The Progressive Rugby League Podcast: Recent Episodes
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Progressive Rugby League is the thinking fans alternative. What is this thing called Rugby League? Where does it fit in the framework of a 21st century society?
If you love rugby league and think 'there has to be a better way', this show is for you.
How on earth does someone stay vital in Rugby League over six decades? What drives a man to continue coaching at the top level at an age when everyone else has either been pensioned off or has had enough?
Andrew Webster has written a splendid biography on Wayne Bennett that goes deep on one of Rugby League's most significant all-time figures. The Wolf You Feed - Wayne Bennett, The Man, The Myth, The Mayhem dissects an extraordinary life and explains how family life and family strife shaped the man and the coach that has helped shape Rugby League.
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Max Easton joins the pod to chat about his new novel Paradise Estate.
A sequel to the Miles Franklin-nominated The Magpie Wing, Paradise Estate introduces us to a Hurlstone Park share house, including Rocco, who's making a late tilt at the Italian Rugby League World Cup squad.
Like its predecessor, Paradise Estate is a brilliant Sydney snapshot, chronicling the real-life struggles of a generation as it faces up to the brutal reality of an economy and housing market totally stacked against them.
And while far from a Rugby League novel, you can betcha bottom dollar we find a way to go deep on some alluring, but fundamental questions about the game in 2023.
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We revisit our November 2021 chat with Professor Megan Davis that hopefully provides a little space and clarity amongst all the Referendum campaign din. All of course wrapped in a loving Rugby League blanket.
This is an edited version of the original, which can still be found in the feed.
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Anthony Broxton joins the pod to chat about his thoroughly excellent new book Hope & Glory: Rugby League in Thatcher's Britain.
A turbulent period for the country meets an ambitious time for British Rugby League. How did it all come to be? And how can we make sense of it 30-40 years on?
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Former NRL referee Matt Cecchin joins us for a special Adjudication Edition of the PRL Podcast.
Matt comes out of retirement to ref our specially convened match to help us better understand some of the grey areas of our great game. And in between rulings, Matt thoughtfully reflects on a storied career in the middle.
The PRL Podcast takes full responsibility for all whistle sounds within this episode.
What does the Dolphins' entry into the NRL actually mean for the character and make-up of South-East Queensland Rugby League?
Celebrated Australian author and actor, and Redcliffe Dolphins fan from way back, William McInnes gives us 110% and then some, as he reflects on his personal history with the Redcliffe region, the Dolphins and the old Brisbane Rugby League.
William also lays the richest foundation yet seen (by us anyway) for the burgeoning Dolphins-Broncos rivalry.
We're back for another year! And what better way to kick things off than with a chat with one of the most interesting Rugby League minds, Matt Elliott.
We discuss some of the themes of his new book, The Change Room: Play The Game of Your Life and dip into some of his experiences from a lifetime in Rugby League, including some candid reflections from his coaching career.
Three years in the waiting, the 50th edition of the Koori Knockout has been run and won. Bidjigal man Brad Cooke joins us to discuss how it all went down.
Plus we chat about how the Knockout continues to evolve, the social dividends it promotes, as well as Brad's memories of some of the all-time great Knockout moments.
It's high time we took the pulse of Rugby League in the UK. And who better to place two fingers to its wrist than UK Labour historian and Rugby League thinker, Anthony Broxton from Tides of History.
We chat with Anthony about his latest piece, 'Does Rugby League have a gambling problem?', delve into deeper territory on the IMG-led future of the British game, and ponder on the extent to which the UK Labour Party with play the 'Rugby League card' to win back crucial election-defining constituencies.
Grade Cricketer and North Sydney Bears lifer Sam Perry joins the pod to ruminate on the lot of Bears fans as the pendulum may be finally, possibly, potentially (don't shout it lest you jinx it!) swinging their way.
Foreign and public policy specialist, Hugh Piper takes us deep on soft power, sports diplomacy and the role Rugby League is playing and may play in Australia's foreign policy strategy in the Pacific, including through a potential PNG-based team in the National Rugby League.
