Kenty - Paul Kent NRL Podcast

🏉 Welcome to Kenty Blitz

Paul Kent breaks down the biggest stories in rugby league as the November 1 player market opens and the World Cup heats up.

Kenty unpacks the talk linking Matt Burton to the Bears, Sam Walker’s next move, and Papua New Guinea’s pursuit of Nathan Cleary. Plus, he discusses Bradman Best’s potential Parramatta move and the Dolphins’ battle to keep their rising stars.

He also questions Brisbane’s recruitment strategy, Peter O’Sullivan’s reported big-money deal, and the challenge facing Michael Maguire as he attempts to reset the Broncos’ culture.

Then, Kenty reflects on the epic Tonga–Samoa clash, makes the case for a three-game series alongside Origin, and explains his concerns about Australia’s World Cup form.

Plus, Josh Addo-Carr’s B-sample result and Parramatta future, Melbourne Cup chat, and a hat giveaway to finish.

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS

00:00 — November 1 Player Market Opens

00:57 — Matt Burton to the Bears?

01:56 — Sam Walker’s Future & Bulldogs Links

03:07 — Nathan Cleary & Papua New Guinea’s Pursuit

06:02 — Briton Nikora Links & PNG’s Forward Recruitment

07:16 — Bradman Best & Parramatta

07:33 — Dolphins’ Salary Cap Squeeze & Jack Bostock

09:12 — Why Recruitment Managers Matter

11:44 — Broncos’ Peter O’Sullivan Deal Under Fire

15:33 — Michael Maguire & Brisbane’s Culture Reset

17:51 — Tonga–Samoa Epic & a Three-Game Series

21:03 — Origin Eligibility & International Rugby League

22:44 — Are Australia in World Cup Trouble?

23:14 — National Pride, Anthems & Team Unity

26:45 — Pacific Tests Alongside Origin & the NRL Schedule

29:17 — Josh Addo-Carr’s B-Sample & Eels Future

32:30 — Melbourne Cup Tips & Scratching Debate

35:09 — Hat Giveaway & Wrap-Up

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🏉 Welcome to Kenty Blitz: Ask Kenty — Hudson Young’s Value, Sam Walker’s Fallout & NRL Media Control

Paul Kent answers your questions on the biggest issues in rugby league as the November 1 player market opens.

Kenty unpacks Hudson Young’s valuation, Canberra’s stance and Papua New Guinea’s recruitment position, explaining why notional values exist and questioning how the NRL applies them.

Plus, he discusses Sam Walker’s contract fallout, the responsibility of player managers, Lachlan Galvin’s relationship with Isaac Moses, and his concerns about media access and independence.

Kenty also tackles the draft debate, Herbie Farnworth’s Roosters links, Sam Verrills’ reported development deal, the value of Las Vegas, six-again tactics and the growing gap between reserve grade and the NRL.

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS

00:00 — Welcome & Tonga v Samoa Preview

00:50 — Hudson Young, Canberra & PNG’s Salary Cap

02:09 — Notional Value Explained: Why the System Exists

06:13 — Market Value, Player Perks & Salary-Cap Consistency

07:58 — Sam Walker, Player Managers & Contract Negotiations

10:41 — Lachlan Galvin & Isaac Moses

11:49 — Media Access, Independence & the NRL’s “Media Cop”

14:32 — Can the Salary Cap Work Without a Draft?

17:48 — Herbie Farnworth & Negotiations Before November 1

20:57 — What Gets Kenty’s Blood Pressure Up?

22:24 — Sam Verrills’ Reported Development Deal

23:53 — How Can Fans Push for Change?

25:39 — Las Vegas, Grassroots Spending & Reserve-Grade Nostalgia

28:09 — Recruitment Mistakes & Club Relationships

28:57 — Would “Three Again” Work Better Than Six Again?

