Show Notes
On this week’s episode of BTR, as we celebrate Wests Tigers 25th season in the NRL, we chat to the team’s very first coach and Balmain Tigers legend, Wayne Pearce.
Junior’ covers plenty of ground as our NRL and NRLW teams prepare for big games at Leichhardt Oval over the next few days.
We chat about his days as a 14-year-old selling hotdogs on the very same hill that would eventually be named in his honour.
He talks about his time as the inaugural coach of the joint-venture club, revealing how a call from his 7-year-old daughter was the catalyst for his decision to call it quits after that first season.
He also reflects on the early days, outlining some of the struggles and the benefits of the joint-venture club, and of course that very first game against a star-studded Broncos team.
A fitness fanatic, Pearce tells us how and why he was a pioneer in that space. It was a handful of events, including the death of his father, and contracting Hepatitis B from the ‘magic sponge’, that prompted Junior to complete a science degree and search for a healthier way of life.
He recounts the ‘secret meeting’ he had with the late, great Jack Gibson in the early 80s, when Jack was trying to lure Pearce from Leichhardt to Parramatta.
We chat about club legends including Benny Elias, the late Keith Barnes, and Benji Marshall, and about the disappointment of losing the ’89 Grand Final.
Pearce also talks about the resilience and loyalty of Tigers’ fans; confident the club has put the building blocks in place to ‘turn the Titanic around’.
All that and more on this week’s episode of Behind the Roar.
More from Behind The Roar
NRLW star Emily Bass joins Behind the Roar alongside PWA wrestlers Billy Preston and Frankie B in a huge crossover episode.Behind The Roar is proudly brought to you by @ProWrestlingAustralia They talk about the hardest hits they’ve ever taken, the challenges of balancing part-time wrestling and rugby league with full-time jobs, and Bass reflects on the special moment of being recalled to the Maroons for the 2024 Origin series.To top it off, WWE Superstar Grayson Waller makes a surprise call-in you won’t want to miss.
Behind the Roar | Wingmen Special Wests Tigers wingers Sunia (Tito) Turuva and Jeral Skelton join host Tim Grant for a high-energy episode all about life on the edge of the field. From finishing tries to putting on those highlight-reel hits, the boys break down what it really takes to be a modern NRL winger. Expect laughs, banter, and some honest insight into the game as they share their journeys, the challenges of the position, and who they rate as the ultimate “wingman” in the squad. Don’t miss this entertaining and insightful chat with two of the Tigers’ rising stars. *We did experiences some technical Audio issues during the recording of this podcast, Apologies for the sound quality.
Behind the Roar is back with a brand new episode filmed inside the PWA training facility in Campbelltown.This week, host Lachy McIntyre is joined by Wests Tigers duo Luke and Kit Laulilii, plus special guest — PWA superstar Robbie Eagles. Expect plenty of laughs, inside stories, and the boys going head-to-head in a chaotic round of 10 Second Trash Talk.But that’s not all — just when things are heating up, an unexpected intruder in the form of Sam Osbourne crashes the set. You’ll want to stick around until the very end for that!Proudly brought to you by @ProWrestlingAustralia
In this special episode of Behind the Roar, proudly presented by @ProWrestlingAustralia Wests Tigers co-captains Jarome Luai and Api Koroisau sit down for an honest and entertaining conversation about leadership, growth, and the season so far.With this weekend's Members Appreciation Round fast approaching, the pair reflect on the 2025 season to date and the lessons they’ve learned about themselves and each other.Romey opens up on his time at the club so far, while Api talks about the value of sharing the captaincy and the importance of staying composed both on and off the field.There’s also plenty of laughs as the boys take part in a PWA-inspired “ladder match” game, name the teammate most likely to fight for Instagram fame, and reveal their guilty pleasures; from anime and Whitney Houston, to dream dinner guests and contract extension banter.With insight, humour and a surprise guest appearance, this episode offers a unique look inside the minds of two of the club’s most influential figures.
This week on Behind the Roar, brought to you by Pro Wrestling Australia @ProWrestlingAustralia we sit down with Wests Tigers debutants Tristan Hope and Charlie Murray - two players who’ve taken the long road to the NRL.Hosted by Tim Grant, this episode dives deep into the challenges both men faced chasing their rugby league dreams - from juggling full-time jobs and family commitments, to grinding it out in Queensland Cup before earning their shot in the top grade.Hope opens up on reluctantly having to leave behind his pregnant partner and young child for a 17-week train-and-trial contract, while Murray shares his emotional reaction to finally making his NRL debut after nearly giving the dream away.The pair also reflect on their time together at Brisbane Tigers, the impact of coaches and mentors on their careers to date, and the moment they got the call-up from Benji Marshall to make their debuts - moments made even more special by the sacrifices they and their families made to get there.With honesty, humility and plenty of laughs, this episode is a must-listen for anyone chasing a dream, whether in rugby league or otherwise.