Shock Cody Walker Switch and Round 27 Previews
The boys celebrate their shared birthday by breaking down the final round of the regular NRL season. They discuss the disciplinary issues at Brisbane, Daly Cherry-Evans' impending move to the Roosters, and a potential major positional shift for Cody Walker.
Brisbane Broncos: Disciplinary Cracks and Lack of Focus
The show begins with the controversy surrounding Shibasaki’s decision to have a beer while the club was on a player-agreed "booze ban." Kent argues the issue isn't the alcohol itself, but the lack of discipline and focus it signals heading into the finals.
He compares Michael Maguire’s struggle to instill standards at Brisbane with Craig Bellamy’s long-standing culture in Melbourne. Kent notes that while Melbourne suffered a record loss during Bellamy’s 600th-game celebrations, they will likely return to business immediately, whereas Brisbane's distractions are "emblematic of a bigger problem."
Daly Cherry-Evans: The "Worst Kept Secret"
Kent discusses Daly Cherry-Evans (DCE) playing his final game for Manly before a widely rumored move to the Roosters. He compares the move to Cooper Cronk’s switch years ago, noting that while it’s common for players in decline to move for money, DCE is still near the peak of his powers and is reportedly taking a massive pay cut to join a powerhouse club.
Cody Walker’s New Role at Souths
A significant "mail" drop in this episode involves Cody Walker’s future at the Rabbitohs. With a surplus of halves next year—including Bud Sullivan and Jamie Humphreys—Kent suggests Walker could transition into a full-time "number 14" bench role.
The strategy would see the 36-year-old avoid the physical intensity of the opening 20 minutes, coming on when defenses are fatigued to "weave his magic" with his elite ball-playing skills. Kent likens this potential transition to the longevity of Cliff Lyons.
Round 27 Previews and Retirements
- Penrith Panthers: Kent predicts they have found their "defensive grit" and believes resting players in the penultimate round was a masterstroke. He considers them a massive threat, even from outside the top four.
- Kieran Foran: Kent pays tribute to Foran ahead of his final game, praising his incredible courage and his ability to resurrect his life and career after it went "off the rails" mid-journey.
- Bulldogs vs. Sharks: Kent identifies a slip in the Bulldogs' defensive system and challenges Cameron Ciraldo to get their "high energy" defense back on track before the finals.
- Dolphins vs. Raiders: With the Raiders resting 11 players, the Dolphins are expected to win, though their finals fate may already be sealed by the result of the Roosters vs. Rabbitohs match.
Future Guests
Kent reveals that the legendary Paul Sironen will join the show tomorrow to share stories from his career, followed by Bradley Clyde later in the week as the show transitions into its finals format.
Watch the full episode on Fanatics TV.
