Shoulder Charge - A Rugby League Podcast
By Kasey Smith
A Rugby League podcast published every Monday discussing the big issues with special guests from Super League, Championship and League 1.
Shoulder Charge - A Rugby League PodcastApr 18, 2022
00:00
43:04
11: Swinton Lions' Liam Forsyth
On this week's show I'm joined by Swinton man Liam Forsyth. He discusses a range of topics including his first season in Super League with Wigan Warriors and how he found it tough. He also speaks about transitioning from full time to part time and wanting to bounce straight back into the Championship with Swinton Lions. All that on more on Shoulder Charge. Music: Upbeat Funk Rock by Infraction.
Apr 18, 202243:04
10: Getting to know Elliot Hall
On this week's show my guest is Bradford Bulls full back Elliot Hall. He talks about his career so far, including how he only started playing the game at University aged 18. The former Batley man speaks about the culture at the club and gives an insight into the successes of the play-off semi final season in 2021. That and much more is all covered on this week's Shoulder Charge. Music: Upbeat Funk Rock by Infraction (copyright free).
Apr 12, 202233:14
9: Women's Rugby League with Savannah Andrade
On the show this week, the focus is on all things women's rugby league. To discuss the women's game, my guest is York City Knights centre Savannah Andrade. 2022 proves to be a big year for the women with the sport being shown on more broadcasters than ever before with Sky, BBC and The Sportsman televising games. There is also the small matter of a home World Cup coming up at the end of the year, which promises to break even more records for women's rugby league. Savannah talks about her career so far, previews the upcoming season and reflects on how far the game has come in such a short space of time.
Music: Upbeat Funk Rock by Infraction (copyright free).
Apr 05, 202233:01
8: Getting to know Ryan KIng
On this week's show my guest is Whitehaven second rower Ryan King. He talks about his career so far including what he learnt playing for Cronulla and Sydney Roosters back in Australia. He talks about why he loves it in Whitehaven and why he thinks more Australians who may have been overlooked should try their hand at the sport over here. He also has his say on the current clampdown on high shots and late tackles and reveals the secrets to Haven's unlikely play-off success in 2021.
Music: Upbeat Funk Rock by Infraction (copyright free).
Mar 28, 202224:48
7: Whitehaven v Saints preview
This week it's the sixth round of the Challenge Cup and one of the ties that caught the eye was Whitehaven v St Helens. On this bonus edition of Shoulder Charge, hear from Whitehaven CEO Andrew Canavan, second row Ryan King and half-back Alex Bishop. Everything is covered on this bitesize, comprehensive preview of the game.
Music: Upbeat Funk Rock by Infraction.
Music: Upbeat Funk Rock by Infraction.
Mar 24, 202211:54
6: Rugby League in Newcastle
On this week's show I'm joined by Newcastle Thunder General Manager, Jordan Robinson. We discuss the club's Super League ambitions and how to grow the game in the North East. You'll also hear why the city should now be classed as one of rugby league's heartlands, and the growth the club has made off-the-field in the last couple of years. Music: Upbeat Funk Rock by Infraction.
Mar 21, 202221:03
5: Talking re-alignment with Andy Mazey
On the show this week my guest is the Rochdale Hornets chairman Andy Mazey. We discuss re-alignment and what it might mean for the sport. Also hear Rochdale's plans for 2022 and why the club has not just strengthened on the field, but off the field as well.
Music: Upbeat Funk Rock by Infraction (copyright free).
Mar 14, 202238:15
4: Getting to know Ben Reynolds
On this week's show, I'm joined by Leigh Centurions half-back, Ben Reynolds. He discusses his career so far and also tells me why the Centurions should not be written off for an immediate return to Super League next year.
Music: Upbeat Funk Rock by Infraction (copyright free).
