Kenty - Paul Kent NRL Podcast

Paul Kent breaks down the 2026 NRL Grand Final as the Sydney Roosters edge the Newcastle Knights 19–18.Kenty explains why Newcastle’s brave defence kept the contest alive, but the Roosters’ power through the middle, smart game management and big-match experience ultimately decided the premiership.Plus, Daly Cherry-Evans’ field-goal moment, the impact of Phoenix Crossland’s absence, Trent Robinson’s coaching legacy, James Tedesco’s Clive Churchill Medal, Mark Nawaqanitawase’s final NRL game, Grand Final entertainment, and the Kangaroos squad.⏱️ TIMESTAMPS00:00 — Roosters v Knights: Grand Final overview02:25 — Roosters’ physicality and Newcastle’s brave defence04:55 — Phoenix Crossland’s absence felt at dummy-half07:25 — Daly Cherry-Evans’ field goal and the Roosters’ halves partnership09:30 — Why the Roosters signed DCE12:00 — Trent Robinson, recruitment and the Roosters’ winning culture15:00 — Robinson’s coaching legacy and future18:00 — Grand Final officiating, consistency and key calls25:00 — James Tedesco’s Clive Churchill Medal27:00 — Roosters’ middle dominance and bringing collision back28:30 — Farewell to Mark Nawaqanitawase30:50 — The NRL Grand Final entertainment debate35:30 — Kangaroos squad, new faces and World Cup plans39:10 — Season wrap-upFanatics.tvHead to www.fanatics.tv for more insights & banter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The big guns are together for a full NRL year-in-review. Paul Kent, James Hooper and Steve “Chimes” Gillis look back on the biggest stories, controversies, players and moments from the season then turn their attention to what’s ahead.From the media debate, rule changes and the commission, to recruitment, expansion, Origin, the game’s best players and plenty of banter, this is the full-length Fanatics TV rugby league wrap.Timecodes:0:00 - Welcome and the year’s biggest talking points1:00 - NRL media scrutiny and the “media cop” debate5:00 - Broadcast rights, criticism and the media landscape10:00 - Back in the game, FanAxe TV and Vegas15:00 - The year’s controversies and league entertainment20:00 - The NRL’s big-event approach and public reaction25:00 - Peter V’landys, the commission and power in the game30:00 - Six-again, fatigue and rule-change debate35:00 - Breakout players, Origin and season standouts40:00 - Judiciary calls, suspensions and dangerous tackles45:00 - Club spending, development and roster-building50:00 - Penrith’s recruitment and retention model55:00 - Tigers, coaching pressure and player movement1:00:00 - Payne Haas, South Sydney and Wayne Bennett1:05:00 - Expansion: Queensland, New Zealand, Perth and Adelaide1:10:00 - The game’s best players and premiership windows1:15:00 - Super League, rugby union and international opportunities1:20:00 - Leaks, media narratives and PNG’s entry1:25:00 - State of Origin: Billy Slater, Laurie Daley and the future1:30:00 - Off-field stories, recovery and closing banter1:35:11 - EndHead to www.fanatics.tv for more insights & banter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🏉 Welcome to Kenty BlitzPaul Kent and the team deliver their final grand final preview as the Newcastle Knights prepare to take on the Sydney Roosters.Kenty unpacks Newcastle’s incredible run, the Dally M Awards debate and why Justin Holbrook may feel hard done by after missing out on Coach of the Year. He also discusses Nathan Cleary’s dominant season, the debate around Immortal status, and why rugby league needs to protect the value of its greatest honours.Plus, the latest on Latrell Mitchell’s future at South Sydney, grand final team selection and concussion calls, Cody Ramsey’s remarkable comeback, the key Roosters v Knights match-ups, and the final predictions.⏱️ TIMESTAMPS00:00 — Final grand final preview: Roosters v Knights 02:07 — Dally M Awards: has the night lost its prestige? 