Inside Rugby League
By YEP Sport
Inside Rugby LeagueJul 20, 2022
Inside Rugby League Podcast - Episode 74 - A bad week for Rhinos, Tigers and Trinity with little grounds for optimism
Richard Byram and Peter Smith look ahead to Round 20 of the 2022 Super League campaign, while also looking back at last weekend's action involving Leeds Rhinos, Castleford Tigers and Wakefield Trinity
Inside Rugby League - Episode 73: Super League wins for Leeds Rhinos and Castleford Tigers, hope for struggling Wakefield Trinity and Magic Weekend preview
Richard Byram and Peter Smith look back at a great weekend for Leeds Rhinos and Castleford Tigers and ahead to a crucial one for Wakefield Trinity as they face rivals Toulouse Olympique in a Magic Weekend relegation four-pointer at St James’ Park, Newcastle.
The game opens up the six-tie weekend, with another huge derby between old foes Rhinos and Tigers closing day one.
Inside Rugby League - Episode 72: Leeds Rhinos' discipline, Wakefield walloped and Castleford snuff out Dragons
Peter Smith and Richard Byram discuss Leeds Rhinos’ defeat at St Helens and more on-field disciplinary issues for Rohan Smith’s side, Wakefield Trinity’s record defeat by Salford Red Devils and Castleford Tigers’ golden-point win at home to Catalans. They also talk about Batley Bulldogs’ stunning win at promotion hopefuls Featherstone Rovers and a first victory for Neil Kelly’s League 1 newcomers Cornwall.
Inside Rugby League - Episode 71: International weekend, Wakefield Trinity improving, Leeds Rhinos face champions, Castleford still consistently inconsistent
Richard Byram and Peter Smith talk about England’s international victory, improvements for Wakefield Trinity both on and off the pitch, whether Leeds Rhinos can end a long losing run against champions St Helens and if Castleford Tigers can boost their own top six hopes by beating Catalans Dragons.
Inside Rugby League - Episode 70: Challenge Cup and 1895 Cup heartache for Huddersfield Giants and Featherstone Rovers and Super League’s return
Richard Byram and Peter Smith look back at last weekend’s action when Huddersfield Giants suffered a heartbreaking defeat to Wigan Warriors and Featherstone Rovers lost out to Championship promotion rivals Leigh Centurions. This weekend, Castleford host the Cup winners, Leeds Rhinos travel to Warrington Wolves and Wakefield Trinity are at home to Hull FC and desperate to pick up a win.
Inside Rugby League: Episode 69 - Featherstone Rovers and Huddersfield Giants head to finals day at Tottenham, Leeds Rhinos claim derby win over Wakefield, inconsistent Castleford Tigers lose
Richard Byram and Peter Smith look ahead to Saturday’s big day at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where Championship leaders Featherstone Rovers play Leigh Centurions in the AB Sundecks 1895 Cup Final and then Huddersfield Giants take on multiple winners Wigan Warriors in the Betfred Challenge Cup Final. In addition they look back at last weekend’s Betfred Super League action
Inside Rugby League - Episode 68: Rohan Smith’s losing start at Leeds Rhinos, Castleford Tigers win again, Wakefield Trinity beaten in heat of Toulouse
Richard Byram and Peter Smith discuss Rohan Smith’s first match in charge of Leeds - a defeat by Salford, look at Wakefield Trinity’s slump in form and Castleford Tigers victory over Hull KR as well as looking ahead to this weekend’s crucial derby between the West Yorkshire strugglers Rhinos and Trinity and Tigers’ trip to Red Devils. Peter also pays tribute to the late Wigan chairman and RFL chief executive Maurice Lindsay.
Inside Rugby League - Episode 67: Big games for Wakefield Trinity, Leeds Rhinos and Castleford Tigers PLUS reflecting on Elland Road's Challenge Cup bonanza
Peter Smith and Richard Byram look back at the Elland Road Betfred Challenge Cup triple-header and ahead to Rohan Smith’s first match in charge of Leeds Rhinos against Salford Red Devils. Wakefield are in France for a crucial relegation four-pointer with Toulouse Olympique, while Castleford host Hull KR, with all three games taking place, unusually on a Sunday.
