Episodios
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The Christmas Extrava- Grappler As the festive season falls into full swing, and on Break-Up Day of all days our heroās tackle the touchie subject of Reese Robinson breaking up with the Cowboys. No band aid pull there, more so a long slow good night.
And with Roosters bedding their new flame in 2026, does this mean a splitting of the sheets with Brandon Smith? Like eating too many left overs on Boxing Day, will the Roosters cut the Cheese?
The Broncos, on the other hand, have been drinking from the fountain of knowledge that is Todd Carney. A cautionary tale perhaps but his words were delivered with pin point aim and landed like a refreshing blast of perspective on hot Sutherland night.
The 3rd test in the AB-SG Trophy hits the Gabbatoire on Saturday and is there the scent of dissent in the Indian locker room?
Sharma tests Sharmiās karma and a desperate Jasprit tries to untie the cramps.
NFL players as Simpsonās characters, Rugby League players as NFL characters, Golden Boots, Christmas Movies, Christmas Sweaters, Christmas beers and hug to sign off the year. Thank you Grapplers youāve been Great.
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Christmas is calling and our heroes have failed to decorate Grapple HQ. That doesn't stop them from loading up on the jolly joy of the yuletide season with a tinsel laden extravaganza of sporting analysis and insight, as this Graptacular podcast edges toward the conclusion of its exceptionally merry first season.
Santa's workshop is abuzz with speculation about the contract of Ben Hunt and the Broncos, and these two little Elves just can't help but remind one and all that THEY TOLD YOU SO. How does he fit, who goes, who stays? It's a puzzle that would have even Clark Griswold struggling to bullshit his way out of, and our noses are shining red with all the intrigue.
Also stuffed under the Christmas Tree is a veritable sprawl of rugby league players vying to take one of QLD's 4 NRL teams to the North Pole of Premiership glory. The Grapplers run the rule over the top 30 squad's of each club, and speculate wildly on who fits where, when, how and what they might need to do to actually take that coveted step underneath the mistletoe of Rugby League's ultimate gift.
Laurie Daley is the Marty McFly of State of Origin coaching, call us Grinches but we're not entirely sure this trip back to the future is in the spirit of the season. A semi-rare reappointment for the Blues gig has our heroes pondering if the Bellamy/Daley combo can deliver the gifts like the OG Santa, or if it's more like some old dude making a bit of pocket money by dressing up in a suit and posing for pics at the local Westfield.
The NFL is a long way from Ballymore, and it's well worth a stuff into the speculative stocking to work out just what Jordy Pataia is up against in his quest to slide down the chimney of talent identification and stick the landing. Can this ultra talented Wallaby and Red wrap himself up and nestle snugly under the proverbial tree of glory? The numbers suggest he's driving the sleigh into a blizzard, but isn't Christmas all about belief?
Also on the lunch table: Why are the Matildas the Kamala Harris of Aussie sport? And let's pop a christmas cracker to celebrate the career of Fatty Vautin, and pay tribute to the life of Neale Fraser, who becomes a spirit of Christmas past and leaves a sizeable bootprint in the snow of Australian tennis.
It's merry, it's bright, it's the Grapple Podcast. Dig it.
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¿Faltan episodios?
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Just like when Skywalker returned to Tatooine, The Broncos' very own chosen one has returned to Red Hill in a bid to bring balance to the force.
The Disturbance felt when Kevvie was exiled was sharp but mercily short. Their failed attempt to destroy Penrith built DeathStar two years ago now a distant memory as the Rebel Alliance led by Patty, Payne, Reese, Adam and now Dozer steal themselves for a full frontal assault on the Empire.
In other news how will Flanno and Ilio fare as halves partners, and where will John Bateman find a home? Being English one would assume Coogee or Bondi but only time will tell.
Elvis is back on top with a win in the Aussie PGA but can he repeat the does at Kingston Heath?
Beau Webber joins the Aussie Cricket team but will he get a baggy green?
The Great Barrier Thief, Saquon Barkley, The Mighty Ducks and much more.
