Ashes Rugby League

Episodes

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  THE KIWI COUP! When the Kangaroos LOST Their World Crown! 03.11.2026 52m

  THE KIWI COUP! When the Kangaroos LOST Their World Crown!2008.  Because the year starts with a 2, it doesn’t seem long ago does it? But it was 18 Years ago!   The iPhone 3G arrived in Australia in July. We are currently on Iphone 18 Pro   YouTube was only three years old. It now has 2.6 BILLION Users   Netflix was still a DVD-by-mail company in the US. People still tended to watch television at scheduled times rather than streaming – Netflix is now the top streaming service in the world with 325 million users in 190 countries.   Newspapers, radio and television were still enormously influential. All three are now in severe, long term decline as digital platforms and social media take over.   People used taxis and Ubers were still 5 years off being widely used   Australia were the reigning world rugby league champions and had been since the mid 1970’s. On paper they looked almost unbeatable. New Zealand, meanwhile, had never won a World Cup. They had come close. But when it came to the biggest stage, Australia had usually been the team standing in their way. Then came the 2008 Rugby League World Cup. There’d not been a World Cup for 8 years. 10 teams played in 12 Australian venues to determine who would be champion of the 13th Rugby League World Cup    And nobody quite knew what was about to happen. Because over the next few weeks, a New Zealand team containing players like Benji Marshall, Sonny Bill Williams, Nathan Cayless and a host of other stars would begin to believe that they were there to win. And in the final in Brisbane, the Kiwis did something that had never been done before. This is the story of the 2008 Rugby League World Cup... The year New Zealand shocked the rugby league world.  The Rugby League History Podcast is a weekly or bi-weekly pod about exactly what it says in the title!   Reflecting what is going in during each stage of the season, renowned historians Andrew Ferguson (Aus) and Prof. Tony Collins (UK) join host Lee Addison to reflect on all that happened in rugby league history around the time each podcast is released!  So, expect historical World Cup content during World Cup times, club content during domestic league times and...well you get the picture!  Andrew Ferguson is a much-published author / writer on the subject of rugby league history, is co-owner of the amazing Rugby League Project and co-host of the Fergo and the Freak podcast.   Professor Tony Collins is the DOYEN of rugby league history. He’s a professor of history, fourth generation Hull KR supporter, and the author of 'Rugby’s Great Split', 'Rugby League: A People’s History', and last year’s ‘Roy Francis: Rugby’s Forgotten Black Leader’.   Host Lee Addison is a former coach at NRL clubs, World Cups and Elite High Schools. He is the owner of Rugby League Coach. Please email Lee with questions or suggestions for the podcast on admin@rugbyleaguecoach.com.au You can also message and follow us @rugbyleaguehistorypod on Facebook, Instagram and X
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  The World Cup Invincibles! Australia’s Showpiece DOMINANCE 1975–2000 27.10.2026 1h 24m

