<![CDATA[The Sporting Fan‘s Podcast]]>https://sportingfan.podbean.comRiverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Sun, 08 Nov 2026 11:36:12 GMTTue, 25 Aug 2026 04:10:08 GMT60swestroppevansThis is a podcast where I speak to people involved in sports, from athletes, coaches, administrators and many moreepisodicswestroppevansthesportingfan@gmail.comno<![CDATA[Sam Walker contract situation]]>The Roosters have pulled their offer to Sam Walker. Apparently over a bit more money, with a year still left on his deal.👉 Comment: are the Roosters right, or too harsh?From what I'm hearing, terms were agreed and in writing. Then, just before signing, his manager asked for more. Apparently not a huge amount.My take: it's short-sighted.The reported offer was $1.2m a year, with ratchets up to $1.4m. Chasing an extra $100k could cost him more if:

  • He lands at a weaker club and loses his Origin spot
  • Third party deals dry up
  • He loses the post-football support the Roosters are known for

I've also said he needs to rein in the blow-ups on field. But he's an adult and it's his contract, so he has to own this one too.This is still developing, and I'm keen to hear where you land.Full breakdown on the Sporting Fan Podcast - link in bio 🔗Tag a Roosters fan who needs to see this.#SamWalker #Roosters #NRL #RugbyLeague #SportingFanPodcast

]]>50f45bc6-08c1-4704-a432-b05134efe638Tue, 27 Oct 2026 00:08:36 GMT<p>The Roosters have pulled their offer to Sam Walker. Apparently over a bit more money, with a year still left on his deal.👉 Comment: are the Roosters right, or too harsh?From what I'm hearing, terms were agreed and in writing. Then, just before signing, his manager asked for more. Apparently not a huge amount.My take: it's short-sighted.The reported offer was $1.2m a year, with ratchets up to $1.4m. Chasing an extra $100k could cost him more if:</p><ul><li>He lands at a weaker club and loses his Origin spot</li><li>Third party deals dry up</li><li>He loses the post-football support the Roosters are known for</li></ul><p>I've also said he needs to rein in the blow-ups on field. But he's an adult and it's his contract, so he has to own this one too.This is still developing, and I'm keen to hear where you land.Full breakdown on the Sporting Fan Podcast - link in bio 🔗Tag a Roosters fan who needs to see this.#SamWalker #Roosters #NRL #RugbyLeague #SportingFanPodcast</p>no00:30:22Sam Walker contract situationfull<![CDATA[Greatest athletes of all time]]>Who's the greatest of all time? Maybe that's the wrong question. 🏅Ranking athletes across eras and countries is tough. Instead, let's appreciate the incredible talent we've got. Australia has always been lucky to have strong athletes, especially in the pool, from freestyle to backstroke.Who's an Aussie athlete you love watching? Tell us below 👇 #AustralianSport #Athletes #AppreciateTheGreats

]]>1045c3e8-4a9c-4ad0-8661-c98c6d745e9cMon, 26 Oct 2026 22:17:47 GMT<p>Who's the greatest of all time? Maybe that's the wrong question. 🏅Ranking athletes across eras and countries is tough. Instead, let's appreciate the incredible talent we've got. Australia has always been lucky to have strong athletes, especially in the pool, from freestyle to backstroke.Who's an Aussie athlete you love watching? Tell us below 👇 #AustralianSport #Athletes #AppreciateTheGreats</p>no00:20:07Greatest athletes of all timefull<![CDATA[Australian support of the Rugby League World Cup]]>Australia doesn’t ignore the Rugby League World Cup because they hate rugby league.They ignore it because it doesn’t feel like theirs anymore. 👀For many Aussie fans, it comes down to three things: 🏉 Australia used to win by a mile, so matches often felt decided early. 🔥 State of Origin feels more intense and more meaningful. 🌍 Players can switch nations so easily that some fans question what representing a country means.That’s why some Australians find themselves cheering for Tonga, Samoa or New Zealand instead of their own team.Maybe the problem isn’t the fans. Maybe it’s the system.Do you think eligibility rules need a reset? Share your take in the comments.#rugbyleague #rugbyleagueworldcup #stateoforigin #sportspodcast #sportstalk

