League Express Podcast

#119: Who Won the Recruitment Battle? Golden Boots, Salford Crisis & R360 Delayed

In this week’s episode of the League Express Podcast, Editor Martyn Sadler and Host Jake Kearnan break down the biggest talking points in Rugby League as the sport looks ahead to the new season. The pair discuss Magic Weekend ticket sales before reacting to Harry Grant and Julia Robinson winning the Golden Boot awards. Attention then turns to Super League recruitment, with debate over which club has strengthened the most ahead of next season and whether Robbie Mulhern could be heading to the South Sydney Rabbitohs. Martyn and Jake also explore the growing dispute between the National Conference League and the RFL, the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the Salford Red Devils’ future, and the decision to postpone R360 until 2028. They assess which club that missed out on the playoffs this year is best placed to bounce back and challenge next season.

#118: Paul Lakin on Hull KR’s Treble, Willie Peters & World Club Challenge Plans

In this week’s episode of the League Express Podcast, Editor Martyn Sadler and Host Jake Kearnan are joined by Hull KR CEO Paul Lakin to reflect on one of the most historic seasons in the club’s history. Paul breaks down how Hull KR completed the treble, the club’s rise since his return in 2020, and what the future looks like both on and off the field. They also discuss the enormous impact Willie Peters has had on the club’s transformation and whether NRL clubs are now chasing his signature after Hull KR’s success. Lakin provides exciting insight into next year’s World Club Challenge against the Brisbane Broncos, including previously unreleased details about secret takeover talks with Brisbane several years ago and what those discussions meant for the future of the club. He also explains what it means for Hull KR to be playing in Las Vegas in 2026 and how the club is preparing for the global spotlight. The conversation then turns to Paul’s career in football, including his time with Wolverhampton Wanderers and Stoke City, and how lessons from the Premier League and Championship have shaped his leadership at Hull KR. This is a must-listen episode for Hull KR supporters and Rugby League fans interested in club growth, coaching futures, expansion, leadership, and the future of Super League.

#117: Inside the London Broncos Rebuild: New Facilities, Recruitment & Expansion Plans

In this week’s episode of the League Express Podcast, Editor Martyn Sadler and Host Jake Kearnan are joined by London Broncos CEO Gary Hetherington for an in-depth discussion about the future of the Broncos and Rugby League in the capital. Gary provides an update on the Broncos’ new facilities, the club’s long-term vision, and how recruitment is shaping up ahead of the 2026 season. He reveals the key areas of London the club is targeting, the impact the new ownership group is having behind the scenes, and the Broncos’ ambitious plans to grow Rugby League at grassroots level across the capital. The conversation also turns to the international game, with Hetherington giving his thoughts on the Ashes series, Shaun Wane’s future as England coach, and the ongoing situation at the Salford Red Devils. This episode delivers unique insights into Super League expansion, the Broncos’ rebuild, and the future direction of Rugby League in London.

#116: Harry Newman Joins Perth Bears, Hastings to St Helens & Magic Weekend Shake-Up

In this week’s episode of the League Express Podcast, Editor Martyn Sadler and Host Jake Kearnan break down the latest major stories shaping Rugby League across Super League, the NRL and the international game. They dive into: * Rugby League World Cup fixtures – can the tournament deliver on expectations and what challenges lie ahead? * The RFL strongly denying claims it owes the IRL £400,000, and what the dispute means for the international game. * Magic Weekend moving to Everton’s new stadium – is it the right venue and what could it mean for attendance and atmosphere? * Harry Newman’s blockbuster move to the NRL’s new expansion franchise, the Perth Bears, and what the signing says about the club's ambitions. * Jackson Hastings signing with St Helens, what role he’ll play, and how the move reshapes Saints’ spine. * The Brisbane Broncos unveiling a new logo – why the club made the change and how fans are reacting. Packed with insight, analysis and debate, this episode covers every major storyline fans need to know heading into another huge week of Rugby League.

#115: Should Super League Expand Into Wales? World Rankings, ARL Changes & WCC Latest

In this week’s episode of the League Express Podcast, Editor Martyn Sadler and Host Jake Kearnan break down another massive week in Rugby League — from international rankings to domestic shake-ups and major NRL developments. They tackle the new International Rugby League rankings, what they mean for England, and which nations are trending up or down. Martyn gives an inside look at his upcoming Rugby League World Magazine column, arguing why Super League should seriously invest in Wales, especially with Welsh Rugby Union set to scrap one of their top-tier sides. The conversation then shifts to the NRL, with the ARL Commission’s potential bombshell proposal to shorten the season and introduce a mid-year representative window — a move that could change global Rugby League forever. They also discuss: * London Broncos’ potential new home and what it means for their Super League push * World Club Challenge tickets selling out for Brisbane Broncos vs Hull KR in 2025 * The latest on Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, and Payne Haas being linked to R360 Packed with insight, opinion, and big-picture analysis, this episode covers everything shaping Rugby League’s future on both sides of the globe.