Trevor Gibbons joins the pod to discuss the writing and legacy of Dave Hadfield, with a focus on the seminal essay collections, XIII Winters and XIII Worlds. Trevor warmly reflects on Dave the person, his influence on British Rugby League writing, as well as some of the escapades he and Dave shared around the world in the name of the thirteen-folk code. Dave passed away in March 2022.And stay tuned after the outro for an excerpt from one of Dave's essays, A Tangerine Machine (with thanks to Phil Caplan and the kind folk at Scratching Shed Publishing).
For Sydney Rugby League fans, there's a bit of mystery and allure about the concept of a one-team-town. Like seriously, how does it work?THE MILK is a super new book that sneaks us a handy little glimpse into what it's like to follow one such team - the Canberra Raiders. But more than that, it's a fun ride through the history of a real community club; a club that arguably changed Australia's bush capital for good.
Raiders legend Alan Tongue joins the pod to talk us through the unsung senses of Rugby League - the stuff that can't penetrate our TV sets. Which smells dominate the dressing sheds, or at a scrum? What does it feel like to 'put on a good shot' or to succumb in a wrestle? And how common is the pre-game spew?Plus, Alan shares his experiences as a community servant and gives us his thoughts on the Raiders' chances in 2022.
PLUM is a cracking new novel about the turbulent post-footy life of Rugby League superstar, Peter Lum.Author Brendan Cowell joins the pod to discuss the process of piecing Plum together and shares what he knows and what he's learnt about footy, fame, concussion, masculinity, the Shire, the Sharks, the Johns brothers' reading habits and much more.
Steve Mascord joins the pod to explain why he took it upon himself to bring back into focus the rollicking ride that was the 1997 Rugby League season in Australia.Armed with a thick wad of interviews with the most influential figures of the Super League era, Steve reflects on what it all meant then and what it all means now.How can we judge who won the war? How should international Rugby League devotees feel about that period? How would the Super League war be reported upon if it unfolded in the 24/7 media and communications landscape of 2021?Lots to chat about; let's get stuck in.
Sports broadcaster, journalist and media coach Niav Owens joins the pod to discuss how professional Rugby League players are preparing themselves to navigate the sprawling world of modern communication.What's involved in turning a shy suburban kid into a formidable sporting ambassador? How has media and communication training evolved with the times? What does the word 'certainly' have to do with it? And what's the deal with eye contact?
Professor Megan Davis joins the pod to discuss the deep and fascinating connection between First Nations and Rugby League, why the Uluru Statement From the Heart matters and how Rugby League helps to bind our society.Plus, Megan gives us a glimpse into how things roll at the Australian Rugby League Commission.
Toulouse Olympique are officially a Super League club.And we have two guests to help us reflect on this sweet sounding sentence.Toulouse Olympique CEO Cédric Garcia joins us to chat about how it all unfolded, as well as the road ahead for the club.And the doyen of French Rugby League history and author of The Forbidden Game, Mike Rylance, helps us put this achievement into historical context.
Author Lech Blaine joins the pod to chat about his Quarterly Essay 'Top Blokes - The Larrikin Myth, Class and Power', which surveys the changing nature of the Australian larrikin and how Rugby League is bearing witness.
The Magpie Wing is a wonderful new coming of age novel with Rugby League in its veins.Author Max Easton joins the pod to chat about the threads that connect south-west and inner western Sydney, the quandary that is the Wests Tigers, and a man called Tommy.
In a game of fighters, Steve Mascord has always been a Rugby League lover. But what happens when that love runs a little cold?What do we love when we love Rugby League and what's really happening when it's all getting a little rocky?Steve joins the pod to candidly reflect on his revolving relationship with the game.
Gavin Willacy's past 10 months has mirrored somewhat the state of International Rugby League - an ongoing battle with COVID-19, and a hopeful look ahead towards the Rugby League World Cup on the horizon.The 'No Helmets Required' author joins the pod to share his experience with Long COVID and sticks around to chat about his thoughts on RLWC2021 - will it go ahead, and if so, what are the fixtures he is especially looking forward to.PLUS, we discuss the state of Rugby League in London.