Mar 07, 202226:36
3: Talking PDRL with Nick Kennedy
On this week's show I'm joined by Nick Kennedy - he's the captain of Castleford Tigers PDRL team. He discusses all things Physical Disability Rugby League, the time he was made captain, and why the sport has been a life changer for him and many others. Music: Upbeat Funk Rock by Infraction (copyright free)
Feb 21, 202234:47
2: Getting to know Tee Ritson
On the show this week, my guest is the Barrow Raiders winger Tee Ritson. Last year's League 1 joint-top try scorer joins me to discuss his upbringing, how he never believed he would become a rugby league player and also why he thinks the Raiders could make the play-offs this year. Music: Upbeat Funk Rock by Infraction (copyright free)
Feb 14, 202228:01
1: Super League Preview with Steve Brady
Super League makes its return this week, and this time - for the first time ever - it includes two French sides. With that in mind, my guest for the first episode of the new season is journalist Steve Brady, better known as Catalan Media on Twitter. He joins me live from the windy Stade Gilbert Brutus to discuss the Catalans Dragons and Toulouse Olympique and also preview the upcoming season.
Music: Upbeat Funk Rock by Infraction (copyright free)
Music: Upbeat Funk Rock by Infraction (copyright free)
Feb 07, 202251:39
28: Haven's off-field plans
On the show this week is part two of my conversation with Whitehaven CEO Andrew Canavan. He discusses a potential move away from the Recreation Ground. He also discusses the departure of several directors midway through the season and the recent Premier Sports TV deal for the Championship. Plus I discuss the Grand Finals across the three divisions.
Oct 12, 202151:02
27: Whitehaven's remarkable year
On the show this week I'm joined by Andrew Canavan CEO of Whitehaven Rugby League. He discusses the club's great season in the championship, defying the odds to make the play-offs in heroic fashion. Andrew also discusses the possibility of three Cumbrian sides in the championship. This is part one of my conversation with Andrew and you can hear the second part this Monday.
Oct 06, 202149:22
26: Drama in the play-offs
On the show this week my guest is North Wales Crusaders CEO Andy Moulsdale. He discusses the recent defeat in the play-offs to Doncaster and reviews the season as a whole. We also talk about their move to Colwyn Bay, league structures for next season and beyond - and a whole lot more. Also covered on the show are the play-off games in Super League and Championship.
Sep 27, 202142:32
25: Richard & Olly Russell
On the show this week, it's two for the price of one as my guests are Olly and Richard Russell. Olly, currently playing half-back for Huddersfield Giants, discusses his performances, how he got to where he is now and what it's like having a dad who has won lots in the sport. Richard, who made over 300 appearances in the 80s/90s for Wigan, Oldham and Castleford reflects on his career and also speaks about his relationship with his son Olly.
Sep 20, 202152:60
24: What next for Rugby League?
On this week's show, my guest is Kurt Haggerty, current Leigh Centurions coach. We discuss his interim period as coach: how it's gone, what he's learnt and a bit about his philosophy too. Aside from that, there is the small matter of the RFL press conference and Derek Beaumont's programme notes...
Sep 13, 202153:11
23: Getting to know Kieran Dixon
On the show this week, my guest is former Super League player and current winger for York City Knights, Kieran Dixon. We chat about a range of subjects including: rugby league in London, the current season, how he got into the sport, setbacks he's had, his unique kicking style and more. Also on the show is all the action from Magic Weekend and Championship & League 1.
Sep 06, 202139:23
22: League 1's promotion race
On the show this week I'm joined by Barrow Raiders Chairman Steve Neale. We talk about the current League 1 season and the competitiveness of the division, with nearly all teams vying for a play-off spot, at the very least. We also discuss Barrow's success off the field - while this year has been tough for many due to the coronavirus, for Barrow it has been one of their best years, in terms of commercial revenue, since Steve Neale became chairman. Also Steve offers his thoughts on where the game should go beyond 2022, and the current proposals of two leagues of ten.