]]>a680a45b-5156-4999-aa81-0532e2eb2096Sat, 17 Oct 2026 09:54:00 GMT<p>Australia doesn’t ignore the Rugby League World Cup because they hate rugby league.They ignore it because it doesn’t feel like <i><em>theirs</em></i> anymore. 👀For many Aussie fans, it comes down to three things: 🏉 Australia used to win by a mile, so matches often felt decided early. 🔥 State of Origin feels more intense and more meaningful. 🌍 Players can switch nations so easily that some fans question what representing a country means.That’s why some Australians find themselves cheering for Tonga, Samoa or New Zealand instead of their own team.Maybe the problem isn’t the fans. Maybe it’s the system.Do you think eligibility rules need a reset? Share your take in the comments.#rugbyleague #rugbyleagueworldcup #stateoforigin #sportspodcast #sportstalk</p>no00:25:27Australian support of the Rugby League World Cupfull<![CDATA[NRL Grand final review]]>The Roosters had the stats. Newcastle had the fight. And in the end, the grand final came down to just one point. 🏉The Knights kept turning up when plenty of teams might have folded—and pushed the Roosters all the way to the final whistle.Was it a grand final for the ages, or should the Roosters have won by more? Drop your thoughts below 👇#TheSportingFanPodcast #NRL #RugbyLeague #GrandFinal #FootyTalk

]]>f0770a5a-552e-4b1b-b88a-e599c2c28534Mon, 05 Oct 2026 05:58:31 GMT<p>The Roosters had the stats. Newcastle had the fight. And in the end, the grand final came down to just one point. 🏉The Knights kept turning up when plenty of teams might have folded—and pushed the Roosters all the way to the final whistle.Was it a grand final for the ages, or should the Roosters have won by more? Drop your thoughts below 👇#TheSportingFanPodcast #NRL #RugbyLeague #GrandFinal #FootyTalk</p>no00:31:55NRL Grand final reviewfull<![CDATA[NRL Grand Final Preview]]>The NRL grand final could make history either way 👀If the Knights win, they’d be the first team outside the top four to claim the title since 1995. If the Roosters win, they’d do something no team has done after conceding 50 points in the regular season.The Roosters bring the experience. Newcastle bring the momentum. And after those dramatic prelims, this one feels anything but predictable.Who are you backing: Roosters or Knights? Drop your pick below ⬇️Hear the full grand final preview on The Sporting Fan podcast.#NRL #NRLGrandFinal #RugbyLeague #NRLFinals #SportingFan

]]>46efc632-4d66-4b34-a227-c717f1865f41Mon, 28 Sep 2026 08:06:29 GMT<p>The NRL grand final could make history either way 👀If the Knights win, they’d be the first team outside the top four to claim the title since 1995. If the Roosters win, they’d do something no team has done after conceding 50 points in the regular season.The Roosters bring the experience. Newcastle bring the momentum. And after those dramatic prelims, this one feels anything but predictable.Who are you backing: Roosters or Knights? Drop your pick below ⬇️Hear the full grand final preview on The Sporting Fan podcast.#NRL #NRLGrandFinal #RugbyLeague #NRLFinals #SportingFan</p>no00:24:15NRL Grand Final Previewfull<![CDATA[Jai Arrow's MND diagnosis]]>Today I talk about Jai Arrow's MND diagnosis, from Jai July, the Titans jersey and much more. Take a listen

]]>97462c08-7a45-4a76-ba8f-d35381f9c410Thu, 03 Sep 2026 01:02:36 GMT<p>Today I talk about Jai Arrow's MND diagnosis, from Jai July, the Titans jersey and much more. Take a listen</p>no00:13:48Jai Arrow's MND diagnosisfull<![CDATA[The Race to the NRL Finals]]>Its nearly finals time and today I am speaking about the race to the NRL finals

