Slater bets on QLD mythology and June 30 deadline claims scalp at the Tigers

Kenty & Adam Peacock discuss Billy’s surprise Origin selections, how Tallyn Da Silva exited the Tigers days before the June 30 deadline and why the bunker was right not to get involved in the decision on whether Addo-Carr touched the sideline.

The Queensland Ambush: Slater’s Selection Gamble

As Origin looms, Billy Slater has once again leaned into the deep-seated mythology of the Maroons. Paul Kent highlighted the "roll of the dice" in the selection of Josh Papali’i and the inclusion of Shibasaki, a man who was on a train-and-trial contract only months ago.

"If you said that night that those two will be starting centres for Queensland, you would have been told go get the straight jacket on," Kent remarked. The selection of Papali’i is a strategic move to toughen the middle. While not an all-time great, "Papi" brings a comforting presence to the dressing room. Kent noted that players get a psychological boost just seeing a "tough front row" putting on their boots. It is a classic Queensland setup: the underdog narrative and the resurrection of legends to inspire the next generation.

The Tigers’ Talent Drain: The Taliutau Silva Exit

The June 30 deadline has claimed a significant scalp at the Wests Tigers, with young hooker Taliutau Silva moving to Parramatta despite the ongoing turmoil at his former club. Kent addressed the dilemma facing the Tigers hierarchy, who found themselves in a "pickle" with club captain Api Koroisau wanting to extend his stay while the 20-year-old Silva was ready for first grade.

The move has sparked fresh debate over the influence of powerful player agents. "The managers work for you, you don't work for the manager," Kent cautioned, highlighting a growing education gap where young players feel they owe their agents a debt that often leads to them leaving clubs prematurely. Kent proposed a "central registry" at the NRL to prevent agents from withholding offers and to ensure transparency in player movements.

New South Wales: The Risk of Overconfidence

In a rare move, New South Wales has opted for stability, making zero changes despite a loss. While Kent views this as a positive sign that Michael Maguire is settled on his combinations, he warned of the "horrible habit" the Blues have of getting ahead of themselves.

"Queensland are very good at going back, resetting, and coming in," Kent observed. "New South Wales almost try to play like it’s the 81st minute of the game before." The challenge for the Blues will be to find the same physical intensity that saw them dominate in previous years, rather than relying on the momentum of a previous performance.

The Bunker Circular Argument

The episode wrapped up with a look at the controversial Josh Addo-Carr call. While fans were left debating the touchline decision, Kent pointed out the circular logic of the Bunker debate. "One week we ‘go why didn't the bunker get involved’, and then next week we ‘go why are we going to the bunker for’, I'm sick of there's too much time wasted."

For Kent, the official's call was one he could live with, highlighting that until a decision ends in a point-scoring situation, the rules rightly keep the Bunker on the sidelines.

Watch the full episode on Fanatics TV.

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