Ivan Cleary's departure STUNS Freddy and Joey | Freddy & the Eighth

with A. John's is on TV and late at night.Mate, what are you doing?I can't believe he's on the drink.Ladies and gents, whatever you're going to do, do it well and do it large.

Welcome to another episode of Freddie and the 8th.Great to have your company as we are always proudly brought to you by Sportsbet.Joey, Freddie, good to see you both.How we fired up ahead of Magic Round.

Yeah, fired up.Love Magic Round.

It's good fun.Are you staying up there for a number of nights?

Yep.I'm up Friday, home Sunday night for a shift, needing a cuddle.What are you thinking?Nah, I'll just be taking it easy.

Famous last words.

Hori on me tippy toes.

Have you got anyone up there you're going to meet out?

Yes, Tangata 'a.He's coming up from the garden.Is he?

Good luck with that.

A few others.

Last time I remember seeing Freddie out and about in Brisbane there was a, what was it, a Country Western?

Chattanoogas.

Yeah.

That was good.Road back mountain.

You had the dance moves out and everything.I was gone.How good.I was on the radio.

Had your tongue down there, like with a moustache.

That was another time, that was you.Alright, before we get into a lot of the nitty -gritty, everything that's happening around the world of rugby league news, what caught your eye over the weekend?Because Freddie, your one's a bit interesting.

Well, on my treadmill I only seem to get Channel 9, but I get the Wollongong Channel 9, so it's the wind.So I get these ads, I get a lot of St George, Illawarra, Dragon ads, but I also get these legal ads.Check this out.Oh, what?

I thought I was getting...mole removed.Oh.

Doctors can make mistakes, and bosses are responsible for the safety of their workers.If you've been a victim of medical negligence or if you have a workers' compensation claim, United Legal can help make the process easy and confidential.

Nurse, let's book him in for a removal.Whoa, Doc, let's not do anything too hasty.

What's your girl's name from Samoa?Salvation.

Wow, that's interesting.What a great ad.I wonder whether many of his teammates have seen that one.

I don't know about this.What about the last line?Maybe, maybe...No, they're too hasty, Doc.

Let's hold on.He just wants a day to enjoy them.

Let's do it where I go in for an old fellow reduction and then we'll go from there.Not a breast implant.Good on you, Papa.What's Laurie doing?I'm going to use chemotherapy.You're electrocuted.

Oh, that is very good.That is a keen -eyed Freddie.Alright, Joey, what caught your eye?

Mine was round two with Paul Gallen and Bracey going at it.again on 100 % footy.I give it to Bryce, he's not going to back down.He had even...He had Gus coming in.Gus coming in, the mulachi crunch.

He stood his ground.Got anything more to say Gal, have you got anything to add?

I don't think he's done enough.

Now you said yesterday on our coverage, you took credit for the fact that the discussion has now been opened up.Can I just clarify with you, don't just read the headline about the news, read the article and you'll see that the meetings were had before our show last week.Of course they were now.

Of course they were.What did you bring up last week then?Gus, if they get soaked at dispensation, are you going to be able toIf they get salary cap dispensation, will you be upset?Absolutely.I'm voting against it.

100%.It's a fair question.He's the GM of football.Who said they're getting salary caps dispensation?That's what they're asking for.He just said it.

You're red hot.Steve, thank you very much.Just a little bit of help.Just a little bit of help Gus.What do you mean helpful?Robbo wants us to get help.

Wayne Bennett wants us to get help.It's not a charity mate, it's a competition.

Just, why don't you read the article, not the headline?Having a go at gals' intellect.Good on you, Bryce.

It's a hot topic on 100%, so we thought we'd dive into it a little bit here to have a look at the Bear necessities.So what the Bears need to be looking at and who they potentially need to be looking at ahead of next year.We know that they've signed a number of players, but it's sort of those key players that they're potentially lacking at the moment.

Well, they've got, they're missing a hooker.They've got one half.If you're going to play Nick Meanie at fullback, they've got a fullback who's mainly played on the wing over the last five years.So out of those players there, I really like the look of Billy Walters.Is Billy Walters' name?He's at the top left.

I think he'd be a great buy.He's at that right age, very mature, coming off an injury.So he'll be nice and fresh.

Kurt Mann would be a good one.I reckon the Sharks, I reckon they'll go for Kennedy and Ramian.I worry about Cam McInnes' injury.He's had a lot of injuries.That's a worry.And if the Sharks miss the eight this year or don't go deep in the semis, I reckon there'll be a roster clear out.