]]>a7b16f84-3d57-43dc-b106-bca2a208a370Tue, 25 Aug 2026 04:52:45 GMT<p>Its nearly finals time and today I am speaking about the race to the NRL finals</p>no00:31:58The Race to the NRL Finalsfull<![CDATA[Super Rugby expansion into Japan, USA and Canada]]>https://sportingfan.podbean.com/e/super-rugby-expansion-into-japan-usa-and-canada/sportingfan.podbean.com/d9bf9702-e4be-5490-9dcf-844368ba6361Sat, 22 Aug 2026 06:15:09 GMTSuper rugby is discussing potentially expanding into Japan and North America. Today I will discuss this. take a listenno00:33:51Super Rugby expansion into Japan, USA and Canadafull<![CDATA[players talking in the media]]>https://sportingfan.podbean.com/e/players-talking-in-the-media-1667713351/sportingfan.podbean.com/dabb07ad-ce59-5e19-b5e3-9fc6d378fbe6Sun, 06 Nov 2022 05:42:21 GMTtoday I speak about how players speak to the media. take a listenno00:43:02players talking in the mediafull<![CDATA[State of Origin]]>https://sportingfan.podbean.com/e/state-of-origin/sportingfan.podbean.com/6926c9ec-ec28-55ec-b4ed-ff67764384d3Wed, 08 Jun 2022 06:33:11 GMTToday I speak about State of Origin. It's the biggest game in Rugby League and it's back for another seriesno00:34:01State of Originfull<![CDATA[Rugby Australia]]>https://sportingfan.podbean.com/e/rugby-australia/sportingfan.podbean.com/0ea5386b-d306-5115-9436-259a097d444dSun, 30 Jul 2023 02:19:57 GMTtoday I speak about issues surrounding rugby Australia no00:34:05Rugby Australiafull<![CDATA[the sacking ok Kevin Proctor and the pride jersey of Manly]]>https://sportingfan.podbean.com/e/the-sacking-ok-kevin-proctor-and-the-pride-jersey-of-manly/sportingfan.podbean.com/6dcba77b-7ded-5a5e-a581-8357a3bae3caSun, 31 Jul 2022 06:08:36 GMTToday I speak about 2 big topics around the NRL, the sacking of Kevin Proctor and the pride jersey of Manly. Both controversial and sometimes careful, take a listenno00:44:11the sacking ok Kevin Proctor and the pride jersey of Manlyfull<![CDATA[Talking Rugby League with Nicholas Koutsoukis]]>Today I go one on one with my mate, Nick Koutsoukis, who played in Australian schoolboys, about rugby league

