Matty Stewart links up with Knights legend Kurt Gidley for a brand-new season of The Don’t Argue podcast! Breaking down the biggest NRL headlines, match-winning plays, and their Best Bets. Watch and listen each week and stay one step ahead.
As the representative period begins to wind down, Matty and Gids take stock of a competition that remains as unpredictable as ever. While Penrith still sits on top of the ladder, back-to-back losses have opened the door for the chasing pack, with the Warriors, Dolphins, Roosters and Knights now firmly in the hunt as the race for top-four positions heats up.
The boys unpack the biggest talking points from Round 17, including North Queensland’s statement win over the Panthers, the Dolphins’ thrilling victory over the Warriors in one of the games of the season, and the Roosters continuing their climb with an important win over Brisbane. They also discuss Manly’s dominant performance against Melbourne and what it means for both clubs as the finals race begins to take shape.
With four teams now locked together on 24 competition points behind Penrith, the pressure is building across the ladder. Matty and Gids examine which contenders are gaining momentum at the right time, which sides are starting to show signs of fatigue after the Origin period, and whether clubs like the Cowboys, Bulldogs and Tigers can still force their way into the top eight over the coming weeks.
Looking ahead to Round 18, the boys preview the key matchups that could have major finals implications and identify several potential danger games for teams looking to cement their position inside the eight. With every win becoming increasingly valuable and ladder positions tightening by the week, there is little room for error as the competition enters its crucial second half.
As the premiership race gathers momentum, The Don’t Argue has all the team news, ladder analysis and biggest storylines you need to know heading into another huge weekend of NRL action.