Episode 29 - This is our Mad Monday

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The NRL season over, this week we deliver you an extended tasty morsel, including:

• Season Summary - Pedro was Nostrdamus like in his predictions and cocky in his winning ways.  Some thing's however cannot be predicted; the rise of Everingham, bandwagons good and bad, life lessons at Leichhardt Oval and the rise of evil Gyngell.

• Shout out to Kingy - All year we wanted you to be inside our podcast. Surely with your time off during the offseason you can make contact? Or do we have to move on to a better, sexier player?(Pedro can not move on and there's no one sexier)

• Just Another Mad Monday - It's in the news again (only because the news is opiate for the masses...off point). After discussing past events we propose better alternatives for the future. There's two trains of thought. REWARD: douchey festival, international waters, disguise in white face. PUNISHMENT:  Community service; counting seats, working bees and museum guides.

• UNIMMORTAL- There can only be one and after much deliberation, blood and tooheys old spilt...you'll have to listen in for the winner. (We can't give all the answers away)

• How to get through the off season - We know it's a struggle but make the following things your methadone to kick your NRL addition; international Rugby League, video games, YouTube highlights, wearing footy shorts at the beach, listening to copious League by the Fireplace back episodes.

Thanks all for listening. We will be back in 2013 with new audio content and will be still on the Twitter and Facebook in the meantime. You can also email us at leaguebythefireplace@gmail.com
If you enjoyed the show, it'd be great it you could rate us on iTunes. While you're there you should subscribe, so that when new stuff comes out you get it automatically. Much love from the Log Cabin, Pedro and Lobby.

Enjoy.

Episode 28 - NRL GF Live from the Log Cabin Summer House

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This week, we recorded live at the Log Cabin's summer retreat on Grand Final day. Besides between game bullshit, we discuss:

• Grand Final Memories - Remember that thing about that player of something who did a thing. Yeah same, it was great.

• Retiree Tributes -A piss poor tribute before we can forget about these guys for a while

• The Real Immortal - Joey Johns will literally live forever...magic soul Tupac style.

• Alternative Ideas for the NRL Trophy - an update for the future, feat: head stomping and .gifs

•  Alternative Grand Final Entertainment - everyone complains anyway, so we tried to lower the standards, feat; rocket man, Chuck the Police Dog and player pantomines. We also throw out some ideas for better merchandise.

Amazingly one of our GF predictions was correct. Listen to find out which one.
PS. This is not the end! Still more episodes to come. Follow us on these channels to ensure you don't miss a second of this sensual journey; Twitter, Facebook, iTunes. Email in with your feedback to leaguebythefireplace@gmail.com

Enjoy

Episode 27 - NRL Grand Final Weak

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As the countdown to the big one begins, we discuss:

• Getting on the Bandwagon - It’s obvious who Pedro is going for in the main game but we have observed people getting on the bandwagon of different comps (under 20's, NSW Cup). Watch out for minor comp know it alls at your grand final parties.

• Coach Profiles - We dissect some of the quirkier aspects of our grand final coaching combatants. From making school kids do laps of the classroom to coaching in Wagga Wagga and a shared feeling of being a “utility”

• Stuff to get rid of - There's outrage over obvious things like BOTD and wrestling, but we suggest a few things that would be better to get rid of such as the half time break, no crowd vs lots of crowd, trainers and interchange. NOTE : any changes must be approved by David Gyngell.

• International News - USA Focus. After defeating the Canucks in a future "origin type battle" we focus on the domestic comp; superstars like Daniel wagon and great teams like the “Fight”.

The excitement is only just beginning so make sure to follow us in all arms of our podcasting empire. Follow us on Twitter for GF day updates, Facebook for ROFL-Coptor photos or leaguebythefireplace@gmail.com for awkward correspondence. We reply to every email with the veracity of a amphetamine addled Hunter S. Thompson. Reciprocate some love by rating us on iTunes. 

Enjoy.

Episode 26 - Going Down...To NRL Town

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Strap yourself in (seatbelt kickbacks) for:

• Raiders vs the Storm - We reflect on our teams seasons so far and ask what can stop the Storm; Ryles, Molly Meldrum or someone being asked to guess “Kostjasyn” in Wheel of Fortune.

• International Rugby League Update - Recently announced games include Italia vs Fiji featuring Gert Peens and Philippines vs Thailand featuring multiple brothers. Clint Newton also announced as Captain America. 

• "Salary Cap Cops” - We awake Ian Schubert from his tropical holiday slumber to look into more suspect post career jobs and players selling out their kids.

• Coaching Audition - Upon seeing a classified ad to be a Queensland Cup coach we decide to put in an audio resume.

Follow your heart and get in contact with us. Our email is leaguebythefireplace@gmail.com, follow us on Twitter and Facebook. Give us a rating/comment on iTunes. Godspeed.

Enjoy.

