping more than any other - the Warriors and Shaun Johnson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Geoffrey Moorhouse's AT THE GEORGE And Other Essays on Rugby League is widely considered to be one of the best Rugby League books of all time. Rugby League author, publisher and connoisseur of the Rugby League written word, Phil Caplan joins us to reflect on why At The George is still so highly regarded, what lessons it can still teach us and what it says about the game in both hemispheres.A deep and wide-ranging chat that looks at At The George's legacy and also inevitably hits on intriguing state-of-the-Rugby-League-nation notes.Plus, to end the show, a very quick stocktake/overview of all thirteen PRL Book Clubs to date. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're especially lucky to be joined by Donald McRae to chat about his magnificent recent article on the beautiful Rob and Lindsey Burrow. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ross Peltier has had a busy week. Just days after contesting his first election, Ross laced up his boots for his post-Covid return to Rugby League for Doncaster RLFC.Ross also kindly found the time to join the pod to chat politics, Rugby League and his unfinished business playing for his beloved Jamaica Reggae Warriors. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

So which football code is Australia's most popular - and why isn't it Rugby League??'Code Wars - The Battle for Fans, Dollars and Survival' is a fascinating examination of Australia's four-football-code landscape, and into the psyche of the nation.Author of 'Code Wars', Dr Hunter Fujak joins the pod to talk us through the past, present and potential future of Australia's unique football code marketplace, and Rugby League's place within it.(And for fans of British Rugby League - we also discuss an interesting case study on the impact that going behind a paywall has had on the popularity of the UK game).'Code Wars - The Battle for Fans, Dollars and Survival' is published by FairPlay Publishing - https://www.fairplaypublishing.com.au/product-page/code-wars-the-battle-for-fans-dollars-and-survival Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The incomparable Ian Roberts joins the pod for a wide-ranging and candid chat about his life in Rugby League and beyond. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mary Konstantopoulos is The Lady Who (among other things) Leagues, and joins the pod to chat about the lie of the land for women in Rugby League in 2021. How did we get here? What can we do better in the future? And what has Mary's path taught her about the world in which we live? The state of the game for women in Australia is on the agenda. And there's no better time to talk about it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You are invited on a (virtual) road trip around the grounds and towns of the French Elite One. Yes, it high time we focused on this storied Rugby League institution, so grab a seat as we cruise through the towns, cities and villages of the Elite One with our esteemed French Rugby League guides:Mike Rylance as our driving companionPierre Carcau on life outside the heartlandsRodolphe Pires on his home town of AlbiLaurent Garnier on playing and coaching in the Elite OneSteve Brady on living in Catalans countryHop on in, let's roll! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr Heidi Norman joins the pod to give us a bit of a history lesson and help us better understand the societal factors behind some of the big milestones in Aboriginal Rugby League in NSW. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Guardian's Jonathan Liew joins the pod from London to help us traverse the UK sporting landscape to try find Rugby League's place in it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Once Were Lions is a fascinating behind-the-scenes documentary about the 2019 Great Britain Rugby League Lions tour of the Pacific. The film's Director, Tom Magnus joins the pod to give us a glimpse into how it all unfolded. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Toronto Wolfpack Chairman and CEO Bob Hunter joins the pod to reflect on his time on the frontline of Rugby League's northern frontier. Growth, promotion, COVID, expulsion - Bob gives an honest account of where it went wrong and what could have been. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Journalist Mike Meehall Wood joins the pod to lay out the case for Private Equity to take International Rugby League to the next level, and to discuss the pros, cons, possibilities and barriers. Plus, how might a private equity investment work for the Super League? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.