Nepean News 11 October 2024

Photos: NRL

Penrith Panthers Congratulations on your incredible achievement!

Storm preparation

STORMS can bring heavy rainfall, hail, flash flooding and damaging winds. That’s why Penrith City Council has put together some tips to help you prepare for storms and protect your property.

• Check your roof for damage and clean out your gutters, downpipes and drains to clear blockages

• Secure or store items in the yard that could be blown around in strong winds

• Ensure your insurance policy is up to date and covers storm damage

• Have an emergency kit on hand with essential items you may need if you lose power.

For emergency assistance in a storm, contact the SES on 132 500.

You can also contact them if a tree has fallen on your property, driveway or road, if your property is flooded, or if your roof is damaged or leaking.

For more tips on how you can prepare your home for a storm, visit www.ses.nsw.gov.au/disastertabs-header/storm/

95B STATION ST, PENRITH

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From the Editor’s Desk

BY KERRIE DAVIES

WHAT an incredible week it has been in Penrith! I attended the game at Accor Stadium - my goodness what a vibe it was. Over 80,000 people cheering, chanting, boo-hissing and screaming. And it was absolutely deafening once the Panthers fans could smell victory!

Four consecutive Premierships in a row. Wow, just wow. This team has been an absolute masterclass. The combined talent and brotherhood. What a ride it’s been for fans, and clearly we’re not done yet!

The atmosphere around Penrith has been incredible. After the game we tried to get to Panthers. Not a chance - we couldn’t get within a block of the club. Fans were dancing and chanting on every section of the street and those in cars were blasting horns and cheering.

I was talking to a 13 year old Panthers fan at the Grand Final. He was born in Penrith but has since moved to regional NSW. He was telling me that most of the kids at his school go for the Panthers, and when he announced to a group that he was born in Penrith, they didn’t believe him. “You were not!” “You wish” and the kicker “You’re either lying or just bragging.” Would you have imagined kids from other areas talking like this about Penrith a generation or two ago? I grew up in Bondi and can assure you they did not. The impact this team has managed to have on breaking down suburb stigmas is spectacular.

The Mighty Penrith Panthers. Incredible. The people of Penrith are so proud. Another thing that Penrith people should be proud of is our newly elected Council. The nomination debacle that prevented many good Liberal Councillors from standing for re-election resulted in Labor holding the majority power with a whopping 9 Councillors elected. As the 15 Councillors choose who the Mayor and Deputy Mayor will be, this means that Labor has the power to choose their own in both positions. We go to press before the Mayoral election, but I have it on good authority that Labor Councillor Todd Carney will resume as Mayor and that Liberal Councillor Ross Fowler has been offered the role of Deputy Mayor. You read that right - Liberal! The nine Labor Councillors deserve to commended highly for this decision - it proves that they have chosen to go with experienced leadership at a time when there are many new Councillors. Putting the town before politics. In all my years of working in and covering politics, I’ve not seen a move as gracious as this. Well done!

So many reasons to be Penrith and Proud!!

Time to Pink Up, Penrith!

BY KERRIE DAVIES

PENRITH, get pink!

It is time to put your “pinking” cap on and think of ways to get behind the fabulous Pink Up Penrith initiative for breast cancer.

This October, Penrith has a very important job: turning the entire town pink in support of the McGrath Foundation’s “Pink Up Your Town” campaign. As the first metropolitan area selected to lead this initiative, Penrith stands proudly pink for the seventh year to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer care.

The driving force behind the very successful campaign is Gai Hawthorn OAM. As President and Ambassador of Pink Up Penrith, Gai expressed her pride in the community’s role, stating, “We are honoured Penrith was the first and overjoyed by the community and businesses support as we approach the seventh year.”

Penrith is uniquely positioned to come together and make a real impact. The goal is clear— funding Breast Care Nurses who provide essential support to individuals and families affected by breast cancer.

Thanks to the efforts of the Penrith community, five Breast Care Nurses (including the first male nurse) have already been appointed to Nepean Hospital. Their presence ensures that patients receive the specialised care they need.

Alongside Gai, the initiative is driven by a dedicated committee of local business owners

from Penrith and St Marys. They are working tirelessly to encourage local businesses, schools, and community groups to organise fundraising events throughout October. Their vision is simple yet powerful: to see the entire town turn pink in solidarity, raising awareness and supporting this life-changing cause.

Go Pink in October, hold a mufti work day, morning tea, sell a product where $1 goes to the cause - there are so many ways that you can get on board this great initiative. To be included in the Penrith tally, register your event with Gai by calling 4722 5556 or email gai@penrithcbdcorp. com.au.

Opinion: Early entry to university

BY

IT is that time of year again in the school calendar when thousands of year 12 students across the country are preparing to sit for their final high school exams.

Those few crucial hours of exams mark the culmination of 13 years of schooling, with many students inevitably viewing them as the gateway to the next chapter in their lives, whether it is university, vocational education, or direct entry to the workforce. Little wonder then that as the day approaches so many experience varying degrees of stress.

So when universities throw students an early offer for a place (or even better, one without any conditions, such as an ATAR) it should come as no surprise that many leap at the opportunity.

Unfortunately, principals see declining levels of engagement in the critical final weeks of school among pupils who have received offers with few strings attached. The impact of that drop in engagement isn’t just limited to the student; principals have told me that a cohort and therefore a school’s overall performance can be warped because a statistically significant number of students have taken their foot off the gas.

Conservative estimates show 40,000 NSW students are forecast to apply

for an early offer, the largest cohort yet. The true figure, which won’t be known until early next year, is likely to be even higher, driven in part by the Commonwealth’s decision to cap the number of international students.

Up to 50 per cent of students now enter university via this route and yet we have scant guidelines around the process, making it something of an educational free-for-all as universities offer places earlier and schools, in good faith, focus on supporting their students in making numerous applications.

Unless we - that is the Commonwealth, the States and Territories and our universities - act now as one, then I fear we will be entering an arms race, with students becoming pawns in the quest for greater university market share.

Earlier this year I was proud that NSW led a collective response for a temporary solution. Universities agreed to suspend giving out places to HSC students for entry into 2025 and 2026 until September in the preceding year. It marked a significant departure from the ridiculous practice of some universities - particularly those in Western Australia and the Australian Capital Territory - in making offers in March, a full seven months before students sit their exams.

I am not alone in believing that it is

vital students get the most out of their education and we should encourage them to complete their studies to the best of their ability. And while getting an early offer can reduce a student’s stress levels, the job of an educator is to help prepare our young for adult life, including valuable life skills such as resilience and perseverance.

