Panthers’ Premiership Charge, the Fight for Top Four, and the Battle for the Wooden Spoon
In this episode of Kenty Blitz, Paul Kent and Warren Livingstone dissect the Penrith Panthers' resurgent form, the intensifying race for a top-four finish, and the surprising scenario that sees two coaching legends at the bottom of the ladder.
Panthers Back in the Hunt for Five-in-a-Row
After seven consecutive wins, the Penrith Panthers have climbed to sixth spot, sparking debate over whether they can secure an unprecedented fifth straight premiership. Kenty notes that in their previous title-winning seasons, Penrith were typically first or second at this stage. However, he highlights a shift in their defensive attitude following a "slap in the face" from coach Ivan Cleary earlier in the season.
Cleary reportedly challenged the team’s hunger after a heavy defeat to Newcastle, a move that Kenty believes was perfectly timed. In the absence of Origin stars like Nathan Cleary and Isaah Yeo, fringe leaders such as Mitch Kenny and Scott Sorensen stepped up to raise the intensity at training. Despite their momentum, Kenty warns that Penrith face a gruelling run, needing to win five of their final six matches—including clashes against the top three sides—to force their way into the top four and avoid a difficult finals path.
The Battle for the Top Four and the Attrition of the Season
The Canberra Raiders and Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs are currently "flexing their muscles" in the top two spots. Kenty praises both sides for their clinical second-half performances over the weekend but notes that both coaches will be wary of "patchy" football.
Addressing the debate over the length of the NRL season, Kenty defends the current format. He argues that the long season is essential for allowing teams to recover from the disruption of the Origin period. Furthermore, he points out the strategic importance of not yielding ground to rival codes like the AFL by shortening the calendar, citing the success of the "Round Zero" in Las Vegas as a prime example of the NRL’s efforts to saturate the media landscape.
Coaching Greats and the Race for the Wooden Spoon
In a historical anomaly, two of the game’s greatest ever coaches—Wayne Bennett and Des Hasler—find themselves presiding over the bottom two teams heading into the final rounds. While Hasler recently celebrated his 500th game as a coach, his Titans remain in a desperate battle with Bennett’s injury-ravaged South Sydney Rabbitohs to avoid the wooden spoon.
Kenty admits he would "rather be Des Hasler" right now, suggesting the Titans have more potential for a late-season lift than the "busted" Rabbitohs. He also weighs in on the future of the NRL’s leadership, tipping Ben Ikin as the ideal successor to Andrew Abdo, citing Ikin’s comprehensive understanding of the game from grassroots to the elite level.
The Moses Factor and the Broncos’ Confidence Crisis
Parramatta’s recent form has caught Kenty’s eye, largely due to the return of Mitchell Moses. He argues that Moses possesses the best kicking game in the NRL and serves as the glue that holds the Eels together. Conversely, the Brisbane Broncos are struggling with a "confidence crisis" after a loss to the Eels. Kenty suggests that while the Broncos have an abundance of playmakers like Reece Walsh and Ezra Mam, they are currently lacking the clear on-field direction needed to close out tight matches.
Watch the full episode on Fanatics TV.
