Steve Mascord
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Purveyor of the Three Rs - Rugby league🏉, Rock'n'roll🤘 & the Road🛣️! @TwoTribes1997: The Untold Story Of #rugbyleague's Divided Year OUT NOW!
Articles by Steve Mascord
Mother Teresa and Saint George helping Hugo fend off fatigue
You have skipped the navigation, tab for page content His Sydney Roosters - and England - teammate Victor Radley told a radio interviewer after the NRL grand final: “I’m knackered - I don’t know if I’ve got another game in me”. That was more a reference to the elixir-like qualities of being rested at the end of the regular season than the World Cup but fellow premiership-winner Hugo Savala admits: “Well, I guess, yeah, we were buggered - but I definitely have more games in me.
Joey Kramer returns to Aerosmith
ORIGINAL Aerosmith drummer Joey Kramer is set to return to the stage with the band for their upcoming California, Dream On: Aerosmith And Friends shows at the Hollywood Bowl. Rehearsal photographs shared by the group this week show Kramer behind the drum kit alongside Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Brad Whitford and Tom Hamilton. The appearances on October 29 and November 1 will mark Kramer’s first performances with Aerosmith since February 2020. Kramer’s return completes the classic five-member...
Seattle 1 Sydney 0: Nevermind overtakes Back In Black
IN a big win for Seattle over Sydney, Nirvana’s 1991 album Nevermind has overtaken AC/DC’s 1980 release Back in Black in total equivalent album sales, according to data compiled by Chartmasters. The analysis combines physical sales, digital downloads, streaming figures and tracks appearing on compilations to calculate equivalent album sales units. Nevermind now stands at approximately 66.832 million equivalent album sales, narrowly ahead of Back in Black at around 66.831 million.
Mother Teresa and Saint George helping Hugo fend off fatigue
You have skipped the navigation, tab for page content His Sydney Roosters - and England - teammate Victor Radley told a radio interviewer after the NRL grand final: “I’m knackered - I don’t know if I’ve got another game in me”. That was more a reference to the elixir-like qualities of being rested at the end of the regular season than the World Cup but fellow premiership-winner Hugo Savala admits: “Well, I guess, yeah, we were buggered - but I definitely have more games in me.
North Wales out, considering court action
Earlier today, the RFL released a statement claiming that the Crusaders have “withdrawn from the process of securing club membership for the 2027 season”. The statement goes on to say: “Any future participation was conditional on a comprehensive business plan being approved by the governing body before being admitted for the 2027 fixture list.
Bachman Turner Overdrive announces Australian tour
CANADIAN rockers Bachman-Turner Overdrive have announced their first-ever Australian tour, scheduled for February 2027 as part of the No Speed Limit Tour. The five-date run will take in major capital cities, beginning at Brisbane’s Fortitude Music Hall on Wednesday February 3.
World Cup Touchstones - Dateline: Port Moresby
Words: Steve Mascord
Hetfield comments spark renewed hostility between Sharon Osborne and Roger Waters
SHARON Osborne resumed selling “another prick in the wall” t-shirts when her beef with Roger Waters flared again after James Hetfield made remarks during a concert in Las Vegas. Speaking to the crowd at the Sphere on 10 October, Hetfield said: “Metallica is not here, like some other entertainers, to influence you with their bullshit, OK? We are here… no bullshit… we’re here to forget about all the outside shit, OK?
Samoa ‘better than 2022’
By STEVE MASCORD SAMOA are better this World Cup than when they made Pacific sports history by qualifying for the World Cup final for years ago That’s the opinion of France coach Laurent Frayssinous, whose side was dismantled on Friday night by Toa Samoa 78-4 – Les Chanticleers biggest loss since Mal Meninga’s last game, a 74-0 win for the Kangaroos in Beziers in 1994. “Last time we played them (Samoa) at the World Cup, I think they’ve got a better team,” said Frayssinous.
Bon Jovi’s Forever tour to resume in Melbourne
JON Bon Jovi told Wembley he “ain’t finished yet” and – true to his word – his band‘s comeback tour is going to continue – starting in Melbourne. But the decision to play only in Melbourne and Sydney next March has upset fans in other Australian states. The tour also takes in Hyde Park in London, New Jersey, Chicago, Boston and Toronto. The band’s last tour of Australia was in 2018. Given these new dates are a week apart, there is clearly the opportunity to add more – as the band did in London.
