2019 Panthers Season Preview

2019 PANTHERS SEASON PREVIEW

CLEARY EXPECTATIONS

By STEWART MOSES

T

@TheRiffMarn

o say leading into the 2019 season, it has been a tumultuous last six or so months at the foot of the mountains would be an understatement.

It began with the sacking of Anthony Griffin four weeks out from the finals and ultimately replaced by his predecessor, Ivan Cleary.

Then just as Ivan gets the keys to the “car” once more and guides the playing group through what seems to be a relatively a smooth and happy pre-season preparation, it’s all crash bang wallop in the past fortnight, starting with a knee injury to strike forward, Viliame Kikau that will sideline him for up to the opening four weeks of the season.

Then in keeping in with the off-season being riddled with off-field drama, throughout the NRL, it was Penrith’s turn to be put under the microscope after sex tapes involving three Panther players found their way into the public domain.

One of those players, Tyrone May, has been stood down indefinitely until at least May 1, when he next appears in court to defend charges relating to the alleged unauthorised filming and distribution of those tapes, so it’s been anything but a smooth ride for Ivan.

Yet despite the recent dramas, the Panthers organisation from the CEO down, plus significant sections of the media and of course the greater Penrith rugby league community, still expect that the return of Ivan Cleary will result with a top four finish that will enable a maturing squad, which despite their potential, has previously been eliminated in week two of the finals, three years in a row, to give themselves a realistic shot at the title.

But the journey to the top four won’t be easy despite all these expectations.

Continued next page....

Panther fans are expectant that Ivan Cleary version 2.0 can finally unlock Penrith’s talent and potential and turn them into a genuine premiership contender. Most already expect Penrith to finish in the top four after three years of finishing in the bottom eight. BUT can Ivan and his roster take that next step in 2019?

Credit: Penrith Panthers.

Nepean News 14 March 2019 Issue 247

20

2019 panthers season preview Continued from cover....

Salary cap pressures have bitten hard into the roster, with established players Tyrone Peachey, Trent Merrin and Corey Harawira-Naera among the key departures.

There are some handy replacements in Hame Sele (St George Illawarra), Tyrell Fuimaono (Souths), Tim Grant and Malakai Watene-Zelezniak (both Wests Tigers), whom will provide some depth but it remains to be seen whether they will cover the losses.

Also despite Peter Wallace’s mid-season retirement last year, the hooking spot remains largely up for grabs between Sione Katoa and Wayde Egan, with neither player having yet to establish themselves as the 80 minute hooker at the NRL level that Ivan admitted recently he is looking for.

The indefinite unavailability of Tyrone May further complicates matters given Ivan’s preference was to carry just the one specialist hooker in 2019 and instead rely upon a bench utility like May to help fill any void.

It could now result in either Egan and Katoa again having to share the hooking role unless Ivan turns to live-wire half, Jarome Luai as a possible bench utility.

Up front, Reagan Campbell-Gillard, with international and State of Origin experience now under his belt, needs to lead this young Panther forward pack now that the likes of Trent Merrin are no longer at the club.

Although 2018 wasn’t kind to Campbell-Gillard injury-wise, upon returning from that mid-season broken jaw, he was nonetheless the shadow of the player that demanded Origin selection before it.

The injury to Kikau and with no Peachey or Harawira-Naera available to call upon to cover that

edge position brings the Panthers somewhat back to the pack in the opening rounds.

There are plenty of options but none can match the impact that Kikau, who had more than just a breakout season in season 2018, provides.

Perhaps James Fisher-Harris, who himself overcame a horrendous injury toll in 2017 to become one of Penrith’s best in 2018, largely playing as a middle forward can revert to his former playing position as an edge forward once more.

And what about the man himself, Ivan Cleary?

Much has been made in the media about his signing and whether his coaching record to date means he is the right man for the job.

Perhaps unfairly, his win / loss record has been called into question but more often or not, the circumstances in which he is appointed to clubs, is such that he often rebuilds a club from the ground, as he done previously at the New Zealand Warriors, Penrith the first time round and most recently the Wests Tigers.

But for perhaps the first time in his coaching career, Ivan will have a squad ready made to challenge for a title.

Ivan certainly has a squad he is largely familiar with given the likes of Josh Mansour, Dean Whare, Waqa Blake, Dallin and Malakai Watene-Zelezniak, Isaah Yeo, Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Sione Katoa, Tim Grant and even James Maloney, are just some of the players he has either developed or worked with previously.

