Inside Rugby League: Recent Episodes
YEP Sport
A show produced by the Evening Post in Leeds, UK, discussing the latest news in Super League and below
Richard Byram and Peter Smith look ahead to Round 20 of the 2022 Super League campaign, while also looking back at last weekend's action involving Leeds Rhinos, Castleford Tigers and Wakefield Trinity
Richard Byram and Peter Smith look back at a great weekend for Leeds Rhinos and Castleford Tigers and ahead to a crucial one for Wakefield Trinity as they face rivals Toulouse Olympique in a Magic Weekend relegation four-pointer at St James’ Park, Newcastle.
The game opens up the six-tie weekend, with another huge derby between old foes Rhinos and Tigers closing day one.
Peter Smith and Richard Byram discuss Leeds Rhinos’ defeat at St Helens and more on-field disciplinary issues for Rohan Smith’s side, Wakefield Trinity’s record defeat by Salford Red Devils and Castleford Tigers’ golden-point win at home to Catalans. They also talk about Batley Bulldogs’ stunning win at promotion hopefuls Featherstone Rovers and a first victory for Neil Kelly’s League 1 newcomers Cornwall.
Richard Byram and Peter Smith talk about England’s international victory, improvements for Wakefield Trinity both on and off the pitch, whether Leeds Rhinos can end a long losing run against champions St Helens and if Castleford Tigers can boost their own top six hopes by beating Catalans Dragons.
Richard Byram and Peter Smith look back at last weekend’s action when Huddersfield Giants suffered a heartbreaking defeat to Wigan Warriors and Featherstone Rovers lost out to Championship promotion rivals Leigh Centurions. This weekend, Castleford host the Cup winners, Leeds Rhinos travel to Warrington Wolves and Wakefield Trinity are at home to Hull FC and desperate to pick up a win.
Richard Byram and Peter Smith look ahead to Saturday’s big day at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where Championship leaders Featherstone Rovers play Leigh Centurions in the AB Sundecks 1895 Cup Final and then Huddersfield Giants take on multiple winners Wigan Warriors in the Betfred Challenge Cup Final. In addition they look back at last weekend’s Betfred Super League action
Richard Byram and Peter Smith discuss Rohan Smith’s first match in charge of Leeds - a defeat by Salford, look at Wakefield Trinity’s slump in form and Castleford Tigers victory over Hull KR as well as looking ahead to this weekend’s crucial derby between the West Yorkshire strugglers Rhinos and Trinity and Tigers’ trip to Red Devils. Peter also pays tribute to the late Wigan chairman and RFL chief executive Maurice Lindsay.
Peter Smith and Richard Byram look back at the Elland Road Betfred Challenge Cup triple-header and ahead to Rohan Smith’s first match in charge of Leeds Rhinos against Salford Red Devils. Wakefield are in France for a crucial relegation four-pointer with Toulouse Olympique, while Castleford host Hull KR, with all three games taking place, unusually on a Sunday.
Peter Smith and Richard Byram chat about a busy week for Leeds Rhinos, with the appointment of new coach Rohan Smith and re-signing of controversial full-back Zak Hardaker. They discuss Wakefield’ fourth successive loss, another win for Castleford and the departure of veteran coach John Kear from his role at Championship side Bradford Bulls.
In this week's show, Richard Byram and Peter Smith discuss Leeds Rhinos’ ongoing search for a new head coach and the current state of the team on the field, including its poor disciplinary record; Wakefield’s slump in form after three successive defeats and Castleford’s climb up the table under Lee Radford.
Show was recorded just before Rhinos' appointment of Rohan Smith as their new head coach
Peter Smith and Richard Byram the pair discuss impressive Betfred Super League wins for Castleford Tigers and Wakefield Trinity last weekend and the latest on the state of affairs for Leeds Rhinos both on and off the field and their search for a new coach to replace Richard Agar. They also look ahead to this weekend’s Betfred Challenge Cup quarter-finals focusing on Cas’ trip to Hull KR and Trinity’s hosting of Wigan Warriors.