Early offers have played a role in increasing university access for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, those from low socioeconomic backgrounds or from regional or remote areas. Research has found that while those cohorts were less likely to apply for university, those that did were more likely to accept an early offer than their counterparts.

However, my concern is that the lack of transparency around the admissions process is leading to a system where only those who work the system can benefit from it. Applying to universities directly is more of an art than a science. Some advantaged schools that have mastered the process - from ensuring their students are participating in extracurricular activities to get extra credits, to assisting them in developing their applications - are more likely to succeed in attracting more early offers. By contrast, less advantaged schools don’t always have the time or resources for this.

This imbalance can result in students from more privileged backgrounds receiving multiple offers, while those who may have additional responsibilities at home (like helping with the family business or caring for relatives) are left out, despite their potential.

Education should be the great social leveller, open to everyone with transparent pathways that reward those students who work hard and make the most of their potential.

More than two decades ago the Higher School Certificate was reformed in NSW to ensure students were assessed against pre-defined standards of performance for each course.

We have the best part of a year to come up with a fairer system that protects that hard won equity, and ensures early entry doesn’t become a university arms race. Failure to do so risks turning the clock back to a twotiered system that rewards privilege over potential.

Minimising social media risks on teen mental health

WITH the federal government considering implementing legislation that raises the age of social media use to 16, there are several things you can be doing now to monitor the impact of technology on your teen’s mental health. There is a tendency to use blanket language when talking about technology, says Clare Calderwood, principal clinical psychologist at Anchor Psychology Clinic in Penrith. But, like many things in life, the reality is more nuanced.

“Rather than simply how much time someone spends using technology, what really matters is how technology is used and how it makes us feel, both in the short and long term,” says Clare.

Research shows that social media has a positive effect on mental health when it’s used as a way to connect with people you know in real life.

“It’s important to acknowledge the positive effects of social media with your teenager, as that helps them feel that you understand where they’re coming from.

“But passive scrolling has been linked to greater levels of depression in teens. This might be because it increases feelings of loneliness, or

comparisons with other people.”

Certain types of social media like Facebook, TikTok and Instagram are designed to be more passive. Whereas others, like Snapchat, are more about connecting with people you know.

“There’s also a growing number of teens reporting that they scroll social media to manage their emotions.”

“This can function to distract from or avoid feeling hard emotions, which helps in the short term but sometimes

leads to over-reliance on this as a strategy.”

October is Mental Health Month in Australia, the perfect time to think about how social media might be impacting your teen and start the discussion with them about keeping their mental health safe.

A few ways parents can help their teenagers have a healthy relationship with technology include: Model healthy use of technology

yourself! Limit passive scrolling, and put your phone down an hour before bedtime. Your teen notices what you do. Plus, you might notice an improvement in your own mental health.

Mentor don’t moderate. Show interest in what they are doing online (playing games or watching content) and recognise the positives about technology. Keep lines of communication open about their positive and negative experiences with technology.

Be proactive about addressing sensitive content they may be exposed to online, like pornography, self-harm content, or body image concerns.

Learn and educate kids and teens about how social media can encourage comparing themselves to other people.

Mental health exists on a continuum, and there is always room for improvement. If you think your teen needs some extra mental health support, help is available. For online, self-guided information for teens, try the Black Dog Institute website. For face to face support, parents can help by facilitating an appointment with a GP for a mental health care plan and referral to a psychologist.

PRUE CAR MP

PRUE CAR IS THE DEPUTY PREMIER OF NSW AND MINISTER FOR EDUCATION AND EARLY LEARNING

Rotary Inspirational Women’s Awards

LAST month I attended the prestigious Rotary Inspirational Women’s Awards 2024, a significant event presented by Rotary District 9675 that celebrates the achievements of exceptional women. The Rotary Inspirational Women’s Awards (RIWA) were established 15 years ago to recognise women and young women who best exemplify Rotary’s motto of Service above Self.

The awards, divided into two categories: Inspirational Women and Young Inspirational Women, acknowledge and celebrate community service performed by women through their various activities and endeavours.

They recognise the work done by women, the “quiet achievers” whose actions inspire others and make a difference in their communities.

I am thrilled to share that our own Penrith resident Elissa Simmonds was named Young Inspirational Woman for 2024.

As a proud Gomeroi and Wiradjuri woman, Ms Simmonds is breaking barriers as the first in her generation to study for a Doctorate in Medicine

at UNSW while living with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy.

Ms Simmonds previously interned at the Aging and Disability Commission, advocating for people experiencing abuse. She balances full-time studies with community service, participating in mutual aid projects and mentoring peers.

Ms Simmonds’ resilience and determination shine through her work at Blacktown Street kitchen, where she distributes supplies and offers compassionate support.

I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Rotary for hosting such an inspiring event and honouring all the fabulous women from across our state. Congratulations to all the women nominated for this year’s Rotary Inspirational Women’s Awards you are truly making a difference.

Elissa Simmonds is the definition of Inspirational it is wonderful that she was selected for this award. Her resilience, cultural awareness, and lived experience make her an invaluable asset to our community.

Despite managing a chronic illness, Elissa’s unwavering commitment to service above self and her potential as a future doctor make her an inspirational figure.

BY MEMBER FOR PENRITH, KAREN MCKEOWN OAM

It’s all happening in Penrith right now!

THE Penrith community is on a high following the Panthers’ sensational fourth consecutive NRL Premiership win last Sunday, and Penrith Council’s General Manager Andrew Moore is delighted about the community pride on show.

“What a spectacular achievement,” Mr Moore said. “You can feel the energy in the community. Everyone is just so proud of our team, and proud of our city.”

This week’s elation comes only weeks after the community celebrated the Olympic gold medal-winning performances of Penrith sisters Jessica and Noemi Fox.

Mr Moore said it was an incredibly exciting time for Penrith, not just because of the triumphs of its elite sporting stars, but because of the

opportunities on the horizon for the whole community.

“It’s our nature to be ambitious, and our sports people, teams and world class facilities reflect Penrith’s leadership in sport,” Mr Moore said. “But our achievements and aspirations extend far beyond the sporting field.

We’re transforming into a world-class city full of opportunity. We have a beautiful natural environment, and a wonderfully rich and welcoming community.”

Penrith is at the centre of one of Australia’s fastest growing regions.

“With Western Sydney International Airport opening in 2026, the region is ready for the growth and employment opportunities that it will bring,” Mr Moore said.