The biggest question though is how he will be able to work with his son Nathan and whether he can get him to finally gel on a consistent basis with NSW halves partner, James Maloney, given both players

were sidelined with injury throughout significant portions of the 2018 season.

There’s no doubt that Ivan’s record as a coach will be ultimately judged on how well he performs at Penrith second time round.

One area he needs to improve the Panthers if they are to have any chance of making a run for the that top four spot are their slow starts.

Too often in 2018, the Panthers not only trailed their opposition and by some decent margins only to come home stronger in both attack and defence in the last twenty minutes of games to pull off some miraculous victories.

Cleary also needs to heed the harsh lessons that his predecessor may not have in man-managing his roster through the Origin period.

Last season Penrith lost Campbell-Gillard to injury during the Origin period while both Nathan Cleary and James Maloney came out of Origin worse for wear and struggled to produce their best football on a consistent basis in the run into the 2018 finals series.

Prediction: There’s no doubt that this year’s Panthers need to deliver on previous years of promise. Whether they can is another matter.

But if they can put the dramas of the last few weeks behind them, avoid the injury tolls of prior years and provided they can build similar winning momentum to 2018, on the back of a draw that once again is reasonably kind for at least two thirds of the season, then I see no reason why Penrith can’t finally take the next step and finish in the top four.

2019 panthers season preview 21

A

Credit: Mediathe team to qualify for Panthers RL CEO, Brian Fletcher also77 expects the top four in season 2019. Credit: 77 Media.

T

s Penrith ushers in a second era under coach Ivan Cleary, Panthers RL CEO, Brian Fletcher says that the Panthers are primed to take that next step and emerge as a top four team in season 2019, despite the off-field dramas which engulfed the club over the past fortnight.

Despite losing the likes of Tyrone Peachey, Trent Merrin and Corey Harawira-Naera over the off-season, strike forward Viliame Kikau (knee) sidelined for up to four weeks and utility Tyrone May stood down indefinitely, Fletcher says making the top four is still a realistic expectation, adding that under Ivan he hasn’t seen the playing group and coaching staff this happy during pre-season for a considerable period of time.

“Yes for sure (expecting the team to make the top four). I know how close they went last year with all the injuries they had and so forth.

All they need is a bit of luck, Fletcher told the Nepean News. “(Losing Merrin, Peachey and HarawiraNaera) won’t make a difference (to our chances of making the top four).

“In fact, it gives the younger blokes a chance and I’m sure we will unearth some potential superstars this season especially from our development players.

“The build up under Ivan has been

outstanding.

“The squad is in good shape, they are ready to go.

“In fact I can’t recall seeing just how happy all the boys are along with all the staff at the academy, for quite some time.”

On the back of those high expectations on the field, Fletcher is confident that it will improve the club off it.

Sponsorship and memberships are exceeding targets and ticket sales are such that the Panthers are close to selling out their opening two home games of the season – versus Parramatta and Melbourne in Bathurst.

“Everything is on the way up. Sponsorship and membership is ahead of budget at the moment,” Fletcher declared. “(The game against Parramatta) is just about sold out.

“Last year it sold out about on the Wednesday prior to the game and I think it will be sold out by early this week for sure.

“Meanwhile Bathurst sales are at record levels for the Melbourne clash.

“Bathurst Council reports that they are ahead of target as well and they are very happy that we are taking Melbourne there.

“If we are winning games, then I can’t see why this year won’t be a good year for us (off the field as well).”

THE COACH Ivan Cleary

here’s no doubt that giving Ivan Cleary a second chance as Penrith Panthers NRL head coach for the next five years, was one of the more stunning and somewhat controversial coaching appointments in a pre-season filled with coaches hoping on the coaching carousel.

It was expected by many that son, Nathan would re-unite with his Dad – at the Wests Tigers.

But Panthers management had other ideas, sacking Anthony Griffin despite having put pen to paper on a two-year extension less than twelve months earlier and in doing so, identified Ivan Cleary as the man to lead the club forward to the next level.

That brazen but calculated move to reunite father and son has paid dividends, with Nathan subsequently re-committing to the club for the long term as well.

On the eve of the season proper, Cleary senior says he doesn’t feel any more nervous recommencing his NRL coaching career with the Panthers.

“Oh yeah (some nerves and butterflies heading into Round 1 as Panthers coach again) but it wouldn’t matter who I was coaching. There’s always a bit of that,” Cleary admitted after the Parramatta trial.

“It’s exciting times the build up to Round One and it will be no different this year.”

