Cleary masterclass sets up Broncos blockbuster
After a massive weekend of finals football that saw the Penrith Panthers and Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks advance to the preliminary finals Kenty and Woz dive into the biggest moments of the weekend.
The "Inherent Unfairness" of the NRL Draw
Kenty expressed significant frustration with the NRL's scheduling for the preliminary finals. He argued that the Melbourne Storm have been gifted a massive advantage over the winner of the Sunday clash between the Broncos and Panthers.
"The Storm have got a massive advantage... they go into the grand final with a 9-day turnaround, whereas the winner of the Sunday preliminary final goes into the grand final with a 7-day turnaround. That's an extra two days."
Kenty accused the NRL of prioritizing entertainment and "dodging the AFL Grand Final" over the integrity of the competition. He warned that the shorter recovery time for the Sunday winner could lead to a "race against time" for players carrying soft tissue injuries or corks.
The Rise of the Two-Week Grand Final Lead-up
The conversation touched on the possibility of the NRL introducing a week off before the Grand Final, similar to the AFL's current debate. Kenty believes this move is "inevitable," especially with stricter concussion protocols now in place.
"If Nathan Cleary's ruled out or Reece Walsh has ruled out of next week's grand final because of a concussion this week, everybody will say mate just put it back a week... next year when they announced that the grand final is going to be a two-week leading, that's what they'll do."
Nathan Cleary’s "Masterclass"
Kenty was full of praise for Nathan Cleary’s performance against the Bulldogs, describing it as "comprehensive" and on a "truly elite level." He highlighted Cleary's ability to "tell lies with his eyes" and adjust his game on the run.
"Everything he does he's just he's just magnificent... that is already the Cameron Smith, Andrew Johns game management level."
Kenty noted Cleary’s tactical awareness, specifically how he manipulated the Bulldogs' defense to execute a crucial 40/20 kick. "Nathan recognizes that and says 'Okay what I got to do I got to sort of trick him a little bit.' So he goes over and stands on the other side of the field and he hooks it back."
The Sharks Find Their Identity
The Cronulla Sharks’ dominant win over the Raiders earned them the respect of the competition, according to Kenty. He believes the team has finally found its identity as a "gritty, tough, aggressive" defensive unit.
"Their whole focus of their energy has gone from their attack to their defense... they have found their identity."
Kenty credited hooker Blayke Brailey for stepping up as a leader and allowing halfback Nicho Hynes to return to the "fullback running swagger" that made him a Dally M winner.
Drama at Manly: Is Tom Trbojevic on the move?
A brewing story at the Manly Sea Eagles caught Kenty’s attention, with rumors suggesting star fullback Tom Trbojevic is feeling disrespected by the club's power brokers. Reports indicate a contract offer was "shaved" by $100,000 at the board level after Trbojevic had already agreed to a pay cut.
"Something smells... it comes down to him feeling respected by the manly power brokers... he's doing everything for the club, he's taken a pay cut to stay there, he's given so much to the club already."
Kenty mentioned a rumored two-year offer from Sam Burgess’s Warrington team in the UK Super League, suggesting this could become the "big story of the week."
Looking Ahead: Storm vs. Sharks & Broncos vs. Panthers
As the competition narrows to four teams, Kenty noted that the two "form teams"—the Sharks and Panthers—are peaking at the right time. However, he expressed concern for the Broncos, who are battling injuries to key players like Adam Reynolds, Ezra Mam, and Selwyn Cobbo.
"The job's going to be on the Broncos to start well against Penrith because if they start slowly, I don't know if Penrith will let them back in the game."
Watch the full episode on Fanatics TV.
