Is this the end for Abdo and the NRL, plus the finals race heating up

Kenty and Woz dive into the business end of the season, discussing the race for the top four and top eight while addressing the explosive reports regarding NRL CEO Andrew Abdo's future.

The Race for the Top Four

With only three weeks remaining in the regular season, the battle for a double chance is reaching fever pitch. While the Warriors currently sit in fourth, Kent expressed concern about their recent form and the pressure from the chasing pack.

"The Warriors halfway through the season I would say easily account for all three teams. Recent weeks though there's a concern about them isn't there? I think that's what obviously the bookies are reacting to. I do think that the Warriors look they they still should get home. The only thing is what happens in that Manly last game."

Kent noted that the Warriors have a favourable draw against the Titans and Parramatta before their final round clash with the Sea Eagles, but any stumble could open the door for the Penrith Panthers.

The Daly Cherry-Evans Dilemma

One of the most contentious talking points was the future of Manly captain Daly Cherry-Evans. Amidst rumours that there is a push within elements around the club to drop the veteran, Kent was firm in his stance.

"I think it lacks class if they do to be honest. Daily Cherry-Evans I think what he's given that club he deserves to go out on his own merits. I think that would be a stain on Manly to do that. It would almost be a spiteful gesture. There is a little bit of bad blood just given how the whole season's eventuated. I think he's blotted his copy book in the way he's handled this."

Kent argued that while Cherry-Evans' form has been "off a little bit recently," the way he handled his potential departure earlier in the year has left a lingering shadow over the club’s season.

Turmoil at the Top of the Game

The episode also addressed a significant report regarding NRL CEO Andrew Abdo allegedly interviewing for a role with sports and entertainment company TEG. Kent suggested that the revelation indicates a fractured relationship with ARL Commission Chairman Peter V’landys.

"I don't think he'd be embarrassed, I think he'd be really pissed off to be honest. It is embarrassing that it's made the papers. Even the fact that he's entertained and admitted to having the discussions with them. I would suggest that the end is probably closer than we think he realizes. I'm not surprised that this has happened, but I'm surprised at the fact that he's going to go and look at a job that's probably not the job he's already got."

Kent highlighted that many major deals, including the collective bargaining agreement and broadcast negotiations, required V'landys to step in when Abdo "couldn't get a deal done."

The ‘Parrot’ Coaches vs The Art of Coaching

In a fascinating segment on coaching longevity, Kent reflected on the difference between elite mentors and those who simply repeat what they were told as players. He used the example of Paul Gallen seeking advice from Craig Fitzgibbon.

"Fitzy said to him 'I want you to learn the art of coaching'. When you learn the art, if you're willing to put in that work to learn not just the theory but the practicality of it all. How many elite players have we seen who have had one or two years coaching in the NRL and are just totally not coaches. They are the parrot coaches. They're the ones that basically telling the players what a coach has told them four or five years earlier."

Kent noted that the game changes too quickly for a "cookie cutter" approach to succeed long-term, suggesting that players like Benji Marshall at the Tigers are currently navigating this difficult transition.

Final Predictions for the Eight

As for the final make-up of the finals series, Kent believes the current standings are likely to remain largely unchanged, with the Sydney Roosters holding the cards over the chasing Dolphins.

"I tend to think the top eight will stay the way it is. I don't think the Dolphins will make it to be honest. The Roosters, it's in their hands now and I think that win was so significant over the Dolphins a few weeks back. That will probably be the difference for those two teams come the end of round 27."

Watch the full episode on Fanatics TV.