THE FEND

Tigers, Blues and Kangaroos legend Garry 'Jimmy' Jack presides over rugby league's most prestigious annual awards ceremony.From best player, to flop of the year, to most bizarre gift for a departing player ... these awards are steeped in four years of traditionBrought to you be Georges Fine Meats Cherrybrook and Five Star Real Estate 

Where does this GF rate in terms of best ever? Better than 89? 97? 2015?Nathan Cleary's 20 minutes of mayhem - is he now among the great number 7s of all time?How did the Broncos slip from dominance to devastation? Garry Jack tells of his own experience in having a premiership snatched from your graspCan Penrith make it a 4-peat in 2024?Should Reece Walsh have been selected for the Kangaroos?Plus plenty more - brought to you by Georges Fine Meats Cherrybrook and Five Star Real Estate

Will Reece Walsh's brilliance bring it home for the Broncos?Or will Nathan Cleary's class make it a Panther Three-Peat?2023's two standout teams come together at full strength for what promises to be one of the great Grand FinalsBuckle up - its going to be a beauty!We analyse the strengths and weaknesses and Jimmy Jack tells us how nerves - and a hot weather forecast - CAN make a big differenceBrought to you by Georges Fine Meats Cherrybrook and Five Star Real Estate

Uncle Josh (his nephew is Nathan Cleary) takes us back to some dramatic times in the 1990s:* His Finals heart-break with the North Sydney Bears between 1994-98*  How he coped with a 12-match suspension - one of the longest in rugby league* The Norths-Manly rivalry and failed Northern Eagles joint venture* How the Bears would still be thriving if they went to Super League* The selection snub that still burns three decades later* and his fascinating footballing familyBrought to you by Georges Fine Meats Cherrybrook and Five Star Real Estate

How many weeks for Jack Wighton for his alleged chomp on Tyson Gamble?No send off! Are the refs scared of Ricky?How far can guts carry the patched-up Roosters?The loss that will haunt the Sharks all summerWho needs skyscraper wingers? To'o and Turuva - the pocket rocket PanthersAnd Jimmy's tipping the Knights to kick on: "They would be 100% certain they can go all the way"Brought to you by Georges Fine Meats Cherrybrook and Five Star Real Estate Hornsby

So which team has flopped hardest this NRL season?We pick our finals winners - who's giving the Raiders a chance against the Knights?Playing a final at a 13,000-capacity stadium - why the NRL's got this one wrongIs Benji about to burn his coaching career at the Tigers?How did Jimmy Jack get punished for being late back in the '80s?What's the most annoying sporting cliche?All that and more - brought to you by Georges Fine Meats Cherrybrook and Five Star Real Estate

We look at the finals equations for the 10 teams still in the premiership raceResting players before the finals - do you love it or hate it?Should Ricky be sanctioned for swearing at a cameraman?Did the Dogs sign the wrong Panthers assistant?Great win by Parra - where was this form when it mattered?Reece Walsh - what a star!South Sydney - what a mess!JWH - is he out of control?All that and more - brought to you by Georges Fine Meats Cherrybrook and Five Star Real Estate Hornsby

He was the man from the '80s with the stuttering run-up and booming right boot: the great Ross Conlon joins The Fend for a chat.Rosco tells us about his favourite goal of all-time, his memories of Ellery Hanley's KO in the '88 GF - and you don't want to miss his yarn about his sponsored car from St Helens.And after the eyebrow-raising Luke Brooks BBQ gift, Conlon and old team mate Garry Jack tell us what THEY received from the Tigers as a farewell gift.Plus all the latest issues - including dramas at Souths.Brought to you by Georges Fine Meats Cherrybrook and Five Star Real Estate

The Tigers have lost 10 straight - but are they heading in the right direction?Is it time for Ciraldo to feel the heat at under-achieving Bulldogs?Can the Eels stay alive without Moses?Are the Roosters finals smokies?We analyse all the make or break games in round 25.Why Reece Walsh should be a certainty for the Kangaroos number onePlus ... League in Las Vegas. Could our great game get a toehold in the States?Proudly sponsored by Georges Fine Meats Cherrybrook and Five Star Real Estate

Are these Panthers better than the Eels' three-peat team from the '80s?Garry Jack played against that champion Parra team and gives his verdict.Are the Raiders finals imposters?Is this just a South Sydney slump or are they done?The NRL's send-off lotteryWas it a strip from Gutho v Dragons?Should Tedesco have a mortgage on the Kangaroos number 1 jersey ahead of Walsh, Ponga and Edwards?All that and more - brought to you by Georges Fine Meats Cherrybrook and Five Star Real Estate