30:16 — International Rugby League’s Development Challenge

31:44 — Why the Gap Between Reserve Grade & NRL Has Grown

33:59 — Round One Match-Ups & a Bears–Manly Rivalry

36:21 — Final Wrap-Up: Let the November 1 Frenzy Begin

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🏉 Welcome to Kenty Blitz: Walker’s Roosters Fallout, Ponga’s Return & World Cup Concerns

Paul Kent breaks down the Sam Walker contract saga, questioning the Roosters’ handling of their premiership halfback and the media storm surrounding his future.

Kenty examines Walker’s market value, the debate around player loyalty, and whether the relationship can be repaired. Plus, he weighs up potential landing spots, including the Cowboys, Bulldogs and Rabbitohs.

He also unpacks the World Cup’s lopsided scorelines, Kalyn Ponga’s potential return for New Zealand, and why Australia’s struggles through the middle could threaten their title hopes.

Plus, Peter V’landys’ overseas trip and NRL Land, a preview of the Tonga–Samoa showdown, and the player movement frenzy looming on November 1.

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS

00:00 — Welcome & Kenty’s Darts Revival

01:09 — Sam Walker’s Contract Saga & Roosters Fallout

07:02 — Player Welfare, the RLPA & Media Leaks

08:33 — Is Walker Worth the Money?

13:04 — Roosters Recruitment & Premiership Planning

19:04 — Player Loyalty & the Roosters’ Double Standards

26:30 — Where Could Walker Land? Cowboys, Bulldogs & Souths

34:13 — World Cup Blowouts & the Gap Between Nations

36:16 — Kalyn Ponga’s Return & Australia’s World Cup Concerns

40:50 — Isaah Yeo at Prop: Kenty Questions the Selection

41:56 — Peter V’landys’ Overseas Trip & NRL Land

44:47 — England v Papua New Guinea Preview

46:06 — New Zealand v Fiji Preview

46:44 — Dearden, Walsh & Australia’s Spine

48:43 — France v Lebanon Preview

49:47 — Tonga v Samoa: The Weekend’s Big Clash

50:36 — November 1 & the Player Movement Frenzy

52:18 — Wrap-Up

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🏉 Welcome to Kenty Blitz: Walker’s Roosters Bombshell, Hudson Young’s Contract Chaos & PNG’s Tax-Free Advantage

Paul Kent breaks down the biggest stories in rugby league as the NRL player market heats up ahead of November 1.

Kenty unpacks reports that the Roosters have withdrawn their offer to Sam Walker, the alleged extra $100,000 request, and why Nick Politis appears ready to walk away.

Plus, he explores where Walker could land next, including Papua New Guinea, the Bulldogs and a left-field Melbourne move, alongside the possibility of a Tom Dearden swap.

Kenty also examines Hudson Young’s stalled Raiders negotiations, the debate over salary-cap ratchet clauses, and why the NRL’s player valuations and PNG’s tax-free advantage could create a recruitment nightmare. He also weighs in on trade windows, media leaks and the agendas driving rugby league’s contract headlines.

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS

00:00 — Sam Walker’s Roosters Contract Bombshell

03:02 — The Alleged Extra $100,000 That Broke the Deal

06:26 — November 1, Player Loyalty & Walker’s Market Value

12:05 — The Roosters’ Version v Walker’s Side of the Story

15:05 — Salary-Cap Discipline & the Latrell Mitchell Precedent

19:12 — Where Could Sam Walker Land Next?

21:08 — Tom Dearden Swap & Nathan Cleary Speculation

22:44 — Could the Bulldogs or Storm Make a Play?

27:17 — PNG’s Tax-Free Appeal & Walker’s Immediate Future

29:41 — Hudson Young’s Raiders Contract Breakdown

33:27 — Ratchet Clauses & the Salary-Cap Gamble

34:14 — The NRL’s $1.1 Million Valuation Dilemma

37:22 — PNG, the Bears & Rules on the Run

39:43 — Would an NRL Trade Window Solve Anything?