Inside Rugby League - Episode 66: Smith and Hardaker in at Leeds Rhinos, Castleford win, Wakefield’s woes, Kear out at Bradford Bulls
Peter Smith and Richard Byram chat about a busy week for Leeds Rhinos, with the appointment of new coach Rohan Smith and re-signing of controversial full-back Zak Hardaker. They discuss Wakefield’ fourth successive loss, another win for Castleford and the departure of veteran coach John Kear from his role at Championship side Bradford Bulls.
Inside Rugby League - Episode 65: Struggling Rhinos new coach search, wheels off at Wakefield, Castleford’s Easter double
In this week's show, Richard Byram and Peter Smith discuss Leeds Rhinos’ ongoing search for a new head coach and the current state of the team on the field, including its poor disciplinary record; Wakefield’s slump in form after three successive defeats and Castleford’s climb up the table under Lee Radford.
*Show was recorded just before Rhinos' appointment of Rohan Smith as their new head coach*
Episode 64 - Wakefield Trinity and Castleford Tigers continue to improve - but Leeds Rhinos’ slump continues
Peter Smith and Richard Byram the pair discuss impressive Betfred Super League wins for Castleford Tigers and Wakefield Trinity last weekend and the latest on the state of affairs for Leeds Rhinos both on and off the field and their search for a new coach to replace Richard Agar. They also look ahead to this weekend’s Betfred Challenge Cup quarter-finals focusing on Cas’ trip to Hull KR and Trinity’s hosting of Wigan Warriors.
Inside Rugby League: Episode 63 - Superb Challenge Cup win for Wakefield Trinity, Leeds Rhinos’ misery continues at hands of Castleford Tigers
Richard Byram and Peter Smith discuss Wakefield’s remarkable second win in a week at Warrington to knock Wolves out of the Challenge Cup, Leeds’ sorry capitulation at the hands of Castleford in Jamie Jones-Buchanan’s firstgame and the improvement in Tigers after a shaky start under Lee Radford.
Inside Rugby League: Episode 62 - Leeds Rhinos adjust to life after Richard Agar, Wakefield Trinity tame Warrington Wolves and huge ban for Huddersfield Giants’ Will Pryce
Richard Byram and Peter Smith discuss Richard Agar’s decision to step down as head coach of Leeds Rhinos, they chat about his interim replacement Jamie Jones-Buchanan, a true Headingley legend as well as the names of those who might be in the frame to replace the 2020 Challenge Cup-winning coach. In addition, the duo look back at Wakefield’s excellent win at Warrington, ahead to this weekend’s Challenge Cup ties and the 10-match suspension handed to Huddersfield Giants’ Will Pryce.
Inside Rugby League - Episode 61: Wakefield Trinity off the mark, poor Leeds Rhinos thrashed, Castleford Tigers lose see-saw battle PLUS Challenge Cup draw
The Evening Post's Peter Smith and host Richard Byram look back at last weekend’s win for Wakefield, defeats for Leeds and Castleford and ahead to this week’s engagements for the trio. The Tigers travel to Wigan Warriors, Leeds are at Slford and Wakefield face Warrington in front of the Channel 4 cameras at the HJ Stadium. In addition they take a look at the sixth round draw for the Betfred Challenge Cup - which has seen Leeds and Cas paired together at Headingley.
Inside Rugby League - Episode 60: Leeds Rhinos, Castleford Tigers and Wakefield Trinity still seeking first Super League wins, Ryan Hall’s England recall, Betfred Challenge Cup draw
Peter Smith and Richard Byram discuss Leeds, Wakefield and Castleford’s winless starts to the campaign and if they can break their respective losing sequences this week. The pair also look back on last weekend’s action, the latest on the RFL’s disciplinary, along with Ryan Hall’s recall by England and Batley Bulldogs v Featherstone Rovers in the Challenge Cup.