“Not only will Penrith be the closest

city centre to the new airport, it will also be the only city connected by rail when the airport opens, with the new Metro line connecting to St Marys, one of our key centres,” Mr Moore said

“Council and our community’s vision is to create a more vibrant, connected and liveable city as we grow and take advantage of the opportunities ahead, with our residents working and studying close to home, connected to family, recreation and culture,” Mr Moore said.

“St Marys is one of many transformative projects unfolding across the city, thanks to major investment from Council, Federal and State governments.

“We’re creating new homes and jobs, and supporting new business and

investment in a sustainable, resilient city.

“Whether you’re looking for a place to live, work, or play – or where to find Sydney’s finest sports stars – it’s all happening in Penrith!” Mr Moore said.

State government petition for new rental measures

THE Minns Labor Government states they are helping to make renting fairer for 12,245 tenants in Penrith.

The Government’s suite of new measures will be introduced to the Parliament in October.

“The NSW Government is also launching a petition calling on renters in NSW to show their support for making renting fairer for everybody,” said Premier Chris Minns.

“More people are renting than ever before, with around 33 per cent of the NSW population renting, an increase of 17.6% since 2016 including 36.5% in Penrith. However, the current rental market in NSW is the toughest that renters have seen for decades with historically low vacancy rates, median rent prices increasing by around 7 per cent over the last 12 months, and a system that leaves them vulnerable to eviction at any time.

“The Minns Labor Government’s rental package includes:

• No grounds evictions – we’re establishing a set of reasonable grounds to end a lease, giving greater certainty to renters and owners. Property owners will now need a reason to end a tenancy for both periodic and fixed term leases.

• Banning fees for background checks – Renters will no longer be charged for background checks when they’re applying for a rental property.

• Ensuring tenants have a free way to pay rent – Property owners and agents will be required to offer free ways to pay, such as bank transfer and the Commonwealth Government’s Centrepay.

• Making it easier for tenants to have pets in rentals – Reforms to make it easier to have pets in rentals, by introducing a new fairer and more streamlined application process. These important changes come

alongside other key initiatives:

• Portable bond scheme – Investing $6.6 million to develop and deliver the nation’s first Portable Rental Bonds Scheme. This means eligible renters can move homes and digitally transfer their existing bond with them.

• Establishing Rent Check – A new, free website renters can use to help check whether the rent they’re being asked to pay is fair.

• Rental Taskforce within NSW Fair Trading – Investing $8.4 million in a taskforce with investigators, inspectors, and support teams to help renters and act on serious breaches of rental laws. This legislation has been developed working with housing

providers, rental advocates, and property stakeholders including more than 16,000 submissions from across NSW.

You can add your voice to the petition here: https://karenmckeown.com. au/community/petition-makingrenting-fairer/ Premier Chris Minns said anyone who rents in New South Wales knows just how anxious and challenging renting can be at the moment.

“We’ve all seen the lines on a Saturday morning with hundreds of people waiting to inspect new properties.

“We believe this reform gets the balance right, but importantly, this

will give both homeowners and renters more certainty, more peace of mind, so they can build a home and a life on surer ground.”

Member for Penrith, Karen McKeown OAM said the Minns Labor Government wants to make renting fairer by ending no-grounds evictions and improving rental laws.

“It means that landlords won’t be able to evict you just because they want to increase the rent,” Mrs McKeown said.

“We’re launching this petition so the thousands of renters can add their support to our rental laws campaign so we can ensure this gets through NSW Parliament.”

Penrith Council’s General Manager Andrew Moore

THE MIGHTY PENRITH PANTHERS

Awesome Foursome: Panthers down Storm to claim place in history

The Penrith Panthers cemented their reputation as the one of greatest teams in the game’s history with a clinical 14-6 victory over the Melbourne Storm in Sunday’s grand final at Accor Stadium.

THE Panthers are the first team since the mighty St George side of the 50s and 60s to win four premierships in a row and did it on the back of a barnstorming display by Clive Churchill Medal winner Liam Martin and the class and composure of Nathan Cleary.

A loose offload by Jarome Luai in the 11th minute handed Melbourne an opportunity to go on the attack but Jack Howarth put the ball down and the Panthers came away.

Storm bench forward Alec MacDonald entered the fray in the 18th minute and came up with a dropped ball on his first run, the Panthers making the most of the chance and earning a repeat set courtesy of a neat grubber by Izack Tago.

The Panthers were unable to cash in and the Storm took the ball up the other end to open the scoring through a trademark Harry Grant try out of dummy half in the 18th minute. Nick Meaney’s conversion made it 6-0.

A mistake by Will Warbrick from a Luai bomb in the 26th minute invited the premiers back into the game, with Paul Alamoti coming up with a clever pass to Luai who put Sunia Turuva over. Cleary’s conversion sailed wide to leave the score at 6-4.

Storm fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen

put the kick-off out on the full and the Panthers threatened danger again before Turuva had the ball knocked out of his hands by a desperate cover tackle by Eli Katoa.

With half-time just 80 seconds away, the defending champions came up with a huge play when Cleary put his right edge back-rower Martin over with a superb short ball and then converted the try for a 10-6 lead at the break.

An error by Jack Howarth put the Storm under the pump early in

the second half and the Panthers continued to dominate possession and field position but a simple error by Dylan Edwards in the 48th minute released the pressure.

The Storm then came within an ace of a try when Xavier Coates soared high to take a bomb and flick it back inside to Howarth who got over the line but the bunker ruled he had been held up.

On the hour mark the Panthers extended their lead when Martin showed great commitment to follow through and catch a bomb before finding Moses Leota who offloaded for Alamoti to dive into the corner to make it 14-6.

The Storm then enjoyed a run of possession deep in Panthers territory but the premiers stood firm and refused to buckle, turning Lazarus Vaalepu away from close range and forcing Howarth into touch on the left side.

With six minutes to go, Cameron Munster went on report for an alleged bite on Alamoti just to add extra spice to an epic showdown but there was simply no way through for the Storm.

The Panthers have become the first team since St George in the last four years of their reign in 1963-66 to win four premierships on the trot.

BY MARTIN LENEHAN NRL SENIOR JOURNALIST

Yeo wins back-to-back Merv Cartwright Medals

BY PANTHERS MEDIA

THIS year’s achievement is the third time Yeo has won the top award, having previously claimed the honour in 2018 and 2023.

The Panthers co-captain also claimed the MKJ Projects Members Player of the Year.

Mitch Kenny received the John Farragher Award for Courage and Determination in recognition of his Panthers lock Isaah Yeo has been rewarded for an impressive season by winning the prestigious Merv Cartwright Medal at the club’s annual awards night on Tuesday.

hard work and dedication this season, whilst Dylan Edwards won the OAK Plus Try of the Year.

