The one change that could finally UNLEASH Nathan Cleary in Origin | Immortal Behaviour

Added: 2026-04-30

[00:00:00]Welcome back to Immortal Behavior. I'm Zach Bailey. On this show, if you haven't joined us before, we delve inside the mind of the eighth Joey John's. It can be fun, can't it?

[00:00:08]>> Can be fun as long as you don't live with me.

[00:00:12]>> No.

[00:00:12]>> Yeah. 24 hours, seven days a week.

[00:00:14]>> Rentree in Joey's head. Not too sure if I'd want to be in there. Plenty coming up on today's show. We put the microscope on the Melbourne Storm and try to find out where it's all going wrong there. We also look at fellow strugglers, the Sharks, the Dogs, and Raiders. We expected more from them in 2026. Uh Joey picks his spine players for the blues ahead of Origin one of course less than a month uh away now.

[00:00:34]But first our half in focus. He is the story of the week. He's PNG's new marquee man Jerome Lui. We've heard so much about the player, the presence, uh what he's going to do in terms of the the culture that he'll bring and you know the SO background, but we want to unpack the player.

[00:00:52]>> Who or what is the player that the PNG chiefs will get in Jerome Law? Well, you got an infectious personality who influences the players around him. He's got unbelievable high standards for the way he trains and prepares. Have a look at the difference in the Tigers now.

[00:01:08]He's been there two years. Y >> before he got there, they had three wooden spoons in a row. He's picked up he's picked up the uh the standards there. He's quite a humble guy away from training. You know, you see the extrovert and the bit of niggle and you know, the way he carries on the field, but off the field, it's a totally different person. Family man, very humble. As I said, um I think it's incredible signing for everyone. I think it's great for the league. I think it's great for the PNG chiefs. Huge.

[00:01:35]>> Um you spoke about Samoan heritage. He's very Samo and proud Samoan man. So he understands the culture of the Polynesian community which he'll take to PNG. He'll influence players to go there. He'll help Willie Peters work out how to coach the team in attack. He'll influence other players to go there. and he's the marquee guy. He's going to be on, you know, billboards and stuff over there along with Alex Johnson. He's been a great signing, but >> yeah, I I think it's a win. Even for the Tigers, I think it's a bit of a win because he's he'll be 31 when he comes off contract.

[00:02:08]>> Yeah.

[00:02:08]>> So, they've obviously and they've got 18 months to have a plan B. So, I think everyone wins.

[00:02:15]>> In terms of the player, as one of the games greatest halves, what do you love about Jerome Lui, the player? Um well coming through the ranks at Penri from the age of sort of 15 he was the seven and Nathan was the six understand right up till under 17s or 18s around that time then Nathan went to seven he got the first shot in um first grade obviously with Jimmy Maloney there Jimmy was playing six yeah Nathan >> so growing up he's a natural seven what I like about him he organizes but he's unpredictable and now with the new rules uh the quicker rock the running halfback back has really come back into the game and Jerome's big play is left foot, left foot, left foot, likes to skip and then hit the other side of the ruck with close support. Um I think he he's an allout attack player which will suit the PNG followers >> that they'll just love all out attack.

[00:03:08]Um I just think he suits that club or franchise, however you want to say it. I think he's the perfect >> perfect marquee signing. As you said, like a lot some players don't like being the main man. He thrives on it. So when he was at Penri, it was about Nathan Batman and >> Romy was known as Robin.

[00:03:28]>> It's Robin. Oh, Robin.

[00:03:32]>> See that?

[00:03:32]>> Yeah.

[00:03:33]>> Um so and but but he wanted to step out of that limelight and he wanted to own the Axel Rose the main singer >> with the Tigers. What have you seen in terms of the way his games evolved? cuz speaking to Benji earlier this year, he said that he got it wrong by trying to put all the pressure on him playing seven and now he's moved him back to six. But in terms of the way he's evolved his game, >> well, he had Jock Madden there at the start of the year who was an out and out halfback and that freed up Jerome to play visually and not to steer the team around and I think now with Adam Dwey, they're sharing the load. Um, I still think he's a seven. I still think he's an out and out s especially with the new rules and I think the extra responsibility being the main man over there for the Chiefs will really elevate his game. Exciting times exciting times where that leaves Perth, >> it's the answer that >> Yeah, that's a discussion for another day. So So you think the Chiefs have signed Lui with a belief that he'll be their seven?

[00:04:29]>> Yes. Depending on who else they sign?

[00:04:32]I'm hearing Jamie Humphre is going to go now. He's he's first receiver and you have a look at the way South are playing this year. He's playing to Cody all the time. So, it'll be interesting who they sign with if they get Jamie Humphre.

[00:04:45]He's they'll share the load, but it'll be similar to the way they're playing with Dwey.

[00:04:51]>> So, so Lui has had a a couple of Harves partners. It obviously clearly worked with Nathan whether it was at origin level or at club level. Four premierships there. It's working with Adam Dwey. Jamie Humphre you've just named as a as a potential house partner of PNG. What What kind of player does Lui uh work best alongside? Uh I think an organizing halfback or organizing um half these days it really doesn't matter seven and six. I think it's more psychological when you put the seven on.