The top eight is far from settled - we tell you who's crashing out and who's climbing in.Can Dylan Brown save Parra's season?The Storm's shameful celebration of stripped premiershipsIs Global Warming going to cost the Raiders - Jimmy Jack's wild theorySelf-sabotage from the Knights - what's going on??And is DCE better than Tooves?All that and more - proudly brought to you by Georges Fine Meats Cherrybrook

The Fend chats with one of the NRL's genuine good guys, David Gower.He speaks about starting out with the Salford Red Devils, then stints at the Tigers, Dragons, Sea Eagles and Eels.Interesting insights including his 'now or never' chat with Wayne Bennett, a grand final with Manly, the salary cap saga at the Eels, plus the blue and golds' return to finals footy.Also a great story about the Wolfman and his weird diet.Plus all the big NRL issues.Proudly brought to you by Georges Fine Meats Cherrybrook and Five Star Real Estate

Full wrap of Origin III as the Blues avoid a cleansweepHas Fittler done enough to keep his job?Jimmy reckons Blocker should take over - that would be interesting!Has Moses gone past Cleary in the NSW halfback pecking order?See ya Slater - is Billy about to cut and run?Can we PLEASE hand over the Shield when the team actually wins the bloody series??Can the Tigers avoid back to back spoons & was Parra's big loss to the Warriors just a blip?All that and more - proudly brought to you by Georges Fine Meats Cherrybrook and Five Star Real Estate

Freddy Fittler rolls the dice to save the Blues from a cleansweep - and keep his job.Jimmy gives his verdict on the changes - and reckons Gutho shouldn't be there.Keep Blake Lawrie as skipper - why the Dragons need to make a tough call on Ben Hunt.Who can stop the Panthers three-peat?The bumbling Bulldogs and atrocious Tigers - who was worse??Plus plenty more - brought you to you by Georges Fine Meats Cherrybrook and Five Star Real Estate

Here we go again - more Origin pain for Blues supportersWhere did it go wrong at Suncorp?What changes need to happen to avoid an embarrassing cleansweep at Accor?Is Freddy finished?Garry Jack fumes over Cook playing in the centres: "we would never get Benny Elias to replace Michael O'Connor"The Queensland taunts NSW must use as motivation.Plus the Ben Hunt and Justin Holbrook/Des Hasler bombshells.Proudly brought to you by Georges Fine Meats Cherrybrook and Five Star Real Estate

We speak to former Tiger, Bulldog, NSW and Test forward Bruce McGuire.McGuire lifts the lid on THAT penalty by Bill Harrigan which swung the 1989 grand final v RaidersAlso, the NSW Origin team - did Freddy get it right?Plus Andrew Webster continues working miracles at the WarriorsThe Roosters and their pitiful attackAnd are the Dolphins washed up?All that and more. Brought to you by Georges Fine Meats Cherrybrook and Five Star Real Estate

Your complete NSW Blues post mortem.Former Blues fullback Garry Jack gives his view on the form of James Tedesco - and is his place in doubt for Origin II?Were the navy blue jerseys to blame??!!Are there too many Panthers?How did the Blues get it so wrong in the first and last 10 minutes?Who comes in for Suncorp Stadium - or does NSW stick with the same 17?And how Billy Slater's brave calls paid off for the Maroons.All that and more - brought to you by Georges Fine Meats Cherrybrook and Five Star Real Estate

Garry Jack's in a great mood after the Tigers' record-breaking spanking of NQNSW & QLD teams analysis - how Tevita Pangai Junior could bring back 'old style' OriginJimmy spots a weak link in the Maroons line-upWhy Queensland can no longer claim to pick and stickHow Luai's lucky escape sends a poor messagePlus Parra's big win over the BunniesHuge episode - brought to you by Georges Fine Meats Cherrybrook and Five Star Real Estate

Here's a name that will revive fond memories for those who loved the '80s:Balmain's popular goal-kicking second rower DAVID BROOKSHe opens up on his anguish at being left out of the 1989 grand final teamHis blow-ups with Tigers coach Warren RyanA remarkable last-minute call-up for State of OriginHow Balmain turned Leichhardt into a fortress.Plus many more wonderful insights shared with his former team mate Garry JackAlso, we tackle the big issues from round 11 of the NRL.Proudly brought to you by Georges Fine Meats Cherrybrook and Five Star Real Estate