Rugby League analyst Jason Oliver joins the pod to go deep on the NRL's on-field traits and trends, including - you guessed it - the Six Again rule.How much of a difference is it making? What are the good teams doing to take advantage? And has it made the NRL more or less attractive?PLUS we discuss the role of the modern fullback and chat about the two Rugby League topics that get Jason's blood pumping more than any other - the Warriors and Shaun Johnson.
Geoffrey Moorhouse's AT THE GEORGE And Other Essays on Rugby League is widely considered to be one of the best Rugby League books of all time. Rugby League author, publisher and connoisseur of the Rugby League written word, Phil Caplan joins us to reflect on why At The George is still so highly regarded, what lessons it can still teach us and what it says about the game in both hemispheres.A deep and wide-ranging chat that looks at At The George's legacy and also inevitably hits on intriguing state-of-the-Rugby-League-nation notes.Plus, to end the show, a very quick stocktake/overview of all thirteen PRL Book Clubs to date.
We're especially lucky to be joined by Donald McRae to chat about his magnificent recent article on the beautiful Rob and Lindsey Burrow.
Ross Peltier has had a busy week. Just days after contesting his first election, Ross laced up his boots for his post-Covid return to Rugby League for Doncaster RLFC.Ross also kindly found the time to join the pod to chat politics, Rugby League and his unfinished business playing for his beloved Jamaica Reggae Warriors.
So which football code is Australia's most popular - and why isn't it Rugby League??'Code Wars - The Battle for Fans, Dollars and Survival' is a fascinating examination of Australia's four-football-code landscape, and into the psyche of the nation.Author of 'Code Wars', Dr Hunter Fujak joins the pod to talk us through the past, present and potential future of Australia's unique football code marketplace, and Rugby League's place within it.(And for fans of British Rugby League - we also discuss an interesting case study on the impact that going behind a paywall has had on the popularity of the UK game).'Code Wars - The Battle for Fans, Dollars and Survival' is published by FairPlay Publishing - https://www.fairplaypublishing.com.au/product-page/code-wars-the-battle-for-fans-dollars-and-survival
The incomparable Ian Roberts joins the pod for a wide-ranging and candid chat about his life in Rugby League and beyond.
Mary Konstantopoulos is The Lady Who (among other things) Leagues, and joins the pod to chat about the lie of the land for women in Rugby League in 2021. How did we get here? What can we do better in the future? And what has Mary's path taught her about the world in which we live? The state of the game for women in Australia is on the agenda. And there's no better time to talk about it.
You are invited on a (virtual) road trip around the grounds and towns of the French Elite One. Yes, it high time we focused on this storied Rugby League institution, so grab a seat as we cruise through the towns, cities and villages of the Elite One with our esteemed French Rugby League guides:Mike Rylance as our driving companionPierre Carcau on life outside the heartlandsRodolphe Pires on his home town of AlbiLaurent Garnier on playing and coaching in the Elite OneSteve Brady on living in Catalans countryHop on in, let's roll!
Dr Heidi Norman joins the pod to give us a bit of a history lesson and help us better understand the societal factors behind some of the big milestones in Aboriginal Rugby League in NSW.
The Guardian's Jonathan Liew joins the pod from London to help us traverse the UK sporting landscape to try find Rugby League's place in it.
Once Were Lions is a fascinating behind-the-scenes documentary about the 2019 Great Britain Rugby League Lions tour of the Pacific. The film's Director, Tom Magnus joins the pod to give us a glimpse into how it all unfolded.
Toronto Wolfpack Chairman and CEO Bob Hunter joins the pod to reflect on his time on the frontline of Rugby League's northern frontier. Growth, promotion, COVID, expulsion - Bob gives an honest account of where it went wrong and what could have been.
Journalist Mike Meehall Wood joins the pod to lay out the case for Private Equity to take International Rugby League to the next level, and to discuss the pros, cons, possibilities and barriers. Plus, how might a private equity investment work for the Super League?
Toulouse Olympique coach Sylvain Houles joins the pod to reflect on his life in French Rugby League - rising through the ranks, cracking Super League, representing the French national team and leaping into coaching. PLUS Sylvain shares his best French XIII from his lifetime.
