Hyper Thetic RL: Recent Episodes
HyperTheticRL
This podcast looks at events in the history of rugby league. In each episode we will look at a particular event in the history of the game and examine the what may have happened if the event was changed.
I am joined by Steve Mascord and Michael Adams to discuss alternate ways the NRL competition could have gone.
Joining me is author Anthony Broxton who has recently released his book in the UK and soon to release in Aus/NZ.
The book is HOPE AND GLORY, Rugby League in Thatcher's Britain We discuss the 1992 Rugby League World Cup Final.
I am joined by two engineers in my office. One (Brad) a die hard Roosters man and young Tonoli who loves his Rabbits. Its rivals, so they each get the chance to change their teams result in a derby game.
I am joined by Dustin from RLIA Podcast to discuss Wolfpack, Aces and other possible North American teams in Super League
You asked for it...well maybe you didn't but I can't stop now. This is the last of the volumes.
What if the NRL started a rookie draft at the end of the 2000 season? Where would all the star players end up? Which clubs would benefit the most? This is part 1 (of 3).
Haven't you always wanted to have Rugby League stories turned into movies? Lisa and I discuss three such proposals and even prompt Russell Crowe and Jim Jeffries to mae them...
I was joined by Media Watch Mario and Sutho Dan to discuss the upcoming NRL season and give our thoughts on the best and worst case scenarios for all teams. Lots of fun...
Fresh from my recent 1998 NRL Draft experience, I ponder a different solution to the reunification...
I am joined by Mark from the Super League Pod to discuss best and worst case scenarios for this year's Super League season
Today is the 25th Anniversary of the formation of the NRL. Here is a draft that we held that could have been an alternative direction for the NRL...
It's time to talk to Mario again. Its been too long. This time about eliminated teams in NRL finals getting players poached.
Joined by Raiders fan (John) and Storm fan (Jay) to discuss what happens if Bellamy coached the Raiders instead of the Storm
Join myself and Media Watch Mario as we discuss a world cup without "Super League" players
In 1995 with a goal kick from the sideline, Matthew Ridge had a chance to take NZ to the 1995 RLWC final and eliminate Australia. He missed. I talk to Michael Adams of the RLD about the event.
Its a celebration of the Parramatta Eels for their 75th anniversary. I am joined by Johnno Duncan (Progressive RL), Elliott (RL Monthly), Mary K (Ladies Who League), Andrew (RL Eye Test) and Ben and Fletch (Eelectric Podcast) to discuss just how much poorer the NRL and rugby league in general would be without the Eels (but maybe better for our mental health).
Part 2 with Troy (Parra Cave) to come.
It's final number 1 with the 4th placed Cowboys hosting the 5th place Storm in a battle of the minds. Boy is this one an epic battle too.
We wrap the rest of the teams for the 2005 Hyper NRL Season with special guest Kerry from Cronulla
To celebrate my appearance on Super League Pod, here is the Full Support Of The Board show featuring Mark (SLP), Phil (40/20) and Mark (Outlawed RL). Enjoy.
An excerpt from my new podcast "Scriptical" about movie whatifs. Available where you get podcasts. Just search "Scriptical"
I am joined by Johnno from the Progressive Rugby League Podcast. We discuss what may have been if the coaching swaps from 2010-2014 had gone a different way.
A solo David episode where I discuss what if in 1967 the NSWRL added Illawarra and Newcastle instead of Penrith and Cronulla.
I talk to Jack from Big Cat Chat about the amount of sleep that Ivan Cleary could have had in 2015.
For this episode I am joined by best selling author and journalist Steve Mascord as we discuss what would of been had Super League not happened in Australia.
For this episode I am joined by Will from This Warriors Life website and podcast: https://thiswarriorslife.com/ as we discuss what might have been if Shaun Johnson had not injured his ankle in 2015.