So little time.... so much Grappling to be done
Like it, Share it, Subsribe
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After a period of inactivity (a week off) our heroes feel a disturbance in the forceā¦. An awakeningā¦.a ripple in the fabric of realityā¦. Back to back Wallabies wins. This so called anomaly has ignited a battle many a League journo thought to be dormant if not extinct- The Code War.In a time of year when only the darkest off-season scandal gets the cockroaches scurrying to the typewriters, itās the performance of the so called lesser code that has our best bards penning immaculate tributes to the likes Wright, Wilson and Valentini.
Social media awash with claims of āitās all because of usā and āanything they do, we do betterā. Our heroes call for calm and discretion using a reference that is omnipresent in its powers unity - The Three Amigos.
Equal in their rants and mood altering film references, both charges weigh on where Dozer will move dirt and Pappiās decision to stay in Mexico.
The Summer Series is your only place for impartial (cough) discussion on all sports and the storyās you love. Get busy Grappling or get busy dying yāall
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The grapplers are wearing shorts and itās f**king not even summer, but letās put away complaints about this darn weather and focus on the arrival of the Grapplers Summer Series.
Ben Hunt is on the hunt, AJ Brimson is being hunted, and the hunt for some sort of actual detailed information from new Broncos Michael Maguire continues.
Tonga are the toast of the rugby league world but can they out-hop the Kangaroos? Does Josh Addo-Carrās new labouring gig have a bit of a whiff of a politician on the election trail? And on that note, how about some clueless insights from two non Americans on the progress of the US Election and its absolute irrelevance to the world of sport?
Also on the grill plate: the wallabies MUST play Sualiāi, the English have mastered the art of losing the unloseable, and Australian cricket finds itself grappling with a fatiguing format and more selection confusion than the diabetic in the candy store. Also, itās summer, so why not a few random references to 90ās films, the early career trajectory of Chris Pine, and a ponderance of whether many athletes get bigger paycheques at a new club after being sacked by the old one.
Also- Barkley NFL. Google it. And youāre welcome.
The grapple is a movement, itās making sport podcasting great again, and it will take out both the popular vote and the electoral college without the felonies. Dig it.
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Our heroes are in the lab with those sharp and pointy scientific tools, dissecting a post season that has included a distinct shortage of drama.
The above mentioned dramas have been reserved for the off field domain, and itās the Brisbane Broncos again in the shiny lights. Ezra goes off the grid in a bid to save his career, as the scribes of OUR FAVOURITE outlets get up on the apple box and pontificate about the clubs best direction forward. Has anyone asked if heās ok? Has anyone reported widely on the other victims of the accident? Or is it just another chance to orchestrate a āwhats wrong with Brisbane narrative.ā And another thing about the Bronc-
Ok Joel thats enough about the Broncos.. Im taking over-
No John, Im not finish-
Give me that god dam keyboard-
I HAVE MORE TO SAY ABOUT THE BRONCOS!
F**k me. Can you just have a rant in the show, for a change?
Yes thatās acceptable.
OK. Moving on.
A decimated Comm games- how much do sports actually care?
Do we parachute Sualiāi into Wallaby gold? Yes we do.
Is New Zealandās weekend of sporting glory worth a toast. Sure.
And have the Commonwealth Games created a blueprint for the future?
Shit yeah they have.
Itās the Grapple off season.. And itāsā¦ ALLLIVVVVE.
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International rugby league kicks into gear, as rugby league fans everywhere gasp for air at the end of a seemingly interminable season. Oh wait, itās not the endā¦ because thereās still internationals to play. And itās a shame thereās a bit of fatigue around, because the International matchups are juicier than an early 00ās Mad Monday. Can the Kangaroos overcome the āsecond tierā and reclaim their dignity as the pre-eminent league playing nation? And all rise.. captain Yeoh is on the bridge!
Meantime.. Australiaās government snuggles ever tighter to its PNG pillow, as the NRLās transfer market heats up with a King, a Cobbo, a Dozer and a Stagg all potentially looking a place to rest their weary head.
Premier League is in full swing Liverpool seem to doing just fine in a Post- A-Klopp-olis world, but poor old Man U look like losing another gaffer to the poison chalice, Buzz saw, Angel of Death that is the Managers position at that once proud club.