Cleary was able to take some positives away from the team’s less-than flattering

0-20 loss against local rivals, Parramatta in last Saturday week’s trial, particularly in relation to ensuring most of the squad are well conditioned for the long and arduous season ahead.

“What’s probably most important at this time of year is putting together those combinations and getting some match fitness into the boys and we have got most of that behind us now,” the Panthers coach replied.

“Most of the guys have now got plenty of game time under their belt which is good.”

Notwithstanding the fact that Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Josh Mansour are likely to return for the Round one clash this Sunday, the Panthers coach admits he still has some headaches to resolve when it comes to picking his 17-man squad, particularly in relation to who replaces Viliame Kikau (knee, Round 4-5) as well as settling on his hooking / bench utility options.

“The side that runs out this week is probably going to look a little bit to the one we had out there (for the trial) versus Parramatta,” Cleary senior admits.

“There’s definitely a few little headaches there but we have a few options, especially in relation to Kikau.

“Vili, is a pretty big hole to fill and we certainly don’t have anyone else in the squad that can play like him. We just have to work out our options and go from there.”

Credit: 77 Media HE’S BACK: Panthers coach Ivan Cleary. Credit: Penrith Panthers.

Nepean News 14 March 2019 Issue 247

THE CEO Brian Fletcher

Nepean News 14 March 2019 Issue 247

22

2019 panthers season preview

THE LEADERS James Maloney and Nathan Cleary O ne of the more interesting decisions made to date over the pre-season by returning coach, Ivan Cleary has centred around captaincy.

Plenty of players were putting up their hand for the role, including incumbent James Maloney, Isaah Yeo and current Kiwi skipper, Dallin WateneZelezniak.

But as Ivan did with the Wests Tigers, rather than anointing an individual captain, he has once again shared those responsibilities but this time among a group of six – Maloney, Yeo and Watene-Zelezniak plus Josh Mansour, James Tamou and Nathan Cleary.

Two-time premiership winner, James Maloney, who’s playing future at Penrith post 2019 remains subject to speculation, says he has no problems with Ivan’s decision to share the leadership responsibilities, adding that his on-field role won’t change all that much in any case.

“I am enjoying the help. There’s plenty of areas where there are some flaws in leadership that I’ve got,” Maloney told Nepean News.

“I will just go out there and do what I normally do.

“I don’t think I have to do anything more or less and the other boys will do their things as well.”

While a few eye brows were raised when Nathan Cleary (20) was named in the leadership group, Maloney says given the inevitability that his State of Origin and club halves partner will one day become a leader in his own right, the timing of decision couldn’t be better.

“Nathan’s going to go into that sort of role down the track anyway so it will be good for him to start

It’s a mix of the old heads (James Maloney left) and the young guns (Nathan Cleary) in Ivan Cleary’s six-man leadership group. Credit: Penrith Panthers.

now,” Maloney explained.

“He’s the right sort of bloke to have around the group given he has got a little bit of (NRL) experience under his belt now (58 games) and that side of his game will only develop further.

“Plus Nathan has plenty of respect amongst the playing group which is what you need.”

Nathan admits he initially shocked when his father first raised the idea but is excited by the prospect of the role he will play within the group; providing leadership to the younger players within the squad.

“Dad brought it up out of the blue,” Cleary said after the Parramatta trial game.

“He gave the reasons for why everyone was in the group and it made a lot of sense.

“There are different reasons for why different people are in that group and all the boys understand that.

“With no standout captain at the moment, it allows the group to come together and work on different decisions and we all have our own role within that leadership group.

“I think the main idea is that there is a bit of youth in there and between me and Dal, we can connect with different parts of the playing group better than certain people.

“The boys are really pumped about the decision and obviously it’s a massive honour to be in that group alongside some of the people named.

“I grew up looking up to them and now to be in this leadership group alongside them in a club that has such a rich history, it means a lot to me.”

Nathan still expects Maloney to remain the pivotal leader of the team, even though he is no longer the sole captain.

“I’m obviously not the standout captain and there is a lot of help around,” the NSW State of Origin halfback declared.

“You only have to look at James Maloney in that group. He’s been in the game a long time and knows exactly what to do.”

The question remains as to who lifts the NRL trophy should it be Penrith come end of this season, with Maloney conceding he still hasn’t got a clue who will have that honour. “(If we win it) I’ve got no idea (who gets to lift the trophy at season’s end) but it’s a long way off at this point. We’ll see what happens.”

