The Manu Return, Kangaroo Tour Revival, and the 'Dogs' Secret Halfback Hunt

Paul Kent teams with Steve “Chimes” Gillis to dissect Joey Manu’s possible NRL U‑turn, the 2025 Kangaroo Tour revival, Canterbury’s sly recruitment, Indigenous All Stars debate, and weekend tips in this Kenty Blitz.​

Joey Manu: the French exit and NRL return?

Joey Manu could beat his Racing 92 deal to the punch with a compassionate release before even lacing up in France. With the club teetering in 11th (relegation zone), Kent speculates “cold feet” amid All Blacks 2027 dreams—potentially opening a Warriors lifeline on a cheap deal.​​

The Kangaroo Tour is back

A three‑Test Kangaroo Tour of England headlines international RL’s revival: Wembley, Liverpool, Leeds. Kent and Chimes plug their Fanatics fan tour, blending Tests with Premier League/Champions League footy and stops in London, Dublin and Liverpool.​​

Canterbury’s shrewd recruitment

Kent salutes the Bulldogs’ understated roster play under Phil Gould and Cameron Ciraldo. Reed Mahoney rumours (to Cowboys?) mask grooming Bailey Hayward as long‑term No.9. Gould’s Galvin price‑tag griping? A ploy to deter rivals while chasing the Tigers whiz for 2027. Ciraldo’s “genius” Penrith‑defence blueprint thrives at Belmore.​

Indigenous All Stars: the representative debate

Dean Widders’ push for an Indigenous side in Pacific Championships divides loyalties, says Kent—respecting motives but unfair to pit against Kangaroos duty. Mal Meninga’s “Aussies first” stance (with his Islander/Indigenous roots) keeps the green and gold supreme.​​

Stadiums and the ‘voluntary tackle’ paradox

Prioritise boutique upgrades like Leichhardt/Belmore over half‑empty 50,000‑seaters for superior TV vibe, urges Kent. On “voluntary tackles” (surrendering to dodge errors), he calls for an NRL crackdown to cycle with endless officiating fixes.​

Weekend tips: a Sydney-free round

Panthers over Dolphins (Dylan Edwards key); Sharks to exploit Trbojevic‑less Manly (30% win rate sans Turbo) in Perth double‑header—now pure promo post‑Bears flop

Watch the full episode on Fanatics TV.