Luke Garner claimed the Senior Education Award and Lachlan Blackburn the Junior Education Award for their academic achievements.

Reliable and selfless forward Matt Eisenhuth was announced Club Person of the Year, whilst young prop Liam Henry was named Ben Alexander Rookie of the Year.

Nick Murphy won Jersey Flegg Player of the Year and Isiah Iongi claimed NSW Cup Player of the Year.

2024 AWARD WINNERS

• Merv Cartwright Medal – Isaah Yeo

• John Farragher Award for Courage and Determination – Mitch Kenny

• MKJ Projects Members Player of the Year – Isaah Yeo

• Ben Alexander Rookie of the Year – Liam Henry

• Club Person of the Year – Matt Eisenhuth

• Senior Education Award – Luke Garner

• Jersey Flegg Player of the Year –Nick Murphy

• Junior Education Award – Lachlan Blackburn

• NSW Cup Player of the Year –Isiah Iongi

• OAK Plus Try of the Year – Dylan Edwards

THE MIGHTY PENRITH PANTHERS

‘More than rings or premierships’: The ‘Legacy’ theme behind four-peat

BY BRAD WALTER NRL SENIOR REPORTER Legacy.

THAT was the theme of an historic fourth consecutive Penrith premiership that the Panthers believe confirms their standing as the greatest team of the modern era.

Since “the loss they had to have” against the Storm in 2020, the Panthers have re-written the history books by breaking droughts of:

• 29 years since the game had backto-back premiers (Brisbane 1992-93);

• 40 years since the last three-peat (Parramatta 1981-83), and;

• 58 years since a team won four in a row (St George 1956-66).

In doing so, they have become the most successful team of not only the salary cap era but also the limited tackle era, which began with the introduction of four tackle sets in 1967 after the Dragons won a world record 11 consecutive premierships.

A book about St George’s run was titled, “Never Before, Never Again”, and Penrith co-captain Isaah Yeo predicted no team would achieve what they have in the past four years.

“To do what we have done I can’t see it being done again,” Yeo told the post-match press conference. “It is just such a special group.”

According to Penrith players, the 14-6 triumph at Accor Stadium on Sunday night was a full circle moment after being beaten by the Storm in the first of their five consecutive grand final appearances - the most since South Sydney in 1967-71.

Since then, the Panthers have beaten South Sydney, Parramatta and Brisbane but coach Ivan Cleary declared the triumph over Melbourne as “the best one”.

In boxing terms, “to be the champ,

you’ve got to beat the champ”, and the Panthers spoke about how a win over the Storm would cement their legacy.

However, the theme of last year’s finals campaign was “undisputed”, and Cleary and his coaching staff even had a WWE belt made that was presented to the team after their third grand final win, so they needed something new.

The theme of their first premiership in 2021 was “Everest” as they strived to climb the NRL’s highest peak, and in 2022 it was “Top Gun”, as the Panthers sought to successfully defend their title.

With the grand final being the last match in a Penrith jersey for Jarome Luai, James Fisher-Harris and Sunia Turuva, “Legacy” became their 2024 theme.

“Basically, is just a different spin on it,” Cleary told NRL.com in the victorious dressing rooms.

“Legacy is more than rings or more than premierships. It is an individual and a team thing, it’s who you play for and what you stand for.”

Nathan Cleary revealed that the players had spoken about who they were playing for when they took the

field and he nominated his teammates, his family and partner, Matildas superstar Mary Fowler.

“Legacy for us is more narrowed in on who we are actually playing for and just thinking about that when we take the field,” he said. “It has been a journey that we all went on and we really dug deep for that.

“We spoke about it once we knew we were going to make the finals and we dug deep about why we actually are playing, and who we are playing for.

“A lot of it’s my team-mates - when I’m on the field that is who I want to play for - and also my family, who have been there every step of the way, and my girlfriend, as well.

“They are the people I think about when I’m out on the field that I want to not so much impress, but I want to honour them.”

Asked why he considered this year’s premiership to be the best, Ivan Cleary said it wasn’t just the opponent but the way his players had stepped up after he questioned their hunger following a 22-18 loss to the Raiders on the eve of the finals.

Penrith’s grand final defence was

their best of the season.

“I don’t know if it was the theme, but something helped them when they really needed it tonight,” Cleary said.

“These guys love each other and a lot of them have played together since they were kids. When you achieve stuff like this it just makes you tighter.

“Just playing the Storm and the way it lined up this week. Five years ago they beat us and taught us a lesson.

“The Storm are the Storm, there is no other club like them. They have had a great year, they have got the best team. It is almost like it was set up perfectly against them. Just the way the game went too, it was such a tough game.”

Nathan added: “You’ve got to pay a price to get to the top, but you’ve got to pay a bigger price to stay there. I feel like we have done that.

“It is a nice full circle moment, also because the Storm have been so good for so long and they are bench mark. You know if you have beaten them, you have beaten the best.”

With Luai, Fisher-Harris and Turuva joining the 11 members of the first three premiership winning teams who have departed the club, many will doubt whether the streak can continue and even Ivan says: “I don’t know how we got here”.

But the players said they aim to keep winning.

“I think it is just this feeling, it is the best ever, and you want the new guys coming in to share the same experience we have had,” Nathan Cleary said.

“The feeling is still the same, it’s unreal. I think the last two have been more surreal, I think the first one was more of a relief because we lost the year before.

“I don’t care about looking ahead, I just want to enjoy this. What we have done is unbelievable. Obviously, we want to do more …”

Martin’s monster game earns him Clive Churchill Medal

BY NRL.COM

Panthers back-rower Liam Martin has capped a superb season by taking home the Clive Churchill Medal as the player of the grand final.

MARTIN came up with a crucial try and made 46 tackles as he carried his State of Origin form into the biggest game of the season.

A constant menace to the Storm in attack and defence, Martin summed up his feelings at the post-match presentation with a simple, “Oh, wow!”

“It’s so surreal, I love you boys. Just shows the character we have to dig deep,” Martin said.

“I was gone there but to have you boys there to drag me along... I had Nath and [Izack] Tago saying ‘we need you to keep turning up’ and just having those boys drives you.

“We just keep turning up, it’s just the character of this team.

“And to all the fans, we do it for you, we do it for Penrith.”

At 27 years of age and 126 games into his career, Martin is now a fourtime premiership winner.

Speaking to media after the match, coach Ivan Cleary described Martin as the epitome of a big-game player.

“The bigger the game, the better he goes,” Cleary said.

