Storm Tipped for Glory as Dally M Prestige Hits Rock Bottom

In a blistering penultimate episode of the season, the boys take aim at the "childish" devaluation of the NRL’s premier individual awards and Kenty declares the Melbourne Storm his definitive pick for the Grand Final. 

The Death of Dally M Prestige

Kent was scathing regarding the lack of respect shown to the awards by the playing group, asserting that "the absurdity of it is that the players have devalued their own awards." Comparing the ceremony unfavorably to the AFL’s Brownlow Medal, Kent noted that the NRL's night of nights has become a hollow exercise where "it's basically uh turn up to pick up your trophy unless you're winning a trophy most people don't turn up."

The critique extended to the production of the event itself. Kent argued the NRL has prioritized broadcast logistics over the live experience, stating they have "turned it into a TV show" where attendees are treated like "extras in the the TV show for Fox Sports." This focus on the cameras has, in his view, ruined the atmosphere, leaving those in the room "waiting for to come back for an ad break" instead of engaging in a genuine celebration of the sport.

Munster's Emotional Edge

Turning his attention to the Grand Final, Kent provided an emotional justification for his Melbourne Storm tip, centered on the resilience of Cameron Munster. Recalling Munster’s personal tragedy earlier in the season, Kent observed that "he lost his father while he was in origin camp... he went away spent time with his family came back... and there was a look in his eye i thought 'This guy's on.'" Kent believes this ability to channel personal turmoil into on-field performance gives Melbourne a psychological advantage. He argued that "the great ones really thrive in times of chaos because the scallywags are always the guys you want in big games... and Monster has this ability" to internalize energy and release it when the stakes are highest.

R360 and the End of Loyalty

The discussion also delved into the looming threat of the R360 breakaway league and the staggering $3 million offers reportedly being tabled for players like Zak Lomax. Kent was blunt about the shift in the game's landscape, dismissing any lingering expectations of club sentimentality. With offers totaling five times a player's current salary, Kent declared that "the loyalty card is long dead. The only people in rugby league who are loyal are fans."

The Grand Final Verdict

Ultimately, Kent is banking on Melbourne’s big-game pedigree to stifle Brisbane's flair. While acknowledging the talent across both rosters, his final verdict was unwavering: "I think Melbourne win... I just think that they've got Look they've both got big game players but I just think Melbourne have got the players that who are going to win the game."

Watch the full episode on Fanatics TV.