42:29 — Media Leaks, Clickbait & Contract Agendas

45:59 — World Cup & Wrap-Up

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🏉 Welcome to Kenty Blitz: World Cup Blowouts, Ipswich’s $200M Bid & PNG Chiefs

Paul Kent breaks down the biggest stories in rugby league as the World Cup continues and the player market heats up.

Kenty questions the tournament’s uneven matchups, the NRL’s international ambitions, and whether the game is doing enough to support grassroots clubs while AFL expands into rugby league territory.

Plus, he discusses the Ipswich Jets’ reported $200 million expansion war chest, John Singleton’s involvement, and the colourful Newtown stories connecting the Jets of yesterday and today.

Kenty also unpacks the PNG Chiefs’ jersey and naming dispute, Cooper Bai’s recruitment interest, Hudson Young’s contract situation, and the latest transfer talk involving the Roosters, Herbie Farnworth, Jack Bostock and Bradman Best. There’s also mail linking Newcastle with a pursuit of Harry Grant, before a preview of the weekend’s World Cup games.

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS

00:00 — Welcome & World Cup Mismatches

02:50 — Does Rugby League Need to Be a Global Game?

05:19 — Overseas Expansion v Funding Clubs at Home

07:30 — Rugby Union Comparisons & AFL’s Growing Footprint

10:57 — Ipswich Jets’ Reported $200 Million Expansion Bid

13:18 — John Singleton, Tommy Raudonikis & the Newtown Jets

15:56 — Clubs Going Broke & Why the Salary Cap Was Introduced

18:04 — Ipswich’s Newtown Connection & Alfie Langer

19:26 — PNG Chiefs’ New Jersey & Emblem

20:37 — Chiefs Naming Dispute with Super Rugby

22:16 — Cooper Bai, Hudson Young & PNG Recruitment

26:15 — Roosters Recruitment & Herbie Farnworth Talk

27:14 — Jack Bostock, Bradman Best & the Transfer Dominoes

29:02 — Newcastle’s Reported Interest in Harry Grant

30:24 — Tonga v Lebanon & the Cedars’ Origins

33:52 — Papua New Guinea v Samoa

34:21 — England v France & Fixing England’s Attack

36:09 — New Zealand v Cook Islands & Australia v Fiji

36:27 — Wrap-Up & Ask Kenty Questions

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🏉 Welcome to Kenty Blitz: Anthem Debate, Addo-Carr’s Future & Walsh’s Magic

Paul Kent breaks down the biggest stories in rugby league as the World Cup sparks plenty of talking points.

Kenty reflects on the opening weekend’s international action, Fiji’s emotional pre-game performance, and the debate over Australian players not singing the national anthem.

Plus, he revisits Anthony Mundine’s influence, explains how Sonny Bill Williams changed the balance of power between players and clubs, and discusses Josh Addo-Carr’s uncertain future at Parramatta, the pressure on Jason Ryles, and a potential opportunity for Tyrell Sloan.

Kenty also unpacks Australia’s halves battle, Reece Walsh’s extraordinary performance, Kalyn Ponga’s possible return, and why Super League clubs have pushed back against the NRL’s proposed deal.

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS

00:00 — International Footy & Fiji’s Emotional Pre-Game Song

01:13 — Could a Pacific Nations NRL Team Work?

03:04 — Australia’s National Anthem Debate

06:22 — Anthony Mundine, Laurie Daley & Kenty’s Falling-Out

12:05 — Sonny Bill Williams & the Rise of Player Power

17:30 — Parramatta’s Stand on Zac Lomax

19:15 — Josh Addo-Carr’s Future & Club Standards

21:53 — Pressure on Jason Ryles & a Tyrell Sloan Lifeline?