NRL deal moves a step closer
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Soen announces rescheduled dates
SWEDISH proggers Soen have already announced rescheduled dates after an undisclosed family emergency forced them to postpone when they were at Stockholm Airport checking in to come to Melbourne. They immediately recorded a video apologising to fans and now the replacement gigs have been announced. It all kicks off on January 16 at Crowbar in Brisbane and moves through Sydney and Melbourne over the next two days.
Dread and buried: England refuse to revisit Loss Vegas
In any list of words likely to be uttered in the England camp this week in the build-up to their clash with the Jillaroos, “Las” and “Vegas” are near the bottom. “It’s not banned - but we’ve done all our learning from Vegas now,” England coach Stuart Barrow said after his side’s tournament-opening 70-6 win over Wales at this Saturday’s venue, HBF Park. “It’s buried, it’s in the past.
Guns N’Roses Suncorp Stadium show scaled down
AS GUNS N’Roses announced they’re taking next year off touring, developments around their upcoming Brisbane show indicate that may not be such a bad idea. Recent seat maps for the Suncorp Stadium gig on December 5 show the stage moved to the halfway line – a strong indication that ticket sales are not where the band and promoters hoped they would be. “We’ll get done with and next year basically Guns is off,” guitarist Slash told Sirius XM.
Result does not mean Catalans and Toulouse have failed, says France coach
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'Doesn't faze me': Kini ready to step into Ponga's dancing shoes
Keano Kini is ready to step into the breach left by Kalyn Ponga’s arm injury, promising to 'play my own footy' should he be catapulted into the role against Cook Islands. Ponga announced himself on the international stage as one half of a King Kong v Godzilla match-up with Australia’s Reece Walsh on Thursday night - only to be forced off 20 minutes after suffering a broken left arm as Australia snatched an enthralling 24-22 win at Allianz Stadium.
Fiji 40 Cook Islands 12: Bati party in Newcastle
Image: Brett Phibbs/SWpix FIJI missed the semis for the first time in four World Cups in 2022 – and with a number of players unavailable, were at long odds to reverse the slide this time around. But with Dolphin Kurt Donoghoe guiding them around McDonald Jones Stadium, the Bati only needed an hour to prove their candidacy as they raced to a 34-0 lead over Cook Islands.
Fiji 12 New Zealand 18: Bulikula in stunning women’s World Cup debut
Kiwi Ferns Co-Captain Raecene McGregor during the Pacific Championships rugby league test between New Zealand Kiwis v Toa Samoa at Go Media Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand. Saturday 19 October 2025 Photo: Brett Phibbs / www.photosport.nz - © PhotosportNZ via SWpix.com IT TOOK a couple of late scores for New Zealand women to avoid being victim to the World Cup’s first bonafide upset.
England 12 Tonga 30: England left with little more than a World Cup prayer
Brian McDermott’s side crashed 30-12 at Tonga amid uproarious scenes in the red-daubed stands at HBF Stadium in Perth tonight. If the rest of the matches in pools B and C go according to form and Tonga also lose to Samoa on November 1, England and Tonga would end on equal points.
England 12 Tonga 30: England left with little more than a World Cup prayer
By STEVE MASCORD Brian McDermott’s side crashed 30-12 at Tonga amid uproarious scenes in the red-daubed stands at HBF Stadium in Perth tonight. If the rest of the matches in pools B and C go according to form and Tonga also lose to Samoa on November 1, England and Tonga would end on equal points.
England 70 Wales 6: Hat-tricks for Davies and Boyd
Paige Travis crossed adjacent to the posts with Tayla Preston’s goal tying the scores in 25 degree heat at Perth’s HBF Park. It took six minutes for Georgia Wilson to cross on the right and from then until halftime, England purred with five more tries for a 40-6 lead. Leeds debutant Connie Boyd finished with a hat-trick, Isabel Rowe, Amelia Brown, Anna Davies all doubles in a 70-6 triumph. Rowe equalled the record for points in a single match with 26.
England 70 Wales 6: Hat-tricks for Davies and Boyd
Paige Travis crossed adjacent to the posts with Tayla Preston’s goal tying the scores in 25 degree heat at Perth’s HBF Park. It took six minutes for Georgia Wilson to cross on the right and from then until halftime, England purred with five more tries for a 40-6 lead. Leeds debutant Connie Boyd finished with a hat-trick, Isabel Rowe, Amelia Brown, Anna Davies all doubles in a 70-6 triumph. Rowe equalled the record for points in a single match with 26.
