Forty20 Rugby League Podcasts: Recent Episodes
Forty20
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A week in which Wigan impressed, Saints and Leigh entertained, while Salford and Warrington produced a finish worthy of a completely different game.
Are Leeds (Men) in Crisis again? And, if so, what are Huddersfield, Hull FC and others down there?
Speaking of Hull, their wheelchair team pull off the result of the season, the Championship is exciting, League One is too and Fev's women are going up...
Plus, details on a charity walk taking place this weekend...
John Davidson joins us to give another perspective on the week in Rugby League, which was quieter than the week before, and was more about what happened on the pitch. Which is good.
Bar Wigan making more of a mess of Catalans than the pitch, it's off-field issues that have really come to the fore this week, not least abuse of a match official, again, crowds and TV deals. Anyone got a contact for Steph's Packed Lunch?
One of those episodes where you go in thinking there hasn't much been going on in Rugby League this week, but it turns out there has been...
Sunday's Wheelchair Challenge Cup Final is a rematch of the 2022 match, where Leeds Rhinos won a third in a row, beating the Catalans Dragons.
The EIS in Sheffield hosts the match, and ahead of it, Rhinos captain Jodie Boyd-Ward joins us to talk about the challenge ahead, taking on the captaincy, and loads of other stuff, because, like all good guests, she keeps on talking...
Wembley then? What a day! The records books will say St. Helens, Leigh Leopards and Halifax Panthers were, but, all in all, Rugby League was the winner...
We'd been to the Challenge Cup Final media event today, and by the time we got back, Sean Long had left Featherstone, with Sam Burgess announced as Warrington's next coach!
Plus, Andy Last had gone from Cas, Paul Rowley wasn't happy, an international calendar was announced, as we tried to talk about it all. There were matches too...
Daryl Powell departs Warrington, as we, with your help, discuss what is wrong with the Wolves. That, and everything else going on we can remember from another busy week in Rugby League...
Wembley is still weeks away, but we're excited at the prospect of three finals in which we have no real idea who is going to win.
Leopard print gear is about to sell out across Leigh as they at the national stadium for the first time since 1971, and Hull KR are hoping for a better time than in 2015, as they return there too.
The Wigan/Saints final is in the bin, but will the neutrals turn out now those "boring old sides" won't be there.
In addition, Leeds and St. Helens will make history in the first Women's decider there, while Halifax and Batley meet to guarantee a new name on the 1895 Cup.
Plenty to talk about on the pitch, which is what we want!
Back in the studio to look back on the action from the weekend, with great performances across the men's, women's and wheelchair games, and we'd assume in PDRL and LDRL as well, but we didn't see those.
Rob Hawkins joins us again, fresh from his trip to the Royal Box at Wimbledon, as three of our World Cup winning squad were sat with other sporting, well, royalty. We talk about the experience, the style shown by him and Tom Halliwell and James Simpson.
We look at the season so far for Halifax as well, as they prepare for the Challenge Cup this weekend, and the way the Super League season has gone so far, the current situation with the World Cup in flux, and much more.
(Anyone know anyone at Silverstone?)
Contains State of Origin spoiler
A few days late, but still the same old podcast about whatever has happened in Rugby League over the weekend, including some big wins for teams at the bottom of all three men's pro divisions, people being annoyed at referees, and the RL invasion of Wimbledon (that's the tennis, not the London Broncos.)
A strange week in Rugby League, where not much seemed to happen, but we still managed to find plenty to talk about. Which is useful for a podcast/YouTube phenomenon.
What is Huddersfield's best side? Leeds and Keighley are winners on, and off, the pitch, while Salford celebrate a record. Great action at the Women's 9s and latest wheelchair round, while John Kear leaves Widnes and there's plenty of other talking points. Which is useful for doing a podcast.
Three red cards in four men's quarter finals, but none in the women's? A question we didn't answer, but did talk about those, correct decisions, and much more, as eight became four in those, and the 1895 Cup (although we already knew them) as well as how we can stop those, on the field and off it, who abuse officials, worrying about Warrington (although they're second) and celebrating those honoured by the King...and a lot of other things.
What's more shameful: Leeds defeat at "lowly" Wakefield or us eating ice cream during the show? Professional as always, a busy weekend on the pitch is spoken about, and not much news. Quiet week. Bring on the Challenge Cup!
York Valkyrie took advantage of a break in their fixture list to make the trip to Uganda, where the club are working to help develop Rugby League out there, coinciding with the men's Grand Final.
Head of Rugby Lindsay Anfield told us all about it, what the players who accompanied her learned, some of the challenges they faced, but also the talent and ability on show.
Could the next Hollie-Mae Dodd by Ugandan?
We believe in Magic, but what about the future of it? The weekend in Newcastle is under the microscope, on, off and around the pitch, and plenty of other bits and pieces too...
Newman! No, not Jerry Seinfeld's nemesis, but Harry, of Leeds Rhinos fame, was one topic for discussion as the quarter finals of the men's Challenge Cup were finalised over the weekend, with he, and Morgan Knowles making the headlines for various reasons.
There's no West Yorkshire sides left, but both Hull sides remain, as do plenty of mouthwatering ties going forward, with York the sole Championship side remaining.
Loads of other things to talk about, not least the Summer Bash, Salford and Tyler Dupree and much more...
Celebrate this rare non-Bank Holiday Monday with more Rugby League chat as we're back to find more words about Kevin Sinfield and Rob Burrow, who managed to make headlines around the world by being themselves, while France won't be hosting the World Cup in 2025 after all, so who will? Loads of other things to talk about as well, and, don't worry, we weren't talking about anything exciting before recording...
Reaction pitchside at the Halliwell Jones as England beat France, twice, 64-0! You'll hear from Sinead Peach, Amy Hardcastle, Keara Bennett, Danny Walker, Tyler Dupree, Tom Holroyd, and both coaches from the men's international, Laurent Frayssinous and Shaun Wane.
Not too many IMG-based dramas, so it's some potential rule changes, getting ready for the international break, plenty of on field action, including Hull FC winning, Saints beating Warrington and more. PLUS: live reaction to the Challenge Cup 6th Round draw!
On IMG Day +1, we talk dissention in the Rugby League ranks, hip attacks and home MRPs, Wakefield's woes and apportioning blame, Hull FC and Castleford being glad that Trinity exist, praise for Leigh and more, plus other bits and bats as York make it 2-from-2 in the WSL and there's the first Wheelchair Magic Round too!
(Does Woekfield work?)
The Betfred Women's Super League is back! Hear exclusively from former England captain Emily Rudge, and non-exclusively from new Leeds Rhinos captain Hanna Butcher, York's Clint Goodchild, Rachel Thompson of Wigan, Huddersfield's Bella Sykes, Salford skipper Louise Fellingham and new England coach Stuart Barrow...
We were live at Headingley ahead of their night of former props, if, indeed, you can ever stop being one, with Lance Todd Tropby winner Steve Pitchford joined on stage by Danika Priim, Jamie Peacock and Barrie McDermott, who all joined us at our table trying to talk about what happened at the weekend, and plenty of other things as well. These props are smarter than some give them credit for!
Another weekend of action for our intrepid trio to look over, including headline wins for Leeds, Warrington, Keighley and Leigh amongst others. Plenty of surprises up and down the divisions, and a rare week without too many distractions off the field. but you're not happy about cheats or Phil Clarke.
James Child joins us again as we look back on the main talking points we can remember from the weekend, but the main section of the show this week is given over to Keighley Cougars owners Ryan O’Neill and Kaue Garcia to talk about their alternative plans for "Reshaping Rugby League" is the wake of the IMG proposals. The Cougar Compromise?
Mexico's favourite Rugby League podcast is back again to look back on an interesting weekend, talk gradings, and much more, as former match official James Child takes time from his retirement to join us.
York Valkyrie and England fullback (well, centre during the World Cup) Tara Jane Stanley joins us on this special programme as she's the Woman of Steel and it's International Women's Day.
Over 30 minutes, we discuss:
Preparations for 2023 and how things are on and off the field at York
Winning the League Leaders' Shield, but missing out in the Grand Final
Becoming Woman of Steel, and looking for further improvement
The surprise of playing out-of-position for England in the World Cup
Why her birthday plans may go ahead with out her!
All that, and much more...
Looking back on the winners and losers of the weekend gone, praising Saints for their achievements, the departure of Lee Radford from Castleford, and the many and various other things from the world of Rugby League...
A look back on the weekend, catching up on the winners of the Wheelchair Rugby League Awards, and Aimee Staveley on her move from Leeds to York...
Coming to you LIVE before the draws for the European Championships at the Holiday Inn in Brighouse, we're back to talk some Rugby League...
St. Helens are World Champions, Super League is a week old, and publicity is, well, it could be worse...
Welcome back from your old friends at the Forty20 Rugby League Podcast as we've navigated the M62 and made it to Manchester in time for the launch of the brand new Super League season.
John Davidson joins us to talk about the launch and a bit of news before we have to go off, and return, without John, on the way back with more thoughts, both optimistic and pessimistic...
PLUS: Leigh Leopards and PNG star Edwin Ipape, Cameron Smith of the Leeds Rhinos, Hull KR coach Willie Peters, Wigan captain Liam Farrell, 2022 WSL winner Caitlin Beevers and our headline slot goes to World Cup winner Rob Hawkins.
A year in which the Challenge Cup, League Leaders Shield and Grand Final went to three different clubs, a Championship club caused upsets, and Australia won the World Cup, but, wasn't the journey a fun one? Rounding up a big year for Women's Rugby League through the Forty20 TV cameras...
Time to catch up with some bits and pieces we've had on YouTube, but hadn't made it to the podcast until now, just in time for Christmas.
So, enjoy author J.R. Rickwood on his book "Cougarmania" followed by Wakefield Trinity Chairman John Minards on celebrating their 150th anniversary, and the first ever Women's Hall of Famers, Brenda Dobek, Lisa McIntosh and Sally Milburn...
