Bunker Mind Games, The Galvin "Betrayal," and a Heartbreaking League Legacy
In the latest installment of Kenty Blitz, the boys expose the "sneaky tactics" players use to manipulate the Bunker, dive into the toxic fallout of Lachlan Galvin’s move to the Bulldogs, and pay tribute to a Dragons legend’s battle with dementia.
The Bunker Whisperers: Tactical Games with the Mic
A major talking point this week is a report detailing how players are deliberately pressuring the Bunker. Kenty explains that players now use "sneaky tactics," such as crowding the referee specifically so their complaints—like "he was offside" or "he knocked it on"—are picked up by the referee’s microphone. This audio is then channeled directly to the Bunker officials to plant seeds of doubt. Kenty calls for an immediate "crackdown," suggesting referees should march teams 10 meters back for any non-captain approaching them, noting that these arguments are often just delay tactics to give defenses a rest.
Tigers vs. Galvin: "The Rug Was Pulled"
As the Tigers prepare to face their former prodigy Lachlan Galvin and his new club, the Bulldogs, the tension is at a breaking point. Tigers Chairman Barry O’Farrell has surprisingly asked fans not to boo the teenager, a move Kenty labels as "naive." Kenty points out the stark reality: with Galvin, the Tigers had a 50% winning record; since his departure, that has plummeted to 22%.
Adding fuel to the fire, Kenty teases an upcoming interview with Benny Elias, who claims that before Jerome Luai signed, Galvin was "the chosen one." Elias argues the club "pulled the rug" out from under the kid by changing his status the moment Luai arrived, leading to the current spiteful atmosphere. Kenty expects a "stink" on the field, with plenty of shirt-fronting and mean looks between the former teammates.
The Battle for the Spoon: Bennett vs. Hasler
Next week features a high-stakes "Wooden Spoon" showdown between Wayne Bennett’s Rabbitohs and Des Hasler’s Titans. Kenty highlights an incredible statistic: between them, the two veteran coaches have 55 seasons and 1,500 games of experience, yet neither has ever won a wooden spoon. With both coaches loathing the topic, Kenty expects a week of media deflection and "old police tactics" from Bennett to keep the pressure off his injury-depleted squad.
A Legend’s Final Letters: Brian Johnson’s Story On a somber note, Kenty discusses a new book by Karen Johnson, wife of the late Dragons star Brian Johnson. The book, Love, Brian, consists of letters Karen wrote to her husband as he descended into early-onset dementia and CTE, eventually passing away at just 59. Kenty praises Karen for not seeking a "class action" payout but instead wanting to highlight the tragic human reality of the condition. He notes it’s a heart-wrenching read that serves as a necessary reminder of the game's long-term physical toll.
Round Preview & "The Fleas Off the Dogs"
- Storm vs. Eels: Kenty warns that tonight’s game at CommBank Stadium will be a "grind" due to extreme wind and rain. With Melbourne missing Jerome Hughes, he thinks Parramatta has a real chance at an upset.
- Broncos vs. Rabbitohs: Despite Gorden Tallis’s calls to rest Payne Haas, Michael Maguire is expected to play him. Kenty notes Haas is living "week-to-week" on painkillers, a risky strategy for a young player.
- Roosters vs. Sea Eagles: A massive "four-point game" for the top eight. Kenty has flipped his tip multiple times this week, eventually landing on the Roosters due to internal "unsettled stuff" at Manly.
Watch the full episode on Fanatics TV.