]]>https://sportingfan.podbean.com/e/talking-rugby-league-with-nicholas-koutsoukis/sportingfan.podbean.com/302fc945-c2e2-337e-9053-791860ec44e7Sun, 22 May 2022 05:56:55 GMT<p>Today I go one on one with my mate, Nick Koutsoukis, who played in Australian schoolboys, about rugby league</p> no01:04:5622Talking Rugby League with Nicholas Koutsoukisfull<![CDATA[NRL season 2023]]>https://sportingfan.podbean.com/e/nrl-season-2023/sportingfan.podbean.com/94950427-4bda-5078-a841-6f71b9212e8aSun, 06 Aug 2023 08:06:04 GMTToday I talk about the 2023 NRL season, take a listen no01:03:51NRL season 2023full<![CDATA[NRL 2023 season]]>https://sportingfan.podbean.com/e/nrl-2023-season/sportingfan.podbean.com/d11800b6-c049-59f6-836f-2fa5fceb75f8Sun, 26 Feb 2023 05:59:01 GMThi everyone. today I review the 2022 NRL season and preview the upcoming season no01:18:43NRL 2023 seasonfull<![CDATA[Rugby world cup]]>https://sportingfan.podbean.com/e/rugby-world-cup-1694929658/sportingfan.podbean.com/853b2b3d-9385-5a71-97d7-3bcd5d20cb9eSun, 17 Sep 2023 05:47:28 GMTtoday I talk about the rugby world cupno00:26:28Rugby world cupfull<![CDATA[The state of Super Rugby]]>https://sportingfan.podbean.com/e/the-state-of-super-rugby/sportingfan.podbean.com/3046f881-98b7-5c25-8e61-a4ea915475f8Fri, 24 Jun 2022 02:12:42 GMTToday I speak about the Super Rugby season, final and the direction that it is going. will Australia stay in the comp? Take a listenno00:40:14The state of Super Rugbyfull<![CDATA[Super Rugby review]]>https://sportingfan.podbean.com/e/super-rugby-review-1648100816/sportingfan.podbean.com/88b4b921-1008-5c03-b30f-413abeb5f5e1Thu, 24 Mar 2022 05:46:29 GMTToday I speak about the opening 5 rounds of the Super Rugby Season. I give my thoughts on each team and where I think they standno00:50:10Super Rugby reviewfull<![CDATA[Shane Flanagan sacking]]>https://sportingfan.podbean.com/e/shane-flanagan-sacking/sportingfan.podbean.com/bb5bb7be-259e-5de2-9eb2-88fa23153c3bSun, 26 Apr 2026 02:27:08 GMTtoday I talk about the sacking of Shane Flanagan no00:21:16Shane Flanagan sackingfull<![CDATA[NRL expansion]]>https://sportingfan.podbean.com/e/nrl-expansion/sportingfan.podbean.com/ff7c4eeb-395c-5e29-a874-3fd533181001Mon, 10 Aug 2026 01:56:58 GMTtoday I speak about the NRL expansion of the Bears, Chiefs and potential 20th teamno00:40:44NRL expansionfull<![CDATA[NRL fullbacks]]>https://sportingfan.podbean.com/e/nrl-fullbacks/sportingfan.podbean.com/9da4d57e-2fa2-5cea-b414-7c6e8a0c7aacFri, 15 Apr 2022 06:45:21 GMTToday I speak about the fullbacks in the NRL. I rate who I think are solid players and ones that need to improve or potentially need a new positionno01:00:30NRL fullbacksfull<![CDATA[Ash Barty retirement]]>https://sportingfan.podbean.com/e/ash-barty-retirement/sportingfan.podbean.com/3a4510c1-6aa5-5e4c-91fc-cd5aee3fcbabWed, 23 Mar 2022 05:42:04 GMTToday I speak about the shock retirement of world number female tennis player Ash Bartyno00:20:51Ash Barty retirementfull<![CDATA[Deaths of Shane Warne and Rod Marsh]]>Today I speak about the deaths of Rod Marsh and Shane Warne, two of Australia's greatest ever cricketers

]]>https://sportingfan.podbean.com/e/deaths-of-shane-warne-and-rod-marsh/sportingfan.podbean.com/3985aa52-c152-5e47-8453-5709e5740839Fri, 11 Mar 2022 01:56:42 GMT<p>Today I speak about the deaths of Rod Marsh and Shane Warne, two of Australia's greatest ever cricketers</p> no00:53:309Deaths of Shane Warne and Rod Marshfull<![CDATA[Wallaby Scott Fava chats all things Rugby]]>Wallaby 806 Scott Fava was nice to come do the podcast. He speaks from his early days right up to the current day being the assistant coach of the wallaroos. 

]]>https://sportingfan.podbean.com/e/wallaby-scott-fava-chats-all-things-rugby/sportingfan.podbean.com/2cbc0ebe-e8c4-3121-89aa-3fc812155151Mon, 21 Feb 2022 05:36:35 GMT<p>Wallaby 806 Scott Fava was nice to come do the podcast. He speaks from his early days right up to the current day being the assistant coach of the wallaroos. </p> no01:36:505Wallaby Scott Fava chats all things Rugbyfull<![CDATA[Australian batting]]>https://sportingfan.podbean.com/e/australian-batting/sportingfan.podbean.com/5f1f38b1-cbff-587b-9be2-f2b5f658b54dTue, 18 Aug 2026 03:12:09 GMTtoday I talk about the Australian cricket team's loss to Bangladesh and the overall performance of their battingno00:21:37Australian battingfull<![CDATA[Super Rugby review]]>https://sportingfan.podbean.com/e/super-rugby-review/sportingfan.podbean.com/c3848af2-45df-5944-a1bd-4ef0df084410Thu, 24 Mar 2022 05:45:32 GMTToday I speak about the opening 5 rounds of the Super Rugby Season. I give my thoughts on each team and where I think they standno00:50:10Super Rugby reviewfull<![CDATA[Refereeing in the NRL]]>https://sportingfan.podbean.com/e/refereeing-in-the-nrl/sportingfan.podbean.com/fe84af00-3cf5-501d-99f6-f0962bb10babTue, 05 Apr 2022 04:54:58 GMTToday's episode I speak about the refereeing in the NRL, the bad decisions and how I think they can improve. Take a listenno00:43:16Refereeing in the NRLfull<![CDATA[Speaking with 3 time Paralympic Gold Medalist William Martin]]>Today I sat down with Paralympic champion William Martin. We speak about everything from him learning to swim, his stroke right up to where he see his future in swimming