“Some huge plays tonight, he was definitely out on his feet in that second half but he kept finding something.

“He just continually turns up when we need him.”

THE MIGHTY PENRITH PANTHERS

From tears to triumph: Team Cleary put it all in perspective

BY STEVE MASCORD & BRAD WALTER

Nathan Cleary took the extraordinary step of publicly thanking vanquished Melbourne after breaking their hearts at Accor Stadium.

SPEAKING at full-time in the breakneck 14-6 win at Accor Stadium, the 2023 Clive Churchill Medallist claimed the Panthers would never have kicked off their four-premiership run had Craig Bellamy’s men not beaten them 26-20 on October 5 2020.

“We shed a few tears five years ago after being beaten by these guys who have been the benchmark for so long,” Cleary jnr told ABC Radio. “And now we have four in a row it is unbelievable.

“We actually needed that back then; I honestly don’t believe we would have won four in a row if we didn’t lose that one.

“It really made us find that ruthless edge that we needed, that Melbourne do have. It was a shit feeling at the time but we’re grateful for it now.”

After Melbourne’s minor premiership, Panthers forward Luke Garner said on 2GB: “We had a bit of a chip on our shoulder to get them back.”

Cleary continued: “It is always a battle against these guys. They have been the benchmark for so long, always at the top and I think that was the hardest game I have ever played. It was just end to end, how they were holding on for so long but kept turning up.

“It is just a pleasure being a part of a group like this. All year our defence wasn’t right but come the big games we found and we definitely found it tonight.”

Having played down the seriousness of a shoulder injury all week, the Australia half admitted: “It’s alright, it was enough to play.

“It just got caught in a few awkward positions and it was a bit tight. I will probably get surgery in the off-season, to be honest.”

Meanwhile first-half Panthers

tryscorer Liam Martin played down his effort, saying “I just had to run 10 meters and put it down.”

Meanwhile, coach Ivan Cleary described Penrith’s fourth consecutive premiership in three one-syllable words - “the best one”.

The Panthers etched themselves in premiership history in a manner that will remain indelible when they edged out table-tipping Melbourne 14-6 in a contest of breathtaking quality and speed before 80,156 fans at Accor Stadium.

It was a match they led 10-6 at the break and sealed with a 63rd minute touchdown to preliminary final hero Paul Alamoti.

“Yeah, I think that might have been the best one,” the coach told Sydney radio station 2GB at full-time.

“It was just incredible - what a game of footy from both teams. The Storm were amazing, they just never let up.

“It just felt like we were out on our feet in that second half. We just kept finding something when we needed it.

“We just got the job done.”

It’s the first time in the salary capped and limited tackle eras a team has lifted the trophy on four consecutive years and the best run since St George’s fabled 11-title run between 1956-66.

Paying tribute to Alamoti, who during the build-up thanked his widowed dad for getting him to the greatest moment of his career, the coach said: “He’s saved his best until last. These have probably been his best games.

“He really bought into our culture. We really needed him and he stepped it up.”

On the dais, co-captain Isaah Yeo told the celebrating fans: “To do what we have done I can’t see it being done again. It is just such a special group.

He added on 2GB: “We just did what we did the last five years - back our defence. Everyone talks about our spine - I back our defence.

“That was bloody hard. You trust everyone to do their jobs. We did it again. We’ll reflect on it and go again next year.”

Cleary backs great mate Luai to be main man for Wests Tigers

BY

Panthers champion Nathan Cleary has backed his outgoing halves partner Jarome Luai to make Wests Tigers a more competitive outfit and drag them out of the cellar in 2025.

CLEARY has played alongside Luai for a decade as they came through the ranks at Penrith together and he said the Samoa international is ready step up and be the chief playmaker for Wests Tigers next season.

“I think the way he stood up this year, not only with the way he played, but also his leadership just went to another level, and he is going to be a great asset for Wests Tigers,” Cleary said.

“I had a few special moments with him already and probably a few more over the next couple of days.

“I am going to miss him dearly, he is one of my best mates and we have playing alongside each other since we were 15 or 16 years old.

“I am just proud of him to be honest; it is not easy when the footy world sort of turns against you and the media turns against you, but he has corrected that with the way he

plays and the way he goes about his business.

“We know how much he means to us, he is a family man and we have seen him grow up into the leader he is today.”

The pair shared a special moment on the field after the game, embracing as they soaked in the reality of their achievement in defeating the Storm to post their fourth successive premiership win.

“Best to ever do it,” Luai said when asked about what he said to Cleary in that moment.

“I don’t think anyone will do this ever again, what we’ve done here.

Luai later took a moment to himself to sit by the goal posts and reflect on the end of an era.

“I got a bit emotional there,” he said. “I am just really thankful, grateful to do what I’ve done and what I’ve learnt from these guys and coaches and … everyone before me, everyone who’s left the club, everyone’s who is here today, it’s been a special life.

“It’s sort of sinking in now [that I am leaving] … but this is how I wanted it to be.

“This is how I wanted to go out and wanted to end. And that’s what I’m more focused on, is enjoying what we’ve done tonight.

“I guess I’ll deal with all of the emotional stuff later on down the track. But I’m so happy, man, I am over the moon.”

Luai said his time steering the ship for the Panthers this year in the absence of an injured Cleary had him confident he could bring his best to Wests Tigers next year.

“I’ve gotten a lot of confidence out of this year, especially with Nath being out,” said Luai, who will be hoping to carry on his good form when he travels to England to “lace up the boots again” for Samoa in their tour of England.

“I’ve really taken it as an opportunity for myself to grow in that sort of role. I’ve never really had to play it since I’ve been here.

“I know I’m on my way out (here), but I feel like I’m ready for it.”

He was also looking forward to playing against the side he won four back-to-back rings with, joking he’d be giving his former teammates special attention.

“I’m going to take all the heads off, brah, especially Marto [Liam Martin], it will be fun.

“We joke about it now, it will probably make the game a bit more fun for myself, but I’ll see how we go.”

COLLEEN EDWARDS & BRAD WALTER

Veterans Health Week – Down by the River

BY STEPHEN TOLSHER, VICE PRESIDENT, ST MARYS

THE ongoing Wellbeing Program promoting the general health and wellbeing of former and currently serving defence force veterans, conducted by St Marys RSL sub-Branch, together with the St Marys Outpost Veteran Support Centre, continues.

Apart from the organised walks and twice weekly exercise sessions at Ripples, St Marys RSL subBranch promotes Veterans Health week in October for all Veterans and for their partner also. This year, on Wednesday 16th October, outside East Bank Seafood in Tench Reserve, on the Eastern side of the beautiful Nepean River, a qualified Exercise Physiologist will present a talk at 10.30AM on the need to “keep moving to stay healthy”.