NFL, Baseball, basketball, cheese, pickles, onions on a sesame seed bunā¦.. this is actually a āsportsā showā¦ if you haven't already realisedā¦..a remember - āThe best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with a Grappleā
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As well as being a highly effective run play in American Football, a delay can also mean time lapsing between two people discussing issues on a podcast using a digital platform.
This, amongst many other obstacles and barriers, is what our heroes had to contend with in the Grand Final/Offseason Kick off episode.
All the Grand Final stories are disclosed, discussed and dissected and - The Howarth no try, The Yeo no Medal, The NAS no show, The Luai no stay, The Kid Laroi no smoke......and The Hard Running GA brings the press in behind closed doors for a mid match video session.
Then to national teams and Lindsay Smith............. cough cough.........and Mal's Merritt Team.
The Wallabies Spring tour, the NFL is upon us... and the summer of cricket approaches.
Still plenty of sport to come and still and plenty of issues for our two delusional clowns to Grapple with.
Like It, Share It, Subscribe to it....and as George Herman Ruth said.. 'Never let the fear of striking out keep you from Grappling'
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This week our two heroes are squarely sandwiched between the AFL and NRL Grand Finals.
On one hand it's all celebrations and leaping on Lions wagons that carry bands, and on the other it's the steely focus on the absolute Clash of Rugby League Titans. (not of the Gold Coast variety)
1-13 who gets over who on Sunday?
Early late mail on who gets Herbert Henry's award?
Unable to play in the GF and until after a full lunar cycle in the new season..Does NAS go back to Brooklyn?
Will Rudolph be red nosed in Vegas?
More Bandwagoning on Fagan and the Pride
North Sydney's week from hell as North Brisbane look to enter the promised land
Madge calls QLD home and how much did Connery forgo when knocked back the role of Gandalf?
It's a great day for sport and a great day for Australia. It's all happening, the tension, the drama, the buzz, the atmosphere, the buffoonery.
Its a sports podcast baby, we welcome all comers.
Darkness cannot drive out darkness, hate cannot drive out hate... only Grappling can do that
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Did King Arthur and his knights of the round table sweep into Camelot riding a mob of noble Kangaroos? The answer is no, at least if Kalyn Ponga was one of those Knights. Our heroes dissect the decision to say ānoā to Straya, whether itās sensical, and whether punishment is indeed warranted.
They then shake off the cobwebs with a spirited correction session, admitting to being human by unpacking a couple of āminorā errors committed in the previous episode.
All the nonsense aside, itās the rare opportunity of an āEquinoctial Convergence,ā or āSporting Equinox,ā as multiple codes come together for a super Saturday of sporting utopia.
In a nutshell:
Up the Lions.
Carn the Wallabies.
And Lord have mercy on the Roosters and Sharks.
The spirit of the game is discussed, and exemplified by the deeds of the All Blacks in recognising the feats of 140 cap Wallaby James Slipper. Australiaās return to England, and the origins of the āDLS methodā are analysed, and the belief of Brisbaneās AFL team is forensically sussed out- will it be enough?
Finally, the end of the road. We talk retirements in all their different forms, and highlight the poignant words of Demons star Angus Brayshaw at the Brownlow medal, and the emotional cockpit lingering of Daniel Ricciardo. The end comes in many forms, but it doesnāt make it any less the end.
In the words of some smart motherf**ker:
āThe way to get started is to quit talking and begin Grapplingā -
This week our star duo are made whole again as Joel returns from the Heart of Darkness- "At first, I thought they handed me the wrong dossier."Conspicuous by his absence is any conversation this week is the Hard Running Graeme Annersley. Are our heroes :"Graeme'd Out"? Are we suffering from the dreaded "Graeme Fatigue"? Or is it like beating yourself in the head with a needle hammer? Only time will tell.Finals predictions abound as teams fight for their survival but is the comp a two horse race?Cleary's shot a serious piece of history, the stare Nicho needs to give the Shire a chance, has PVL chewed too much BeetleNut or is the PNG deal idea "good for the game'? Battle of the felines in the AFL as Queensland echo's Princess Leia's finals words to R2.... "Help me Lions and Cowboys, you're my only hope" All will be revealed in a bum tickling weekend of sport, but before you dive in to the kick off or the opening bounce, Grapple with this pair of fools.Like Share Subscribe. The road to Grappling and the road to failure are almost exactly the same.
