Dave Carlson blasts bunker ‘micromanagement’, backs rising stars

In the latest instalment of Kenty Blitz, host Warren Livingstone was joined by Sky Racing’s Dave Carlson to unpack the chaotic opening round of the NRL season. Filling in for Paul Kent, Carlson brought hard-hitting opinions on everything from the controversial set-restart surge to the "blind ambition" of the proposed Perth Bears.

The ‘Bunker’ burden and over management

Livingstone opened the floor on officiating, noting a significant statistical shift. "Last year there was an average of 5.9 restarts; this year in Round 1, there was an average of 8 per game," he observed, highlighting a "35% increase in set restarts."

Carlson, a lifelong Dragons fan, did not hold back on the NRL’s "over-officiating":

"I'm just sick and tired of the NRL trying to manage the game... they're managing me out. My passion is diminishing because of it. Put your whistle in your pocket and let the game flow."

Livingstone questioned if the blame lay with the officials or the "coaches who are pushing the boundaries," noting that "whenever there’s a new rule... the coaches work out a way around it."

The Perth Bears: ‘blind ambition’?

Addressing Mel Meninga’s recent claims that the Perth Bears—set for entry in 2027—could win a premiership in their first season, Livingstone was incredulous. "My goodness... Mel also said they were going to sell it out every game."

Carlson dismissed the notion of an immediate title run:

"It’s good to have ambition, but blind ambition, I don’t know. I can’t see the Bears really giving it much of a shake for a while... the rigours of week-to-week coaching will be difficult for Mel."

Round 1 disappointments: coaching under pressure

The panel reviewed several heavy defeats, with Livingstone pointing out that Cowboys coach Todd Payten is "under pressure already" after their Vegas outing. On the Gold Coast Titans' 50-10 demolition by the Sharks, Livingstone remarked:

"They've dished up the same rubbish that they dished up last year... it's disappointing for Josh Hannay because he's used to success."

Carlson was equally scathing, describing the Titans as "absolutely pathetic" and suggesting "the cash-out figure" for those who backed them for the wooden spoon would already be rising.

The next generation: ‘Group 1 efforts’

It wasn’t all criticism, as both men hailed the emergence of new talent. Livingstone was full of praise for Canberra’s Noah Martin, calling him "phenomenal" and a "big lump of a lad." Carlson, using a racing analogy, agreed:

"Taking them through the grades is a good thing... look at Noah at the weekend—it was a Group 1 effort."

The host also singled out Ethan Sanders for his poise in kicking the Raiders' winning field goal: "He took the initiative... it was a sweet hit."

Zack Lomax and the ‘international’ jibe

Finally, the duo addressed Zack Lomax’s departure to the Western Force. Livingstone noted that commentators took issue with Lomax’s desire to play in a "truly international game," which many saw as a "slide on the NRL."

Carlson viewed the drama as a media "beat up":

"It sounds like a PR person from Rugby Australia has written that, but in saying it, it’s probably true... it is more of an international game per se than rugby league. I wish him well; he’s a player of such ability he’ll succeed in any sport."

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