Richard Byram and Peter Smith discuss Wakefield’s remarkable second win in a week at Warrington to knock Wolves out of the Challenge Cup, Leeds’ sorry capitulation at the hands of Castleford in Jamie Jones-Buchanan’s firstgame and the improvement in Tigers after a shaky start under Lee Radford.
Richard Byram and Peter Smith discuss Richard Agar’s decision to step down as head coach of Leeds Rhinos, they chat about his interim replacement Jamie Jones-Buchanan, a true Headingley legend as well as the names of those who might be in the frame to replace the 2020 Challenge Cup-winning coach. In addition, the duo look back at Wakefield’s excellent win at Warrington, ahead to this weekend’s Challenge Cup ties and the 10-match suspension handed to Huddersfield Giants’ Will Pryce.
The Evening Post's Peter Smith and host Richard Byram look back at last weekend’s win for Wakefield, defeats for Leeds and Castleford and ahead to this week’s engagements for the trio. The Tigers travel to Wigan Warriors, Leeds are at Slford and Wakefield face Warrington in front of the Channel 4 cameras at the HJ Stadium. In addition they take a look at the sixth round draw for the Betfred Challenge Cup - which has seen Leeds and Cas paired together at Headingley.
Peter Smith and Richard Byram discuss Leeds, Wakefield and Castleford’s winless starts to the campaign and if they can break their respective losing sequences this week. The pair also look back on last weekend’s action, the latest on the RFL’s disciplinary, along with Ryan Hall’s recall by England and Batley Bulldogs v Featherstone Rovers in the Challenge Cup.
Peter Smith and Richard Byram discuss the opening round of the Betfred Super League, including a number of disciplinary flashpoints, defeats for Leeds Rhinos, Castleford Tigers and Wakefield Trinity along with excellent Challenge Cup wins for amateur side Hunslet Parkside and League 1 neighbours Hunslet.
Look at the upcoming season for our three local sides Betfred Super League clubs, Leeds Rhinos, Castleford Tigers and Wakefield Trinity. They also discuss the new groundbreaking television deal for the sport with Leeds-based Channel 4, what the new season might bring and their own predictions for the winners and losers this term.
Richard Byram and Peter Smith return with the latest edition of the Yorkshire Evening Post’s rugby league podcast.
In it they look back at the 2021 season, in particular at the fortunes of our three Betfred Super League clubs - Leeds Rhinos, Castleford Tigers and Wakefield Trinity and also how our county sides faired in the Championship and League 1. The pair also choose their Coach, Club and Player of the Year and look ahead to 2022.
Peter Smith and Richard Byram discuss the final weekend of the season and the Grand Final hopes of Featherstone Rovers, Leeds Rhinos Women and Featherstone Rovers women.
In addition they look at the Old Trafford Grand Final between Catalans Dragons and St Helens and the impact on French rugby league a Dragons/Toulouse Olympic double could mean for the sport in that country.
Richard Byram and Peter Smith discuss the chances of eight-time winners Leeds Rhinos reaching another Old Trafford showpiece at the expense of old rivals St Helens. Unfancied Hull KR are also looking to deliver another surprise at league leaders Catalans Dragons.
Championship sides Featherstone Rovers, Batley Bulldogs and Halifax Panthers are also in semi-final action. Leeds Rhinos Women have also reached the Grand Final too.
Richard Byram and Peter Smith look ahead to Leeds Rhinos crucial Betfred Super League elimination play-off against Wigan Warriors, with a victory taking Richard Agar’s men within 80 minutes of another Grand Final. They also look back at Castleford Tigers failure to reach the play-offs and review Wakefield Trinity’s season.
Richard Byram and Peter Smith discuss the retirement of a trio of Super League stalwarts - Castleford captain Michael Shenton, former Wakefield centre Ryan Atkins and the well-travelled Liam Finn.
They also look ahead to key matches between Tigers and Warrington and Rhinos versus Hull KR which will shape the end of season play-offs.
Richard Byram and Peter Smith return after a summer break with the latest edition of the Yorkshire Evening Post podcast.
