We are down to the final four in the NRL for 2025 and we have Kiwi representation across the board. Blairy & Goran discuss the Storm’s selection of Jahrome Hughes - back from a forearm fracture - and how he can weaponize former Warriors backrower Eliesa Katoa when Melbourne meets the Sharks.
Blairy recognizes that the career of Isaiah Papali’i has serious similarities to his own; they both went to the Tigers from clubs that were performing well, only to find that positive results didn’t follow them. A move to the Broncos saw Adam reach a grand final - now the Iceman is 80 minutes away from doing exactly that with the Penrith Panthers! A tale of redemption for the former Wahs man!
On the subject of the Broncos, we shine a light on former Kiwis coach Michael Maguire, who was subjected to a barrage of criticism mid-season yet here he is on the verge of another GF. Blairy talks about what makes Maguire such a good coach and motivator, but also has a word of warning when it comes to his approach to training long-term.
And when it comes to the Warriors? There’s a reserve grade final this weekend against the Dragons, we reach into the mailbag to discuss last week’s ‘Final Ingredient’ for 2026, and Blairy has an idea for Luke Metcalf’s halves partner: GET JONAH PEZET!
00:00 INTRO
00:51 Straight sets defeat for Joe Tapine’s Raiders!
04:25 Blairy’s Ricky Stuart apology + request for Maori All Stars
06:07 Do Storm need to risk Jahrome Hughes?
09:45 Unleashing Eliesa Katoa + the benefit of the week off
12:01 Spotlight on ISAIAH PAPALI’I
14:10 Blairy & Iceman are one and the same
19:39 Michael Maguire tames the Broncos
26:17 Riki and Staggs mismatch vs Casey McLean?
28:55 Wahs Reserves Grand Final bound!!
33:01 Erin Clark in the Players’ Dream Team!
36:03 Does Erin start at 13 for Kiwis?
37:09 MAILBAG! Is there a fullback in the post?
39:21 Blairy’s plan to get Jonah Pezet to the Warriors
46:08 Betcha This Happens - NRL Finals Week 3