Top 10 Pts
1 Dylan Edwards 4.00
2 Jake Clifford 3.86
3 Payne Haas 3.62
4 Reagan Campbell Gillard 3.45
5 Mikaele Ravalawa 3.37
6 Josh Papalii 3.33
7 Daine Laurie 3.23
8 Jahrome Hughes 3.23
9 Brian Kelly 3.04
10 Martin Taupau 3.03
I am joined but Rob from the Wests Life Podcast to discuss the unusual penalty against Bruce Maguire in the 1989 GF.
I am joined by Troy from the Parra Cave Podcast for a special episode where we say "What if we could draft players from the Parra premiership winning teams and the 2022 squad". Lots of fun and I hope you all enjoy.
In the early days of this year (2022), I was joined by an awesome group of guys to do a 1995 ARL Expansion Draft. It was so much fun.
This is a mock TV show coverage of what may have happened just after the draft.
I will post all the teams and see what you all think of their drafting abilities...
This is the Twitter Spaces conversation from the Twitter Spaces about Ideal Number of Sydney Clubs.
There is a small part missing where I somehow left my own Space but you only miss maybe 20 seconds. Enjoy...
For this episode we have posed the question what if the NSWRL did not use Tina Turner's "What You Get Is What You See" for their ad campaign in 1989?
Which other song could they have chosen?
In the episode Lisa and I discuss our alternatives. They are:
Billy Ocean - When The Going Gets Tough
Black Lace - Agadoo
Samantha Fox - I Want Your Body
Mental As Anything - Live It Up
John Farnham - Pressure Down
John Farnham - You're The Voice
Kim Wilde - You Keep Me Hanging On
David Bowie & Mick Jagger - Dancing In The Street
Starship - Nothing's Gunna Stop Us Now
Aha - Take On Me
Icehouse - We Can Get Together
Icehouse - My Obsession
Icehouse - Touch The Fire
Tears For Fears - Shout
INXS & Jimmy Barnes - Good Times
INXS - What You Need
Hoodoo Gurus - What's My Scene
Glenn Frey - The Heat Is On
Pat Benatar - All Fired Up
Pat Benatar - Hit Me With Your Best Shot
Icehouse - Great Southern Land
Choirboys - Run To Paradise
Starship - We Built This City
Frankie Goes To Hollywood - Two Tribes
Kool & The Gang - Celebration
Billy Idol - Rebel Yell
Diana Ross - Chain Reaction
Pointer Sisters - I'm So Excited
Darryl Braithwaite - As The Days Go By
Bruce Springsteen - Born In The USA
Big Pig - I Can't Break Away
I NEED YOU ALL TO BE READY TO VOTE. @HyperTheticRL on twitter or link on the episode descriptions.
We lost 17 games this season in Super League. What if they all were played? I am joined by Mark from the Super League Pod.
Remember when in It's A Wonderful Life the angel shows the Jimmy Stewart's character what the town would be like if he never existed? Well what would the Melbourne Storm be like if Bellamy never coached?
What if we didn't lose the last part of Peter Sterling's playing career to injury? in light of his retirement from commentary, I look at Parramatta's fortunes with a fully fit Sterling until the end of 1993.
Here we go again...an Aussie trying to use league structure to solve all Super League's problems. Well sort of. I look at how a change to the system in 2015 may have changed things by having rolling two year accumulated positions to determine which team get relegated.
What if the NRL had decided to implement a bonus points system in lieu of draft in 2000? The salary cap was not meant to even the competition so they give bonus points to teams that finish lower in the table the previous year.
This is regular episode 50. What if teams that lost in Golden Point got a bonus point like they did in the NHL?
The first in a series of solo episodes about finals/competition structures in October/November.
ITS GF DAY!!!!
As a special treat, I sat down with Mrs Hyper Thetic RL to discuss the most important thing on these days....the GF entertainment.
I am joined by the owner of One Eyed Eel and Rugby League Monthly (Elliott) to discuss the shitshow that was the 2016 Parramatta Eels season.
I am joined by Sandy (Toronto Wolfpack fan) and Paul (London Broncos fan) to discuss the 2018 Million Pound Game.
What if Rugby was one sport? If the split never happened or if it was resolved early on and the side came back together. I am joined by Dominic and we discuss what may have happened.