That will be followed by a walk along the Reserve pathways at participant’s chosen distance and pace. All Veterans (partners also very welcome) are encouraged to join inparticipants will need to register at the RSL gazebo at Tench Reserve, in front of East Bank Seafood Restaurant.

Registration from 10.00am at the gazebo. After walking, a free healthy “takeaway” meal of seafood and water will be provided.

You can contact either the RSL sub-Branch or the Outpost Veteran Support Centre for more information about our Veterans’ Wellbeing Program or the Riverwalk on 16th October:

• For the RSL sub-Branch, speak with Leanne G on 0406 399 976, or leave a voice message for her to return your call – she is in office Tuesdays and Thursdays. Or email stmaryssb@rslnsw.org.au.

• For the Outpost Veteran Support Centre, speak with Leanne M on 9833 4700, or email vietvet@vvaastmarys. org.au.

For more details about each of the activities in the Program, visit the St Marys RSL sub-Branch website (see QR Code here) for more information.

VETERANS HEALTH WEEK

Calling all Veterans (and partners) River Walk and Lunch by the Nepean River

Wednesday 16th October

- register from 10am for a 10.30am Start Tench Avenue Restaurant Precinct “The East Bank” near the M4 bridge Look for the RSL logo desk

Free for all veterans (and any partners) to join in for an EP health presentation, then walk only as far as you wish, but return to collect your take-away fish’n’salad and drink.

To participate:

1. For catering, Phone 0406 399 976 by Friday 11th - advise number coming

2. On the day, at the RSL Desk & collect lunch token, to start.

Sponsored by:

St Marys RSL sub-Branch, St Marys Outpost Veterans Centre and the Department of Veterans Affairs and supported by EastBank Fish and Chips.

All veterans, come along and chat with other vets! Partners welcome also.

Organisers prepare their final farewell at St Mary McKillop

BY NOEL ROWSELL

ST MARY McKillop will hold its bi-annual School Fete on Sunday 20th October, with the event to be the swansong of two of the key organisers over many years.

Michelle Darwin (11 years) and Catherine Watson (7 years) will be ending their official Fete duties this year, as their respective children complete their primary school education and move on to high school.

Nevertheless, this year’s Fete promises to live up to the expectations and successes of previous years, with students performing through the day, including singers and dancers, a side-show alley, fairground rides, food trucks, Outback Steakhouse and Screaming Beans, a basket stall, book stall and cake stalls. In addition, local artist Shannon Boyd is decorating the office wall with a mural, featuring St Mary McKillop and several features of the school, which is planned to be completed in time for the Fete.

Many former students, who now attend Caroline Chisolm College, Penola Catholic College, Xavier College and St Dominic’s College have offered their services to assist on the day, whilst there is always tremendous support from parents of children attending the school, along with many whose children have already graduated from the school.

“Planning for the next fete begins 12 months ahead,” said Michelle. “We need to organise the rides, food, stall holders and sponsors (Wisdom Denture & Dental Clinic is this year’s main sponsor).

“The Parents & Friends Association are involved and we run events like Mufti Days which raise

funds for the event. We are very fortunate parents get involved in the organisation and running of the Fete.

“It’s a wonderful community event, attracting between 2,000-3,000 people on the day, and proceeds will go toward the renovation of the Infant Playground,” she added.

Catherine Watson and Michelle Darwin

RSL SUB-BRANCH

Breast cancer survivors’ journey of resilience, strength and life after diagnosis

LIVING in the scenic Blue Mountains of Katoomba and working as an educator for young children, Jeanine’s life took an unexpected turn in 2022.

When Jeanine received her screening appointment letter, she promptly scheduled her visit, a practice she diligently followed every two years.

Upon arrival at Blue Mountains Hospital, after an appointment mixup, a last-minute cancellation allowed her to proceed with her mammogram, a twist of fate that ultimately saved her life.

“

I am blessed to have caught the breast cancer early following a routine screening, says Jeanine.

“

At the time of her diagnosis, Jeanine was in disbelief but knew she had to confront it head-on. Upon further inspection, she couldn’t believe she had missed the lump on her right breast.

Jeanine was diagnosed with Breast Cancer and soon after started treatment at Nepean Hospital, where she received exceptional care and support.

“ “

The breast care nurses were amazing. They made me feel comfortable and valued throughout my entire treatment.

Her treatment plan included eight weeks of chemotherapy followed by surgery and radiation. Despite the

challenges, she approached each step with a positive attitude, finding moments of laughter even in difficult times.

“I had so much fun with the staff— they made the experience bearable.”

Today, Jeanine says she feels better than ever. Aside from a couple of scars, her life is back to normal.

Jeanine’s breast cancer journey has taught her the importance of early detection and prevention. She encourages everyone to get your routine checks, go to the doctors if you feel any lumps or bumps and rely on the support of loved ones.

Breast screening is free and recommended for all women aged 50-74, and you can easily book your breast screen appointment online at https://book.breastscreen.nsw.gov.

au Find your nearest screening centre or mobile location van on the BreastScreen NSW website www. breastscreen.nsw.gov.au/screeninglocation

Leading breast surgeon urges monthly self-examinations

RESEARCH and statistics clearly show that the health outcomes of women diagnosed with breast cancer are better if the disease is detected earlier.

“Put simply, if we are able to diagnose breast cancer in its early stages before symptoms even appear, this is ideal,” Associate Professor Sanjay Warrier said.

“This is a key reason why it is important for women to undertake regular scans and self-examinations at home.”

Associate Professor Warrier is one of the world’s leading breast health and breast cancer surgeons who has built a highly respected practice in Sydney.

In addition to Associate Professor Warrier’s breast health and surgical work, he also dedicates considerable time to research exploring and developing advancements in breast cancer detection and treatments to improve outcomes for patients. He also developed the world’s first Master of Breast Surgery which is delivered through the University of Sydney.

It is recommended that women perform breast self-examinations on a regular basis. Here are some tips for performing a self-exam.

Frequency

“It is recommended for women of all ages to undertake regular breast selfexaminations. For women who are menstruating, I suggest undertaking an exam about a week to 10 days after each menstrual cycle starts. This is when the breasts are least tender and lumpy,” Associate Professor Warrier said.

“For women no longer menstruating,

the key is routine. Pick a day such as the first day of each month and remind yourself to do it.”