Rugby League is turning 125! So what can the last 125 years of Rugby League tell us about what we could expect in the next 125 years? Professor Tony Collins joins the pod to help us take on the impossible task of wondering aloud on what may (or may not) happen way down the track. That's right, it's an episode of pure (but hopefully informed) speculation!Tony's new book, Rugby League: A People's History is out through Scratching Shed Publishing
Lech Blaine joins the pod to chat about his latest The Monthly essay, The Art of Class War, which tackles Rugby League's relationship with class in Australia, as well as the rise of Rugby League as a prized voting-bloc and what that means for the code's future.
Romeo Monteith joins the pod to give us a glimpse into the Jamaican Rugby League experience. From early days learning the game off VHS, to State of Origin Jamaica-style, Romeo steps us through the long winding road that ultimately led to glorious Rugby League World Cup qualification. Plus, Romeo explains how the Reggae Warriors will be preparing for their debut World Cup appearance in the midst of COVID-related uncertainty.
The Wolfpack are down, but are they out? Canadian broadcaster and reporter Bryan Thiel gives us the view from downtown Toronto. How did it come to this? Can something be salvaged from the 2020 ruins? Plus Bryan gives us a glimpse into the Lamport experience, the challenges of winning over UK fans, and how Wolfpack fans have taken to Rugby League in Toronto.
Richmond Rose, Kiwi Fern and NZ Warrior, Georgia Hale is our very special guest to chat all things Kiwi Ferns; from debuting as a 19 year-old, to the 2019 World Cup Nines triumph and the challenge of wresting the 13s mantle from the Jillaroos. Georgia also gives us a glimpse into what it's like being named Young New Zealander of the Year and the amazing community work that led to her award.
The world is drowning in data, statistics and information. And Rugby League is not immune. Liam from Pythago NRL joins the pod to help us make a bit more sense of it all. How should we approach the use of data and stats in Rugby League analysis? What are the pitfalls we should avoid? How much faith should we put in statistical modelling? And what are some tips to help us use stats and information more wisely?
What's the latest with Toulouse Olympique in 2020? What's life like for an Aussie plying his Rugby League trade in south-west France? Mark Kheirallah and Johno Ford join the pod to give an insight into how they've handled lockdown, their thoughts on a 2020 return, how a Rugby League Grand Final Day rolls in France, RLWC2021 thoughts, and plenty plenty more...
This one's all about Queensland. We're joined by Joe Gorman to discuss his book Heartland: How Rugby League Explains Queensland. We go deep on how Rugby League has both reflected and helped shape Queensland over the past 40 years. From the mania around Origin and the rise of the Broncos, to Super League, the Cowboys' coming of age and the contribution of indigenous Queenslanders to Rugby League, Heartland covers more terrain than a Sunshine State road trip.https://www.uqp.com.au/books/heartland-how-rugby-league-explains-queensland
The Rugby Codebreakers delves into why so many Welsh Rugby Union players 'went north' during the twentieth century to ply their trade in the 13-a-side code. Presenter Carolyn Hitt joins the pod to discuss the doco, the sporting and social context, and the change the release of the film has encouraged.
Maria Recouvreur joins Johnno to talk about the sad demise of Big League, the pressures and incentives changing the face of Rugby League journalism, and the pathway ahead "for the good yarn".
The NRL is back! Big Al is back! Not much more to say is there? Well, sort of... Johnno and Big Al welcome back Rugby League and also provide an announcement - no, an update, on the status of this here little pod.
The Reading Warrior, David Riley joins the pod explain how the Mate Ma'a Tonga Rugby League team has captured the imagination of Pasifika youth and how MMT's popularity now surpasses that of the All Blacks for many Pasifika kids. David and fellow teacher 'Alisi Tatafu have co-authored a new book, Rise of the To'a!, which combines stories of MMT players with lessons of culture. Oh, and the book is illustrated by MMT legend, Sika Manu!
