Rugby League Rat Pack

Episode 11: Former Kiwi Star Lance Hohaia Joins The Pack + NRL Magic Round, Super League & Women's State of Origin

Former New Zealand rugby league star Lance Hohaia joins Episode 11 of the Rugby League Rat Pack for an in-depth conversation about his legendary career, the growth of rugby league in America, the Warriors, playing in Grand Finals, Super League, and much more. Lance shares stories from his rugby league journey, representing New Zealand in the 2008 Rugby League World Cup, battling through multiple ACL surgeries, and competing against some of the toughest players in the game. Bobo, Niuy, Vassey, Captain America & Duck Arse also recap Magic Round in the NRL, break down Warriors vs Broncos, dive into Super League results, discuss the Women’s State of Origin, John Cartwright's new coaching opportunity and glorious news of the Bradford Bulls and Leigh Leopards heading to Las Vegas in 2027. Plus, the Most Valuable Preston awarded to Cooper Clark and a surprise appearance from Dangerous Dave Baxendale! Follow the podcast here and subscribe on YouTube for weekly rugby league coverage, NRL analysis, Super League discussion, interviews and international rugby league news: https://www.youtube.com/@RugbyLeagueRatPack?sub_confirmation=1 [https://www.youtube.com/@RugbyLeagueRatPack?sub_confirmation=1] Chapters: 00:00 Surprise Guest Reveal 00:33 Dangerous Dave Baxendale 02:50 Rat Pack Introductions 06:24 Lance Hohaia joins the Pack 06:44 Lance’s Rugby League Journey 16:58 Rugby League vs Rugby Union 20:20 Growing Rugby League in USA 23:21 How Lance made it to the Warriors 33:34 Playing in Two Grand Finals 41:35 New Zealand & 2008 Rugby League World Cup stories 44:39 Overcoming multiple ACL surgeries 46:59 Players who play in Super League after the NRL 49:00 Lance's Favorite teammates 50:51 Lance's Toughest opponent 54:32 NRL Magic Round Recap 1:00:02 Super League Round Up 1:01:39 John Cartwright Coaching News 1:02:14 Bobo’s Breakdown: Warriors vs Broncos 1:06:59 Most Valuable Preston Award – Cooper Clark 1:13:53 Women’s State of Origin Recap 1:15:39 Bradford Bulls & Leigh Leopards to Las Vegas 1:20:00 Magic Weekend in Las Vegas Discussion 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 10: Challenge Cup Memories, NRL Recap + Delaware Black Foxes | Rugby League Rat Pack

Five Rugby League players. Years at the top level. Honest, unfiltered insight. 👇 Subscribe to Join the Pack: https://www.youtube.com/@RugbyLeagueRatPack?sub_confirmation=1 [https://www.youtube.com/@RugbyLeagueRatPack?sub_confirmation=1] Bobo, Niuy, Duck Arse, Vassey & Captain America are back to discuss all the action and notable storyelines across the game — including NRL results, Challenge Cup memories, and a preview Thursday's Women’s State of Origin match. The episode opens with Mother’s Day recognition before diving into the NRL, where Duck Arse runs through the scoreboard and ladder as the boys break down key performances, results, and talking points from the weekend. The conversation then shifts into a nostalgic look back at Vassy’s Challenge Cup experience, including his time as the youngest forward ever to play in a Challenge Cup Final at Wembley Stadium — supported by photos and stories from that historic moment. From there, the crew heads into Bobo’s Breakdown, where Jamayne Isaako of the Dolphins is featured. Captain America (Jeff Preston) presents the Most Valuable Preston Award to Sydney Roosters captain and fullback James Tedesco. Preston also previews Women’s State of Origin Game 2 ahead of Thursday night’s clash between the Queensland Maroons and New South Wales Blues. The episode closes with A Look At the Local League, centered on the Delaware Black Foxes and the players helping drive rugby league forward in the United States. In this episode: NRL Recap Challenge Cup memories Bobo’s Breakdown (Jamayne Isaako) Most Valuable Preston Award (James Tedesco) Women’s State of Origin Game 2 (Maroons vs Blues) A Look At the Local League — Delaware Black Foxes 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 9: From NRL to New York: Adam Nable’s Rugby League Journey | Rugby League Rat Pack