Importance of knowing your breasts

“Regardless of what stage you are at in life, it is important to know your breasts. When undertaking a regular self-examination, look at your breasts in the mirror and take careful note of their shape and colour,” Associate Professor Warrier said.

“Try to undertake a self-examination in the same way each month this way you will become familiar with your breasts and be better placed to detect any changes in the breast or on the skin and nipples.

“Common reasons for colour change include general aging and/ or pregnancy. However, one of the more overlooked reasons for changes in nipple colour is associated with the presence of breast cancer. It’s especially abnormal if it’s occurring in only one nipple and not evenly on both breasts.

“If you detect any changes at all in your breasts, book an appointment with your health professional as soon as possible.”

Screening

“A woman’s risk of developing breast cancer increases with age. Over 75 percent of breast cancers fall into the 50 to 74 years age group. Regular breast screens are the best way to find cancer early,” Associate Professor Warrier said.

“Women aged 40 and over and who do not have any breast symptoms are entitled to a free mammogram every two years through BreastScreen.”

BreastScreen Australia is the national breast screening program and

actively invites women aged 50—74 to have a free two yearly mammogram. Women aged 40—49 and those aged over 74 are also eligible to receive a free mammogram but do not receive an invitation.

Tips for self-examinations

“I have formulated an easy system to help women undertake selfexaminations at home and I call it ‘LOOK, LIFT, FEEL,” Associated Professor Warrier said.

“LOOK, LIFT, FEEL only takes a few minutes and should be done regularly. Look at your breasts in the mirror to identify any changes in shape, colour or texture. Stand in front of a mirror with your shoulders straight and your arms on your hips. Look for any changes in the size,

shape or symmetry of your breasts. Check for dimpling, puckering or changes in the skin texture.

“Then lay flat and lift your arm up over your head and with two fingers together, using the pads of each finger, place gentle pressure on the breast moving your fingers around in a circular motion. Cover the entire breast from top to bottom and side to side. Also feel up under the armpit. Change sides and repeat.

“Take your time and feel for any lumps or changes in the breast. Remember that your breasts may be dense and will naturally feel uneven. If you encounter any changes or unusual lumps, thickening or hardened knots, or nipple discharge, book an appointment with your doctor. The majority of issues are benign, but it is always important to check things with your doctor.”

“Regular self-exams can help you become familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel, making it easier to notice any changes.”

Additional considerations

“Hormonal changes during menopause can affect breast tissue, so it’s important to continue regular checks and discuss any changes with your health professional,” Associate Professor Warrier said.

“Regardless of age, if you notice any unusual changes during your self-exam, such as lumps, thickening, discharge or changes in skin texture, contact your healthcare provider promptly for further evaluation.”

Further information about undertaking breast screening and detecting breast cancer can be found at www.drsanjaywarrier.com.au

A power up for Needle & Syringe Program

NEPEAN Blue Mountains Health’s Needle & Syringe team members recently got their art on and gave an old power box a glow up. The vibrant mural shows people gathered in yarning circles, symbolising unity and respect - a great way to represent the team!

Not only does it make for an easier

and more accessible way to identify Exchange on Parker, the Needle & Syringe team’s headquarters, the artwork also embodies a safe space for healing, sharing stories, and fostering connections, and the importance of community in nurturing relationships and wellbeing.

Exchange on Parker provides more

than just sterile equipment for safe injection use. The friendly team are there to support, inform, educate and make referrals to a wide range of health services.

Visit them Monday to Friday, 11am to 3pm (or by appointment), outside Building C, Nepean Hospital, Kingswood.

Runway lights put through their paces at 24-hour airport

WESTERN Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI) has reached another milestone, with a light aircraft conducting flights to ensure the runway is ready for operations.

The Piper PA-30 Twin Engine Comanche aircraft was testing the airfield’s approximately 3,000 Aeronautical Ground Lights (AGLs) by taking off and landing from both ends of the runway during daylight, dusk and evening conditions to ensure the system is fit for purpose and ready to welcome aircraft upon opening in late 2026.

WSI CEO Simon Hickey said the ongoing, rigorous runway testing regime is another significant milestone for the airport and an important step for its construction partner, CPB Acciona Joint Venture, as the runway nears practical completion.

“This week’s flight tests are an important commissioning requirement stipulated by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to help ensure our runway lighting infrastructure is fit for operations,” Mr Hickey said.

“These tests are the culmination of a tremendous amount of work by our contract partners to level the land, build multiple complex layers of sandstone and asphalt to form the 3.7km runway, and install lighting, line marking and technology systems that will soon support passenger and cargo operations at WSI.

“There are thousands of workers bringing WSI to life each day, many of whom are Western Sydney locals, and this week they can look down that runway and know they built something that will stand the test of time and provide a critical service to many millions of Australians.”

Runway ‘fast facts’:

• WSI will open with one runway, which can cater to 10 million passengers a year from day one of operations.

• Approximately 3,000 Aeronautical Ground Lights have been installed, which will guarantee the runway operations in low visibility.

• 348 High Intensity Approach Lights (HIAL) will penetrate the atmosphere far enough from touchdown to give directional, distance, and glidepath information for safe transition from instrument to visual flight.

• Our runway will be the only airport in Sydney equipped with a modern CAT III-B instrument landing system, which will enable aircraft to continue operating safely in foggy conditions.

• Our airfield has been designed with efficiency in mind. WSI’s rapid exit taxiways have been built

at a 45-degree angle, allowing aircraft to exit and enter the runway at faster speeds.

• This means WSI’s average taxing time is around five minutes, significantly shorter compared to other airports around the world.

• The base layer of the 3.7km runway includes 5.5 million tonnes of quality sandstone diverted from landfill from Sydney-based tunnelling projects.

• Whilst the runway is laid with asphalt, each end of the runway includes concrete sections to support aircraft when standing, taking off, landing and turning.

• The runway surface has been grooved to provide cross drainage and to achieve surface friction to facilitate aircraft landing and take-off. The grooving also enhances surface drainage by providing an effective path for water to flow away from the pavement, where hydroplaning on a wet surface is a risk to aircraft.

Legends of the Nepean MARTIN

(MARTY) ROMER

BY NOEL ROWSELL

MARTIN (Marty)

Romer is a Life Member of Emu Plains Little Athletics Club, a member of Emu Plains Cricket Club for over 34 years and a member of Emu Plains Rugby League Club for over 30 years.

A first grade cricketer from 19902024, Marty has played over 300 games for Emu Plains, winning 11 premierships, and has also coached for over 27 years, winning a further 6 premierships.

Among his favourite cricket memories are playing in teams with both sons, and winning premierships with each of them. Marty is keen to one day play 1st Grade with his grandson.