Magic Round delivers againTigers two in a row!Parra ‘s premiership chances slidingReece Walsh & Jayden Campbell giving hope to the kids Is it the year of the Rabbitohs ?Brain explosions are costing the DragonsShould Wayne Bennett be an Immortal?The tactic that has Jimmy Jack hot under the collar 

How the troubled Tigers pulled off the upset of the season!Have the Panthers lost their aura?The secret behind Sivo's successTime to pull the pin on Ponga experiment?Is Ben Hunt to blame for Dragons near misses?Did NRL go soft on Josh Reynolds dissent?and Wayne Bennett's 900th - Garry Jack takes us back to where it all began.Proudly brought to you by Georges Fine Meats Cherrybrook and Five Star Real Estate

Hair-pulling - penalty or play on?Golden Point - is it fair?Are playmakers getting too many favours from the refs?Are Parra contenders again?Why Nicho Hynes and Reagan Campbell-Gillard HAVE to be in Blues side.And a very interesting revelation from Bulldogs great Terry Lamb.Plus plenty more - proudly brought to you by Georges Fine Meats Cherrybrook and Five Star Real Estate

Garry Jack explains why he let rip at his beloved Tigers on the back page of the TeleTime to give other clubs the blockbuster Good Friday and Easter Monday timeslots?Would you pick Tommy Turbo for NSW Origin right now?The Hammer - making the Cowboys look sillyShort kick-offs and the death of the automatic 'repeat set' - how its great for the gameThe dreaded squirrel grip returnsAnd hip-drop hysteria - the refs are jumping at shadowsAll that and more - brought to you by Georges Fine Meats Cherrybrook and Five Star Real Estate

We take a deep dive into the struggling Wests Tigers with club legend Gary Freeman.The Whiz also takes us back to his glory days in the 80s and 90s when he teamed up with Jimmy at Balmain, plus his stints at Easts, Penrith, Parramatta and of course his beloved Kiwis.There's plenty of laughs as well as a few revelations.Brought to you by Georges Fine Meats Cherrybrook and Five Star Real Estate

Anthony Griffen, Luke Brooks and now Joseph Suaalii - what's the immediate future for these three men dominating the headlines.Also, we look back at an epic Grand Final rematch.Controversial refereeing calls.The surprise rise of the Warriors.And the Top 10 Blonds of Rugby League.All that and more - The Fend

Corey Horsburgh's rampaging form for the Raiders got us thinking - who are the best redheads in rugby league?Also - can Parra save their season?Have the Tigers turned the corner?Our official apology to Wayne Bennett.Mandatory concussion stand-downs - we have our say.Vale the great Johnny Sattler.And Jimmy tells his story of missing teeth, after Raiders hooker Danny Levi lost some pegs in Canberra.All that and more -brought to you by Georges Fine Meats Cherrybrook and Five Star Real Estate

The Tigers lose the unlosable to depleted Knights - how did it happen?? Tigers legend Garry Jack gives us his verdictAnother Kalyn K-O - what next for the Newcastle skipper?Are the Eels slipping? Where's their first win coming?20 team NRL comp - masterstroke or madness? Jimmy and Hawsey go toe to toePlus plenty more. Brought to you by Georges Fine Meats Cherrybrook and Five Star Real Estate

Still clearing the egg from your face? Us too! An incredible against the odds victory by the Dolphins in their NRL debut - and another coaching masterclass by Wayne Bennett.Also - the concussion debate. We have all the answers.Plus new eras get underway at the Tigers, Bulldogs and Sea Eagles - how did they rate in round one?And are the Panthers on the way back down the mountain?All that - and plenty more!Brought to you by Georges Fine Meats Cherrybrook and Five Star Real Estate

The Fend is back for Series 4!Garry Jack and Adam Hawse take a stab at naming the winners and losers for the Telstra Premiership.Can the Panthers make it a triple treat? Can the Eels go one better?Will the Tigers break their finals drought?Find out on The Fend!Brought to you by Georges Fine Meats Cherrybrook and Five Star Real Estate

The most prestigious awards in rugby league, it's the third annual The Jimmys.Tigers great Garry Jack hands out the bouquets and backhanders for season 2022.From worst match/biggest clanger/best quote/worst cheap shot ... these are the categories the Dally Ms won't touch.Thanks to Georges Fine Meats Cherrybrook

The Panthers go back to back with a crushing win over EelsCan they make it 3 straight? How do they rank among the great teams?Is Moses Leota the most under-rated player in the game?Jimmy can't believe Dylan Edwards didn't make the World Cup squadWith FIVE forwards moving on from their GF team, can the Eels rebound in '23?And what did you think of Penrith's Mad Monday jabs?All that and more - brought to you by Georges Fine Meats Cherrybrook