I am joined by my dad on this special Fathers Day episode. There is no one else I enjoy talking rugby league with than Mr Dennis Hunter. I have sat next to him for years and listened to all these great stories and in this episode I even heard a new story he had never told me.
Please if you have a footy Dad listen to his stories and if you are a footy Dad tell your kids the stories. Our history is made up of these moments.
I am joined by a special episode by NRL Twitter celebrity couple Jack and Victoria. I try to pit them against each other and lets see how it goes...
Join me and Don Carbone as we discuss the #RLWC2021 and all the scenarios for each team competing.
The big day has arrived. In the rematch of the Major Semi Final, can it be the Dragons again or will the Broncos get their revenge?
Its loser goes home in this game. Can the Broncos force a rematch with the Dragons in the Grand Final or will the Bulldogs fairytale continue?
The minor premier Broncos and the fire breathing Dragons clash to decide who goes into the Grand Final. Will the Broncos trample their opposition or will the Dragons "scale" to the heights?
After the shock loss in the Major Qualifying Final, the Steelers will look to bounce back against the Bulldogs who were impressive in their first final.
The Steelers go into the game as the higher rank. Will this advantage catapult them to the Major Semi Final or will it be the Dragons fire power that gets them there?
1992 Season - Minor Qualifying Final - Easts V Canterbury
It is the Ringers Vs Nicoletta. Can they maintain the advantage of finishing 4th or will it begin a fairytale for the Doggies?
What makes Eels fans the way they are? Superstitious, never thinking their team are home in a big game and still somewhat optimistic?
The 1998 preliminary final against Canterbury could be the answer. Up 18-2 in the 70th minute and they lose the game.
I am joined by Mary from Ladies Who League to discuss what was her first Eels heartbreak and we posit what it would be like to be an Eels fan if they hadn't lost this game.
Everyone who wins gets a Paul Cariage Award which would likely not mean the same thing in our HyperTheticRL universe.
Joined by fellow NRL podcast whore, Media Watch Mario, we talk about what if Laurie Daley had been targetted by the ARL during the Super League War and had come over to the ARL. What would have been the effect....oh who are we kidding, we just chatted mostly about NRL and proposed a new idea for a podcast.
It was my birthday....thank you and I have a very special guest host. The lovely Lisa Hunter. Yes that's right, my wife.
We discuss NRL players, who they look like and why some are so unattractive.
When the "European Super League" (no the original one) was proposed in 1995, it came with a proposal of mergers of a bunch of clubs. I am joined by Richard Shaw Wright of Forty20 LIVE fame (amongst other things) to discuss UK geography and rivalries that this proposal didn't seem to take into account.
For this episode I am joined by the host of the Red V podcast in what I believe to be my final step of redemption for my crimes against the Dragons.....ready to do more in the future.
There is much talk of expansion and Perth is in the mix. With Phil Browne I look at what may have happened if the Reds survived.
For this episode I am joined by broadcaster and former NRL referee Luke Potter as we discuss the 1989 Panasonic Cup Final.
For this episode I am joined by Matt Bungard from NRL Boom Rookies and Channel 9 (so I hear) to talk about the infamous night at Nana Glen with Russell Crowe and Luke Keary.
We have heard about these reports for years. Reports that conclude that there are too many Sydney teams. For this episode, I am joined by the NRL Economist (Ramy Haidar) to discuss this report and his stats on defunct clubs. We have some interesting opinions on the topics.
Remember when the Roosters and Dragons were talking about merger in 1995? What if it happened? My guest Paul and I discuss what may have happened and we somehow made it all about the mighty Eels.
For this episode I am joined by Steph (Dragons Super Fan). Such an entertaining chat but she did make me feel so old when she talked about being in primary school in the 2000s.
For this episode I am joined by Terry from Fins Up and Rugby League Outlaws to discuss the 99 Prelim Sharks v Dragons.
And you would never guess but we change the result to a Sharks victory. Enjoy
This the is part two....I hope you have come back....about the Melbourne Storm Salary Cap scandal. Enjoy.
