Approaching the final stretch

5 Live Rugby League

Dave Woods is joined by ex-England half-back Kevin Brown and former Leeds Rhinos head coach Richard Agar, who will be assisting Samoa at the forthcoming World Cup. They discuss the strength of England’s first opponents and the news that NRL sensation Victor Radley has made himself available to Shaun Wane’s side. Plus, in the battle to avoid relegation, who will beat the drop; can anyone stop St Helens; and why are there seemingly so many more injuries and tries in Super League this season?

TOPICS 02:45 The panel discuss the announcement that NRL star Victor Radley has made himself available to play for England at the World Cup. 08:40 Richard, who will assist Samoa at the tournament, lays out the potential frightening strength of England’s first opponents. 13:10 Should Jackson Hastings, a former Man of Steel now in the NRL with West Tigers, be part of the England World Cup squad? 15:45 The Tigers are now coached by 71 year-old Tim Sheens, while Wayne Bennett, a year older, is also still coaching. 18:00 Richard and Kevin say it’s a two-horse race in the battle to avoid relegation from Super League, with Toulouse the favourites to avoid the drop. 23:00 How good is this current St Helens side? 27:25 Would they be able to not only compete, but challenge in the NRL? 30:30 Are players suffering more injuries in Super League this season? 35:45 And is there a suspicion players are feigning injury on the field to gain penalties? 42:00 Following Bevan French’s Super League record-breaking seven tries against Hull FC, are we witnessing more attacking play this year?