THE RECRUIT Tyrell Fuimaono H e’s the St Marys junior, who grew up on the hill of Panther Stadium, cheering on his beloved Panthers.

But for Tyrell Fuimaono, the dream to don the Panthers jersey looked all but dashed when he had to play elsewhere in pursuit of making it to the NRL. Picked up by Parramatta where he came through the junior representative system, before making the switch to South Sydney where he made his NRL debut in 2017, a twist of fate finally sees Tyrell Fuimaono back home with the opportunity to play first grade with the Panthers.

“As a Penrith junior it was always one of my dreams to play for the Panthers but unfortunately I had to go elsewhere to seek opportunities,” Fuimaono told the Nepean News.

“I played for St Marys up until I was 15 but I didn’t make Penrith’s Harold Matthews team and instead played for the Western Academy for a year.

“Then Parra showed an interest in me and they had a pretty good junior program at the time and between Mum and I, we decided that we would take them up on that opportunity thinking that would be the best thing for me.

“That went pretty well I guess, before ending up at Souths and getting the opportunity to make my NRL debut there.

“But it’s really good to back now and hopefully I get the same chance to play NRL here.”

Apart from playing for the club he supported as a junior, Tyrell is equally excited by the opportunity to be closer to his family who still live in the Penrith area, having had to live in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs whilst playing at South Sydney.

Fuimaono, who has both Samoan and Indigenous heritage within his large family, also admits it will be a lot easier for them to support him as a Panther.

“Previously my home games were at ANZ Stadium so it was pretty far to travel but whenever I was playing at Penrith, all my family would come down to watch,” Fuimaono replied.

“It’s a pretty big family. When I played at Panthers Stadium last year I probably had nearly 20 people come down to watch because it was local for them and they were all excited to have the chance to watch me play.”

Fuimaono, whose 2018 season was restricted to just four NRL appearances for Souths due to toe and ankle injuries, (the latter requiring post-season surgery that restricted his pre-season training until just before Christmas) says he is grateful for the opportunity to play for Penrith.

“I was in a bit of a tough spot coming off injuries and not being able to play a whole lot of footy last year,” Fuimaono revealed.

“But Penrith was at the top of the list of clubs I wanted to play for considering I’m from the area.

“When I was staying out in the Eastern Suburbs, I didn’t get to see my family a whole lot.

“Being able to come back home is definitely a highlight for me, being around my family all the time.”

“Not only is my life easier but their life is easier now as well.”

Fuimaono has covered both the back row and centre positions in his brief 19 NRL game career to date, but says he is open-minded to where he plays for Penrith, just as long as it means there is an

Penrith junior Tyrell Fuimaono finally a Panther.

Credit: Penrith Panthers.

opportunity to play more first grade.

“I’ve bounced between back row and centre a lot but I don’t really have a preference. It’s more so what the coach wants,” Fuimaono declared.

“If there is an opportunity to push your way into this team in either position, you want to make the most of it.

“You can’t really say look I don’t want to play that position any more.

“I debuted at Souths in the back-row and played some centre last year.

“I like playing footy that much that it doesn’t really matter to me where I play, as I long as I can debut for the club which would be awesome and hopefully secure myself as a regular first grader here.”

2019 panthers season preview 23

019 is shaping up as a bit of a reunion year at the Panthers.

Of course Ivan Cleary got off the Wests Tigers bus to reunite with son Nathan.

Dallin Watene-Zelezniak reunites with older brother Malakai, who also jumped off the bus and returns to the club with valuable NRL experience (26 games) now under his belt.

St Marys junior, Tyrell Fuimaono also finally gets the opportunity to don the Panthers jersey after serving time with the Eels and Rabbitohs respectively.

But there would be few who can match another ex-Tiger’s passion for getting another opportunity to play in the Panthers jersey once more.

Having played 122 NRL games for Penrith since making his NRL debut way back in 2007 as a fresh faced 19 year old front rower, Tim Grant returns home after four seasons of playing for Souths and the Wests Tigers.

And the now 31 year old veteran couldn’t be happier, admitting he had been wishing for this return to come true ever since he left the club.

“I’m just loving it to be honest. Now that I have been around for three months it sort of feels like de ja vu, I feel like I never left which is a good thing,” Grant told the Nepean News.

“Putting on the Penrith gear is still like when I was a kid, a dream come true.

“In my time away from Penrith, I learned how much I loved the club, how much it actually means to me.

“I always wanted to do well for the clubs that I played for.

“But I kept finding myself keeping an eye on

Happy to be home again: Tim Grant.