Power Meri tells the wonderful story of Papua New Guinea's first women's national Rugby League team. Director Joanna Lester joins us to talk about travelling and documentary making in PNG, her experiences in taking the film around the world, and the unfolding legacy of Power Meri across the Pacific.
2020 was looking rosy for the Newtown Jets after a once-in-a-lifetime, never-to-be-repeated end to 2019. Then the 2020 season was cancelled. How did it unfold? What's their financial situation? How can people help the club get through? Jets General Manager Stu McCarthy joins the pod to answer these questions, and also reflect on the best of times and the unique character of the club.
Comedian, TV host and World Club Champion, Adam Hills joins Johnno to chat about his new doco Take His Legs, which follows the Warrington Wolves Physical Disability Rugby League team's tilt at international Rugby League glory. We also go deep on his Rugby League history, what it's like to play Physical Disability Rugby League , chowing down on the Royal hors d'oeuvres and his future plans.
Professor Tony Collins joins the pod to talk about his upcoming book, Rugby League: A People's History. One of the true authorities of Rugby League history, Tony not only gives us the 'what' and the 'how', but importantly, takes us through the 'why', and adds some personal touches along the way.
Toulouse Olympique CEO Cédric Garcia joins Johnno to talk about what the crisis might mean for the French Club. PLUS the NRL to return in May?
French sports broadcaster, Rodolphe Pires joins us to talk about his life in Rugby League. From growing up in the Rugby League heartland of Albi in southern France, to commentating on some of Rugby League history's most memorable moments across both hemispheres - including Catalans Dragons' famous 2018 Challenge Cup victory.
PRL Book Club returns with the fascinating story of the life and times of Olsen Filipaina. Author Patrick Skene joins Johnno to step through the eventful career of an international Rugby League titan. More than a simple Rugby League biography, The Big O places Olsen's life and career in the context of changing societies across both sides of the Tasman, and explains how Olsen's struggle helped pave the way for generations of Maori and Pasifika to ply their trade in Australian Rugby League.
As Rugby League in Australia faces the unknown, Johnno and Big Al discuss what they'll really miss over the next weeks and months. And while it seems quaint now, we reflect on what we saw over the weekend, and how it made us feel.
However the 2020 NRL and Super League seasons proceed, what might it mean for the game, the clubs, the players and we fans? PLUS Johnno painstakingly relives his Rugby League playing debut and Big Al makes light work of an awkward hypothetical.
Steve Mascord joins Johnno to chat live streaming, books, life and the Wolfpack. Big Al phones in from self-isolation to check out what's in store for the 2020 NRL season. PLUS the guys check in on all things northern-hemisphere Sweet Baby-related.
Big Al and Johnno pop in to say hello to the new season of Northern Hemisphere Rugby League, reflect on the weekend gone by and dissect the big issues that have resonated over the off-season. PLUS the great Mike Rylance joins us to help welcome Carcassonne to the French-Canadian Rugby League Update.
Tony Hannan joins Johnno to talk Underdogs, a book chronicling his experience embedded with the Batley Bulldogs during their 2016 Championship campaign. Not only an inspirational against-the-odds Rugby League tale, Underdogs provides a fascinating snapshot of a region grappling with itself. A tasty mix of sport, identity, culture and politics.
Our 2019 finale! This week, a first-hand account from Toronto Wolfpack's special day; Toulouse Olympique coach Sylvain Houles joins us to reflect on their season; and The Slug returns to help navigate the big NRL Grand Final and the rest of this crazy-beautiful world of Rugby League.
Nostalgia, momentum and the Canberra Raiders; Life as a cheap imitation of a Rugby League Season; The PRL family mourns the exit of Toulouse Olympique; PLUS Reflections and a REAL LIFE Mailbag!
Progressive Rugby League heroes Toronto and Toulouse take centre stage, while Big Al and Johnno wonder who the biggest NRL club in Sydney is, and why? PLUS NRLW, ProgMoms and one helluva Mailbag.
A thrilling week of Rugby League sees the end of a brave run in the Super League, a refreshing series of results in the NRL, and the promise of an immense blockbuster in the Championship. Let's roll.