The final stop of our RLWC2021 Cultural Festival Tour takes us to Hull Central Library, as we reflect on the tournament, it's potential legacy and new eras for Hull FC and Hull Kingston Rovers as we're joined by two men who played for both in Paul Cooke and Craig Murdock, with Peter Smith of the Yorkshire Evening Post completing the panel.
Phil is flying solo in Doncaster for Team Forty20, but has two guests from the heart of the action at RLWC2021, as we look back on the tournaments.
Returning to the show is David Butler, a man with many hats, one of which was getting as close to Wheelchair Rugby League without being in chair as a match official, and, almost as close, USA Wheelchair GM Juan Jasso on their World Cup debut and much more in front of a knowledgeable audience at Danum Gallery, Library and Museum.
LIVE in Stockport at their fantastic Central Library, we're joined by Chair of Rugby League World Cup 2021 Chris Brindley, Salford Red Devils Head Coach Paul Rowley and Aussie-based journalist George Clark to talk about the tournament so far, on and off the field, as we build-up to the final weekend, as the Wheelchair, Women's and Men's World Champions will be crowned just down the road in Manchester.
How has the tournament gone for the organisers, the challenges faced getting to this point, the success of the Wheelchair and Women's tournaments being added to the event, England's defeat to Samoa in the men's semis and much more to talk about...
Well, this was a packed one! In one of the suites at the LNER Community Stadium, we celebrated the Power of Together by bringing together a cast of thousands to talk Rugby League and the World Cup.
We've got PDRL World Cup winning captain Scott Gobin, complete with medal, Jacob Kilbride from the York Press, plus the returning Peter Smith and Jonathan Doidge.
Then we found some more chairs for York Knights Brendan O'Hagan, fresh from representing Ireland at RLWC2021, and Wales' Bailey Antrobus to talk about their experiences of the tournament and, changes at their club, and all the important things like anthem singing...
...After a break to watch Cook Islands beat France, a pair of York Valkyries joined us with Alisha Clayton telling us about how she got involved in the sport. and being York through and through, and she dragged Grace Field along, here to keep an eye on England's semi final opponents, and she takes us down a cul-de-sac we managed to get out of. Just.
The RLWC2021 Cultural Festival continues as we're live at Dewsbury Library with Batley coach Craig Lingard, former GB, England and Ireland international Francis Cummins, and journalists Ian Laybourn and John Davidson to talk about World Cup and more Rugby League issues...
Hear from all eight nations taking part in the Women's Rugby League World Cup plus Michael Shires joins us to talk about the tournament so far from a fans perspective...
Loads to talk about with Andrew Voss, Phil Roberts, Nigel Wiskar, Nada Farhoud, Gavin Willacy and us!
Our #RLWC2021 Cultural Festival tour of libraries made it's way to St. Helens on Thursday. Enthralling the audience with talk of Rugby League:
Former Saints and Ireland prop Kyle Amor
St. Helens and England halfback Faye Gaskin
Mike Critchley from the St. Helens Star
Steve "Book Launch" Mascord
Looking back on the first round of matches in the men's Rugby League World Cup with Ireland, Jamaica, Tonga and Papua New Guinea in focus...
Our next stop of tour took us to Eccles. but no time for cakes, as we're here to talk about the first few matches of Rugby League World Cup 2021 in the company of:
Former GB coach Brian Noble
Former England prop Danika Priim
BBC Radio Manchester's Trevor Hunt
"Two Tribes" author Steve Mascord
We're in St. Helens on Thursday. More details here: https://t.co/qj85wwUF0e
On the eve of the Rugby League World Cup kicking off in Newcastle, we were joined at the Central Library on stage by the returning Tony Hannan, Editor of Rugby League Live Matt Shaw and Gemma Carter with The Sun's Gary Carter to talk a load of Rugby League stuff in front of a live audience.
More from Monday's launch now as we are joined by:
Wales head coach John Kear
Scotland's Nathan Graham
Ged Corcoran and George King of Ireland
Tonga's Kristian Woolf
Michael Maguire from the Kiwis
Cook Islands coach Tony Iro
Lebanon's Michael Cheika
See you in Newcastle!
We spoke to so many people at the Rugby League World Cup launch in Manchester on Monday, we've had to split it over two podcasts.
So, in part one, we quiz the following (not necessarily in this order)
Tonga co-captain Sio Siua Taukeiaho
PNG coach Stanley Tepend and skipper Rhyse Martin
Lebanon captain Mitchell Moses
Jamaica's Romeo Monteith
Samoa coach Matt Parish
Wales captain Elliot Kear
Greece's Jordan Meads
Stay tuned for more...
A week ahead of the Rugby League World Cup kicking-off, Ireland's men have set up camp in South Leeds ahead of their group matches with Lebanon, Jamaica and New Zealand. We caught up with Jaimin Jolliffe, Joe Keyes, Brendan O'Hagan and Ronan Michael after they'd had a session on the field, ramping up preparation with a place in the quarter finals the first aim.
Stop two on our tour as part of the Rugby League World Cup Cultural Festival, we were live in front of an audience at Catterick Library to talk all the current RL news in the first half, as well as quizzing our guests, and the World Cup in the second.
Joining us on the panel:
Former Leeds Rhinos captain Stevie Ward
England & York City Knights back Tamzin Renouf
Professor Tony Collins
Author of "Underdogs" and much more Tony Hannan
Next week: Doncaster and Newcastle!
Wandering from the tunnel at Old Trafford to the car park, John Davidson joins us to reflect on a fourth Grand Final win in a row for St. Helens, who were the better team and, as expected, were too good for a Leeds Rhinos side who weren't disgraced in defeat.
Plus, the big winners from the Women's Super League Awards probably speak exclusively to us, unless we missed someone else there.
Wandering from the tunnel at Old Trafford to the car park, John Davidson joins us to reflect on a fourth Grand Final win in a row for St. Helens, who were the better team and, as expected, were too good for a Leeds Rhinos side who weren't disgraced in defeat.
Plus, the big winners from the Women's Super League Awards probably speak exclusively to us, unless we missed someone else there.
Kicking off our tour as part of the Rugby League World Cup Cultural Festival, we were live in front of an audience at Leeds Central Library to talk RL in the first half, and the World Cup in the second.
Joining us on the panel:
Former England international and Man of Leeds Jamie Jones-Buchanan
Wales & Leeds Rhinos player Jodie Boyd-Ward
Peter Smith of the Yorkshire Evening Post
Regular guest and journalism's own John Davidson
Look out for more dates on our tour before and during the World Cup to be confirmed!
Kicking off our tour as part of the Rugby League World Cup Cultural Festival, we were live in front of an audience at Leeds Central Library to talk RL in the first half, and the World Cup in the second.
Joining us on the panel:
Former England international and Man of Leeds Jamie Jones-Buchanan
Wales & Leeds Rhinos player Jodie Boyd-Ward
Peter Smith of the Yorkshire Evening Post
Regular guest and journalism's own John Davidson
Look out for more dates on our tour before and during the World Cup to be confirmed!
We've been out to speak to four players hopeful of making England's Women's World Cup Squad this autumn: Wigan's Vicky Molyneux, Tara Jones of St. Helens and Leeds pair Georgia Roche and Fran Goldthorp, and talk a bit about what happened in the matches on Friday while we're at it, and working out what's going on on the Otley Run...
Back in the studio to celebrate the exciting world of Rugby League, we were live with your talking points, international eligibility, "The British Are Coming!" to an NRL coaching box near you, and loads of other things we've forgotten about already...
Happy new month! We've a bumper edition of the show for you this week, with a first hand view from the Summer Bash, as well as Salford's amazing performance against St. Helens.
Some interesting results around the various divisions and forms of the sport, but how much were we able to see?
Plus, guests galore, as we drag London Roosters and England's Lewis King as well as Martin Coyd out of the Headingley hospitality to talk about the state of the Wheelchair game, and how the sport could capitalise on the excitement provided by the Lionesses (of which we are fully on the bandwagon.)
Then, we talk to Richard de la Riviere as he's got a new book out (which you can buy at Philip Howard Books in Leeds, or here: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/204037026976?hash=item2f818df4a0:g:Th0AAOSwCpxiz9Sr ) with plenty of great stories to tell in Rugby League: On This Day. That, as well as the state of the game, Maurice Lindsay, his next book project, and a lot more.
AND, as a bonus for you podders, reaction from the Bash games involving Barrow's women and men with Jodie Litherland, Amanda Wilkinson and Paul Crarey, plus Whitehaven's Jonty Gorely.
After looking back on a busy weekend of stuff going on, some of which occurred on the pitch, we're joined by Forty20 columnist and Batley Bulldogs Head Coach Craig Lingard ahead of a busy week which sees his side take on Dewsbury Rams at the Summer Bash, this year at Leeds' Headingley home.
It's a first Bash for Craig, and he tells us how he'd change the event to try make it more appealing, as well as the Bulldogs season so far, as they lie fourth in a competitive Championship table...
Well, it was Magic up in Newcastle, on, off and around the pitch as Phil reports on his experiences pitchside, and it is one of the great press vantage points in sport, and Richard from his armchair, as Toulouse breathe life in the battle at the bottom, Saints leave it late, Leeds outclass Cas, Ian Watson's process brings rewards for Huddersfield, Warrington are good for a change and the Hull Derby ends the weekend on a high (unless your a Robin, bobbing along home.)
All that, plus the the future of the event, as we have to discuss every year, and a round up of the goings on elsewhere, including more bother at the Bulls....
PLUS, Wales Wheelchair Rugby League star Harry Jones talks about his career so far, their World Cup hopes, and where they're going in 2023. If you don't already know, you won't believe it...
Lots of comings and goings for Phil and Richard to discuss, after an interesting weekend of results ahead of a Magic Weekend in Newcastle.
Speaking of, Jon Wells talks about Sky0, and what that's all about, as well as what we can expect to see this weekend with the further integration of stats into the Sky Sports coverage.
