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Episode Summary:

The Origin debate ramps up as Ian Hawkins and Steve revisit the Blues and Maroons squads after a few days to digest the selections; and surprisingly, they’re starting to talk themselves into a New South Wales win. The boys break down the “too many cooks” debate around Nathan Cleary, Mitchell Moses and James Tedesco, discuss why the speed of the modern game could actually suit the Blues, and question whether Origin will truly be refereed differently from the NRL. There’s also emotional discussion around the heartbreaking MND diagnosis of former Queensland representative Jarrod Wallace, and what moments like this mean for the rugby league community.

The episode also previews a disrupted Origin-round slate, with huge focus on the red-hot Manly Sea Eagles, the improving St. George Illawarra Dragons, and why the Dragons rebuild is finally gathering momentum through smart recruitment and the rise of their young forward pack. Ian and Steve also call out the growing frustration with agenda-driven mainstream rugby league media, making a strong case for honest, fan-first football discussion without political narratives or manufactured controversy.

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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