Five Rugby League players. Years at the top level. Honest, unfiltered insight. 👇 Subscribe to Join the Pack: https://www.youtube.com/@RugbyLeagueRatPack?sub_confirmation=1 [https://www.youtube.com/@RugbyLeagueRatPack?sub_confirmation=1] In Episode 9 of the Rugby League Rat Pack, the crew is joined by special guest Adam Nable, former NRL and AMNRL Player, for a wide-ranging conversation covering the NRL, the evolution of the game, and rugby league’s growing footprint in the United States. Adam shares his journey from competing in the NRL to being part of the early rugby league landscape in America, including experiences in New York and insights into what it takes to adapt when the game is still developing in new markets. The discussion also revisits key moments from his playing career and the broader challenges and opportunities around growing rugby league globally. Also in this episode: * NRL Recap with key results and talking points * Super League Round Up with Vassy * Bobo’s Breakdown (Knights vs Rabbitohs) * Most Valuable Preston Award * Women’s State of Origin spotlight * A Look At the Local League, featuring growing programs across the U.S. This week’s grassroots spotlight includes the Sarasota Bullsharks, DC Cavalry, Brooklyn Kings, and Tampa Mayhem—highlighting the continued expansion of the game at local level. 💬 Join the Conversation:Drop your questions and comments for the Rugby League Rat Pack—we’ll be reading and responding to them on upcoming episodes of the podcast. Follow the Rugby League Rat Pack: X: https://x.com/RL_RatPack [https://x.com/RL_RatPack] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rugbyleagueratpack/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/rugbyleagueratpack/?hl=en] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rugby.league.ratpack [https://www.tiktok.com/@rugby.league.ratpack]

Rat Pack Ep.8: Geno Segers Joins the Pack | From Football to Rugby to Stage

Geno Segers joins the Rugby League Rat Pack—and this one goes way beyond the game. Geno’s journey—from starring as a college football player to learning rugby in New Zealand and Australia, building businesses, and ultimately finding his voice on stage and screen—is one you won’t hear anywhere else. From elite sport to storytelling, Geno shares what it takes to adapt, evolve, and seize opportunity across multiple careers. The boys then hit the pitch for the NRL Recap, Super League Round Up, Bobo’s Breakdown, Most Valuable Preston, and A Look At the Local League—this week spotlighting the Brooklyn Kings. Plus, a signature segment: Military History in USA Rugby League, led by Jeff Preston, exploring the deep connections between service and the sport. Bold takes, sharp analysis, and the usual chaos from Niuy, Bobo, Duck Arse, Sergeant Slaughter, and Vassy! 👇 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] ⏱️ Timestamps 0:00 – Introductions 3:50 – Opening clips 4:45 – Geno Segers joins the Pack 6:30 – Geno’s athletic journey 11:33 – Transition to rugby 14:01 – Wrestling background 17:22 – Learning in New Zealand 24:10 – Rugby 7s in Australia 26:45 – Storytelling & perspective 29:10 – Behind the mic 36:30 – On stage & acting 53:25 – Post-interview reactions 56:31 – NRL recap 1:00:52 – Super League roundup 1:04:30 – Bobo’s Breakdown 1:08:01 – Most Valuable Preston 1:12:15 – A Look At The Local League: Brooklyn Kings spotlight 1:17:01 – Military History in USA Rugby League

EPISODE 7: Hot Seat Reveals, Coaching Changes & Local League Talk | Rugby League Rat Pack

Five Rugby League players. Decades of experience. No filter. Niuy, Bobo, Vassy, Duck Arse, and Captain America are back for Episode 7 to deliver authentic rugby commentary and lots of laughs! Follow the Podcast and Subscribe on YouTube to never miss an episode of the Rugby League Rat Pack — where rugby meets laughs, stories, and pure passion: https://www.youtube.com/@RugbyLeagueRatPack?sub_confirmation=1 [https://www.youtube.com/@RugbyLeagueRatPack?sub_confirmation=1] This week, the Rat Pack tackles one of the most debated topics in the game — why teams often improve after a coach is sacked. The boys draw on their own playing experiences to break down how different coaching styles impact performance, confidence, and results — and why certain messages just stop landing in the locker room. The Pack also breaks down the latest action across the NRL and Super League, highlighting results, performances, and moments that actually matter — with plenty of debate and disagreement along the way. Fan-favorite segments return, including Bobo’s Breakdown, where the game gets dissected from the player’s perspective, and Most Valuable Preston, rewarding a standout performer. Duck Arse brings insight from the local scene with the DC Cavalry, while the crew delivers their 5 Takeaways from around the rugby league world — covering coaching changes, the continued rise of the women’s game and Parramatta v Canterbury. 🏉 In This Episode: NRL Recap & key results Super League Round Up with Vassy Bobo’s Breakdown Most Valuable Preston Local league spotlight (DC Cavalry) 5 Takeaways Coaching styles & player reactions Women’s Rugby League discussion 🔥 Rat Pack Hot Seat (first-ever games revealed) Follow the Rat Pack: X: https://x.com/RL_RatPack [https://x.com/RL_RatPack] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rugbyleagueratpack/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/rugbyleagueratpack/?hl=en] TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rugby.league.ratpack [https://www.tiktok.com/@rugby.league.ratpack]