The Jack Wighton Judiciary Battle, Origin Eligibility, and the Lachlan Galvin Factor
In the latest episode of Kenty Blitz, Kenty and Woz cover a packed agenda including South Sydney’s high-stakes judiciary challenge, the controversial debate over Origin eligibility, and the looming showdown between Lachlan Galvin and his future club.
Jack Wighton’s Four-Week Gamble
South Sydney are at the judiciary this evening to challenge a Grade 2 shoulder charge against Jack Wighton. Kenty notes that if Wighton loses, he faces a month on the sidelines. The Rabbitohs' defence will likely hinge on the argument that the contact was an accidental head clash rather than a deliberate shoulder charge, pointing out that Wighton appeared "uncoordinated" and "mistimed" the tackle on Toby Rudolph.
Drawing on his years as a journalist covering the judiciary, Kenty shares a classic anecdote about legendary official Keith Barnes accidentally pleading guilty for player Marty Misella within 30 seconds of a hearing. He also touches on the current "inconsistency" in the game, questioning why players like Reece Walsh avoided charges for similar incidents over the weekend.
The "Good Old Days" and the Galvin v Luai Narrative
Looking ahead to the Canterbury v Wests Tigers clash, the focus is squarely on Lachlan Galvin facing the Tigers after his high-profile signing with the Bulldogs. Kenty discusses how, in the "good old days", teams would have relentlessly targeted a young playmaker in Galvin’s position. He recalls legendary battles between Tommy Raudonikis and Les Boyd, where Raudonikis would ring Boyd on a landline just to tell him, "I'm going to bash you this weekend."
While modern rules have "coached out" the brawls, Kenty expects a "spiteful" atmosphere. He highlights Cameron Ciraldo’s instruction to the Bulldogs to "stand up for themselves" and expects the Tigers’ veterans to rough up Galvin if the opportunity arises.
The Origin Eligibility Debate: "Keep it as it is"
The conversation turns to ARL Commission Chairman Peter V'landys’ suggestion that Origin eligibility rules could be overhauled to include players from England and New Zealand. Kenty is firmly against the idea of a "free-for-all," arguing that the "magic ingredient" of Origin is the genuine passion for representing one's state.
He praises Billy Slater’s sentiment that "Queensland picked me; I didn’t pick to play for Queensland." Kenty believes the current tier-two eligibility (allowing Samoa and Tonga players to represent their states) is working well and warns that changing the rules further risks alienating the fans who make the contest so special.
Contract News and the "Melbourne Method"
Jerome Hughes has confirmed a new four-year deal with the Melbourne Storm, a move Kenty sees as a masterclass in club management. He notes that the Storm have "manufactured" their last two great halfbacks (Cronk and Hughes) from fullbacks.
However, the signing has triggered a get-out clause for young star Jonah Pezet, who is now free to look elsewhere. Kenty also discusses the persistent rumours linking Cameron Munster to a potential Perth-based franchise, suggesting the Storm might be open to a release if the right offer from Western Australia materialises.
Injury Toll and the Run to the Finals
The Bulldogs have suffered a significant blow with Connor Tracey out for the remainder of the regular season with a rare and serious epigastric artery injury. Kenty advises against moving Matt Burton to fullback to cover the loss, suggesting Jacob Kiraz is the less disruptive option.
Meanwhile, Manly's Lachlan Croker is out for the season after re-dislocating his shoulder. With only five rounds remaining, Kenty expects a desperate scrap for the final spots in the top eight between the Dolphins, Roosters, and Sea Eagles.
Watch the full episode on Fanatics TV.
