EPISODE 18: Growing Rugby League in Utah | State of Origin III, NRL & Super League

EPISODE 18: Growing Rugby League in Utah | State of Origin III, NRL & Super League

The Rugby League Rat Pack welcomes special guest Eugene Tukumoeatu from the Utah Junior Rugby League for an in-depth conversation about growing rugby league in the United States. Eugene shares how Utah is developing youth and girls programs, engaging the Polynesian community, using American football as a pathway to rugby league, and building the Heritage Cup into a successful grassroots competition. Of course the boys bring their weekly look around the rugby league world with an NRL Recap, Super League Round Up, Bobo's Breakdown, and Captain America's Most Valuable Preston Award, along with State of Origin III predictions, Magic Round discussion, NRLW coverage, and exclusive on location videos from Duck Arse. Follow the podcast and Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@rugbyleagueratpack?sub_confirmation=1 [https://www.youtube.com/@rugbyleagueratpack?sub_confirmation=1] In This Episode: Eugene Tukumoeatu joins the Rugby League Rat Pack Growing rugby league in Utah and across the United States Building youth and girls rugby league programs The Polynesian community's impact on rugby league Using American football to introduce new players Utah Junior Rugby League Heritage Cup NRL Recap NRLW opening week Super League Round Up featuring Magic Round Bobo's Breakdown Most Valuable Preston Award MND Awareness State of Origin III preview and predictions Chapters: 00:00 State of Origin, Super League Magic Round, NRLW kickoff 00:59 233 Days until Scrum Vegas 4 04:33 Duck Arse Looking Good & Feeling Good 08:03 Eugene Tukumoeatu joins the Rat Pack 10:28 How to develop Rugby League in the U.S.A. 12:16 Polynesian community in Utah 13:15 The biggest challenge growing Rugby League 15:19 Using American Football to teach Rugby League 17:45 What model and format is Eugene using in Utah? 18:49 How Flag Rugby helps people learn the sport 19:39 Utah Junior Rugby League Heritage Cup 2026 23:09 Spirit of Community 26:12 Rugby League growth strategy 29:01 NRL Recap: Duck Arse on location 35:16 NRL Women's Recap 40:50 MND Awareness 42:11 Super League Round Up: Magic Round 50:04 Bobo's Breakdown: Is a referee's decision ever final? 1:00:46 Most Valuable Preston Award: Dayne Jennings 1:05:49 Will Sam Walker dethrone Nathan Cleary as Australia's World Cup halfback? 1:06:24 State of Origin III predictions FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/RugbyLeagueRatpack [https://www.facebook.com/RugbyLeagueRatpack] Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rugbyleagueratpack/ [https://www.instagram.com/rugbyleagueratpack/] X - https://x.com/RL_RatPack [https://x.com/RL_RatPack]

EPISODE 17: State of Origin, NRL Grand Final Predictions & Rugby Analysis | Rugby League Rat Pack

Niuy, Bobo, Vassy, Duck Arse and Captain America are on the pitch for another entertaining episode of the Rugby League Rat Pack, analyzing NRL & Super League action, making 2026 NRL Grand Final predictions, previewing the deciding State of Origin clash, and breaking down a rare eight-point try and an incredible one-on-one ball steal. Whether you're an NRL or Super League fan or love rugby league from around the world, Episode 17 delivers expert analysis, spirited debate, classic rugby league stories, grassroots coverage, and plenty of laughs from one of the game's most passionate panels. Follow the Podcast and Subscribe on YouTube to join the Rugby League Rat Pack: https://www.youtube.com/@RugbyLeagueRatPack?sub_confirmation=1 [https://www.youtube.com/@RugbyLeagueRatPack?sub_confirmation=1] In This Episode: * The Rat Pack reveals 2026 NRL Grand Final predictions * Which clubs are emerging as the true title contenders? * Countdown to Scrum Vegas and rugby league's continued growth in the United States * State of Origin Game 3 preview and the keys to deciding the series * Bobo's Breakdown: Forwards evolving * Captain America's Most Valuable Preston Award * Video breakdown of the controversial eight-point try * Analysis of an incredible one-on-one ball steal and why it worked * Women's State of Origin discussion * Local league highlights and standout performers * Supporting the fight against MND and ALS Chapters 00:00 Introductions - America 250, World Cup 04:24 Video: Bobo loses an eye on the pitch 11:00 Vassy on Location Video 12:35 Video: Niuy takes one from David "Cement" Gillespie 14:15 David "Cement" Gillespie most feared person in Rugby League 16:44 Storytime: Duck Arse lends his shoulder pads 19:53 NRL Recap 20:18 Video: Dolphins v Warriors 25:10 Video: Panthers v Cowboys 28:21 NRL Ladder Analysis 29:26 Grand Final Predictions from the Rat Pack 30:39 Super League Roundup 33:48 Super League Ladder Analysis 37:19 Rat Pack Goes Hollywood 39:11 Countdown to Scrum Vegas 43:17 Bobo’s Breakdown: Forwards changing the game 51:29 Most Valuable Preston Award 56:10 Video: Kicked in the Head 8-point try 59:16 Video: One on One Steal 1:02:44 State of Origin 1:12:14 Women’s State of Origin 1:17:03 A Look at the Local League 1:24:33 MND and ALS awareness and charitable efforts FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/RugbyLeagueRatpack [https://www.facebook.com/RugbyLeagueRatpack] Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rugbyleagueratpack/ [https://www.instagram.com/rugbyleagueratpack/] X - https://x.com/RL_RatPack [https://x.com/RL_RatPack]

EPISODE 16: Phil Bailey's Rugby League Journey | Cronulla, Wigan & USA Rugby League

