#52 The CEO: Ben Ikin | The Bye Round Podcast with James Graham

[@JoshLuck]

Knocked this interview out of the park! Loved it! Selection of the questions, and flow of the interview was great. Ben Ikin, seems so classy, a joy to listen to.

[@HerecomesChristmas]

oh man I have been waiting for this! I miss seeing him at Broncos training. Always says hi! have loved him since I was a kid. I still remember his classic Maccas ad with Tooves. What a great human!

[@danmcinerney3594]

One of the best interviews to date. The span of Ben’s career from grass roots, to player, to commentator and now to administrator. Wonderful perspective.

[@forddriver8827]

Ben Ikin is a man to be measured against. A true no bullshit, no entitlement male. Thanks for inspiring me in my later life Ben and reminding me we never stop learning and growing.

[@__gk___]

That was so good Jimmy! I really love the way you interview, your questions are great, it’s so casual, and you follow the conversation with curiosity instead of just moving to the next point. Also, Ben is amazing, I aspire to replicate his professionalism in my own work. I loved hearing his perspective on the work life balance and about what’s really important in life… family :)

[@ins1demanwhitaker527]

These are cold hard facts

[@michaelolofsson8558]

Man this was an episode. Listening to Ben talk about TV producing and how it was all strung along, how he developed. Magnificent.

[@dylanking1509]

Great guest, the way ben articulates himself is so enjoyable and digestible. You killed this Jimmy, love your work!

[@DanePymble]

Absolutely captivating. I wish there were more Ben Ikins in Rugby League

[@MyLifeDarrenB]

One of the best interviews I have seen, well done to both parties.

[@griff8578]

Great show Jim. I’m a bit older than you but grew up off Deyes Lane and parents still live there, been in Oz for 25 years, to see what you’ve done with your career and life great mate. Congratulations 👍🏻

[@Scooty_Scooty]

Great episode, just two people with a deep knowledge of the game having a discussion without any agendas to push. More episodes like this woukd be amazing. Well done!

[@sydcityhiphop]

Been a listener / watcher in the background but made my way to the comments to applaud you both on a great interview. Ikin is a really smart man with great insights. Thanks James and the team

[@glenemma1]

The third Origin game is never a dead rubber. I can tell you, as a New South Welshman, it felt great to win and avoid a whitewash. It enhanced the well being and dignity of the whole state.

[@JustTheTipNRLPodcast]

Ben Ikin is the absolute king - miss him measured class on 360

[@Meatpieandsauce]

I miss Ikin in the media....

[@charv3z]

one the greatest Jimmy! Love Ben. such class

[@BobbyLowedesign]

Great interview James and Ben. I really enjoyed the update and insights.

[@teamatheavenscent1863]

Awesome interview, he speaks well Ben

[@JustSomebody-e9h]

All of the 4 golden era Footy Show hosts, Fatty, Sterlo, Chief and Matty would be great guests. Hopefully it happens in the near future!

[@laurens4561]

13:52 I think you will find that state of origin wasn't a concept that was thought up as Ben said by rugby league people but it was taken from another sport.

[@brenthoodqld6654]

Love Ben Ikin he is incredible so smooth very well educated and spoken . His brain is unbelievable smart clever you can’t help but be in aw and hang on every word he says what a ripper of an interview James . Next phil could , brandy , Craig Bellamy , Cameron smith , cooper Cronk , Ivan Cleary,

[@stevegracey79]

The words from. 1.19 mins 🙌

[@knight9764]

Despite the fact he's a qlder , I've always rated Ikin 360 is poorer without him Crackin podcast Jimmy !!!

[@MyLifeDarrenB]

Great Answer - what if Turbo gets injured in game three. Take the positives with the negatives.

[@jjruss8238]

Great content James. Get Sutton on asap!

[@CJH94]

Must be a trippy thing having 1 convo with your mate Ben then when the cameras turn on you have to have another conversation with Ben Aiken Queensland CEO.

[@mixxxer]

Future NRL CEO I have no doubt

[@LAMARC1]

Crazy interview!! Huge pieces to why QLDs worst team ever ain’t as bad as we thought they were gonna be🤦‍♂️! Can our blues borrow Benny Ikin😂

[@RNG23]

I can see Jimmys point on the dead rubber but it’ll never change as it’s imbedded into the culture of rugby league over here in aus. Everyone says it’s not a dead rubber but next day on every media platform the other team wanted it more and the other team subconsciously weren’t there as they already wrapped the series up. End of the day it’s never gonna happen so it’ll always be 3 games for origin

[@JRPete]

A 3 game origin concept mustn't change. if a team wins 2 then a white wash is in effect. I hope league brings that concept to the ashes series between Great Britain/England and Australia.

[@SennyMarshall]

3 game series has to stay. Game 3 always has meaning even if it is a dead rubber. It doesn't make sense. But it works

[@j0shj0shj0sh]

Comparing it to American finals in sport doesn't prove the point James thinks it does. Best of 7 means 4 games minimum.

[@__gk___]

Jimmy, let the origin series setup go.

[@CJH94]

I think of freddy keeps the job its through lack of there being a good option. He was down right terrible this season and even last. If he cant win without a fully fit trell and turbo then he's not an origin coach.

[@kamira666]

Things you cant say seem to be anything about Paul Kent. A bit hypocritical even in the podcast world its pretty shit not talking about the loud mouth of the NRL media.

[@rashneelwalla380]

Man shut up. Everyone is innocent till proven guilty

[@hungryb4dinner]

I thought it is because it will affect the case that is still ongoing?

[@iancocks9408]

Fox don’t think so they took him off tv and the daily telegraph stopped his columns, they think he is guilty without proof.

[@UK100Adam]

Just give it up - there is no dead rubber in origin - get with the program.

[@elliotmartin650]

Can agree with the revision of tackling rules but I can’t get on board with the no scores or trophies. Particularly the way he lectures it to you and says “its not about winning or learning its about having fun”. That might be his vision but I think there is a lot to learn there for kids about how the world works.

[@Seanype]

Where’s the RLPA talk ? Has the order been given from above not to talk about it ? You media are a joke

[@4020-productions]

Hard to understand Origin if you’re not from Queensland or New South Wales. Stop trying to destroy tradition. You don’t see us Aussies telling the Premier League they should have a Grand Final.

[@Gamminn]

Ben ikin was awesome on 360 I actually miss kenty

[@rashneelwalla380]

Ben was so sweet talking about his beautiful wife.