The Progressive Rugby League Podcast

Toulouse Olympique coach Sylvain Houles joins the pod to reflect on his life in French Rugby League - rising through the ranks, cracking Super League, representing the French national team and leaping into coaching. PLUS Sylvain shares his best French XIII from his lifetime. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rugby League is turning 125! So what can the last 125 years of Rugby League tell us about what we could expect in the next 125 years? Professor Tony Collins joins the pod to help us take on the impossible task of wondering aloud on what may (or may not) happen way down the track. That's right, it's an episode of pure (but hopefully informed) speculation!Tony's new book, Rugby League: A People's History is out through Scratching Shed Publishing Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lech Blaine joins the pod to chat about his latest The Monthly essay, The Art of Class War, which tackles Rugby League's relationship with class in Australia, as well as the rise of Rugby League as a prized voting-bloc and what that means for the code's future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Romeo Monteith joins the pod to give us a glimpse into the Jamaican Rugby League experience. From early days learning the game off VHS, to State of Origin Jamaica-style, Romeo steps us through the long winding road that ultimately led to glorious Rugby League World Cup qualification. Plus, Romeo explains how the Reggae Warriors will be preparing for their debut World Cup appearance in the midst of COVID-related uncertainty. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Wolfpack are down, but are they out? Canadian broadcaster and reporter Bryan Thiel gives us the view from downtown Toronto. How did it come to this? Can something be salvaged from the 2020 ruins? Plus Bryan gives us a glimpse into the Lamport experience, the challenges of winning over UK fans, and how Wolfpack fans have taken to Rugby League in Toronto. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Richmond Rose, Kiwi Fern and NZ Warrior, Georgia Hale is our very special guest to chat all things Kiwi Ferns; from debuting as a 19 year-old, to the 2019 World Cup Nines triumph and the challenge of wresting the 13s mantle from the Jillaroos. Georgia also gives us a glimpse into what it's like being named Young New Zealander of the Year and the amazing community work that led to her award. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The world is drowning in data, statistics and information. And Rugby League is not immune. Liam from Pythago NRL joins the pod to help us make a bit more sense of it all. How should we approach the use of data and stats in Rugby League analysis? What are the pitfalls we should avoid? How much faith should we put in statistical modelling? And what are some tips to help us use stats and information more wisely? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What's the latest with Toulouse Olympique in 2020? What's life like for an Aussie plying his Rugby League trade in south-west France? Mark Kheirallah and Johno Ford join the pod to give an insight into how they've handled lockdown, their thoughts on a 2020 return, how a Rugby League Grand Final Day rolls in France, RLWC2021 thoughts, and plenty plenty more... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This one's all about Queensland. We're joined by Joe Gorman to discuss his book Heartland: How Rugby League Explains Queensland. We go deep on how Rugby League has both reflected and helped shape Queensland over the past 40 years. From the mania around Origin and the rise of the Broncos, to Super League, the Cowboys' coming of age and the contribution of indigenous Queenslanders to Rugby League, Heartland covers more terrain than a Sunshine State road trip.https://www.uqp.com.au/books/heartland-how-rugby-league-explains-queensland Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Rugby Codebreakers delves into why so many Welsh Rugby Union players 'went north' during the twentieth century to ply their trade in the 13-a-side code. Presenter Carolyn Hitt joins the pod to discuss the doco, the sporting and social context, and the change the release of the film has encouraged. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Maria Recouvreur joins Johnno to talk about the sad demise of Big League, the pressures and incentives changing the face of Rugby League journalism, and the pathway ahead "for the good yarn". Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The NRL is back! Big Al is back! Not much more to say is there? Well, sort of... Johnno and Big Al welcome back Rugby League and also provide an announcement - no, an update, on the status of this here little pod. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Reading Warrior, David Riley joins the pod explain how the Mate Ma'a Tonga Rugby League team has captured the imagination of Pasifika youth and how MMT's popularity now surpasses that of the All Blacks for many Pasifika kids. David and fellow teacher 'Alisi Tatafu have co-authored a new book, Rise of the To'a!, which combines stories of MMT players with lessons of culture. Oh, and the book is illustrated by MMT legend, Sika Manu! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Power Meri tells the wonderful story of Papua New Guinea's first women's national Rugby League team. Director Joanna Lester joins us to talk about travelling and documentary making in PNG, her experiences in taking the film around the world, and the unfolding legacy of Power Meri across the Pacific. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2020 was looking rosy for the Newtown Jets after a once-in-a-lifetime, never-to-be-repeated end to 2019. Then the 2020 season was cancelled. How did it unfold? What's their financial situation? How can people help the club get through? Jets General Manager Stu McCarthy joins the pod to answer these questions, and also reflect on the best of times and the unique character of the club. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Comedian, TV host and World Club Champion, Adam Hills joins Johnno to chat about his new doco Take His Legs, which follows the Warrington Wolves Physical Disability Rugby League team's tilt at international Rugby League glory. We also go deep on his Rugby League history, what it's like to play Physical Disability Rugby League , chowing down on the Royal hors d'oeuvres and his future plans. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Professor Tony Collins joins the pod to talk about his upcoming book, Rugby League: A People's History. One of the true authorities of Rugby League history, Tony not only gives us the 'what' and the 'how', but importantly, takes us through the 'why', and adds some personal touches along the way. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Toulouse Olympique CEO Cédric Garcia joins Johnno to talk about what the crisis might mean for the French Club. PLUS the NRL to return in May? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

