The Sideline Story: Rugby League Podcast · The Sideline Story: Rugby League Podcast

Episode 169 | “None of the Top 4 teams are convincing right now”

·2 hr·5 clips

Rugby 360 offers $2 million for just 12 weeks, threatening to poach top NRL players like Roger Tuivasa-Sheck.

This episode of The Sideline Story Rugby League Podcast is hosted by Daniel Tassoni alongside regular co-host Nicholas "Gildy" Jeffrey Guild, analyzing the latest in rugby league. They begin by addressing the controversial Bunker decision from a recent match, questioning why a high tackle didn't result in a send-off. The hosts confirm reports that Kevin Walters will be the Australian Kangaroos coach for the next three years, citing his premiership wins and State of Origin success. They discuss the upcoming Ashes series in the UK, noting games at Wembley, Tottenham Stadium, and a sold-out Headingley, highlighting a potential rejuvenation for rugby league in England. The main segment is a Bunker Review focusing on the rebel rugby union competition "Rugby 360," backed by Saudi and other billionaire investors. This competition aims to combat rugby union's commercial struggles by offering massive salaries, with the top 40 players reportedly earning $2 million Australian dollars for a three-month season. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck has been confirmed in talks with Rugby 360, with an offer around $1 million for the short season. Other NRL stars like Kalyn Ponga and Ryan Papenhuyzen have also been earmarked for potential moves. The hosts explain the competition's format, which plans for city-based franchises touring global capitals, similar to cricket's IPL or LIV Golf. New Zealand Warriors CEO Cameron George has expressed serious concern about this financial threat to the NRL, while ARLC chairman Peter V'landys remains skeptical about its sustainability. The most surprising insight is the sheer scale of investment, with Saudi backers compared to those funding WWE events and FIFA World Cups, suggesting money is no object. The hosts debate whether NRL players, especially from non-finals teams, could request leave to participate, thinning the league's talent pool. They note this threat coincides with NRL expansion plans, potentially exacerbating player shortages. The tone is conversational and analytical, blending fan passion with strategic discussion of the sport's business landscape. Rugby league fans interested in the code's financial future and cross-code rivalries would find this episode compelling, while listeners seeking only on-field match analysis might skip the extended union discussion.

As heard by us

Brisk, prickly rugby league chat that opens with a bunker dispute and settles into round results.

Episode 169 starts with a bunker mistake and a send-off argument, then settles into a round recap that gives the Sharks-Roosters result and the Panthers-Rabbitohs game plenty of space.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

Press play if you want episode 169 of Sideline Story Rugby League to argue the round out from the sideline.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from The Sideline Story: Rugby League Podcast