05:30 — Justin Holbrook, Andrew Webster and Coach of the Year 09:47 — Nathan Cleary’s clean sweep and the Immortal debate 18:53 — Latrell Mitchell’s South Sydney future 22:26 — Newcastle injuries, team selection and player welfare 25:55 — Roosters v Knights combined team: key match-ups 29:00 — Cody Ramsey’s incredible road back to football 30:51 — How the Knights can win the grand final 32:00 — Why the Roosters are favourites 32:44 — Final predictions and wrap-upFanatics.tvHead to www.fanatics.tv for more insights & banter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Paul Kent breaks down the biggest stories in rugby league as the NRL Grand Final draws closer.Kenty reflects on Newcastle’s incredible finals surge, Adam Gee’s appointment as Grand Final referee, and the pressure that comes with officiating the biggest game of the season.Plus, he discusses Nathan Cleary’s remarkable season, his classy message of support for Phoenix Crossland, and why the Knights forward’s suspension is a heartbreaking Grand Final blow.Kenty also unpacks the NRL’s mystery pre-game spectacle, the changing leadership of the game, the debate around Herbie Farnworth’s hip-drop tackle, and Billy Slater’s warning about the unintended consequences of rule changes.⏱️ TIMESTAMPS00:00 — Newcastle’s Grand Final Fever 03:02 — Adam Gee Appointed Grand Final Referee 05:23 — Nathan Cleary’s Players’ Champion Award & Classy Crossland Message 10:44 — NRL’s Mystery Grand Final Pre-Game Spectacle 14:56 — Phoenix Crossland’s Grand Final Ban 17:42 — The NRL’s Leaders: Quayle, Gallop, Greenberg & V’landys 25:04 — Herbie Farnworth’s Hip-Drop Tackle v Crossland’s Suspension 28:22 — Did Nathan Cleary’s Leg Break Before the Tackle? 30:37 — Billy Slater on Rule Changes and Tackling Technique 34:12 — Wrap-UpFanatics.tvHead to www.fanatics.tv for more insights & banter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kenty answers listener questions on referee pay, AI in the bunker, commentary standards, Fox vs free-to-air coverage, coaching and recruitment, stadiums, player negotiations, NRL finances, and fresh approaches to coachingTimecodes:0:00 – Introduction0:16 – How much NRL referees and touch judges earn1:02 – Could an AI bunker work?1:12 – Should commentators know the rules better?2:23 – Fox/Kayo vs free-to-air commentary and presentation3:00 – Broadcast expectations and promoting the game6:00 – Sam Burgess, Warrington and a possible South Sydney future9:00 – The pressures and demands of coaching12:00 – Coaches, recruitment and decision-making at clubs15:00 – Sydney stadium location and transport discussion18:00 – Why contested possession has disappeared from the game21:00 – Rule changes, review decisions and coaching influence24:00 – NRL finances, assets and the game’s changing position27:00 – How player contract negotiations work30:00 – Selection, defence and past representative players33:00 – Fred Michelak and developing playmakers36:00 – Learning from ice hockey and innovation in coaching39:00 – The Walker Brothers, Penrith, Newcastle and new coaching ideas41:30 – Wrap-upHead to www.fanatics.tv for more insights & banter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🏉 Welcome to Kenty BlitzPaul Kent breaks down the biggest stories in rugby league as the preliminary finals arrive.Kenty reacts to reports linking Latrell Mitchell with a mega-money move to the Perth Bears, explaining why a fresh start could suit Latrell and what South Sydney need to consider with their roster.Plus, a deep dive into the Dolphins’ finals mindset, the Roosters’ edge-defence concerns, why the Bunker should not become the scapegoat for every refereeing decision, and the key selection and fitness calls ahead of Panthers v Knights.