In this episode we look at the history of rule changes over the course of Rugby League history. From the very early days in England where the sport was basically a slightly different version of Rugby Union, right through the games golden era that saw major changes made, up until this season with rules such…
In this episode Andrew and Freaky cast their eye over the NSW and QLD State Of Origin teams for game one! They talk about who was lucky to make the sides, who was unlucky to miss out, who they think will win the game, and who will win the series! Bonus content, a level up…
In this episode Matt Attard joins us once again as we talk about our love for The Starting Bloc, Nathan Cleary playing Origin, DWZ on his way out at Penrith, Mitchell Moses, Clint Gutherson and much, much more! Subscribe to the podcast and give us a five star rating! To ask a question on the…
On this episode we review the coaching performance of all 16 NRL head coaches. We look at who is doing a great job and who could be doing a whole lot better! We also have a major love-in for The Starting Bloc, who we love, so very much! Make sure you subscribe to the podcast…
In this episode the boys consider the question, should NRL clubs consider Trent Barrett as a potential head coaching candidate. We go into as much detail as needed in this episode, it is one not to be missed! Trent Barretts coaching record: http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/coaches/trent-barrett/summary.html Make sure you subscribe to the podcast and give us a five…
On this episode we look at Promotion and Relegation, we lined up Super League against other high profile sporting leagues that use the system, we look at the dramatic changes that would have been made to the NRL if they had promotion and relegation in place and we talk about the damage it does to…
BOOK LAUNCH: In this very special episode Andrew Ferguson talks about his book – The Story Of Rugby League Covering the history of the game in Australia, it is a fantastic read for all Rugby League fans and a brilliant gift idea! You can buy the book directly from the publisher by clicking the link…
After coaching the Parramatta Eels to a 63 win and 74 loss record at a 46% winning rate, the Eels have reportedly signed Brad Arthur a contract extension. In this episode Andrew and Freaky take a look at this decision. The Eels lack of improvement, their current squad, and alternative coaches the Eels should have…
Its almost that time of the season again so Andrew and League Freak sit down and name the sides they would select in the 2019 Rugby League State Of Origin series. Who did they select? Who did they leave out? Listen and find out! Make sure you subscribe to the podcast and give us a…
In this episode we look at Stephen Kearneys coaching record in the NRL. The Warriors haven’t had a great season in 2019 so we ask the question, is it time for a coaching change? We talk about who is available, who would be the right type of coach for Warriors, and who they should avoid!…
In this episode we talk about the drawn-out saga involving Israel Folau and Rugby Australia, we discuss why the NRL Magic Weekend is a stupid idea, we talk a little bit about promoting the game in new areas and promoting Rugby League in the bush!
On this episode we go through a review of each and every NRL team now that one third of the season has now been completed. Which teams have struggled, which teams have impressed, who is playing above expectation, who are the dark horses, and who we think are the favourites to face off in the…
In this episode we talking to Brien Seeney who runs the NRL Physio twitter account. We discuss NRL injury rates, the treatment of injuries from the past to the modern day, concussion, player equipment, how to deal with injured players on the field during a match and much, much more! Follow Brien on Twitter at…
In this episode of Fergo and The Freak we look at the disconnect between what the mainstream media finds interesting and what the majority of Rugby League supporters find interesting. We look at the changing media landscape, the way the reporting of the game has evolved, and talk about how things may change into the…
When you look back over the last 15 years of the Cronulla Sharks the club has offered up a bit of a mixed bag of results. Going from a team everyone would like to see win its first NRL title, to being one of the most disliked clubs across the game due to the ASADA…
On this episode we look at the long and varied history of repetitive and systematic cheating of the salary cap rules in the NRL. From the very first season of its existence to the 2019 season. Did your team break the cap? Listen to find out! If you enjoy this episode make sure you subscribe…
The 2004 season was one full of turmoil for the National Rugby League. With off field scandals, rule changes and talk of big name players going to Rugby Union, it seemed like 2004 was a whirlwind of media noise that in many ways the game still feels the repercussions of to this very day. In…
Former Australian Rugby Union player Ben Darwin from Gain Line Analytics joined the Fergo and The Freak podcast to talk about how his company uses Rugby League statistics to measure team cohesion and find the holy grail of analytics use in sports. Team chemistry. Team chemistry has been a bit of a blind spot in…
Former Wallaby Ben Darwin from Gain Line Analytics joins us to talk about the the use of Rugby League statistics, the importance of cohesion on the outcome of NRL games, as well the affect cohesion has across all sporting codes as well as in the workplace. This was a fascinating discussion and is an episode…
On the latest episode of the Fergo And The Freak podcast journalist Matt Attard joins us once again as we take a look back on the 2004 season, one full of controversy and change. We look at some of the rule changes that have been brought into the games since then including two referees, the…
In episode 8 of Fergo and The Freak the boys talk about the opening of the magnificent Bankwest Stadium, the Parramatta Eels demolition job against the Wests Tigers, the season long struggles of the Penrith Panthers and then finish up talking about the two weirdest school excursions in Australian history! Make sure you subscribe to…
In this episode we look at Greg Inglis’ retirement and the drama surrounding the possible salary cap implications for the South Sydney Rabbitohs, Eye Gouging allegations and how they are handled, what should happen when a player is badly injured on the field and play is allowed to continue, and the rising retirement age among…
Fergo and The Freak, hosted by Rugby League historian Andrew Ferguson and Rugby League writer League Freak is the best Rugby League podcast you can listen to. With so much buzz surrounding the podcast it is time to show you all of the places you can download and subscribe it! Below is a list of…
In this episode we talk about Israel Folau’s sacking and the virtue signalling surrounding it, the ARL’s hypocrisy in shutting down a possible return to Rugby League, the media’s attacks on Valentine Holmes, Greg Inglis’ future and Anthony Mundine’s Anti-Vax comments. This is a stacked episode so make sure you subscribe and give us a…
Journalist Matt Attard joins the podcast to talk about the Canterbury Bulldogs, how the clubs 2019 NRL season is shaping up, Dean Pays contract extension, the future of the club, his thoughts on Belmore Sports Ground and how the mainstream media treats the Bulldogs. Subscribe to the podcast and give us a five star rating!…
In this weeks episode Andrew Ferguson and League Freak look back at the fight by Dennis Tutty to fight for the rights of players to be able to move between clubs freely, how that lead to the modern day Rugby League contract, failed moves to bring a draft into the NRL, and why an NRL…
In episode three of Fergo and The Freak we andrew YOUR questions! Its a short buy sweet episode but we still manage to get into a few interesting subjects as well as giving a few shout outs to our listeners. You can click below to have a listen, however, if you want to subscribe to…
In episode 2 of Fergo and The Freak Andrew and League Freak talk about the history of Rugby League expansion in Australia, the loss of clubs, what clubs could be relocated to new areas and which areas are ripe for expansion. You can now subscribe to the podcast on iTunes and Spotify, otherwise you can…
The very first episode of the Fergo and The Freak podcast has arrived! In this episode we talk about the history of international Rugby League, from its very beginnings, the establishment of the Rugby League World Cup, we look at the changes that need to be made, eligibility rules, and how we would change the…
It is the old misdirection play. The team loses a game and the coach starts to spray the referees in the post match press conference to take pressure off himself, and his team. It is a move that is very old and very effective. Hell, even when you know what is going on you end…