
About
Get the latest NRL news, analysis, opinions and rumours from the team at Australia's #1 independent rugby league destination, ZeroTackle.com!
Latest Episodes
View all 78 episodesLOOSE CARRY: The CLEAR front-runners for the Dragons job ft. Ryan Hoffman
THE BOARDROOM: Sacking coaches, Craig Bellamy’s successor, and why player's are responsible
LOOSE CARRY: It could be time the Storm “look elsewhere” for an NRL coach
Ep 74LOOSE CARRY: What's wrong with the Dragons attack + more Canterbury confusion
The St. George Illawarra Dragons are 0-5 to start the 2026 season and their attack are to blame. The crew also discuss the alarming drop-off from the Raiders, Storm, and Bulldogs, while the Knights and Wests Tigers are absolutely flying!Loose takes on real news, Loose Carry is Zero Tackle’s weekly show discussing and dissecting all the hottest talking points in the world of rugby league and the NRL, featuring host Phoenix Trinidad, Zero Tackle’s Darren Parkin and Rugby League Coach Lee Addison.⬇️ Today's Rundown:00:00 Intro02:26 Bulldogs collapse08:32 NUMBER UP: Raiders in trouble14:21 Manly’s prayers answered?18:09 Stormy times for Melbourne?20:14 Knights & Tigers flying27:10 Coach’s Corner: Dragons’ attack🏉 Want to take your Rugby League Coaching to the next level?https://rugbyleaguecoach.com.au/coachmentor/Recorded on 07/04/2026FOLLOW Zero Tackle on social media:NEWS: http://www.zerotackle.comFB: https://www.facebook.com/zerotackleTW: https://twitter.com/zerotackleIG: https://www.instagram.com/zerotackle/TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@zerotackle

Ep 73THE BOARDROOM: It’s time for an NRL National Reserves competition
Hoffy and Chad dive into the current state of the NRL’s junior pathways, and the challenges the league, merger clubs and the country’s best young players face within them. The boys reflect on their own experiences as juniors prior to reaching the top flight, assess how current clubs fare, and look ahead to ways the NRL can best position expansion clubs Perth and PNG.Hosted by NRL premiership players Ryan Hoffman and Chad Townsend, The Boardroom NRL Podcast takes a wide lens look at the state of rugby league, delivering big picture, no nonsense views on the NRL.⬇️ THE AGENDA:00:00 Welcome to the Boardroom02:40 Chad and Hoffy's junior pathway06:07 The Current System11:49 The Role of Reserve Grade in Player Development18:13 Success Stories: Penrith Panthers and Warriors23:55 Melbourne Storm29:26 Players agents35:42 The Perth Bears39:38 PNG ChiefsRecorded on 31/03/2026FOLLOW Zero Tackle on social media:NEWS: http://www.zerotackle.comFB: https://www.facebook.com/zerotackleTW: https://twitter.com/zerotackleIG: https://www.instagram.com/zerotackle/TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@zerotackle
Ep 72LOOSE CARRY: Seibold and Manly PART WAYS
Anthony Seibold's time at Manly has come to an end amidst the ongoing pressure of a constant losing side. Kieran Foran takes charge as interim coach with his new side looking to turn things around, given their horror start to the 2026 season. The crew also discuss the struggling Dragons and their path to a historic losing streak, with the Bulldogs looking to find the attacking form they gained from last year's breakout season.Loose takes on real news, Loose Carry is Zero Tackle’s weekly show discussing and dissecting all the hottest talking points in the world of rugby league and the NRL, featuring host Phoenix Trinidad, Zero Tackle’s Darren Parkin and Rugby League Coach Lee Addison.⬇️ Today's Rundown:00:00 Intro01:42 Anthony Seibold SACKED17:35 NUMBER UP with Darren Parkin23:05 Dragons' historic losing streak28:24 Bulldogs attacking problems31:34 Coach's corner: Manly's defensive issues🏉 Want to take your Rugby League Coaching to the next level?https://rugbyleaguecoach.com.au/coachmentor/Recorded on 30/03/2026FOLLOW Zero Tackle on social media:NEWS: http://www.zerotackle.comFB: https://www.facebook.com/zerotackleTW: https://twitter.com/zerotackleIG: https://www.instagram.com/zerotackle/TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@zerotackle
Ep 71LOOSE CARRY: The NRL injuries trend that “has got to stop”
Amid an injury crisis in the NRL, Lee sheds light on the situation that has struck down a growing number of players early into the 2026 season. Penrith’s stellar start has earned more praise, with the Panthers’ defence on record pace, while the Warriors also get their flowers. Plus, the team unpacks the Ryan Couchman-J’maine Hopwgood incident ahead of this week’s judiciary hearing.Loose takes on real news, Loose Carry is Zero Tackle’s weekly show discussing and dissecting all the hottest talking points in the world of rugby league and the NRL, featuring host Phoenix Trinidad, Zero Tackle’s Darren Parkin and Rugby League Coach Lee Addison.⬇️ Today's Rundown:00:00 Intro03:03 NUMBER UP with Darren Parkin08:28 Teams that are going well14:53 Couchman in hot water18:55 The mental impact of injuries28:39 Coach's corner: Breaking down edge defence🏉 Want to take your Rugby League Coaching to the next level?https://rugbyleaguecoach.com.au/coachmentor/Recorded on 23/03/2026FOLLOW Zero Tackle on social media:NEWS: http://www.zerotackle.comFB: https://www.facebook.com/zerotackleTW: https://twitter.com/zerotackleIG: https://www.instagram.com/zerotackle/TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@zerotackle