[00:05:20]That's why I've been saying at Krenella Trindle should wear the seven and Nico should wear the six. It's just when you put it on it just feels different. Um, so I have no doubt he he'll play in the seven jersey, but it's how Willie Peters decides to use him and how the players around him, especially who who else is in the halves with him >> and fullback. I hear they're chasing a big fullback.

[00:05:43]>> Well, it's been all over social media, they're chasing Joey Manu.

[00:05:46]>> So Joey Manu is in Japanese, something like that.

[00:05:51]>> But he's not a mint, but PNG got taxfree dollars.

[00:05:54]>> Well, he's got taxfree dollars. And I don't know what the exchange rate is with New Zealand. It would be far greater than the Aussie dollar.

[00:06:01]>> Um, and also the third party deals, there's a lot of money up there, a lot of mining money and stuff. So, they could be earning a big big whack >> in terms of recruiting players. I spoke to Isaiah Yo yesterday and Brian. So Penri have got 13 players off contract.

[00:06:16]So, they're going to and he basically said we're we all think we're going to go to free agency on November.

[00:06:20]>> I think I think Brian I reckon he'll sign up there. Him and Jerome are great mates >> and Brian's done everything in the game.

[00:06:27]I I wouldn't I reckon he'd be on unders at Penri without a shadow of a doubt.

[00:06:32]Like if he goes to market tomorrow, he'd be earning 8 900,000 maybe more. So if he goes to to the Chiefs could be a serious payday for Biza, you know, three years up there and on 800,000 you do the math 1.5 1.6 and then you know you finish with a nice nest nest egg somewhere. I think the other one's Liam Martin. I reckon Liam Martin will go there. Done everything once again in the game. Liam plays that hard. His body's sort of, you know, pretty busted, but I think that could get a couple of good years out of Liam.

[00:07:04]>> Panthers 2.0 in PNG. You spoke about what you liked about Lui the player in terms of all out attack. Uh what are some weaknesses you think he needs to work on? So when he arrives at PNG, he's the complete player.

[00:07:16]>> Defense, if you look at his stats, he misses a few tackles, but that's his mentality. He puts a lot of effort into his attack. It's probably something he needs to work on um you know mentally going into a game, his defense, but once again nowadays with the you know the attitude of teams is you score 40, we'll score 42 which is great. Um that's probably about it. Yeah, he's his game management. I'd say when to slow down the game, speed the game up, but I think the big one would defense.

[00:07:44]>> Does he need to work on his long like um kicking game or anything like that or is it good to go?

[00:07:48]>> His kicking game is really good. The problem is he's well not the problem.

[00:07:52]The thing is with Jerome he's similar to um absolute blank Sammy Walker they're impulsive and they're all out.

[00:08:02]If they see something they back himself which is great >> but sometimes it's to their detriment where sometimes they got to go pull it back. That's why him and Nathan were so good together. Um so that's something but that'll come with age and more experience. Tigers are obviously flying high at the moment. But if they were to lose a couple on the run and the spotlight then goes on Lu's decision to leave. Could that affect the group?

[00:08:26]Because I don't think so.

[00:08:28]>> And you know what? He was transparent with everyone. I understand. He got in front of the media. I spoke really well.

[00:08:34]Uh I think he's put it to bed. The only way to stop it is have a big win this week against the Sharks.

[00:08:41]>> But that's another thing. He fronts up to the media. He'll promote the Chiefs.

[00:08:45]incredibly infectious especially with kids. So he his legacy may be he was the catalyst for a generation of young Papa New Guinea you know young men at the moment between what's let's just say 8 to 16 that next generation in 5 10 years time who come through for the Chiefs but they do it from their own country their own town their own house their own bed >> to stay at home and chase your dreams >> it's pretty exciting he gets that legacy he gets going.

[00:09:18]>> So the way the players are currently speaking about Benji, those PNG kids could be going >> Jerome.

[00:09:22]>> Jerome.

[00:09:23]>> Yeah.

[00:09:24]>> So when the night started in 1988, they had a plan and they said, "In 10 years, we want 75% of our team to be local juniors. So they invested so hard in the juniors, coached them up, coached them up, coached them up. In 10 years time, we won the comp at 97 and 13 of the 17 were local juniors. Maybe 14 of the 17.

[00:09:46]That's what Papa New Guinea's got to do.

[00:09:48]They'll start with, you know, players from Australia and maybe England, New Zealand, but in 10 years time, they want to be 75% local. So that's the challenge.

[00:09:57]>> That was a tough road trip going to PNG, getting whacked by BS made of granite for like Stanley Jenn back in the day.

[00:10:04]>> He used to just dive at your knees.

[00:10:06]>> Do we Did we ever find out how old he was?

[00:10:08]>> No. I'm trying to think the guy. It was during that time when I me and Tubes I was playing hooker in defense and packing in scrums because Tubes had a bad neck and he he was >> so he was defending as a half back but in attack he'd play dummy half I remember the first scrum bar or something Edward somewhere anyway you might want to look it up first scrum I go to pack in honestly this bloke's melon was bigger than Brian Fletcher's First GR I went swap jerseys after the game. No headbutdding. No headbutdding, please.

