The Storm’s Secret Sauce, PNG Tax Dodges, and the Brandon Smith Boardroom Battle

Kenty is joined by special guest Steve ‘Chimes’ Gillis to debate the "unfair" advantages of expansion clubs and why certain dynasties simply can't be touched.

The Melbourne Storm: 30 Years of "Gifting" Success?

With the Panthers heading to Melbourne for a Round 3 blockbuster, Kent reflected on why AAMI Park is the toughest away trip in the NRL. While acknowledging the Storm as the "greatest sporting club in Australia," Kent pointed out that their initial success in 1998–99 was "gifted" by the NRL.

Following the Super League war, the Hunter Mariners were disbanded, and their star players - including internationals like Scott Hill, Brett Kimmorley, and Robbie Ross—were essentially funneled to Melbourne to ensure the club's survival. However, Kent noted that the Storm have avoided complacency ever since, building a culture where "winning" is the only recruitment tool they need.

The PNG Expansion: A "Tax-Free" Injustice?

Kent voiced strong concerns over the proposed Papua New Guinea (PNG) expansion team. Reports suggest players for the PNG side may operate in a "tax-free" environment, effectively giving them a massive financial advantage over Australian-based clubs.

"The salary cap is there to create parity," Kent argued. "How is it a fair deal if one team has an $11.4 million cap but their players take home twice as much because they don't pay tax?" He revealed that several veteran players, including Souths' Alex Johnston, are already eyeing the move as a lucrative career-closer.

Brandon Smith to Souths: The $150,000 Stand-Off

The transfer saga of Brandon Smith has entered a "removable discussion" phase.

• The Math: The Roosters want to shed Smith’s salary, but South Sydney reportedly only has roughly $15,000 left in this year's cap.
• The June 30 Deadline: Kent believes the talks will "heat up around June 23." If the Roosters aren't in finals contention by then, they may release him early just to save $150,000.
• The Wayne Factor: Wayne Bennett has already stated he views Smith as a forward. Kent warned that Bennett won't promise Smith a starting hooker role, especially with Jamie Humphreys in scintillating form.

Dynasty vs. Dynasty: Could the '94 Raiders Beat Today’s Panthers?

Addressing a fan question about the greatest "one-off" teams, Kent pitted the current Penrith dynasty against the 1994 Canberra Raiders.

• The Lineup: The '94 Raiders featured four Immortals or future Internationals across the spine: Mullins, Daley, Stewart, and Meninga.
• The "Mean" Factor: Kent recalled Matty Johns’ description of that Raiders side. While the Broncos of that era were scary in attack, the Raiders were "mean" in defense. "They didn't just want the ball back; they wanted to bash you," Kent said.

Todd Payten and the Cowboys "Rumor Mill"

Kent addressed whispers of unrest in Townsville. While he acknowledged Todd Payten is a "hard taskmaster" who isn't afraid to ruffle feathers (such as dropping Kulikefu Finefeuiaki), he defended the coach’s methods. Kent suggested that player managers often "spread the gaps" when a club is struggling, hoping to facilitate transfers for their clients.

Kenty’s Round 3 "Lock"

In a surprising move, Kent tipped the Dolphins to upset the Newcastle Knights this weekend. Despite the Knights’ 2-0 start, Kent believes the Dolphins have been playing "dumb" football and are due for a disciplined performance back on their home turf.

Weekend Watchlist:

• Manly vs. Raiders: Kent's tip depends entirely on Tom Trbojevic. If "Turbo" plays, Manly wins; if not, he’s backing the Raiders to grind out a victory.
• Redemption Stories: Kent teased an upcoming interview with Mitchell Pearce, focusing on his personal and professional journey since leaving the NRL.

Watch the full episode on Fanatics TV.