Episode 202

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Published on:

22nd Oct 2025

#203 – The Fans’ Verdict: The Real Story of the NRL Season

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Episode Summary:


Ian Hawkins is joined by former Fox Sports colleague Steve for a fan-first debrief of the 2025 NRL season, from passion to frustration and everything in between. They kick off with club-by-club reality checks: why the Dragons overachieved under Flanagan despite the ladder spot; how the Eels found identity and fluency under Ryles; and what made the Broncos’ finals run so formidable.


The pair spotlight breakout storylines: the Raiders’ rise (and the toll of near-misses), Cronulla’s “Groundhog Day” ceiling, and the Dolphins’ grit despite injuries. They celebrate individual leaps from Reece Walsh, Ethan Strange, Kotoni Staggs, Herbie Farnworth, Terrell May, Eron Clark, J Blayke Brailey, Eliesa Katoa, and Kyle Weeks, and unpack disappointments like Tom Trbojevic’s stop-start season and Manly’s inconsistency


No season review is complete without Origin: why Queensland keep playing Origin-style footy while NSW default to NRL habits, and what selection and mentality tweaks could flip the script. They also dive into recruitment puzzles (Sharks’ need for a spark, Bulldogs’ middle-third size, Tigers/Dogs–Galvin saga) and media sideshows, plus the Vegas showcase and why the product has never been more watchable.


Actionable takeaways: clear game models beat noise, youth pipelines matter, and the best sides marry power through the middle with speed and smarts at the edges.


About the Host:


Ian Hawkins is dedicated to showing how sports can transform lives. With extensive experience as an athlete, a coach, PE teacher, community volunteer, and manager at Fox Sports, Ian brings a wealth of knowledge to the podcast. His journey began in his backyard, mentored by his older brother, and has since evolved into coaching elite athletes and business leaders. Ian's commitment to sports and personal development is evident in his roles as a performance coach and active community member. Through "Sport Is Life," Ian shares inspiring stories and valuable lessons to help listeners apply sports principles to all areas of life.


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About the Podcast

Sport Is Life
It's More Than Just A Game
The Sport Is Life podcast explores how sport can positively change your life. Join us as we delve into the powerful life lessons that sport teaches you, lessons that can be applied to every aspect of your life. Host Ian Hawkins shares wisdom and insights gained from a lifetime of experience as an athlete, husband, father, PE teacher, community volunteer, manager at Fox Sports and a performance coach to elite athletes, business owners, corporate leaders, and other coaches. Tune in to hear how sports can provide the tools you need to excel in your personal and professional life. From practical advice to heartfelt stories, the "Sport Is Life Podcast" is your guide to unlocking the potential within you through the power of sport.

Sport is more than just a game; Sport Is Life.

About your host

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Ian Hawkins

Ian Hawkins, host of "Sport Is Life," is dedicated to showing how sports can transform lives. With extensive experience as an athlete, a coach, PE teacher, community volunteer, and manager at Fox Sports, Ian brings a wealth of knowledge to the podcast. His journey began in his backyard, mentored by his older brother, and has since evolved into coaching elite athletes and business leaders. Ian's commitment to sports and personal development is evident in his roles as a performance coach and active community member. Through "Sport Is Life," Ian shares inspiring stories and valuable lessons to help listeners apply sports principles to all areas of life.