ESPN League Central debuts on Disney+ with James Graham, Shane Flanagan and Rugby League Guru – ESPN Australia will launch a new weekly rugby league program as the NRL finals race heats up.
ESPN League Central begins Wednesday, 22 July 2026, on ESPN on Disney+.
The show gives Australian league fans another regular stop for NRL analysis during the most important part of the season. The top-eight race is moving quickly. As a result, form, injuries, selection calls and pressure games will all matter more each week.
A new weekly NRL show
ESPN says the program will follow every twist in the battle for finals spots. It will also look ahead to the finals series once the regular season reaches its final weeks.
The timing is important. At this point of the NRL season, one result can change the shape of the ladder. Therefore, a weekly panel show gives fans a clear place to catch up on the major stories before the next round begins.
Who is on ESPN League Central?
James Graham will lead the new program. Graham played 424 games across the NRL and English Super League.
His career included time with St Helens, Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and St George Illawarra Dragons. He also represented England and Great Britain. Since retiring, he has built a strong media profile through The Bye Round podcast.
Nathan Durkin, better known as Rugby League Guru, will also appear on the series. He brings a fan-first style and an analytical view of the competition.
Shane Flanagan completes the weekly line-up. Flanagan coached the Cronulla Sharks to their breakthrough NRL premiership in 2016. More recently, he coached the St George Illawarra Dragons.
In addition, Flanagan brings a coach’s box perspective. That should give the show a practical view of tactics, team form and finals pressure.
When does ESPN League Central start?
ESPN League Central debuts Wednesday, 22 July 2026, on ESPN on Disney+.
The weekly series will cover the NRL top-eight race and continue through the finals run.
For more rugby league coverage, visit TV Central’s NRL section. More information is available from ESPN Australia.