Inside Rugby League: Episode 59 - Busy week at the disciplinary, Super League disappointments, Challenge Cup successes
Peter Smith and Richard Byram discuss the opening round of the Betfred Super League, including a number of disciplinary flashpoints, defeats for Leeds Rhinos, Castleford Tigers and Wakefield Trinity along with excellent Challenge Cup wins for amateur side Hunslet Parkside and League 1 neighbours Hunslet.
Inside Rugby League: Episode 58: Super League 2022 season preview for Leeds Rhinos, Castleford Tigers and Wakefield Trinity
Look at the upcoming season for our three local sides Betfred Super League clubs, Leeds Rhinos, Castleford Tigers and Wakefield Trinity. They also discuss the new groundbreaking television deal for the sport with Leeds-based Channel 4, what the new season might bring and their own predictions for the winners and losers this term.
Inside Rugby League - Episode 57: It’s a wrap - 2021 season review and 'awards'
Richard Byram and Peter Smith return with the latest edition of the Yorkshire Evening Post’s rugby league podcast.
In it they look back at the 2021 season, in particular at the fortunes of our three Betfred Super League clubs - Leeds Rhinos, Castleford Tigers and Wakefield Trinity and also how our county sides faired in the Championship and League 1. The pair also choose their Coach, Club and Player of the Year and look ahead to 2022.
Inside Rugby League - Episode 56: A Grand Finals special
Peter Smith and Richard Byram discuss the final weekend of the season and the Grand Final hopes of Featherstone Rovers, Leeds Rhinos Women and Featherstone Rovers women.
In addition they look at the Old Trafford Grand Final between Catalans Dragons and St Helens and the impact on French rugby league a Dragons/Toulouse Olympic double could mean for the sport in that country.
Inside Rugby League - Episode 55: Leeds Rhinos and Hull KR eyeing Grand Final, Yorkshire sides going for Championship glory, Chris Chester’s new job
Richard Byram and Peter Smith discuss the chances of eight-time winners Leeds Rhinos reaching another Old Trafford showpiece at the expense of old rivals St Helens. Unfancied Hull KR are also looking to deliver another surprise at league leaders Catalans Dragons.
Championship sides Featherstone Rovers, Batley Bulldogs and Halifax Panthers are also in semi-final action. Leeds Rhinos Women have also reached the Grand Final too.
Inside Rugby League - Episode 54: Leeds Rhinos target play-off victory, disappointment for Castleford Tigers and Michael Shenton and Wakefield Trinity’s next move
Richard Byram and Peter Smith look ahead to Leeds Rhinos crucial Betfred Super League elimination play-off against Wigan Warriors, with a victory taking Richard Agar’s men within 80 minutes of another Grand Final. They also look back at Castleford Tigers failure to reach the play-offs and review Wakefield Trinity’s season.
Inside Rugby League: Episode 53 - Michael Shenton retires and a huge week for Castleford Tigers and Leeds Rhinos’ Super League play-off hopes
Richard Byram and Peter Smith discuss the retirement of a trio of Super League stalwarts - Castleford captain Michael Shenton, former Wakefield centre Ryan Atkins and the well-travelled Liam Finn.
They also look ahead to key matches between Tigers and Warrington and Rhinos versus Hull KR which will shape the end of season play-offs.
Inside Rugby League Podcast: Episode 52 – A magic Magic Weekend, Wakefield Trinity on the rise, Leeds Rhinos retain key player
Richard Byram and Peter Smith return after a summer break with the latest edition of the Yorkshire Evening Post podcast.
In it, the pair discuss a hugely exciting and successful Magic Weekend with stunning wins for Catalans and Leeds, Willie Poching’s impact on in-form Wakefield Trinity and Rhinos re-signing Rhyse Martin but seeing Konrad Hurrell and King Vunyayawa head for the exit.