24:33 — Kangaroos Debutants & the Walker–Dearden Halves Battle

27:44 — Reece Walsh’s Magic Against the Kiwis

30:16 — Kalyn Ponga’s Injury & Possible World Cup Return

32:29 — Mitchell Moses Out, Ethan Strange Called In

33:34 — Tonga’s Toughness & England’s Attacking Problems

36:42 — George Williams v Kodi Nikorima: Dolphins’ Recruitment Call

37:33 — Super League Rejects the NRL Deal

42:08 — Wrap-Up & Ask Kenty

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🏉 Welcome to Kenty Blitz

Brought to you by FanaticsTV.

Paul Kent returns for an off-season edition of Kenty Blitz, breaking down the Rugby League World Cup, the NRL’s looming November 1 player market and the biggest contract questions in the game.

Kenty explains why the World Cup still struggles to excite, how the rise of Samoa and Tonga has changed the international game, and why the NRL’s global ambitions face a major challenge.

Plus, the truth behind Latrell Mitchell’s value at centre, David Fifita’s Souths revival, Sam Walker’s future, Nathan Cleary and Isaah Yeo’s Penrith deals, Cameron Munster’s next contract, Peter O’Sullivan’s recruitment influence and the NRL’s proposed wildcard finals system.

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS

00:00 — Welcome to Kenty Blitz

02:37 — Why the Rugby League World Cup still struggles to excite

05:02 — NRL meat market: Latrell Mitchell’s value at South Sydney

10:08 — David Fifita’s career revival at the Rabbitohs

11:30 — Sam Walker, Nathan Cleary and Isaah Yeo’s contract futures

15:03 — Cameron Munster’s value and the NRL’s notional-value problem

17:48 — Salary-cap management: how smart clubs stay successful

20:30 — Peter O’Sullivan’s recruitment genius and Brisbane move

23:20 — Why centres are rising in value: Bradman Best, Herbie Farnworth & Jack Bostock

26:21 — NRL wildcard finals: rewarding mediocrity or growing the game?

30:39 — Australia v New Zealand World Cup preview

32:04 — Kangaroos v Kiwis: player-by-player comparison

35:39 — Samoa v France preview

36:09 — Papua New Guinea v Lebanon preview

36:29 — England v Tonga preview

37:33 — Fiji v Cook Islands preview

38:42 — Wrap-up

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Paul Kent breaks down the 2026 NRL Grand Final as the Sydney Roosters edge the Newcastle Knights 19–18.

Kenty explains why Newcastle’s brave defence kept the contest alive, but the Roosters’ power through the middle, smart game management and big-match experience ultimately decided the premiership.

Plus, Daly Cherry-Evans’ field-goal moment, the impact of Phoenix Crossland’s absence, Trent Robinson’s coaching legacy, James Tedesco’s Clive Churchill Medal, Mark Nawaqanitawase’s final NRL game, Grand Final entertainment, and the Kangaroos squad.

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS

00:00 — Roosters v Knights: Grand Final overview

02:25 — Roosters’ physicality and Newcastle’s brave defence

04:55 — Phoenix Crossland’s absence felt at dummy-half

07:25 — Daly Cherry-Evans’ field goal and the Roosters’ halves partnership

09:30 — Why the Roosters signed DCE

12:00 — Trent Robinson, recruitment and the Roosters’ winning culture

15:00 — Robinson’s coaching legacy and future

18:00 — Grand Final officiating, consistency and key calls

25:00 — James Tedesco’s Clive Churchill Medal

27:00 — Roosters’ middle dominance and bringing collision back

28:30 — Farewell to Mark Nawaqanitawase

30:50 — The NRL Grand Final entertainment debate

35:30 — Kangaroos squad, new faces and World Cup plans

39:10 — Season wrap-up

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Paul Kent answers your biggest rugby league questions on Grand Final day.

Kenty breaks down Newcastle’s remarkable connection with its former players, why the Knights have such passionate support, and whether they can complete a fairytale run to the premiership.

He also discusses Nathan Cleary’s mental toughness after playing through injury, Phoenix Crossland’s Grand Final suspension, the hip-drop tackle debate, player development, Super League’s challenges and how the modern game compares with rugby league in the ’90s.