Episode 25 - You Beauty and the Beast

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This week, listeners are treated to a guest co-host: THE BEAST! Supplemented with Pre-records, we discuss:

• Introducing The Beast - We have a chat to Beast & talk about his fat necked Souths supporting Dad, how he got on the Souths Bandwagon & his like of the Biff at suburban grounds.
• Lobbys Telegram - Lobby sent us some correspondence from abroad. It was all in Italian, so lucky Beast was here, as he is fluent 67 Languages.
• Player Resumes - Or Curriculum Vitae's to pomp deush-bags. We talk about one sentence cover letters, Ben Barba's video resume & Freelance players. This segment sponsored by the Broncos Retired Football Players Association.
• Will It Ever Happen - We take the Delorian so far into the future the Flux Capacitor nearly carks it. Cyborg Sonny-Bill Williams will save us all!

Without inbuilt computers in our brain, we are forced to communicate with each other via email (leaguebythefireplace@gmail), Twitter or Facebook. Download the podcast from iTunes using your iPhone, which is basically your brain.

Enjoy.

Episode 24 - A Lonely ol' Log Cabin

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While Lobbys away, Pedro continues to play. Pre-records a-plenty!:

• Dally M - We were foresightful in our discussions of the Dally M. We state who we think should win the current categories. We also suggest some additional categories & state why playing in certain positions will never reap you Dally M love.
• Concussion - Its a big problem in todays game now that we've seen the effects it has had on Geoff  Toovey. But this is the modern game, so we need to update our cognitive testing - League By The Fireplace style!
• Mongrels - Every Team needs one to protect their Non-Mongrels. We also point out the difference between a Mongrel & a Grub. We then point out the difference between a Grub & the creature at the bottom of tequila bottles.
• NRL TV Content - Under the new TV deal, Channel 9 has to come up with 10 more hours of content. We suggest extrapolating current shows to fill the content & some new ideas that could work (or fail... this is Channel Nine after all). "Thats the Gyngell waaaaaaay".

Pedro is lonely, so send him an email: leaguebythefireplace@gmail.com. Also hit him up on Facebook, Twitter. Y'all also need to rate us on iTunes to stave off his crippling depression.

Enjoy

Episode 23 - NRL Podcast Air Jordan

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This Weeeeeeeek:

• Getting on the Bandwagon/Spoonwagon - The Eels are now confirmed for the spoon, so they decide the are in need of a venue upgrade and fake arse cheeks. We also apologise for cursing the Sharkies.
• Coaches; Fwds vs Bks - Who makes the better coach the brain or the braun. We extrapolate statistics to prove a point and recommend Petero Civoneciva move to the wing.
• Conspiracy Theories - Mini got off to play his 250; Gyngell made sure of it and the Raiders were complicit. Blood bonds were made.
• Raiders vs the Storm - Both in the finals (probably), Dan Brown is in the wings taking notes on numerical sequences and Lobby is conflicted on cheering the Storm.
• Semi-Final Alternatives - No finals system is perfect, just ask Mr McIntyre. we want a finals system named after us and we don’t care if it’s not fair.
• FANMAIL - Our egos are stroked an some shirts are in the mail. (feat. some “dickhead” from Tuggers and a Katy Perry karaoke session)

Send your love / hate to leaguebythefireplace@gmail.com, hit us up on Facebook or Twitter and virtually make love to us by rating us on iTunes.

Enjoy.

Episode 22 - Don’t Call it a Callback

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After a longer than normal intro:

• TV Rights - So it looks like Ray Warren will continue into senility, we won’t get any expansion and David Gyngell is a massive Karmichael Hunt.

• Millionaires - Rich owners can only take losing so much money (especially when they miss a shipment of horse 'roids). We suggest some ways that they can recoup their losses by making their clubs work for them.

• Prime Ministers VIII - The PM doesn’t pick the team, but maybe they should...to score political points or score a trip to PNG

• UNIMMORTAL - Alan Tongue. Former tackling machine, PM VIII and Country Origin Rep and struggling US property investor. LEGEND.

We have a shirt to give away! The best email this week will receive this treasured T-shirt & be the envy of the podcast world, so send your textual entry to leaguebythefireplace@gmail.com. Also show us some love on Twitter, Facebook and iTunes. 

Enjoy.

Episode 21 - NRL Podcastus Interruptus

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This week:

• Raiders vs the Storm - Pedro thinks the top 8 is set. Lobby thinks this is a contradiction, because the Storm would have to lose to hinder the Raiders chances. Confusing? Refer to Pedro’s futuristic banner.

• “The Bible” aka NRL Operations Manual - Some have sinned and must be condemned to hell. If you are suspended you cannot make media appearances. Who has broken this cardinal sin?

• Getting on the Bandwagon aka now Spoonwagon - Woodenware unwanted. Pedro says Eels, Lobby Roosters. Wrong structure for Haiku?

• Salary Cap Cops - At first we told Ian Schubert how to “catch em all” but now we wanna create more work for him by telling teams how to flaunt the cap. This segment brought to you by Quibids.

• Themed Rounds - We think there’s too many. Not wanting to downplay the better themes, we suggest our own bullshit including; man vs beast, diseases round, white doodz and shit jerseys.

If you would like to contact us (including representatives for Tooheys Old) email at leaguebythefireplace@gmail.com, Twitter or Facebook. Also love us on iTunes.