Reflecting on a superb weekend of international action, a Wheelchair Challenge Cup Final with skill and suspense, all the other stuff that happened, including staying awake during Warrington vs. Hull FC, Batley's win at Post Office Road, and why Fev fans shouldn't be too worried and more.
Plus, as a bonus on the podcast, Tom Halliwell and James Simpson speak after that Final and and interview Richard did with Harry Gration back in 2009, to mark his passing.
It's too hot to be inside podcasting, so here's a look back on the international weekend, the positives coming out of it, and more for the future when the calendar comes out. Plus, whatever else we can think of before melting...
We heading to Wales for our special guest this week, as the latest dual code international Rhi Parker joins us, fresh from her debut for the national team against England on Sunday at Cross Keys. She's new to Rugby League, and tells us about her journey from turning up at a Cardiff Demons trial, to starting at 7 in the famous red of Cymru.
A fascinating guest, with a positive story to tell, not just on the field, but also in the classroom on a daily basis!
We've got clips from Shaun Wane and Ellery Handley as England and the Combined Nations All Stars come head-to-head, as we're for the concept, but not quite enamoured with the execution of, especially with "actual" Test Matches being played this weekend...
All that, plus a look back at the weekend, and there's a new issue of the magazine out this week as well!
As State of Origin kicks off in Australia, we head there to catch up with Robert Burgin, to talk a little bit about Brazil, and a lot about his new book The Maroons, which, as the title suggests is about the Queensland Rugby League team.
But, as he tells us, this is not a book of facts and figures, but of the stories of the 221 men who have worn the shirt of the Maroons, and how they reached that goal, many through adversity.
Reflections of a Saturday at Spurs, from the surroundings, to the stadium and the the all important action on the field, as Leigh and Wigan made their way home with trophies, and most of those there with a feeling of positivity (apart from if they lost.)
Before we head to Spurs on Saturday, John Davidson joined us in the studio to talk about some bits of news in the world of Rugby League, your questions on YouTube, and list people who were involved at the North Sydney Bears.
Then, we get into the craft beer and cheese of the 1895 and Challenge Cup Finals as Leigh Centurions meet Featherstone Rovers, in a battle of the Championship's top two, while Wigan Warriors and Huddersfield Giants look to end Challenge Cup Final winning droughts of slightly different lengths.
Enjoy the games, and give us a wave if you see us...
Just under an hour of Rugby League chat as we look back on the weekend's action, talk a bit about what IMG may be impressed by as we await further instruction, and are joined by London Skolars CEO Colin Browne ahead of Friday Night Lights at the New River Stadium, the day before the Challenge and 1895 Cup Finals up the road at Spurs.
Speaking of, join us LIVE at 6pm this Thursday to look ahead to the big day at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium...
Time to reflect, again, on the passing of a huge figure in British Rugby League, and the game world wide, as Phil reflects on the life and career of Maurice Lindsay, a key man in where the game is today. From turning Wigan around, to running the RFL, the creation of Super League, and reinvigoration of the international game...fair to say his impact, whether a fan of his or not, is still being felt today.
As well as a look back on the action, we're joined by Karsten Brumme, our favourite German, as he tells us how he started watching the sport, what he's found on his recent tour here, how hard it is to watch the game in Switzerland, and his impressive collection of shirts!
Fresh from Elland Road, Phil and Richard, having sat on the lovely benches for the whole of Saturday afternoon, are joined by someone much closer to the action, Danika Priim, who was stood pitchside with the rest of the BBC crew.
We talk in-depth about the Women's Challenge Cup Final, with St. Helens retaining their trophy as the Women's Super League is about to get underway, with Saints, opponents Leeds, and York expected to be the ones challenging.
There's talk of how England will, or should, look ahead of the Women's World Cup too, and plenty of opinions with no holds barred.
Plus, wins for Wigan and Huddersfield, with praise dished out, and also anticipation building for the huge 1895 Cup Final clash between Leigh and Featherstone, and, not quite on the same level, this Sunday's match between Cornwall and West Wales.
After a busy couple of hours at Elland Road, it's time to talk some Rugby League, with a triple header at the home of Leeds United coming up on Saturday as St. Helens face Leeds Rhinos in the Women's Challenge Cup Final, while Saints men face Wigan, followed by Hull KR and Huddersfield in the men's semis.
We're excited for three games which are tough to call, as well as a weekend of action just gone, which wasn't the best, as Leeds' new coach arrives, Bradford and Widnes are still looking for one, and Richard Agar's off to Samoa.
Another quiet week...
It's always good to welcome Steve Mascord back onto the podcast, a man with his fingers in so many Rugby League pies, he could be employed on the half-time segment on Premier Sports.
He tells us about this weekend's Women's 9s event in Warrington and that part of the sport in general, helping out at the London Skolars. Zak Hardaker's move from Wigan to Leeds and plenty of other issues from our sport.
As a special offer for you, if you haven't picked up a copy of Steve's latest book, Two Tribes, use the code: ZAKSBACK at shop.stevemascord.com and get a discount!
https://shop.stevemascord.com/product/twotribes/
Talk about timing! Tony Smith quits (at the end of the season) while Rohan Smith arrives, the rumour mill is in full effect and some Rugby League happened as well.
John Davidson is back in the studio, and Phil returns now he's changed his attitude...
As #RivalsRound approaches, the air of positivity remains around the podcast, and even John Davidson can't change that mood, as he's full of it too!
We look back on a great weekend on the pitch, encouraging numbers on the terraces and looking in on telly, pressure on various coaches, adding more names to the Leeds shortlist, and much more...
7 weeks into the Super League season, and we're still feeling positive about most things Rugby League. What's that all about?
As well as action on the field, we talk James Roby, a busy Sunday for us both at the Wheelchair and Women's games, Warrington's woes, good crowds, the debut of Cornwall and new home for Midlands, and a load of other stuff...
We were back live, and earlier than usual, as we'd been to Manchester to get an update on the World Cup, as Tuesday marks 200 days to go until the event kicks off in Newcastle.
You can hear from RLWC2021 Supremo Jon Dutton after we've gabbed on about the weekend in the Challenge Cup, as Leeds remain in crisis and no clear route out of it, Warrington are on the verge of joining them after losing twice to Wakefield, Challenge Cup crowds are certainly there, depending on where you are, and no doubt some other exciting Rugby League topics to discuss...
Union is seen as a dirty word in Rugby League circles, but that's with "rugby" before it and not "trade" as it is in this case.
We we're joined by Garreth Carvell, now full time with the Rugby League Players' Association, to talk about their role within the game, improving the lot for players, how the link with the GMB means their members have advantages over those in other sports, and about how the game hasn't gone soft, and needs to make more of the positives.
Plenty to think about, as ever.
As Leeds lose a coach, Will Pryce gets to sit on the sidelines for 10 games, and Toulouse "jeter un pavé dans la mare" in beating St. Helens, there's very little Rugby League for Phil and Richard to go at...
As we spent yesterday talking not much Rugby League, here's a bonus with a brief look back at the weekend, talking points ahead of this week, yellow card fun and professionalism and more memories of Dave Hadfield...
On the road again, and to the wonderful surroundings of Leeds Central Library to talk about the past, present, and hopes for the future of local sports reporting.
Joining us, as part of Leeds Libraries 'Breaking the News' exhibition, were:
Professor Tony Collins
Tony Hannan
Peter Smith
Matthew Shaw
Plenty of historical content, changes in the way media is consumed, the effect that has on the output we read, relationships between journalists and clubs, the next generation, and a potential return of the romanticism of the past - that's just some of the topics covered.
We started though, on a sad note, reflecting on the life of Dave Hadfield, a presence in the press box, and life, will be sorely missed.
Schoey has failed a head test (he was otherwise engaged), so we're back on pre-record via Zoom to talk about the latest in the world of Rugby League, such as the return of Ellery Hanley to the coaches box, Josh Charnley not knowing how to use the RFL's website (and RSW doing the same) alongside the return on the Wheelchair Super League, the start of the Women's Challenge Cup, and all the action on the field in Super League (men) and the Championship...
JOIN US LIVE IN LEEDS:
We'll be at Leeds Central Library on Tuesday March 15th to talk the past, present and future of local sports reporting. Tickets available here:
https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/leedslibraryevents/local-sports-reporting-panel-event/e-vebvyy
It's Pancake Day, which means your favourite, erm, podcasters are back to talk some Rugby League.
An England squad has been announced, for people to have something different to be annoyed by rather than the disciplinary, the ludicrous modern world where three games in, teams and coaches are already under pressure, and some valiant performances in defeat in the Challenge Cup come under the F20 microscope.
Plus, all the action on the field we saw, and, if you missed it on YouTube, our chat with Cornwall's Harry Aaronson at the end as a bonus.
"We don't upset people enough anymore."
We seem to be much more calm this days, not getting caught up in nonsense and pointless arguments for the sake of it.
We leave defending the indefensible to Martin Kelner when he's on Fighting Talk, so our discussion of Luke Gale's red card and subsequent ban, focusses less on his actions and more on the reactions. We don't get it.
That starts off a look back at week two in Super League, with clubs already in crisis, key players missing leading to impressive performances, and that's the same in the Championship as well, albeit with less drama over under achievers and some tasty Challenge Cup ties to come.
Plus, how a negative story for the sport was ignored for a kid in a car. It's a funny old game, as Greavsie used to say.
Super League is back. Everyone is positive, even one Garry Schofield OBE who was back too as we were live in The Phoenix Bar at the home for Hunslet RLFC, The South Leeds Stadium in front of a live audience to talk some Rugby League, including those opening fixtures.
Schoey also pays tribute to those we have lost recently, including his old GB team mate Des Drummond and "Mr. Hull" Johnny Whiteley.
Not just The Legend though, joining us straight from training was coach Alan Kilshaw to look at Hunslet's season so far, the upcoming League One campaign and building a club in the shadow of giants.
Hope you enjoy it as much as we did!
As the 2022 Betfred Super League season got underway, we were live in the studio once more to look ahead to St. Helens winning a fourth straight title.
