Hynes Suspension Backflip & Finals Favorites

Paul Kent and Warren Livingston break down the fallout of the final round of the regular season and look ahead to the first week of the NRL finals.

The Nicho Hynes "Backflip"

The show begins with Kent’s sharp criticism of the NRL’s decision to downgrade Nicho Hynes’ grade-two hip-drop charge. After a secondary medical report from the Bulldogs suggested the injury wasn't as severe as first reported, Hynes was cleared to play this weekend. Kent labels the lack of transparency "as corrupt as buggery," suggesting the process felt "reverse-engineered" to ensure a star player was available for the finals.

Finals Form: The Panthers’ Grit vs. The Broncos’ Flare

Despite resting a host of stars, the Penrith Panthers remain Kent’s top pick for the title. He notes their defensive resolve is back to its premiership-winning best. Conversely, he praises the Brisbane Broncos for their "semi-final intensity," specifically highlighting Reece Walsh. Kent notes that Walsh’s aggressive, direct play silenced critics who questioned his readiness for the post-season pressure.

Assessing the Contenders

With the top eight now set, Kent evaluates the form of the key players:

• Penrith Panthers: Despite resting stars, Kent believes their "defensive grit" has returned, making them the clear favorites for a fifth straight title.
• Brisbane Broncos: Kent was highly impressed by their "semi-final intensity" and the way Reece Walsh responded to recent off-field scrutiny with a dominant performance.
• Melbourne Storm: Kent is concerned about their consistency, especially with the loss of Jahrome Hughes to a fractured wrist, calling them a "shot duck" if they can't find tactical direction.
• Cronulla Sharks: Praised for a more aggressive, direct style of play, moving away from the "sideways" football that plagued their mid-season slump.

The Suburban Ground Debate

A major talking point is the NRL’s decision to keep finals games at suburban grounds like PointsBet Stadium (14,000 capacity). Kent argues that with the game averaging record crowds of over 20,000 this year, hosting a final at such a small venue "sounds small" and prevents the game from reaching its full commercial and atmospheric potential. He predicts the NRL will eventually move to a regional model using only major stadiums for all playoff matches.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5TYMW9DxMM

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