So I reckon William Kennedy would be a good one.I think Jamie Humphreys, there's already talk about him gettingthere.I think Cody Nicorima.So in that spine position, then you've got William Kennedy at fullback and maybe Mooney.Then you've got Jamie Humphreys, Toby Sexton's the half.

You've got Nicorima.And then the dummy half, you've got Billy Walters.But then you've got the versatility of Wisher can play there.

They're still short.They're well short.

In what area?

Well, leadership.

Yeah.

Marquee.You know, someone who's going to bring crowds in.I think that's one thing where they can get leverage is, you know, you've got to think of Western Australia.Western Australia is our richest state.So I think what Gail was saying is mostly right, is the organisation need to rally some people, need to get some third parties involved.I think some of our teams at the moment are possibly legally getting a million dollars in third parties.

You know, if you can go and source that.I'm not sure how exactly and how it all actually works, but I know clubs can get around a million dollars extra in salary cap benefits.You've got to get out there hunting.

Well you think as well they're the only team in that entire state.It's a big state.There's a lot of money there as well.So it'd be a big pool to be drawing on as well for that extra money in third parties.

It'll be difficult.You've got the West Coast Eagles and Fremantle.We know what it's like over there.It's fanatical with AFL.But there'll be big pockets of rugby league and rugby union people who will follow.There's a big Polynesian community over there doing the fly in, fly out.

big South African expats, is that right?

Yep.

So they'll get right behind Rugby League, but it'll be hard to compete for third parties when you have West Coast and Freemantle.

So I think initially they'll need some help to get someone some big names over there, but I think if you look at Melbourne the way Melbourne was done, because it was supported by News Limited, it was owned by News Limited for so long, is that when you go down to Melbourne the organisation was so big, they ran a really, they ran a reallya great organisation.

You've got to remember, when Melbourne started, two clubs folded, the Western Reds and the Hunter Mariners, and they went like that.

They all went down to Melbourne.And they were funded.At the moment, they're funded by the game.And like Gus just said, you're not taking any more money.So that's one of the hard things with the league.If you compare it to the AFL, they stagger how much they give all the clubs.

If you look at how much they give, the Swans might be $40 million.The Collingwood might be $20 million.But we don't have that in our system.It is because all the teams, New South Wales and Queensland as well, vote for who goes on the board and how it's all run.And they have a really big say in how the games run.Very hard for anyone to sort of put any sort of fairness to the competition if you want to make everyone equal.

Yeah.And I think another element for Perth, obviously the travel is a big component for them.As the club probably needs to look at whether they speak to the NRL, however it is managed.potentially getting something like chartered flights for the players because I know that I know some players who have played over there recently when you know their NRL clubs have taken games over there and speaking about the travel going to and from and how much of a toll that takes on them if they could get around that that would certainly be more appealing.

Well once again if you look at the AFL they have They have living allowances, family flights, allocated business class flights, relocation costs.I'm not sure if this is all part of... the Perth Bears and their situation.But the whole flight situation, there's actually a soft cap at the moment, which 70 % of it's taken up from coaches.So it's about $7 million.And you think about Perth and their travel and you're looking at, they're a five hour, a bit over a five hour flight sometimes.So, you know, that alone only allows you to fly in and out at different, at certain times.

So you might have to travel for longer days.That actually falls into your soft cap.Sometimes if the game, you go to the game andtell them how many days you want to stay, but they have a say in how much they allocate towards your travel.

Because also too, for that flight, they're not as regular as a Sydney to Brisbane flight or whatnot.So you're sort of losing a day after a game as well.You're losing your recovery day.

But look at the teams that have travelled.The Warriors have never won a comp.The Cowboys have won one comp.The Perth Reds did no good before.Melbourne have shown travel.how they've worked it well, I suppose, but once again, they've, from the start, they're an incredible organisation, set up, they're well funded, so I think that's got to be the big thing with Perth.

I think they need to fund it so that it's a great organisation and it becomes that stepping stone to, like we said, England, South Africa, also all the money that's in Perth over time if we can, you know, gain some influence and get some friends over there.That's the only way it's going to succeed.

Moving on, of course we are excited for a very big Magic Round this weekend.Look, there has been discussion that Magic Round could be up for sale.So other states and countries have been putting their hands up.Premier David Christopher, he wants Magic Round of course to stay in Brisbane.It is there for the time being, but do you see any potential other locations working?New South Wales, Western Australia, South Australia, or even potentially New Zealand?

No.Leave it in Brisbane.It's perfect up there.