Plenty of positivity around as well as Channel 4's team is in place for their first game this weekend, two of which have been on this programme plenty of times in the past.
John Davidson is back with us as we're giddy with excitement!
This week: Championship returns, Premier gains, Cup drama and and old book...
PLUS: Oldham coach Stuart Littler joins us to praise Lock Lane, after the side from Cas knocked his new one out of the Challenge Cup, but there's still lots of positivity as they build up to the new League One season, rebuilding relationships in the town, and moving back home, as well as leading Ireland into the World Cup this autumn. A great half-hour or so with the Roughyeds boss.
BONUS: If you missed the video last week with Neil Ormston of the Rugby League Record Keepers' Club, that's on the end for you podcast people too!
"Younger, Sexier and More Vibrant"
Welcome to another episode of Forty20 NOT LIVE, where we've defrosted from Featherstone, watched the Channel 4 advert on a loop, on looking forward to Bashing Headingley this Summer.
Mainly though, we're hear to talk Swinton Lions, with their Director of Development Damian Ridpath, who may well be the most positive guest we've ever had, and that goes back to the Radio Yorkshire days!
They're not "Little Old Swinton" anymore, and he's here to tell us why...
Another year begins, and we're still here.
It's a fairly positive start to 2022 for us as we get ready for the new season with new broadcasters, players, coaches and drama to enjoy.
You were out in force in the comments as we looked ahead to a World Cup in France, how our colleagues across the Channel might not let every player in to play on their soil, and the wider issue of vaccination levels in Super League. "Why?" is a big question we can't answer.
All that and much more, as the friendlies are in full swing, and the Challenge Cup is underway, and, with am ultra competitive Championship around the corner, Batley Bulldogs coach Craig Lingard takes time away from his preparations to join us to talk about a myriad of issues.
The abridged story of Rugby League in 2021, told through output of Forty20 and our guests.
Featuring interviews, post match reaction, stories, opinion and more...
- A year of Saints, some sinners, a potential French renascence, glory for Featherstone, and the Rhinos (but only when sat down.)
As well as the past, Phil and Richard try make some sense of what may happen in 2022, and decide they don't really have a clue...
For our final LIVE show of 2021, we've invited a friend of ours along to talk about her career.
The freshly retired Danika Priim is with us to talk about a short, but eventful career in Rugby League. How she started in the sport at school, her dancing life, and getting back involved in RL and her growing media profile.
Playing in a World Cup, and the journey to getting there, life at Leeds, winning, and losing, dealing with those who wanted to pull her down, and fighting back.
A great story, told by the woman herself.
Midlands Hurricanes CEO Alan Robinson joins us to talk about the rebrand of the Coventry Bears ahead of the 2022 season in League One, but also how the Bears will continue outside the professional game to grow the sport in the area.
Not just that, but there's new investment, a new home on the horizon for 2023, and a general feeling of positivity over the sport and where it's heading, which is always nice.
Plus, a little bit of Cornwall, as they join the fun next year, and Ireland, with the World Cup approaching.
https://midlandshurricanes.com/
A packed show, with three guests on talking about their books as we head towards Christmas, and you need to get someone something...
We open with a look at the news as we try to #BeMoreKev, get excited about Channel 4 and what they can bring to Super League coverage, and upgrade our scores on the state of Rugby League.
Then, we speak to Daniel Barker Gray on his book Broken Time, a history of the sport from 1895 to 2000, Hull KR fan Dan Crowther's chronicle of the 2021 season, The Robin Sings Again, and finally, with very little to do with RL, lapsed Cougars supporter Ben Baker talks about Christmas telly, the subject of his latest tome, Ben Baker's Christmas Box.
Find our guests on Twitter @DanBarkerGray, @shenmuestan and @BenBakerBooks
Timestamps: 26:45 - Broken Time with Daniel Barker Gray 52:52 - The Robin Sings Again with Dan Crowther 1:23:51 - Ben Baker and his Christmas Box
With a year to go until the delayed Rugby League World Cup 2021, we were LIVE at the Featherstone Community Centre to talk about the event, and the general state of the game with an all star panel:
Nathan Collins - Leeds and England Wheelchair international, on the longlist for the 2022 Golden Boot
Professor Tony Collins - Author, historian and podcaster
Rob Hicks - A long time match official now Director of Operations and Legal at the RFL
Danika Priim - Former Leeds, Bradford and England forward, winning every domestic honour in the game.
Neil Ormston - Organiser of the Rugby League Record Keepers Club
John Davidson - Journalist and podcaster. Australian.
It was supposed to be a show of two halves, but our time keeping isn't the best...
We've been invaded by Canadians!
The Canada Grizzlies are on tour, culminating in a Masters Festival at Leigh East this Sunday, and members of the squad, Nicholas Mew, Greg Furyk, Michael Steer, and Doon Muldoon, have joined us to talk about their trip, which wasn't easy as you'd imagine, plus RL in Canada, their journey into the game, and what they have got from the sport and what they want to give back.
The RFL's new Director of Operations and Legal, Robert Hicks, was our special guest this week as we talked about him swapping his whistle for a desk, and what that new role actually entails.
we talk about memories of his days as a match official and what he wants to achieve in his new role, including tackling abuse from the sidelines, and how that's an issue that goes much deeper than you may think at first.
Plenty to think about as ever...
It's a bit of a bonus as we've been away after the Grand Final weekend, but, as the "Running Game" season comes to an end this week, we think, we wrap up those games at Old Trafford and Headingley, Toulouse's elevation and some transfer news.
Plus, it's international time, so we talk those, and speak to Craig Richards, coach of England's women as they face France, and hoping to make his Jamaica debut, Izaac Farrell!
Back Tuesday LIVE at 6pm...
It's Grand Final week and John Davidson is back in the studio to talk some Rugby League as we look back on Penrith Panthers NRL success, the reaction to the Super League Awards, an increase of abuse at matches and ahead to a busy weekend with promotion and titles to be decided...
Plenty for Phil and Richard to discuss this week, including, but not exclusive to:
Was Wigan vs. Leeds really that bad? Warrington woes? Robins STILL bob bob bobbing, Championship crackers, Women's Super League Narratives and a TV deal which needs more scrutiny...
PLUS, a bonus for podcast listeners as we talk PDRL with Dr. Emma Kirke!
It's play-off time, as we try, and fail, to avoid using the term "business end" of the season, though it's an early closure for Hull FC while their neighbours are bob, bob, bobbing along...
We look back on the weekend, including Phil's trip to the Wheelchair Grand Final, and ahead to some tasty fixtures this week.
Two guests for you as well, as first St. Helens winger Danielle Bush reflects on scoring in the Challenge Cup Final as, after lifting the League Leaders Shield, their looking to complete the treble, and we take a trip from Hemel to York via Sheffield and Wembley with Jack Howieson. from the sharp end of the Championship season just gone.
We were able to spend an hour with Chair of the RFL Simon Johnson who joined us to talk about the present state of the sport of Rugby League, plans for the future on and off the field, the realignment with Super League, relationships with the Government, finding external investment, exploiting growth areas for the sport and much more...
As we approach the end of 2021 in Rugby League, does anyone know what's happening next year?
We're back to discuss the action on the field, including positivity on and off it at the Craven Parks or both Barrow and Hull KR, relegation conspiracy theories and more.
Plus, we have a very special guest, also wanting to know what will happen next year, but still with the destiny on the club he coaches in his own hands, and those of his players, Hunslet's Alan Kilshaw.
Plenty to think about as ever.
We forgot to book some guests, so, Phil tells us about his experience at Magic Weekend, which saw the Catalans claim the Shield, plenty of action to remember, and set-up some great fixtures as we head towards the play-offs.
We look at all the games, plus the stories coming off them as well as your questions, life outside Super League a the YouTube comments rattle Richard.
We out did ourselves this week as we had THREE guests in the studio following the draw for the European Championship-D this October as General Manager of European Rugby League David Butler, Middle East Africa regional manager Remond Safi, and Milan Mrtýnek from the Czech Rugby League joined us in the studio to talk about the international game, development across the northern hemisphere, into Africa and much more.
To learn more, visit https://europeanrugbyleague.com/
Not one, but TWO guests join us in the studio this week as we talk all things CCCRL with Sandy Domingos-Shipley and her new recruit Danika Priim.
There's plenty to discuss as Rugby League rebuilds in Canada, from the grassroots up - a novel approach!
Plus, of course, everything else going on in the sport we can remember to speak about in a bumper edition of the show.
It's Thursday, and we're in a better mood this week because we're looking forward to the Wheelchair Challenge Cup Final this week, with special guest Martin Coyd, who has probably forgotten more about the sport than we'll ever know.
Leeds Rhinos are defending their title in Sheffield against the Argonauts of Dartford, in a game being broadcast by the BBC.
He tells us about the game on Sunday, a lesson on the basics for those watching for the first time, of the future for the sport and how England are turning the World Cup postponement into a positive ahead of 2022.
Plus, there's a coaching change at Wakefield, and a new venue for the 2022 men's Challenge Cup Final...
Therapy is expensive, so, after the news of the Rugby League World Cup being postponed until 2022, Phil and Richard let off steam, ask you to stand up for the sport, and deal with realism.
There's some mild bad language, because we are that annoyed at stuff.
With the Rugby League World Cup this autumn hanging in the balance, we're joined by Brazil's Football Manager Robert Burgin direct from Queensland to discuss the current situation.
As well as finding out how he got involved in Rugby League in Brazil in the first place, we've got a lot to discuss, including:
As Australia and New Zealand have pulled out, how does this leave the tournament?
What risks are involved for those competing?
What will postponement or cancellation mean to those "emerging" nations?
Should teams representing the First Nations of those two countries be involved?
Plenty to discuss and think about...
We're back in the studio as we discuss the options for the World Cup, which we're very confident on happening, just not sure who will be there, and try to make a Rugby League version of The Hundred, but with a smaller budget.
