Triple M has announced the launch of two new Rush Hour Drive shows focused on delivering localised NRL coverage for New South Wales and Queensland, beginning Monday, 28 April.
The new shows, airing weekdays from 4pm to 6pm, represent a significant expansion for Triple M’s sport-focused programming and comes in the wake of the departure of broadcaster Marty Sheargold.
Marty Sheargold
NRL Focus in NSW with Anthony Maroon and co-hosts
Audiences in NSW will soon hear a lot more of rugby league commentator and seasoned radio veteran Anthony Maroon, when he takes on the hosting duties of Triple M’s Rush Hour.
Maroon will be joined by a sport focused team of co-hosts, including former Parramatta Eels captain Nathan ‘Hiney’ Hindmarsh, four-time NRLW premiership winner Millie Elliott, and other key figures from the NRLW such as Sam Bremner and Keeley Davis. Maroon will also continue his role as the anchor on Triple M Sydney’s Dead Set Legends on Saturdays.
The company’s strategic move to amplify female voices on-air follows Sheargold’s exit, which was sparked by the comedian’s controversial comments surrounding women’s sport.
Maroon shared his excitement about the new role: “I’m genuinely pumped to be working with Hindy, we’ve been mates for years, both wearing the blue and gold, him with Parra and me with the Waterloo Waratahs.
“But I’m equally excited to team up with Millie, Sam, and Keeley, all of whom bring tremendous talent and insight. I think listeners will love what they bring to the show.”
Nathan Hindmarsh, Adam Peacock, Anthony Maroon & Millie Elliott.
Triple M’s Queensland Rush Hour with Dobbo & Elliott
In Queensland, the Rush Hour with Dobbo & Elliott will air across both metro and regional stations, hosted by seasoned NRL commentators Ben ‘Dobbo’ Dobbin and Elliott Lovejoy.
Dobbo, a former Rush Hour host and regular on Triple M Breakfast with Marto, Margaux & Dan, will team up with Elliott, a commentator and broadcaster who has extensive experience in regional Queensland’s Rush Hour.
The pair will be joined by a rotating lineup of NRLW stars, including Brisbane Broncos captain Ali Brigginshaw, Romy Teitzel, Jaime Chapman, and Mackenzie Weale.
Dobbo commented: “I’m excited to be driving listeners home again in 2025. Rugby league and sport have always been my passions, and it’s an honour to share that with listeners daily.
“Elliott is one of the good guys in this industry, but make no mistake, we have some very different opinions, and we won’t shy away from taking each other on. Adding some of the toughest minds in NRLW to the lineup will bring fresh perspectives and elevate the show.”
Elliott shared her appreciation for the opportunity, saying: “I’m struggling to put into words how appreciative I am to broadcast across Queensland, a place I’ve called home after growing up in the Torres Strait.
“It’s a real privilege to share stories from the sport I love alongside Ben Dobbin, and now with some of the most accomplished women in rugby league joining us, it’s going to be an exciting show. I can’t wait to push Dobbo’s buttons every afternoon and bring Queensland a show where everyone’s welcome.”
Elliott Lovejoy & Ben ‘Dobbo’ Dobbin
Rush Hour brand continues to thrive
The launch of these new Rush Hour shows follows the success of The Rush Hour with JB & Billy, which has rapidly become a fan favourite in states like Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, and Tasmania.
Hosted by James Brayshaw and Billy Brownless, JB & Billy has seen substantial growth, particularly in Adelaide and Perth, with the duo achieving an 18-year ratings high in Melbourne during the 4-6 pm slot.
The show’s popularity has extended beyond broadcast, with its LiSTNR podcast ranking among the Top 50 Australian podcasts.
The growing demand for rugby league content across both New South Wales and Queensland continues to rage on, with Triple M’s current NRL coverage reaching a combined weekly audience of 376,000 listeners across Sydney and Brisbane.
The figure positions Triple M as the #1 station for NRL across all key demographics, including P10+ and P25-54.
Dave Cameron, SCA’s Chief Content Officer
Dave Cameron, SCA’s Chief Content Officer, spoke about the significance of these new shows: “Triple M’s Rush Hour brand is already synonymous with compelling sport-focused programming, and the creation of these two new shows for Triple M New South Wales and Queensland NRL fans further strengthens our commitment as a premium partner to the NRL.
“Our existing Rush Hour show in Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, and Tasmania continues to deliver AFL-focused content, and now we’’e ensuring that the Rush Hour brand resonates with NRL audiences as well. Triple M remains the home of Australia’s biggest sporting codes with these new show launches.”