Enjoy.

Episode 20 - Like A Fine NRL Wine

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With a new found maturity we discuss:

• NSW Coaching Options - No one is putting their hand up for the vacant Blues coaching role so we put forward some options: one passive, one aggressive, one gladiatorial.

• Conspiracy Theories - Do the men in pink have preconceived notions, and is it them and not the salary cap keeping the comp so close?

• Alternate Punishments for Coaches - Who pays the coaches fines? We suggest they not be fiscally punished but made to do other tasks; being the refs slave for a day and coaching from the car park are just some.

• Getting on the Bandwagon - It’s a three-way (no pun intended) race for the spoon. With the battle of the spoon coming up who will win this glorious piece of wooden ware?

• Hotel Canberra-fornia - The Raiders stayed at a hotel in their hometown..and it worked! But why? Was it lack of jism and video games or in future do they have to make their homes more hotel like?

• Shout Out to Kingy - Our formerly hariy friend is too busy “playing football” so we might not be able to get him on the show until post season. Unless you guys have any ideas...

So if you have any Kingy bait ideas, songs you want us to butcher in the countdown or obscure NRL ramblings you don’t feel are getting enough big-ups, shoot us an email at leaguebythefireplace@gmail.com, hit us up on Twitter, Facebook or iTunes. We’re off to have some cognac and cheesymite singles..

Enjoy.

Episode 19 - Rugby League Olympics

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This week:

• Getting on the bandwagon - The Eels are playing better without a coach, perhaps ruining our spoon prediction. Stay tuned in 2 weeks for the "battle of the spoon”.

• NRL and the Olympics - Channel 9 are feeding Rabs amnesia pills for the swimming coverage, and we’ve found out he’s better at calling Slavic names than Polynesian league players. Also, which NRL players should be competing in the games?

• “The Bible” aka NRL Operations Manual - The NRL are often cheap bastards, providing limited equipment and prize money.

• “No Comment” - The annual Rugby League week players poll is out and we think if players can cop out by answering no comment, they may as well ask some more revealing questions.

• Where are they now? - Matt Seers, great 1990’s fullback for the North Sydney Bears. With limited info on wikipedia, we are left with no option but to Facebook stalk him a little.

While you desperadoes are adding Matt Seers, you may as well like us too on Facebook. He doesn’t have Twitter but we do. Any feedback/feedforward can also be sent to leaguebythefireplace@gmail.com and if you give us a good rating on iTunes you can come to Neeves’s birthday.

Enjoy.

Episode 18 - Legal NRL Podcasting Age

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• Getting on the bandwagon - Souths supporters are coming out of the woodwork in droves. That’s good enough reason not to get on their bandwagon and to be cynical about bandwagons in general. We decide to start a spoon-wagon.

• Punishment during suspension - Some players treat suspension as a holiday, so we discuss alternative arrangements during their enforced NRL layoff (sign lots of merch, cheerlead, become club bitch)

• The Whipping Horse; Jamie Soward - Doesn’t shake hands, kicks from 20 metres behind the defensive line and hates people that “have never pulled a boot on in their life”. Hi Jamie!

• Super League - We are uneducated in the UK Super League and asked for suggestions on who we should follow. Next best option = Altavista internet search.

• Dancing in the NRL -Fit blokes love dancing before, during and after the game. Should we sanction some pre All Stars game crunk?

Suggestions/feedback always welcome. Email at leaguebythefireplace@gmail.com. Follow us on Facebook or Twitter. E-Hug us by rating at iTunes. Should we buy a lotto ticket..good odds?

Enjoy.

Episode 17 - Let Me Blow Your NRL Mind

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In honour of Rivalry Round, this weeks podcast will be up against silence, our fiercest rival. This week we discuss:

• Salary Cap Cops - Wake up Schubert! Luke Lewis has a choice of clubs; the winner will be the one who can offer the best post career “training” (read: holiday)

• Jersey Talk - No, no the US state, but the shirts the players wear. Changing colours and names on back are just a few of the salient points.

• “The Bible” aka NRL Operations Manual - The real bible gets all medical about circumcision etc, we so get medical with the NRL Bible (includes spitting, stitching and rectal temperatures)

• All Star Weekend - With an upgrade to the All Star venue, we contemplate ways to put bums on seats and add to the festivities including tricks, gladiatorial mascots and hernia inducing strongmen challenges.

Go to iTunes and rate us (or verbally rape us) it’s all good. Email us at leaguebythefireplace@gmail.com. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook. We could use all the support we can whilst our butler Neeves is fighting alcoholism. So okay, we make him drunkenly dance for our amusement, but it’s only partially our fault. He has some real “daddy” issues.

Enjoy.

Episode 16 - Cherry Poppin NRL Sweet Sixteen

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We put on our prettiest dress to discuss the following:

• Raiders vs the Storm - We finally face off; Lobby vs Pedro, Cage vs Travolta. Face off, get it?

• Death of Rabs - Time for us to tear down another one of the greats. Ray Warren is potentially blind, senile and only travels via the Titanic, but when will he be put to pasture?