A week of of dizzying highs and heartbreaking, if inevitable lows. Such is life and such is the lot of your friends in Progressive Rugby League. And Big Al and Johnno wouldn't have it any other way.
Big Al goes all in on his Wests Tigers, while Johnno wonders if Progressive Rugby League fans have devilish intent. PLUS the end of the line approaches for our PRL Sweet Babies...
The battle for 9th place on the NRL ladder hots up; the cheers of a Rugby League introvert, and the certain kind of special that is the Challenge Cup.
Big Al flirts with the idea of freeing himself of the Tigers' grip, but does he have a choice? Plus, an analysis of Toronto and Toulouse's very different approach to the same Super League goal.
Big Al and Johnno return from their travels to find that, while some things have changed, a fair bit hasn't. PLUS indulgent anecdotes from the PRL Study Tour!
Big Al and Johnno visit the home of legendary Rugby League author Mike Rylance to chat about the past, present and future of French Rugby League, and his latest book, The Struggle and The Daring.
Johnno and Big Al hit the road to take in the delights of French and UK Rugby League, stopping in Carcassonne, Perpignan, Toulouse, London and Leeds. Includes an in-depth feature on Toulouse Olympique, and interviews with an array of friendly faces.
Before Big Al and Johnno set off for their mid-season Rugby League Study Tour, they chew on the elusive nature of clarity, try to keep the candle burning for expansion and promotion/relegation, and are joined by a very special surprise guest!
In weeks like this, we think to ourselves, what a wonderful world (of Progressive Rugby League). Yeah we think to ourselves, what a wonderfuuul... world (of Progressive Rugby League).
What a week! Nothing gets PRL blood pumping like a Rep Round choc full of International Rugby League. PLUS the Sweet Babies make yet more headlines for the right and/or wrong reasons!
Big Al and Johnno are back to dissect an eventful week in Progressive Rugby League, as our Sweet Babies make headlines on and off the field. PLUS Origin, handcrafted reflections, an enormous Mailbag and a cracking French-Canadian Rugby League Update. Join us!
This week, your friends in Progressive Rugby League chat about Rugby League's relationship with filler in both hemispheres, try their hand at some French, and celebrate yet more examples of the game's impressive prog chops!
Big Al and Johnno (with cameo from The Slug) are back for another romp around the world of Progressive Rugby League. NRL local derbies, Super League Magic Weekend PLUS a very special edition of Grounds for Optimism, as we're given the Lamport Stadium experience via Toronto Wolfpack expert Nicholas Mew.
What a week for lovers of Rugby League in its Prog form! From Barcelona to Blackpool and Bondi, it was truly a weekend to savour. PLUS we speak to England international and Leeds Rhino, Lois Forsell about the Women's Super League, how England can close the gap on the Jillaroos and Kiwi Ferns, and the possibility of a move to the NRLW.
Charge your glasses, it's time to celebrate the 50th episode of the Progressive Rugby League Podcast! It's Rugby League, but it's so much more! Well, it's mainly Rugby League to be fair...
The obscure snacks are on the table, we are ready once again to talk about all that is happening in the world of Progressive Rugby League.
Another big week of league is dissected by your Progressive Rugby League experts Johnno and Big Al while The Slug bludges under a leaf hiding from snakes and lizards.
We are Slugless this week, so Johnno and Big Al make some handy metres around the ruck with Reflections (including surprise mini book-club!) Mailbag, French/Canadian/World Updates and an interview with Ade Adebisi, the General Manager of Nigerian Rugby League.
All the usual gear from Big Al, The Slug and Johnno including their Reflections of The week, Progressive Moments, French-Canadian-International Rugby League updates and again we go through some great correspondence with some friends of the show.
Why Aussies cheer the underdog, tackle trickiness and a bulging mailbag as well as much more in the pod that gives progressives the nod, The Progressive Rugby League podcast.
More league news and views painted with progressive hues as Johnno, Big Al and The Slug talk through the issues de jour.
Big Al returns to sprinkle the nutmeg on the eggnog that is the Progressive Rugby League podcast. All the league news laced with progressive views!
