Te'o walks, Ivan cools jets on Panthers start

James Hooper was joined by Matty Vautin and Brandon Savage on Rugby League Insider for a wide-ranging Wednesday episode covering the Broncos' latest Red Hill drama, Ivan Cleary's reality check on Penrith's blistering start, and a historic jersey headed to auction.

Ben Te'o Walks at Red Hill

The Ben Te'o resignation dominated the opening discussion, with Hooper keen to set the record straight on the narrative that his exclusion from Billy Slater's Queensland coaching staff was the catalyst.

"Get the gurney out, give it a good spray, because that's not true," Hooper said. "My understanding is that Maguire and Te'o had been butting heads primarily over defensive tactics. That's been going on for a number of months."

Vautin raised concerns about what the departure means for the dressing room, pointing to Te'o's value as a go-between for players and the head coach.

"There's no conduit between player and head coach now. The assistant coach has basically given the up yours. Why should the players listen?"

Hooper pushed back, arguing the roster is too talented to derail, and shared that the famous mid-season pub trip to the Stain last year, which Te'o helped engineer, was a key turning point in their premiership run.

"It's a time-honoured tradition since 1908. They won 13 of 15 after that game at Manly."

Hooper also firmly rejected suggestions Te'o may be struggling with mental health, calling it an insult to those genuinely affected. As for his next move, all roads appear to lead back to South Sydney, with the Titans also having made an approach.

On the bigger picture, Hooper was clear the departure is a spot fire, not a bushfire, but combined with the Payne Haas saga, the rumblings at Red Hill are mounting.

"Payne Haas should never have left the Brisbane Broncos. Nobody should have been able to sneak under their guard and poach him."

Ivan Cleary Pumps the Brakes

With plenty of pundits calling the Panthers unbeatable after three rounds, Hooper praised Ivan Cleary for keeping a lid on the hype.

"You don't win comps in March. We are 200 metres into a 3,200 metre race."

The panel addressed whether Penrith are rorting the six-again rule, giving away more penalties than any other team. The verdict was unanimous: no.

"Great teams always find a loophole for any rule brought into the competition," Savage said. "Penrith are just one step ahead of everyone."

Hooper added that the rule has been good for the game overall, killing off the wrestle and bringing smaller playmakers back into the spotlight, even if the lack of explanation from referees remains a frustration.

Souths Return to Allianz

The news that South Sydney will play home games at Allianz Stadium was welcomed warmly, with Hooper making the geographical case clearly.

"South fans live in the eastern suburbs, Matraville, Maroubra, Botany. I don't buy the spin that Homebush is closer for most of their fans. Play all their home games at Allianz."

Savage noted the added benefit for the rivalry, with both Rabbitohs and Roosters games now potentially at the same venue twice a year.

AJ Johnston's Record Jersey

The panel celebrated Alex Johnston breaking Ken Irvine's 53-year-old try-scoring record before turning to the auction of the match-worn jersey. With estimates floating around $15,000 to $25,000, Hooper called on South's wealthy ownership group to step up.

"Mike Cannon-Brooks couldn't spend it all in six lifetimes. Get the hundred out of the ashtray. Away you go."

Better yet, Hooper suggested whoever buys it should donate it straight back to rugby league.

"That jersey belongs to the people. It's not for a billionaire to have in their dining room at dinner parties."

Wind Up Wednesday

Hooper opened with a gripe about Felise Kafusi being penalised for clean chest-on-chest contact, calling him a victim of his own reputation.

Savage followed with a yarn about the original Random Souths Guy, Anthony Basher, who built the famous Instagram account to 22,000 followers only to watch Budget Direct trademark the concept, hire an actor with a fake mullet, and not even call him back after he auditioned for the role.

"He is the Random Souths guy. He auditioned. Didn't hear back. That's my wind up."

The episode closed with a debate on Wayne Bennett's Rabbitohs as a finals force, with Hooper a believer and Savage suggesting their reliance on big moments from Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker may not be enough against the competition's fittest sides come September.

Hero image: Adam Head/Newscorp | Penrith Panthers