[00:10:47]Good place to go on tours. Interesting place, but through Robbie Lee, you know, this is a way to change their their social dramas that are going on in their country. So, >> it's exciting not only for Rugby Lee, but Papa New Guinea as a whole. Well, I understand that there's going to be things that you can play rugby league, but your attendances at school has to be a certain level to make kids go to school. That's the incentive.

[00:11:11]>> You want to you want to play rugby league, you got to go to school and get an education.

[00:11:14]>> Yeah. Great. Uh, in terms of Lui and managing like he's there for the next 18 months. How do the Tigers manage getting the best out of Lui, but getting the best out of who might be next or who they recruit?

[00:11:24]>> Well, I don't know what's coming through the juniors there.

[00:11:26]>> Well, even like a Jock Madden, say right now he's a 14. Would you try and invest more time into him? the young guy fel one of the brothers. Yeah, he lu a really good player but I don't know they'll have a plan whether they go to market or or they got someone earmarked and as you said jock Madden put work to him or lu fine don't know >> yeah quick thought on clauses in contracts gives me a headache me too let's move on to something that doesn't the Dolphins against the storm 7:30 Friday night headaches belly aches got a huge one at the moment let's reflect to last year at the same time of the year Panthers were two wins, six losses. Do you see any way the Storm can replicate a similar run and not only scrape into the E8, but be be a force?

[00:12:11]>> No, I I think I don't think there any chance of making the eight. If you have a look at their run in still got Origin to get through too with their you know the key players with with Monster and Harry coats back soon back in they think maybe a month. So it'll be tough to go for Origin whether he's available for Origin but their run home. We spoke about it on a mortal behavior. So after Origin, they're going to be chasing points. They're going to have to win, you know, 75% of their games or maybe more. They got roosters, rabbitos, bulldogs, manly. And then they go by, but then to finish the the season, they go Panthers, Broncos, Sharks away. I can't I just can't see them making the eight. I just think uh it's it's a bridge too far. I don't think they can get there. We've spoken a bit about why they've been struggling, but when when you zoom out and you look at all the all the things, all the piece of the puzzles, what's what's the main reason or the main reasons? Is it the loss of the personnel?

[00:13:10]>> Personnel I think is a big one.

[00:13:12]>> The rules.

[00:13:13]>> Um Gordon Talis favorite quote. He said fors decide who wins the game and backs decide by how much. There's no Nelson.

[00:13:22]There's no Tui. I don't know when Tui may be coming back soon.

[00:13:26]uh Katawa Ellie Kataua. Now we had uh on the Sunday footy show we had Cody Walker and I was telling who's the hardest to attack against and he said Ellie Kataua he said he's one back rower who knew how I played. So that's interesting cuz he scores tries obviously organized his edge defensively. They have young back rowers in Joey Chan and also Cooper Clark. Now we know Cooper Clark. I think he's had one big off season >> for the Storm. You need two or three big off seasons, especially as a forward.

[00:13:54]>> And the way they defend their back rowers are so important. Week in week out, they're probably just not up up to it. Joey Chance hit a bit of a wall, started the season really well. Um, but the other one is they're not winning the I spoke about their big man, so they're not winning the rock. So Harry and Monster and Jerome, they're playing on the back foot. This is all new for him.

[00:14:16]They've been on the front foot. So, this is all new for them. Their completion rates is really poor. Last couple of weeks, they've been 65%.

[00:14:25]>> Which goes to show the frustration. And in the modern game, you cannot give up cheap field position. And the other big one is the quicker ruck. Now, they invented the wrestle. Probably 20 years ago. Lucky I missed it. That was the last couple of years I played where they get hold of you and use your head as a can opener.

[00:14:45]So the wrestle's not there. So this is all foreign to him. Defending, retreating, going backwards. So that's that's all new. And also, you know, maybe attacking, but they haven't got to go forward. So the quicker rock, I think the personnel to start, the quicker rock, not controlling the rock and the frustration of of Monster and Harry and and Jerome playing on the back foot, they're making some errors. Monster's He's He's playing frustrated >> and missing tackles, which you don't see off Monster, >> but I'm not going to criticize him because I know it's going to happen.

[00:15:17]Origin one. I know it's coming.

[00:15:20]>> Never knock a champion. Monster, you are killing it. Killing it.

[00:15:25]>> Which leads me to my next question. He's not watching. Biggest test in the career of Craig Bellamy, Harry Grant, Cam Monster right now. Well, at the press conference, Craig Delami pretty much said, "I sort of I don't really know."

[00:15:41]>> So, that's an interesting thing. Um, now all eyes Friday night on the Dolphins how they go there.

[00:15:48]>> You'd expect a a big bounce, but the way the Dolphins are going, I think they're a big chance of making the eight. So, it's just one of those years. I think it's surprisingly I think it'll be the first year in what, 25, six years they don't make the eight. Apart from the year that cap >> just on the Dolphins, two losses >> to the top two teams, Panthers and Mars by a combined point.

[00:16:13]>> Should have beat him that time.

[00:16:14]>> What positives are you seeing about them given three weeks ago towed up by Manley going into a buy in one of their worst if not their worst ever performance.

