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.
Matty and Gids are back for Round 22 of The Don’t Argue, and with the finals race entering its defining stretch, the pressure across the competition has never been higher. Penrith remains on top of the ladder, but the Roosters and Sharks continue to close in, while the Warriors remain firmly in the top-four conversation despite a surprise setback. With only a handful of rounds remaining and several teams battling for positions inside the eight, every result is carrying enormous significance.
The boys break down all the major talking points from Round 21, including the Roosters’ thrilling golden-point style victory over Newcastle, sealed by a Daly Cherry-Evans field goal, and South Sydney’s dramatic comeback win over Melbourne in one of the games of the season. They also discuss Penrith’s hard-fought victory over Parramatta, Cronulla’s emphatic 48-12 dismantling of Manly, and Canterbury’s statement win over the Warriors that shook up the top-four race.
As always, Gids gives his honest assessment of the contenders and pretenders. The boys debate whether the Roosters have emerged as Penrith’s biggest threat after climbing into second spot, whether Cronulla’s devastating attack makes them a genuine premiership heavyweight, and if South Sydney can continue its late-season surge after keeping its finals hopes alive with a crucial win over the Storm.
There is also plenty of discussion around the congested battle for the lower half of the eight. Newcastle and North Queensland remain locked in a fierce fight for finals positioning, while the Bulldogs have pushed themselves back into the conversation with consecutive strong performances. Canberra’s fourth straight win has revived its finals hopes, but the margin for error remains razor-thin for the Raiders, Storm and several chasing clubs.
The boys also examine the teams under the most pressure heading into the run home. Melbourne’s latest defeat leaves the Storm in danger of missing the finals entirely, while Brisbane, Parramatta and the Wests Tigers are rapidly running out of opportunities to salvage their seasons. With every club now feeling the weight of the ladder, momentum and form are becoming more important than ever.
Looking ahead to Round 22, Matty and Gids preview another crucial weekend of rugby league, highlighting the fixtures that could have a massive impact on the top four and the scramble for finals spots. With Penrith trying to secure the minor premiership, the Roosters, Sharks and Warriors all chasing ground, and several teams fighting to stay alive, there is no shortage of storylines across the competition.
To wrap up the episode, the boys lock in their tips for every game and reveal which clubs they believe are best positioned to launch a genuine premiership charge over the final month of the season. If you’re after all the biggest NRL talking points, ladder analysis, finals projections and strong opinions from around the game, The Don’t Argue has everything you need heading into Round 22.