Credit: Penrith Panthers.

Penrith and how they were going.

“Every week I watched their games and see how the young kids were developing when I was here.

“As an outsider looking in, I became a bit of a fan of the club and it made me realise that my heart lies here with Penrith.”

Under previous Panthers management, Grant was one of five key players signed to contracts which at one point threatened to play havoc with the club’s salary cap.

Whilst Grant says he wished he never had to leave the club in the first place, the former State of Origin prop learned through time why those decisions were made, adding that he hopes he gets to finish his career at the club where it all started.

“It was hard to come to terms with. Probably at the time I felt I had a bit of entitlement that I should have been able to and deserved to stay around,” Grant revealed.

“But as I was growing as a person and a player, I began to understand the commercial side of the game a bit better.

“I think I have outgrown those thoughts of entitlement now and I’m so grateful I get this opportunity to be back here and hopefully finish my career in Penrith.”

Grant, signed for 2019 only, says he could have played elsewhere in the NRL or gone overseas for much bigger dollars, but at this stage of his career, Penrith was the only real viable option the St Marys junior was interested in but admits it took longer than expected to return.

“I always felt that one day (coming back here) would happen,” Grant declared.

“It took a bit of persistence but. Every time I speak to my player manager about going somewhere else, the opportunities within the game and going overseas and so forth.

“But I kept asking “what about Penrith?”

“I was always in Gus’ ear about coming back, but the chance wasn’t there.

“When that opportunity was finally there I didn’t even really look at the contract I just wanted to come back that bad and did the deal.

“I’m at the stage now where it’s not all about the income.

“For me it’s about simply playing footy again and being happy in where I want to be.”

Nepean News 14 March 2019 Issue 247

2

THE HOME COMING Tim Grant

Powersmart Electrical

Good luck to the Panthers!! proudly supporting the Mighty PENRITH PANTHERS in 2019 UP TO $200 CASH BACK

WIFI INCLUDED

HEATING & COOLING SPECIALISTS Call today for a free quote or Lmas@tpg.com.au Showroom: 2/129 Russell St, Emu Plains • www.Lmac.com.au

AU16525 Lic. No. 127921C

2019 panthers season preview 27

T

o your average Panther supporter, 12 months ago Shawn Blore would have been looked upon as just another young Panther hopeful named to play in Penrith’s fabled junior representative teams.

But Blore’s star has risen considerably since on the back of a memorable 2018 season.

The younger of the two Blore brothers contracted to Penrith as development players, Shawn played a starring role as skipper of the Under 18s national championship-winning Penrith SG Ball side, before representing NSW where he was named Under 18’s Player of the Year.

Shawn was also instrumental in Penrith’s run to the Jersey Flegg Grand Final, narrowly failing to do the SG Ball / Flegg titles double and even made his Intrust Super Premiership debut at the back end where his considerable game time helped the defending premiers secure the minor premiership.

And for good measure at season’s end Shawn represented his country as a Junior Kangaroo.

It’s little wonder many good judges say Shawn Blore could just be the next big thing to come out of Penrith over the next 1-2 seasons.

But while pleased that his NRL pathway has shortened considerably on the back of his elevation into a six-man NRL development squad, Shawn knows there is still plenty of improvement required in his game.

“It came as a bit of a surprise being so young (to be named as a development player) but I have taken everything on board,” Shawn told the Nepean News.

“There are such great coaches for me to learn

Backrower Shawn Blore is considered by many good judges to be the next big thing out Penrith way.

Credit: Penrith Panthers.

from; Ivan Cleary, Peter Wallace and Cam Ciraldo. I’m just trying to absorb everything that I can.

“Cam Ciraldo rides me really hard. He is trying to get best out of me.

“There are some parts to my game that he would say that I really need to work on such as coming out of our own end after a kick, getting back to make that tough carry, little things like that.

“Also my ball playing abilities, I think he has been really trying to work on that because for them they

don’t want me to be an one-dimensional player.

“They want to see me have a bit of variety in my attacking game and not just be that player who takes a hit up especially when I take it out towards the edges. I don’t want their edges to think I am just going to charge into them.

“It’s those types of little one percenters they are trying to bring into my game.”

Despite having that stellar 2018 season, Shawn refuses to get carried away by the hype.

“It was obviously a thrill to play ISP last year at such a young age and playing against my brother (Dean) in that Junior Kangaroos, Junior Kiwis game was awesome, something I will take away for the rest of my life,” said Shawn.