[00:16:22]>> Um I think they're still adjusting to the quicker ruck. I think Izzy Canau is adjusting. I thought the last two weeks he's really changed the way he plays.

[00:16:32]Uh, look, I I think they're a huge chance of making the eight, but the lock in now of the top eight. You can lock in Penri, Roosters, Warriors, and Brisbane.

[00:16:41]I think they'll be our top four. So, the teams that may be vulnerable are the Tigers, South Sydney, Manley, and the Cowboys. Now, the teams that I think out of the eight who are a chance of going in, I got the dogs that won. I think pretty much even are the Raiders and the and uh the Sharks. Although the Raiders have got a buy which advantage and then just behind them the Dolphins, but if I had to pick out of them, I would say the dogs and the the Dolphins and maybe the Sharks. I just can't see the Raiders making it. Um so big opportunity for the Dolphins. They don't lose too many with Origin. I think they'll move lose Hemiso. They might they may lose Flegler, Tom Gilbert, Fin Fuyaki. That's they might lose some players to Origin, >> but um yeah, they're a team. They're a real team. When they get it right, they're hard to beat.

[00:17:37]>> Quick tip, Dolphins or Storm.

[00:17:39]>> So, Storm are going to be seven losses on the bounce.

[00:17:42]>> Yeah, fast track up there at Sunstone.

[00:17:44]Big crowd. I think Kaua and u Herby will put a a clinic on. You just mentioned some of the teams there that are going to be fighting for the finals or they're >> I just just before I go >> last two games they played in Darwin in the humidity and the heat slippery conditions and they they probably should have beat Penth and then over in Wellington last week the ball was really slippery they love dry footy >> so up there Brisbane dry track Suncorp use the ball they'll be winning >> Dolphin specials uh you just touched on a couple of teams though that are currently outside the eight that we expected to be going better so let's assess them starting with the Sharks.

[00:18:19]Currently ninth, three wins, four losses. In the preseason, all the players are saying, "Hey, we've trained so hard. We are going to go the next level." Couple of weeks ago, we said, "Well, they need to just get back to the level they were at to be in the top four team previously." Where is it not clicking for them? I'll just read out some figures in terms of defense.

[00:18:36]>> Defensively, they're poor.

[00:18:37]>> This is their This is what they've conceded. 46, 34, 22, 22, 38, 26, and 10.

[00:18:44]>> That's some high numbers apart from the 10.

[00:18:47]>> Especially Craig Fitzgibbon. He He's a defensive coach. That' be doing his head in. Last week's game against Cowboys, it was dead set. A glorified game of Ostag.

[00:18:56]You score, I score. You score, I score.

[00:18:58]Tackling, no. Couldn't tackle a baked dinner up there the way they're going.

[00:19:02]Uh it's a big test against the Tigers. I think they'll beat the Tigers at home.

[00:19:06]Tigers, no Pierce Paul, >> Buller, no Ay, which are massive outs having two players out of the spine. But the Sharks once again, it's the unknown.

[00:19:17]It's a great unknown because they get the semis. Have they got another gear in them?

[00:19:21]>> And at the moment, well, not at the moment. The last few years, they haven't. They haven't found another gear. They haven't got that player, that real X factor player like a Nathan or a Monster or a Tedesco or, you know, one of those players that just says, "Get on my back." Ju just just on that like it's good to keep a core nucleus of players together like we've seen with Penri, >> but the Sharks have only lost Daniel Atinson. They've basically been the most consistent roster over the last couple of years. Is that to their detriment where they haven't added that cherry on top?

[00:19:51]>> That X factor that they need to break games open. Who is there? The problem is if if they do the same as last year, they get the finals and lose and go out in straight sets or win one and then go to a prelim and get beat. Then the decision has to be are we going to turn this roster over? And that'll be with their spine. And the players I think will come under some sort of pressure.

[00:20:13]Will Kennedy, but I think he's an incredibly underrated player. Nikico Hines. So, those two players I think will come under pressure if they don't aim up and make a grand final or get to the big dance.

[00:20:25]>> Wow. Uh, and of course, Sharks Tigers, uh, Sunday afternoon footy right here on 9 from 3 p.m. Let's look at the dogs.

[00:20:32]They're 10th three and four as well. You said if they don't go up to Brisbane and beat their B team essentially with all their injured players, they can't win the comp.

[00:20:40]>> Kick out gone now for 12 weeks. maybe a bit more with >> surgery yesterday.

[00:20:45]>> Can they even make the eight?

[00:20:48]>> They'll be >> What would you believe they can?

[00:20:50]>> I just think their their hard work, especially defensively, their attack is really poor. Really poor. Um now it just goes to show they put everything into that um game against Penri 3 weeks ago but then since then they haven't come up which to win a comp look at Brisbane last year they won four big games in a row and some of them right on the bell so the Bulldogs have they got another gear in them look I think they'll be around the eight there's four or five teams that generally fight it out for seventh or eighth or sixth seventh eighth I think they'll be in that imposter and look I think they'll get there but >> no one's won outside the top four and what I saw the other night sitting at home I'm watching and then the rain comes in warm up I went oh it's raining Ford battle no Payne no Carrian no Cory Jensen there was no Rese Walsh at the back they didn't get near him >> they had all the ball the first 10 or 15 minutes and they didn't look like scoring so for mine yeah they can't win the comp once again they haven't got that X factor uh obviously Locky Galvin's always going to under the spotlight given their um attack has been pretty poor. What about the decision to lead lead let Reed Mani go last year?

