Forty20 Rugby League Podcasts

We heading to Wales for our special guest this week, as the latest dual code international Rhi Parker joins us, fresh from her debut for the national team against England on Sunday at Cross Keys. She's new to Rugby League, and tells us about her journey from turning up at a Cardiff Demons trial, to starting at 7 in the famous red of Cymru.   A fascinating guest, with a positive story to tell, not just on the field, but also in the classroom on a daily basis!   We've got clips from Shaun Wane and Ellery Handley as England and the Combined Nations All Stars come head-to-head, as we're for the concept, but not quite enamoured with the execution of, especially with "actual" Test Matches being played this weekend...   All that, plus a look back at the weekend, and there's a new issue of the magazine out this week as well!

As State of Origin kicks off in Australia, we head there to catch up with Robert Burgin, to talk a little bit about Brazil, and a lot about his new book The Maroons, which, as the title suggests is about the Queensland Rugby League team.   But, as he tells us, this is not a book of facts and figures, but of the stories of the 221 men who have worn the shirt of the Maroons, and how they reached that goal, many through adversity.

Reflections of a Saturday at Spurs, from the surroundings, to the stadium and the the all important action on the field, as Leigh and Wigan made their way home with trophies, and most of those there with a feeling of positivity (apart from if they lost.)

Before we head to Spurs on Saturday, John Davidson joined us in the studio to talk about some bits of news in the world of Rugby League, your questions on YouTube, and list people who were involved at the North Sydney Bears.   Then, we get into the craft beer and cheese of the 1895 and Challenge Cup Finals as Leigh Centurions meet Featherstone Rovers, in a battle of the Championship's top two, while Wigan Warriors and Huddersfield Giants look to end Challenge Cup Final winning droughts of slightly different lengths.   Enjoy the games, and give us a wave if you see us...

Just under an hour of Rugby League chat as we look back on the weekend's action, talk a bit about what IMG may be impressed by as we await further instruction, and are joined by London Skolars CEO Colin Browne ahead of Friday Night Lights at the New River Stadium, the day before the Challenge and 1895 Cup Finals up the road at Spurs.   Speaking of, join us LIVE at 6pm this Thursday to look ahead to the big day at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium...

Time to reflect, again, on the passing of a huge figure in British Rugby League, and the game world wide, as Phil reflects on the life and career of Maurice Lindsay, a key man in where the game is today. From turning Wigan around, to running the RFL, the creation of Super League, and reinvigoration of the international game...fair to say his impact, whether a fan of his or not, is still being felt today.   As well as a look back on the action, we're joined by Karsten Brumme, our favourite German, as he tells us how he started watching the sport, what he's found on his recent tour here, how hard it is to watch the game in Switzerland, and his impressive collection of shirts!

Fresh from Elland Road, Phil and Richard, having sat on the lovely benches for the whole of Saturday afternoon, are joined by someone much closer to the action, Danika Priim, who was stood pitchside with the rest of the BBC crew.   We talk in-depth about the Women's Challenge Cup Final, with St. Helens retaining their trophy as the Women's Super League is about to get underway, with Saints, opponents Leeds, and York expected to be the ones challenging.   There's talk of how England will, or should, look ahead of the Women's World Cup too, and plenty of opinions with no holds barred.   Plus, wins for Wigan and Huddersfield, with praise dished out, and also anticipation building for the huge 1895 Cup Final clash between Leigh and Featherstone, and, not quite on the same level, this Sunday's match between Cornwall and West Wales.

After a busy couple of hours at Elland Road, it's time to talk some Rugby League, with a triple header at the home of Leeds United coming up on Saturday as St. Helens face Leeds Rhinos in the Women's Challenge Cup Final, while Saints men face Wigan, followed by Hull KR and Huddersfield in the men's semis.   We're excited for three games which are tough to call, as well as a weekend of action just gone, which wasn't the best, as Leeds' new coach arrives, Bradford and Widnes are still looking for one, and Richard Agar's off to Samoa.   Another quiet week...