Western Australia would be good.Plenty of day games.That'd be all day games.

Keep it in Brisbane.

What makes you want to keep it in Brisbane?

I don't know, it's just been there.It just seems to work.The stadium's close to the city.Everything's close to the city.Cafes, restaurants, but mainly pubs.And other places Freddie goes to?

Mate, Optus Stadium would work.You could do it in Perth.It would work a treat.It's a massive ground.Once again, it's like Suncorp.The ground's in the city.

Can I just say that?Oval.You want to play on a rectangle.

Yeah, it'd be nice.Plus what you want to do, you need to go over there and we need to get some fans.Like for the game, I think it's well and truly worth it to take to Optus.

It is a good precinct there as well.A lot of people can stay nearby, walk down to the ground as well.What about New Zealand, could you see working there?

Yeah, maybe.Eden Park would be the place to take it.They'd absolutely love it, the Kiwis and a beer.

Games would be on at 10 o 'clock at night.

So that's the only thing you'd have to work out, the time zone.

That doesn't matter.Some blokes do their best work around midnight.Alex 12's coming on.I heard he's three in the morning.All right.

Well, there's also been some other news today as well.News about Ivan Cleary leaving the Penrith Panthers at the end of 2027.What's your reaction to this news today?

We've got to retire at some stage.I think he's up around 490 games, just under that, as a coach.So, I think with all the movement that's going on at the moment, I think what it allows him to do, to go as a coaching coordinator somewhere, there's a couple of new clubs out at the moment, so if he wants to continue in rugby league, it'd be a wonderful job.Obviously, that is his greatest asset, his ability to work with people and work a club.Winning four grand finals, it just shows you not only his ability to take someone to a high level, But you get to stay there, and that's the coach.If anyone takes credit, that's him.

So I think he's put himself in a position here where he can step back, take away a less stressful job, and he deserves everything he gets.He's done an incredible, incredible job at Penrith.

Joey, what's your reaction?

He's climbed Everest four times in a row.You don't want to do it again.He's achieved everything he has to out there at Penrith.He's set the club up.The club is in a great position.You have a look at how many players they produce.

And the culture there, that'll stay.on.And I agree with Freddie.What's Ivan, down to the next year, 55?Yep.He's about your age.

In the next year, he's a year older than me.He'll be 56.

He's done enough.

Yeah.Coaching coordinator or something like that.Any job.He'll put his hand up and get any job.And the Chiefs, they're around the corner.What a great job for him.

He's got the coach, the P &G.

No, they've got a coach.Coaching coordinator, be part of the organisation.Top dog.

and move up there?

Well, whether it's move up there or go in between, but it's a place we want to work.a romantic of rugby league.I'd love it to work.I think you can do so much benefit in New Guinea.

And to be part of it would be special as well.Absolutely.Well, he certainly has the resume to do so.Alright, we'll stick around.We've got plenty more coming up here on Freddie and the 8th.In fact, we're only just getting started because one of Tigertown's favourite sons, Alex Full, well he joins us live on the couch and we dive into Queensland origin camp as well with Keely Joseph.

And then we're getting set for a huge weekend at Magic Round here on Nine.We're back in just a moment.

Who said he was a one -trick pony?Great ball playing Twaal.Luai into space.Can he get that try?Alex Twaal.Dewey, Dewey inside.

Good on you, Alex.100th game.Let's see if he negotiates the banner.Oh, Cooper, you jig stick.Wakeham kicking out North Olympia's way.Scramble!

How good was that?I have to say the man himself, he joins us here on the couch.Welcome to Fred in the Eighth.

Yeah, thanks guys.Thanks for having me.You copped much for that last go on?What's that?You copped much at training?Ah, not really anymore.

I guess, like, two's pretty good for everyone.Two?Out of how many?Out of almost 200.

I think it's 174.Yeah, two tries in 174 games.

Yeah, 1 % of games.That's good.

Yeah, that's alright.You're ball playing this year.I've noticed a lot of pre -line passes.Is that something you've worked on?

Yeah, definitely.Something that I've definitely worked on throughout the pre -season and Benji sort of encouraged it.I'm really enjoying that third -in -roll for the team at the moment.I think there's plenty of areas for me to grow in.I'm sort of loving every week coming in and trying to learn and trying to grow my game.

How's it going at the moment?There's so much positivity around the team.Obviously injuries, Jerome lost a couple of games.How's training at the moment?