Inside Rugby League: Episode 51 - Controversial defeat for Leeds Rhinos, NINE players banned and weekend preview
Richard Byram and Daryl Powell discuss Rhinos last-gasp home defeat by Warrington Wolves and a try by Josh Charnley which sparked a huge debate. They look at the latest verdicts handed out by the RFL’s Match Review Panel - including two matches for Luke Gale, ruling him out of Friday’s derby with his former club Castleford Tigers and the look ahead to the weekend’s games.
Inside Rugby League - Episode 50: World Cup in doubt, Luke Gale stripped of the Rhinos captaincy, Super League fixture chaos
Richard Byram and Peter Smith discuss the future of the World Cup without Australia and New Zealand, Rhinos' shock decision to strip Luke Gale of the captaincy, Kevin Sinfield’s departure from Headingley and the state of the fixture list and schedule due to ongoing Covid problems.
Inside Rugby League: Episode 49 - Challenge Cup and 1895 Cup reviews, Leeds Rhinos sign Aidan Sezer, weekend previews
Peter Smith and Richard Byram look back at two cracking Wembley finals involving Featherstone Rovers and York City Knights, plus Castleford Tigers and St Helens. They also discuss Leeds Rhinos’ capture of Aidan Sezer and look ahead to the weekend’s games involving, Leeds, Wakefield and Cas - Covid and injuries permitting.
Inside Rugby League - Episode 48: Castleford's Challenge Cup Wembley dream PLUS previews to 1895 Cup and Leeds Rhinos and Wakefield Trinity in Super League
Richard Byram and Peter Smith discuss Castleford’s prospects of lifting the Challenge Cup for the first time since 1986 against St Helens at Wembley, as well as Wakefield Trinity’s trip to Salford Red Devils and Leeds Rhinos’ visit at Catalans Dragons in Betfred Super League - just seven days after their meeting at Headingley.
They also discuss the latest punishments handed out by the RFL’s Disciplinary committee.
Inside Rugby League - Episode 47: Leeds Rhinos go again, Wakefield Trinity eager for Saints battle, Castleford Tigers prepare for Wembley
Peter Smith and Richard Byram discuss Rhinos vs Catalans, Wakefield against St Helens and Castleford's hosting of Salford Red Devils, with both sides’ recent schedules having been affected by Covid issues ...
Inside Rugby League - Episode 46: Stormy Salford v Leeds Rhinos clash, beaten England shocked, Castleford v St Helens cancelled, player welfare concerns
Host Richard Byram and YEP rugby league writer Peter Smith discuss Leeds Rhinos win at Salford and the disciplinary fall out from it, England’s loss to the All Stars and the possible postponemt of the World Cup, previews of this week’s Wakefield and Leeds matches and the cancellation of the Challenge Cup dress rehearsal between Castleford Tigers and St Helens and the ongoing problems with Covid and injuries in the sport.
Inside Rugby League - Episode 45: Bad week for the game, Wakefield joy, Castleford misery and Leeds Rhinos' delayed return
Richard Byram and Peter Smith look back over a good win for Wakefield over Wigan, a fourth home defeat in succession for Castleford and the farcical build-up to the England versus Combined Nations All Stars international game and the implications for Shaun Wane’s side at the upcoming World Cup.
Have a listen in via the video link above, let us know your thoughts on the matters discussed by posting in the comments section at the bottom.
Inside Rugby League Podcast: Episode 44 - Leeds Rhinos' Covid outbreak, Wakefield Trinity v Castleford Tigers ...
Richard Byram and Peter Smith discuss the Covid outbreak at Leeds Rhinos, the postponement of their match against St Helens and the prospects for this weekend’s trip to Catalans Dragons.
They also look ahead to Wednesday’s big Yorkshire derby where Wakefield Trinity will try and snap a 14-match losing streak against old foes Castleford Tigers and they chat about England call-ups for Belle Vue pair Reece Lyne and Joe Westerman.
Inside Rugby League - Ep 43: Derby bragging rights for Leeds Rhinos, Wakefield Trinity on the rise, Challenge Cup semi-finals
Peter Smith and Richard Byram discuss Leeds Rhinos’ crushing derby win over old rivals Castleford Tigers and where it leaves Daryl Powell, Wakefield Trinity’s equally compreshesvive success over in-form Huddersfield Giants and a look ahead to this weekend’s Challenge Cup and 1895 Cup semi-finals and the women’s Challenge Cup finals.