A look at the weekend's results, wonder what is going on with the number of postponements and enjoy your comments, which poo-poo our rip-off of The Hundred while we discuss it.
Unlike Wally Lewis in the title of Wakefield's legendary fanzine, Australia and New Zealand are not coming, having released a statement this morning, minutes after telling the World Cup organisers. Thanks. For. That.
We discuss that, and remain confident of some kind of global Rugby League competition being played for in 2021, especially with government funding and the busy calendar in 2022.
That, and other bits of news, after the real meat of the show as former London Broncos coach Danny Ward joins us to talk about what he's up to these days, RL in London, what he thought of the sport down there before moving to Harlequins, his coaching inspirations, working under Wayne Bennett, nearly signing for Featherstone and much more...
As we've just about recovered from the heat of Wembley, we reflect on a Saturday afternoon which saw a high-scoring cracker between Featherstone and York, and a comeback from St. Helens to see off Castleford.
How good was the 1895 Cup Final? How good is this Saints side? Where do Castleford go next? What's wrong with the Lance Todd voting procedure?
All these questions, but do we have the answers?
Plus: integrity, social media, why the Championship isn't on TV and Women's Super League highlights are, new signings for Leeds, the World Cup and much more...
(The issue with the echo disappears, so stick with it!)
It's Wembley Week, and we're genuinely excited for Saturday afternoon at the national stadium, with the 1895 and Challenge Cup Finals to look ahead to on our latest show.
As well as look back at the results from the weekend, we've got the disciplinary to look as at Wakefield's Michael Carter takes aim as St. Helens will be missing men for their match with Castleford.
There's all the rest of the nonsense from the week, as postponements and rearrangements mean the calendar is a mess, while the WSL sees games called off while the players are warming up.
Plus, positivity as Leeds unveil a statue for one of the greats, if not the greatest, while the World Cup is happening, whether the NRL like it or not...
We're back NOT LIVE, thanks to Leeds playing Warrington on Monday night, for one week only to look back on the week in Rugby League.
Much of that is off the field, with games not being played, coaches leaving, consultants arriving, and many of your questions answered.
Danny Ward leaves London, and where is the sport in the capital city, while defeat to Coventry could have been the last straw for Gary Thornton, who departs from Hunslet while Brian McDermott is back in the sport at Oldham, second bottom of the Championship. Nothing is predictable.
With postponements in our sport, and elsewhere, we ask what would happen if the fate of the England men's cricket team happened on one of the finalists in the Challenge Cup or 1895 matches with Wembley fast approaching as well.
Plus, action from on the field, the retirement of Greg Inglis, and much, much more...
International "Break" is over, and we report on a weekend which saw England win two of their three matches, those being the actual official test matches, and a defeat to a bunch of men with a purpose.
We've got plenty of praise to hand out, not least to a Wales side led by captain Shaunni Davies who lead by example, against England in their first ever Test, while we both saw our first live Wheelchair RL match, marvelling at the skills and brutality of the hits we were promised, and over delivered on.
Phil had an afternoon listening to Ken Davy, from which he came away with very little to tell us, while we were entertained by Shane Richardson's plans for independence last week and spoke about those too.
Plus, all domestic action, which we saw and what we've only read about, your questions and comments and six, yes SIX, Terry O'Connor's. (Though that is more visual than anything else.)
It's International Week! And what an utter mess we're in. Some on our own making, some, Covid related. Rugby League, innit?
We discuss the whys and wherefores and such of the squads announced, and yet to be, as there's a triple header of action to look forward to.
An unpredictable week of results in Super League saw Saints unable to score a try at home, Hull KR dominate Wigan at the Piedome, and Salford edge out Huddersfield in a case of mistaken identity with Ian Watson looking for Perry Mason's phone number.
You made plenty of good points in the comments throughout, which is good.
Plus, as a bonus, before the show we caught up with the Head Coach of England's Wheelchair RL team Tom Coyd, as they prepare to meet Wales on Saturday, and talk about their preparations ahead of the World Cup this autumn, and their new chairs.
(If anyone fancies a game of Mobility Scooter RL, please get in touch.)
Another weekend of some Rugby League to talk about, and we're building up to a representative weekend too, so former England international and star of BBC 2 Danika Priim joins us again in the studio to give us her knowledge on everything we know nothing about.
We talk about the late postponement of her game on Sunday, which left just one game standing in the Women's Super League, and how that will affect preparations for those hoping to represent England against Wales in a fortnights time.
There's other issues in the women's game to talk about, plus plenty with the men too as England and the Combined Nations meet while Super League games will also take place, so how will that change selections for both teams? We discuss that and more on the rep scene after the Origin blowout in Australia.
Speaking of the NRL, there's Boyd Cordner's retirement at 29 to discuss, and his career for club and country, and much more besides...a fun two hours!
Saints march on to Wembley having picked up the Women's Challenge Cup, where they'll meet Cas, and there were plenty of talking points on a big day of rugby in Leigh.
Speaking of, they've lost a coach, and another match, so there's something else to talk about, and to give us his expertise on developing young talent, Francis Cummins joins us to talk about everything in the world of Rugby League.
After a high scoring weekend on the pitch, and some hot headed actions (perhaps blamed on the heat at the Disciplinary) as well, we had plenty to talk about on a Bank Holiday Monday edition of Forty20 LIVE.
Fresh from Old Trafford, Jonathan Doidge joined us to make his debut on the show to talk all things Rugby League, and we're surprised it took him more than an hour to do his Eddie Waring impression.
Impressive wins for Catalans, Leeds and Wakefield, not forgetting Warrington and Hull KR in Super League, plus Coventry pulling off the surprise of the weekend in League One.
Are Castleford in crisis and having just won seven in a row, are there question to answer for Wigan? We try and sort out what went on on the pitch, and discuss the end of that game in France which saw the retaliator graded harsher than the instigator.
There's a big weekend for Leigh and in the town too to look to, with St. Helens taking on York in the Women's Challenge Cup Final, while their men both face semis in different competitions on the road to Wembley too...
It has been a while, but, finally, we were back LIVE in front of the wall of Forty20 magazines, to talk some Rugby League.
Granted, our technological skills are still rusty, so you're getting the full show here which had missing bits on YouTube, so worth wait, and lack of frustration if you didn't join us.
John Davidson was first in the studio to join Phil, Richard and the socially distanced biscuits as we looked back on the weekend in the sport as Wigan remained unbeaten, Catalans beat Saints, Warrington won the Daryl Powell derby and Leeds and Hull played one for the purists. Wakefield won too, which was nice.
We paid tribute to Bobby Fulton, tried to discuss the academy situation which everyone seems upset about, but not sure they know why they are, enjoyed a trip to the LNER Community Stadium to watch the Women's Challenge Cup semi finals, and much more besides as you got back involved in the comments...
Welcome to the series finale of Forty20 NOT LIVE as fans return, and plan ours to our old pre-Covid home.
We've a pair of guests to say goodbye to Skype and Zoom with as Andrew Quirke joins us again first. He was one of the lucky ones to be in the ground as St. Helens beat Salford in front of a crowd for the first time since the last game pre-lockdown.
He tells us about the experience, how Saints are going and and we chat about the Super League in general, how the pandemic may have a further knock-on effect come the end of the season, how his latest book with our friend Danika Priim is going, and an update on Doug Laughton.
Then we head to Sydney, where Fox Sports' George Clarke makes his dayboo to discuss the NRL post Magic Weekend, expansion plans, new rules, the state of Samoa and much more.
Plenty to think about and be positive about too!
As we count down to the return of fans to grounds, and us to the studio, we're back to talk all the action from a busy Challenge Cup quarter final weekend, which has left us with a tantalising set of semi-finals in both the men's and women's competitions, with Daryl Powell's present and future meeting, as we as the past Tigresses who have become Knights of York.
We discuss the reaction to Tony Clubb's ban as the sport faces another disciplinary issue thanks to comments on social media.
League One is back, and we've got the Championship to talk about too, and, to help us to do so, we're joined by the hosts of the Official Oldham podcast, the Hollingworth Brothers, with plenty of chat about the Roughyeds, supporting a team in the second tier, the future of the competition and how they got into podcasting!
Phil and Richard are back with another episode of the Rugby League podcast with plenty to say, and not afraid to say it.
Social media boycott over, we talk the weekend in the Women's Super League, thanks to a tweet drawing attention to it, the new TV deal and what that means, before we get onto action on the field.
That action was dominated by Thursday's game between Wigan and Hull FC, starting with Connor vs. Hardaker, and ending with allegations of racial abuse. We discuss those, and how best the sport can deal with those who transgress.
Your thoughts are always welcome...
Welcome to our 187th Episode Spetacular here on the Forty20 Rugby League Podcasts channel! (We don't know how many we did on "the other place" to add on.)
To celebrate, Phil and Richard talk all the news in RL, including, but limited to, Lee Radford's appointment as Castleford Tigers coach from 2022, all the action from the weekend, potential TV deals for the Championship, and why streaming might be better all round.
Plus, our special guest this week is the Chairman of the York City Knights, Jon Flatman, as he, and they, prepare to welcome fans into their new home, the growth of the club, impact of the World Cup on the city and North Yorkshire as a whole, James Ford's impact and more.
It's Monday night, and you know what that means...
After a weekend of Golden Point drama, we go into extra time as John Davidson joins us once again to look back at the news on and off the pitch.
As well as the actual action, we've got Jackson Hastings moving back to the NRL, the European Super League and our structural battles, plus plenty of your questions from social media including commentary, kit clashes and more.
Plus, the opening round of the Women's Super League gets plenty of Twitch views, and plenty of points too...
Phil and Richard are joined by guests from across the Women's Super League with the season getting underway this weekend.
Champions Leeds Rhinos are represented by Grand Final try scorer Fran Goldthorp, with Castleford's Jasmine Cudjoe, St. Helens' Naomi WIlliams, Emma Kershaw of Wakefield and York's Mary Tiplady letting us in on their pre-season preparations as everyone is raring to go having had the 2020 season cancelled.
