Munster’s Moment and R360 Makes its Mark
In this high-stakes episode, Kenty and Woz break down the final countdown to the Storm vs. Broncos Grand Final. The discussion covers everything from Michael Maguire’s "redemption" arc and the R360 breakaway to a scathing critique of the current state of international eligibility.
Grand Final Coaches: The "Up Yours" Factor
Kenty and Woz analysed the contrasting post-match reactions of Craig Bellamy and Michael Maguire following their preliminary final victories.
"Michael Maguire celebrates... I see Bellamy going, 'Yeah, this is what we've worked for, I expected this.' ... I wasn't quite sure whether Maguire's celebration was... because he's got a big up yours to a few people for what's happened this year at the Broncos and how he's got them through this."
Woz dismissed the narrative that Maguire’s training methods are too intense: "What a load of bullshit. Too tough? No one talks about Craig Bellamy... and where do you think Maguire learned it from? Storm all these years as the assistant to Bellamy down there."
Clive Churchill Tips: The Munster Priming
Kenty is leaning towards Cameron Munster for the Clive Churchill Medal, citing the half's ability to peak during periods of personal adversity.
"Earlier this year his father passed away... he went away, had a few days to himself, came back into Origin camp and just played at a level that was the absolute best of Cameron Munster. I get the feeling given his performance against Cronulla, he is priming himself for another one."
While Kenty likes Munster ($7.50) and Jerome Hughes ($8.00), Woz offered a high-value tip in Eliesa Katoa at $19.00: "I think that back row there can probably [score] two tries... one from a high kick. He's my [tip] for the price."
The Kangaroo Jersey: "A Piece of Crap"
Addressing comments from Matt Rogers regarding James Tedesco’s withdrawal from the national side, Kenty delivered a blunt assessment of modern representative loyalty.
"The Kangaroo jersey is being treated like an absolute piece of crap... once upon a time, it would be a badge of honor to play for Australia. It was the highest jersey in the land. It's no longer treated like that. It's now treated like the afterthought... too many options."
Kenty called for the NRL to end the "flip-flopping" between nations: "At some point, the NRL I think has got to come out and just say, 'You know what guys? Enough's enough.' And when you pledge your loyalty to a nation, it stays that way."
R360: The Breakaway Names
The show confirmed that NRL agents have been notified that the R360 rugby competition is officially proceeding for next season, with several superstars already linked.
"Ryan Papenhuyzen is believed to have already signed... Zak Lomax, if he hasn't signed, he wants to sign... and the other one is Jye Gray from South Sydney."
Woz argued that while losing stars hurts, the game’s production line is healthy enough to survive: "If they want to go, let them go mate. It gives these other young kids opportunities. We've got the best players in our juniors in this country... we've got plenty of players."
Effort vs. Technique: The Gibson Philosophy
Kenty concluded with a look at why Bellamy and Maguire have reached the final day, noting that "effort" remains the undefeated metric in rugby league.
"The two coaches through the last four that have got there have all been coaches who coach the effort first. Craig Bellamy and Michael Maguire are probably... along with the Raiders this year, the three fittest teams in the competition. For all the X's and O's... it's back to the old school of Jack Gibson: who's the fittest, durability, fitness."
Watch the full episode on Fanatics TV.