Inside Rugby League – Ep 42: Problems mount for Leeds Rhinos, Wakefield Trinity win at last and Academies scrapped
Peter Smith and Richard Byram discuss Leeds Rhinos defeat by Hull and the upcoming derby against Castleford Tigers, a pressure-relieving victory for Wakefield Trinity, the women’s Challenge Cup, George Williams coming home and the RFL decision to axe three Yorkshire academies.
Inside Rugby League - Episode 41: Kyle Eastmond retirement, Super League review, women’s Challenge Cup
Richard Byram and Peter Smith the shock decision by Leeds Rhinos’ dual code international Kyle Eastmond to retire with immediate effect. They also look back at last weekend’s match between Leeds Rhinos and Wakefield Trinity, Monday night’s games in front of fansand discuss the future of Belle Vue coach Chris Chester. They also chat about this weekend’s games and look ahead to the women’s Challenge Cup semi-finals.
Inside Rugby League - Episode 40: Challenge Cup review, Rob Lui leaves Rhinos and fans' return
Peter Smith and Richard Byram look back at the men’s and women’s Challenge Cup quarter-finals and ahead to the last-four ties. They also discuss Rob Lui’s decision to leave Leeds Rhinos and Wigan Warriors forward Tony Clubb’s eight-match ban, as well as the return of fans on May 17.
Inside Rugby League - Episode 39: Castleford Tigers’ Challenge Cup bid, the new Super League TV deal, latest from Women’s Super League
Richard Byram and Peter Smith return with the latest edition of the Yorkshire Evening Post’s rugby league podcast.
In this show, the pair discuss the weekend’s Betfred Challenge Cup quarter-finals, in particular Castleford’s game against last season’s beaten finalists Salford Red Devils; they look at the new Super League TV deal and implications for the game and the latest action from the weekend’s Women’s Super League clashes.
Inside Rugby League: Episode 38 - Castleford appoint Lee Radford, Leeds Rhinos in need of a win, issues with the RFL disciplinary system
Richard Byram and Peter Smith return to discuss the appointment of Lee Radford by Castleford Tigers, the continuing struggles for Leeds Rhinos and Wakefield Trinity, recent cases involving the RFL disciplinary process, as well as a look back at last week’s Betfred Super League fixtures and ahead to this weekend’s games.
Inside Rugby League - Episode 37: Super League records broken, round four previews - incl Wigan Warriors v Castleford , Golden Point and more
Peter Smith and Richard Byram discuss Super League’s first blockbuster of the new season, Wigan Warriors v Castleford Tigers, game records broken by both Hull sides, Andrew Fifita’s possible move to wakefield Trinity and Leeds Rhinos’ tricky looking trip to Hull KR.
Inside Rugby League - Episode 36: Challenge Cup review, Super League previews and Shaun Wane's England squad ...
Richard Byram and Peter Smith return with the latest edition of the Yorkshire Evening Post podcast.
In it, the pair discuss last weekend’s Challenge Cup matches, this weekend’s Betfred Super League fixtures for Castleford Tigers, Leeds Rhinos and Wakefield Trinity, the post Covid-issues for clubs and coach Shaun Wane’s approach to the England job.
Inside Rugby League - Episode 35: Daryl Powell's move from Castleford to Warrington PLUS Challenge Cup preview
Richard Byram and Peter Smith discuss confirmation of Daryl Powell's 2022 move from Castleford Tigers to Warrington Wolves PLUS look ahead to a big weekend in The Challenge Cup.
Inside Rugby League - Episode 34: Looking ahead with optimism to the 2021 Betfred Super League season
RICHARD BYRAM and Peter Smith return with the first Inside Rugby League podcast for 2021 looking chiefly at the prospects for our three top-flight clubs this season - Leeds Rhinos, Castleford Tigers and Wakefield Trinity.