Yeah, look, it's been disappointing the last fortnight of footy that we played.But in saying that, we put ourselves in a position at the start of the year to build.But in saying that, injuries and stuff like that have happened.So we've just got to put in a good performance this week and regather ourselves after the bye.We'll have a week off there where we can hit the reset button.You know, not without doing a job this week first.

Taruva and Jerome Louis, do you ever tell them just shut up?

Yeah, Jerome's alright to be honest.Yeah, Jerome's not too happy.Yeah, Taruva, he's unbelievable.He doesn't stop.24 hours a day.The minute he gets in there, to the minute he leaves, it's just...

Yeah, it's full on.You can't just take the batteries out?Nah, you can't take the batteries out.

Is it just constant?

Just constant chatter?Yeah, constant.

Is it just shit talk too?

Nah, it's just a lot of singing, a lot of dancing, a lot of twerking.All that, yeah.All the sort of mucking around sort of stuff.But, you know, he adds to the group, you know.When the boys are feeling a bit down during pre -season stuff, he's the one to get everyone up.So, you've got to take the good with the bad, I guess.

They just re -signed him.

Yeah, so I think he's just reached onto 2030.He's been awesome for us since he's come, even on the field.It's a great sort of reward for his hard work.

So the Tigers team is pretty much, the West Tigers should I say, a lot of people's second team.This year, when you started well, that groundswell of support, how did that feel?

Yeah, it's awesome.Obviously, for Tigers fans, they've had a tough decade and a bit.So I guess the sort of start, the way that we've started, It brings a lot of them out of the woodworks, but to be fair, they've been supporting us even through the toughest days.Over the last 10 years I've played for the club, Light Cards have never failed to get sold out, regardless of how we're going.I guess for us now it's just about going on with it and looking towards playing in the finals.

There were some incredible scenes when you guys were having some of those incredible wins as well.I have to say I loved the fans getting amongst it.What was that week sort of like when, you know, Jerome Luai, the news that he was going to PNG, I know that you guys had a couple of signings that same week as well, but just take us behind the scenes into what was sort of going on within the playing group when the news filtered through that Luai was off to PNG.

Yeah, to be honest, we had a couple of days off after the Canberra game and obviously there was a few headlines coming in on the Sunday that he'd gone to Pangea over the weekend or whatnot.So, to be honest, he handled it with such class.He'd come in, sort of honed it on the Monday, said, this is what I'm doing.So the boys were the first to find out about it.To be honest, all respect to him.You play this game for such a short period of time, you've got to do what's best for you and your team.

family.Jerome's done a lot in the game already and he's done a lot for our club.In the short time that he's been here, we've definitely made strides in the right direction.I'm so happy for him that he goes over there.It's 18 months away but he's going to go over there and really make his mark in PNG.It is what it is.

A few other boys are making their mark.Podcasters.The Mays, they do a podcast, do they?

Yeah, Mayday podcast.Yeah, the boys are doing really well on that.Do you do a podcast?What are they talking about?I don't do a podcast, no.Is this a podcast?

What are the Mayboys talking about?Is this a podcast?World peace.Yeah, it's all about...World peace.What's that, sorry?

World peace and what's going on in the Middle East.Yeah, what's going on in the world.

Science.They look into science, I'm sure.

What do they talk about?They talk about all sorts of things.They get all sorts of different guests.Don't they game?They game a lot, yeah.They're really cool dudes, you know.

Are you a gamer?Not a gamer, no.

Have you ever been a gamer?

Never been a gamer.

You're quite an intellect, aren't you?You study in university?

Yeah.What did you study there?Bachelor of Commerce.

Okay, so what's it going to lead you into when you finish?

To be honest, outside of footy at the moment, I have a vending machine company.We provide snack and drink vending machines.Oh wow.Yeah, so we service offices, factories, construction sites, all that sort of thing.

All healthy food?

Not healthy food.No, it sort of goes against everything that I sort of believe in, but it pays the bills.

Because as a kid, you're a big kid.Don't say it.No, I can't.I don't want to get in trouble.You're a big kid.We've all been big here at some stage.

I did take care of myself when I was a kid.Plenty of chocolate chips, a lot of vending machines.But look at you.

What changed?When did it change?How did it change?What sort of detail do you go into now?

Tell me honestly, I've always been a fan of rugby league so coming up in around that 14, 15 year old mark where I was heading into Harold Matts and stuff like that, I really had a goal to play Harold Matts so one of the things that I had to do wasget fit and yeah I sort of just fell in love with training hard and you know and sort of yeah doing the right things and being professional and sort of just yeah so just kicked off from there.