In it, the pair discuss a hugely exciting and successful Magic Weekend with stunning wins for Catalans and Leeds, Willie Poching’s impact on in-form Wakefield Trinity and Rhinos re-signing Rhyse Martin but seeing Konrad Hurrell and King Vunyayawa head for the exit.
Richard Byram and Daryl Powell discuss Rhinos last-gasp home defeat by Warrington Wolves and a try by Josh Charnley which sparked a huge debate. They look at the latest verdicts handed out by the RFL’s Match Review Panel - including two matches for Luke Gale, ruling him out of Friday’s derby with his former club Castleford Tigers and the look ahead to the weekend’s games.
Richard Byram and Peter Smith discuss the future of the World Cup without Australia and New Zealand, Rhinos' shock decision to strip Luke Gale of the captaincy, Kevin Sinfield’s departure from Headingley and the state of the fixture list and schedule due to ongoing Covid problems.
Peter Smith and Richard Byram look back at two cracking Wembley finals involving Featherstone Rovers and York City Knights, plus Castleford Tigers and St Helens. They also discuss Leeds Rhinos’ capture of Aidan Sezer and look ahead to the weekend’s games involving, Leeds, Wakefield and Cas - Covid and injuries permitting.
Richard Byram and Peter Smith discuss Castleford’s prospects of lifting the Challenge Cup for the first time since 1986 against St Helens at Wembley, as well as Wakefield Trinity’s trip to Salford Red Devils and Leeds Rhinos’ visit at Catalans Dragons in Betfred Super League - just seven days after their meeting at Headingley.
They also discuss the latest punishments handed out by the RFL’s Disciplinary committee.
Peter Smith and Richard Byram discuss Rhinos vs Catalans, Wakefield against St Helens and Castleford's hosting of Salford Red Devils, with both sides’ recent schedules having been affected by Covid issues ...
Host Richard Byram and YEP rugby league writer Peter Smith discuss Leeds Rhinos win at Salford and the disciplinary fall out from it, England’s loss to the All Stars and the possible postponemt of the World Cup, previews of this week’s Wakefield and Leeds matches and the cancellation of the Challenge Cup dress rehearsal between Castleford Tigers and St Helens and the ongoing problems with Covid and injuries in the sport.
Richard Byram and Peter Smith look back over a good win for Wakefield over Wigan, a fourth home defeat in succession for Castleford and the farcical build-up to the England versus Combined Nations All Stars international game and the implications for Shaun Wane’s side at the upcoming World Cup.
Have a listen in via the video link above, let us know your thoughts on the matters discussed by posting in the comments section at the bottom.
Richard Byram and Peter Smith discuss the Covid outbreak at Leeds Rhinos, the postponement of their match against St Helens and the prospects for this weekend’s trip to Catalans Dragons.
They also look ahead to Wednesday’s big Yorkshire derby where Wakefield Trinity will try and snap a 14-match losing streak against old foes Castleford Tigers and they chat about England call-ups for Belle Vue pair Reece Lyne and Joe Westerman.
Peter Smith and Richard Byram discuss Leeds Rhinos’ crushing derby win over old rivals Castleford Tigers and where it leaves Daryl Powell, Wakefield Trinity’s equally compreshesvive success over in-form Huddersfield Giants and a look ahead to this weekend’s Challenge Cup and 1895 Cup semi-finals and the women’s Challenge Cup finals.
Peter Smith and Richard Byram discuss Leeds Rhinos defeat by Hull and the upcoming derby against Castleford Tigers, a pressure-relieving victory for Wakefield Trinity, the women’s Challenge Cup, George Williams coming home and the RFL decision to axe three Yorkshire academies.
Richard Byram and Peter Smith the shock decision by Leeds Rhinos’ dual code international Kyle Eastmond to retire with immediate effect. They also look back at last weekend’s match between Leeds Rhinos and Wakefield Trinity, Monday night’s games in front of fansand discuss the future of Belle Vue coach Chris Chester. They also chat about this weekend’s games and look ahead to the women’s Challenge Cup semi-finals.