  It was a period that started with no mobile phones, everyone scared of sharks thanks to Jaws and were soon to learn of an evil empire ruling the galaxy in Star Wars. By the end of the period, we were all connected by the internet, the Jedi once again ruled the galaxy and one nation established themselves as kings of the rugby league world.  From 1975 to 2000, Australia established an extraordinary record on rugby league’s biggest international stage. But what made the Kangaroos so dominant, and who were the players and teams that helped shape this remarkable era? In this episode of the Rugby League History Podcast, we look back at the World Cups that defined a generation of international rugby league.  We revisit the legendary players, memorable matches, fierce rivalries and defining moments that helped Australia maintain its position at the top of the world game. From the unique 1975 tournament through to the 2000 World Cup, we explore the history, the heroes and the opposition that challenged the Kangaroos along the way.   Join us for a trip back through 25 years of rugby league history, celebrating the people, performances and moments that made this era so memorable. If you love rugby league history, legendary players and the stories behind the game, this episode is for you!   Listen, share and join the conversation about one of the most fascinating periods in international rugby league. The Rugby League History Podcast is a weekly or bi-weekly pod about exactly what it says in the title!  Reflecting what is going in during each stage of the season, renowned historians Andrew Ferguson (Aus) and Prof. Tony Collins (UK) join host Lee Addison to reflect on all that happened in rugby league history around the time each podcast is released! So, expect historical World Cup content during World Cup times, club content during domestic league times and...well you get the picture!  Andrew Ferguson is a much-published author / writer on the subject of rugby league history, is co-owner of the amazing Rugby League Project and co-host of the Fergo and the Freak podcast.   Professor Tony Collins is the DOYEN of rugby league history. He’s a professor of history, fourth generation Hull KR supporter, and the author of 'Rugby’s Great Split', 'Rugby League: A People’s History', and last year’s ‘Roy Francis: Rugby’s Forgotten Black Leader’.   Host Lee Addison is a former coach at NRL clubs, World Cups and Elite High Schools. He is the owner of Rugby League Coach. Please email Lee with questions or suggestions for the podcast on admin@rugbyleaguecoach.com.au You can also message and follow us @rugbyleaguehistorypod on Facebook, Instagram and X
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  The LAST TIME the Poms Conquered the Kangaroos 19.10.2026 1h 19m

  When we talk about Rugby League World Cups, it’s easy to think about the modern tournament — decent crowds, professional athletes, modern stadiums and between 10 and 16 nations from all around the world competing on the biggest stage.But go back more than 50 years to 1972 and you enter a very different world of rugby league. The game was still largely played by working men, international tours could involve extraordinary travel, and the World Cup itself was a much smaller, more intimate affair.Yet for all those differences, the passion, pride and fierce rivalry were every bit as real. The 1972 World Cup, staged in France, would become one of the most memorable tournaments in the history of the game.And while the tournament ultimately produced a dramatic finish that has become part of rugby league folklore, there is so much more to this World Cup than simply who won the trophy.So, in this podcast, we're going back to 1972 — to the background, the players, the characters, the matches, the controversies and the stories behind one of the great Rugby League World Cups, particularly if you are British.The Rugby League History Podcast is a weekly or bi-weekly pod about exactly what it says in the title! Reflecting what is going in during each stage of the season, renowned historians Andrew Ferguson (Aus) and Prof. Tony Collins (UK) join host Lee Addison to reflect on all that happened in rugby league history around the time each podcast is released!So expect historical World Cup content during World Cup times, club content during domestic league times and...well you get the picture!Andrew Ferguson is a much-published author / writer on the subject of rugby league history, is co-owner of the amazing Rugby League Project and co-host of the Fergo and the Freak podcast.Professor Tony Collins is the DOYEN of rugby league history. He’s a professor of history, fourth generation Hull KR supporter, and the author of 'Rugby’s Great Split', 'Rugby League: A People’s History', and last year’s ‘Roy Francis: Rugby’s Forgotten Black Leader’.Host Lee Addison is a former coach at NRL clubs, World Cups and Elite High Schools. He is the owner of Rugby League Coach.Please email Lee with questions or suggestions for the podcast on admin@rugbyleaguecoach.com.au You can also message and follow us @rugbyleaguehistorypod on Facebook, Instagram and X.
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  A STOLEN RLWC Trophy and 13 Years That Changed Rugby League FOREVER! 13.10.2026 1h 3m