The Lebanese community producing more and more players.First Lebanese was it Benny Elias?Benny would be one of the first.How is rugby league perceived now in the Lebanese community?

Yeah, look, it's such a big thing in our community.Rugby league is, people don't realise, but it means a lot to the Lebanese community and the Arab community.It brings people together, especially on the weekends.All my mates, they can't wait till the weekend for me to play or to watch the footy on the weekend.And to see so much talent coming through now, obviously, Adam Dewey, Mitch Moses, Jordan Simrani, these sort of people, they're sort of inspiring the next generation.With Freddie, what we were able to do in 2017 and what the boys were able to do in 2021 in the World Cup, it's just inspired more and more.

Yeah, it's a massive community and they support the rugby league community.

It was pretty awesome, wasn't it?

Yeah.

And such passion as well.We love to watch it.Alright, we're going to play a little game here.Twelve or fours.Alright, so I've got the answers.Gentlemen, Freddie and Joey don't know the answer either.

So who's playing?

Us three or us two?

Three of us.The three of us, yeah.

Three of us?That's three here.

Oh, that's three, yeah.

Twelve or false.You have the worst try to games ratio in NRL history.False.

False.

False.False.Matthew White, one try in 156 games.In favour of Newcastle.And you're twelfth with two tries in 174.

What's the bloke's name of the cowboys that have made it to the front row?McKaylee.McKaylee, he hasn't scored a try, has he?

Yeah, I played a lot of footy with him.Have you got a group chat with people who just can't score?That's on the field.

I think you're 12th.That's not too bad.

I've got to play 312 games.There you go.

Okay, question number two.Since 2014, of any player with 1 ,000 plus tackles, Alex is number one for tackle efficiency.

False.True.It's true.

True.You're first with a tackle efficiency of 98 .2%.

I've had a lot of tackles in the last few years.

What does that mean?What does tackle efficiency mean?I always try to stat all the time.

You wrap the ball up.Right.You don't miss tackles.

So you don't fall off tackles.You don't miss.You actually execute the tackle, yeah.

What do you think about?What's your mentality around that?Do you look at your stats as in from a point of view of, I know Payne Haas does, he goes, I don't want to miss tackles.That's it.You watch Payne's stats.He doesn't miss many tackles.

Is that a mentality of yours going into the game?

Definitely, yeah, I don't want to let my teammates down, that's for sure.Yeah, missing tackles is obviously a thing, but it's not really a focus for me.It's more just defensively I want to be someone that my teammates trust, obviously.But no, it's not really, I wouldn't say it's a focus.

All right, question number four.In round nine this year, you made the most amount of tackles by a player in 2026.

Do we get to give the number?

No.No, it's true or false?True or false?

Who did we verse?

Oh, who did you verse that game?I can't remember.

That was three weeks ago.They would have been the Sharks.

If it was Sharks, I might have said true because we did a lot of tackling that day.

Broncos?Did you play them before the Sharks?Yes.

No, that would be false.It was the Sharks.Oh, they had Epa Balls.I'll say true.Yeah, true.I didn't even touch the ball.

12.

12?12?False.Damien Cook with 70 in their game against the Bulldogs in Round 1.But you had 62, so you were 8 -0.

Mate, what were they running at you for?You should be belding them.

I don't know.

It's just big minutes.How many minutes are you playing these days?

I think I played 80 against Sharks.

A couple of squirrel groups, they won't run at you again.

Or some might.I would have.You get a fine these days.What?You get a fine.For squirrel groups?

You get a fine for anything.

You have more career tackles in the NRL than Benji Marshall and Jerome Luai combined.Oh, that's a true.12 for sure.Do you know what?That's actually false.But you're very close.

So Benji Marshall and Jerome Luai, 6 ,241.And you're just behind 5 ,830.

Freddie just said Benji couldn't tackle a big dinner.Benji had all those shoulders, so you can understand.

Alright, Leichhardt Oval is better than Campbelltown Oval.

Truth.

Atmosphere -wise?Yeah.

I'll tell you what, Camberdown's coming good.There was a period there, even when you were winning games, no one was turning up.Crowds were less than 10 ,000.Lately, it's been awesome.

To be honest, I love playing at both, obviously, but when I first come into first grade, one of my first experiences was at Leichhardt.

It's special.You're a Paraboy.When did you leave?When did you go to the Tigers?What age?

I debuted, so when Ivan come to the club, literally the following week, 2017, and debuted straight away.Yeah, that's it.

We've got one more, haven't we?

We do, but I didn't write this.What's the last one?