This the is first part of a two part episode about the Melbourne Storm Salary Cap scandal. I have used the beauty of the Microsoft Excel random function to try and model the 15 years of NRL competition for 4 different scenarios. No wonder it is two parts...
For this episode I am joined by Aimon from the Voluntary Tackle Podcast as we talk about SFS renovations, Nazis and Ricky Stuart's deplorable actions as Eels coach.....oh and something about the 2010 GF. Please enjoy.
For this episode I am joined by Andy Paskin. Podcaster and comedian. Andy and I discuss the Hunter Mariners and find a way to save them from being one season wonders.
For this episode I am joined by Phil Caplan. Phil if you don't know is a publisher and podcaster but more than that...We talk about the naming of the sport we all love.
For this episode I am joined by The Biggest Tiger. Known from everything in the RL world from podcasting to refereeing and also as the nicest guy on RL social media. We discussed the signing of Scott Prince to the Titans and change history by having him re-sign with the Wests Tigers.
For this episode I am joined by Mark from the Super League Pod to discuss the 2015 Million Pound Game. And we may go off on a few tangents. This is our longest episode ever.
In this episode I am joined by Michael Adams from the Rugby League Digest to talk about the 2nd Test in 1990 between Australia and Great Britain.
For this episode I am joined by Director of the Mighty Newtown Jets, Steele Sports Guru and all around nice guy Alby Talarico.
Back for 2021. This is a solo episode where I discuss a Round 23 game in 2014. It may have bigger consequences than thought.
Episode 13 - ObiSteve Mascordi
The grand high priest of the Jedi order emerges to crown a new hero. Who will be chosen from the 12 candidates.
In this episode of the NRL Irrational Mergers mini series I am joined by Steve Mascord. The year is 1998, the newly formed NRL set out to reduce clubs to reach the magic number of 14 by 2000. The criteria is set and the 12 Sydney and Illawarra clubs are offered $8M and other exemptions to make mergers happen. This is a recap episode where Steve and I discuss mergers and what everyone over the 12 episodes have suggested.
Episode 12 - The Fibros Return
As the dark clouds of the Empire descend over the galaxy the proud warriors of the Fibros are in danger. Their only hope is a saviour from another world. The Tigers from Balmain are no longer able to assist so could their hope lie near the void known as Liverpool?
In this episode of the NRL Irrational Mergers mini series I am joined by Sid from the Full Credit to the Boys Podcast. The year is 1998, the newly formed NRL set out to reduce clubs to reach the magic number of 14 by 2000. The criteria is set and the 12 Sydney and Illawarra clubs are offered $8M and other exemptions to make mergers happen. We examine the possible choices for merger partners for the Magpies.
Episode 11 - Return to Glory
Young Padwan Nathan Merritt is tasked with saving the new Jeditoh order but he needs the help of an old rival. As the evil NRL emperor closes in, the Jeditohs must survive by the combination of old and new. Grand Rooster (Kerry Packer) and Chief Jeditoh (George Piggins) meet to discuss their prospects.
In this episode of the NRL Irrational Mergers mini series I am joined by Matt from the NRL Boom Rookies podcast. The year is 1998, the newly formed NRL set out to reduce clubs to reach the magic number of 14 by 2000. The criteria is set and the 12 Sydney and Illawarra clubs are offered $8M and other exemptions to make mergers happen. We examine the possible choices for merger partners for the Rabbitohs.
Episode 10 - Escape of the Bear
The heroic leader of the Bear people (Flo) sets forth from the disappointing meeting at the Central (coast) Council. He is kidnapped by the Evil Emperor (Arko) and forced into a marriage with the Queen of the Sea bird people. But just as the ceremony begins, Flo escapes and finds himself in a new land....But who could these strange creatures be? And are they friend or foe?
In this episode of the NRL Irrational Mergers mini series I am joined by Paul. The year is 1998, the newly formed NRL set out to reduce clubs to reach the magic number of 14 by 2000. The criteria is set and the 12 Sydney and Illawarra clubs are offered $8M and other exemptions to make mergers happen. We examine the possible choices for merger partners for the Bears.