  Between 1957 and 1970, rugby league didn't just change on the field. It changed as a product, as entertainment, and as an international sport.   And a lot of the rugby league we recognise today starts taking shape right here.  In just 13 years, rugby league went from a four-team World Cup with no final to international tournaments, television, massive club rivalries and some of the most famous moments in the game's history.  And there's something else happening during this period that would be almost impossible for a modern rugby league fan to appreciate.   The period between 1957 and 1970 was one of the most volatile, transformative, and momentous eras in modern human history. It was defined by the Cold War, the race to the moon, the collapse of global empires, and a massive societal upheaval driven by civil rights and youth counter-culture. Rugby league was also coming into people's living rooms for the first time.  Britain was already televising rugby league before Australia really got regular television coverage of the game. The first televised rugby league match in Australia came in 1961. And by the late 1960s, major rugby league matches were becoming regular television events. But Britain was ahead of the game. The BBC had shown the Challenge Cup Final as early as 1948. Great Britain against New Zealand from Swinton was televised in 1951. And by 1965, the BBC2 Floodlit Trophy was bringing rugby league into people's homes on a regular basis.And that matters. Because this is the beginning of rugby league becoming something different. It wasn't just something you WENT to watch anymore. You could sit in your living room and watch it. You could hear the commentators. You could see the stars. You could follow the big games without actually being at the ground.And by the time we get to 1970, Eddie Waring's voice is becoming synonymous with British rugby league, television is changing the way people consume sport, and the game is beginning to look much more like the professional entertainment product we recognise today. This is the story of how rugby league came into your living room.1957. 1960. 1968. 1970. Four years. Thirteen years of change. And by the end of it, rugby league would never quite be the same again.Oh, and the World Cup Trophy got STOLEN! Two of the game's finest historians, are taking you back to relive the story of the Rugby League World Cups between 1957 and 1970.The Rugby League History Podcast is a weekly or bi-weekly pod about exactly what it says in the title!Andrew Ferguson is a much-published author / writer on the subject of rugby league history, is co-owner of the amazing Rugby League Project and co-host of the Fergo and the Freak podcast.Professor Tony Collins is the DOYEN of rugby league history. He’s a professor of history, fourth generation Hull KR supporter, and the author of 'Rugby’s Great Split', 'Rugby League: A People’s History', and last year’s ‘Roy Francis: Rugby’s Forgotten Black Leader’. Host Lee Addison is a former coach at NRL clubs, World Cups and Elite High Schools. He is the owner of Rugby League Coach.Please email Lee with questions or suggestions for the podcast on admin@rugbyleaguecoach.com.auYou can also message and follow us @rugbyleaguehistorypod on Facebook, Instagram and X.  @rugbyleaguehistorypod
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  When the Kangaroos Finished THIRD! The Story of the FIRST EVER Rugby League World Cup! 06.10.2026 1h 10m

  Imagine if you can it's October 1954...    72 years ago.  In the UK, bomb sites from WW2 still scar many cities. Food rationing has only just ended and most families don't own a television. Winston Churchill is approaching 80 and serving his second term as Prime Minister.  On the other side of the world, Australia and New Zealand are embracing a new era of post-war optimism. They’ve both enjoyed a royal visit. Families are dreaming of a brick home, a car in the driveway and a brighter future. Sydney was rugby league mad, in Brisbane it was growing fast. But in France, like so many of its towns and cities, the sport only just about survived after the war. Less than a decade earlier, it had been outlawed. Rugby league was almost wiped from existence.But, it refused to die.In October 1954, Great Britain, Australia and New Zealand are heading to France and it’s not for a Test series.  For the very first time, rugby league will crown a World Champion.  Two of the game's finest historians, are taking you back to relive the story of the first Rugby League World Cup in 1954.The Rugby League History Podcast is a weekly or bi-weekly pod about exactly what it says in the title!Andrew Ferguson is a much-published author / writer on the subject of rugby league history, is co-owner of the amazing Rugby League Project and co-host of the Fergo and the Freak podcast.Professor Tony Collins is the DOYEN of rugby league history. He’s a professor of history, fourth generation Hull KR supporter, and the author of 'Rugby’s Great Split', 'Rugby League: A People’s History', and last year’s ‘Roy Francis: Rugby’s Forgotten Black Leader’. Host Lee Addison is a former coach at NRL clubs, World Cups and Elite High Schools. He is the owner of Rugby League Coach.Please email Lee with questions or suggestions for the podcast on admin@rugbyleaguecoach.com.auYou can also message and follow us @rugbyleaguehistorypod on Facebook, Instagram and X.  @rugbyleaguehistorypod
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  Ep 33 Super League 360 18.08.2026 1h 18m