Who's a better coach, Benji or Michael?Is Benji Marshall a better coach than Michael Maguire?

What did you think of Tiger Town?Did you watch Tiger Town?The first one?I don't know.Tales of Tiger.

It stung like a dirty nappy.

Yeah, look, that was a tough watch, especiallyThere was a few that were tough to watch in that.

So who's better?Benji's my coach now.Do you speak Lebanese?Yeah, a little bit, not really.I can just look down the camera and say stay with us now for more.No, I wouldn't be able to say that.

I got them all to do the National Anthem in 2017.They were giggling the whole time.

Yeah, I learnt most of it but I forgot it now.

Well, thanks so much for joining us here on the couch.We're looking forward to seeing you guys in action this weekend up against the Seagulls.That's going to be a big one for you guys.So, good luck with that and you're welcome any time.

Thank you.

Alright, well stick around.Plenty more coming your way here on Friday the 8th.We're going to be talking all things women's state of origin coming up next.We're looking forward to Game 2 of Women's State of Origin tomorrow night live from Suncorp Stadium.Of course, if you can't get there, you can catch it all live, exclusive and free here on Nine's Widewater Sports.So we are just one sleep away now.

And don't forget, you can still be a part of the action too by heading to nrio .com slash tickets.But all the action right here from 7 .30pm.This is going to be a huge one.Obviously, Queensland, they do need to win to keep the series alive.And so speaking of Queensland, we're lucky enough to be joined by Keely Joseph now from Maroon's camp.

Good to see you, Keely.Now you have just wrapped up Captain's Run.How was it today?

Yeah, it was really good today.Everything's flown well and we're keen to get in there tomorrow night.

Captain's Run, was that on Suncorp?

No, it wasn't.We were down at Sunshine Coast.We didn't get the chance to train on Suncorp today.

Not many changes to the team.Young Peters comes in on the wing for Hippie.Can you tell us about, I think it's Jasmine.Can you tell us about her?

Yeah, I've played with Jasmine.quite a few times.We came through the 19 system for Queensland, so she's such a strong ball runner and player, so I'm excited to see what she can do out there tomorrow night.

How do you feel?Had a bit of a knock after the first game?Can you tell us about the recovery?I saw you on the sideline and you seemed okay, but what's the process like?And from a point of view of playing this week, can you tell us about the logistics of going through the different testing?

Well, I was definitely a bit out of it after they get knocked out in that game, but the The protocols are very quite serious.I haven't had to do it before.So it was like the four day stand down.And then I only did my first contact session on Monday to get back for this game.So it's all quite serious, but we're all passed and good to go.

So Curly, you said you're on the sunny coast.

Yeah, we're just there for our camp.That's where we've been staying for the last two camps.So we just came to Brisbane now.We just got to Brisbane.

And what about around Brisbane?Is there a buzz?Can you feel like something's happening around town?

Yeah, definitely.The girls this week have been on a different level and we're ready to come back and win this second game.

Well, the tactics in the first game was like an ambush.You're kicking, chasing, tackling.That just seemed like the ultimate game plan and suited your team, especially you.You love tackling, don't you?

Yeah, that's probably what I'm known for.I'm always around the ball, always getting ready to make a tackle, and that's probably the best part of my game, unfortunately.I was playing my best game of probably my career and I get knocked out, so that's not too good.

Has that always been the way?Did you come through that?as a kid and just love the tackling?

Yeah that's definitely like I was never the best player and I used to tackle with my face like I always used to get blood noses.I fixed my tackle tech up and now I'm I'd say I'm probably, that's all I do really in a game, I just like to tackle.

You do it very well.You can't tell you've been smashed in the face a heap of times.You look at Ben Hunt, look at his nose, it looks like a roundabout.What about, okay, someone in the New South Wales team, picture out which player in New South Wales would you love to smash?

I know this is probably a bit crazy to say, because we're now teammates, but I love going up against Kennedy Cherrington.But yeah, she's probably, because she's just got that fire about her and I just can't wait to verse her.I'll be watching that Thursday night.She is mad, isn't she?She's literally mad.

You hear her...M -A -D.Yeah, she's M -A -D.

Capital words.And we're teammates now, so I love her.

You've been down to Sydney before.You played for the Roosters.What was the appeal to come back down and play for Parramatta this year?

Just being close to home.Being away from my partner last year was a bit hard but I'm really excited to get in there with Para girls.The coaches are amazing and I just can't wait to be back in that zone.