Peter Smith and Richard Byram look back at the men’s and women’s Challenge Cup quarter-finals and ahead to the last-four ties. They also discuss Rob Lui’s decision to leave Leeds Rhinos and Wigan Warriors forward Tony Clubb’s eight-match ban, as well as the return of fans on May 17.
Richard Byram and Peter Smith return with the latest edition of the Yorkshire Evening Post’s rugby league podcast.
In this show, the pair discuss the weekend’s Betfred Challenge Cup quarter-finals, in particular Castleford’s game against last season’s beaten finalists Salford Red Devils; they look at the new Super League TV deal and implications for the game and the latest action from the weekend’s Women’s Super League clashes.
Richard Byram and Peter Smith return to discuss the appointment of Lee Radford by Castleford Tigers, the continuing struggles for Leeds Rhinos and Wakefield Trinity, recent cases involving the RFL disciplinary process, as well as a look back at last week’s Betfred Super League fixtures and ahead to this weekend’s games.
Peter Smith and Richard Byram discuss Super League’s first blockbuster of the new season, Wigan Warriors v Castleford Tigers, game records broken by both Hull sides, Andrew Fifita’s possible move to wakefield Trinity and Leeds Rhinos’ tricky looking trip to Hull KR.
Richard Byram and Peter Smith return with the latest edition of the Yorkshire Evening Post podcast.
In it, the pair discuss last weekend’s Challenge Cup matches, this weekend’s Betfred Super League fixtures for Castleford Tigers, Leeds Rhinos and Wakefield Trinity, the post Covid-issues for clubs and coach Shaun Wane’s approach to the England job.
Richard Byram and Peter Smith discuss confirmation of Daryl Powell's 2022 move from Castleford Tigers to Warrington Wolves PLUS look ahead to a big weekend in The Challenge Cup.
RICHARD BYRAM and Peter Smith return with the first Inside Rugby League podcast for 2021 looking chiefly at the prospects for our three top-flight clubs this season - Leeds Rhinos, Castleford Tigers and Wakefield Trinity.
They also discuss the latest developments in the game, while Peter looks back on when he first started working for the YEP back in 1996. Have a listen and let us know what you think with any subject brought up in the show, posting your own comments and thoughts down the bottom of this page.
Richard Byram and Peter Smith discuss Castleford Tigers Paul McShane being named Steve Prescott Man of Steel, the retirement of modern day great Gareth Ellis, Bradford Bulls’ attempts to return to Super League and this Friday’s Grand Final between Wigan and St Helens and a controversial choice of referee.
Richard Byram and Peter Smith discuss former St Helens and Great Britain star Sean Long joining the Rhinos coaching staff, Leeds’s play-off hopes, Ian Watson’s shock exit from Challenge Cup finalists Salford Red Devils and which club might replace Toronto Wolfpack in Super League.
The YEP's Richard Byram and Peter Smith discuss the decision to refuse Toronto Wolfpack a place in next year’s Super League competition and the implications for the club and its staff. They also look at the new six-team play-off competition to decide this year’s Grand Finalists and Leeds Rhinos legend Danny McGuire’s new job at Hull KR.
Host Richard Byram and YEP RL writer Peter Smith discuss Rhinos derby victory over 12-man Castleford, Wakefield’s impressive back-to-back wins over Huddersfield Giants and Hull KR and why the regular season could end once the Sky TV obligations are fulfilled.
Host Richard Byram and YEP RL writer Peter Smith discuss Leeds Rhinos’ exciting victory over Salford Red Devils, the ongoing form issues at Wakefield Trinity and Castleford Tigers and look ahead to this weekend’s Betfred Super League fixtures.
Richard Byram and Peter Smith talk about the Coral Challenge Cup final, the Rhinos’ squad and chances of lifting a trophy they last won in 2015 and how last season’s Grand Finalists Salford - a team Leeds have beaten twice already this season - will fare.
Richard Byram and Peter Smith discuss Leeds Rhinos’ Coral Challenge Cup semi-final win over Wigan Warriors, the possibility of club legend Rob Burrow leading the teams out, the latest defeats for Wakefield Trinity and Castleford Tigers and look ahead to this week’s games.
