Rugby League with a Local Twist
Welcome to Rugby League Outsiders, where two passionate fans and ageing players, Karl Walker and Craig Williams, bring their love for the game to the Midlands.

Karl Walker
Born in Bradford Karl grew up on the cold terraces at Odsal Stadium watching the Bulls. He started playing at the age of 7 and 30 years later he is just about ready to hang up his boots. He played community rugby for Wibsey Warriors and represented Bradford and West Yorkshire. Karl moved to the Midlands in his 20s after meeting his wife. He has played for Telford Raiders since 2013 and is now enjoying a role in RL multimedia.

Craig Williams
Born in Halifax, Craig started rugby at 13 for school and local club Elland and eventually Huddersfield Academy. In 1995, Craig joined the Royal Marines and played for both the Marines & Royal Navy. Operational deployments prompted a 5-year break before he returned to playing for both the Royal Marines & Somerset Vikings. After leaving the forces, Craig relocated to the Midlands and played for Telford Raiders until retiring in 2019.
Our Story
After relocating to the Midlands, Karl & Craig were disappointed to find that rugby league wasn’t as prevalent as it was in their former homes.
However, instead of accepting defeat, Karl and Craig saw this as an opportunity to promote the sport and make it more accessible for others in the Midlands. They started the Rugby League Outsiders podcast to shed light on the hidden gems of rugby league in the region and to give a voice to those who may have been overlooked.
Tune in every week as Karl and Craig share their insights and experiences, interview players and coaches, and delve into all things rugby league. From local clubs to the latest news, they’ve got you covered.
Join the Rugby League Outsiders community today and help spread the word about this amazing sport in the Midlands
get in the game!
There’s always two sides to a game of rugby and this podcast is the same. If you have a story or some rugby league news to share, reach out. We’re always on the look out for new guests or great stories.
Or if you’re just here to enjoy the show, grab a drink and get ready for unapologetic opinions, humorous anecdotes, and insider knowledge.

Start Here
In the first episode of the Rugby League Outsiders Podcast, hosts Karl & Craig explain the origins of the show, a little about their playing history and outline their future intentions.
Lace-up your boots… welcome to the team.



Latest episodes
Midlands Final Preview With Liam Cashman
Midlands Final Preview With Liam Cashman In this episode, hosts Karl & Craig sit down with Pete Gatenby & Toby Whelan of the Leamington Royals. 👉 Toby Whelan Born in Leeds but grew up in Leamington/Warwick. I’ve only been playing league for 3 years (all with...
July Round Up | Scotland, Midlands & Student 4 Nations Rugby League
July Round Up | Scotland, Midlands & Student 4 Nations Rugby League In This Episode: Guests:✅ Lewis Copeland, Communication Officer for Scotland Rugby League and founder of the Rugby League in Scotland Twitter page ✅ Craig Fisher, Wales Students Head Coach✅ Luke...
Meet Roy Reeve Assistant Coach at Nottingham Outlaws Rugby League Club
Meet Roy Reeve Assistant Coach at Nottingham Outlaws Rugby League Club Meet Roy Reeve Assistant Coach at Nottingham Outlaws Rugby League Club In this episode, hosts Karl & Craig sit down with Roy Reeve, assistant coach and head of recruitment at Nottingham...
Meet Jamie Jones of The Oxford Cavaliers Rugby League Club
Meet Jamie Jones of The Oxford Cavaliers Rugby League Club Meet Jamie Jones of Oxford Cavaliers Rugby League Club In this episode, hosts Karl & Craig sit down with special guest Jamie Jones, coach and secretary at the Oxford Cavaliers. ↪ Oxford Cavs on...
Meet Matt De Ridder & Matt Williscroft From Staffordshire Quantums Rugby League Club
Meet Matt De Ridder & Matt Williscroft From Staffordshire Quantums Rugby League Club In this episode, hosts Karl & Craig sit down with Matt Williscroft and Martin De Ridder of the newly formed Staffordshire Quantums. Staffordshire has taken the Midlands Rugby...
Meet Becki Davies Of Salford & North Wales Crusaders & Darren Morson of Wales & Midland Hurricanes
Meet Becki Davies Of Salford & North Wales Crusaders & Darren Morson of Wales & Midland Hurricanes In this episode, host’s Craig Williams & Karl Walker chat with Becki Davies and Darren Morson. 👉 Becki is a Welsh international, current player with...
Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup Winner James Simpson & Edinburgh Giants Head Coach Martyn Gill – Ep 13
Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup Winner James Simpson & Edinburgh Giants Head Coach Martyn Gill - Ep 13 Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup Winner James Simpson & Edinburgh Giants Head Coach Martyn Gill In this episode, hosts Karl Walker & Craig Williams chat...
The 2023 Season So Far | Midlands RL Round Up – Ep 12
The 2023 Season So Far | Midlands RL Round Up - Ep 12 🏉 Welcome back to the Rugby League Outsiders! In Episode 12 of Midlands RL Round-Up, we delve into the heart-pounding action and dramatic twists of the 2023 season so far. 🏉 As we find ourselves mid-season,...
Midlands Hurricanes Rugby League Club Hospitality Day Review – Ep 11
Midlands Hurricanes Rugby League Club Hospitality Day Review - Ep 11 🏉 Welcome to the latest episode of Rugby League Outsiders, where we take you behind the scenes of one of the most vibrant clubs in the sport: Midlands Hurricanes Rugby League Club. 🏉 In this episode,...
Meet Dave Moll & James Husband of the Lincolnshire Lions Rugby Club – Ep 10
Meet Dave Moll & James Husband of the Lincolnshire Lions Rugby Club - Ep 10 In this episode, hosts Karl & Craig sit down with head coach Dave Moll & Chairman James Husband of the newly formed, Lincoln based rugby league club, the Lincolnshire Lions. We...
Meet Sean Sudworth & Stuart Hood of Birmingham Bulldogs Rugby League Club – Ep 9
Meet Sean Sudworth & Stuart Hood of Birmingham Bulldogs Rugby League Club Description - Meet Sean Sudworth & Stuart Hood of Birmingham Bulldogs Rugby League Club - Ep 9 In this episode, hosts Karl & Craig sit down with Sean Sudworth & Stuart Hood of...
Meet Toby Whelan & Pete Gatenby From The Leamington Royals Rugby League Club – Ep 8
Meet Toby Whelan & Pete Gatenby From The Leamington Royals Rugby League Club - Ep 8 In this episode, hosts Karl & Craig sit down with Pete Gatenby & Toby Whelan of the Leamington Royals. 👉 Toby Whelan Born in Leeds but grew up in Leamington/Warwick. I’ve only...