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Episode Summary:

Magic Round delivered big crowds, huge scorelines, and even bigger talking points; but the main focus of this episode is the controversial State of Origin team selections. Ian Hawkins and Steve break down why they believe the Blues have gone too safe again, questioning selections like Stephen Crichton and Mitchell Moses while debating whether Laurie Daley has picked the right team for the speed of the modern game. In contrast, the boys praise Billy Slater for backing speed and explosiveness, with Queensland selecting a dangerous lineup featuring Kalyn Ponga, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Harry Grant.

The episode also dives deep into the biggest Magic Round performances; including the rise of the red-hot Newcastle Knights, the resilience of the North Queensland Cowboys, and why the New Zealand Warriors are becoming one of the most complete teams in the competition. There’s strong discussion around refereeing inconsistencies, the evolving speed of the NRL, the continued dominance of the Penrith Panthers, and why some clubs are already falling behind in the new era of football.

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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Theme Music Artist:

One Day Kings https://www.instagram.com/onedaykings/

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