He’s Back - Paul Kent’s First Podcast Episode

In the debut of his new podcast, Kenty Blitz, Paul Kent returns to the microphone alongside guests Johnny Elias and Benny Elias. The episode serves as a "road back" for Kent, featuring high-profile interviews with Canberra Raiders coach Ricky Stuart and ARLC Chairman Peter V’landys, direct from Las Vegas.

The Las Vegas Experiment: Round 2

The panel discusses the NRL’s second venture into the United States, which has expanded to include Super League and NRLW fixtures.

• The "Oxygen" Effect: Kent argues that the Vegas opener is a "stroke of genius" primarily because it "sucks the oxygen out of every other sport in Australia" during the pre-season, leaving the AFL and other codes struggling for headlines.
• Logistical Realities: Despite the hype, Kent remains sceptical about a permanent US-based team. He points out that players already complain about five-day turnarounds; adding a 12-hour flight for an away game would be "impossible" to manage.
• The Economic Impact: Peter V’landys reveals that Australia has become the second-largest source of tourism for Las Vegas (trailing only Great Britain), with the event generating over $100 million in economic stimulus for the city.

The Raiders’ "Storm in a Teacup"

Ricky Stuart addresses the viral story of a physical altercation between two Raiders players in a Las Vegas lift.

• The Reality: Stuart dismisses the incident as a "minor" scuffle between two tired, frustrated mates who couldn't get into their hotel room. He jokes that if he truly "lashed" them as the media reported, he would have had 60 to 80 players involved over the years.
• Conditioning Over Banter: Stuart reveals he used the incident to galvanise the team, turning a scheduled "walk-through" into a "short, sharp, tough conditioning session" to blow out the cobwebs before their captains' run.

Peter V’landys on the Game’s Future

The ARLC Chairman shares his long-term vision, including a 20-year strategic plan aimed at global dominance.

• Conquering America: V’landys believes the American market is ripe for rugby league because the "ball in play" time far exceeds the NFL and Rugby Union. 
• Grassroots & Schools: V’landys admits that for too long the game was "insular." He plans to fix the lag in talent by increasing presence in schools and using retired players as coaches in regional areas and even Papua New Guinea.
• Broadcast Rights: V’landys expresses extreme confidence that the next broadcast deal will be the richest in Australian history, "dwarfing" the AFL deal based on the NRL's superior viewership figures.

The Parramatta Eels & Dylan Brown

The panel dives into the contract saga at Parramatta, specifically the "get-out clauses" in Dylan Brown’s and Mitchell Moses’ contracts.

• A Bad Deal: Kent and Benny Elias criticise the club for allowing a clause that lets Brown negotiate with other clubs until Round 10 of each season.
• The Newcastle Offer: With rumours of a 10-year, $12 million deal from the Knights, Kent notes the immense pressure on Brown to take a $6 million pay rise.
• The Jason Ryles Factor: On a positive note, Benny reveals that Mitchell Moses is "so impressed" with new coach Jason Ryles, who is bringing back club legends like Brett Kenny and Mick Cronin to mentor the current squad.

West Tigers Turmoil

Benny Elias provides an update on the ongoing "disarray" at the Tigers following the sacking of three directors.

• Legal Warfare: Kent warns that the dispute has become so bitter that if it goes to court, "backroom scandals" could be revealed that would cause the entire club to implode. He urges the board to find peace for the welfare of the club.

Watch the full episode on Fanatics TV.

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