Epsiode 9: Rise of the Sironen
After years of exile in the exotic world of Concord, the last Tiger must inspire a new generation to reach the glory that he could not achieve until now. He is our last hope......"No there is another ...2" (Bayley and Curtis).
In this episode of the NRL Irrational Mergers mini series I am joined by the King of NRL podcasts The Biggest Tiger. The year is 1998, the newly formed NRL set out to reduce clubs to reach the magic number of 14 by 2000. The criteria is set and the 12 Sydney and Illawarra clubs are offered $8M and other exemptions to make mergers happen. We examine the possible choices for merger partners for the Tigers.
Episode 8 - The Last Domic
Young Jedi Ross must convince the Jedi master Sid Domic to assist him to defeat the Emperor. Sid declines but only until Ross can unite the two warring factors to take on the forces of evil.
In this episode of the NRL Irrational Mergers mini series I am joined by Ross. The year is 1998, the newly formed NRL set out to reduce clubs to reach the magic number of 14 by 2000. The criteria is set and the 12 Sydney and Illawarra clubs are offered $8M and other exemptions to make mergers happen. We examine the possible choices for merger partners for the Panthers.
Episode 7 - The Eagles Awaken
There are only 3 ways into the empire...and therefore only 3 ways out. The external forces of the empire have laid siege to the bridges of Mona, Rose and Spit. How long can the hold out until reinforcements arrive?
In this episode of the NRL Irrational Mergers mini series I am joined by Bruce (professional podcast guest). The year is 1998, the newly formed NRL set out to reduce clubs to reach the magic number of 14 by 2000. The criteria is set and the 12 Sydney and Illawarra clubs are offered $8M and other exemptions to make mergers happen. We examine the possible choices for merger partners for the Sea Eagles.
Episode 6 - Return of the V
The once might men in the V venture forth to join forces and reclaim their dominance.
In this episode of the NRL Irrational Mergers mini series I am joined by Signor Carbone from the Chasing Kangaroos podcast. The year is 1998, the newly formed NRL set out to reduce clubs to reach the magic number of 14 by 2000. The criteria is set and the 12 Sydney and Illawarra clubs are offered $8M and other exemptions to make mergers happen. We examine the possible choices for merger partners for the Dragons.
Episode 5 - The Steelers Strike Back
The tide has turned in the battle for the South. The Men of Steel march on and nothing will stop them from glory.....or will it?
In this episode of the NRL Irrational Mergers mini series I am joined by Nathan (Fox NRL celebrity). The year is 1998, the newly formed NRL set out to reduce clubs to reach the magic number of 14 by 2000. The criteria is set and the 12 Sydney and Illawarra clubs are offered $8M and other exemptions to make mergers happen. We examine the possible choices for merger partners for the Steelers.
Episode 4: An Eel Hope
The once proud Parramatta have spent what seems like eons in the wilderness. The blue and gold warriors must seek out warriors from the other clans to bolster their numbers for a challenge.
In this episode of the NRL Irrational Mergers mini series I am joined by Paul. The year is 1998, the newly formed NRL set out to reduce clubs to reach the magic number of 14 by 2000. The criteria is set and the 12 Sydney and Illawarra clubs are offered $8M and other exemptions to make mergers happen. We examine the possible choices for merger partners for the Eels.
Episode 3: Revenge of the City
The empire from their base in the city has not been successful in their attempts to claim the trophy for some time. Could they find reinforcements from another world to regain their former glory?
In this episode of the NRL Irrational Mergers mini series I am joined by Xander from the Voluntary Tackle podcast. The year is 1998, the newly formed NRL set out to reduce clubs to reach the magic number of 14 by 2000. The criteria is set and the 12 Sydney and Illawarra clubs are offered $8M and other exemptions to make mergers happen. We examine the possible choices for merger partners for the Roosters.
Episode 2: Attack of the Sharks
In an isolated and strange world, the native peoples of Cronulla cry out for the elusive trophy of power (NRL premiership). Can a partnership with another tribe from outside their world help them achieve this?