What about the Blues girls?Like I said, the tactics.You really ambushed them.You did a great job.Your kick and game was fantastic.Your chasing and your defence.

Are you going to need more?Do you think you need to attack more and where do you think you can win?

I think the main area that we need to work on is our errors.We made way too many errors in that game.And I think if we can fix that up, we can go away and win it.So that was our main focus.on this week.

Can't wait to see what unfolds tomorrow night.We'll all be tuning in for this one.Good luck but as a New South Welshman, not too much luck.

Well Kennedy comes off the bench so we'll have to wait for that 20 -minute mark.

Go well, sleep up and we'll catch you in action tomorrow.Thank you so much.Good luck.All right.How good's this one gonna be at Suncorp as well?

She's a machine.Yeah.She goes so hard.Upwards of 25 ,000 there.Yeah.Fast track.

Mm -hmm.

Second up from the spell.all the girls so it'll be better.

New South Wales have won both their games up there so they'll go in confident as well.

Great record as well and don't forget as well Men's Origin that's just around the corner now to 13 days to go and 17 hours.Game one of course exclusive right here on Nines at Wide World of Sports Wednesday the 27th of May.The countdown well it can't come soon enough.

Battles are won in the hearts of men.It's a test of heart.It's a test of courage.It's what you will sacrifice.It's what you're prepared to endure for you, your teammates, and most importantly, your state.

Nothing meant more to me than winning State of Oregon.

Welcome back to Freddie and the 8th.It's time to dive into our having a crack moment thanks to sports bets, The Feed.Some cracking ones over the weekend.Excuse the pun.But what about this?Homoli Olukawatu letting off a little...

Lucky that wasn't...

Oh mate, flame up.

Lucky it wasn't what?

Like a bit of a flame there that just exploded.

Straight on Jakey too, that's not good.Don't fart on your captain.

The cameras, they catch everything in the sheds.And then it reminded us of this moment.Corey Norman.I think he let one off.

Well, Ben Hunt's nose is all over his face.Yeah, he can't smell it.He can do anything in front of Ben Hunt.

It looks like he's wafting it into Ben's face.Oh, he is.

Taste test.

Yuck.What was that called?

Dutch oven.

Dutch oven.Dutch oven.Have you ever Dutch ovened anyone?Freddie.

Me and Joey used to room together.

Did you Dutch oven each other?Dutchies.

No.

No.Well it reminded us as well, do you remember this moment way back when on the footy show?Fatty giving it a little crack.Have a look.

A few thousand at Leichhardt and 20 ,000 at Campbelltown.So we can't really use that as an excuse either but you know if everyone hangs in there and we keep working hard things will turn and we'll be there semi -final time.

Some of your best.That sort of show.Mate, you're a disgrace.

You were right there for that, Freddie, too.

That's unreal.You know what's weird?When someone drops their guts, everyone goes, oh!But you've got to smell it.

Oh, mate.Keep your habits to yourself.John Cardwell used to always say, there's nothing funnier than a fart.A fart at a real perfect time situation.It's as good as you get.Oh, I don't know about that.

That is a fart in an elevator.

Would you own up to it?

In an elevator?

Yeah.

Never done it.I did spend three hours with Fat the other day having breakfast.

Oh did you?

Him and Kimmy.How was that?

It was unreal.I was laughing the whole time.

He's literally doing his sidestep on the boardwalk.He's sidestepping people around watching him.It's hilarious.

We need to get the Fat on Fred in the 8th.That's our mission for this year.Alright well don't forget as well if you're having a crack on the footy this weekend you can check out the Sportsbet's feed to see what other punters are betting on and follow them throughout the entire NRL season.We've got plenty more of the show coming up straight after this but right now let's get a market update from Sportsbet.

Women's Origin Game 2, not too far away, Queensland.Big outsiders, as you can see.I think they have to win in a bit of a high -scoring game.And don't forget, you can have a player of the match in your same -game multis.I'm going to the guns here.Tameka Upton, she's a weapon.

And we're going to the tri -scorers.Julia Robinson, as well, is my same -game multi in this one.Enjoy.

Well it is that time of the show, Freddie and the 8th medal nominees.There are a few to pick from this weekend of footy, so looking at the sheet now, quite the list.the way that both of you have gone.So Freddie, you're going to start off.

Righto.Remind me. I know my three.Cody Walker, number one.Tough one.He was brilliant.In such an understrength team, he just had the magic wand going and just did it at will.

They were so good.You know, you went into this game with so many, I think we counted about eight or nine key players out of the team.And then they just held the ball and they completed 92.And he just waved the magic wand around.So that was one.Two was Harry Grant.