[00:22:06]>> Um >> how much has that influence the way they're playing this year because they went all in with I don't think much because Reed's not a runner of the ball.

[00:22:12]Reed's got incredible pass but it was all off the ground just you know to the first receiver or whoever it was. uh they need to find a run threat and Bailey Haywood he gets through so much work so there's not much petrol left to have any run threat Jake Turpin is very similar he works hard works his backside off but no run threat I don't know what they have there in lower grades but I think they need to find a run threat in 14 >> uh dummy half >> the Raiders are currently 14th three wins five losses they were the minor premers last year in terms of stats uh 506 points conceded throughout a all season last year 20 what four games they've already conceded 237 more than half of that this year >> or close to half of that this year only the Eels and Dragons are worse >> is it the defense or I know you've been speaking about their halves the loss of Jamal Fogerty >> he's been a big one >> an oversight >> well they haven't been completing and everything's everything's especially this year everything is so connected now if you're making errors and not completing you're giving cheap penalties cheap field position to the opposition which means With the quicker ruck teams are scoring tries and scoring them so quick. Dylan Edwards scored three tries in 8 minutes. The roosters anzac they scored four tries in 12 minutes when someone was sin bin.

[00:23:32]>> But if you're giving cheap field position away teams are just scoring with the quicker up. But then also cheap field position. They're doing those attacking bombs and with the no escorts now everything's a competition. I I reckon 25% of those bombs defending teams are making errors. Yeah, it's it's you know it's or they're getting penalties away for trying to run people off the ball. So they need to work out their you know how much work he's going to put in their attack with they play that unpredictable style but when it doesn't stick they put themselves under pressure. When it does stick they're hard to beat but all new halves. Uh I think Hudson Young is missing Ethan Strange on the left side. I think Ethan Strange is missing Hudson Young on that left side and it there's teething problems with Ethan Sanders and how they're playing.

[00:24:22]The one for me, Owen Patty. I I think they need Owen Owen Patty back on the bench. I look I I have no doubt he'll play Origin. I think he'll play for Australia without a shadow of a doubt.

[00:24:31]And I understand Ricky wants to play big minutes in reserve grade, but Jesus coming to a point where they need that run threat out of dummy half which similar to the Bulldogs. Jaden Brily's on the bench as tough as they come works but there's no run threat. So I think Owen Patty would add something to that team off the bench.

[00:24:49]>> He was brilliant last year like great player. Great player without a shadow of a doubt. He's an origin player or play for Australia. So I get it what Ricky's doing but I think he's got to pull the trigger on >> after this week. The Raiders have got four home games in a buy. Will we know then or after those five weeks where they're seriously at in terms of whether they're a threat?

[00:25:08]>> Yeah, I think so. I think so. Um, Origin Time, Hudson Young and uh, they got any Queenslanders in their team? Pepe's not playing, is he?

[00:25:18]>> Don't think so.

[00:25:20]>> He's missed a lot of footing.

[00:25:22]>> Yeah.

[00:25:22]>> All right. Speaking of origin, great segue. You're picking your spine.

[00:25:26]>> Yeah.

[00:25:28]>> Let's start Let's start with a seven.

[00:25:30]>> Seven. Nathan >> with your Moses.

[00:25:35]>> But I'd tweak it. I'd have Moses playing on the ball. I'd have Moses playing on the right side. So, he does a lot of the long kicking. Best long kicking game in the competition. Mitch Moses. I played Nathan on the left side, which if you watch Nathan this year, he's running the ball a lot more, but it's all left foot, left foot, left foot, back towards the ruck. So, I think that suits him without being too technical. Look at that. The grand final the last 20 minutes, which is blew everyone's mind.

[00:26:04]Nathan was playing second receiver. Jack Koger went on. Think about Moses Leotaa's try. Koga goes, hits Nathan out the back. Dummy.

[00:26:14]Ezra man takes a dummy. Moses scores.

[00:26:16]That's the first one. And then look at the the last try. Left side, left foot, left foot, left foot. Scores and wins the game for him. So >> I think uh a fair bit of the attack. I'd have Moses standing up and playing first receiver and Nathan coming off him. But I I think Moses will be the long kicker and I think he'll play on the right. I know you say you don't want to get too technical, but we don't mind that here.

[00:26:39]This is your domain to do it. Okay. So, you just use the phrase on the ball.

[00:26:43]>> Yeah.

[00:26:43]>> Right. So, can you explain to everyone watching?

[00:26:45]>> So, here. Okay. So, we got the field here, right? So, Moses plays on the right side. So, the field's there, the right sideline. We're going this way. So for mine, Moses will play first receiver from the right sideline to about 20 meters in 25 m in from the left upright.

[00:27:04]So he'll be first receiver on the long side all the time. But then once Nathan might take a short side or if it gets a little bit wider like 10 or 15 meters, Nathan will stand up and he'll play to Moses who will play to my fullback. He's going to be Teddy.