  It’s squeaky bum time at the bottom and the topWigan are a team whose momentum won’t stopGiants off the bottom after four in a rowBradford and Hull suffered a devastating blowMany results didn’t go how we both thoughtFor how many pounds will Super League be bought? Super League 360 covers the top tier of the British game, as well as some lower division and NRL news! Lee Addison, based in Australia, hosts.Intrepid scribe John Davidson, a UK based Australian journalist, provides analysis whilst Lee Addison, a UK born coach in Australia, hosts the podcast, and also brings plenty of opinions.Lee has coached at NRL clubs and World Cups and owns rugbyleaguecoach.com.au. He can be found @rugbyleaguecoach on Facebook and Instagram and also hosts the Rugby League Coach Podcast. John is on X at @johnnyddavidson
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  Ep 32 Super League 360 12.08.2026 1h 33m

  The weather in England will soon start to be colder John once again became another year olderHull FC with the shock of the roundThe Giants announced that they’re moving groundWigan were good and played like a top billerBut Leeds pipped Wakey in a Belle Vue thrillerSuper League 360 covers the top tier of the British game, as well as some lower division and NRL news! Lee Addison, based in Australia, hosts.Intrepid scribe John Davidson, a UK based Australian journalist, provides analysis whilst Lee Addison, a UK born coach in Australia, hosts the podcast, and also brings plenty of opinions.Lee has coached at NRL clubs and World Cups and owns rugbyleaguecoach.com.au. He can be found @rugbyleaguecoach on Facebook and Instagram, John is on X at @johnnyddavidson
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  Ep 31 Super League 360 04.08.2026 1h 31m

  Super League 360 covers the top tier of the British game, as well as some lower division and NRL news! Lee Addison, based in Australia, hosts.Intrepid scribe John Davidson, a UK based Australian journalist, provides analysis whilst Lee Addison, a UK born coach in Australia, hosts the podcast, and also brings plenty of opinions.Lee has coached at NRL clubs and World Cups and owns rugbyleaguecoach.com.au. He can be found @rugbyleaguecoach on Facebook and Instagram, John is on X at @johnnyddavidson
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  Ep 30 Super League 360 27.07.2026 1h 24m

  Paul Rowley didn’t last as coach very long Cas beating Leeds made us look very wrong ! Hull FCs coach looks ready to cryLeigh are showing they are never say dieCongrats to the Giants, their first win in 11 Hoping Scott Dureau and Wakey’s photo man rest easy in heaven   Super League 360 covers the top tier of the British game, as well as some lower division and NRL news! Lee Addison, based in Australia, hosts. Intrepid scribe John Davidson, a UK based Australian journalist, provides analysis whilst Lee Addison, a UK born coach in Australia, hosts the podcast, and also brings plenty of opinions. Lee has coached at NRL clubs and World Cups and owns rugbyleaguecoach.com.au. He can be found @rugbyleaguecoach on Facebook and Instagram, John is on X at @johnnyddavidson
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  Ep 29 Super League 360 20.07.2026 1h 11m

  Football's not coming home, as the saying goesA home? Huddersfield don’t know if they’ll have one of those! John wrote about Keighley and the locals went mad Saints needed a win, ‘cause last week was bad!Will London end up in the Super League top-tier ?Are the NRL giving up on it? Because that’s the fear  Super League 360 covers the top tier of the British game, as well as some lower division and NRL news! Lee Addison, based in Australia, hosts. Intrepid scribe John Davidson, a UK based Australian journalist, provides analysis whilst Lee Addison, a UK born coach in Australia, hosts the podcast, and also brings plenty of opinions. Lee has coached at NRL clubs and World Cups and owns rugbyleaguecoach.com.au. He can be found @rugbyleaguecoach on Facebook and Instagram, John is on X at @johnnyddavidson
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  Ep 28 Super League 360 13.07.2026 1h 15m

