NRL finals are finally here and the pick of the round for our pundits is the New Zealand Warriors v Dolphins game.

Both teams are electric to watch, and while the Dolphins might be the better team on paper, rugby league reporter Christian Nicolussi says the team suffers from a slow start to their game. The Kiwi team are playing at home and the Warriors will take full advantage.

There’s also been a renewed spate of criticism for the NRL’s restart rules, after Melbourne Storm skipper Harry Grant argued they were turning the game into “touch football”. Is there anything to this contention or are the players more upset about not being consulted about the changes in the first place?

Also this week, we’re loving Spencer Leniu. He’s been criticised for costing his team a penalty, but we argue his showmanship and his love for playing the villain is terrific to watch.

Today’s episode is hosted by deputy sport editor Billie Eder with regular guests, NRL reporters Christian Nicolussi and Adrian Proszenko.

Further reading:
'PVL concedes rare ground after RLPA rebuke for questioning integrity of NRL stars'

NRL finals are finally here and the pick of the round for our pundits is the New Zealand Warriors v Dolphins game.
Both teams are electric to watch, and while the Dolphins might be the better team on paper, rugby league reporter Christian Nicolussi says the team suffers from a slow start to their game.&nbsp;The Kiwi team are playing at home and the Warriors will take full advantage.
There&rsquo;s also been a <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/nrl-stars-fear-set-restarts-could-decide-a-final-v-landys-says-they-re-not-telling-the-truth-20260907-p60v1g.html?utm_source=omny&amp;utm_medium=podcast_notes&amp;utm_campaign=40/20&amp;utm_content=&amp;utm_term=newsroom">renewed spate of criticism for the NRL&rsquo;s restart rules</a>, after Melbourne Storm skipper Harry Grant argued they were turning the game into &ldquo;touch football&rdquo;. Is there anything to this contention or are the players more upset about not being consulted about the changes in the first place?
Also this week, we&rsquo;re loving Spencer Leniu. He&rsquo;s been criticised for costing his team a penalty, but we argue his showmanship and his love for playing the villain is terrific to watch.
Today&rsquo;s episode is hosted by deputy sport editor Billie Eder with regular guests, NRL reporters Christian Nicolussi and Adrian Proszenko.
Further reading:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/pvl-concedes-rare-ground-after-rlpa-rebuke-for-questioning-integrity-of-nrl-stars-20260908-p60vl0.html?utm_source=omny&amp;utm_medium=podcast_notes&amp;utm_campaign=40/20&amp;utm_content=&amp;utm_term=newsroom">'PVL concedes rare ground after RLPA rebuke for questioning integrity of NRL stars'</a></li>
</ul>

From newsroom of The Sydney Morning Herald, NRL podcast 40/20 gives you press pass access to the latest news, controversies and performances in the rugby league calendar. Each week, hear the best analysis in the business from Neil Breen, Christian Nicolussi, Channel Nine's Zac Bailey and a host of guest stars.

Follow, and review our show on Apple or Spotify, and for all the latest sports news, go to smh.com.au.

From newsroom of The Sydney Morning Herald,&nbsp;NRL podcast 40/20 gives you press pass access to the&nbsp;latest news, controversies and performances in the rugby league calendar. Each week, hear the best analysis in the business from Neil Breen, Christian Nicolussi, Channel Nine's Zac Bailey and a host of guest stars.
Follow, and review our show on Apple or Spotify, and for all the latest sports news, go to <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl">smh.com.au.</a>