Sportscafe

NRL Star Connor Watson reacts to the bombshell announcement that State of Origin is heading to Eden Park in Auckland, and debates what it means for the future of the series, along with the new eligibility changes that could reshape Origin. We also sit down with Australian cricket great Ian Healy, who gives his honest take on Australia’s World Cup disappointment and where things have gone wrong for the national side. Plus, there’s an incredible comeback story out of LIV Golf, Olympic drama, curling cheating controversy, viral sporting clips, and plenty of classic Sportscafe chaos along the way. Big sporting stories, big opinions, and zero chance of staying on track - as always.

Chris Lynn, Conor Watson and Tayla Montoya kick off the new year by catching up with co-producers Marc Ellis and Ric Salizzo to unpack what they’ve been up to over the break. Chris shares his cricketing hiccup in Malaysia, Conor reflects on tackling the Kokoda Track with the Roosters during pre-season, and Tayla shares what life looks like juggling newborn twins while her husband Marcelo gears up for another NRL campaign. We're joined by rugby league and union great Brad Thorn, who gives his honest take on why standards have dropped in modern professional sport. Plus: • Rating the latest viral, quirky sports taking over social media • Hot takes on fantasy sport and why it divides fans so hard • Plenty of laughs, tangents, and classic Sportscafe chaos The boys (and Tayla) are back. Welcome to Sportscafe in 2026. Get closer to the show by joining our Facebook Group here: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/17817MfEdg/ Timestamps: 0:00 Catching Up For the First Time in 2026 5:00 Conor’s Kokoda Walk with the Roosters 8:40 Brad Thorn Interview 13:00 Brad’s High Standards 20:11 Brad Thorn’s Favourite Athletes 23:25 Aussie Open Questions 27:45 20/20 Chances 31:15 Rating Viral Sports 35:40 NRL Pre-Season

Australia is firing on all cylinders this week - The Ashes drama, Supercars final, Formula 1 and more. In this episode, the crew unpack a massive weekend across cricket, motorsport, NRL, F1 and netball. We’re joined by Supercars driver Scott Pye and Ryan Wood, who help us preview the Adelaide 500 this weekend. Gretel Bueta also jumps in to explain the inaugural Fast5 netball tournament in Malaysia - and why the sport is changing fast. Plus: Travis Head’s monster Ashes innings Lynny knocking someone out (again) Connor's hilarious breath work story Tayla’s TikTok fame and car crash Subscribe so you never miss an episode! Join our Facebook Group to get closer to the show: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1AZtNJigiM/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

R360 and NRL signings is the new soap opera starring Payne Haas, Dale Cherry-Evans and Reece Walsh. Meanwhile… Marc Ellis checks in LIVE from a bar in Argentina wearing AirPods and attends a legendary Boca Juniors game to give his emotional report. The team also debate whether State of Origin is the best event in sport, revisit Marc getting the wrath of the Govt upon him , and find out why Tayla hates Oasis.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In our final show, we welcome a cast of legends: Zinzan Brooke, Lydia Ko, Shane van Gisbergen, Mad Mike Whiddett, and Eva the Bulgarian for one last chaotic ride. We cover: Zinny’s career highlights, his first TAB ad, his kids' sporting prowess & thoughts on the All Blacks vs. France Lydia Ko reflects on her legendary career and the secret to her short game Shane van Gisbergen on cracking NASCAR and adjusting to life in the USA Mad Mike on drifting, addiction to fear, and his most dangerous stunts Eva the Bulgarian finally clears up her origin story - and why she doesn’t speak Bulgarian at home Plus: We remember Simon Wi Rutene's iconic Sportscafe interview, Marc's America's Cup controversy, and much, much more. Stay tuned for what's next from Sportscafe, but for now, enjoy the end of this era! 🎧 Listen or watch now — wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram: @sportscafemediaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With just a few shows to go, Marc's decided to escape to Argentina, we track him down and check in on his bizarre diet choices. Meanwhile, All Blacks legend Conrad Smith joins the crew to weigh in on TMOs, rugby’s direction, and whether the modern game has lost its way. Also in this episode: Seagulls, wingsuits and solving phone addiction Remembering Leigh at the Lions press conference in 2005 TAB picks, throwback to Sean Marks interview, and the return of “Legend of the Week” Watch now on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Sportscafe, we go deep inside the All Blacks camp with assistant coach Scott Hansen, who reveals their hidden tactics, emotional selection calls, and the process of naming the first squad of 2025. Then, Trent Boult joins the show to break down life in the IPL, the fast bowlers that scared him, and why he's backing cricket’s next big move into the US. Also in this episode:– Why Fabian Holland and Du’Plessis were selected for the All Blacks– Paul Gallen vs SBW debate– Parenting tactics using sliced cheese– The Human Cannonball and Ric's AI Doppelganger And more... Watch the episode on YouTube or listen in wherever you get podcasts!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This weekend we've got a Bonus Episode of John Kirwan and Victor Matfield brand new podcast "Rivals" - If you like what you hear, follow the podcast on your preferred podcast app: Rivals | iHeart Rivals | Podcast on Spotify Rivals - Podcast - Apple Podcasts In this episode of Rivals, Victor Matfield and Sir John Kirwan talk about the Bulls taking the win over the Sharks, JK gives his views on whether the Chiefs know how to get the job done at the back end of the season and JK and Victor debate whether France are ready to take the world cup out, or if they just don't want it. Irish legend Andrew Trimble joins us to talk about the Lions tour, and what Andy Farrell has planned for the Australians. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.