French sports broadcaster, Rodolphe Pires joins us to talk about his life in Rugby League. From growing up in the Rugby League heartland of Albi in southern France, to commentating on some of Rugby League history's most memorable moments across both hemispheres - including Catalans Dragons' famous 2018 Challenge Cup victory. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

PRL Book Club returns with the fascinating story of the life and times of Olsen Filipaina. Author Patrick Skene joins Johnno to step through the eventful career of an international Rugby League titan. More than a simple Rugby League biography, The Big O places Olsen's life and career in the context of changing societies across both sides of the Tasman, and explains how Olsen's struggle helped pave the way for generations of Maori and Pasifika to ply their trade in Australian Rugby League. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Rugby League in Australia faces the unknown, Johnno and Big Al discuss what they'll really miss over the next weeks and months. And while it seems quaint now, we reflect on what we saw over the weekend, and how it made us feel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

However the 2020 NRL and Super League seasons proceed, what might it mean for the game, the clubs, the players and we fans? PLUS Johnno painstakingly relives his Rugby League playing debut and Big Al makes light work of an awkward hypothetical. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Steve Mascord joins Johnno to chat live streaming, books, life and the Wolfpack. Big Al phones in from self-isolation to check out what's in store for the 2020 NRL season. PLUS the guys check in on all things northern-hemisphere Sweet Baby-related. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Big Al and Johnno pop in to say hello to the new season of Northern Hemisphere Rugby League, reflect on the weekend gone by and dissect the big issues that have resonated over the off-season. PLUS the great Mike Rylance joins us to help welcome Carcassonne to the French-Canadian Rugby League Update. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tony Hannan joins Johnno to talk Underdogs, a book chronicling his experience embedded with the Batley Bulldogs during their 2016 Championship campaign. Not only an inspirational against-the-odds Rugby League tale, Underdogs provides a fascinating snapshot of a region grappling with itself. A tasty mix of sport, identity, culture and politics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our 2019 finale! This week, a first-hand account from Toronto Wolfpack's special day; Toulouse Olympique coach Sylvain Houles joins us to reflect on their season; and The Slug returns to help navigate the big NRL Grand Final and the rest of this crazy-beautiful world of Rugby League. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nostalgia, momentum and the Canberra Raiders; Life as a cheap imitation of a Rugby League Season; The PRL family mourns the exit of Toulouse Olympique; PLUS Reflections and a REAL LIFE Mailbag! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Progressive Rugby League heroes Toronto and Toulouse take centre stage, while Big Al and Johnno wonder who the biggest NRL club in Sydney is, and why? PLUS NRLW, ProgMoms and one helluva Mailbag. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A thrilling week of Rugby League sees the end of a brave run in the Super League, a refreshing series of results in the NRL, and the promise of an immense blockbuster in the Championship. Let's roll. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A week of of dizzying highs and heartbreaking, if inevitable lows. Such is life and such is the lot of your friends in Progressive Rugby League. And Big Al and Johnno wouldn't have it any other way. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Big Al goes all in on his Wests Tigers, while Johnno wonders if Progressive Rugby League fans have devilish intent. PLUS the end of the line approaches for our PRL Sweet Babies... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The battle for 9th place on the NRL ladder hots up; the cheers of a Rugby League introvert, and the certain kind of special that is the Challenge Cup. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Big Al flirts with the idea of freeing himself of the Tigers' grip, but does he have a choice? Plus, an analysis of Toronto and Toulouse's very different approach to the same Super League goal. