Lucky boy Radley and Chief Connor Watson

The Sydney Morning Heralds' Adrian Proszenko joins James Willis to break down the surprising selection of Victor Radley in the NSW Blues side for State of Origin game 1. If Radley had served his full 10 game ban, he would not have been able to press his claims. Plus, despite Laurie Daley saying inc…

Origin conjecture and the Magic Round mess

Josh Morris and the Australian's Andrew Webster join James Willis to break down State of Origin selections for both NSW and Queensland. Was Dylan Edwards unlucky? How could Billy Slater omit Reece Walsh? Will Tolu Koula on the wing work? Plus, Josh Morris says the blowout scores in Magic Round prov…

Mark My Words: Ivan's Escape Plan and a Stray Nut Chasing a VHS Thief

Welcome to the Mark My Words podcast, where the boys are packing their bags for NRL Magic Round in Brisbane, confirming they will definitely be sinking a few beers together but strictly avoiding nightclubs and discos. They dive into Ivan Cleary retiring in 2027 and where his superstar son Nathan mi…

End of an era - Ivan steps down

Mark Geyer and the Australian's Andrew Webster join James Willis to discuss the breaking news that Ivan Cleary will step down as Panthers coach at the end of season 2027, with Peter Wallace to take over. Cleary has earned the right to go out on his terms. He will go down as one of the greatest coac…

Shock bolter in the Origin race

The Sydney Morning Herald's Adrian Proszenko joins James Willis to discuss Origin bolters, positional switches and pariahs. Which Dolphins player is now in the Blues frame? Plus, why Magic Round must remain in Brisbane, the Perth Bears war chest, Luke Metcalf's unhappiness, and is Spencer Leniu pro…

Edwards or Tedesco for NSW fullback?

Josh Morris and the Australian's Andrew Webster join James Willis to debate whether Dylan Edwards or James Tedesco should be the Blues fullback. Their numbers are remarkably similar, so Josh asks the question, could they play in the same side? Also, Billy Slater's halfback options in the absence of…

The Panthers dynasty ain't done

Mark Geyer and the Australian's Andrew Webster join James Willis to debate whether the Panthers dynasty is really coming to and end, given Liam Martin's decision to test the open market and with a host of big name players coming off contract. Also, a Perth Bears insider said they don't need a marqu…

V'Landys' legacy will be defined by expansion

The Australian's Andrew Webster joins James Willis to look at what expansion really means for the NRL. Is the game betting against itself by playing off the Perth Bears and the PNG Chiefs, given the their lack of level footing with concessions? Is the desperation for more teams and games set to wat…

Speed of the game sparks fears for Origin

Josh Morris and the Australian's Andrew Webster join James Willis to debate whether the speed of the game and points blowouts are what fans really want, and the consequences for Origin. Josh fears State of Origin will loses its grind factor. Does it really matter if Bulldogs players missed a flight…

Why the Perth Bears deserve concessions

Mark Geyer and The Australian's Andrew Webster join James Willis to talk about the impact Jarome Luai's signing with the PNG Chiefs will have on the franchise and the flow on effects for other clubs. With the Perth Bears struggling to make the same waves and unable to dangle the carrot of tax-free …