⏱️ TIMESTAMPS00:00 — Latrell Mitchell linked to Perth Bears04:00 — Would a Perth move suit Latrell?08:00 — South Sydney’s roster and salary-cap decisions12:00 — Dolphins’ composure and finals mentality16:00 — Roosters v Dolphins: the edge-defence concern20:00 — Referees, the Bunker and fan overreaction24:00 — Roosters selection questions and Sandon Smith’s role28:00 — Panthers v Knights: can Newcastle cause the upset?31:30 — Final thoughts and wrap-upFanatics.tvHead to www.fanatics.tv for more insights & banter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🏉 Welcome to Kenty Blitz: Latrell To Market, Bunker Backlash & Finals FitnessPaul Kent breaks down the biggest stories in rugby league as the preliminary finals approach.Kenty gives his honest verdict on Latrell Mitchell going to market, what it means for South Sydney and Cody Walker, and why Wayne Bennett will be central to the Rabbitohs’ next move.Plus, a call for support for Tigers great, Ashley Klein’s refereeing fallout, why the Bunker shouldn’t get more power, and which teams are peaking at the right time.⏱️ TIMESTAMPS00:00 — Latrell Mitchell To Market08:42 — Souths’ Cody Walker Call19:05 — A Call To Help Tigers Great: Mick Neil21:56 — Ashley Klein’s Refereeing Fallout24:19 — Why the Bunker Needs Less Power29:27 — Finals Fitness: Roosters, Dolphins, Panthers & Knights33:41 — Paul Gallen v Nelson Asofa-SolomonaFanatics.tvHead to www.fanatics.tv for more insights & banter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kenty answers your biggest NRL questions — from post-game press conference audio and the race for the 20th club to falling crowds, Peter V'landys' expanded power and the bunker.Plus, Paul Kent weighs in on reviewing the play-the-ball after every try, whether tackle stats are inflated, who's paying for the PNG franchise, why jerseys have no names on the back, how Wayne Bennett rebuilt the Dolphins and how the finals should work.And Kenty tells the story of the day he challenged Anthony Mundine at a press conference.Got a question for next week's Ask Kenty? Drop it in the comments.Visit fanatics.tv!TIMECODES0:00 — Ask Kenty Intro0:14 — Why Doesn't the NRL Fix the Audio at Post-Game Press Conferences?3:07 — Should NZ Rugby's Financial Trouble Affect the NRL's 20th Club Decision?4:27 — The 20th Club: Toowoomba's Bid vs Mudgee and Tamworth6:51 — What Happens to NRL Talent if Rugby Union Keeps Its Juniors?8:08 — Are Low Crowds a Sign the TV Product Beats the Live Experience?11:36 — Do Players Start Push and Shoves to Draw the Bunker's Attention?12:36 — Why Do Roosters and Sharks Fans Get Cheaper Finals Tickets?13:18 — Who Holds the NRL's Leadership Accountable Under Peter V'landys?13:58 — Why Did Peter V'landys Change His Mind on an Executive Chair?15:58 — Is the NRL Morphing Into the NFL?16:42 — Should the Bunker Review the Last Play-the-Ball After Every Try?19:01 — Should the Most Overrated Player Poll Come Back?20:28 — Are NRL Tackle Stats Inflated?22:31 — Who Pays for the PNG Franchise and Do Executives Get KPI Bonuses?24:09 — Why Don't NRL Jerseys Have Player Names on the Back?25:12 — Odd and Even Numbers for Left and Right Edges: Good Idea or Bad?26:37 — When Kenty Challenged Anthony Mundine at a Press Conference29:12 — Were Kenty and Woz Part of the Paper Plane Fun?29:45 — Why Does the NRL Chase Profit From Finals Tickets?30:47 — Was the Dolphins' Recruitment Strategy Smarter Than It Looked?33:43 — Should Pro Athletes Be Exempt From Tax?34:14 — Should the NRL Scrap the Double Movement Rule?34:54 — Should the Grand Final Kick Off Earlier for New Zealand Viewers?35:34 — Starting the NRL From Scratch: What Would Kenty Change?36:07 — Is Rewarding the Top Four in the Finals Overkill?37:06 — Which Centre Could Be the Next Isaah Yeo?38:15 — Should the Attacking Team Get a 14th Player for 10 Minutes?38:41 — Should the NRL Try a Multi-Ball Captain's Option?39:10 — OutroHead to www.fanatics.tv for more insights & banter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🏉 Welcome to Kenty Blitz: Paul Kent breaks down the biggest stories in rugby league as finals footy heats up.Kenty gives his verdict on the NRL’s warning to the Warriors over kick-chase escorts, the confusion around Nathan Cleary’s judiciary outcome, and why the game needs simpler officiating.Plus, Kenty previews Roosters v Sharks and Warriors v Knights, with plenty riding on Daly Cherry-Evans and an upset on the cards in Auckland.