Tigers Bash the Dogs, The Galvin Statement, and a Final Farewell to Sam Backo
Kenty and Woz break down a chaotic weekend of NRL action. From the Tigers’ aggressive stand against the Bulldogs to the Bulldogs' struggles in the mud, Kenty dissects how the finals race is tightening and honors the legacy of a Queensland cult hero.
The Galvin Narrative: Tigers Find Their Teeth
The Wests Tigers produced one of their most spirited performances of the year in a "quagmire" at CommBank Stadium, upsetting the high-flying Bulldogs. While the club tried to keep the focus off former star Lachlan Galvin during the week, Kenty notes that the "Galvin factor" clearly sat in the back of the players' heads. The Tigers front-loaded their defense with a level of aggression rarely seen from them this season, making a statement that they wouldn't be bullied by their former teammate’s new club.
Adam Doueihi’s Masterclass: "I Hope Richo Was Watching"
With a last-minute shift from lock to halfback, Adam Doueihi dominated the contest, prompting him to joke after the game that he hoped CEO Shane Richardson was taking notes for his next contract. Kenty praises Doueihi as a "pure footballer" whose instincts and kicking game were the difference in the wet. Despite a "groundswell" of young talent at the club, Kenty argues the Tigers would be mad to let a competitor like Doueihi walk away.
Bunker Blunders and the "Water Boy" Scandal
Kenty takes aim at the Bunker yet again, labeling the failure to award a penalty try to the Titans against Penrith as "disgraceful." He suggests official Casey Badger showed a "lack of courage" by not making a game-deciding call on a high tackle that seemed a certain try.
The controversy didn't end there, as a Penrith trainer was hit with a $50,000 fine and a five-match ban for "gamesmanship" after running across the field during a crucial moment. Kenty agrees with the heavy sanction, calling it a "deliberate strategy" and noting it’s the fifth time in recent years a Penrith trainer has been sanctioned for similar antics.
The "Spoon Bowl" and South Sydney’s Bankruptcy
Looking ahead to the Rabbitohs vs. Titans, Kenty paints a grim picture for Souths. With 64% of their salary cap on the sidelines due to injury, they couldn't even field an 18th man last week. Kenty believes Wayne Bennett is "resigned" to the situation, essentially hoping his injury-depleted squad doesn't get "beat up too much" in what has become an unlikely battle for the wooden spoon.
Vale Sam Backo: The Man with the "Heart of a Lamb"
The show closes with a touching tribute to the late Sam Backo. Kenty shares a story of how "Blocker" Roach reached out to Sam in the hospital just a week ago for one last chat. Despite his reputation as a "tough, hard man" on the field, Kenty remembers Backo as a gentle soul who became an accidental cult icon after famously dropping an "F-bomb" in his post-match Origin interview.
Round Review Highlights:
- Melbourne’s Fine-Tuning: The Storm survived a scare against Parramatta, but Kenty warns they need to fix their consistency before the finals or risk an early exit.
- Manley’s Slip-Up: Following their loss to the Roosters, Kenty declares Manly’s finals hopes "all over," suggesting they lack the "dog fight" needed to climb back into the eight.
- The Dolphins' Gamble: Kenty praises the Dolphins for "rolling the dice" to score a match-winning try against the Warriors instead of taking a safe draw—a move that has put their finals destiny in their own hands.
Watch the full episode on Fanatics TV.