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With milestones in the rear view for the time being, our hero duo have been cleaved asunder again. The rock upon which the Grapple was built, Mr Spreadborough, has earned some R&R before a balls to wall tilt towards the Grand Final.
In his stead, Mr Manning required a man for all seasons, an experienced sports head, a calm head, a bald head .. so the choice was simple- Mr Worldwide. Cowboys and Eels former great Shane Muspratt takes reins on Joleyās side of the desk to carry Johnny through week 1 of the finals.
And carry the weight he did!
Our charges cover all things from the upcoming finals games, to the NFL, Socceroos, the Lions 2 quarter cricket score against Carlton and a couple of cheeky multiās the fellas have their fingers crossed for.
Tribute is paid as our Paralympians return to Oz, and chats of beers of bygone erasā¦(Saturday)
The obstruction rule is called into question, as is the hunky Bunkers interpretation of said rule.
Uncle Wayne departs the Peninsula in search of greener (and redder) pastures at Redfern.
And the guys go deep on the 4 NRL games facing us fans in Finals weeks 1.
Tips, bets, predictions, permutations, sensations, home comings and short comings.
All that and much much moreā¦.and remember ā Lifeās not about the amount of breaths you take, itās about the amount of times you Grapple.
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Our heroes launch into the milestone 30th episode of the Grapple with a eulogy of sorts, lamenting ongoing mutations and bastardisation of a game once known as Rugby League. Former NRL hard man Jamie McDonald calls in to weigh in on the plight of a game thatās gone too far down the path of change to retract, and ponders what it might mean for the future.
Then we shake off the sads and rip into another epic round of confusion and point scoring. We all love attacking footy but 434 is just a bit much for one weekend. Frightening conclusions are reached. Is Covid time war hero PVL now the problem? Are we actually finding a small degree of sympathy for the hard running Graham A?
The capitulation of the Dragons is bested only by that of the Broncos, and we analyse the decline of the Brisbane powerhouse- headlined by an exclusive reveal of player manager interference around one of the biggest stars of the game, who apparently doesnāt enjoy feedback from his coach.
And has the NRL descended into diving? A series of incidents from round 26 are explored, with the games coaches yet again doing what they can to make the most of the interpretations of the day.
Donāt worry though- it aināt all bleak. The Grapplers toast the wonderful things; the Shaun Johnsonās and Wayne Bennettās of the world again helping to keep faith that all is most definitely not lost.
Lifeās a grapple. Dig it.
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As the saying goes, two heads are better than one, this week our heroic duo is made whole again as Joel returns from the deep, dark abyss of a Brisso winter flu.
With a full deck in our hands and systems operating at full capacity our two soldiers take aim at the Hard Running Graeme again and the fascist language contained in the NRL email out for his weekly briefings....not so brief these days.
The bunker is under siege and the reffing in the cross hairs, but just like Wyatt at the OK Corral, Gun-Slinging Graeme doesn't blink when it comes to backing his refs.
Turbo tries to play Robin Hood but the NRL does their best Sheriff of NOttingham to thwart his gestures.
Wayne under the pump, the Broncos get a sniff and Hoppa's hand gets him in the sh$t again... not literally this time:-)
Get busy Grappling or get busy dying...
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As our Heroes battle the Dreaded Brisbane Exhibition one falls a foul of the infamous Ekka Flu. And so The Grapple Lite is born.As Joel battles Danteās 7th circle of hell Johnny fumbles his way through the announcement of the 14th Immortal - You little Ronny Coote!!
A stack of the boys responsible for 8 straight getting a start in the HOF, plus the Pearl and Lionel Graeme Graeme-splaining as only Graeme can, age old arguments against 6 agains and challenges, and what needs to happen for your team to make the 8. And remember life is not about the number of breathes you takeā¦ā¦ itās about the number of times you Grapple.