News, and lots of it this week, and it's a good job we had to record on Tuesday afternoon rather than Monday because we can can react to Daryl Powell's move to Warrington, and the ramifications for Castleford and beyond from that.
Plus, Shaun Wane has named an England squad, and we talk about who is and isn't in that, and his future post-World Cup, Wakefield's woes, new growth in North America as well as the action from the weekend.
Joining us for the first time in 2021 to do that are Gary Carter, Rugby League Correspondent for The Sun, and Forty20 Magazine's own Gemma Carter, who happens to live with him, because they're married.
As we celebrate Super League's birthday, but without cake, John Davidson makes his return to the podcast as we look back on an opening weekend which saw Warrington disappoint, but plenty of positives for the other 11 clubs, win or lose.
All the news on the field is discussed, included those who impressed, and how best we can sell them to the wider world outside the Rugby League Bubble.
Plus, moves off the field, and plenty more as the community game is about to resume, Women's Super League signs a streaming deal with Twitch and the Challenge Cup draw is made.
As West Yorkshie readies itself to go to the polls to vote for it's first Mayor, we've brought together a group of people to discuss what Rugby League can do for them, and they can do for us.
We're discussing recommendations made in Ian Martin's report "Does rugby league in West Yorkshire have a future?" and he joins us, alongside a range of different experts:
Kacy Mackreth - Sports Marketing Lecturer at Leeds Beckett University and non-executive Director of Hunslet RLFC Ikram Butt - Former England international and social activist Anthony Broxton - Historian, "Tides of History" Jack Pemberton - Writer, "La Treiziste"
Inclusion, fan ownership, payment for Women's Super League players and more are up for debate, and you can read Ian's report here: https://sameskiesthinktank.com/rugby-league-west-yorkshire-future-ian-martin/
Same Skies can be found on social media here:
twitter.com/sameskiesthink
www.instagram.com/sameskiesthinktank/
www.facebook.com/SameSkiesThinkTank/
So, we had this idea of having some kind of Fans Forum thing over Zoom, sent out some invites, and recorded us talking all things Rugby League.
Joining us, and asking Phil difficult questions, were Ron Knox, Karen and Matt Horton and Silent Ian.
If you want to join us next time, let us know, and we'll do this again.
The NRL is back, which finally means we can talk a bit of action on the field, which is nice, and while his Melbourne Storm start with a win, they do it wihout Cameron Smith, who annoucned his retirement.
We talk about his departure, plus the end of the career of Sonny Bill Williams, as well as a key move in the Women's Super League as coach Lindsay Anfield leaves Castleford on the eve of the new season.
There's upset over games which are, and aren't, on the OuRLeague app, as pre-season friendlies will be replaced with some, but not all, Super League games, but, unlike the Championship, they won't be available to all.
Our special guest this week is the man who was in the middle of the Challenge Cup Final in 2020, referee Liam Moore who talks about his preperations for the new season, dealing with abuse, the speed of the game post-restart, and much more, including his advice for those wanting to pick up the whistle/flag.
Another great guest, and, as a bonus, we've got Testimonial Tiger Adam Milner and Sheffield Eagles Mark Aston, Matt James and Anthony Thackeray as the 2021 season approaches...
We're heading to the capital on the latest episode of Rugby League's 5th most popular podcast* as London Skolars coach Jermaine Coleman and CEO Colin Browne join us as their prepartations for the League One season ramp up.
It's off the field matters though we dominate our discussions as we talk about the history of the club and development of the game in London, how the club is hoping to have a squad dominated by Londoners in the future and how the sport can have a hand in doing that going forward, with plenty of potential athletes on the Skolars doorstep.
Not just the elite men either, we talk about growing the game amongst women, and the PDRL/Wheelchair aspects of the sport, maybe even a game of Walking Rugby as well.
After the domestic season is wrapped up, Jermaine has a big role in Jamaica's invovlement in the men's World Cup. We talk about that, and the numbers of BAME players coming through in the sport, compared to his start in Leeds.
Away from London, we've got a cross code signing at Headingley, developments in Canada, and some other bits and pieces to clear up, plus, we ask you what will be the highest squad number we see in Super League this season...
We've got another bumper episode for you this week, with plenty to talk about from the world of Rugby League.
We start on a sad note as we talk about the life of Matt King, who has died aged 33. Phil worked on his book, 04.04.04, and is best placed to reflect on the impact he had in his short time with us.
Our first guest is Richard Mathers, always honest and open with his opinions, we discuss the future departure of Steve Price from Warrington Wolves, and he shares with us his thoughts on who should take over at the Halliwell Jones. Plus, there's his recollections of transferring from playing to the outside world, and one of the major infulences on his career.
We're back in Cumbria then as Barrow Raiders coach Paul Crarey and his Chairman Steve Neale are with us with the new season less than a month away.
They're got big aims for the future too, as well as talking how the club is strengthening on and off the field, and the work being done to get the crowds back in at Craven Park.
We've also got a Magic Weekend to look forward to, and plenty of games to be streamed, and the most pointless of all changes to the laws, the 20/40.
As we get excited that fixtures have been released, well some anyway, we welcome back Mark Wilson to the show, before he has to go to Burnley, the lucky chap.
It's our first chance to talk about the upcoming deaprture of Robert Elstone, and a look back at his tenure, asking if he was doomed to fail, and what happens next.
Not just the future of Super League, but where is the sport heading, as we await a new TV deal, and what that means for those outside the top flight.
After Mark goes off to navigate the M62, we head west too, as the Chief Executive of Wales Rugby League, Gareth Kear joins us with plenty of positiviity about the sport in the Principality.
With developments in the wheelchair game, a new coach for the women's team, and men's team with a tough, but exciting, draw to look forward to, celebrations of those who paved the way and seeds being planted to develop the game there for years to come.
We're heading over the Atlantic Ocean for another busy episode of Forty20 NOT LIVE as we check in on the state of the game in Canada, now the Toronto Wolfpack appear to be no more.
Joining us are World Cup hopeful Krista Kent, with the World Ranked 5th Canada Ravens in England's group this autumn, and she tells us about her experiences in the sport, and hopes for the national team, while Carl Holmes, Vice President of Ontario Rugby League shares with us their plans for growing the game with the aid of Masters RL.
Also with us is Wolfpack fan Nicholas Mew, who has written an article on the demise of them in the latest Forty20 Magazine, talking about the frustrations of those who've been left behind as Super League moves on.
Plenty to think about as ever, and to be positive about!
We're back again with another packed show, as we manage to talk about the Super Bowl and the cricket, but in terms of Rugby League, somehow, as well as what little is going on in the sport right now, such as Wigan not being sold, and the leaky colander that is Super League.
Away from our witterings, more guests, as first we head to West Wales, where Raiders coach Aaron Wood is here to talk about talking on the role at the club who have finished bottom of the pile, but are aiming higher thanks to stability off the pitch and star signings on it.
After Wales, we're off to Cumbria, and Whitehaven to be precise as assistant coach Jonty Gorley and director Andrew Canavan speak about their hopes for life in the Championship, when action resumes of course, the difficulties on and off the pitch, and how best to improve the status of the sport in the area.
As ever, plenty to think about, so let us know what you think.
2021 is here, and so is our first podcast of the new year, and with a pair of guests to kick us off.
RFL Chief Executive Ralph Rimmer is up first, talking about how Rugby League fits in to Sport England's vision for the next decade, as well as how the sport has dealt with the pandemic to date, the challenges faced and those yet to come.
Someone who is looking at those challenges from a different perspective is Damian Irvine, non-executive Director at Hunslet, who joins us for the view from League One, how his club is placed in the current framework, the future for them, and similar clubs, and his views on the split between the RFL and Super League.
Plus, we talk about whatever else has happened we can remember, as we look forward to getting back on the pitch, and in the stands.
2020 is a year we'll never forget, but if you have, and who can blame you, here's some of the key moments of the year on Forty20 TV, starting with the arrival of Sonny Bill Williams, ending with two modern day greats saying goodbye, and plenty of talking points, on and off the pitch, in between.
Thanks to all our guests for giving up their time across the year, and to you for watching, listening and interacting. We really do appreciate it.
Have a happy, and safe, 2021....we hope to see you again soon!
For all the latest Rugby League news and opinion, head to http://forty20.news Grab the podcast: https://forty20rl.podbean.com/ Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/c/Forty20TV Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Forty20LIVE Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/forty20magazine/
Buy the magazine: http://www.scratchingshedpublishing.com/
We're ending the year with another pair of guests to talk some Rugby League.
First up, Dave Musson from the Bear Necessities podcast, and author of the updated book Forward joins us to talk about life in League One with the Coventry Bears, as they look forward to getting back on the pitch after a very short 2020 season.
Then, Forty20's Editor-at-large Tony Hannan makes his debut on the show, showing there's no room for nepotism on this programme.
He's got a book out as well, The Wicket Men, and we look back on the formation of the magazine, why it's still here, and what Eddie Waring would make of the sport today.
As we say on the show, we appreciate everyone who has read the magazine, watched our shows and listened to our podcasts this year. We hope we have given you some escapism, as it has for us.
- It's been a year, hasn't it? One none of us will forget, good and bad. We've all adapted, we've all changed, and, we'll celebrate those who remain, and those we have lost.
Stay safe, we'll see you again in 2021.
A bonus show for you, as two prop forwards join us to talk Rugby League.
First, Castleford Tigers' Grant Millington tells us about the 2020 season at The Jungle, the trials and tribulations of their year, on and off the field, signing a new deal at the club, and how he first found the town when he joined up at the Tigers.
Then it's former GB & Ireland international Barrie McDermott as the Sky Sports pundit gives us the inside story on fund raising efforts for Motor Neurone Disease in the name of his friend and former teammate Rob Burrow, on Kevin Sinfield's marathons, the Burrow Seven racehorse, plus RL across the Irish Sea and more.
There's also news on a new side in the Championship, and the potential on an NRL takeover of Super League.