• “The Bible” aka NRL Operations Manual - We dissect this holy document so you don’t have to. It has the potential to kill off all our hypotheticals, but also clarify a few things like kicking sand, gloves and big milkies.

• Support Staff - Trainers are in the news for their involvement but we postulate that ball boys and cheerleaders can have just as big an impact for their NRL team.

• Shout Out to Kingy - A glimmer of hope from Twitter...are we getting closer to the enigma that is Matt King?

If anyone has bought Ray Hadley’s mix cd, please do not get in contact. For all you other people whose souls are still intact, email us on leaguebythefireplace@gmail.com, hit us up on Twitter, Facebook or give us a rating on iTunes.

Enjoy.

Episode 15 -For Zero, For Free

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On this EOFY NRL Special we discuss:

• Why Are St. George Rubbish? - The experts say it’s their poor attack; we think more obtusely i.e. shit chins, shit haircuts, not enough respect for head bandage and shoddy stadium design.

• Raiders vs the Storm - the 1st official clash since we have started broadcasting between Lobby’s Green Machine and Pedro’s Purple Machine Synonyms. Live tweet to come #raidersvsthestorm Holding hands in Love and Hate. 

• The NRL and the Internet - Are we the only one’s to have ever watched and illegal NRL stream?  For no kickbacks, we suggest they gotta get more official with that. In other interweb talks; forums, comment sections and the rise of the NRL Nerd/amateur statisticians.

• Conversions - In most games you see conversions...unless you treat them as a piss break. If kickers are getting too good, we suggest some things to change this up. This segment is dedicated to Jetty High PE teacher Mr. Crabb.

We’d like to hear about your view on these important issues. Also, send in your UNIMMORTAL noms & ideas for which Super League team we should follow. Email us on leaguebythefireplace@gmail.com, hit us up on Twitter, Facebook. Please rate or comment on iTunes, it helps pay for our butler Neeves and his unmentionable addictions.

Enjoy.

Episode 14 - The Bench Utility

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A versatile episode from the self proclaimed “NRL Podcast of the Century”

• ORIGIN - Our favourite Morris twins are getting all GATTACA on Origin. What will their jerseys say, who will present them and can teammates tell the difference between the two? Also, can Bellamy choose state over Storm? How big can a squad get? We also discuss what we’re going to if NSW win or lose.

• Retirement Rituals - Celebrity goal kicks, players crying and last hit-ups are some of the things we discuss about soon to be NRL has beens.

• Maverick Coaches -Brian Smith consumes at least 95% of our every waking thoughts. He’s an amateur psychologist obsessed with texting; a true inspiration for all those budding sociopaths out there. Matt Elliot may also be crazy...or a genius...or a crazy genius.

• Equipment - Head Gear; does it have a real or only perceived benefit and will it one day go the way of the shoulder pads? Also, how much do your balls weigh. This segment is sponsored by “Consumerist Man”.

• Shout out to Kingy - We have a new Matt King to focus on. This one was given Queen Lizzy’s seal of approval, is a Pommy rugby league player and was probably not a former garbo. Fight to the death Matt King’s...Fight for our affection!

If you are reading this you probably have access to the world wide web. Please get in contact with us via the following interconnected virtual highway channels. Dial up modems ahoy! leaguebythefireplace@gmail.com, Twitter, Facebook or feedback us up/rate the shit out of us on iTunes

Enjoy.

Episode 13 - The Starting Lineup

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Unlucky for some, a baker’s dozen for others.

• Mid Season Transfers - We pontificate if they should be illegal. should squad depth be rewarded and should your ability to recruit non NRL players for $1 be taken into account.

• Conspiracy Theories - Lobly and Pedroski investigate NRL cover-ups. Is Dave Taylor on the take in Origin, simply shit or afraid of jizz in his Gatorade?

• Lowly Sponsors - What is the cost vs benefit of being a very minor sponsor. Are there any kickbacks (free tickets, player access etc)? How can League by the Fireplace get in on the action?

• Shout out to Kingy - (read above) We are considering sponsoring Souffs/Norffs to get some Kingy access.

• Post NRL Careers - Not every former player can go into the media or football related work. Some may have to judge reality TV, have a t-shirt line or model baggy Lowes clothes.

• Help us Choose a Super League Team - We have no bones in admitting we know very little about the UK Super League. Put forward an argument for a team we should follow taking into account geography, philosophy and topography.

• World Club Challenge - We put forward a few ideas to put a bit of polish of the oft neglected trophy of world rugby league. More teams, different scheduling and Vegas cocktail waitresses are just a few points.

Your feedback brings joy and warmth into the log cabin. Neeves loves hearing the sound of a fresh inbox entry (that’s what she said?). So hit us up at leaguebythefireplace@gmail.com, Twitter, Facebook or iTunes. We also have a new Youtube Channel.

Enjoy.

Robbie Kearns

Another video up on Youtube. You can subscribe/comment if you wish. Enjoy.

Episode 12 - Dirty NRL Dozen

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• Steal that Player (aka potential league converts) - Izzy and KHunt left us for fumbleball, but we stole Barich! What other sports can we raid to help potential expansion?