“Also the under 18s player of the year award, obviously that’s nice too but I try not to let it all go to my head and stay as level-headed as possible.

“I’m still learning but hopefully I can get some more game time (up the grades) under my belt but that’s not for me to decide.

“I have to put the form on the board with my Jersey Flegg performances and train hard as well.”

Whilst supporting the Panthers as a kid, Shawn admits he tries to model his game around a player who plays for a club other than the Panthers.

“My Dad’s a mad Roosters supporter and obviously we watch a lot of their games so I try to mould my game around Boyd Cordner,” Shawn revealed.

“He is one of my favourite players and I just try to study his game because he has that tough line that he takes and he can ball play and a real rock in defence.”

Nepean News 14 March 2019 Issue 247

THE DEVELOPMENT PLAYER Shawn Blore

Best of Luck Penrith Panthers for 2019 season Corona

47

$

99

Jim Beam Cubes

69

$

Shop 1, Penmar Centre, Caloola Avenue, KINGSWOOD PARK

99

4731 5006

Nepean News 14 March 2019 Issue 247

28

2019 panthers season preview

GOLDEN POINTS with Stew Moses

@TheRiffMarn

TYRONE MAY STOOD DOWN INDEFINITELY, COULD MISS THE ENTIRE SEASON The Panthers will support the NRL’s decision to implement the no-fault stand down policy in relation to player Tyrone May, in the wake of sex tapes that found its way into the public arena, that has resulted in the Penrith playmaker being arrested and charged for four counts of allegedly filming and disseminating sexual acts with two women without their knowledge and consent.

The 22-year-old will be sidelined until his current court proceedings are concluded.

“The decision to stand down Tyrone May is not about passing judgement on guilt or innocence,” Panthers Chairman David O’Neill said.

“Panthers acknowledges the seriousness of the charges and agrees the decision is in the best interests of the game.

“May will continue to train with the club and we will work closely with the NRL and the RLPA to ensure his wellbeing.”

May denies the accusations and was granted bail but will remain stood down until the matter is settled in court.

Depending on the length of the court case given May’s decision to fight the charges, it is not beyond the realms that the Panthers utility player could miss the entire season.

Meanwhile former Panther and Canterbury recruit, Corey Harawira-Naera says he has been cleared of leaking the sex tapes, claiming he was only interviewed by the NRL integrity unit due to a “misunderstanding between me and the boys”.

Penrith are set to announce the signing of back-rower Frank Winterstein for the 2019 season in coming days, after Manly formally released the Samoan forward on Tuesday.

Winterstein, 32, who commenced training with the Panthers earlier this week, will complete Penrith’s top 30 roster for 2019 and will be signed as cover for the injured Viliame Kikau, with the Panthers likely to seek salary cap relief with Tyrone May’s playing future up on hold.

The former Manly forward will come to the Panthers with 47 NRL games under his belt.

The events of the last fortnight appear to have gotten the better of Panthers Executive General Manager, Phil Gould AM who in the wake of recent events and unwarranted criticism, has once more shut down his twitter account.

Greg Alexander has joined CrocMedia radio for the 2019 season where he will work alongside Laurie Daley, who last week created plenty of controversy and angst with his comments over the sex tapes saga as co-host of Sky Sports

Tyrone May faces an uncertain playing future until his court case is resolved. Credit: NRL Photos.

Radio’s Big Sports Breakfast, before bowing to public pressure in issuing an on-air apology and clarifying his comments the next day on the same program.

It was Alexander, who vehemently came out in Penrith’s defence following Daley’s less than savoury on-air comments.

If you haven’t already done so already, go to the Panthers website and check out the season video and the accompanying anthem penned by acclaimed poet, Rupert McCall. Its spine-tingling stuff to say the least.

With Canterbury having taken over from Intrust Super as sponsors of the NSWRL reserve grade competition, Penrith will take on Wentworthville in Round One action, this Sunday at Panthers Stadium at 1:50pm.

Among those named in the Penrith side are Liam Coleman and Tyrone Phillips, two players who also featured in a sex tape that was released onto social media, but have been cleared of any immediate wrongdoing.

Ivan Cleary has named his side for this Sunday’s Round One Battle of the West clash with arch rivals, Parramatta at Panthers Stadium.

With Viliame Kikau injured, Jack Hetherington,

as was the case in the trial game a fortnight ago, has been named to start in the vacant left edge forward position, while Josh Mansour and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak return from injury and are set to play.

