NRL Boom Rookies
We are Boom Rookies, ESPN's rugby league podcast hosted by ABC sports writer Nick Campton and ESPN columnist Matt Bungard.
If you're look for something beyond the regular take cycle of the sport, Boom Rookies provides game-by-game analysis and previews, delves into the bigger issues of the sport, and still leaves plenty of time to indulge in some good old-fashioned footy buffoonery. From Monday's weekly recap to Friday's preview show, there's plenty of the kind of footy chat that Dave 'Coal Train' Taylor would be proud of.
So if you're a front rower with a halfback's skills, a battler who never quite made it, or just a keyboard warrior looking for ammunition in your next rugby league debate, look no further - because we've got you covered.
1
Grand Final Week - Game Previews
Who wins the biggest game of the year? Will Reece Walsh shine? Is Cam Munster the key to victory?
73 min
2
Grand Final Week - Brisbane Broncos Preview
Why is 2025 different? Is Payne Haas already the best prop ever? Is any lead insurmountable for this squad?
59 min
3
Grand Final Week - Melbourne Storm Preview
Can the Storm go to the next level? Who will be the hero? Is this their best pack in years?
35 min
4
Grand Final Week - Yearly Awards and Listener Q...
Who wins the Dally M? Did Tamika Upton have the best women's season ever? What's the best Eminem song?
100 min
5
Boom Rookies With Grub - Grand Final Week
Are the Broncos scared of anything? Are you a big Christmas fan? Could you sleep the night before a grand final?
47 min
6
Prelim Week Review - Done Dynasty
Will we ever see anything like this again? Is this Brisbane's best win in 19 years? Should the Sharks be proud of their season?
67 min
7
Prelim Week Preview - Upset Watch
Do the Sharks shock the world? Can Brisbane get revenge for 2023? Will there be an NRLW upset?
90 min
8
Boom Rookies with Grub - Episode 9
Can the Sharks win it all? Would you ever call in sick from training? Is it OK to clap for another team?
37 min
9
Finals Week Two Review - Canberra's Crashout
Is that the Sharks best win under Fitzgibbon? Are Penrith just going to win it all again? Can the Knights or Sharks win in the NRLW prelims?
94 min
10
Finals Week Two Preview - No More Chances
Can Canberra shake off last week's heartbreak? Will the Dogs win their first final in a decade? Who goes through in the NRLW?
98 min
11
Boom Rookies with Grub - Episode 8
Who was the most impressive team in week one? Can the Raiders come back? Should Hudson Young have been sin binned?
39 min
12
Finals Week One Review - The Best Weekend Ever?
Was that the great semi-final ever? Who bounces back this weekend? Are the Storm back?
101 min
13
Finals Week One Preview - Anyone's To Win
Will the Sharks finally get it done? Can the Warriors find a way to win? Who earns a week off?
97 min
14
Vibe Check - 2025 Finals Teams.mp3
Who's going all the way? Who's just happy to be here? Who gets upset this weekend?
76 min
15
Boom Rookies with Grub - Episode 7
Who wins it all? How hard is it to leave a club? Would you steal a baseball from a kid?
46 min
16
Round 27 Review - Here We Go
Where do the Knights go from here? Which eliminated team looks the best for 2026? Are the finals on the right days?
109 min
17
Round 27 Review - Hopes Flushed Away
Is that it for the Storm? Can Brisbane go all the way? Who finishes eighth?
86 min
18
NFL Boom Rookies - Season Preview
Can the Ravens go all the way? Are the Packers the team to beat in the NFC? Who wins MVP?
49 min
19
Boom Rookies with Grub - Episode 6
Who is the most important player on each team? Should Shark Park host finals? How clean is a new toilet?
42 min
20
Round 26 Review - Faith, Havili, Football
Will Canberra go all the way? Does that loss mean much for Melbourne? Does the NRLW have a competitiveness issue?
76 min
21
Round 26 Preview - The Big Sleep
Is resting players the right thing to do? Will Canberra lock up top spot? Can the Phins save their season?
79 min
22
Boom Rookies With Grub - Episode 5
Who can win the comp? What makes the Storm so good in defence? What nations are you eligible for?
48 min
23
Round 25 Review - Mudgee Miracle
Is that the best golden point try ever? Are the Bulldogs back in the mix? Will the Roosters make the finals?
105 min
24
Round 25 Preview - The Hyper Bowl
Is this the best Friday double header ever? How good is Jye Gray? Can the Dolphins keep their season alive?
87 min
25
Boom Rookies With Grub - Episode 4
Should Souths fans storm the field? Will the Roosters end up signing DCE? Who was your suburban nightclub king?
39 min