The Sideline Story: Rugby League Podcast · The Sideline Story: Rugby League Podcast

Episode 168 | "Phase Three: Run-Home to NRL Finals"

·1 hr 37 min·5 clips

Why did Mal Meninga relegate Origin hero Tom Dearden to the bench in his Kangaroos lineup?

This episode of The Sideline Story focuses on the NRL's run towards the finals, featuring hosts Daniel Tassoni, Nicholas Guild, and Ryan Clark. They analyze recent matches, coaching changes, and international team selections. The hosts begin by discussing the fallout from the recent State of Origin series and a controversial bunker decision. They examine Mal Meninga's hypothetical Kangaroos lineup, which includes Dylan Edwards at fullback and Cameron Munster and Nathan Cleary in the halves. Meninga's selections prompt debate about form, particularly the placement of Tom Dearden on the bench despite his strong Origin performance. The panel also discusses potential player defections to Samoa, mentioning Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, and Payne Haas. The coaching merry-go-round is a major topic, with Brad Fittler withdrawing from Kangaroos consideration and Kevin Walters emerging as a reported front-runner. Des Hasler's future at the Titans is questioned amid reports he may be pushed out, with Brad Arthur and Josh Hannay mentioned as potential replacements. The possibility of Wayne Bennett or Cameron Smith coaching the Kangaroos is also debated. A surprising claim is that this year's State of Origin series was the highest-viewed in Australian sporting history despite criticism of its quality. The hosts share a personal story about Cameron Munster's mother receiving a hug from Wally Lewis before a game. They also note Josh Kerr received a breach notice for calling referee Ash Klein's officiating "corrupt" during Origin. The tone is highly conversational and informal, filled with banter and inside jokes among the hosts. The style is opinion-driven and reactive, moving quickly between news, analysis, and personal anecdotes. Rugby league fans who enjoy unfiltered, club-focused discussion and coaching speculation will appreciate this episode. Listeners seeking a structured, purely analytical breakdown of on-field tactics might find the casual style less engaging.

As heard by us

Episode 168 moves from bunker outrage to Blues fallout, Souths' skid, and Sharks-Dolphins chat in a loose but lively panel format.

The Sideline Story Rugby League podcast keeps the talk moving from bunker outrage to Blues fallout, Souths' six-game skid, Laurie Daley as coach for next year, and a lively Sharks-Dolphins stretch.

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Why you'd press play

You want the bunker argument, the Origin hangover, and the Sharks-Dolphins fallout in one sit-down.

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