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As the games of the 33rd Olympiad draw to a close (enough about old Frenchie's mort already) our heroes look for inspiration from some of the great performances, memorable moments and influential figures -
From Turkish-Jason Bourne to Noah āWeekend-at-Bernieāsā Lyles to Camā Mark Watneyā McEvoy.... (Never a shortage of Matt Damon references) .... - Enter Aragorn Meares, cleaving quipping journo's asunder and prompting one little black duck to delete a slightly derogatory social media comment. That defence of Raygun was Rodman-Like.
They tackle Flanno Junior getting a rest for letting loose that tremendous rack of chompers on Critterās proboscis (unlike dad, he's yet to win a comp), They theorise that the bat wing doors at the last chance saloon swing both ways as Val follows is stableford partner to the Harbour City, they call Townsville a wash?
Graeme, as always, does Graeme, a couple of Wallabies make the switch and the News Media are at their listing best. So much to get through, so few podcastsā¦ā¦
And always remember- When life gives you lemons... just say f%ck the lemons and Grapple.
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This episode sees our two heroes on a quest to find out what in god's name has gone wrong with the Broncos.
Switching gears there's always grappling in the Olympics and home town favourite, poor old Anthony Ammirati is grappling with an early exit from the pole vault...but let's be honest the 21 year old may have lost the battle, but he's definitely won the war. Not one to sit around and console himself with a baguette or two, his Instagram followers have grown faster than a honeymooners horn.
They celebrate the good, the bad and the ugly of the Olympic coverage and pay homage to our athletes.
One fella they continually celebrate is the hard running Graeme Annersley, who again has wowed the sporting faithful with another term Rugby League didn't know it needed.The 'Sleeper'. Most likely not a reference to our country's escalating terror threat, but something the HRGA felt needed to be part of the repertoire in his weekly Monday rules explanation extravaganza.
Player movements at the moment are like an Ornythorincus - they exist but are rarely seen. Oils might be oils according to Lawsy, but according Ash Klein a Head High certainly ain't a Head High. The NRL's top 50 most influential people have been announced .... ...Fortunately for their egos , our two knuckleheads are destined to operate in the shadows. Board a boat, sans latrine, and sail down the crusty waters of Rugby League's La Seine with two absolute half wits as the Grapple through life's merde.
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Our heroes are dissecting the truth behind the NRL's head honcho undertaking a 'recruitment mission' to Paris, and dreaming about rugby league's inevitable and eventual foray into the Olympic games.
They are a little confused by some of the commentary around Broncos skipper Adam Reynolds' suitability for the (c) in Brisbane, and are calling a big steaming pile of BS on Brian To'o having the s**ts at Penrith.
They get the medical hats on to try and understand why confusing neurological terminology needs to be deployed to explain poor rulings by NRL referees.
More than anything, they're a pair of douche bags who don't really know asses from elbows, and you know what, neither does anyone else.
It's the Grapple and it's 25 episodes old. Get in on the ground floor, as we raise the collective bats for a glorious quarter century.
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Well done to the NSW blues on an epic victory in the 2024 state of origin series. And commiserations to those enjoying the victory, who had to deal with some of the BS in the aftermath. Our heroes lift the lid on some poor form detracting from the grace of a well deserved victory, and unpack the words of an anonymous letter sent by someone in the maroon hierarchy.
The broncos are back, the cowboys are initialising a changing of the guard, and the Knights are ready to rumble with their own coach. Itās another week of grapple fever, and itās infecting us all.
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An Origin decider.... at theCauldron...... QLD is up against it...... No Bloody Worries......
This week our Heroes Grapple with a game 3 that seemsunwinnable against a team that looks unbeatable in a series that is all but unsalvageable.......But isnāt this exactly how we like it?
We draw on the spirit of Arthur,the work rate of Horse, the tenacity of Turtle, the guile of Alf, the physicalityof Boxhead the Toughness of Jed and the finish of Dozer.
This week we need all the greats,all the FOGS, all the people who proudly call themselves Queenslandersā¦ touniteā¦ and fightā¦. For what needs to be always oursā¦ā¦. Lets Effing Grapple Yo!!
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