  St Helens and Wire got a big headacheBoth losses would have been tough to takeYork and Bulls both chalked wins upGiants look condemned to the Wooden Spoon cupLeeds set the pace, KR lost to LeighFor the all the updates, here are John and LeeSuper League 360 covers the top tier of the British game, as well as some lower division and NRL news! Lee Addison, based in Australia, hosts. Intrepid scribe John Davidson, a UK based Australian journalist, provides analysis whilst Lee Addison, a UK born coach in Australia, hosts the podcast, and also brings plenty of opinions. Lee has coached at NRL clubs and World Cups and owns rugbyleaguecoach.com.au. He can be found @rugbyleaguecoach on Facebook and Instagram, John is on X at @johnnyddavidson
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  Ep 27 Super League 360 06.07.2026 1h 13m

  The Prime Minister in waiting turned up at MagicWill his reign be a success or will it be tragicTragic is a term that Giants could useAs York destined them to once again loseLeeds and Leigh clocked up a big score  Wigan and Saints had a close one once moreSuper League 360 covers the top tier of the British game, as well as some lower division and NRL news!Lee Addison, based in Australia, hosts. Intrepid scribe John Davidson, a UK based Australian journalist, provides analysis whilst Lee Addison, a UK born coach in Australia, hosts the podcast, and also brings plenty of opinions.  Lee has coached at NRL clubs and World Cups and owns rugbyleaguecoach.com.au. He can be found @rugbyleaguecoach on Facebook and Instagram, John is on X at @johnnyddavidson
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  Ep 26 Super League 360 30.06.2026 1h 19m

  Warrington dug deep to beat CatalansDid Leeds reduce Hull KR to also rans?Wigan were scrappy in HumbersideSt Helens’ win shows they’re like Jekyll and HydeLeigh did well in France’s heatYork show they’re still not an easy beatSuper League 360 covers the top tier of the British game, as well as some lower division and NRL news!Lee Addison, based in Australia, hosts. Intrepid scribe John Davidson, a UK based Australian journalist, provides analysis whilst Lee Addison, a UK born coach in Australia, hosts the podcast, and also brings plenty of opinions.  Lee has coached at NRL clubs and World Cups and owns rugbyleaguecoach.com.au. He can be found @rugbyleaguecoach on Facebook and Instagram, John is on X at @johnnyddavidson
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  Ep 25 Super League 360 23.06.2026 1h 20m

  Wigan handed the Knights a spanking  York’s missed tackles they have to be thanking   The Wire had a night to forget   Leeds are worth a title winning bet    Sorry about  last weeks podcast break   We did that for John’s domestic stake!Super League 360 covers the top tier of the British game, as well as some lower division and NRL news!Lee Addison, based in Australia, hosts. Intrepid scribe John Davidson, a UK based Australian journalist, provides analysis whilst Lee Addison, a UK born coach in Australia, hosts the podcast, and also brings plenty of opinions.  Lee has coached at NRL clubs and World Cups and owns rugbyleaguecoach.com.au. He can be found @rugbyleaguecoach on Facebook and Instagram, John is on X at @johnnyddavidson
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  Ep 24 Super League 360 09.06.2026 1h 21m

  Super League 360’s back, Lee and John are hereBut the sport is not the same without John KearHe loved the game and it shone throughAs a man, as a coach and in the commentary box tooHe coached England, France, Hull FC and Wales.But the cup win for Sheffield is the pick of all the tales.So many players he gave their first startsA coach and a life that touched many heartsRest in Peace John Kear who tragically passed away suddenly on Sunday 31 MaySuper League 360 covers the top tier of the British game, as well as some lower division and NRL news!Lee Addison, based in Australia, hosts. Intrepid scribe John Davidson, a UK based Australian journalist, provides analysis whilst Lee Addison, a UK born coach in Australia, hosts the podcast, and also brings plenty of opinions.  Lee has coached at NRL clubs and World Cups and owns rugbyleaguecoach.com.au. He can be found @rugbyleaguecoach on Facebook and Instagram, John is on X at @johnnyddavidson
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  Ep 23 Super League 360 25.05.2026 1h 5m