[00:27:20]Okay. So, but but he's like we hear about like the the the orchestrator or the >> Well, think back when we won the series up there.

[00:27:30]>> Couple of years ago, >> 2024 five. I don't know. Yeah, two years ago.

[00:27:37]>> Two years ago.

[00:27:38]>> Moses first receiver and that try >> when he smoked him.

[00:27:43]>> Yeah.

[00:27:43]>> First receiver. So, >> interesting.

[00:27:47]>> That's a secret. Once again, it depends how Lori wants his team to play, >> which we might get into.

[00:27:52]>> Can can we get Can we delve into a world that where one of those guys is unavailable?

[00:27:56]>> Yeah.

[00:27:56]>> Who who who because they're the obvious choices.

[00:27:59]>> Uh Strange. Ethan Strange is the next one and he's a running five >> regardless of who's injured of Clearary or Moses.

[00:28:05]>> Well, one of them goes then >> Strange just >> he goes straight in 5'8. Moses if Nathan Moses will go to to seven.

[00:28:14]Moses no good. Then Nathan plays seven and Ethan Strange comes in. Uh after him, I wouldn't put Cartaua in yet, especially with a dominant half, although he's a left side centric player. Um >> no temptation for Lui.

[00:28:29]>> Oh yes. Yeah. Jerome. I I I think first it's Ethan and then a Chandi behind him would be Lui and then you're looking at Cartau or even a Burton or a Dewey. But >> first one I'd have Ethan Strange and then a pimple behind him would be Um Jerome Leway, >> you mentioned your fullback is Teddy over Dylan Edwards. What has Teddy done to take that jersey?

[00:28:54]>> Well, he's in career best form nearly, which is saying something. Uh he's just everywhere. They're so similar in players. Dylan Edwards, I just think Teddy's got a little bit more of a pass threat. I think he's his his pass selections a little bit better than Dylan. Look, whoever they go with that, they can't fail because they're both champion players and similar very similar in the way they play. I just I think the way Moses and Nathan will play, I think Teddy can complement them a little bit better in his passing game, past selections a bit better.

[00:29:27]>> I know a couple of weeks ago you said you would have loved to have seen Turbo in the number one. He was going to be your one >> without a shadow of a doubt. He would have been my one. Fully fit, firing, start of the year. He He was so good.

[00:29:39]Who's your third now?

[00:29:41]>> Third? Don't know.

[00:29:44]>> Jeez, you put it on me then. I haven't thought about it. It's only those two.

[00:29:47]>> Let's move.

[00:29:50]>> Don't know.

[00:29:50]>> We can move to the hookers.

[00:29:52]>> Yeah.

[00:29:53]>> Was Mitch Kenny going to be your nine?

[00:29:54]>> No.

[00:29:56]>> Okay.

[00:29:56]>> No. Uh Rhys Robson's my nine and I I got him.

[00:30:01]I think he can play 80, but the advantage now of that sixman bench. Um where 18 and 19 I'd carry a specialist down whether it's Appy or Brayley, I don't know yet depending how Appy comes back. And then that 19 jersey would be an outside back which would be Cola.

[00:30:22]>> Look, I had Cola two weeks ago in front of Latril on the left side. But then literally the last two weeks have just said >> here I am.

[00:30:29]>> Hold my beer.

[00:30:30]>> Yeah.

[00:30:30]>> So with Appy, he's not going to play for well the next >> few weeks. Happy to. Will he be fresh or you just happy he's got the experience of going with a month of no foot?

[00:30:39]>> I think it's advantage in being fresh.

[00:30:42]>> And if you had to say now, I'd probably go happy. Once again, photo finish in front of Brayley, but the uh the extended bench with that jersey 1819 gives you some freedom who to pick it as a dummy half.

[00:30:56]>> I know in the past um there's been a lot of fight between whether you know Reese Robson I think he was named on the bench initially and he started and whatnot.

[00:31:02]>> He's a bit more rugged.

[00:31:04]>> So is that why is it so important to start with the right nine >> defensively? You got to set the game up in origin. The first 15 20 minutes really the halfback first 10 15 minutes you're not seen. You're supporting and kicking sporting kicking kicking and then you know you break down that wall and then the last 20 minutes or the last 15 minutes of each half that's where the halfback's going to explode. So you need that real rugged dummy half who defends really strong. I think he's the best defender as a dummy half. And you've said uh previously or last week you you'd have Adam Dwey as your 14.

[00:31:39]>> It's going to be interesting with the new bench with how coaches either use that second specialist hooker or the agility.

[00:31:47]>> So Reese Robson if he plays and doesn't get injured then he plays 80 and he can play 80. He's as fit as they come. It's just if there's an injury. Now Dew is my 14 because he's in great form and he's a bigger body and he covers pretty much every position he can play. He's played fullback before. He can play in the centers, play 5'8, he can play half back. God forbid if something happens to our halfs. He can play lock. He could play back row. And even in a pinch, I think he could play a bit of dummy half and you just put him out there and just say, "You run, you play." Remember Kalin's first?

[00:32:22]>> Don't remind me.