Glenn Hughes undergoes 10-hour open heart surgery
ROCK legend Glenn Hughes is recovering from 10 hours of open heart surgery. The former Deep Purple and Black Sabbath bassist and vocalist shared an update on social media after an eight-day stay at UCLA Ronald Reagan Medical Center in Westwood, Los Angeles. “Now Home after an 8 day stay, and a 10 hour open heart surgery operation, called aortic valve replacement, exactly the same procedure I had done in 2013,” Hughes wrote.
The World Cup Show: Episode one
Paid episode The full episode is only available to paid subscribers of rugbyleaguehub.com Long Reads
Samoa 78 France 4: Fa’alogo goes from fan to phenomenon
Words: Steve Mascord
Australia 40 Samoa 0: Jillaroos win game, Samoa hearts
Image: Fiona Goodall/ SWpix GIVEN the scoreline, it’s not an easy task reflectin on how well the losing side defended for long stretches. Frank Pritchard’s Fetu Samoa put up a strong showing but the Jillaroos stayed mainly in second gear as they got their World Cup defence off to a winning start with a 40-0 win. It was 28-0 to Australia by halftime at CommBank Stadium, where Samoa earlier towelled up France 78-4 in the men’s tournament.
Samoa 78 France 4: Four tries for Fa’alogo in record World Cup rout
Image: Allan McKenzie/SWpix MOST tries in a Rugby League World Cup is a record held jointly by Valentine Holmes and and Josh Addo-Carr. The mark they each set was 12. Having not even been in Samoa’s starting side for their 78-4 belting of France at CommBank Stadium last night, Sua Fa’alogo is already a third of the way there after just one match.
'Doesn't faze me': Kini ready to step into Ponga's dancing shoes
Keano Kini is ready to step into the breach left by Kalyn Ponga’s arm injury, promising to 'play my own footy' should he be catapulted into the role against Cook Islands. Ponga announced himself on the international stage as one half of a King Kong v Godzilla match-up with Australia’s Reece Walsh on Thursday night - only to be forced off 20 minutes after suffering a broken left arm as Australia snatched an enthralling 24-22 win at Allianz Stadium.
'There's a lot more to go in this tournament'
Words: John Davidson | Image: David Neilsen/SWpix
Analysis: Kangaroos get out of jail after Bostock brilliance
Words: John Davidson | Image: David Neilsen/SWpix
'He really wants to be involved': Brave Ponga racing the clock
Kalyn Ponga played for 20 minutes with a suspected broken arm that may now render his race to be fit for the World Cup final a narrative almost as magnetic as his epic and unforgettable duel with Reece Walsh.
Australia 24 New Zealand 22: Bostock soars, Ponga sore
Image: Allan McKenzie/SWpix AUSTRALIA winger Jack Bostock scored the third try of his debut to seal an epic win over a New Zealand side whose star recruit Kalyn Ponga went from starring to likely missing the rest of the tournament with a broken arm. The green and golds repeatedly came from behind to win 24-22 before the biggest Test crowd in Sydney for 50 years. And this time the spectacle lived up to the occasion and the audience as the World Cup opened in enthralling fashion at Allianz Stadium.
Death Angel announces Australian tour
BAY Area thrash veterans Death Angel have announced they are touring Australia early next year. The San Francisco band will perform their 1990 album Act III in full at headline shows in Perth, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. The run follows an appearance at Adelaide’s Froth and Fury Fest, marking the group’s first Australian visit in nearly a decade. Australian fans last saw Death Angel in 2018 when the band supported Sepultura.
World Cup diary: Day one
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Is mayhem still possible in Test matches? "I hope so," says Kiwis captain
Words: Steve Mascord | Image: Andrew Cornaga/SWpix
How much support will Hetfield get with his agenda/influence comment?
SO FAR, there is the smallest hint of a wave in the wake of frontman James Hetfield telling a Las Vegas audience Metallica would not be trying to “influence” them with “agendas”. High profile manager and Ozzy’s widow Sharon Osbourne – who has offered pro-Israel views in the past – responded “1000 percent” in response and several other less prominent music industry figures have agreed. But is this the difference between an entertainer and an artist?
Keith Kahn-Harris video interview
Steve came up with the name of Hot Metal magazine in 1989 and worked for the magazine in its early years. He is HM's editor and proprietor.