Ep 70THE BOARDROOM: The solution to the NRL's biggest contract problems
Hoffy and Chad analyse the current issues with the state of the NRL’s player movement mechanisms, and whether it could be time for a dedicated trade period or draft off the back of the situations surrounding Zac Lomax and Bronson Xerri. Chad discusses how his sudden switch to North Queensland came to be, while Hoffy raises the idea of a free agents draft for the end of each season.Hosted by NRL premiership players Ryan Hoffman and Chad Townsend, The Boardroom NRL Podcast takes a wide lens look at the state of rugby league, delivering big picture, no nonsense views on the NRL.⬇️ THE AGENDA:00:00 Welcome to the Boardroom02:09 The Zac Lomax Situation04:26 How do NRL contracts work07:57 Player Commitment vs. Contract Negotiations10:54 The Stress of Contract Negotiations11:50 CBA Negotiations and Free Agency Perspectives17:02 The Fan Perspective20:19 Trade Period22:57 Exploring a Loan Systems27:35 Would a draft work in the NRL?34:12 Free agent draft?Recorded on 17/03/2026FOLLOW Zero Tackle on social media:NEWS: http://www.zerotackle.comFB: https://www.facebook.com/zerotackleTW: https://twitter.com/zerotackleIG: https://www.instagram.com/zerotackle/TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@zerotackle
Ep 69LOOSE CARRY: Sea Eagles “don’t look interested” + AJ makes history
Rugby League Coach Lee Addison and Zero Tackle writer Magdalena Murdoch break down the issues embedded in Manly’s winless start to the 2026 NRL season off the back of the Sea Eagles’ loss to Newcastle. Analyst Darren Parkin breaks down some of the figures behind Alex Johnston’s rise to the try scoring record in NUMBER UP, and more pressure is placed on the Broncos after their defeat to Parramatta.Loose takes on real news, Loose Carry is Zero Tackle’s weekly show discussing and dissecting all the hottest talking points in the world of rugby league and the NRL, featuring host Phoenix Trinidad, Zero Tackle’s Darren Parkin and Rugby League Coach Lee Addison.Timecodes:00:00 Intro01:35 Manly's issues09:11 Winless Broncos16:38 NUMBER UP with Darren Parkin22:11 Contradiction with the rule changes
Ep 68LOOSE CARRY: Are we overreacting to Brisbane’s poor start?
The team dive into the scoring trends to start the 2026 NRL season, and what it could mean for some clubs defensively. Zero Tackled editor Scott Pryde and Lee discuss the issue with Jake Trbojevic’s role, while analyst Darren Parkin breaks down Brisbane’s horror start in NUMBER UP.Loose takes on real news, Loose Carry is Zero Tackle’s weekly show discussing and dissecting all the hottest talking points in the world of rugby league and the NRL, featuring host Phoenix Trinidad, Zero Tackle’s Darren Parkin and Rugby League Coach Lee Addison.⬇️ Today's Rundown:0:00 Intro02:10 Shocking defence12:53 Jake Trbojevic's form19:42 NUMBER UP with Darren Parkin23:04 Time to panic Broncos?25:56 Coach's corner🏉 Want to take your Rugby League Coaching to the next level? https://rugbyleaguecoach.com.au/coach...Recorded on 10/03/2026FOLLOW Zero Tackle on social media:NEWS: http://www.zerotackle.comFB: / zerotackle TW: / zerotackle IG: / zerotackle TT: / zerotackle