Team under pressure.And their captain stands up.Have a look at this picture.Hooker, halfback, 5 '8", fullback.And you saw that all game.So I'll expect that again this week against Parramatta.

But he's such a competitor, Harry Grant.And then when you can do this on top, he's got a great kicking game, running game, score to try.Just awesome.So, well done to Harry Grant.And then my three was Jermaine Osaka.Like the record of him scoring is just unbelievable for the Dolphins.

But I thought over the last couple of weeks, his form has been electric.Like look how powerful he is, how balanced.Just coming up with such great plays.And Jack Bostock, whoever knew he was a centre.And them two together at the moment.They've got a big game this week up against Luttrell.

So I can't wait to see that.But just what he got through in the game, I think he scored 24 points, I think.

But outstanding.Do you know what?Watching some of those tries as well, watching them live at Suncorp Stadium, they were some of the most entertaining tries I've seen.He's so good to watch.So the only difference between yours and Freddie's were the Dylan Edwards.

Dylan Edwards was just incredible.Absolutely everywhere.His run motors are off the charts.They're always off the charts.But in the end, I reckon his work around the ruck really got him home.I know Nathan got the cherry on top.

but I thought the hard work was done by Dylan Edwards.Geez, he had a good game.

So the turning point, he caught one on the full.It was a fourth tackle kick.He got in position, caught it on the full, played the ball over the halfway, Nathan scored at the end.That was a turner.

And three for mine was Cody Walker.A genius at play.He just played him off the break.We spoke about how many players were out.Who would have been eight players?All guns.

He understands space.He straightens the attack.All you halfbacks, five eights in the comp, go watch Cody.It's how you play.

Can you take us inside?Your house, your living room when you're watching, say, Cody play.

Just like this.And then watching him when he gets the ball.That one when we showed the AJ when they came out of the line.He understands space.So the ball's coming from here.And he can feel them coming.

He just stops.But then as he catches, he doesn't change stride and he just goes like that.Everything moves together.He catches, his head and his eyes and his legs go together.When do you see the past go there?Never.

Never, ever, ever.

Do you remember the one Latrell threw like that?Off the ground?In Origin.That's right.He did exactly the same thing.Spotted the bloke, caught like that, in the air.

He was in the air.That was in Perth.In the wet, too.

Athletic ability.

Oh yeah, Cody.Don't know how long he's going to play for, Cody, but every time he plays, make sure you're watching.

I mean, his body's still good, so hopefully for a lot of South Sydney fans.He started late.

Cliff Lyons played until he was late 30s, and that's when everyone retired at 30, 32.Cody could maybe go to definitely late 30s.

Yeah, we'll have to wait and see.Alright, we'll stick around.We're going to be back after this ad break to wrap things up.All right, a huge weekend coming your way, of course, Magic Round.It kicks off with the Women's State of Origin on Thursday night, but then Friday night right here on Ironside Water Sports, the Rabbitohs and...Dolphins.

Then Saturday night, 7pm, a very special Saturday game, the Eels and the Storm.And then Sunday afternoon, I'm looking forward to the Broncos and the Warriors.

They're the pick of the games.Some awesome games there.The Origin, Souths and Dolphins.That could be a belter.

Who are you tipping for that one?

I tip the Dolphins.I just think Souths got inexperienced wingers.Ashton Ward at halfback and I was looking for the Dolphins.I just think, I can't see many weaknesses there.

The way the Dolphins play, they isolate the halves on the left side, Lemu Ellu.Watch him going to Ashton Ward.Alright.I like the Dolphins.

You like the Dolphins as well.Saturday night, Eales and Storm.

Storm.Good game.

Storm.Storm.You think they'll make it two in a row.Sunday afternoon, Warriors and Broncos.Adam Reynolds back.

See what Adam Reynolds did to the Tigers.

I know, but he did to the Tigers with no front rollers.No Payne, no Jenson, no Gajewski.Boyd, this is the game.

If Boyd stands up in this game, I think this will be going to the next level.Up the wires.Up the wires.Barnett back.Front rows.We've got a hundred front rows.

Are you tipping the wires?Wires.Okay, I'm following Freddie's tips.He's nailed them.I'm on fire at the moment.And just before we go, a piece of advice for Magic Round?

Yeah, get a cuddle.Sunday night at the airport.People are broken coming home.Take a pillow.

Alright, well thanks so much for joining us for another episode of Fred in the Eighth.We'll catch you again here next week.