  Cas smashed Saints whats going on?Huddersfield lost again, are they well and truly gone?Hull KR beat Wigans Youth side,Cartwright has turned the Catalans tideHull FC are in a world of pain,Toulouse lost to Wakey, a close one againSuper League 360 covers the top tier of the British game, as well as some lower division and NRL news!Lee Addison, based in Australia, hosts. Intrepid scribe John Davidson, a UK based Australian journalist, provides analysis whilst Lee Addison, a UK born coach in Australia, hosts the podcast, and also brings plenty of opinions.  Lee has coached at NRL clubs and World Cups and owns rugbyleaguecoach.com.au. He can be found @rugbyleaguecoach on Facebook and Instagram, John is on X at @johnnyddavidson
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  Ep 22 Super League 360 17.05.2026 1h 26m

  Two promoted teams and Keir Starmer are slipping downYet Huddersfield fans all have a big frownThey are the ones in the wooden spoon spotSaints are now sat on top of the lot Leigh are getting their act in gearFor all the goss, Lee and John are here!Super League 360 covers the top tier of the British game, as well as some lower division and NRL news!Lee Addison, based in Australia, hosts. Intrepid scribe John Davidson, a UK based Australian journalist, provides analysis whilst Lee Addison, a UK born coach in Australia, hosts the podcast, and also brings plenty of opinions.  Lee has coached at NRL clubs and World Cups and owns rugbyleaguecoach.com.au. He can be found @rugbyleaguecoach on Facebook and Instagram, John is on X at @johnnyddavidson
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  Ep 21 Super League 360 11.05.2026 1h 13m

  This weekend was all about the cup! Wigan and Hull KR were the teams that got upThey’ll make the trip down Wembley WayIn the hope that it will be their special dayBut this week coming its back to the leagueAnd the week to week that is causing fatigue  Super League 360 covers the top tier of the British game, as well as some lower division and NRL news!Lee Addison, based in Australia, hosts. Intrepid scribe John Davidson, a UK based Australian journalist, provides analysis whilst Lee Addison, a UK born coach in Australia, hosts the podcast, and also brings plenty of opinions.  Lee has coached at NRL clubs and World Cups and owns rugbyleaguecoach.com.au. He can be found @rugbyleaguecoach on Facebook and Instagram, John is on X at @johnnyddavidson
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  Ep 20 Super League 360 05.05.2026 1h 11m

  Toulouse finally got another win, this time at HullThe Leeds and Wakey match was far from dullWigan got back to winning waysWarrington continue in a way that paysSt Helens aren’t too far off the mark Huddersfield might be appointing a SharkSuper League 360 covers the top tier of the British game, as well as some lower division and NRL news!Lee Addison, based in Australia, hosts. Intrepid scribe John Davidson, a UK based Australian journalist, provides analysis whilst Lee Addison, a UK born coach in Australia, hosts the podcast, and also brings plenty of opinions.  Lee has coached at NRL clubs and World Cups and owns rugbyleaguecoach.com.au. He can be found @rugbyleaguecoach on Facebook and Instagram, John is on X at @johnnyddavidson
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  Ep 19 Super League 360 27.04.2026 1h 13m

  Super League 360 covers the top tier of the British game, as well as some lower division and NRL news!Lee Addison, based in Australia, hosts. Intrepid scribe John Davidson, a UK based Australian journalist, provides analysis whilst Lee Addison, a UK born coach in Australia, hosts the podcast, and also brings plenty of opinions.  Lee has coached at NRL clubs and World Cups and owns rugbyleaguecoach.com.au. He can be found @rugbyleaguecoach on Facebook and Instagram, John is on X at @johnnyddavidson