Ep 70THE BOARDROOM: The pros and cons of NRL in Las Vegas
Fresh off the third instalment of NRL Las Vegas, Ryan Hoffman and Chad Townsend discuss the pros and cons of the league’s boldest venture, and where the game could be heading next internationally. With the weekend also giving fans the first look at some of the NRL’s newest rule changes, the boys also give their take on what worked, and what may need fixing.Hosted by NRL premiership players Ryan Hoffman and Chad Townsend, The Boardroom NRL Podcast takes a wide lens look at the state of rugby league, delivering big picture, no nonsense views on the NRL.⬇️ THE AGENDA:00:00 Welcome to the Boardroom01:02 Las Vegas 2026: A Bold Experiment05:10 Shifting Goals: From American Fans to Travel Destination10:12 Exploring New Markets: Dubai and Beyond13:06 The Importance of English Rugby League14:03 Team Performances: Knights vs. Cowboys20:24 Refereeing Decisions and Captain's Challenges24:11 Rule Changes and Their Impact27:21 Bench Expansion: Pros and Cons30:34 Trainer Rules and Coaching Dynamics36:42 Tackle Count Restart and Game FlowRecorded on 06/03/2026FOLLOW Zero Tackle on social media:NEWS: http://www.zerotackle.comFB: https://www.facebook.com/zerotackleTW: https://twitter.com/zerotackleIG: https://www.instagram.com/zerotackle/TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@zerotackle
Ep 67LOOSE CARRY: Controversy in Las Vegas
The fallout from NRL Las Vegas has left the thrilling golden point clash between Canterbury and St George Illawarra front of mind given the controversial conclusion. Lee breaks down the game for both the Dogs and Dragons, while Zero Tackle writer Leo Twemlow praises the new-look Knights.Loose takes on real news, Loose Carry is Zero Tackle’s weekly show discussing and dissecting all the hottest talking points in the world of rugby league and the NRL, featuring host Phoenix Trinidad, Zero Tackle’s Darren Parkin and Rugby League Coach Lee Addison.⬇️ Today's Rundown:0:00 Intro02:01 Knights def. Cowboys09:28 Bulldogs def. Dragons17:38 NUMBER UP with Darren Parkin22:44 The rest of the round28:37 Coach's Corner🏉 Want to take your Rugby League Coaching to the next level?https://rugbyleaguecoach.com.au/coachmentor/Recorded on 02/03/2026FOLLOW Zero Tackle on social media:NEWS: http://www.zerotackle.comFB: https://www.facebook.com/zerotackleTW: https://twitter.com/zerotackleIG: https://www.instagram.com/zerotackle/TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@zerotackle
Ep 66LOOSE CARRY: The issue with the newest NRL rule change! ft. Ryan Hoffman
The Loose Carry NRL Podcast is back for 2026, with Storm and NSW great Ryan Hoffman joining as a guest panellist to recap the latest pre-season trials action. Lee analyses the Broncos vs Hull KR World Cup Challenge in “Coach’s Corner”, while Darren offers some insight into how this year’s ladder could take shape. The team also reveal their predictions for 2026 and takes a quick look at the clubs heading to Las Vegas.Loose Carry is Zero Tackle’s weekly show discussing and dissecting all the hottest talking points in the world of rugby league and the NRL, featuring host Phoenix Trinidad, Zero Tackle’s Darren Parkin and Rugby League Coach Lee Addison.⬇️ Today's Rundown:0:00 Intro02:41 Xavier Coates injury06:23 Trial game takeaways08:39 Souths' left edge10:29 2026 Guarantees15:15 6-man bench18:00 Numbers Up24:08 Vegas preview26:15 Broncos vs. Hull KR🏉 Want to take your Rugby League Coaching to the next level?https://rugbyleaguecoach.com.au/coachmentor/Recorded on 23/02/2026FOLLOW Zero Tackle on social media:NEWS: http://www.zerotackle.comFB: https://www.facebook.com/zerotackleTW: https://twitter.com/zerotackleIG: https://www.instagram.com/zerotackle/TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@zerotackle

