Payne Haas’s Samoa switch and coaching "self-interest" over NRL kicking rules
In the latest instalment of Kenty Blitz, Kenty and Woz talk the seismic shift in the international landscape following Payne Haas’s commitment to Samoa, while slamming the current state of NRL officiating regarding mid-air contests.
The best front rower in the world follows his heart
The episode opened with the confirmation that Brisbane Broncos star Payne Haas has officially committed to representing Samoa over Australia. Kent noted that while the decision was privately anticipated, it remains a significant blow for new Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga.
Kent stated that I think it is going to be pretty big because he is the best front rower in the world by a mile and you just build so much of your game around what he does. He acknowledged the personal nature of the choice, adding that he is following his heart so good luck to him.
However, the discussion quickly turned to the eligibility debate and the trend of players switching between tier-one and tier-two nations. Kent expressed a firm stance on international loyalty: I tend to think that once you go that is it. I just think it should be just a you cannot keep going back and forth. You cannot pick and choose where you want to play.
Polar opposites: Bellamy and Cleary on kicking rules
A heated segment focused on the current "disgraceful" refereeing decisions surrounding players contested in the air. Kent pointed out the starkly different reactions from rival coaches Craig Bellamy and Ivan Cleary as a symptom of tactical self-interest.
Kent argued that the Melbourne Storm benefit from the current restrictions because of their "skyscraper" wingers. He observed that Melbourne have scored more tries off kicks this year than any other team. Xavier Coates gets up in the air unstoppable. All he has got to do after he has caught the ball is land. If you try and stop him from scoring once he is in the air, that is a penalty try.
He contrasted this with Ivan Cleary’s frustration, noting that Cleary’s winger, Brian To’o, lacks the height to compete under the current rules. Kent remarked that you have got two of the leading coaches in the game with polar opposite views on it because it benefits one coach and it does not benefit the other. Craig Bellamy is doing what he should be doing speaking about what is best for the Storm, Ivan Cleary is doing what he should be doing speaking about what is best for Penrith.
The Hydration "con job"
Kent also launched a scathing attack on the prevalence of trainers entering the field under the guise of player hydration. He argued that the NRL has been "conned" by coaches who use trainers to deliver tactical instructions and slow down the game.
To illustrate his point, Kent referenced players who compete while fasting. He said that a mate of mine said to me last night, what about Payne Haas? What about Sonny Bill Williams? What about Hazem El Masri? All three of them played NRL football while they were doing Ramadan where they could not drink during daylight hours. This rubbish that the coaches are now trying to say to the NRL we need the guys on there hydrating them just shows what rubbish it is.
Match previews and club whispers
The duo concluded with a look ahead to the weekend’s fixtures, with Kent providing several key insights:
- Panthers vs Storm: Kent tipped Melbourne as "real good value" as outsiders, suggesting the greasy conditions at CommBank Stadium would suit their defensive game.
- Bulldogs Roster: Kent questioned if Canterbury can carry so many utility players into the finals, noting that if Canterbury are going to get found out somewhere during the playoffs, it is probably their lack of size through the middle.
- David Fifita to Souths: Addressing rumours of a move to Redfern, Kent said that my understanding is David Fifita contacted Wayne Bennett. I think there will be an interest there from Souths. I think Des Hasler will give him a cab charge to the airport.
Watch the full episode on Fanatics TV.