]]>https://sportingfan.podbean.com/e/speaking-with-3-time-paralympic-gold-medalist-william-martin/sportingfan.podbean.com/8ad8da8f-67ce-3b5f-a509-af0ae7da24d1Wed, 06 Jul 2022 00:23:45 GMT<p>Today I sat down with Paralympic champion William Martin. We speak about everything from him learning to swim, his stroke right up to where he see his future in swimming</p> no00:27:0330Speaking with 3 time Paralympic Gold Medalist William Martinfull<![CDATA[The death of Andrew Symonds]]>https://sportingfan.podbean.com/e/the-death-of-andrew-symonds/sportingfan.podbean.com/099d0365-7d82-5666-82d4-05162d254c84Mon, 16 May 2022 07:42:59 GMTListen to my thoughts on career of Andrew Symonds after his tragic death no00:25:16The death of Andrew Symondsfull<![CDATA[Drugs in Sport]]>Today I speak about drugs in sport in light of the current doping controversy surrounding 15 year old Russian Skater Kamila Valieva at the Winter Olympics

]]>https://sportingfan.podbean.com/e/drugs-in-sport/sportingfan.podbean.com/c5abae7b-92bd-3053-9714-2a03b23bbf09Thu, 17 Feb 2022 04:47:30 GMT<p>Today I speak about drugs in sport in light of the current doping controversy surrounding 15 year old Russian Skater Kamila Valieva at the Winter Olympics</p> no00:27:174Drugs in Sportfull<![CDATA[Talking Rugby with Waverley Rugby Player Tom Halse]]>Today I speak with Tom Halse about his career in Rugby, the differences between subbies and Shute Shield Rugby, and the Super Rugby Final