Ep 65Who was the best LOCK of 2025?
Phoenix Trinidad and Zero Tackle analyst Darren Parkin break down the Top 10 Locks of 2025. Recorded on 27/11/2025FOLLOW Zero Tackle on social media:FB: https://www.facebook.com/zerotackleTW: https://twitter.com/zerotackleIG: https://www.instagram.com/zerotackle/TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@zerotackle

Ep 64Who was the best SECOND-ROWER of 2025?
Phoenix Trinidad and Zero Tackle analyst Darren Parkin break down the Top 10 Second-Rowers of 2025. Recorded on 27/11/2025FOLLOW Zero Tackle on social media:FB: https://www.facebook.com/zerotackleTW: https://twitter.com/zerotackleIG: https://www.instagram.com/zerotackle/TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@zerotackle

Ep 63Who was the best HOOKER of 2025?
Phoenix Trinidad and Zero Tackle analyst Darren Parkin break down the Top 10 Hookers of 2025. Recorded on 27/11/2025FOLLOW Zero Tackle on social media:FB: https://www.facebook.com/zerotackleTW: https://twitter.com/zerotackleIG: https://www.instagram.com/zerotackle/TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@zerotackle

Ep 62Who was the best PROP of 2025?
Phoenix Trinidad and Zero Tackle analyst Darren Parkin break down the Top 10 Props of 2025. Recorded on 27/11/2025FOLLOW Zero Tackle on social media:FB: https://www.facebook.com/zerotackleTW: https://twitter.com/zerotackleIG: https://www.instagram.com/zerotackle/TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@zerotackle

Ep 61Who was the best FIVE-EIGHTH of 2025?
Phoenix Trinidad and Zero Tackle analyst Darren Parkin break down the Top 10 Five-Eighths of 2025. Recorded on 27/11/2025FOLLOW Zero Tackle on social media:FB: https://www.facebook.com/zerotackleTW: https://twitter.com/zerotackleIG: https://www.instagram.com/zerotackle/TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@zerotackle

Ep 60Who was the best HALFBACK of 2025?
Phoenix Trinidad and Zero Tackle analyst Darren Parkin break down the Top 10 Halfbacks of 2025. Recorded on 27/11/2025FOLLOW Zero Tackle on social media:FB: https://www.facebook.com/zerotackleTW: https://twitter.com/zerotackleIG: https://www.instagram.com/zerotackle/TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@zerotackle

Ep 59Who was the best CENTRE of 2025?
Phoenix Trinidad and Zero Tackle analyst Darren Parkin break down the Top 10 Centres of 2025. Recorded on 27/11/2025FOLLOW Zero Tackle on social media:FB: https://www.facebook.com/zerotackleTW: https://twitter.com/zerotackleIG: https://www.instagram.com/zerotackle/TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@zerotackle