• Funny Does Not Necessarily Equal Good - Personality Players; Beau does not know Origin. We implore the NSW selectors to stop picking quirky characters and start picking more humourless drones.

• Our Suggestions for Improving NRL during Origin - drop anyone who has ever played rep football, play extra games at ridiculous hours, make young guys play with old guys (including UNIMMORTALS).

• Our Expansion - We suggest a few new potential teams; the Coffs Harbour Beachy Peachys and the More Norther Queensland Cairns’ Cans.

• UNIMMORTAL - Amos Roberts...nuff said. Too many tries to never play rep footy. No jokes, just amazement.

Suggest your own UNIMMORTAL, refute our flimsy arguments or re-affirm our miserable existence at leaguebythefireplace@gmail.com, Twitter, Facebook or iTunes.

Enjoy.

Episode 11 - NRL CEO Audition

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• Gallop Away - The four eyed silver fox hath relinquished. We reminisce on his reign and suggest some worthy successors...including ours truly. 

• Review of Predictions - Halfway into the regular NRL season we revisit our guesses on the premiers and spooners. Are we still confident or is a redaction needed?

• Jumping on the Bandwagon - Lobby’s spoon prediction the Titans are still going strong. They earnt some confidence by beating the bye, not by cooking baked beans on an open campfire.

• Loyalty - Is it ok to boo your own team? Are fans more loyal than players? How can NRL journeymen afford the change of jerseys for their young children...Hunter Mariners gear can’t be cheap.

• Raiders vs the Storm - Lobby thinks the Storms sponsor could look better on their jersey whereas Pedro think the Raiders are shit and no one wants to attend their pathetic games.

• 14th Man - The benches (like the NRL refs) need more respect; an award perhaps. Give the kids something to aspire to. 

• Shout out to Kingy - The pure specimen is out injured for 4-6 weeks. Enough time to appear on a certain podcast (cough cough)

Look us up on iTunes. Or Check us out on our new Youtube Channel. We also have Twitter, Facebook. & an email (leaguebythefireplace@gmail.com) that we’d like to hear from you on, be you Matt King or some other mere mortal.

Enjoy.

Hey Guys - We now have a Youtube channel

Episode 10 - The Tooth In Your Perineum

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Our personal butler Neeves opens the door to the log cabin and welcomes you to this weeks episode.

• Fanmail - Last week we asked what would it take to bail on a team and Jick has forwarded an answer. From following the Bears and then moving onto the Sharks, this gentlemen is obviously a glutton for punishment.

• Raiders vs the Storm - The boys agree on something; they would NEVER like their two teams to merge. A bad colour scheme, Dave Furner as coach and being based out of Albury-Wodonga are just some reasons it is bound for failure.

• Weird Injuries - Poor Adrian Purtell’s heart was bigger than his body gave him credit for. The following are also dangers to NRL players; trampolines, backyard BBQ’s, stray teeth, washing dogs and dressing as a ninja.

• Jumping on the Bandwagon - John Cartwright has been cranking our podcast to motivate his troops. Wayne Bennett on the other hand has merely been teaching players air traffic control skills.

• Former Players as Refs - We discuss the pros and cons of former NRL players donning the pink. Jaded partners, bites on the perineum, journeymen having less bias and concussion are just some aspects.

• Shout out to Kingy - Still no reply from our emails, rudely from South Sydney. How do the Footy Show do it? We find out Kingy is cutting his hair and hold onto the slight hope it may have a Samson effect and he’ll be easier to contact at his new club North Sydney.

Electronic mail is all the rage these days, and as much as we’d never like to see hard post disappear, we encourage you to write to us at leaguebythefireplace@gmail.com, contact us through Facebook, Twitter or leave some feedback on iTunes. We recommend Cognac or Tooheys Old as a listening companion to this podcast (kickbacks)

Enjoy

BONUS - Origin Extra Special Happy Time Number 1

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Welcome to our first ever State of Origin special. We set up the mics and invited some special guests over to the Log Cabin (a lot of them didn’t make it, eaten by wolves..but thats another story) to watch the greatest sporting spectacle on Earth. Fueled by biltong and pure emotion, listen in as this special event was documented for the history books.

If you have any biltong recipes, are a gloating Queenslander or are a New South Welshmen who needs therapy you can get in contact at leaguebythefireplace@gmail.com, Facebook, Twitter or on iTunes. If this is your first time listening, you can download any of the previous episodes as we try no to date them too much!

Enjoy

Episode 9 - We Are Grassroots

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This week we discuss:

• Manu Vatuvei - Manu is to NRL as Shawn Bradley is to NBA? Is he a game breaker, average or simply shit? Pedro brings some stats forward to argue the latter (with no help from David Middleton). If you were a coach would you put your life on the line for him?

• UNIMMORTAL - Another user submitted entry...North Sydney great Mark Soden. No grand final wins (we mentioned he played for Norths right?) and no origins. In fact his final winning percentage is tear-jerking. He can wash the shit out of a dog (literally) but he has not yet garnered a wiki page. With a 50% goal kicking rate, “he’ll wash dogs forever!”