Sep 01, 202151:07
21: Rugby League in Russia
On the show this week, I'm joined by Jon Christie who is a Director of the Russian Association of Rugby League Clubs. Rugby League in Russia had its official status revoked in 2010, meaning government support stopped. Since 2017 there has been no competitive rugby league and Jon's role is very much building the sport back up to where it was. We discuss that and the international game as a whole and ask whether the major players in the sport ie NRL should do more to grow the game abroad. That and much more on this week's edition of Shoulder Charge.
Aug 23, 202152:27
20: Growing the game in Norway
On the show this week, I'm joined by Martin Beddis, Head Coach of Norway Wheelchair Rugby League. He has the task of establishing a wheelchair side from scratch, and garnering interest in the sport in Scandinavia. It's a mammoth task but one that he is relishing. Covid-19 has made his job that bit tougher, but the postponement of RLWC2021 til 2022 gives him more time to prepare for the tournament. He also speaks about getting into wheelchair sports after being inspired watching the 2008 Beijing Paralympics. Also discussed on the show: the re-structure (or lack of) of Super League and all the action from the weekend.
Aug 16, 202153:09
19: From Bobsleigh to Rugby League
On the show this week, I'm joined by new Sheffield Eagles winger, Olly Butterworth. He's a paratrooper off the field and he has quite the CV. He's originally a Union player, having played for Scarlets. His role with the army gave him the opportunity to take up bobsleigh - where he represented Great Britain in the World Cup. Now, though, he wants to make a name for himself in the sport he grew up watching. Also on the show, the World Cup is off - so what should be played instead? There's all the fixtures across the divisions to discuss too in what is a packed show.
Aug 09, 202150:16
18: Getting to know Abbas Miski
On the show this week, my guest is Abbas Miski, Lebanon International winger for London Broncos - and soon to be Wigan Warriors. He discusses the Rugby League World Cup, how he got into the sport, that dramatic knockout game between Lebanon and Tonga - and much more. Also on the show, there is talk of restructure in the sport (I know) - I give my thoughts on that and all the games over the weekend.
Aug 02, 202147:26
17: Talking Wheelchair Rugby League
On the show this week I'm joined by Tom Halliwell, captain of England Wheelchair Rugby League. He discusses his journey into the sport, and his career so far including his England call up at just age 16. He also offers his thoughts on the Rugby League Cup and why it still should go ahead with or without Australia and New Zealand. Also on the show: what can rugby league learn from The Hundred and why are attendance figures low in the sport currently?
Jul 26, 202153:51
16: The future of Salford Red Devils
On the show this week, I'm joined by Pete Brady, Chairman of Salford RLFC Supporters Trust. Things have progressed in terms of the situation regarding the AJ Bell Stadium. Recently the club held a fans forum and the petition which had been running was heard at Council. The direction of travel, at this moment in time, points towards Moor Lane, but there is a lot to discuss and tie up before a formal decision is made. Pete Brady updates us on the options and also discusses the potential of fan ownership, which also may be an option going forward.
Jul 19, 202148:17
15: Saving Oldham's season
On this week's show I'm joined by Oldham Roughyeds Chairman Chris Hamilton. The club turned a few heads, in the last few days, when they announced Brian McDermott would be taking over as coach until the end of the season. I asked Chris what has gone wrong for Oldham this year and why he feels Brian McDermott is the man to get them out of the mess. Also I offer my thoughts on whether promotion and relegation should exist in Super League and there's also all the games from the weekend to discuss on this week's episode of Shoulder Charge - A Rugby League Podcast.
Jul 12, 202152:21
14: Growing Rochdale Hornets
On the show this week I'm joined by Andy Mazey, Rochdale Hornets Chairman. We discuss his vision for the Hornets and how he plans to implement it. We also talk attendances and the importance of community clubs. There's also updates on RFL/Super League realignment and the potential TV deal for clubs outside of Super League. Also on the show I discuss all the rugby league action from the weekend.
