PRE-GAME [Round 19, 2025] Broncos vs Titans

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Des is hilarious.

Heard a story about him from a bunch of ex-manly boys who played under him. He's insanely frugal (this is the coach who stopped in the tunnel in the middle of a run-out to pick up a coin he found...) and he used to show up to training in these really old, beaten up black footy boots. Players used to tell him he needed new ones constantly, he'd always resist.

One day some of the players stole and threw away one of his old boots and apparently Hasler looked for it tirelessly for months before conceding and buying a new pair of boots.

Almost a decade later at a Manly even, during a speech for Hasler, the players who took the boot finally confessed to Des what they'd done, thinking he'd have a laugh.... instead he was furious, telling the players that he'd always wondered what happened and he had only just thrown the one remaining boot away a few weeks ago - almost 10 years after the first one went missing, because he was always hoping it would show up. Was legitimately filthy that he had to buy a new pair.

Total mad scientist

Des wore Doc Martens long long long time after most people stopped he got them as a MOTM award in 1987, Menzies stole them one day and sent him a ransom note, Des refused to pay the ransom, next ransom note had a cut up shoe lace in and Des lost his mind. He loved the 20 year old shoes but wouldn't pay to get them back.
 
Big for Des. Could be the kiss of death. Wouldn't look great for Madge to lose, either.

I see it as a test for Ben Hunt. Could be a collective "oh ****" moment if he turns out less than Paix, which some folk around these parts suspect.

Ben Hunt could go either way. I’ve always just felt he was superfluous to needs - especially when Reynolds extended.

No doubt his best is great but I’ve had a sneaky suspicion that he tanks the game plan more often than he leads it.

Hoping he goes well though
 
Ben Hunt could go either way. I’ve always just felt he was superfluous to needs - especially when Reynolds extended.

No doubt his best is great but I’ve had a sneaky suspicion that he tanks the game plan more often than he leads it.

Hoping he goes well though

As long as we sub Ben Hunt off before the last 15 minutes of the game. He's ok.

Outside of the Origin try, he's had a shocker for closing out games.
 
I reckon Payne should be rested with focus of getting him right by Jul 25.
Smoothly to cover Payne.
Patty can play reduced minutes(<40min).
Walsh & Shiba to backup.

Bench:
Billy,
Kobe,
Goski &
Talty
 
I can only report the facts.


American Housewife Greg Otto GIF by ABC Network
 
Big for Des. Could be the kiss of death. Wouldn't look great for Madge to lose, either.

I see it as a test for Ben Hunt. Could be a collective "oh ****" moment if he turns out less than Paix, which some folk around these parts suspect.
Are you talking about Ben hunt? the same Bun Hunt who has played almost 350 NRL games, 15 tests for Australia and 20 origins?
 
Yep, Ben Hunt 2025.
Same Ben Hunt who just changed clubs and is in the twilight of his career. It's rare to slot into an existing team and just naturally click perfectly with each player's game strengths and weaknesses - this can take many months to build up. In a game where split seconds and 1%s make all the difference, the small details matter. That and he's slowing down as is perfectly reasonable given how much his body has endured.

He's worth having out there for the experience and to help lead the new bloods. That and decent cover if ARey goes down again. Having an old head out there is absolutely essential.
 
I can only report the facts.


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From a certain point of view.
 
Interesting story in the CM that Des has lost the group. As soon as the Titans are mathematically no chance of making the finals, their clause is activated allowing them to sack him. So, how will the Tits players perform this weekend?
 
One of my favourite opposition players, Jayden Campbell, is back this week.

Not too worried about Fifita, it'll take him a few games to get going (if he ever does).
 
One of my favourite opposition players, Jayden Campbell, is back this week.

Not too worried about Fifita, it'll take him a few games to get going (if he ever does).
I wonder what kind of fitness Fifita will be in.

I don't think he's a lazy trainer, but he is a big big unit and he hasn't played an NRL game since Rd 8 with an ankle injury.
 
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