Feuds fuel early-season drama, Ricky's 300th as Raiders coach

Rugby league has again confirmed its status as the world leader in professional feuds as the latest episode of Rugby League Insider EP013 unpacks a week defined by tension. Hosted by James Hooper alongside Darcie McDonald and Brandon Savage, the discussion opens with the explosive fallout from NRL 360 between Gordon Tallis and Pete Badel. Hooper describes the exchange as Haggler and Hearns for a while where it was gloves off and right on. The panel examines the optics of Adam Reynolds suffering a rib injury before hopping on a plane to Sydney for a television appearance. Darcie notes that she is not a doctor and cannot say if it impacted his recovery, but adds that some fans will choose to speculate and say "oh well he shouldnt have gotten on a plane."

The grand final rematch subplot between Stefano Utoikamanu and Reece Walsh provides further theatre. Stefano previously claimed there are a lot of people I dont like at the Broncos because I think they are a bit stuck up, prompting Walsh to return fire in the sheds by shouting that Stefano stuck and were effing up baby. Brandon Savage suggests this is a refreshing return to form for the game, stating that they lost this era of personality for a while during a period of robotic rugby league players. He believes social media has allowed players to come out and say what they think, even if it puts a target on their backs.

Read more on the feud HERE.

Classic Sledges and the Forgiveness Factor

Classic rivalries are revisited to highlight the unique forgiveness factor of the sport. Hooper recalls his own history with Paul Gallen, noting they eventually thrashed their issues out over a couple of bourbons and a few beers. The team discusses the infamous weak gutted dog comment from Ricky Stuart regarding Jaeman Salmon, which Darcie remembers as an all time press conference. Hooper notes that it was personal and remains personal, recounting how Salmon later looked straight at the camera after scoring and repeated the weak gutted dog phrase as a retort. They also recount the boozy farm incident involving Russell Crowe and Luke Keary at a bar called the Blind Rabbit. Hooper explains that Keary stood up for Cameron McInnes after Crowe allegedly told the player you didnt earn your money this year, leading to a situation where Crowe got the quad bike out and nearly run a few of them over.

Ricky Stuarts Three Hundred Game Legacy

Ricky Stuart receives significant praise as he becomes the first Canberra coach to reach the three hundred game milestone. Darcie explains that while his style is old school, parents are at ease sending their teenage sons to the Raiders because they know Ricky treats these boys like his own son. She describes the head coach as a man who would take a bullet for his player but he would also shoot his player if they did the wrong thing by him. This intense loyalty is mirrored in his relationship with Corey Horsburgh. Hooper notes that the pair did not speak for perhaps six months while Horsburgh was playing reserve grade, but they eventually shook hands and thrashed it out to produce the players best ever season.

T Shirt Rumours and Round Three Previews

The Bulldogs provide a final point of intrigue regarding their We Before Me t-shirts which some interpreted as a slight against Bronson Xerri. Darcie clarifies that the shirts were actually made prior to the Las Vegas trip to remind players to think about the team first when they saw a blackjack table or those shiny lights or those drinks. Looking ahead to the weekend, the panel previews the Dragons and Eels clash. Hooper notes the difference between champion players wanting to win and needing to win, suggesting the Dragons are at a stage where they really need to win. Darcie believes any team with Mitchell Moses is a danger because he is the elite half that is going to be able to pull something out of nowhere. The episode concludes with Darcie tipping the Bulldogs to win a close one.

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