In this episode of the NRL Irrational Mergers mini series I am joined by Terry from the Fins Up podcast. The year is 1998, the newly formed NRL set out to reduce clubs to reach the magic number of 14 by 2000. The criteria is set and the 12 Sydney and Illawarra clubs are offered $8M and other exemptions to make mergers happen. We examine the possible choices for merger partners for the Sharks.
Episode 1: A Phantom Bulldog
It is dark times in the old republic (NSWRL) and a group of men in blue and white search out another legion to combine forces to overcome the other factions. Who will they choose...
In this first episode of the NRL Irrational Mergers mini series I am joined by Matt from the NRL Bulldogs podcast. The year is 1998, the newly formed NRL set out to reduce clubs to reach the magic number of 14 by 2000. The criteria is set and the 12 Sydney and Illawarra clubs are offered $8M and other exemptions to make mergers happen. We examine the possible choices for merger partners for the Bulldogs.
Here is one for the Eels fans. What if Todd Lowrie passes to Hayne and he scores under the posts in the 75th minute of the 2009 GF? This one felt great and then instantly sad. Hope you enjoy longer than I did.
What if Peter Sterling had become a Sea Eagle instead of an Eel? Canterbury, Manly and Parramatta (and probably other clubs) where in search of young talent in the Riverina area in the late 70s. Canterbury ended up with Mortimer, Parramatta with Sterling and Manly with Steve Martin. This episode examines the effect that Manly signing Sterling instead of Steve Martin would of made. John Kolc anyone?
Every wondered what would of happened if the BRL was as strong financially as the NSWRL in the 1980s? Well my special guest and Qld correspondent Chris and I imagine a world where this is true. Join us and find out what may have happened.
Picture it. Round 21 1989 on the Gold Coast. The Cronulla Sharks pull off a last minute victory that sends the entire 1989 finals system onto a new trajectory.
We mess with the structure of the NRL for fun. The NRL goes Promotion/Relegation and it makes some interesting consequences over the period of the almost 20 years it is implemented.
Its time to go back to the English Super League and visit our friends. Whilst there we muck around with their love of promotion/relegation and I go on a rant. You know what they say...don't podcast angry. Well I think I broke that rule.
In this episode, we examine the 2010 finals series and particularly a famous game between the Wests Tigers and the Sydney Roosters.
In 1929 a plot was made between old rivals South Sydney and Balmain to steal and share the local district from Glebe by kicking them out of the competition....or was it the area of Glebe was changing to a more industrial and less residential area and their support was dwindling?
Either way, our episode this week is about Glebe and instead of being voted out they survive but they re-locate. Where to I hear you say...well I can't hear you but I hope you are thinking that. I have really nerded out this week and dug out Census data to find them a new home in Sydney that would be instantly successful and a good long term move.
Who hates finals footy. All that excitement and drama...No-one...I thought so. Well have I got an episode for you...maybe but its not this one. In this episode, we continue the period that the NSWRL goes first past the post by say 47 years.
So it's time to draw focus to the English game and what better team's history to focus on than Wigan. I have no real love or hate for Wigan but I will mess with them a little.
This episode is about Cliff Lyons and his short career with Norths. What if it was much longer?
This one is dedicated to the great Noel Kelly. We give him redemption for the 1963 GF loss and we generally muck around with St George. I break my rule to talk about Parramatta but hey I need to do this one now. A long one but a worthy topic.
When you talk about the history of RL in Australia, how can you not talk about 1909? I hope I do it justice...
Redemption for those Broncos fans...They win the 2015 Grand Final. Maybe Ben Hunt can get some redemption too?
In this episode we look at the failed relocation (merger with the Campbelltown District) of the Newtown Jets in the early to mid 1980s. Would Newtown still survive in the NRL in some capacity to this day....I have no idea but it is fun to think about.
My look at the implications of a victory by Illawarra in the 1992 NSWRL final against St George. How would it effect things if the St George 4 - Illawarra 0 result had been in Illawarra's favour instead? Listen to me bumble through the answer to that question.