The Bye Round With James Graham

Shane Flanagan, the premiership-winning coach who led Cronulla to their first NRL title, joins a sweeping 2026 Rugby League World Cup preview. They examine Australia’s selection headaches, New Zealand’s powerhouse pack, Tonga and Samoa’s semifinal hopes, and England’s underdog challenge. Expect fierce debate over Walsh or Tedesco, Australia’s halves, Latrell or Best, and their predictions for the champions.

Shane Flanagan, the premiership-winning NRL coach, and Charlie White, outspoken rugby league analyst, join James Graham to dissect the Roosters’ record-breaking grand final triumph. They examine Sydney’s power game, Mark Nawaqanitawase’s starring farewell, Newcastle’s resilience and Caelan Ponga’s remarkable finals run. The conversation expands to Australia’s World Cup squad, David Fifita’s international return, England’s chances and Wakefield’s stunning Super League rise.

Dean Young, former Australian halfback, 2010 premiership winner and current Dragons head coach, opens up about taking charge during the club’s crisis. He discusses Shane Flanagan’s departure, rebuilding culture, backing Cade Reid, recruitment, developing young forwards and shaping a creative attack. Young also reflects on his coaching influences, retirement and the enduring meaning of the 2010 triumph.

Brandon Smith, the outspoken Kiwi hooker and former Storm, Roosters and Rabbitohs player, joins rugby league analyst Charlie White. They debate Phoenix Crossland’s suspension, Connor Watson’s concussion dilemma and New Zealand’s World Cup hopes. The spotlight then turns to the Roosters-Knights decider, with key matchups, Newcastle’s fairytale run, Caelan Ponga’s burden and rival Clive Churchill Medal predictions.

Peter Sterling, Australian rugby league legend and Hall of Fame halfback, joins the countdown finale. He and James Graham debate the NRL era’s top 25, from tough forwards and modern props to iconic playmakers and fullbacks. Expect spirited arguments over Alfie Langer, Greg Inglis, Billy Slater, Cameron Smith, Andrew Johns and Nathan Cleary, plus a lively battle for rugby league’s ultimate number one.

Former premiership-winning five-eighth Luke Keary and rugby league broadcaster Charlie White join James Graham to dissect Newcastle’s remarkable 12-man triumph over Penrith. They examine Caelan Ponga’s defensive masterclass, Sandon Smith’s rise and Phoenix Crossland’s red-card dilemma. The spotlight then shifts to the Roosters’ grand-final challenge, their star-studded squad and whether defeat would become an historic choke.

Michael Carayannis, a Code Sports rugby league journalist and NRL analyst, joins a deep dive into four clubs’ 2026 campaigns. The Cowboys’ coaching pressure and spine uncertainty take centre stage. South Sydney’s injuries and unsettled core are examined. Cronulla’s missed opportunity and Nicho Hynes’ expectations get plenty of attention. Plus, the Warriors’ historic season, finals collapse, defensive concerns and key retention calls.

Charlie White, rugby league media analyst, joins former premiership-winning five-eighth Luke Keary for a lively NRL deep dive. They debate Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker’s futures at South Sydney, salary-cap loopholes, Penrith’s dynasty and the club’s need for stronger football leadership. Plus, sharp previews of the Dolphins-Roosters and Panthers-Knights preliminary finals, and a spirited argument over grand-final entertainment.

Peter Sterling, Australian rugby league Immortal, former Parramatta and NSW halfback, joins James Graham to debate the NRL era’s greats ranked 50 to 26. They tackle Reece Walsh’s controversial placement, Benji Marshall’s influence, Alex Johnston’s try-scoring feats, elite middle forwards, immortal status, and the legacies of players from Jared Hayne to Cameron Munster.

Shane Flanagan, premiership-winning coach, and Charlie White, rugby league analyst, dissect a dramatic finals week. They explore the Warriors’ painful straight-sets exit, controversial officiating and fan misconduct, plus Newcastle’s fearless rise. The panel examines Cronulla’s semifinal collapse, injuries and a closing premiership window, then previews the Roosters-Dolphins blockbuster and debates Kalyn Ponga’s place among the finals elite.