Jul 05, 202141:26
13: World Cup in doubt
With the Rugby League World Cup just four months away, it has been put into fresh doubt, as there is reluctance from down under about travelling to the UK and having to quarantine on return. I offer my thoughts on why I feel it is vital the tournament goes ahead as scheduled. I also discuss whether the sport needs a regular international calendar and the recent All Stars game. Also my guest this week is the Batley Bulldogs Head Coach Craig Lingard. We are nearing the halfway point of the season and it's fair to say the Bulldogs have taken a few by surprise this year. They currently sit third and he reveals the reasons why they are where they are. There is also all the action from Super League, Championship and League 1.
Jun 28, 202147:20
12: Turning the tide at Leigh
Joining me on the show this week is Leigh Centurions Interim Head Coach, Kurt Haggerty. After 11 games and 11 losses, he has a tremendous job on his hands to try to steer Leigh to their first win. He says he's relishing the opportunity and truly believes Leigh Centurions can stay in Super League this year. Also on the show this week, there is also all the action from the world of Rugby League.
Jun 21, 202142:05
11: Increasing Participation
Currently, there is not enough players playing Rugby League. Part of the reason the RFL issued Elite Academy licences was to tackle this very subject. But while doing that, they also removed Elite status from Castleford, Hull KR and Bradford. They have now u-turned on this, of course. But part of the reason was a need to protect the community game and the fact that not enough quality players were being produced. But have the Rugby Football League gone about this in the right way? On the show this week I speak to Chris Dearing of Hull Dockers ARLFC to answer that very question. There is also all the action from the weekend in Rugby League.
Jun 14, 202154:07
10: The Highs and Lows of Coaching
After a somewhat mixed start to the season, I caught up with York City Knights Head Coach James Ford to get his assessment of his side so far. He discusses why this has been the toughest period of his coaching career and he reveals why it hasn't gone as well as he would have liked so far. Plus there's all the reaction from the cup ties and the rest of the action in the world of Rugby League.
Jun 07, 202136:39
9: All Things French Rugby League
It's a bumper edition this week where the focus is all on Rugby League in France. Just a few months back, France were announced as the frontrunners to host the next World Cup in 2025, so I caught up with Pierre Carcau, a French Rugby League journalist, to discuss that and the state of the game in France. There was also some big scorelines in Super League with Wigan, Leeds and Salford on the end of drubbings. Plus there is everything from Championship and League 1.
Jun 01, 202153:52
8: Barrow Raiders' ambitious plans
On the show this week I speak to the Barrow Raiders Chairman Steve Neale. Since lockdown, despite the season being suspended, he has been able to bring in vital income for the club through setting up a beer garden on the Craven Park pitch. The club has recently signed former Super League and Toronto player Hakim Miloudi, and Steve says this income was a key reason why they were able to afford him. He has ambitious plans of going unbeaten this season in League 1 and in the future pushing for a place in Super League. Also on the show I offer my thoughts on the recent decision to not grant Hull KR, Bradford Bulls and Castleford Tigers an Elite Academy licence. There are also rumours of a return to licensing for Super League, and I discuss why that would be the wrong move. And there's all the action from round 7 too.
May 24, 202144:24
7: Rugby League beyond 2022
On the show this week I'm joined by Head Coach of Sheffield Eagles, Mark Aston. Super League has recently renewed its TV deal with Sky Sports for another two years. As it stands the lower leagues are not set to receive a penny from this, and we discuss what issues that proposes and how the game goes forward. Also we discussed Sheffield Eagles' bright start to the campaign and whether they can sneak into the top 6 this year. There is also all the action from Super League, Championship and League 1 in the world of Rugby League.
May 17, 202138:30
6: Growing the game in Wales
This week I speak to Andy Moulsdale, CEO of North Wales Crusaders, to discuss how to grow Welsh rugby league. The club are working to improve the game in partnership with Welsh Rugby League to develop the grassroots game. There is also all the Challenge Cup action plus Championship & the return of League 1.
