By the Balls

By the Balls

UK-based journalists John Davidson and Ross Heppenstall discuss the latest sports topics of the day and endeavour to give you the story behind the stories. Lots of opinion, insight and detail on the world of rugby league, rugby union, football and more. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support.

Episodes

April 23, 2024 45 mins
Ross and John are back to discuss Paul Rowley staying with Salford, the hell at Hull FC, the club’s appointment of Richie Myler, pressure on Rohan Smith and the future for Tony Smith. We also talk about the rise of Warrington and Huddersfield, Challenge Cup quarter-final results and England to play France in Toulouse.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support.
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John and Ross are back to discuss the first few rounds of Super League, the shocking situation at Featherstone Rovers and whether a player’s union is needed in UK rugby league. They also talk about the match review panel, the issue of media facilities in Super League, and the latest international news involving Italy, Ireland, Scotland and Lebanon dropping down in membership and out of World Cup qualification.

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John, Ross and Phil Caplan are live from the Aviva Studios in Manchester for the launch of the new Super League season.

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January 19, 2024 26 mins
John is joined on the podcast by author and journalist Steve Mascord. The pair talk about the launch of the Championship and League 1 seasons, changes at Wakefield Trinity, the new concussion rules, Super League’s foray into streaming and a new broadcasting platform and Steve’s new book on the 1994 Kangaroos.

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December 8, 2023 31 mins
We are joined by former professional rugby league player Brett Kearney. Brett, who retired in 2014, had spells with South Sydney, Cronulla and Bradford. Now an ambassador for the Brain Foundation, he joins us to talk about concussion in sport, his history of brain injuries, dealing with retirement, the financial dramas at the Bulls and more.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/s...
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John and Ross are back and discuss England’s big series win over Tonga, Samoa pulling out of a Uk tour and the Kiwis beating the Kangaroos. They also chat about Magic Weekend going to Leeds, Salford’s stadium situation, new rule changes in Super League, the World Club Challenge and a lot more in rugby league.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support.
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October 21, 2023 65 mins
Our special guest is Gareth Ellis. He joins us to talk about his new book, his amazing career, his plans for the future, his time in Super League, his time in the NRL and more.

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John and Ross are back to preview the 2023 Super League grand final between Catalans and Wigan. We discuss the main talking points of the big match, and the Championship grand final between London and Toulouse, and interview Jai Field and Matty Peet.

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John and Ross discuss the new Super League TV deal, the battle to avoid relegation and the fight for the competition’s top six. They also look at the issues at Leeds Rhinos, Kevin Sinfield’s involvement with England rugby union and answer your questions.

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August 3, 2023 72 mins
Anthony Broxton, author of ‘Hope and Glory: Rugby League in Thatcher’s Britain, joins the pod to talk about his new book. He chats about the changes in the UK and UK rugby league in the 1980s and 1990s, the influence of people like David Oxley and Maurice Lindsay, and the learnings and parallels with where the sport sits in 2023.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support.
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John and Ross are back to talk about the Super League relegation battle, Catalans’ title charge, Leeds and Leigh’s rise, and Warrington’s slide. We discuss revival at Hull FC and a slip at Salford. We also touch on Fev’s promotion push, the next World Cup, the Ashes and the next TV deal.

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June 28, 2023 45 mins
Our special guest is Northampton Town manager Jon Brady. Jon take to us about clinching promotion to League One, dealing with heartbreak and disappointment, and his plans for the new season. He also chats about his background, his playing career in the UK, dealing with adversity and blazing a trail for Australian coaches.

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Our special guest is Sheffield Eagles utility Bayley Liu. He joins us to talk about his career, the amazing season to date with Sheffield and his background. He also chats about No Limits, the disability support service he runs that supports people with learning disabilities. Liu talks about his passion for helping others and how No Limits is benefiting the community.

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John and Ross are back to talk about England’s huge double win over France, international teething problems, the Tonga series, the 2025 World Cup and IMG. They also touch on broadcast deals, rugby union’s wobbles and the work of player agents.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support.
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April 3, 2023 48 mins
Ross and John are back to review the first seven rounds of Super League. They discuss Warrington and Catalans’ great starts, the relegation battle, Hull FC’s struggles, Wakefield’s woes, Wigan, the Hull derby, IMG and more.

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March 28, 2023 35 mins
We sit down with Tom Coyd, head coach of England’s World Cup-winning wheelchair rugby league team. We talk about the World Cup win, the wheelchair game and its plans for growth and expansion. We discuss Tom’s journey and path in the sport, the next World Cup in 2025 and last year’s epic final against France.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support.
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March 11, 2023 38 mins
We catch with Salford Red Devils chairman Paul King. Paul talks about his passion for Salford, how he got involved, the new IMG grading criteria, the future of Salford, challenges the club faces and a lot more.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support.
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We’re back to review the first round of Super League 2023, St Helen’s’ famous win over Penrith, the Joe Westerman saga and pay tribute to friend of the podcast Ian Laybourn.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support.
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January 20, 2023 61 mins
Our special guest on this episode is the chairman of Wakefield Trinity John Minards. We talk to John about Wakefield’s stadium redevelopment, the upcoming season, replacing Willie Poching as head coach, the future of the club, IMG’s involvement in rugby league and more.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support.
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January 12, 2023 45 mins
John and Ross are back for the first episode of 2023. They review the Rugby League World Cup, England’s performance, the future of Shaun Wane, changes at the RFL, IMG plans and a lot more.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/by-the-balls--2968437/support.
Mark as Played

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