Big Al is surprisingly away for the first round of the NRL so Johnno and The Slug forge on to bring you all the action from the weekend as well as what is happening in England and across the globe.
Big Al, Johnno and The Slug return to dip lustily back into the world of Rugby League and the assessment of the progressive levels of the aforementioned sport. Lots to get through so stop reading this and get into it!
Johnno and Big Al take a look at True Professional, the story of the legendary British league skipper Clive Sullivan and speak to the author of the book, James Oddy.
Johnno and Big Al are so excited by the progressiveness of the rugby league of the past weekend that they have gotten together for an unscheduled mini episode!
We interrupt the run of Book Club episodes to delve into what has been happening in the rugby league world. The Slug has been away from rugby league while he has been busy with other Gastropoda-themed projects so Johnno and Big Al catch him up on NRL off season issues, the start of the Superleague season and all the other league business from around the world.
This time around, the PRL fellows turn their attention to 'Their Finest Hour' by Andrew Marmont
In this episode of the PRL Bookclub, we look at the story of a very unlikely tour in 'No Helmets Required' by Gavin Willacy.
Big Al, Johnno and The Slug return from a break to bring you another instalment of PRL Bookclub. Touchstones is the memoir of respected rugby league and rock and roll journo and Progressive Rugby League figurehead Steve Mascord.
We have reached the finale of the weekly episodes of the PRL podcast for 2018 and what a great journey it has been. Johnno and Big Al take you through the million pound game, international happenings and the year that has been. Thanks for listening all and look out for some PRL Book Club episodes over the next few months.
The NRL season is at an end and the Qualifiers are winding down. The Slug, Johnno and Big Al go through all the weeks action progressively and obsessively.
Hopes, dreams and Rugby League teams are one by one falling out of the race for glory in 2018. Big Al, The Slug and Johnno take you through all the Rugby 13 happenings around the globe. (That's right flat-earthers, I said around!)
Things are heating up in the north and southern hemisphere, both in a climate sense and in terms of the rugby league going on. Johnno, Big Al and The Slug take a look at the goings on and apply that progressive marinade to it all.
Causality be damned as the we speak to someone in the future. That really should be enough to sell a podcast but I will push on to say there is some in-depth NRL finals chat, thoughts on the Super 8's and all the international news from your friends at Progressive Rugby League.
Johnno and Big Al discover there are more than four corners of the Rugby League planet. An episode choc full with Rugby League reflections, a bursting PRL Mailbag, our world-famous PRL Moments of the Week and possibly our best ever International update! You're welcome.
Johnno, Big Al and The Slug take a look at the sabotage of French Rugby League in the midst of the chaos of World War 2.Johnno had been tweeting excerpts from the The Forbidden Game by Mike Rylance as he read it and in this first episode of the PRL Book Club, Johnno takes Big Al, The Slug and you, the listener, through some of the most poignant and emotional passages from the book.
It's a PRL snackpack! The guys are all in different places this week, but they have not let that stop them from delivering their thoughts on the week that has been.Slug kicks it off in the PRL studio with special guest Dave to discuss a few tidbits from the weekend's NRL games, before Big Al chimes in with his thoughts including a bold prediction. Johnno then brings it home with a slightly Iberian flavour.
The qualifiers are heating up, some bizarre results in the NRL and much more in the latest installment of The Progressive Rugby League Podcast!(which is this, if it wasn't clear....)
How are you going to get your fill of all the juicy goings-on and progressive tidbits if you don't listen to Johnno, Big Al and The Slug on this episode of The Progressive Rugby League Podcast? Well, how will you? The pointy end of the NRL season, Super 8 possibilities and a will a wartime atrocity finally be righted?
Where do you start when there is so much going on? Well, with round reflections as per usual actually. Throw in the PRL Mailbag, International Updates and Progressive Moments of The Week and you have yourself a fresh new PRL episode friends!
Big Al and Johnno take control of the joystick once more and take you on an all stations journey through the Progressive Rugby League hinterland. Toronto, Toulouse, London, Sydney, Cleveland, the Cook Islands - express trains are for suckers.
