Brandon Smith charged and Des Hasler sacked on an enormous day for the NRL

In a whirlwind episode of Kenty Blitz, Kenty and Woz break down the bombshells that have rocked the rugby league world. From the stunning police charges against Rabbitohs star Brandon Smith to the ruthless dismissal of coaching veteran Des Hasler at the Titans, the landscape of the competition has shifted in a matter of hours.

The Brandon Smith Bombshell

The episode opened with the breaking news that South Sydney hooker Brandon Smith has been charged by Queensland police with drug supply and using inside knowledge for betting. The charges follow an incident where Smith was pulled aside by police during a trip to the Gold Coast several weeks ago.

"It's rocked the foundations, to be honest. One of the highest profile players in the game. Until we sort of know more, it's really hard to understand what's going on. The integrity unit has been made aware of it by South Sydney. It's come as a bit of a shock."

Kent noted that while the specifics of the "inside knowledge" betting charge are still being clarified by journalists and police, the implications for Smith's career are immediate. With a court date set for September 18, it is expected the NRL will invoke the no-fault stand-down policy, effectively ending his seasona.

Ruthless Efficiency at the Titans

In a move that Kent described as being "speculated for some time," the Gold Coast Titans officially parted ways with Des Hasler, replacing him with Queensland Maroons assistant Josh Hannay on a three-year deal. The decision comes after a period of intense internal investigation into the club's structure.

"I think Dez is—I wouldn't call it his failing—but what probably cost him is that he wanted to come in and Dez knows what winning looks like. He had a hard time getting the players to buy in. It's remarkable how a guy who's a proven track record of success has to change his methods to keep happy a group of players who have done nothing."

Kent argued that Hasler’s "steel fist" approach to creating a winning culture was met with resistance from a playing group "uncomfortable" with the required ruthlessness. The appointment of Hannay, alongside Scott Sattler as General Manager and Anthony Laffranchi in recruitment, marks a total overhaul of the Titans' football department.

The Magic of Penrith vs Canberra

Reflecting on the weekend's action, the panel marvelled at the extraordinary finish to the Panthers vs Raiders clash. Kent described the match as one of the greatest club games in recent memory, highlighting the tactical awareness of players like Jed Stuart in the dying seconds.

"I just think it's one of those games that if you sat down and said to somebody, 'Look, this is the game we love,' and you made them watch it who hadn't seen rugby league, they would go, 'You know what? I get it.' Penrith are that team who is good enough to win it from outside the four."

Despite the loss, Kent remains bullish on Penrith’s premiership credentials, suggesting they have found their "mojo" at the right time of year, even as they face a difficult path through the finals from outside the top four.

The Bulldogs’ Defensive Identity

The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs' resurgence continued with a gritty performance against the Storm. Kent attributed their success to the "frontloading" of defence—a trademark of coach Cameron Ciraldo.

"They frontload their defence. Put all their effort in early—first three tackles in a set they'll really push hard to try and dominate. They found their way, they found their footy again, and so they're back in the fight."

With a blockbuster clash against Penrith looming on Thursday night, Kent believes the Bulldogs have proved they can mix it with the heavyweights through sheer physical aggression and defensive discipline.

The Leichhardt Oval Experience

The episode concluded with a tribute to the "event" that is a game at Leichhardt Oval, following the announcement of a $50 million upgrade for the historic ground. Kent, who watched the Tigers take on the Cowboys from the hill, emphasised that the value of suburban grounds lies in the atmosphere rather than the modern amenities.

"It's become one of those games that's just an event. It's as much about going there, catching up with your mates, but also just enjoying the experience. My worry is you put 50 million in, you put grandstands in—I reckon just spend 50 million bucks on bathrooms and bars. That's all they need there."

Watch the full episode on Fanatics TV.