Thought provoking stuff.
Back again to talk Rugby League, and it's another debutant on the show this week as author and St. Helens fan Andrew Quirke joins us, alongside his current writing partner, our good friend Danika Priim.
As well as talking about their forthcoming book, and their thoughts on 2020, we've got plenty to discuss on how lucky we all are to be involved in this great sport, and who proud we are of Kevin Sinfield, and his 7 marathons in 7 days to raise money for MNDA and his mate Rob Burrow.
Something for everyone, we hope!
"The Greatest Thing I've Ever Seen."
That's Steve Mascord's verdict as the author, podcaster, and much more joins us to talk about St. Helens Super League Grand Final win over Wigan, thanks to a dramatic final play.
We discuss the issues coming out of that game and more, as the Rugby League season finally comes to a close, the race to replace Toronto continues, there's some brief transfer innuendo, and other news from the past week.
Steve's also writing a new book - Two Tribes - on the Super League War in Australia, so we talk about that, and how you can support it, and his plans for the future.
You can find out more, here: https://twotribes.substack.com/
As it's Grand Final week, we shine the spotlight on St. Helens this time with a bonus podcast starring film director, podcaster, Forty20 magazine columnist and Saints fan Ian Boldsworth.
We talk about Saints season, how excited Ian is for the match on Friday, James Graham's retirement, fans over reactions to every thing and much more!
Recording flew by, so hopefully you enjoy it, and if you want to check out Ian's Patreon, be our guest: https://www.patreon.com/ianboldsworth
It's Grand Final week, and we're talking about the League Leaders in the company of Phil Wilkinson from the Wigan Post and Wigan Observer to talk all things Cherry and White, as they head to the KCOM, including the retirement of Sean O'Loughlin, the future of Tommy Leuluai and transformation of Adrian Lam from stop gap to main man in the DW hot seat.
Plus, on the back of the Dream Team, and ahead of the Steve Prescott Man of Steel Award being annoucned, we ask if the current methodology works.
And, as usual, Phil and Richard also round up what they can remember has happened in the world of Rugby League: Ian Watson's move to Huddersfield, Queensland's win in Origin and more good news from the World Cup!
We're back as the Super League season continues to head to its conclusion, and say goodbye to Warrington and Leeds, as Hull FC and Catalans continue on on the Road to Clive Sullivan Way, and the Grand Final.
Plenty of talking points from those matches, and off the field as well, as Robert Elstone faces the media, there's a fund set-up for former employees of Toronto Wolfpack, and much more news besides.
Not just that, but we're also joined by Halifax's Director of Rugby Ian Croad to look at life in the Championship, the non-start of their bid to return to Super League, the effects of Covid-19 and when they will play again. Lots to discuss, with plenty still up in the air, for clubs outside the top flight.
For all the latest Rugby League news and opinion, head to http://forty20.news Grab the podcast: https://forty20rl.podbean.com/ Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/c/Forty20TV Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Forty20LIVE Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/forty20magazine/
Buy the magazine: http://www.scratchingshedpublishing.com/
Remember, remember the 6th of November, as Forty20 NOT LIVE is back, as we assume there'll be no more news on a VERY busy week in Rugby League.
Peter Smith, from the Yorkshire Evening Post, makes his debut, alongside the returning Paul Bennett, as we look back on a week where Toronto Wolfpack lost their bid for a place in the 2021 Super League, and the fight to become the 12th team in the competition began.
There's plenty to talk about there, with the ramifications of short termism to discuss, and where the sport moves forward from here.
As well as that, Salford have a pointless penalty, could there be a new player on the TV scene and Wigan's rebrand are all up for debate.
As the Super League season reaches it conculsion, one way or another, those in charge of the sport will shortly make a decision on whether Toronto Wolfpack will be back, having left the competition midway through the season.
Joining us to talk about Rugby League in Hogtown (according to Wikipedia) is sports broadcaster and the most fashionable person we've had on the show, Avry Lewis-McDougall, who has been covering the club from inception, and brought his style to our screens on Inside Super League before the pandemic.
A fun hour!
Leeds Rhinos edged out Salford Red Devils to lift the Challenge Cup at an empty Wembley Stadium on Saturday, as we look back on a unique final, discussing where the match was won, key moments and why the trophy is heading back to Headingley.
We look ahead to the end of the NRL season as Penrith Panthers face Melbourne Storm on Sunday, with plenty of players to keep an eye on, the stories of both clubs, Cameron Smith's last game (or not) and who will be crowned Champions.
There's chat about the Grand Final venue, the 2021 season in the Championship and League 1, and much more for guest John Davidson to chat about.
It's Challenge Cup Final week, and we're joined by 2019 winner Danika Priim to look ahead to the Wembley showdown between Salford Red Devils and Leeds Rhinos. Key battles, stories, the coaches and more under our microscope.
She's been at games during this "Behind Closed Doors" period, and her and Phil tell us about watching games without the fake crowd noise, and what we can learn from that.
Could Eastern Europeans be a new seam of talent for RL? We answer that, and plenty of your questions, plus, on the anniversary of the Rhinos' Women's Grand Final win last year, Danika takes us back to that night in St. Helens.
The Salford Reds are arising, again, as they will meet Leeds at Wembley in the 2020 Coral Challenge Cup Final, so who better to join us as guests than The Sun's Rugby League correspondent Gary Carter and Ian Watson's No. 1 fan Gemma Carter to discuss their dramatic victory over Warrington in a wet semi-final.
The Rhinos made it through with a comprehensive win over Wigan, and we look at both coaches who have led their teams to the final on October 17th.
There's more on Sam Burgess and the allegations surrounding him, and South Sydney, down under, plus the end of dual registration, or is it, and the international retirement of James Graham, and the return of the predictions!
It's a special Friday edition of the show for you ahead of the Challenge Cup semi-finals, as we look at the news headlines from Rugby League, mainly those made in Australia by Sam Burgess it seems, plus the RFL and Super League both announce new diversity initiatives, there's a glut on young players making their debuts, but what does the future hold for them, and we talk a new statue in Cardiff.
If that's not all, we're joined from Toulouse by Jy Hitchcox as the former Castleford, Featherstone and Bradford winger tells us about their premature end to their season in the Championship, and what attracted him to swap West Yorkshire for the South of France, plus his hopes for the future of the sport, and where life below Super League fits in to that.
Jy has plenty to say, and will leave you with as much to think about...
Back into the archives now, and a few years before becoming caretaker coach at Huddersfield Giants, Luke Robinson joined us in the Radio Yorkshire studios and had plenty of Rugby League to talk about.
Eight becomes four as the Coral Challenge Cup semi-final line-up is complete, we look at who impressed as Warrington, Leeds, Salford and Wigan made it through, while St. Helens, Hull KR, Hull FC and Catalans went out.
One game in Betfred Super League, with Luke Robinson starting his coaching career with a win for Huddersfield over Wakefield. We look at the fallout from that one as well.
Off the field, the Government announced that trial sports events with crowds would be "paused" and further restrictions outside the Rugby League bubble, we talk about how that will effect the sport going forward.
Plus, your questions on NRL players at the World Cup to look out for, Gold Coast under Justin Holbrook, the on going Toronto Wolfpack situation, with who actually runs RL, and much more.
John Davidson is back, as we spend another 90 minutes or so talking our favourite waste of time...
Don't ask why we weren't live this week, technology beat us, but that still didn't stop us talking Rugby League with Forty20 columnist Paul Bennett joining us again.
Squrriel tackles, like the grey ones, make an unwelcome return, and Daryl Powell's comments on player welfare get us talking.
There's new broadcast deals on the horizon, and Paul has a great idea of how we can sell the sport below Super League.
All the matches from the weekend under the microscope, plus the departure of Simon Woolford from Huddersfield at the end of the season.
Plus we're guaranteed to upset someone as we look ahead to one Super League game and the Challenge Cup quarter finals.
We were live on YouTube, but if you missed it, or want to actually hear everything said in the show, the podcast is for you.
John Davidson joined us to look back at a busy news week in Rugby League, as Kallum Watkins completed a move to Salford from Toronto, and we look at the current situation with the Wolfpack as well.
Good news from the latest Covid-19 tests from Wakefield and Catalans, as we keep our fingers crossed for 5 games at the weekend.
There's Sonny Bill Williams return to action in the NRL with the Roosters, and will Origin move to the post-season and interfere with internationals? We're not too sure.
Plus, a great performance from Hull KR, superb entertainment from Castleford and Salford, the Saints go marching on, as Simon Woolford could be leaving the Giants and Warrington don't miss a beat against Hull FC.
All in all, a fairly positive show!
New month, same old show.
This week, Phil and Richard are kept in check by York City Knights Ladies coach Kay Rollinson, who joins us to talk all the news from the week in Rugby League.
Five games in Super League to look back at, mens that is of course, as we reflect on the cancellation of the women's season for 2020, but get excited for World Cup games in the City of York in 2021.
Morgan Smithies six-game ban tops the news coming out of the weekend, as Wigan remain top ahead of St. Helens. Hull FC fired back into action with an impressive win over Hudderfield and we wonder what is going with David Fifita and Wakefield, as they lose to Warrington without him.
All that, plus some predictions, though, be warned, Phil turns into Norman Collier again towards the end. They obviously have rubbish internet in Leeds, but he denies it!
Forty20 News co-founders Tom Alderson and Tom Coates are joined by Callum Walker to discuss this week’s biggest news stories, including Wakefield's decision to stand down David Fifita, Neil Hudgell's departure from Hull KR, the latest on Toronto and much more!
It's pizza rather than cake as we celebrate two years of this incarnation of the show, as Super League's deal with Papa Johns has dominated social media today.
That and those "bans" annoucned for Covid-19 restriction breaches, which left Jackson Hastings out of action for two games he actually played in. Us neither.
Neil Hudgell is leaving Hull KR, so where does that leave the Robins going forward, and should Tommy Makinson have got more than 5 games for his recent indiscrection.