Richard Byram and Peter Smith discuss a busy week for the Rhinos, who have Super League and Challenge Cup last four matches to play, how Wakefield Trinity improved against Wigan Warriors, Castleford Tigers’ chances against Hull FC and how the latest Government Covid restrictions are a serious blow for the future of the game.
Richard Byram and Peter Smith discuss Leeds Rhinos’ victory in the Challenge Cup and the semi-final draw, this week’s upcoming fixtures, the latest on Toronto Wolfpack’s possible readmission to Super Leage and coach Chris Chester’s future at Wakefield Trinity.
return with Episode 24 of the show and in it they discuss derbies being staged in opposing counties, a great effort by Wakefield Trinity in the narrow defeat by Hull, Castleford’s late, late loss against Warrington and their prospects in the Challenge Cup against Hull and more changes to the Super League fixture list.
Peter Smith and Richard Byram return after a short break with Episode 22 of the podcast. In it they discuss issues for Wakefield Trinity on and off the field, Hull KR and Castleford’s thrilling wins on Thursday evening and the issues Covid is causing for players and administrators as they try to fit all the games in to complete the season.
Richard Byram and Peter Smith discuss last weekend’s dismal results for local sides and look ahead to this weekend’s fixtures. They also discuss the increase in viewers for Sky coverage, more controversy with ‘taking a knee’ and off-field issues for crisis club Toronto Wolfpack.
Peter Smith and Richard Byram return with the latest edition of the YEP’s Inside Rugby League podcast.
In this edition, episode 21, the pair discuss the games from the restart weekend, Catalans Dragons’ Israel Folau refusing to take a knee, the future make up of Super League - including a bid by Featherstone Rovers to be ‘promoted’ - and a look ahead to this weekend’s games involving Castleford Tigers, Wakefield Trinity and the Rhinos.
Richard Byram and Peter Smith discuss Super League’s impending return on Sunday, including Huddersfield Giants versus Leeds Rhinos, and what it might look like on and off the field.
They also touch on the changes to the Coral Challenge Cup - the planned redraw after the six remaining lower league sides withdrew - and the implications of this for the RFL’s proposed autumn tournament.
PETER SMITH and Richard Byram discuss the latest developments in rugby league including Toronto Wolfpack’s decision to quit Super League and the implications of that decision on the top flight and Challenge Cup.
They also look at the decision to abandon the Championship and League 1 season, possible alternatives to that and look ahead to the 2021 Rugby League World Cup fixtures.
Richard Byram and Peter Smith discuss clubs returning to training as we head towards the return of the sport on August 2.
They also touch on the latest on the revised fixture schedule, Leeds Rhinos’ Liam Sutcliffe handing in a transfer request and veteran Danny Brough’s move to Bradford Bulls.
Peter Smith and Richard Byram discuss the new rules being introduced when the game returns, the failure to sort out issues of promotion and relegation, Wigan Warriors’ bid to buy Wigan Athletic and Peter pays tribute to late Leeds and Hunslet forward Bill Ramsey.
Richard Byram and Peter Smith discuss the return of Super League in August and the failure of Championship and League 1 clubs to decide if their seasons will resume.
They also touch on the projected losses for Leeds Rhinos and a potential ‘hybrid’ rugby match between Australia RL’s Kangaroos and New Zealand Ru’s All Blacks and possible transfers for Leeds Rhinos duo Stevie Ward and Richie Myler and Wakefield Trinity stalwart Danny Brough.
Peter Smith and Richard Byram return to discuss the latest off-field developments as the game gears up for a potential return in early August.
They also look at the revised Sky TV deal, the possible cost of testing players and cleaning grounds, the future of the Championship and League One seasons and chat about two stalwarts of the game, Wakefield’s Danny Kirmond and St Helens’ James Graham as they come toward the end of their full-time playing careers.
PETER SMITH and Richard Byram return with the latest edition of the Inside Rugby League podcast.
The pair discuss possible rule changes in the game, including scrapping scrums and the ‘six again’ idea which is currently being trialled in Australia. They also look ahead to the 2021 World Cup and the dangers the game still faces from coronavirus.