They also discuss the latest developments in the game, while Peter looks back on when he first started working for the YEP back in 1996. Have a listen and let us know what you think with any subject brought up in the show, posting your own comments and thoughts down the bottom of this page.
Inside Rugby League - Episode 33: Castleford Tigers’ Paul McShane is Man of Steel; Gareth Ellis retires; the Grand Final
Richard Byram and Peter Smith discuss Castleford Tigers Paul McShane being named Steve Prescott Man of Steel, the retirement of modern day great Gareth Ellis, Bradford Bulls’ attempts to return to Super League and this Friday’s Grand Final between Wigan and St Helens and a controversial choice of referee.
Inside Rugby League - Episode 32: Sean Long in early at Leeds Rhinos for play-offs, Salford coach Ian Watson on the move and Super League’s 12th club
Richard Byram and Peter Smith discuss former St Helens and Great Britain star Sean Long joining the Rhinos coaching staff, Leeds’s play-off hopes, Ian Watson’s shock exit from Challenge Cup finalists Salford Red Devils and which club might replace Toronto Wolfpack in Super League.
Inside Rugby League - Episode 31: End of the road for Toronto Wolfpack, Super League play-offs rejigged (again) and Danny McGuire’s new role
The YEP's Richard Byram and Peter Smith discuss the decision to refuse Toronto Wolfpack a place in next year’s Super League competition and the implications for the club and its staff. They also look at the new six-team play-off competition to decide this year’s Grand Finalists and Leeds Rhinos legend Danny McGuire’s new job at Hull KR.
Inside Rugby League - Episode 30: Derby win for Leeds Rhinos, Wakefield end drought, should 2020 Super League season end early?
Host Richard Byram and YEP RL writer Peter Smith discuss Rhinos derby victory over 12-man Castleford, Wakefield’s impressive back-to-back wins over Huddersfield Giants and Hull KR and why the regular season could end once the Sky TV obligations are fulfilled.
Inside Rugby League - Episode 29: Saluting Leeds Rhinos' Challenge Cup triumph
Host Richard Byram and YEP RL writer Peter Smith discuss Leeds Rhinos’ exciting victory over Salford Red Devils, the ongoing form issues at Wakefield Trinity and Castleford Tigers and look ahead to this weekend’s Betfred Super League fixtures.
Inside Rugby League Podcast, Episode 28 - Challenge Cup Final Special on Leeds Rhinos v Salford Red Devils
Richard Byram and Peter Smith talk about the Coral Challenge Cup final, the Rhinos’ squad and chances of lifting a trophy they last won in 2015 and how last season’s Grand Finalists Salford - a team Leeds have beaten twice already this season - will fare.
Inside Rugby League - Episode 27: Leeds Rhinos target Super League derby win over Castleford Tigers as Wembley Challenge Cup Final looms
Richard Byram and Peter Smith discuss Leeds Rhinos’ Coral Challenge Cup semi-final win over Wigan Warriors, the possibility of club legend Rob Burrow leading the teams out, the latest defeats for Wakefield Trinity and Castleford Tigers and look ahead to this week’s games.
Inside Rugby League - Episode 26: Busy week for Leeds Rhinos, no crowds ‘hammer blow’ for clubs, latest league and cup matches previewed
Richard Byram and Peter Smith discuss a busy week for the Rhinos, who have Super League and Challenge Cup last four matches to play, how Wakefield Trinity improved against Wigan Warriors, Castleford Tigers’ chances against Hull FC and how the latest Government Covid restrictions are a serious blow for the future of the game.
Episode 25 - Leeds Rhinos into Challenge Cup semis, Super League decision due on Toronto Wolfpack and Chris Chester’s future at Wakefield Trinity
Richard Byram and Peter Smith discuss Leeds Rhinos’ victory in the Challenge Cup and the semi-final draw, this week’s upcoming fixtures, the latest on Toronto Wolfpack’s possible readmission to Super Leage and coach Chris Chester’s future at Wakefield Trinity.