The finals are getting closer and suddenly some of the NRL’s biggest contenders are starting to wobble.

The Warriors produced one of their biggest statements of the season, physically dominating Penrith 28-12 and forcing the boys to reassess just how serious their premiership credentials are. Has Andrew Webster built the competition’s toughest side, and does Luke Metcalf give the Warriors the star power they need to win the whole thing?

For Penrith, the questions are growing. Injuries are mounting, Isaah Yeo could be missing until deep into the finals and the Panthers continue to start games slowly. But with Nathan Cleary holding the keys, can you ever really put a line through them?

The Roosters keep winning and closing in on the minor premiership, setting up a huge Round 24 showdown with Penrith.

Then there’s Cronulla. After talking up the Sharks as genuine premiership contenders, Boldo has to face the music after an awful loss to the Dragons. Was it simply a bad night, or has the defeat exposed bigger problems for the Sharks heading into September?

We also celebrate the Dolphins securing their first ever finals appearance, look at Newcastle’s charge towards September, debate Ricky Stuart’s extraordinary public criticism of Corey Horsburgh and discuss Brian To’o’s expected move to the new PNG franchise and how that roster is beginning to take shape.

Then the podcast takes a turn.

Some questionable refereeing decisions lead into a fiery discussion about reports the NRL wants broadcasters to be less critical of the game. Should commentators like Phil Gould be free to hammer referees and the NRL when they think something is wrong? And are there bigger concerns around player managers simultaneously working as prominent rugby league media personalities?

Plus, the hottest segment in rugby league returns with Upset Alert before the boys run through all their Round 24 tips.

It’s another big edition of Down the Sideline with Boldo, Adrian and Tim.

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