Sione Katoa has held off the challenge of Wayde Egan to be named starting hooker, with Cleary opting to name Egan on the interchange bench ahead of another possible utility option in Jarome Luai.

Off-season recruits Tyrell Fuimaono and Hame Sele look set to make their first grade debuts with the Panthers, after both were named on the interchange bench. Team as is as follows: 1. Dylan EDWARDS 2. Josh MANSOUR 3.

Waqa BLAKE 4. Dean WHARE 5. Dallin WATENEZELEZNIAK 6. James MALONEY 7. Nathan CLEARY 8. James TAMOU 9. Sione KATOA 10. Reagan CAMPBELL-GILLARD 11. Jack HETHERINGTON 12.

Isaah YEO 13. James FISHER-HARRIS Interchange: 14. Wayde EGAN 15. Tyrell FUIMAONO 16. Moses LEOTA 17. Hame SELE Reserves: 18. Jarome LUAI 19. Tim GRANT 20.

Liam MARTIN 21. Malakai WATENE-ZELEZNIAK In an interesting twist, former Panther lower grades winger Maika Sivo has been named to make his NRL debut for Parramatta. #PantherPride

2019 panthers season preview 29

2019 NRL Season Preview Brock Shepperd Wests Harold Matthews Coach | Fifth and Last NRL Podcast | b.shepperd@hotmail.com

Broncos New coach in Anthony Seibold who is super coach with a proven track record of improving young halves which is paramount for the Broncos. They have a young forward pack brimming with talent in Su’a, Pangai, Haas and Fifita. I believe it is time to play Isaako at fullback and Boyd on the wing.

Raiders More quality has walked out the door than has walked in the door at the Raiders. They have a culture of coming up short and losing close games. Rapana out for an extended period will hurt. Hodgson the best hooker in the game outside of Smith. Can their halves be consistent? They never struggle to score points but they need to learn to stop them.

Bulldogs Hopoate and Foran are not giving the Bulldogs the impact they need for the salary they are paid. The forward pack looks solid but are built for a grinding style. Dean Pay has proven he can get them up and motivate them but will that sustain through 24 games?

Sharks An off season of turmoil, CEO out, coach out, Val Holmes out, sponsors out and salary cap dramas. Johnson in from the Warriors who has a proven combination with Townsend.

Moylan left Penrith to play in the halves but will be shifted back to 1. They are not without drama but irrespective they have a Top 8 roster.

Titans Only beat two Top 8 teams in 2018 and only won three games at home... It is difficult to break a culture of mediocre play and poor mental toughness. Working on their defence over the off season should have been priority. Have recruited well and should push for the Top 8.

Manly Plenty of off field drama for the past 12 months. Dylan Walker case is ongoing. Des Hasler returns, has his approach and philosophy changed? Tom, Jake and DCE will need to all stay fit and firing for them to make a run this season.

Depth is an issue and Fortress Brookvale will need to be in full swing to give them a home field advantage.

Storm Slater out, his replacement in Drinkwater out for an extended period. Croft is still inconsistent and they have lost Jacks. Some potential spine issues. But they have the best coach, system, discipline and fundamental skill in the competition along with the best hooker to ever play the game. Hard to beat again.

Knights Ponga to 6 is a mistake in my book. At 1 he can roam and be a threat anywhere on the field. Having him up in the defensive line will also make him a target. They have recruited very well. It is time now for Nathan Brown and his men to make a run at the Finals or the pressure will mount. Spine looks solid apart from the hooker position where someone will need to make it their own.

Cowboys Looked fatigued, distracted and lacking motivation in 2018. No excuses in 2019. Ben Barba gone so some potential spine issues.

But they have an unbelievable forward pack and a culture of success. I expect them to climb the table this season providing they get a clean run with injury.

Eels Needed some impact forwards and did not really get them aside from Paulo. Mannah and Alvaro are hard workers but do not break the line, provide offloads or quick play the balls consistently. Reed Mahoney and Dylan Brown are bright young players. Can Ferguson give them the yardage impact they miss post the loss of Semi Radradra? Pressure on the Eels and their coach in 2019.

Panthers The current off field issues have the potential to derail what was a near perfect off season for our home town team. Ivan Cleary back is a huge plus. Junior strength at an all time high. Led the competition after 13 rounds last season and fell away before getting into the second week of the Final. Big seasons needed from Tamou and RCG and they need Katoa or Egan to really stamp themselves as the long term hooker. Their premiership window is open!