• Bail on your team - What would it take for you to get over your team? Internet heroes are quick to abandon but so far alcoholism, canine sex and salary cap cheating have not been enough

• Shout out to Kingy - Still in pursuit of the one who is hirsute. Twitter, Facebook and emails to management have failed so we thought an email to his NRL club Souths might work. We appeal to their own thoughts of forward thinking, community spirit an player welfare.

• "Salary Cap Cops” - We implore Schubert to look into “the accommodation scandal”. Super league players being bribed with waterfront South Coast mansions. Nuff said.

• Appropriate sponsors - With the Sharks now being sponsored by ‘Sharks’ we discuss potential matching sponsors for other clubs

Please do not email any more suggestion about appropriate sponsors. If you would like to comment on other league matters, have bailed on a team previously or have a nomination for UNIMMORTAL, get in contact on leaguebythefireplace@gmail.com or hit us up on Facebook, Twitter or iTunes. Do you think a dog washer would wash a siamese twin?

Enjoy.

Episode 8 - Open the Origin Flood G8's

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This week on Origin eve:

• Origin Talk - Is the QLD spirit really Darren Lockyer distilled into a bottle? We put on our Hawaiian shirts and cue up to discover. In other news, we are not happy with the person running the Bronco’s twitter feed and their lack of respect for Mick “Staple Head” Devere. Eligibility rules are also at the forefront as we put forward a few novel ideas to end the age old arguments.

• Jumping on the Bandwagon - Multiple NRL bandwagons have bitten the dust like Wile E. Coyote at the bottom of a canyon. We’ve decided to jump aboard the Titans. Who they play next week...we don’t really know.

• UNIMMORTAL - Wayne Bennett’s lovechild Scott Minto..nuff said. True NRL (kinda) great.

• Raiders vs the Storm - Pedro talks about the Raiders non-existent defence and Lobby has to delve into the recent history books to come up with a flimsy argument.

• Refs as personalities - We encourage NRL refs to show more love for the game in the hope of getting some quality new recruits. We don’t discriminate...they can own a giant plasma or a 34cm Teac. They better practice up on the art of magic though.

• Fanmail - Nathan got a bit sticky over vaseline tactics that he wanted us to discuss

Whether you drink XXXX Gold or something else that is actually mildly potable, we’d love to hear from you. Also, if you know of a spirit distilled in NSW you can drop us an email at leaguebythefireplace@gmail.com, hit us up on Facebook, Twitter or on iTunes.

Enjoy.

Episode 7 - 7th Heaven

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“7th heaven..when I see their happy faces smilin' back at me!!”"

This week:

• Shout out to Kingy - With no reply from Blake Ferguson on Twitter we decide to go “old school” and email Matt Kings management company. If we get any more old school we might eventually send a telegram.
• Jumping on the bandwagon - The Sharkies have lost so we have quickly disembarked the moving bandwagon. Pedro wants to jump straight aboard a new one but Lobby is a little hesitant...once bitten twice shy.
• Fanmail!!! - Jimi_Hendrix brings up some great points about our great game, including an NRL phenomenon he has dubbed “the Passing Prop”. He also nominates an...
• UNIMMORTAL - Lance Thompson, as red as you can get. This rudolph rednose son of a gun is a deserving nom' as he truly exemplifies averageness; cusp of rep selection, no grandiose finish and not one to back away from a “sword-fight”. 
• Low Percentage Plays - We live for this shit...the coach killing, heart in the mouth stuff that is borderline crazy genuis. Ankle taps and gridiron passes within. We also attempt to educate; “the optional restart”, sit back and learn bitches. (feat Brian Smith via Jim Henson’s Muppets)
• “Salary Cap Cops” - Former players getting cushy jobs. Ian Schubert (supposed NRL salary cap auditor) thinks a few days work two years ago is sufficient. We don’t. Get out there and crack some skulls Mr. Schubert!!! (especially of unqualified junior coaches and baristas)

As usual you can contact us through Facebook, Twitter or at leaguebythefireplace@gmail.com. Rate us on iTunes (bad or good!). Throw 20 cents into the hat of the next long haired hobo siamese twin you see.

Enjoy

Episode 6 - The 5/8 is number 6. Wait...WHAT?

To Download Episode - CLICK HERE

We’re a bit late on the power band craze, but this week we decided to wear them whilst recording to see if they enhanced our performance. You be the judge:

