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Episode Summary:

The NRL 2026 season preview series rolls on as Ian Hawkins and Steve break down the Cowboys, Raiders, and Panthers; but not before diving into the bombshell move of Payne Haas to South Sydney and the ripple effects it could have across the competition. The conversation unpacks the Broncos fallout, South Sydney’s forward pack boost, SuperCoach scoring chaos, and how new rule tweaks; including extended benches and six-again changes; could dramatically speed up the game.

From there, the focus turns to the three clubs. The Cowboys are dissected through the lens of roster balance, culture fit, and whether Drinkwater can elevate from talent to leader. The Raiders are praised for their forward depth, youth development, and mental steel; but questions remain around their young halves and whether last year’s heartbreak fuels growth or lingers. As for the Panthers, it’s about legacy; can Ivan Cleary’s machine withstand the grind, or does the dynasty finally crack? Ladder predictions, Dally M picks, SuperCoach strategy, and bold calls make this one of the most opinionated previews yet.

About the Host:

Ian Hawkins is dedicated to showing how sports can transform lives. With extensive experience as an athlete, a coach, PE teacher, community volunteer, and manager at Fox Sports, Ian brings a wealth of knowledge to the podcast. His journey began in his backyard, mentored by his older brother, and has since evolved into coaching elite athletes and business leaders. Ian's commitment to sports and personal development is evident in his roles as a performance coach and active community member. Through "Sport Is Life," Ian shares inspiring stories and valuable lessons to help listeners apply sports principles to all areas of life.

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#253 – League Is Life Season Preview | Cowboys, Raiders & Panthers