Special Grand Final edition of The FendWhy Parramatta and Penrith can and can't win the GF - we'll tell you whyDoes a lack of grand final experience help or hinder the Eels? How can Parra and Waqa Blake combat Nathan Cleary's aerial assault?The Eels were bagged for their inconsistent form - but were they just holding out for the business end?Are the Panthers on their way to matching Parra's 1981-83 run?Jimmy has a great story about Blocker Roach from before the 1989 grand finalWhy the Rabbitohs needed more from Latrell Mitchell when it mattered mostProudly brought to you by Georges Fine Meats Cherrybrook

Parra make their first prelim since 2009 - now NSW should get behind the Eels in their battle with the North QUEENSLAND Cowboys.The stats that show Parra's reformed defence could deliver a drought-breaking title.Are the Panthers under pressure? Would only one premiership reflect three years of dominance?Will the Bunnies be motivated by Kikau's Mad Monday video?Why you shouldn't be fooled by Latrell's underwhelming finals stats.And mandatory concussion stand downs - why it could backfire.All that and much more - proudly brought to you be Georges Fine Meats Cherrybrook

It's a growing scourge in our great game - so how do we stop the milkers?The Eels are out to end their Week 2 Finals curse - can it be done?The Raiders are on a roll - Gaz likens it to Balmain's run in 1988Latrell brings back the kicking duel.. which takes us down Memory LaneRabbitohs or Sharks - who's going to feel the effects of last week's epics the most?Todd Payten - a lock for coach of the year?and are the Storm FINALLY in decline?All that and much more - brought to you by Georges Fine Meats Cherrybrook

Full preview of a mouth-watering first week of NRL finals actionRabbitoh ambush - why the Roosters could be in strifeJimmy jumps on the Eels bandwagon!Should finals be held at stadiums with 11,500 capacity?Has the Raiders' run to the finals been too soft?Another Tiger touch-up - and this one hurts, because it's at LeichhardtPlus - is Dessie gone at Manly?All that and much more - brought to you by Georges Fine Meats Cherrybrook

We give you the top 10 buys for 2022, plus the 10 who weren't so greatWhy Nelson Asofa-Solomona is good for the gameResting players - right or wrong?Kevvie Walters sprays the Broncs - is there still a place for the bake?Another HIA when the opposition is hot on the attack - what a surprise!Why Jimmy loves Ben HuntShaun Lane for the World Cup?All that and more - proudly brought to you by Georges Fine Meats Cherrybrook

Tigers legend Garry Jack picks through the ruins of a club record 72-6 loss to the RoostersShould Brett Kimmorley walk from Tigers? Is he wrecking his chances of a future gig by staying?Did James Tamou deserve a reduced suspension for being a good bloke?Has David Fifita provided value for money at Titans?Do the Raiders deserve to sneak into the finals?Should the Sharks be awarded a home final at 11,000 capacity Shark Park?Alex Johnston - why there's no doubt he'll smash Ken Irvine's tryscoring recordAll that and more - brought to you by Georges Fine Meats Cherrybrook

Revisit the good ol' days with Manly, NSW and Kangaroos legend Noel 'Crusher' Cleal.Including a famous yarn about he and brother Les tearing into the touring Brits in 1979; premiership success with the Sea Eagles in '87; and his concerns for bush footy.Proudly brought to you by Georges Fine Meats Cherrybrook.

Ricky Stuart's targeting of Jaeman Salmon - we have our sayTo send off or sin bin? Refereeing inconsistencies frustrate the fansTigers/Knights - worst game of the year? We analyse the Tigers' horror record in CampbelltownThe in-form Eels size up bogey team the Bunnies And why the grand final MUST stay in SydneyProudly brought to you by Georges Fine Meats Cherrybrook

League legend Garry Jack still not convinced by Eels - even after a second win over the Panthers!What a win by the Tigers! But we hate the loaning of David Nofoaluma to the StormShould Pat Carrigan have been sent off?Is 5-game ban the right call for Nathan Cleary?Dogs keep winning - why it's getting a bit awkward to dump interim Mick PotterWill the Knights stick with Adam O'Brien after his post-match job plea?Ronaldo Mulitalo - could he make it with the Swans?Jeremiah Nanai - the modern day Steve MenziesAnd much more. Proudly brought to you by Georges Fine Meats Cherrybrook

