Episode 249

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Published on:

29th Jan 2026

#249 – NRL | Season Preview | Sea Eagles, Roosters, Titans & Warriors

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Episode Summary:

n Hawkins and Steve continue their NRL season preview, breaking down four clubs with brutally honest analysis: Manly Sea Eagles, Sydney Roosters, Gold Coast Titans, and the Warriors. The episode blends footy IQ with candid opinion as the hosts assess roster strength, injury risks, coaching pressure, and mental edge, while also serving up SuperCoach tips and ladder predictions.

Manly come under heavy fire, with serious concerns raised around forward depth, hooker options, and Tom Trbojevic’s durability, leading to bold wooden spoon predictions if injuries strike. In contrast, the Roosters are praised for their elite spine, youth development, and Trent Robinson’s man-management, with both hosts tipping them as genuine premiership contenders despite potential early-season teething issues. The Titans segment highlights systemic problems in pathways and recruitment, placing massive responsibility on Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and Jayden Campbell to carry a rebuilding squad, while questioning whether raw talent alone can overcome structural instability.


Throughout the episode, listeners get practical SuperCoach insights, Origin smokies, underrated players to watch, and a deep dive into the psychological side of team performance. It’s a must-listen for NRL fans who want more than surface-level previews, delivering straight talk, strategic breakdowns, and preseason predictions with zero fluff.


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.