COG announces festive season shows
COG’s popular annual holiday shows are returning this December. After promoting their single “Walk The Line” earlier this year, the Australian progressive hard rock band spent much of 2025 recording new material at Key Sound Studios in Byron Bay. The trio of Flynn Gower, Luke Gower and Lucius Borich are now preparing to stage their traditional end-of-year performances as summer arrives.
World Cup preview: Future’s up to you, skipper (2000)
Image: Simon Wilkinson/SWpix By STEVE MASCORD TWO compelling figures, each influential on their day, will hold rugby league’s immediate future in their hands at Twickenham on Saturday night – England captain Andy Farrell and Mother Nature. READ ON
2000 World Cup preview: Future’s up to you, skipper
Sydney Morning Herald, Saturday, October 28 2000 Image: Simon Wilkinson/SWpix By STEVE MASCORD TWO compelling figures, each influential on their day, will hold rugby league’s immediate future in their hands at Twickenham on Saturday night - England captain Andy Farrell and Mother Nature.
Ryan Hall retires
Image: Matthew Merrick/SWpix Leeds winger Ryan Hall has announced his retirement from rugby league at the age of 38. “I’m officially retiring from playing rugby league,” Hall said. “I think the time’s right that I hang up the boots. I’ve done it for 20 years and I’ve loved every minute of it.” The Rothwell-born player made his senior debut for the Rhinos in May 2007 and finished his career with 358 tries in 540 appearances across club and representative levels.
Samoa: Pressure? What pressure?
Image: Allan McKenzie/SWpix SAMOA coach Ben Gardiner has dismissed suggestions his side is under pressure to repeat their World Cup final appearance of four years ago. Samoa has lost eight of its incumbent 17, with prop Payne Haas opting for hand surgery and prop Terrell May making himself unavailable, for the tournament which kicks off in five days.
Toovey recovering but lineup under wraps (1995)
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Toovey recovering but lineup under wraps (1995)
HALFBACK Geoff Toovey may be rested from Australia’s opening World Cup match against England after a training mishap on Friday. Toovey is determined to play at Wembley Stadium on Saturday despite severe bruising to his shoulder in a collision with Manly club-mate Terry Hill in a a game of tag football.
Guns N’Roses join Aerosmith And Friends shows
SLASH was already listed but Guns N’Roses have joined the upcoming Aerosmith and friends shows. The two concerts, billed as California, Dream On: Aerosmith & Friends, are set for the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles on October 29 and November 1. Aerosmith said in a statement: “Aerosmith & Friends just got a little louder.
Patrons first: All your NRL Europe questions answered (video)
Paid episode The full episode is only available to paid subscribers of rugbyleaguehub.com Long Reads
Judas Priest’s Ian Hill retires
AFTER missing his first show ever at the end of Judas Priest‘s most recent tour, 74-year-old bass player Ian Hill has retired after 57 of those years in the role. Hill is Priest’s longest-serving member and has played on every album but says arthritis has made it impossible for him to continue. His replacement is Davey Rimmer, who deputised on September 21 at Hammersmith Apollo.
Powderfinger confirms reunion for September 2027
WE covered Powderfinger when they first started to break out nationally in 1990 and as we say – once a HM band, always a HM band! And the wildly popular Brissie rockers have announced a comeback, 16 year after their last show in 2010. By the time the comeback happens, it will actually be 17 years as the reunion tour isn’t getting underway until August or September 2027.
Discord: Going OTT over SBW (2013)
Image: Vaughn Ridley/SWpix By STEVE MASCORD ABOUT two months ago, your correspondent posted online what he thought was a ho-hum story he had written more than two weeks before and had appeared in print - “without incident,” I guess you could say – 11 days previously. It told how, after a verbal battle with Sydney Roosters’ Sonny Bill Williams during a matc…
Laban’s dad is a Samoan chief – he advised his son to play for New Zealand
Image: Andrew Cornaga/SWpix JACOB Laban has been advised by his Samoan chief father to choose New Zealand over the land of his birth for the upcoming World Cup. Coach Stacey Jones has gone with only one specialist hooker, the Dolphins’ Jeremy Marshall-King, following the suspension of Phoenix Crossland for breaking Nathan Cleary’s ankle. Australian Wayde Egan is eligible on residency grounds but was not included in the Kiwis’ extended squad.
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