Plus, Kenty answers your questions on premiership rings, player recruitment, NRLW scheduling, short dropouts, expansion, the Knights’ attacking style and more.

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS

00:00 — Why Newcastle’s Old Boys Love the Club

03:00 — Who Deserves a Premiership Ring?

06:00 — Nathan Cleary’s Mental Toughness Through Injury

09:00 — Rugby League’s Toughest Players and Playing Through Pain

12:00 — Can Talent Really Be Identified and Developed?

15:00 — Player Value, Contracts and the Transfer Market

18:00 — Hip-Drop Tackles: Why the Debate Won’t Go Away

21:00 — Phoenix Crossland’s Ban and Grand Final Suspensions

24:00 — The Future of Super League

27:00 — Chris Heighington’s Remarkable Trial Story

30:00 — Injuries, Penrith and the Blaze Talagi Question

33:00 — NRLW Scheduling and Newcastle’s Grand Final Chance

36:00 — Why Rugby League Looked Better in the ’90s

39:00 — Newcastle’s Attacking Blueprint

42:00 — Short Dropouts, Expansion and Fan Questions

45:00 — Grand Final Predictions and Wrap-Up

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The big guns are together for a full NRL year-in-review. Paul Kent, James Hooper and Steve “Chimes” Gillis look back on the biggest stories, controversies, players and moments from the season then turn their attention to what’s ahead.

From the media debate, rule changes and the commission, to recruitment, expansion, Origin, the game’s best players and plenty of banter, this is the full-length Fanatics TV rugby league wrap.

Timecodes:

0:00 - Welcome and the year’s biggest talking points

1:00 - NRL media scrutiny and the “media cop” debate

5:00 - Broadcast rights, criticism and the media landscape

10:00 - Back in the game, FanAxe TV and Vegas

15:00 - The year’s controversies and league entertainment

20:00 - The NRL’s big-event approach and public reaction

25:00 - Peter V’landys, the commission and power in the game

30:00 - Six-again, fatigue and rule-change debate

35:00 - Breakout players, Origin and season standouts

40:00 - Judiciary calls, suspensions and dangerous tackles

45:00 - Club spending, development and roster-building

50:00 - Penrith’s recruitment and retention model

55:00 - Tigers, coaching pressure and player movement

1:00:00 - Payne Haas, South Sydney and Wayne Bennett

1:05:00 - Expansion: Queensland, New Zealand, Perth and Adelaide

1:10:00 - The game’s best players and premiership windows

1:15:00 - Super League, rugby union and international opportunities

1:20:00 - Leaks, media narratives and PNG’s entry

1:25:00 - State of Origin: Billy Slater, Laurie Daley and the future

1:30:00 - Off-field stories, recovery and closing banter

1:35:11 - End

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The grand final is here, but can Newcastle complete one of the greatest fairytales in rugby league history?

Paul Kent and Paul Crawley break down the Knights’ remarkable run from wooden spoon to the decider, the challenge of taking down the star-studded Roosters, and why Kalyn Ponga could hold the key.

The team also unpack Justin Holbrook’s coaching influence, the pressure on Trent Robinson’s Roosters, what makes the perfect NRL coach, the Gold Coast Titans’ identity crisis, and the great teams that fell short of winning a premiership.

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS

0:00 — Can Newcastle pull off the grand final upset?

0:37 — Wooden spoon to grand final: the history behind Newcastle’s run

3:49 — The 1997 Knights and Newcastle’s fairytale spirit

9:54 — Parramatta 2001 and lessons from past grand finals

14:14 — Newcastle vs Roosters: can the Knights match the superstars?

16:12 — Kalyn Ponga, the Roosters’ edges and Newcastle’s game plan

17:30 — Justin Holbrook’s impact on the Knights

22:55 — Why Holbrook’s coaching style is working

29:20 — Newcastle’s community connection and grand final fever

31:04 — What does the perfect NRL coach look like?