Re-united after a week away, Johnno, Slug and Big Al are back to go through the weeks rugby league happenings and put that progressive sheen on it all. We had strawberries again. They were good. Not as good as last time, but still ok ........
Slugless, but not hopeless, Big Al and Johnno take over the airwaves and deliver a Rugby League smorgasbord for your listening pleasure. Reflections, PRL Mailbag and Progressive Moments of the Week return, along with a killer French-Canadian RL update.
In this slightly different episode of Progressive Rugby League, Johnno and Big Al are absent so The Slug invites three of his buddies from his old playing days on the show to talk Rugby League.
Johnno, Big Al and The Slug grade each NRL team on their progressiveness so far this season to get the real rankings they should be judged by.
Back to NRL normality as Big Al, the Slug and Johnno bring you all the rugby league issues that have (or need) a progressive polish!
After the most progressive weekend of rugby league in recent times, the PRL experts gather to give you their passionate ruminations on all that unfolded.
High voltage, high energy, high altitude rugby league entertainment!
You have never encountered anything so jam-packed with amazing progressive morsels as this lil' bewdy. Progressive sauce will drip down all of your hands as you bite into this weeks tasty PRL goodness.
There's a lot going on in this week's episode is what I'm trying to say.
What's that smell? It's the PRL Mailbag, as well as all the other segments you love: Round Reflections, International Updates, Progressive Moment of The Week and Players Who I Want To Cuddle (actually, I haven't talked to the other guys about that last segment yet but it is in the works .....)
Some exciting international news, interesting Twitter chat and a trip to a magical Rugby League haven: This week on PRL!
Progressiveness abounds as The Slug is joined again by Progressive Rugby League experts Big Al and Johnno to dissect the weeks Rugby League action domestically and internationally. Listen, interact, enjoy, progress .....
So many Progressive morsels for you to taste this week! Our Progressive Qld origin side, International Rugby League updates and some well stinky PRL Mailbag questions.
Whats that smell? It's the PRL! The mailbag is chockas this week, and by that I mean we had more than one piece of correspondence.
We are back at Big Al's house for pizza, beer and a modern, progressive debate about this funny, funny game.
Progressive Rugby League here again for another week to talk mascots as well as all the usual segments and the return of Steve Realman!
Big Al, Johnno and The Slug return to talk rugby league progressively with you. The Anzac round has passed, we have a great mailbag question and the international updates come thick and fast. Have a listen and tell a friend (that it is good, preferably)
PRL comin' at ya like a bullocking winger taking a hit up off his own line. Many treats this week as The Slug, Johnno and Big Al look back on great memories from league they have seen and the world updates keep on comin'. That's right, I refuse to put a 'g' on the end of the word 'coming' Oh ...damn, I just did.
Your PRL pals are back to discuss what happens when one of your biggest stars goes rogue as well as some sizzling world updates and some great listener questions!
Do you like interesting segments about rugby league and progressiveness? Get into this then! NRL Round reflections, PRL mailbag, World League Updates and our Progressive Rugby League moment of the week. Honestly, what more do ya want?
In the murky depths of the mid-1990's, shady backroom-dealings and corporate intrigue set off a chain of events that shook rugby league in a way not seen since the Glebe players strike of 1917: The Super League War. We all know what went down, but are there progressive nuggets to be found in the carnage? All this and more with your progressive pals Johnno, Big Al and The Slug.
All the tasty segments you love are here: NRL Round reflections, PRL Mailbag, World League Updates and Progressive Moments of the week plus an examination of what it means to be on the left side of Rugby League politics.
Can a player suddenly become more progressive if they switch positions? Josh Dugan was a centre in Round 1 and was very unprogressive, but was much more progressive after a switch to fullback in Round 2!
There is more discussion on what can fall under the umbrella of Progressive Rugby League and we get some tasty updates from Rugby League around the world, as well as our Progressive moments of the week!
Al, Johnno and The Slug take you through what is happening in rugby league in Australia and around the world before delving deeper into progressive rugby league matters.
Join Johnno, Al and The Slug as they introduce this new podcast and ponder the question "What Is Progressive Rugby League?"