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Genuinely shocked that Latrell isn't in the centres for the Kangaroos. I hope there is a niggle or an injury of some description that I'm not aware of, I find this call bizarre. Is there an argument that this game is a shoot out between Staggs and Best for the right centre spot for finals maybe? If so, how don't you know your best 17 by this point? Would mean that Latrell comes into the WC finals having played one underwhelming game in almost 2 months. The rest of the side seems to be full strength. I'm reading this as Latrell isn't in their best 17 atm, which I find very difficult to get my head around. What are your thoughts?

That was incredibly brave from Fiji, blown away from what I saw there tonight from them. Not gonna declare it as the best or anything like that, but Donoghoe tonight was out of this world. I think that was one of the best performances by an individual against the Kangaroos that I've seen. Given context of the weapons he had at his disposal, really fair argument that it was the best performance against the Kangaroos by an individual. The Dolphins have signed George Williams to partner Katoa with Nikorima departing, maybe the answer is already in the room with them. Kangaroos have more gears, we all know that and they're gonna need them over the next few weeks. I'd argue that's 5 games in a row under Walters that they've been underwhelming despite winning. They're considered the best in the world for a reason, keen to see what they produce in the big games.

Unreal game to kick off the World Cup, has set the stage for a cracking few weeks to come. Take the win for the Kangaroos but consider that a warning shot, I'm not convinced the best team won that game. Huge plays from both fullbacks with their try's, cracker cover tackle from Walsh on KP. Devastating to see KP in the sling, so fucking grim. What a debut from Bostock, dreams come true kinda stuff. Dragons had him for a tracksuit a few years ago, gonna pay a motza to try and get him back now. Rugby League.

Only a few days away from the World Cup that I believe will be a turning point in International Rugby League history. I'm more excited than I ever have been before for a WC. What are you looking forward to seeing the most? Ponga playing for the Kiwis? Trell and Turbo on the same field again? Tonga's monster forward pack? Samoa's lethal back 5? Herbie Farnworth on the biggest stage?

What a cracker Grand Final, Congrats to all you Chooks fans! What a moment for Chez, insane journey. What a call from Robbo to bring him to the club. Credit to Robbo, plenty have questioned him over the last few years, myself included. Egg all over faces. I think that result and performance elevates Teddy to the greatest Rooster of all time. It's him, Whyte and Foketi as my Clives in that order. Credit to Newcastle, might be the bravest team to not lift a trophy. No doubt they'll be back.

Andrew Webster is a top tier coach, no questioning that. Him winning Dally M Coach of the year over Holbrook in 2026 though is insane to me. I joked on ESPN League Central this week that we'd riot if Holbrook missed out on the award. We rise at dawn to riot Newcastle...

Thoughts are with Nath Cleary, you hate to see that happen to any player let alone the best player in our game. Devastating scenes. We’ll see shades of 1993 this week. A broken leg and what was described as a “horrific ankle injury” ended Ricky Stuart’s 1993 season, he did however still win his first Dally M Medal that year. I believe we’ll see a similar scene this week with an injured Nathan Cleary winning his first Dally M Medal, unfortunately likely from a hospital bed. An incredible season from Cleary that's unfortunately been cut short. Worth noting Panthers fans, Ricky and his Raiders returned in 1994 to win the comp.

Early talking point heading into what will be an unbelievable Grand Final is Holbrook’s big advantage heading into Sunday. Keep in mind Holbrook was at the Roosters over the last few years. The 2026 coach of the year now takes on a system that not only did he help build, but one that he knows just an about better than anyone. Not to mention Sandon Smith, the man Holbrook took from the Chooks to the Knights with him scores the final two tries to lead Newcastle to the GF against his former club.

They say Rugby League is going good when the Newcastle Knights are going good. Let it be known that the Newcastle Knights are going fucking great, as is Rugby League. The Newcastle Knights are everything that we love about Rugby League.

Thought Radley and Robson as leaders were great tonight. Mark with another freakish performance. Once again just doing a few things that only Mark can. Toia’s line break off the scrum in the early parts of the second half was the moment that broke the Dolphins, big game from him. Sammy Walker though on return, incredibly brave from him. He was all class tonight. Was a KP send off away from a Wally Lewis Medal, now he finds himself in a Grand Final. Real coming of age season from Sam Walker. Chooks into their first Grand Final since 2019, well deserved after coming close the last few years. They’ve got here off their defence.

No one deserves that win more than Pheonix Crossland. He has played so tough all year and in typical Pheonix fashion every time there was a loose ball he was there to clean it up. He puts his head where most wouldn’t put their foot each and every week and gets little to no credit outside of their 4 walls. I’ve got so much time for Pheonix, he optimises what Newcastle is all about.

Nice Hilux dickhead

What a win for the Phins in their first ever finals game. Losing Flegler early and dusting the Wahs 4 tries to 1 in NZ, huge knock from the Dolphins. Herbie was sensational as always, he caused havoc all night. 1 Try, 2 TA’s, 250 m, 14 TB’s, 2 LB’s and 1 LBA tonight. That’s a good fortnight for most centres. Genuine question, is Herbie the most dangerous player in the NRL at the moment? Top 2, 3? At minimum has to be on the podium for me.

He had to be patient in 2026 sitting behind Sanders who has had a great season, but Christ Coby Black is the real deal. 26 points on NRL debut is crazy. I stand by what I said the day he left, the Broncos have made a huge mistake letting Black go. Well aware it’s only one game, but for those that have been watching him for years. This is just one of the many displays of his ability. Another Raiders recruitment tick✅ With Sanders, Pattie, Strange, Weekes and Black on the books and in the early parts of their careers, the Raiders find themselves in a great spot heading into the future. Disappointing year, but it’s clear Sticky has a plan and it’s coming together nicely.

Bit of movement on the most important staircase in Rugby League overnight. Who do you think will be PNG Chief 007?

Good Gear 🫦

Sowie has been talking about it for a month or so on the podcast, we’re all so focussed on the Chooks attack and how the halves gel, it’s their D that matters. They’ve conceded 18 points or less in 7 of their last 8 games. Kept Penrith to 6 tonight. Statement made.

Despite the loss tonight, you’ve got a little preview of the next gen in Melbourne. Heaps of upside in young Watson, he’s going to develop nicely over the next few years. Bowden very impressive in his mins. Hinchey gonna be a classic Melbourne clubman down there.

The Roosters in the first half of their 2026 Round 22 game:

Firstly, I disagree with the decision by Benji. Doueihi should be the 7. With the information that we have at this point though, I disagree with Doueihi’s decision to not play. He’s better than that and Tiger’s fans deserve better in my opinion. It’s a genuine clusterfuck.