Souths Have lost the best young coach in the game. But Bennett will not change too much and the framework for success exists at Souths. An international forward pack and a dangerous spine with Inglis, Walker, Reynolds and Cook. Expect Campbell Graham and Burns to improve this season into dominant first graders. Their bench and depth is my only concern.

Dragons Hard to work this team out. With Norman, Widdop, Hunt and Dufty they need to fit 4 into 3 positions. I do not like Widdop at 1. But where does Norman play if not at 6? Some spine issues to work through. DeBelin distraction concerns me as does the impact it will have on field.

Forward pack is stacked. Pressure on McGregor, can they time their run and produce some good form late in the season rather than early?

Roosters Are stronger than the team that won the competition in 2018. Crighton in along with some seasoned veterans in Morris and Hall to cover the loss of Ferguson. They have an elite coach, fantastic spine, strong forward pack and depth along with some good young juniors.

Spine will only get better with more games together. The only thing that concerns me is the back to back curse. No team has won it two years straight since 1992-1993.

Warriors Johnson out, Mannering out. Big losses. No real players in to replace them. Made the Finals last season but went out with a whimper. Will need RTS to have another huge season and Isaac Luke is on the back of a serious injury.

Forward pack and bench look solid as do the outside backs. But I have question marks over their ability to win tough, close games and their ability to be consistent across 24 rounds.

Tigers Off season from hell. Cleary leaves and when McGuire takes the job he is in the UK and does not return until the squad is a month through their preseason. The roster is largely built

by Cleary. Marshall and Farah are no spring chickens... can they sustain form and stay on the field for a 24 game season? Brooks will need to find another gear as will Mbye. OBs solid.

Matterson is a good addition. But overall their stocks look thin if they encounter injuries. They also have their CEO out until mid season and a salary cap penalty to deal with across the next two seasons.

Predictions...

Top 8: Roosters, Broncos, Rabbitohs, Storm, Panthers, Sharks, Cowboys and Dragons.

Minor Premiers: Roosters.

Premiers: Broncos.

Spoon: Tigers.

Nepean News 14 March 2019 Issue 247

‘ Coach s Corner

Nepean News 14 March 2019 Issue 247

30

2019 panthers season preview

on the with MARK GEYER

mark

Yeehaaaa the footy is back!

 Bring on the footy!!

F

INALLY the footy is back! And not a second too soon. The off-season dramas have been more than documented so I’ll get my crystal ball out and try and predict where every team will finish this year in the NRL from 1-16.

Let’s start at the bottom and work our way up.

16th - Warriors. Everything good that has happened in recent years in NZ has been inspired by Shaun Johnson, he’s at the Sharks. Couple that with their rock of Gibraltar Simon Mannering retiring and I think it’s a long year for Steve Kearnsy’s men.

15th - Titans. Sorry Brenno, but I’m worried about your outside backs. I’ll still come visit you on the ‘Goldie’ for a beer or two :-) 14th - Bulldogs. A young team who will take at least 12 months to mature and find any success.

13th - Raiders. Have gone from having the biggest forward back in the comp to the smallest, not sure how this will affect them to be honest.

12th - Eels. After a year to forget I think the Eels will be THAT team that causes several upsets.

11th - Manly. An early injury to Tommy Turbo doesn’t help their cause but Des is back, and that’s a good thing.

10th - Cowboys. No JT will mean a year of adjustment for Paul Green’s men, they do have an amazing forward pack though.

9th - Tigers. New coach, new captain, an ageing roster... Tigers could win the comp or get the wooden spoon, it’s why I have them exactly where they

were last year.

8th - Dragons. If they get their spine right they’ll be fine. The DeBelin saga is an obvious distraction.

7th - Storm. No Slater for mine is massive. Sure the GOAT Cam Smith is still there but gee they’re going to miss Billy big time!

6th - Knights. Have recruited like no other team ever has. If they don’t make the 8 there could be a new coach in Newcastle next year.

5th - Penrith. Had them higher but recent happenings will be a severe distraction. I hope I’m wrong.

4th - Sharks. Lost many but gained Shaun Johnson and Josh Morris.

Cronulla are a club that just get the job done no matter what’s going on around them.

3rd. Souths. Wayne Bennett is a perfect fit for a team high on ability and potential.

2nd. Roosters. I’ve only got them here because of how hard it is to go back to back. Angus Crichton and Brett Morris great signings.

1st. Broncos. I think it’s the year of the Bronco. New coach, young powerful forwards, great outside backs. Giddyup.

Footy’s back and that’s a GOOD thing.

See you at the game.

MG (random Westie) OAM