Peter Smith and Richard Byram return with the latest Inside Rugby League podcast.
The pair discuss current situation in the game and hopes of an August return, Toronto Wolfpack targeting a trio of Leeds Rhinos players and also discuss their favourite centres from down the years.
Richard Byram and Peter Smith return to discuss the cancellation of the Ashes series, England chief Shaun Wane's comments regarding the NRL and the pair pick out their favourite wingers from down the years.
Peter Smith and Richard Byram return with the latest episode of Inside Rugby League.
This week they discuss a potential return for the game in mid-August and the pros and cons of restarting then and they also chat about some of their favourite full-backs from down the years.
Richard Byram and Peter Smith return to talk about the latest developments regarding the salary cap, Warrington Wolves' sensational signing of Greg Inglis and the postponement of the Challenge Cup final. They also look back at some of the most memorable and the odd unusual match they have covered.
Peter Smith and Richard Byram return with the latest edition of the podcast. They discuss the latest off-field developments regarding the game, when it might return and in what form. They also chat about their favourite overseas players at Leeds Rhinos, Castleford Tigers and Wakefield Trinity.
RICHARD BYRAM and Peter Smith return with Episode 8 of the Inside Rugby League Podcast.
This week they discuss the £16m Government loan and the pros and cons of it for the sport. They also look back at past Challenge Cup finals - including the first ones they both attended and the future for that prestigious competition.
PETER SMITH and Richard Byram return with the latest episode of the YEP’s Inside Rugby League Podcast.
With the game still on lockdown, the pair discuss the hopes that Australia’s NRL could return at the end of May, the likelihood of the end of season Ashes tour taking place and the implications for Catalans Dragons and Toulouse following the decision to end the French football season early.
PETER SMITH and Richard Byram return with Episode Six of Inside Rugby League.
With the game still on lockdown, the pair discuss the latest round of wage cuts, the postponement of Magic Weekend, possible ways to complete the current season and former Leeds Rhinos captain Kallum Watkins’ decision to leave NRL side Gold Coast Titans.
PETER SMITH and Richard Byram bring you the latest from the rugby league scene in Yorkshire, this week focussing on staff and players being furloughed by clubs due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
They also look back to the very first Sky Sports televised game and how TV coverage has changed over the years.
RICHARD BYRAM and Peter Smith get together once again to discuss the latest rugby league news for Yorkshire and beyond.
In this week’s show, the pair discuss the ongoing suspension of the 2020 season due to the coronavirus pandemic, the suspension of the NRL and who is in the running to succeed Lee Radford at Hull FC. Listen in and leave your own thoughts in the comments section at the bottom.
PETER SMITH and Richard Byram return to discuss a much-changed rugby league landscape after a weekend of action was followed by a shutdown of the season until early April due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The pair discuss the implications for clubs forced to stand down, as well as looking at Leeds Rhinos’ decision not to fly to France, the RFL response, the Challenge Cup draw and reflect on how Wakefield and Castleford performed last weekend.
PETER SMITH and Richard Byram return to discuss Leeds Rhinos’ match in Perpignan against Catalans Dragons being played behind closed doors.
The duo also discuss the form of Rhinos’ Luke Gale and Richie Myler, as well as the influence of Kevin Sinfield and Richard Agar. They also look ahead to the forthcoming fixtures for Wakefield Trinity, Castleford Tigers and Hunslet, as well as answer some questions from our listeners’ mailbag.
WELCOME to the YEP’s new Inside Rugby League podcast where host Richard Byram and writer Peter Smith run through the latest news and issues surrounding Super League, focussing particularly on Leeds Rhinos, as well as Castleford Tigers and Wakefield Trinity.
Up for discussion in Episode 1 are Rhinos’ impressive win at Salford Red Devils, the signing of Joe Greenwood, along with a look ahead to Friday’s clash with Warrington Wolves. We also preview Castleford’s Thursday night trip to Hull KR and Wakefield’s battle with Salford. There is even time for a chat about the Challenge Cup.