• Unimmortal - After discovering Luke Patton is ineligible, we cast our first nomination....Simon “The Germ” Woolford. Retired, no grand final wins, no representative football and fired from his job at Fox Sports; a tragically comic figure and not a shy guy either ;-)
• Fashion in Football - We get all Vogue upside your head. Firstly NRL haircuts; Corey “Silver Fox” Parker, corn rows, David “Grown out Horsehoe” Barnhill and head strapping are just a few. We also debate socks up vs socks down and discuss whether players should have the right to be super tuff and remove their sleeves.
• Jumping on the Bandwagon - Lobby is conflicted as his beloved Raiders are trounced by the fast moving Sharkies bandwagon. A newfound respect is made for some of the Sharks lesser lights. Pomeroy for Origin?
• One on One Rivalries - We yearn for the days of the classic rivalry of Harragon vs Spud Carroll. The bar is set high for the few current NRL rivalries (mostly revolving around Ennis). We also suggest some potential new rivalries including Polar Bears and mascots.
• Home Ground Advantage - We pontificate on the various factors that can give a team the edge while playing at home, be they ambient, innate or simulated. We know about the Storms short in goal, the heat in Townsville and the Raiders big milky goal pads but we put forward some suggestion that we think will help. Pack your Aeroguard.
• Shout out to Kingy - *Warning; this segment contains loud and explicit language* Ok, well just one swear, but you can hear the frustration is Pedro’s voice. We decide our next step to contact Kingy will be through enigmatic winger and prolific twitterer Blake Ferguson who become BFF’s with Kingy in Country Origin camp. We might have to send some noodz though. We’re coming for you Blakey!

Get in contact through Facebook, iTunes, Twitter or our email (leaguebythefireplace@gmail.com), & put forward a nomination for an Unimmortal. Or share us round with your friends like you would a video of a dog riding a skateboard.

Episode 5 - Addendum Hour

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It’s episode 5, which is also the name of a great 90’s boy band (they spelt it 5ive). We’d like to think we are the 5ive of the NRL podcasting world.


This week:

• The Penny Panthers - After being held to nil 2 weeks in a row, we implore the OAK Choccy Milk Moustache Pantheros to show some pride. Do it for Girds for godsake. Or is it just a symptom of the AFL sinkhole?
• Unimmortal - With so much talk about who should be the next Immortal, we have decided to give some coverage to the ‘kinda’ greats of the game. We’d like you to put forward your views and we'll tally up the suggestions over the year. To qualify to be an Unimmortal you must never have played represtative football (Origin or International) or have never won a grand final.
• Raiders vs the Storm - The Raiders are on a head on collision with our fast moving bandwagon...The Sharkies! Will Lobby abandon the bandwagon by jumping off and rolling in the dust like a sticky hand from a showbag?
• Family ties in the NRL - The Sims brothers have reminded us of the brotherly love in the NRL. There’s plenty of other examples (the Macdougalls, the Hoppas, Mathers Marshall) so we think we might have to call in Schubert and his Salary Cap Cops to make sure everything is legit with brothers at the same club.
• Park Footy - We made the best of the NRL free weekend and made our way to Henson Park, home of the Newtown Jets. There were NRL players on and off the field, constant flyovers by team mascots and we were even rewarded for our community service with VB tins.
• Shout out to Kingy - The silence is defeaning. We’ve been nothing but nice to you Matthew. We would not like to have to reach you through your manager, that’s a little too impersonal. Reach out to us, we’ve given the WhackitCrackit a lot of publicity.

Hit us up on Facebook, iTunes, leaguebythefireplace@gmail.com or on Twitter. Another option is to come over to us at the pub and shout us a turn on the NRL claw game.


Enjoy

Episode 4 - GET OVER HERE!

To Download Episode - CLICK HERE.

It's rep round and we're here to rep (razent).

We discuss:

• Representative weekend - heavy on Geography, we re-plot borders as we please and suggest some extra games for the NRL. On the international side we discuss potential new powerhouse nations. It's got Obama's seal of approval!
• Marketing 101 - either the AFL are marketing geniuses or the Carnival folk are conspiring against the NRL. We give Gallop and co a few ideas on how to market efficiently. There'll be free stuff in it for you...if you can catch from a shirt cannon.
• Coffs Harbour's 'Lustrious' NRL Links - we talk Doggies sex scandal, Russell Crowe's one winning team, Kevin Gordon and the turf war between Souffs and the Titans. Go the Jetty Gettysbourgs!
• Shout out to Kingy - Matthew King is a country gentlemen, mentor/inventor and general legend. Don't make us twitter Andrew Everingham. Once again we politely ask for your acquaintance Monsieur King.
• Sorry in Advance as we tear shreds into one of the legends of the game, Brett Kenny. From his choice in clothes to his insistence on concrete as a beauty product, we suggest this gentlemen get some new management. Pay heed or the Channel 9 bigwigs may have to cancel NRL all together!

As always, your feedback is appreciated (especially if you are the NRL offering us a paltry $10 a week to invest in a cough button). Hit us up on Facebook, Twitter, and rate us on iTunes or come up to us at the pub and shout us a Canadian Club and Vom-Vom. Pass it round like its about to burn your fingers. 3,2,1.

Enjoy.

Episode 3 - The Big Three

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They say "Third times a charm", but we say "Shlird flimes alarm" due to our inability to string together coherent sentences.