May 10, 202128:58
5: The fight to keep Salford at the AJ Bell
This week I'm joined by Pete Brady who is the Chairman of Salford RLFC Supporters Trust. He is fighting the proposed sale of the AJ Bell to Sale Sharks. The petition can be found at: www.change.org/p/salford-council-the-aj-bell-stadium-must-stay-for-the-community-of-salford
May 04, 202145:45
4: Dodgy Decisions
On this week I'll be discussing the controversial Hull KR v Huddersfield game, the dodgy refereeing decisions and all the big games from last weekend. On the show also is Craig Lingard of Batley Bulldogs about how he thinks his side will fare this year in the championship.
Apr 19, 202139:57
3: Grassroots Rugby Returns
As the community game returns, I speak to Paul Scanlon-Wells of Rochdale Mayfield. There is also discussion of the recent challenge cup games.
Apr 12, 202128:43
2: Full-backs galore
On this week's show there's all the action from the weekend. Plus, Shaun Wane has a selection headache at full-back, just who is he going to pick? And there's the big interview with the Oldham Roughyeds chairman.
Apr 05, 202130:01
1: Super League returns
Last weekend saw the return of Super League and I'll be reviewing all the big action. On the show I'm also joined by Lee Kenny, Media and Marketing Director at Halifax Panthers, discussing how to grow the game.
Mar 29, 202125:16
17: Leeds Rhinos looking good
On this week's episode we are asking how far can Leeds Rhinos go and also is the run in to the Super League grand final going to be closer than we first thought?
Mar 12, 202030:19
16: False Positions
Are Toronto that bad? Are Castleford that good? We discuss all the games from round 4, and have the usual predictions.
Feb 26, 202040:04
15: Consistently inconsistent
After three rounds, just one side remains unbeaten - so is this year's Super League anyone's game? I review how Aidan Sezer fared for Huddersfield and reveal my all important predictions.
Feb 19, 202042:32
14: Warrington's year?
This week we discuss all the games from round two, there's the usual championship round-up and let's not forget my erudite predictions...
Feb 13, 202032:21
13: Catalans controversy
This week we discuss the latest issues surrounding the Israel Folau debacle. Also, it's early days - but are Wakefield in trouble already? We have all the action from the championship as well.
Feb 05, 202031:06
12: Predictions for 2020
Mystic Meg has lent me her crystal ball as I predict who goes up, who goes down and who wins the Grand Final, and also who is going to win in round 1? You heard it here first!
Jan 28, 202041:25
11: Salford, Expansion and Super League review
This week we are talking Salford - just who would have predicted they'd be playing in the Grand Final this year? We've also got Mark Aston on the show - the Sheffield Eagles coach - talking about the recent news regarding the developments at their stadium. We're talking expansion - will it grow the game or alienate the existing fan base? And finally, we've got a review of Super League - who performed, who didn't perform? It's all on the latest edition of Shoulder Charge.
Oct 11, 201935:39
10: Wigan for the Grand Final?
So as Super League draws to a close, who is going to get to Old Trafford and win the Grand Final? Also, what on earth is going on with the Catalans Dragons? And is the controversial name change from Swinton Lions to Manchester Lions going to work?
Sep 06, 201937:34
9: Should Agar get the Leeds job?
On Shoulder Charge we are talking all things Leeds, Wigan, the current relegation picture in Super League - and also Toronto.
Aug 16, 201920:01
8: Can Wigan go all the way?
This week we speak to Sheffield Eagles head coach Mark Aston who talks all things 1895 Cup and tells us why the Championship Grand FInal should be at a neutral ground. Also Super League returns this week, are Wigan hitting form at the right moment? It's all on the latest edition of Shoulder Charge.
Aug 02, 201921:57
7: Challenge Cup Preview
This week on Shoulder Charge, we preview the four cup ties on this weekend. We also look at who might stay and who might go in Super League. And also should the methods of reaching the Grand Final in Super League & Championship be simplified?
Jul 26, 201920:16