Paul Sirro’’ Sironen, Unleashed
Kenty and John Elias are joined by Balmain Tigers legend Paul "Sirro" Sironen. The trio reflects on the golden era of the 1980s Tigers, the heartbreak of the 1989 Grand Final, and Sironen's unexpected journey from an 18-year-old in Hawaii playing American football to becoming a Rugby League icon.
The Michael Neil Health Update
The show opens on a somber note as Sironen shares that former teammate Michael "Megs" Neil is currently unwell in the hospital. Sironen and Elias reminisce about the pint-sized halfback, who weighed "60 kilos ringing wet" but was one of the toughest competitors they ever played alongside. They plan a visit to cheer him up, highlighting the enduring bond of that 80s Tigers squad.
The "American Dream" That Nearly Cost a Career
Sironen reveals the fascinating story of how he almost left Rugby League entirely at age 18. Recruited by an American assistant coach who came to Australia looking for "big kids with potential," Sironen accepted a scholarship to the University of Hawaii to play defensive tackle. He credits the stint for helping him grow up and putting on the size and strength that eventually made him an international-standard forward. He returned home in late 1984, and by 1986, he was on a Kangaroo Tour.
The "Walk" and the Blueprint of Modern League
Sironen credits Warren "The Walk" Ryan for transforming his career. Ryan arrived at Balmain in 1988 and immediately challenged Sironen, telling him that while people expected him to be good because he was big, Ryan was going to make him actually good. Kent notes that the modern NRL blueprint—decoys, block plays, and scientific defensive lines—was essentially pioneered by Ryan during that era at Canterbury and Balmain.
1989 Grand Final: The "Sense of Dread"
Reflecting on the legendary 1989 loss to Canberra, Sironen admits he finally watched the full game for the first time during the COVID-19 lockdowns. He recalls leading 12-2 at halftime but feeling a sudden "sense of dread" mid-way through the second half. He pinpoints the turning point as a controversial penalty blown by Bill Harrigan against Bruce Maguire for a "shepherd" while playing the ball, which shifted the momentum irrevocably toward the Raiders.
Life in France and "Kabooi"
The conversation lightens as Sironen discusses his post-NRL career in Villeneuve-sur-Lot, France. He shares a hilarious story about a teammate tricking him into using French slang to greet club officials—slang that turned out to be highly offensive. Elias also reveals Sironen's long-standing nickname, "Kabooi," inspired by the flying camel from the cartoon Shazzan. According to Elias, the name stuck because Sironen would get over-excited and start "galloping" like the mythical creature.
Junior Footy: The "Rise" Program
Sironen now works with the NSWRL Rise Program, focused on coaching 13-15-year-olds. He advocates for a "less is more" approach, urging junior coaches to stop trying to be Jack Gibson and instead focus on making the game fun. He emphasizes the need to persevere with the "maybe" kids—those who aren't physical standouts at 14 but possess the skill and heart to develop later.
Rapid Fire: The Pretty Boy and the Pest
Sironen jokingly names Tim Brasher as the "pretty boy" of the era, recalling how Brasher would allegedly brush his hair before running onto the field for his debut. He labels Gary "Whiz" Freeman the ultimate "halfback pest," a constant talker who was part of a Tigers era filled with some of the funniest characters in the game's history.
Watch the full episode on Fanatics TV.