32:07 — The Titans’ identity crisis

39:12 — Holbrook’s belief, rebuilding confidence and coaching culture

40:03 — Why the next great coach may not be a young coach

42:03 — Holbrook, Trent Robinson and the Roosters connection

43:18 — How the Roosters rediscovered their grit

50:42 — Which great teams should have won a premiership?

53:25 — Famous grand final upsets and near-misses

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🏉 Welcome to Kenty Blitz

Paul Kent and the team deliver their final grand final preview as the Newcastle Knights prepare to take on the Sydney Roosters.

Kenty unpacks Newcastle’s incredible run, the Dally M Awards debate and why Justin Holbrook may feel hard done by after missing out on Coach of the Year. He also discusses Nathan Cleary’s dominant season, the debate around Immortal status, and why rugby league needs to protect the value of its greatest honours.

Plus, the latest on Latrell Mitchell’s future at South Sydney, grand final team selection and concussion calls, Cody Ramsey’s remarkable comeback, the key Roosters v Knights match-ups, and the final predictions.

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS

00:00 — Final grand final preview: Roosters v Knights

02:07 — Dally M Awards: has the night lost its prestige?

05:30 — Justin Holbrook, Andrew Webster and Coach of the Year

09:47 — Nathan Cleary’s clean sweep and the Immortal debate

18:53 — Latrell Mitchell’s South Sydney future

22:26 — Newcastle injuries, team selection and player welfare

25:55 — Roosters v Knights combined team: key match-ups

29:00 — Cody Ramsey’s incredible road back to football

30:51 — How the Knights can win the grand final

32:00 — Why the Roosters are favourites

32:44 — Final predictions and wrap-up

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🏉 Welcome to Kenty Blitz: “It’s All Done” Herbie Roosters Whispers Grow | Kenty Blitz

Paul Kent breaks down the biggest stories in rugby league as the NRL Grand Final draws closer.

Kenty reflects on Newcastle’s extraordinary finals run and the Knights’ grand final fever, before making his calls on the Dally M awards — including why Nathan Cleary remains the man to beat.

Plus, he unpacks Phoenix Crossland’s heartbreaking four-week suspension, Nathan Cleary’s classy response, and whether Newcastle’s judiciary case could have been argued differently.

Kenty also discusses the grand final pre-game entertainment debate, Connor Watson’s bid to be cleared under concussion protocols, Daly Cherry-Evans’ confidence, the coaching chess match between the Roosters and Knights, Herbie Farnworth’s likely move, and Parramatta’s decision to extend Jason Ryles.

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS

00:00 — Newcastle’s Grand Final Fever

00:45 — Dally M predictions: Nathan Cleary’s case

02:40 — Coach and Captain of the Year debate

05:10 — Dally M history, betting controversy and old media rivalries

10:55 — Phoenix Crossland’s four-week Grand Final ban

13:10 — The Grand Final pre-game entertainment debate

16:09 — Connor Watson’s concussion clearance bid

19:22 — Daly Cherry-Evans embraces the Grand Final moment

21:15 — Rested players, finals scheduling and Grand Final preparation

24:00 — Roosters v Knights: the coaching chess match

24:52 — Herbie Farnworth to the Roosters?

25:45 — Parramatta’s Jason Ryles extension

27:09 — Wrap-up

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Paul Kent breaks down the biggest stories in rugby league as the NRL Grand Final draws closer.

Kenty reflects on Newcastle’s incredible finals surge, Adam Gee’s appointment as Grand Final referee, and the pressure that comes with officiating the biggest game of the season.

Plus, he discusses Nathan Cleary’s remarkable season, his classy message of support for Phoenix Crossland, and why the Knights forward’s suspension is a heartbreaking Grand Final blow.

Kenty also unpacks the NRL’s mystery pre-game spectacle, the changing leadership of the game, the debate around Herbie Farnworth’s hip-drop tackle, and Billy Slater’s warning about the unintended consequences of rule changes.