]]>https://sportingfan.podbean.com/e/talking-rugby-with-waverley-rugby-player-tom-halse/sportingfan.podbean.com/5ec0fbee-057d-3abf-89b9-7839c5c046c9Fri, 17 Jun 2022 08:28:07 GMT<p>Today I speak with Tom Halse about his career in Rugby, the differences between subbies and Shute Shield Rugby, and the Super Rugby Final</p> no00:31:2027Talking Rugby with Waverley Rugby Player Tom Halsefull<![CDATA[NRL fight over stadiums]]>https://sportingfan.podbean.com/e/nrl-fight-over-stadiums/sportingfan.podbean.com/9fb7d052-14e0-5d44-9f25-46a8774538b0Sun, 14 Aug 2022 07:41:52 GMTToday I talk about the fight between the NRL and NSW state government over stadium redevelopment, take a listenno00:33:07NRL fight over stadiumsfull<![CDATA[Gambling in Sport]]>https://sportingfan.podbean.com/e/gambling-in-sport/sportingfan.podbean.com/a6a0ccae-c02a-5707-9b4e-bbb38f31ac7dTue, 12 Jul 2022 06:06:59 GMTToday I speak about gambling in Sport. I speak about how gambling has evolved in sport and how it has played it's part in match and spot fixingno00:46:40Gambling in Sportfull<![CDATA[NRL player transfers]]>https://sportingfan.podbean.com/e/nrl-player-transfers/sportingfan.podbean.com/ed3835b9-ec38-5403-ba5d-8075ea224cf7Mon, 30 May 2022 05:32:56 GMTToday I speak about player transfers in the NRL and how I would fix the current problems with players leaving their current clubno00:34:42NRL player transfersfull<![CDATA[women’s FIFA world cup]]>https://sportingfan.podbean.com/e/women-s-fifa-world-cup/sportingfan.podbean.com/51a63f54-2267-5d6d-b3f8-3809c21f5c6cSun, 13 Aug 2023 08:08:57 GMTtoday I speak about the women's world cup, take a listenno00:17:25women’s FIFA world cupfull<![CDATA[Dave Rennie’s sacking]]>https://sportingfan.podbean.com/e/dave-rennie-s-sacking/sportingfan.podbean.com/a3c3912f-94ae-58d8-9766-b754090b8972Sat, 28 Jan 2023 05:20:31 GMTToday I talk about the sacking of Dave Rennie and the appointment of Eddie Jones as Australian coachno01:02:31Dave Rennie’s sackingfull<![CDATA[Babar Azam’s exit from the Sixers]]>https://sportingfan.podbean.com/e/babar-azam-s-exit-from-the-sixers/sportingfan.podbean.com/7eaa8467-9470-5155-a3cd-e31ac3699d3aSun, 25 Jan 2026 01:41:27 GMTToday I speak about the sudden exit of Babar Azam from the Sydney Sixers no00:43:45Babar Azam’s exit from the Sixersfull<![CDATA[An introduction to the podcast]]>https://sportingfan.podbean.com/e/an-introduction-to-the-podcast-1644214406/sportingfan.podbean.com/5c82f768-6e1a-5d84-b505-f7c2043f0db6Mon, 07 Feb 2022 06:13:17 GMTHello and welcome, this is the first podcast of the Sporting fan where I spoke about a few hot topics in Sportno00:42:35An introduction to the podcastfull<![CDATA[Women’s pay in sport]]>https://sportingfan.podbean.com/e/women-s-pay-in-sport/sportingfan.podbean.com/ce88c762-1c00-5649-ad0a-651a398ae0edThu, 03 Mar 2022 01:29:46 GMTtoday I speak about the pay in the women's sport. A very topical subject at the moment with the women's soccer payout. Take a listenno00:45:037Women’s pay in sportfull<![CDATA[Sponsorship in sport]]>https://sportingfan.podbean.com/e/sponsorship-in-sport/sportingfan.podbean.com/cd2aef85-ba02-5e93-a69e-306ff5c583c7Sun, 23 Oct 2022 06:10:37 GMTToday I speak about sponsorship in sport in light of the parting ways of Alinta Energy from Cricket Australia and Gina Rinehart from Netball Australia.no00:45:30Sponsorship in sportfull<![CDATA[sacking of Anthony Seibold]]>https://sportingfan.podbean.com/e/sacking-of-anthony-seibold/sportingfan.podbean.com/b36e28e8-5f26-5804-a8d1-853d16adcb28Sat, 28 Mar 2026 09:04:31 GMTtoday I speak about the sacking of Manly Sea Eagles coach Anthony Seiboldno00:41:13sacking of Anthony Seiboldfull<![CDATA[Alex Johnston record breaking try]]>https://sportingfan.podbean.com/e/alex-johnston-record-breaking-try/sportingfan.podbean.com/a48d83cb-59e5-58ba-8e28-b623be2d1a88Sat, 14 Mar 2026 00:14:34 GMTtake a listen to someone that was there when Alex Johnston broke the try scoring recordno00:31:26Alex Johnston record breaking tryfull<![CDATA[start of super rugby]]>https://sportingfan.podbean.com/e/start-of-super-rugby/sportingfan.podbean.com/21809e1f-9069-5569-9e8e-f33301b25473Sun, 25 Feb 2024 06:41:46 GMTtoday I talk about round 1 super rugby and preview round 2no00:24:24start of super rugbyfull<![CDATA[LIV golf]]>https://sportingfan.podbean.com/e/liv-golf-1664091073/sportingfan.podbean.com/31c50ae3-ff38-53fb-8823-d1dbfc60aee2Sun, 25 Sep 2022 07:30:59 GMTToday I speak about the controversial new golf tour, LIV. I've got some controversial opinions on it so take a listen.no00:40:18LIV golffull