[00:32:22]>> Oh, he was terrifying. But he can be like that, do he? I think he's he's the perfect 14.

[00:32:28]>> Perfect 14. The the Blues in the past have been criticized for at times being too much like Penri in terms of they've got too many Penth players. They play too much like Penri and it doesn't hold up in the Origin Arena. Can you unpack that of why why Club footy the most successful arguable team we've ever seen in the modern era? Why it doesn't transfer to the Origin Arena? Well, they've tweaked it a bit, Penri, but back in their glory days, how they play is Isaiah Yo would stand up as first receiver and Nathan would would swing as that second layer and they'd split Dylan Edwards to the right and Bla1 Tongi would be on the left or Jerome Lui and that's how they'd play. Nathan and Isaiah Wo and Nathan would swing.

[00:33:09]works really well in club land, even in big games, because even in big games, grand finals, semi-finals, you're playing against great players at club land, but there's still weaknesses.

[00:33:20]There's still weaknesses in different pockets on the field, whether defensively. Now, you're playing Origin, you're playing against the best, the best of the best, the truly elite. So, the best of the best are the fittest.

[00:33:30]They're the toughest, mentally strong, mentally tough, they don't miss their assignment. So what you have, you don't have staggered defensive lines where someone's fatigued and it might be a back rower hangs back or a halfback pushes up in front. Their edge defense is so organized. Their ruck defense is great. So set plays just don't work. And I think in game three last year, as soon as Nathan got the ball, their their edges, especially on the right with with Denon and Robert Toya, were just going and just flying up and just totally totally negating their attacking footy, their structured footy. Latrell didn't get the ball. So, you got to have a plan B, you got to have a plan C, and you got to play Adlid footy. You got to offload the ball and move it. Because when in an origin, have you seen a set play like a club land where a back rower goes through without a hand laid on him?

[00:34:21]>> Yeah.

[00:34:21]>> Hardly ever.

[00:34:23]>> Only if they're like fully scattered in defense after a broken play or something.

[00:34:27]>> It's that's that's the knock on if you got the Penri boys there. Um so that's why I'd have Moses playing bits and pieces as first receiver. Um, and that's a little bit why I have Teddy at fullback just because we've seen that the the set plays they just don't work at club and look game three last year it sort of showed that we haven't won we're coming off a loss series and like that game three last year was a bad loss.

[00:34:55]>> Yeah. So, um, once again, it's it's going to come down to how they're going to officiate, whether Lori or Billy go in and talk to the refs and say, "You're going to be doing these because if you're going to do that, then even more, you have to go away from structured play."

[00:35:10]>> Yeah.

[00:35:11]>> So, it's an interesting one. Well, we got what, 3 weeks?

[00:35:14]>> 27 days.

[00:35:16]>> We are the home of origin.

[00:35:17]>> Here comes the anxiety already.

[00:35:19]>> I know. I know we're getting a camera in the commentary box a lot. Can we just have Jo I think nine should have Joey cam. or heart rate.

[00:35:27]>> Stuff the players. Let's put a GPS monitor on >> the one up there when we won the series when Moses Oh, when Bradman scores that try, >> I'm just got the gypsy hands on.

[00:35:40]>> I just sometimes forget I'm in the com box and just the reaction cuz it just means so much.

[00:35:46]>> Yeah, it's already started.

[00:35:50]>> Come on, boys. Lift.

[00:35:51]>> Speaking of >> Well, it's a big one. Game one is the so important. Game one's always important because it's in Sydney.

[00:35:58]>> You don't want to be going up there.

[00:36:00]Game three, it's only been done three times in the history of Origin to go up there. What was that? 94, 2005, and then 2024.

[00:36:10]>> Yep.

[00:36:11]>> So, it goes to show how hard it is to go up there. So, game one, we got to win.

[00:36:16]>> Speaking of game one, we get our dose of origin footy in the women's form tonight. They're in your backyard, Newcastle. Your Blues haven't won there, Joey. They're 0 and2 there, but they go in as redot favorites.

[00:36:27]>> I think they'll put a clinic on tonight.

[00:36:29]And the big reason is um the two halves for for Queensland. Alli Brien Shaw's retired, but the one they're going to miss is Taran Aken. She she's an absolute gun. I think she did an ACL last player in the game essentially.

[00:36:41]>> Best player. Uh they're going to really miss her. And then so what this is the first game they're playing, their first game of the year is in Origin. So they're going to be rusty. the combinations aren't going going to be as fluent as as what they have in the past.

[00:36:55]So if you got all new halves playing for Queensland, it's going to be incredibly difficult.

[00:37:00]>> So I think New South Wales get Millie Millie Elliott back.

[00:37:04]>> Is there a rap called Millie Elliott or something like that?

[00:37:07]>> Missy Elliot the My Milkshake, you know, brings all the boys the >> Oh, okay. There's a good film clip that one.

[00:37:14]>> Um >> haven't seen it.

[00:37:16]>> So yeah, sure you have. Um so Milliey's back. That adds a lot. Jess Southwell once again a year older coming back home to Newcastle to play. Dry track. Seems like every time the girls play, it's a wet track. Yeah. Which suits New South Wales outside backs, Isabelle Kelly, >> uh Jess Sergis, uh Jamie Chapman, >> they're guns. They get quality ball on a dry track tonight. They're going to let loose. So I think New South Wales win and win well.

