Reece Walsh Primed for the Game of the Season

The boys look at the intensifying storylines as the NRL preliminary finals approach. The discussion ranges from a controversial judiciary downgrade for Nicho Hynes to the return of Jerome Hughes and the "diamonds and rocks" form of Reece Walsh.

The integrity of the game and "backroom deals"

Kenty opened the show with a pointed critique of the NRL judiciary system, specifically the decision to downgrade Nicho Hynes' suspension. He argued that the downgrade was based on an initial report that Bulldogs player Marcelo Montoya’s injury wasn't serious—only for Montoya to miss the following weekend's game.

"This is where we go back to that period... where clubs used to do deals with each other at the judiciary. The NRL should not have taken that revised statement... it's just a really good example of not being able to go down this road where clubs are able to influence judicial hearings."

Targeting Jerome Hughes: The "chess game" of injuries

With Storm halfback Jerome Hughes named to return, Kenty predicts the Sharks will be "looking for him" to test out his recovery from both a dislocated shoulder and a broken arm.

"They're going to go out and try and intentionally hurt him... Krenella will go looking for him, they will try and bust him up. Flip side is what did Melbourne do? I think they're going to try and hide him a little bit... like Cooper Cronk in the 2018 Grand Final."

Reece Walsh: Confidence and "diamond" form

Following a heroic performance against the Raiders, Reece Walsh is heading into the preliminary final against the Panthers with sky-high confidence. Kenty noted that Walsh is currently in a "vein of form" where his high-risk plays are all coming off.

"Elite players are the ones who are able to make those decisions... Reese Walsh is going through that period. If you just uncomplicate your thinking and you just get into that stage where you're just reacting rather than thinking... that’s where he’s at."

However, Kenty raised a slight concern about the "friction" that might occur now that Adam Reynolds and Ben Hunt are back in the starting halves, potentially disrupting the "reactionary" flow Walsh found in the previous game.

Is Ivan Cleary the "Best Ever"?

Addressing an article by "Bulldog" Richie, Kenty debated whether a fifth successive Grand Final appearance (and potential fifth win) would make Ivan Cleary the greatest coach in NRL history. While acknowledging Cleary’s success in the salary cap era, Kenty believes the title is still up for debate against legends like Jack Gibson and Craig Bellamy.

"Whether he wins the grand final this year or not, I think Ivan Cleary already has done something that will be chiseled in stone... but as far as the best coach ever, I'm not as certain about that."

Ask Kenty: Quickfire Questions

In the weekly Q&A session, Kenty addressed several burning topics from fans:

• The Cowboys' "fatigue": Kenty denied that the Cowboys are "holiday boys" but suggested they can get "a bit fat on their success." He criticized the long-term, high-money contract of Jason Taumalolo as "the worst decision ever made" due to the wear and tear of middle-forward play.
• Latrell Mitchell’s future: On whether Souths should take a harder line with Latrell Mitchell, Kenty suggested the "footballer or farmer" conversation has already begun. "I think the club have finally had enough of that... you're either all in or all out to be a professional footballer."
• The state of cricket: When asked why cricket is "shit now," Kenty blamed a crowded calendar of meaningless T20 and one-day games. "The games are meaningless now... they're putting so much of this stuff jamming into the calendar you're not getting full test series out like you used to."

Watch the full episode on Fanatics TV.