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS

00:00 — Newcastle’s Grand Final Fever

03:02 — Adam Gee Appointed Grand Final Referee

05:23 — Nathan Cleary’s Players’ Champion Award & Classy Crossland Message

10:44 — NRL’s Mystery Grand Final Pre-Game Spectacle

14:56 — Phoenix Crossland’s Grand Final Ban

17:42 — The NRL’s Leaders: Quayle, Gallop, Greenberg & V’landys

25:04 — Herbie Farnworth’s Hip-Drop Tackle v Crossland’s Suspension

28:22 — Did Nathan Cleary’s Leg Break Before the Tackle?

30:37 — Billy Slater on Rule Changes and Tackling Technique

34:12 — Wrap-Up

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Paul Kent breaks down a huge weekend of NRL finals footy as Newcastle’s remarkable run sends them into the Grand Final.

Kenty explains why the Knights’ connection to Newcastle and Justin Holbrook’s influence could make them dangerous against the Roosters. Plus, the fallout from Nathan Cleary’s sickening injury, Phoenix Crossland’s hip-drop tackle, the Panthers’ collapse, and why the Bunker needs a major rethink.

Also: the Grand Final entertainment debate, whether Newcastle can handle the hype, why the Roosters are peaking at the perfect time, and what’s next for the Dolphins.

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS

00:00 — Knights’ Grand Final Fairytale & Holbrook’s Newcastle Connection

07:21 — Cleary’s Horror Injury & The Hip-Drop Crackdown

19:27 — Panthers Left Rudderless Without Cleary

24:00 — Knights’ Hooker Dilemma & Can They Beat The Roosters?

28:15 — Why Newcastle Will Own Grand Final Week

29:17 — NRL Grand Final Entertainment & Ratings Debate

32:57 — Can The Knights Handle Grand Final Week Hype?

36:18 — Bunker Blow-Up: The Calls That Went Wrong

40:12 — Roosters Peaking At The Perfect Time & Dolphins’ Future

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Kenty answers listener questions on referee pay, AI in the bunker, commentary standards, Fox vs free-to-air coverage, coaching and recruitment, stadiums, player negotiations, NRL finances, and fresh approaches to coaching

Timecodes:

0:00 – Introduction

0:16 – How much NRL referees and touch judges earn

1:02 – Could an AI bunker work?

1:12 – Should commentators know the rules better?

2:23 – Fox/Kayo vs free-to-air commentary and presentation

3:00 – Broadcast expectations and promoting the game

6:00 – Sam Burgess, Warrington and a possible South Sydney future

9:00 – The pressures and demands of coaching

12:00 – Coaches, recruitment and decision-making at clubs

15:00 – Sydney stadium location and transport discussion

18:00 – Why contested possession has disappeared from the game

21:00 – Rule changes, review decisions and coaching influence

24:00 – NRL finances, assets and the game’s changing position

27:00 – How player contract negotiations work

30:00 – Selection, defence and past representative players

33:00 – Fred Michelak and developing playmakers

36:00 – Learning from ice hockey and innovation in coaching

39:00 – The Walker Brothers, Penrith, Newcastle and new coaching ideas

41:30 – Wrap-up

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Paul Kent and Paul Crawley debate the NRL’s grand-final entertainment shake-up after Tones and I pulls out, the race for the NRL’s 20th team, and which clubs have genuine premiership windows. They also unpack the futures of Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker at South Sydney, discuss the Warriors’ finals exit, and make their preliminary-final predictions.

TIMECODES

00:00 Tones and I pulls out — should the NRL scrap grand-final entertainment?

11:35 Where should the NRL’s 20th team go? Christchurch, Ipswich and PNG

13:55 Premiership windows — Roosters, Panthers, Sharks, Rabbitohs and Knights

29:20 Which clubs can improve next season?

30:00 Cowboys, Drinkwater and roster balance

32:35 Parramatta’s future with Moses and Luai

34:10 Are the Titans finally building something?

