Which player has the highest footy IQ, plus what next for Wahs, Sharks and Dogs
Kenty and Woz break down a pivotal weekend of NRL action that has finally started to clear the finals picture. From the tactical genius of the Melbourne Storm to the "bullying" tactics of the Roosters, the panel explores the fine margins that separate the heavyweights from the chasing pack.
The Battle of the Heavyweights
The weekend kicked off with a high-quality encounter between the Panthers and the Storm. For Kent, these clashes represent the pinnacle of the modern game, where mental preparation is just as important as physical execution.
"They're two great heavyweights that just circle each other. That's what they remind me of. They know the game's coming up before they get there. They bring their best game mentally. They just, through the threat of the other team, mentally they're just switched on. They don't have to work to get themselves into that state of mind."
The game was decided by a controversial late penalty involving a potential obstruction by Leota on Harry Grant. While Nathan Cleary suggested Grant "played for it," Kent believes the incident highlights the intelligence of the Melbourne side.
"Harry Grant actually didn't run a straight line. I think he went to Leota to actually get it. He definitely did play for it. Even then, he was running past Leota, he stuck his arm out to sort of hook him and exaggerate the incident. But that all said too, Nathan Cleary was deep enough to kick the field goal. They weren't going to get to him and Leota didn't need to be there."
The Search for the Highest Footy IQ
The discussion naturally turned to who currently holds the title of the smartest player in the NRL. While Harry Grant’s match-winning play in overtime was a "deliberate" display of awareness, Kent suggests there are different types of intelligence on the field.
"There's two kinds of intelligence on the football field. One is that emotional awareness and one is the situational awareness. Situational awareness, for example, is Nathan Cleary a couple of weeks ago where he sat down and okay, what do we need? Where are we? What do we need? Emotional awareness is a little bit different. I would put that down to players who can sense in the game that things aren't working the way they should be working and something different needs to happen."
When comparing modern greats to legends like Andrew Johns and Cameron Smith, Kent noted that the truly elite players possess both.
"Andrew Johns had great genius. He was like a Mozart. He just went and sat down at the keyboard and off he went. Cameron Smith had great footy IQ. He never deviated from the game plan and it got him far more wins than losses over the course of his career."
Trouble for the Warriors and Bulldogs
While the top teams continue to find ways to win, other clubs are facing serious concerns. The Warriors' inability to overcome a depleted Dragons side has Kent questioning their finals credentials.
"Put a fork in the Warriors now. I think they've been brave all year but I don't think they're finding a way to get through the injury to Luke Metcalf. They couldn't put the sword to the Dragons. I think there's real concerns about the Warriors now."
The Bulldogs also faced a "line in the sand" moment after being physically dominated by the Roosters. Kent suggests that teams have finally figured out how to counter Canterbury’s high-energy, mobile pack.
"The Roosters really bullied the Bulldogs on the weekend. The Bulldogs have these small, mobile, agile, high work rate players. What they're doing to the Bulldogs now is they're just trying to bully them through the middle and really just work their forwards over and just basically take advantage of the fact that their players are so much bigger than the Bulldogs players."
Transfer Whispers and Potential Moves
The episode concluded with some intriguing speculation regarding key player movements. Despite the Sharks' victory over the Titans, the loss of Cameron McInnes to an ACL injury is a massive blow, and Kent suggests he may have already played his last game for the club.
"I'm hearing he's a big chance to go to Perth. He might have played his last game for the Sharks. Perth won't be next year, but he's got his ACL so he's basically out. He may come back towards the end of next year, but we'll see."
There was also brief mention of the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Daly Cherry-Evans and the Roosters' recruitment strategy, with Kent noting that while much is speculated, there is still "so much we don't know."
Find the full episode at Fanatics TV.