Former NRL and Super League star Phil Bailey joins the Rugby League Rat Pack for an incredible conversation about his rugby league journey from the Cronulla Sharks to the Wigan Warriors, representing New South Wales in State of Origin, and helping grow USA Rugby League. Phil shares unforgettable stories from his playing career, coaching in America, and life after professional rugby league. Then Niuy, Bobo, Vassy, Duck Arse & Captain America dive into another big week across the NRL, Super League and the local game. Plus, the story of the historic 1953 USARL tour in Australia! Subscribe to Join the Rugby League Rat Pack: https://www.youtube.com/@RugbyLeagueRatPack?sub_confirmation=1 [https://www.youtube.com/@RugbyLeagueRatPack?sub_confirmation=1] In This Episode: Phil Bailey's rugby league journey Growing up and getting recruited in Australia Life with the Cronulla Sharks Playing in State of Origin Joining Wigan and adapting to the Super League The biggest differences between the NRL and Super League Coaching rugby league in the United States Incredible stories from Phil's career, including meeting Jon Bon Jovi Super League Round Up NRL Recap Most Valuable Preston Award (MVP): Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad Women's State of Origin Match of the Week Local Rugby League Spotlight FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/RugbyLeagueRatpack [https://www.facebook.com/RugbyLeagueRatpack] Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rugbyleagueratpack/ [https://www.instagram.com/rugbyleagueratpack/] X - https://x.com/RL_RatPack [https://x.com/RL_RatPack]

EPISODE 15: Adrian Vowles on State of Origin, Super League & Queensland | Rugby League Rat Pack

Former Queensland State of Origin star, Super League Man of Steel and Castleford Tigers legend Adrian Vowles joins the Rugby League Rat Pack for an in-depth conversation about his remarkable rugby league career, his memories of representing the Maroons, his success in the Super League, and his thoughts on State of Origin Game 2. Follow the Podcast and Subscribe on YouTube to Join the Pack: https://www.youtube.com/@RugbyLeagueRatPack?sub_confirmation=1 [https://www.youtube.com/@RugbyLeagueRatPack?sub_confirmation=1] Join Niuy, Bobo, Vassy, Duck Arse and Captain America for another entertaining episode covering the biggest stories from across the NRL, Super League and rugby league around the world. Special Guest: Adrian Vowles Former Queensland State of Origin representative 271-game NRL & Super League career 1999 Super League Man of Steel Castleford Tigers legend Reflects on his playing career and Origin memories Shares stories from the NRL, Super League and representing the Maroons Weekly Rat Pack Features: NRL Recap Super League Round Up Bobo's Breakdown The Most Valuable Preston Award A Look at the Local League Also in this episode: State of Origin Game 2 preview and predictions The biggest winners and losers from the latest NRL action The latest Super League headlines and performances International rugby league discussion Plenty of laughs and classic Rat Pack banter FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/RugbyLeagueRatpack [https://www.facebook.com/RugbyLeagueRatpack] Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rugbyleagueratpack/ [https://www.instagram.com/rugbyleagueratpack/] X - https://x.com/RL_RatPack [https://x.com/RL_RatPack] Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0nJyI77D5c6QyhlB95YHuA?si=215e4993c1a44898 [https://open.spotify.com/show/0nJyI77D5c6QyhlB95YHuA?si=215e4993c1a44898] Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rugby-league-rat-pack/id1885437483 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rugby-league-rat-pack/id1885437483]

EPISODE 14: Growing Rugby in America with Kyle & Tiana Granby + NRL & Super League

The Rugby League Rat Pack is back for Episode 14! Subscribe to Join the Pack: https://www.youtube.com/@RugbyLeagueRatPack?sub_confirmation=1 [https://www.youtube.com/@RugbyLeagueRatPack?sub_confirmation=1] Niuy, Bobo, Duck Arse and Captain America welcome special guests Kyle and Tiana Granby, two of the driving forces behind the growth of rugby in the United States through Roots Rugby Family. The crew discusses Tiana's rugby journey, Kyle's transition from rugby union, playing rugby in Las Vegas, the state of USA men's and women's rugby, the Brooklyn Kings and a budding local rivalry, international competition and the mission of growing the game across America. Plus, the Rat Pack delivers the weekly NRL Recap, then Vassy checks in from an undisclosed location with his Super League Round Up. Bobo brings another entertaining Breakdown, Captain America hands out his MVP Award, and the team takes a look at the local rugby league scene. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 05:34 Bobo caught on tape 08:19 Social Surprise 10:06 Kyle & Tiana Granby join the Pack 11:45 Tiana’s Rugby Journey 14:25 How Kyle and Tiana got together 18:33 Life at Home 19:20 Playing Nines in Las Vegas 26:14 Kyle’s Rugby Union Journey 28:01 Insights on USA Men’s &Women’s Rugby Team 31:20 Roots Rugby Family 38:08 Kyle playing with the Hawks 39:01 Highlights of Kyle and Tiana 40:45 Family 41:15 Brooklyn Kings 43:08 International Matches on the schedule 45:00 Brooklyn Kings vs NY Knights rivalry 48:23 Super League Round Up 51:47 NRL Recap 1:09:00 Bobo’s Breakdown 1:12:38 Jalen Brunson vs Nathan Cleary 1:13:49 MVP Award 1:13:11 Wemby playing Rugby League 1:13:33 Which NBA player would be best at rugby league 1:19:49 A Look at the Local League FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/RugbyLeagueRatpack [https://www.facebook.com/RugbyLeagueRatpack] Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rugbyleagueratpack/ [https://www.instagram.com/rugbyleagueratpack/] X - https://x.com/RL_RatPack [https://x.com/RL_RatPack]