36:45 Latrell Mitchell, Cody Walker and Wayne Bennett’s South Sydney plan

53:35 Warriors finals fallout and what went wrong

58:20 Refereeing controversy in Warriors v Knights

60:20 Dolphins v Roosters preliminary-final prediction

61:35 Penrith v Newcastle preliminary-final prediction

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🏉 Welcome to Kenty Blitz

Paul Kent breaks down the biggest stories in rugby league as the preliminary finals arrive.

Kenty reacts to reports linking Latrell Mitchell with a mega-money move to the Perth Bears, explaining why a fresh start could suit Latrell and what South Sydney need to consider with their roster.

Plus, a deep dive into the Dolphins’ finals mindset, the Roosters’ edge-defence concerns, why the Bunker should not become the scapegoat for every refereeing decision, and the key selection and fitness calls ahead of Panthers v Knights.

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS

00:00 — Latrell Mitchell linked to Perth Bears

04:00 — Would a Perth move suit Latrell?

08:00 — South Sydney’s roster and salary-cap decisions

12:00 — Dolphins’ composure and finals mentality

16:00 — Roosters v Dolphins: the edge-defence concern

20:00 — Referees, the Bunker and fan overreaction

24:00 — Roosters selection questions and Sandon Smith’s role

28:00 — Panthers v Knights: can Newcastle cause the upset?

31:30 — Final thoughts and wrap-up

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🏉 Welcome to Kenty Blitz

Paul Kent breaks down the biggest stories in rugby league as preliminary-final week kicks into gear.

Kenty gives his unfiltered take on the Tones and I grand final entertainment saga, why the NRL may be better off without a halftime act, and how the game can make the day about rugby league again.

Plus, he weighs in on Ashley Klein’s refereeing fallout, the remarkable injury recoveries of Nathan Cleary, Sam Walker and Dylan Lucas, and why the Knights and Dolphins are embracing the finals experience.

Kenty also looks at Daly Cherry-Evans facing the Dolphins, the Roosters-Dolphins match-ups, the Dolphins’ recruitment calls, Adam Pompey’s move to Melbourne, and the latest changes at the Bulldogs.

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS

00:00 — Tones and I, NRL Grand Final Entertainment & the Halftime Debate

11:30 — Ashley Klein’s Refereeing Fallout

15:16 — Finals Fitness: Cleary, Sam Walker, Dylan Lucas & Isaah Yeo

17:38 — Why the Knights and Dolphins Are Embracing Finals Footy

21:59 — The Secret to Handling Grand Final Week

23:00 — Daly Cherry-Evans v the Dolphins

24:40 — Roosters v Dolphins: The Key Match-Ups

26:00 — The Dolphins’ Nikorima Recruitment Call

27:10 — Adam Pompey’s Move to Melbourne Storm

28:13 — Jesse McLean Joins the Bulldogs

28:50 — Jason Taylor’s Bulldogs Exit

29:32 — Wrap-Up

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🏉 Welcome to Kenty Blitz: Latrell To Market, Bunker Backlash & Finals Fitness

Paul Kent breaks down the biggest stories in rugby league as the preliminary finals approach.

Kenty gives his honest verdict on Latrell Mitchell going to market, what it means for South Sydney and Cody Walker, and why Wayne Bennett will be central to the Rabbitohs’ next move.

Plus, a call for support for Tigers great, Ashley Klein’s refereeing fallout, why the Bunker shouldn’t get more power, and which teams are peaking at the right time.

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS

00:00 — Latrell Mitchell To Market

08:42 — Souths’ Cody Walker Call

19:05 — A Call To Help Tigers Great: Mick Neil

21:56 — Ashley Klein’s Refereeing Fallout

24:19 — Why the Bunker Needs Less Power

29:27 — Finals Fitness: Roosters, Dolphins, Panthers & Knights

33:41 — Paul Gallen v Nelson Asofa-Solomona

Fanatics.tv

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