This Week we discuss the following:

• Pros & Cons of 5 Captains - In a Souths scrum, the majority of the players are captains. So does this cause them to bind in more tightly? Also, is there value in a Captain/Coach?
• Shout out to Kingy - Where for art thou Kingy? Please don't make us come to a Souths game & harass you.
• Long player contracts - Titans have a bunch of long contracts & look where it got them. Though how could you turn down 5 years of being a 'Toolie' at schoolies week.
• Flying under the radar - Should the Airforce enlist some of the teams in the NRL due to their inability to be detected?
• The players formerly known as 'The Big 3' - Lobby lobs a hypothetical bomb regarding Cameron, Billy & Cooper. Also, the official renaming of 'The Big 3'.
• Where are they now? - We did 46 hours of research to find out what the '97 Newcastle Knights team is up to these days. Did we say 46 hours? I meant 46 nanoseconds.

So, you can either mail our email (leaguebythefire@gmail.com), face our Facebook or twit our Twitter to get your opinions across. Did i Say opinions? I meant "Shlirflinions".

Enjoy.

Episode 2 - Log Cabin Broadcast System

To download episode - CLICK HERE

Welcome to our second episode. It goes equally as well with marshmallows and cognac or Tooheys OLD and biltong.

This week we discuss:

• Jumping on the bandwagon - We pick a team to temporarily adopt every couple of weeks. We might even sponsor them. This week its the....SHARKIES!!!
• Television commentators (especially ex-players) are easy to pick apart. It’s not so easy pronouncing words correctly in our own vague attempt at an audition. Has Darren Lockyer had throat surgery? Would you buy a shirt off Wally Lewis?
• Salary Cap Cops - The restaurant rorts continue and Ian Schubert continues to sit by idly. He could not be reached for comment on his hammock in the Cayman Islands
• The Next Step - In the quest for a competitive edge, whats the next evolution in the game to give teams that extra inch. Jerseys? Hobo gloves? Hairstyles?
• Specialist coaches - We think we’ve found an new job for former Bronco, Michael Hancock. We also discuss acting techniques on video ref calls.
• Raiders vs the Storm - Lobby rants about Cameron Smith, Pedro gets all Da Vinci code on the Raiders win-loss ratio.

As always, you can hit us up on our email (leaguebythefire@gmail.com) or Facebook or Twitter. Share it if you like it....Like the movie with that creepy Sixth Sense kid...”Pay it Forward”.

Enjoy

Episode 1 - In the beginning-ing-er

To Download Episode - CLICK HERE

So we are going to claim this as our first official episode. Sit back and prepare to get your belly full of poddy goodness.

This week we discuss:

• Leichhardt Oval - The sights, the smells and making friends for life in the beer queue
• “The Bellamy Effect” - A player leaves the Storm and their career goes down hill. Once they remove themselves from the glorious Bellamy teet, how long will they survive in the big bad wild of the NRL?
• Wrestling - Is it only the domain of those such as Hulk Hogan and fat Japanese blokes or is it a creative force in Rugby League? Does Barney Rubble play for South Sydney?
• Lobby has a gripe with the Bulldogs - They don’t want to go through the labour pains and subsequent stretch marks of “birthing” a premiership. Especially if it involes cross species lurve.
• Shout out to Kingy - Are you even listening to us Matt King? Don’t be shy, we can play some backyard cricket.
• Amateur Biology 101 - Do you ever hear mainstream football media get deep about science? Nature vs Nurture…the Morris twins. 
• Amateur Geography - If NSW didn’t exist, QLD would border Victoria. You deserve each other you scumbags. Is it too early for Origin talk?
• “Salary Cap Cops”  - Ian Schubert (supposed Salary Cap Auditor) has 7 day weekends, almost every weekend. We try and give this bludger some hints on how to do his job

As always, you can hit us up on our email (leaguebythefire@gmail.com) or Facebook or Twitter or just find us in the street & abuse us.

Enjoy

Episode PILOT - In the Beginning...

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Welcome to the Pilot episode of League by the Fireplace: An NRL Podcast. This was going to be a test run but, as there were many relevant & irreverent comments made (some hilarious, some hilariously offensive), we decided to put it up.

In this episode we discuss the following:

• Predictions 2012 - Premiers, wooden spooners, potential enemies, Dally M
• Raiders Vs The Storm - A chance for Lobby & Pedro to vent their frustrations with the aforementioned team with which they have no alliances.
• Justin Hodges - Enough said.
• Shout out to Kingy - Pedro really wants Matt King to come on the show. No seriously, its kinda creepy.
• Fantasy League - Its effect on players & its potential to become an issue with Ian Schubert: The NRL Auditor

Please email us (leaguebythefire@gmail.com) or hit us up on Facebook or Twitter with any comments, constructive / destructive critisism, and all other interesting anecdotes.

Enjoy

Damn organisation

We got sucked into the vortex of being vortex suckers (see below):

http://www.facebook.com/LeagueByTheFireplace
https://twitter.com/#!/leaguebythefire

This blog will probably be most important with each podcast posted here first!

Feed me

So the NRL season has begun. And soon as well as digesting the games every week you will have a tasty aperitif/digestif in the form of our podcast to make it all a little bit more special.

Locked away in our wood cabin, debating the merits of Souths having 5 captains we will soon serve up this feast of the aural senses. Delicious! (end metaphor)

Toasty, isn’t it?