⏱️ TIMESTAMPS00:00 — Warriors’ Escort Warning08:25 — Cleary Charge Confusion14:39 — NRL’s Super League Play18:39 — Roosters v Sharks Preview21:00 — DCE’s Defining Finals Test24:28 — Warriors v Knights PreviewFanatics.tvHead to www.fanatics.tv for more insights & banter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🏉 Welcome to Kenty BlitzPaul Kent breaks down the biggest stories in rugby league, from the teams circling each other ahead of the biggest games to the Tigers’ latest talking point.Kenty also dives into the Dolphins, Nathan’s Foot, and the pressure building across the NRL.⏱️ TIMESTAMPS00:00 — Intro 06:11 — Sparring Partners: Ronaldo vs Mark 13:54 — Foot Long: Nathan’s Foot 26:03 — Killer Dolphins 28:51 — Tigers, Ho HumFanatics.tvHead to www.fanatics.tv for more insights & banter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kenty answers your biggest NRL questions — from bunker frustrations, forward passes and wildcard plans to Parramatta’s recruitment problems, expansion, salary-cap loopholes and the PNG Chiefs.Plus, Paul Kent weighs in on Hudson Young’s market value, whether player housing should count in the cap, what league and union can learn from each other, and why the NRL needs to get serious about its long-term fixture strategy.And Kenty shares some classic old-school rugby league stories, including a memorable player signing and his favourite tale from the game.Drop your questions for next week’s Ask Kenty in the comments.Visit fanatics.tv and grab your Fanatics hat.TIMECODES0:00 — Ask Kenty Intro0:18 — Bunker Decisions and Referee Accountability2:50 — Should the NRL Have a Challenge Cup-Style Knockout Competition?4:22 — Expansion: Why the Sunshine Coast Should Be Next6:41 — Hudson Young’s Market Value and PNG Chiefs Recruitment13:24 — NBA Salary-Cap Punishments and the NRL17:52 — Should Player Housing Count in the Salary Cap?21:27 — What Rugby League and Rugby Union Can Learn From Each Other22:54 — Why Parramatta’s Recruitment Keeps Going Wrong26:32 — Why Is the NRL Investing in Property?32:27 — Bunker Scrutiny, Fines and Double Standards33:43 — Why an NRL Wildcard Competition Is a Bad Idea35:58 — Should Every Team Play Each Other Once?37:14 — PNG Chiefs, Expansion and Competition Balance38:12 — Kenty’s Wildest Old-School Coach Stories39:18 — The Willie/Wanty Signing Story41:33 — Kenty’s Favourite Rugby League Story42:50 — OutroHead to www.fanatics.tv for more insights & banter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🏉 Welcome to Kenty BlitzPaul Kent breaks down the biggest stories in rugby league as the NRL finals get underway.Kenty reacts to Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow’s reported $1.4 million Dolphins deal, explains why he fears some of rugby league’s changes are eroding the game’s fabric, and shares the All Blacks lesson every team should take into September.Plus, Kenty previews every week one finals clash — South Sydney v Newcastle, Warriors v Dolphins, Sharks v Cowboys and Penrith v Roosters — and reveals why he believes the Panthers are primed for another title tilt.⏱️ TIMESTAMPS00:00 - Intro 04:29 - The Hammer’s $1.4m Dolphins Deal 05:45 - Is Rugby League Losing Its Way? 07:30 - The All Blacks Lesson for NRL Teams 10:32 - Kenty Reflects on Face to Face 13:20 - South Sydney v Newcastle Preview 17:19 - Warriors v Dolphins Preview 19:00 - Sharks v Cowboys Preview 21:46 - Panthers v Roosters Preview 25:28 - Wrap-UpFanatics.tvHead to www.fanatics.tv for more insights & banter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.