Jimmy Jack has his say on the mother of all bunker howlers that cost his Tigers a deserved win over the Cowboys.Can the Eels stop the slide and save their season?Latrell Mitchell - is he playing Souths into premiership contention?The Dogs of Bore no more - how Canterbury are suddenly the kings of entertainment!Who is the greatest Broncos signing of all time?Plus much more - brought to you by Georges Fine Meats Cherrybrook

Four-time Parramatta premiership winner Eric Grothe opens up on his battle with depression and how he's making amends for past errors. Guru also takes us back to the 80s for a fascinating chat about his career with the all-conquering Eels, plus his time with NSW and Australia.Proudly brought to you by Georges Fine Meats Cherrybrook

Full Origin decider wrap with Blues great Garry Jack.Origin biffo - it's back!Where did it go wrong for Blues? Selection bungles? Basic errors? Too many Panthers?Is 3 wins from 5 series satisfactory for Freddy Fittler?Has Ben Hunt officially exorcised his demons?And why Tim Sheens should take over as Tigers coach NOWProudly brought to you by Georges Fine Meats Cherrybrook

A complete breakdown of the Blues' blitz of Maroons in Origin II.Can Nathan Cleary be ranked alongside 8th Immortal Joey Johns?Jimmy Jack reckons Matt Burton's debut was the best by a NSW player in 37 years!What happened to the famous Queensland never-say-die spirit?Question marks emerge over Kalyn Ponga's defence.Does Latrell Mitchell come back for the decider?Plus Ciraldo rejects Tigers - can things get any worse for the black, white and gold?All that and more. Proudly brought to you by Georges Fine Meats Cherrybrook

Eels, NSW, Kangaroos legend Steve 'Zip Zip Man' Ella joins The Fend.Along with old team mate and rival Garry Jack, Zip talks about:* The day Queensland fans tried to bash him* The Blue who hated Queenslanders the most* His favourite Eels grand final win* Why Parramatta crashed after 1986* Can the Eels break their premiership drought* Being left on the bench TWICE by Test coach Frank Stanton* How his cousins - rugby's Ella brothers - could have been Rabbitohs!All that and more - The Fend - brought to you by Georges Fine Meats Cherrybrook

What's the matter Parra - how did Dogs mauling happen??Has Addo-Carr forced his way back into NSW team?Leilua released by Tigers - an admission they can't make finals?Did Naden deserve four weeks suspension?Mitch Moses joins the embarrassing no-try clubAnd who remembers the old game clock that stopped with 5 to go?All that and more - brought to you by Georges Fine Meats Cherrybrook

Garry Jack with a big call - James Tedesco was TOO involved in Origin I. Do you agree?Was Isaah Yeo KO'd or are we seeing things?Damn Billy Slater brings his winning ways back for the MaroonsReferee Ashley Klein forgets he possesses a whistle as QLD push the boundariesWhat changes do NSW need to make for Game II?And at the Tigers - who should replace Michael Maguire? And why Cameron Ciraldo's manager deserves a payrise - is he the most hyped assistant coach of all time?All that and more - proudly brought to you by Georges Fine Meats Cherrybrook

Who is the GREATEST State of Origin fullback of all time?Well, who better to ask than legendary Blues no.1 Garry Jack (who abstained from voting for himself)?Jimmy gives us his top 10 from more than four decades of Origin combat.Brought to you by Georges Fine Meats Cherrybrook.

Take a trip back to the glory days as Balmain's two most capped players - Paul Sironen and Garry Jack - chew over some great rugby league moments from the 80s and 90s.Siro speaks of his debut against the Eels, his 1989 GF heartbreak, Kangaroo Tour shenanigans, the great Laurie Nichols, the day he nearly signed with the Sharks, and much more - including the infamous Leichhardt possum.Proudly brought to you by Georges Fine Meats Cherrybrook.

Trent Barrett GONE - was it the right call?Who's the next coach on the chopping block?Jimmy's blowing up about fullbacks/wingers not contesting bombs: "if it happened in my day I'd be hooked!"Why Tommy Turbo needs to take a week off.Should the old Bears re-emerge in Perth?Which team misses out on Magic Round 2023? We tell you who should be told to stay at home.Plus a great story from Jimmy on his old mate Royce Simmons, ahead of his fundraising walk for dementia.All that and more - brought to you by Georges Fine Meats Cherrybrook

Jimmy accuses the Eels of sneaky tacticsShould Ramien have been sent off as well as Kennedy?How can't you score a point against 11 players??What's wrong with Walker? Cody struggling without his old mate ReynoldsPlus Jimmy reflects on life at Balmain Leagues - after the old place was gutted by fire. All that and much more. Brought to you by Georges Fine Meats Cherrybrook