Initially, podcasts were the medium most convenient for me to stay up to date with my passion for American politics, and then, one by one, rugby league pods started sprouting up and I found myself going to bed earlier and tuning in to my favourite footy shows by ear.
I have discovered endless options for compelling rugby league content, and refreshingly produced and hosted by relative unknowns that offer a new ‘expert’ twist on our game not available on TV.
Several of the podcast hosts I have never seen, but audio is one of the most intimate forms of media that allows you to constantly build your own images of the subject and the hosts in your mind. It is more stimulating than watching the same old same old on TV.
I am part of the growing ‘earfluence’ brigade who spend more time listening than watching.
You can listen to a podcast anywhere, anytime via laptop, iPad or mobile phone and the subject matter tends to resonate better than watching on TV.
There is no doubt that the rise of footy podcasts has taken eyeballs away from the NRL shows on cable TV. To combat that, the most popular podcast is the Matty Johns Podcast, and it is also shown on NRL on Fox.
It is very difficult to get a look in on Fox Sports if you are not a retired former star player, but many of the unknowns on the podcasts actually have a higher level of expertise depending on the subject, and consequently more entertaining as learning is a stimulant.
If you happen to be into SuperCoach then you have an array of outstanding poddies. Here are a few:
Most of the content is raw and opinionated from genuine experts who are dedicated to their sport and are astute enough to find their niche. Footy TV shows have become very predictable, and if you happen to miss a show, chances are you read the story in the morning’s paper anyway.
Cable TV tends to be very critical on the game, the players and the clubs, that is of course unless the story is about someone who has a mate on the show, or is linked to his old club. Podcasts focus on positives about the players and the game and don’t get bogged down with elongated negative stories.
If you get uninterested listening to a podcast then it is easy just to choose another one or fast forward.
TV will always be saved because rugby league is such a spectacular viewing medium, but it is when the full-time whistle blows that earfluence starts to take over.
Rugby Realist
Guest
No, the podcast doesnt feature CP. Its about SuperCoach from two regular punters, one of who won fantasy NRL a few years ago. The podcast is simply named after Corey Parker as he was known among SC circles as "God" because he was so effective.
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
KK there is no short cut to knowledge; like most things, it requires hard work and being prepared to put in the long hours analysing countless video from start to finish as opposed to just highlights and then the specific analytics that goes with them. Many of these guys on Podcasts are brilliant analysts in their own right and without this medium they would remain unknown and invisible.
kk
Roar Pro
Many thanks Scott, for the reference to material and opinion that broadens our knowledge of Rugby League.
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
I actually wrote this one week ago, but know that we don't have any footy, it will be interesting to listen to what the Podcasts come up with. Fifth and Last is out tonight
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
Rugby, Does Corey have his own Podcast? If so, what is it called? Corey is employed by the Broncos which makes it difficult to be 100% objective.
Rugby Realist
Guest
'Searching for Corey Parker' is new on the scene and the most interesting for mine. It talks more about tactics and considers different approaches to SC, whereas the others tend to follow similar formulas (while still be a fun listen)