Finally, action on the field, with one whole game to look at, as Catalans are through to the next round of the Challenge Cup, and we look ahead to (hopefully) five more games in Super League.
Forty20 magazine columnist Paul Bennett is our guest this week as celebrate the positives and negatives in the world of Rugby League.
With no rugby while in lockdown, it's given us all plenty of time to think about our favourite sport, and find things to annoy us.
In episode two of this new series, we're joined by a familiar face to any viewers of Toronto Wolfpack matches, loud and proud Canadian Sandy Domingos-Shipley. She tells us about getting into Rugby League, being an outsider to the game, the sporting landscape in Toronto and where the Wolfpack fit, and, of course, their future.
Plus, doing the Challenge Cup draw, our obsession with pies and much more.
Forty20 News co-founders Tom Alderson and Tom Coates are joined by Callum Walker to discuss this week’s biggest news stories, including the latest from the player transfer rumour mill, the latest Coronavirus twists, Morgan Knowles' switch of allegiances and much more!
Four games to review, and we've got plenty to say after St. Helens made it two matches in a row without conceding a point, but not without a great effort from opponents Castleford. Praise for both sides there, and for James Roby on his 500th career game.
That game was pencilled in after Hull FC's positive tests for Covid-19, and we look at the situation there, and how it could be dealt with better, on and off the pitch, ahead of a one-match weekend.
Wigan were winners over Leeds, but there's positives for both sides there as well, and likewise for Huddersfield in another one point loss, this time to Warrington.
Plenty of plus points for Catalans too, perhaps not for their opponents though...
With a special guest appearence from Danika Priim, it's time for more Rugby League chat!
With no rugby while in lockdown, it's given us all plenty of time to think about our favourite sport, and find things to annoy us. In the first of a new Forty20 TV series, Bradford Bulls supporter Andrew Foster joins us to talk about his club, and the wider world of Rugby League in our #FrustratedFansSpecial episode.
Forty20 News co-founders Tom Alderson and Tom Coates discuss this week’s biggest news stories, including the sport's Coronavirus outbreak, Toronto, Gareth O'Brien, Bodene Thompson and much more.
A packed show for you this week as John Davidson and Danika Priim are our returning guests to talk about a busy weekend in Super League.
Five games, with headlines made on the pitch by an impressive Salford Red Devils side, smashing Hull FC, Saints continues their great restart to the season, and was a game last week an advantage for Catalans Dragons, as Israel Folau inspired them to a comeback win over Castleford Tigers.
Wigan edged out Wakefield, for whom Tom Johnstone did Tom Johnstone things, but it was the pre-match which took most of the headlines away from his try.
We speak more about Rugby League and the Black Lives Matter movement, and how we respond going forward to make a change rather than the latest bandwagon for the sport to jump on.
We talk Toronto, and more fallout there, with players continuing not to be paid, and the reaction to John's article, which you can read here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/39588405
Provoking thoughts and opinons guaranteed.
Forty20 News co-founders Tom Alderson and Tom Coates discuss this week’s biggest news stories, including Black Lives Matter, Toronto takeover talks, the 12th club, Gareth Widdop and more.
Super League is back! There's a superb Leeds comeback/Huddersfield capitulation to talk about, as well as a champion performance from St. Helens, as action resumed at the Headingley BioBubble.
Phil Caplan passed all his tests to be there, while League Weekly's Paul Bennett was glad not to be editing the paper with that Golden Point finish.
Our special guest this week is General Manager of the Sheffield Eagles Liam Claffey, who tells us about life in the Steel City, the premature end to their season, and the decision not to take part in the Autumn Trophy.
Plus, there's more from Toronto as they need a new Participation Agreement, and there's more idiocy on social media, and a man does something his fellow man did not...
As the Super League season is about to resume in 2020, here's a final look back at our days on Radio Yorkshire with our review of the 2017 season.
Hull FC win at Wembley again, Castleford lift the League Leaders Shield, and Danny McGuire inspires Leeds to victory at Old Trafford, but that's just the headlines of an amazing year.
There's a belting match in Blackpool as Hull KR take on Bradford Bulls, and who can forget Keighley Cougars vs. Toronto Wolfpack.
Mark Wilson and Richard Shaw-Wright are your guides...
Forty20 News co-founders Tom Alderson and Tom Coates discuss this week’s biggest news stories, including the latest on the clubs applying to join Super League, the proposed autumn competition, the Challenge Cup, Toronto and much more.
We are just days away from the resumption of the now 11-team Super League competition, and there's still plenty of fallout from the Toronto Wolfpack withdrawal, and statements from clubs outside the top flight to discuss.
Joining us from their bubble to do that is The Sun's Rugby League Correspondent Gary Carter and Forty20 Magazine columnist Gemma Carter, as we've got that to sort out, looking forward to games behind closed doors, and those all important predictions are back...
(Apologies for connection issues through the show, bloomin' imternet!)
Forty20 News co-founders Tom Alderson and Tom Coates discuss this week’s biggest news stories, including the latest on Toronto, statements from Featherstone, signings by Wakefield, World Cup fixtures and much more!
Forty20 News co-founders Tom Alderson and Tom Coates are joined by reporter Callum Walker to discuss the biggest stories of the last 24 hours, including Toronto's withdrawal from Super League, the scrapping of the Championship and League 1 seasons, and the suspension of promotion and relegation.
Well, Toronto Wolfpack have pulled out of the rest of the 2020 Super League season, so where does that leave them, the competition and the sport as a whole?
John Davidson, who has been following the tribulations of Toronto, joins us again, as does League Weekly editor Paul Bennett, as we try to work out what is going on.
That, plus, Challenge Cup, our new President and much, much more...
Super League is less than a month away from returning, we hope at least, so, to celebrate, John Davidson joins us once again to discuss all the latest in the world of Rugby League including transfer news, strike action/player power, the future of the sport, breaking news from Toronto, renaming things and giving some overdue respect for the revolutionaries of the past.
Forty20 News co-founders Tom Alderson and Tom Coates discuss this week’s biggest news stories, including the latest on the Super League fixtures, acceptance of the new rules, Danny Brough, Lee Gaskell, Ryan Hall and much more.
Forty20 News co-founders Tom Alderson and Tom Coates discuss this week’s biggest news stories, including a new deal for Israel Folau, John Bateman's exit from Canberra.
We head back to October 2016 for our latest dip into the archives, as we're live at what would become our eventual home for the first time, Philip Howard Books in Leeds, otherwise known as "Phil's Book Shop" these days.
Why were we there? Paul Cooke and talkSPORT's Adrian Durham were there to talk about "Judas" as one of Rugby League's most honest and open autobiographies had just hit the bookshelves.
Forty20 News co-founders Tom Alderson and Tom Coates discuss this week’s biggest news stories, including reports rumours of an exhibition clash between the Kangaroos and All Blacks, confirmation of James Graham signing for Saints, Championship and League 1 impasse, Euro XIIIs and more!
Long before he was, and wasn't, the leader of International Rugby League, and may, or may not, have any interest in the running of the Bradford Bulls, RLonRY had had some interesting conversations with the RFL leader Nigel Wood.
Here he joins us in the Radio Yorkshire studio, with our tanks firmly on our lawn...
Forty20 News co-founders Tom Alderson and Tom Coates discuss the week’s biggest news stories, including reports that James Graham is on his way back to Super League, and transfer gossip surrounding Ben Currie and Matty Costello. We also chat about two Thompsons in the news - Luke and Joel - and the recent takeover at Rochdale.
An important show this week as Phil and Richard are joined by Leeds Rhinos back Sophie Robinson to talk her comeback from injury ahead of whenever the Women's Super League starts, and the big issue of the moment of racism, and what we can do in Rugby League, and society, to try and make changes, as the #BlackLivesMatter movement and death of George Floyd has brought the issue back to the forefront, and exposed some views which have no place within the "family sport" we claim RL to be.
Plus, there's talk about the World Cup, with 500 days to go, and a bit of transfer talk as well.
Imperial phase RLonRY now as we head to 2015, and Andy Lynch faces Schoey's questioning after Cas lost 22-0 at Huddersfield, and had just one win in five, just before heading to Australia, referee Tim Roby joined Phil and Richard in the studio above the sandwich shop on Elland Road.
Back again to 2014 as Rugby League Hall of Famer Garry Schofield made his Radio Yorkshire debut on our Monday night show, amazingly, in his shell at the start...it wouldn't last! (Don't try enter the competition, we have to say this for legal reasons, because, you know what people are like.)
After a packed Bank Holiday weekend of repeats of Rugby League on the telly, we spend no time talking about the controversial ending to Leeds Rhinos vs. Bradford Bulls, but do talk about the Greg Inglis' move to Warrington, and what impact the "Future Immortal" will have in Super League coming out of retirement.
There's Gordon Strachan's comments on Scottish Football, and how they mirror our situation, plus the return of the NRL and much more for John Davidson and an on-debut Tom Alderson to discuss.
We're going back to the start now with the very first Monday night show on Radio Yorkshire. The station launched in March 2014, and, despite almost not making it to air before the launch, what would morph into RLonRY, Proper Rugby League and now Forty20 LIVE made it's debut as Super League Review.
Our guest on the first show: Phil Caplan. Little did we know that the band was almost together from day one...
A pair of key workers, and England Rugby League internationals, joined us this week as we remain without any new action to watch.
St. Helens halfback Faye Gaskin joins regular panellist Danika Priim to keep Phil and Richard in check as we discuss life in lockdown for two of the stars of Women's Super League, how covid-19 will effect the women's game going forward ahead of the World Cup in 2021 and how the season can start, and in what form.
Plus, there's tales from their touring days, TikTok, the lack of McDonald's at the moment and much more besides.
The archive machine drops us off five years ago to a Monday afternoon at our studio looking over Elland Road, and joining us to talk his career, and Schoey's appointment with the British Asian Rugby Association was former Leeds, Featherstone and England winger Ikram Butt. A fun hour of stories to keep you entertained.