[00:37:44]>> Xactor Tiana Penitani in the back row speak about Xfactor like she could do anything. So, she's played at a position last year. She played >> from center to six. I think >> Senator six and now in the back row. So, >> she'll be front row next. A natural footy.

[00:37:57]>> Uh for your full preview of the women's origin opener in Newcastle, make sure you check out NRLW rap before tonight's big match. Joey's headline moment of the week. Last week, we have to reflect before we go forward. Cyclone Tracy rips through Brisbane.

[00:38:14]>> Didn't rip through it.

[00:38:16]>> Jeez, I disappointed. They were bad.

[00:38:18]>> Um, this week headline, Knights too sharp. S H A R P E for bunnies. Only the Knights will win. You send the Knights team cracker.

[00:38:29]>> Kalin back. Bradman Best back. Dylan Lucas back. Home crowd packed.

[00:38:36]Look out. Kalin resigning.

[00:38:40]>> Oh yeah. Can we just get your thoughts on that quickly? Oh, it's so good because it goes to show from outside the club. You look and say, "Oh, you know, looks like they got everything together." This weekend is sad day. Get out to Lyard. Actually, if you got nothing on, it's got the junior reps. In the under 70s, Harold Matthews, Newcastle are playing the Roosters. So, it's a really good sign. Young players coming through there. And then in the under 19s, the SG ball, the Knights are playing the Roosters. So, I think it kicks off about 11:30, the under 17. So, get out and watch that. So, one, they got their pathways humming.

[00:39:15]Two, uh they they really like Justin Hullbrook and I think Dylan Brown coming to town. I think there's a bromance between him and um >> him and Kalin.

[00:39:25]>> And uh so it just goes the great faith he has in the club because there's offers, huge offers.

[00:39:30]>> Rugby union, All Blacks, French Rugby, Japanese rugby, blah blah blah.

[00:39:35]>> Every year there's been a story about Kalin's going to go here. Every time I go to the beach in the morning, all the old boys, oh yeah, I heard Kalin signing with the roosters.

[00:39:44]>> Oh, it's just what a way to start the day.

[00:39:47]>> So, it's going to be a night for life.

[00:39:49]So, >> so good.

[00:39:50]>> Yeah. Well done, Kalin. You made an old night. Very happy.

[00:39:54]>> Speaking of old nights, one of your former teammates, Owen Craig, is falling on hard times.

[00:40:00]>> He had a stroke two weeks ago. I spoke to Owen this morning. I didn't know. I don't think anyone knew. And then I saw it pop up on social media. So I gave him a ring and he's he's in a real fight. He had a a bleed on the brain on his left side of his brain about as big as a 5 cent 10- cent piece. So he woke up and his his right side he just couldn't move his right leg and his right hand. He said his phone was a fair way away. It took him ages to get it. Called someone up and they got the ambulance and then he was diagnosed with a stroke. So he's in occupational therapy at the moment. I think he's in one of the hospitals up there and uh trying to learn how to use his right arm and his right leg again.

[00:40:41]So yeah, all the best Darwin like one of one of the most unbelievable natural talent I've ever played with. Dude at 16 could do things that no one else could do on the field, you know. It's just frightening how good he was. Uh great fella. So mate, all the best and uh yeah, just keep fighting. It was that young boy from >> Tinger, >> his 40s way out of there. See, quick story. The Knights were looking to sign Owen and he was playing in the junior reps and they used to do it uh the Catholic school boys or whatever it was.

[00:41:17]They would play at Toronto in Newcastle and he was playing the under 15s and they said to myself and Matthew, can you go pick up this kid and drive him around Newcastle, show him how special it is and you know so we went and picked him up and we said oh you know jump in we're going to show you around Newcastle. He goes, "Can I bring two of my mates?" I mean, yeah, yeah, not a problem. So two other mates from Tinger, Nathan Blacklock and Preston Campbell.

[00:41:41]>> So we had them all in Matty's car. So imagine if we signed all of them. But um it's a you know what that that's probably a documentary to make population of what four 400 500 people >> and you got all these three best mates who grew up playing playing um NRL leading try scorer Delm winner impressar >> and there's another guy PJ Ellis played a bit of lower grade je looked a good player but >> for whatever reason didn't make it but uh yeah quick story on Owen great fella Owen all the best mate We love you.

[00:42:15]>> Well said, Joey. And hopefully your Knights have a win against >> and Sharp gets a few couple of tries.

[00:42:23]Fletcher Sharp. It's going to be one heck of a game up there Sunday. I can't wait. Once again, >> footy's flying.

[00:42:29]>> Footy's flying.

[00:42:30]>> Ratings are up. Crowds are up. I know the six to go is giving people headaches, but >> I know that some of them are over the top. Don't Next week we might talk about the bunker.

[00:42:42]Quick poll. Do you think the game's better for the bunker?

[00:42:49]>> Stay tuned. We'll have that next week.

[00:42:51]>> A little be in the bonnet. Talk about the bunker.

[00:42:54]Thanks for joining us.