In this week's 'Pearl Preview Pod' NRL.com analyst Steve Renouf outlines why Maroons coach Kevin Walters' ban on his players mentioning the Blues will be a boost to the side.
Renouf explains why he is tipping the Maroons to win the State of Origin series opener by six points and says the Blues ban will assist the players to focus on their own jobs.
He says the move is a masterstroke by Walters.
Renouf also casts his eyes over the four NRL games to be played in round 12 and says the Titans, led by an in-form Tyrone Roberts, will prove too good for the Cowboys on Sunday.

The Pearl's Preview - Round 12 & Origin I teams announced

Our special guests discuss the Telstra Premiership and give you behind the scenes insights into the players, teams and the NRL.

Sports

The Penrith Panthers are premiers! Join Zac Bailey, Michael Chammas and Jamie Soward for the final time this season as they analyse all of the key talking points from the 2021 grand final at Suncorp Stadium

Inside The NRL - Panthers premiers, grand final recap and NRL stockmarket

The NRL.com crew break down where the grand final was won and lost, including the unsung heroes, winning tactics and where to now for both clubs in the wake of Penrith's thrilling premiership win.

NRL.com's Grand Final Wrap

Zac Bailey talks to former Rabbitohs captain John Sutton about winning the 2014 Grand Final and the farewell factor as Wayne Bennett and Adam Reynolds prepare to leave the club

Seven years on: Sutton reflects on premiership win

Federal Labor leader Anthony Albanese speaks to Brad Walter about why he believes a 22nd South Sydney premiership on Sunday night would re-affirm the view he and others involved in the club's fight for reinstatement 20 years ago held about the Rabbitohs' potential to not only survive - but thrive - if given a chance.

'True believer': Albanese says Souths fight justified by on-field success

The NRL.com crew of Chris Kennedy, Alicia Newton and Marty Lenehan are joined by AAP sports journalist Scott Bailey for an in-depth look at the Grand Final and the possible death of "the 50-point stat".

The Pearl's Preview - Round 12 & Origin I teams announced

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