#139: John Kear Tribute, Wigan Win the Challenge Cup and State of Origin Fallout

In this week’s episode of the League Express Podcast, Editor Martyn Sadler and Host Jake Kearnan pay tribute to BBC Pundit, Legendary Coach and League Express Podcast regular John Kear. 

They breakdown the Wigan Warriors winning their 22nd Challenge Cup, following a dominant 40-10 victory over Hull KR at Wembley. They discuss the standout performers from the final, including Jack Farrimond’s career-defining display, and analyse where it all went wrong for Hull KR on the biggest stage. The pair also debate the selection dilemma facing Matt Peet with Bevan French returning from injury, as well as the Sam Walters’ red card and whether the RFL should be concerned about the Challenge Cup Final attendance.

The episode also covers the opening match of the State of Origin series, with New South Wales defeating Queensland, and the controversy surrounding Kalyn Ponga’s sending off. Martyn and Jake discuss whether the decision was justified and what it could mean for the remainder of the series.

They also react to the shock news of NRL CEO Andrew Abdo’s resignation, discussing the implications for the game and what comes next for the negotiations between the two competitions.