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Big Al and Johnno return from their travels to find that, while some things have changed, a fair bit hasn't. PLUS indulgent anecdotes from the PRL Study Tour! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Johnno and Big Al hit the road to take in the delights of French and UK Rugby League, stopping in Carcassonne, Perpignan, Toulouse, London and Leeds. Includes an in-depth feature on Toulouse Olympique, and interviews with an array of friendly faces. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Big Al and Johnno visit the home of legendary Rugby League author Mike Rylance to chat about the past, present and future of French Rugby League, and his latest book, The Struggle and The Daring. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Before Big Al and Johnno set off for their mid-season Rugby League Study Tour, they chew on the elusive nature of clarity, try to keep the candle burning for expansion and promotion/relegation, and are joined by a very special surprise guest! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In weeks like this, we think to ourselves, what a wonderful world (of Progressive Rugby League). Yeah we think to ourselves, what a wonderfuuul... world (of Progressive Rugby League). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What a week! Nothing gets PRL blood pumping like a Rep Round choc full of International Rugby League. PLUS the Sweet Babies make yet more headlines for the right and/or wrong reasons! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Big Al and Johnno are back to dissect an eventful week in Progressive Rugby League, as our Sweet Babies make headlines on and off the field. PLUS Origin, handcrafted reflections, an enormous Mailbag and a cracking French-Canadian Rugby League Update. Join us! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, your friends in Progressive Rugby League chat about Rugby League's relationship with filler in both hemispheres, try their hand at some French, and celebrate yet more examples of the game's impressive prog chops! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Big Al and Johnno (with cameo from The Slug) are back for another romp around the world of Progressive Rugby League. NRL local derbies, Super League Magic Weekend PLUS a very special edition of Grounds for Optimism, as we're given the Lamport Stadium experience via Toronto Wolfpack expert Nicholas Mew. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What a week for lovers of Rugby League in its Prog form! From Barcelona to Blackpool and Bondi, it was truly a weekend to savour. PLUS we speak to England international and Leeds Rhino, Lois Forsell about the Women's Super League, how England can close the gap on the Jillaroos and Kiwi Ferns, and the possibility of a move to the NRLW. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charge your glasses, it's time to celebrate the 50th episode of the Progressive Rugby League Podcast! It's Rugby League, but it's so much more! Well, it's mainly Rugby League to be fair... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The obscure snacks are on the table, we are ready once again to talk about all that is happening in the world of Progressive Rugby League. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Another big week of league is dissected by your Progressive Rugby League experts Johnno and Big Al while The Slug bludges under a leaf hiding from snakes and lizards. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We are Slugless this week, so Johnno and Big Al make some handy metres around the ruck with Reflections (including surprise mini book-club!) Mailbag, French/Canadian/World Updates and an interview with Ade Adebisi, the General Manager of Nigerian Rugby League. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

All the usual gear from Big Al, The Slug and Johnno including their Reflections of The week, Progressive Moments, French-Canadian-International Rugby League updates and again we go through some great correspondence with some friends of the show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why Aussies cheer the underdog, tackle trickiness and a bulging mailbag as well as much more in the pod that gives progressives the nod, The Progressive Rugby League podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

More league news and views painted with progressive hues as Johnno, Big Al and The Slug talk through the issues de jour. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.