Marty played Rugby League for Emu Plains from 1990-97, as a front rower or centre, and has coached in the club for over 30 years. He coached both sons, winning three premierships,

and is now involved in coaching two of his grandchildren.

He was a member of Emu Plains Little Athletics for 12 years, involving himself in all aspects of the club, including line-marking the field.

Marty was born in Nepean Hospital and has lived in the Penrith district his entire life, firstly in Penrith (20 years), then Emu Plains and currently in Leonay.

He is married to Tracee and has 5 children (Tom, Brooke, Tiahne, Madyson and Ben) and 10 grandchildren.

In addition to his busy family and sporting life, Marty is a Project Manager for a major Plumbing company and has held that position for the past 20 years.

“Marty is the man in the community doing the necessary jobs which go unrecognised,” said son Tom.

“Mowing and marking of Leonay Oval for Little Athletics for 10 years. A life member of the Club.

Tracee and Martin

“Team manager at Little Athletics for his grandson, looking after the local cricket wicket, cricket coach for over 20 years and a Life Member of Emu Plains Cricket.

“The ‘Craig Huffy’ award in 1st Grade cricket for 5 years, the most wickets taken in 1st grade, and still playing 1st grade cricket at 50 years of age.

“Picking up and dropping off kids so they can play sport, involved in Emu Plains Football Club for 30 years and was U6 Penrith Junior League ‘Coach of the Year’.

Martin (Marty) Romer was nominated as a Legend of the Nepean by Kevin Canning.

If you know a local legend, send us a nomination at nepeannews@aol.com

Marty also runs the water, works in the canteen or BBQ and has coached every age group from U6 to A Grade.”

Martin & Tom.

Photos supplied by Tracee Romer

ORCHARD

HILLS

VETERINARY HOSPITAL

49 Wentworth Road, Orchard Hills

Preventing Parvovirus: Empowering the Penrith Community

BY KELLIE TICKNER, ORCHARD HILLS VETERINARY HOSPITAL ADMINISTRATOR

PARVOVIRUS is a highly contagious and often deadly disease that affects dogs, particularly puppies and unvaccinated pets. With positive cases reported in Western Sydney, protecting the local pet population has become a key priority. Last weekend, the team from Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital partnered with the RSPCA to host a Healthy Pet Day in Cranebrook, part of an ongoing initiative to reduce the spread of Parvovirus and increase access to essential pet care.

The Healthy Pet Day provided free vital veterinary services, including vaccinations, to local pet owners—

particularly those experiencing financial hardship. Focusing on pensioners and health care cardholders, the event ensured that families could protect their pets from preventable diseases like Parvovirus. This initiative reflects Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital’s mission to make a meaningful impact in the community.

A decade ago, diagnosing 10-15 cases of Parvovirus a week wasn’t unusual. However, through a sustained vaccination campaign, there has been a reduction in reported positive cases. Yet this progress is not a reason to relax. Vigilance is still required, and regular vaccinations remain critical to

keeping pets protected. Unfortunately, many areas of Western Sydney still see alarmingly high numbers of positive cases, reminding us that our efforts must continue.

Parvovirus spreads easily, primarily through contact with infected dogs or contaminated environments such as parks or backyards. The virus is incredibly resilient, capable of surviving in the environment for months, making unvaccinated dogs and puppies especially vulnerable. Vaccinations are crucial to breaking this cycle and preventing widespread outbreaks. The Healthy Pet Day emphasised this, offering free vaccinations to protect

pets and help reduce the incidence of Parvovirus across the Penrith region.

The partnership between Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital and the RSPCA is more than just about offering pet care services—it’s about empowering the entire community. By ensuring access to essential services and education, this initiative aims to create lasting, sustainable change. The message is clear: healthy pets contribute to healthy communities. When more pets are vaccinated, the risk of infection decreases for all, safeguarding not just individual animals but the broader petowning community as well.

Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital remains committed to combating Parvovirus and other preventable diseases through continued partnerships, outreach programs, and a focus on accessible pet care. If your dog hasn’t been vaccinated yet, now is the time to act. Let’s work together to keep Penrith’s pets safe and healthy, one vaccination at a time.

For more information, contact the team at Orchard Hills Veterinary Hospital on 4736 2027.

Looking for adoptive parents and forever home

Fand temperament tests of the animals to

online and

to

and

the

For any inquires related to these animals at Hawkesbury Pound, please contact them directly on (02) 4560 4644.

MEET OUR GORGEOUS GINGER ERNIE

is a sweet, lovely boy who has gorgeous chubby cheeks and a kind personality. Ernie likes affection and will give you head bumps for a pat. If you can open your heart and home for Ernie please come and meet him anytime during open hours..

Cost: $99 Age: 2 Years and 1 Week Type: Cat Breed: Domestic Short Hair Sex: Male

DECKER WOULD LOVE TO MEET YOU

Decker is a lovely boy! He has an outgoing, friendly nature, is very well behaved, and can sit when asked. At only 18 months old, Decker has his whole future ahead of him and, with continued training, love, and attention, would make the perfect companion for his new family. If you have been looking for a lovely, sweet dog to join your family, Decker is your boy. If you are interested in adopting this lovely friendly boy please come to the shelter to meet him with your family dog and the children, just so we can be sure they are all going to get on well together.

Cost: $99 Age: 1 Year and 7 Months Type: Dog Breed: Staffy Sex: Male

DONT LET MY SERIOUS FACE FOOL YOU

Jodie is a very vibrant, outgoing dog that will bring a lot of energy and fun to the family home. She walks well on lead, sits when asked and just shines when you meet her. Jodie has an adorable bum wag and bouncy personality and will make a wonderful addition for someone who is ready to accept love and fun into their life..

Cost: $99 Age: 1 Year and 4 Weeks Type: Dog Breed: American Staffordshire Terrier Sex: Female

RIENDS of Hawkesbury Companion Animal Shelter seek the “extras” for the dogs and cats in care at Hawkesbury Pound. They also visit the pound each week and take photographs

post

promote

animals. They upload their images and opinions of these animals

Facebook, Twitter and PetRescue. To follow them, look them up on facebook

twitter.

Ernie

JUST like the Panthers’ thrilling grand final win, your solar installation day is a carefully planned and executed achievement— one that will leave you cheering every time you open your electricity bill.

Much like I imagine Ivan Cleary guiding the team through their game

Jim’s Gems

plan, let me explain how the day usually unfolds.

Your installation will begin with a team of qualified solar professionals arriving at your home or business, fully equipped with all the necessary gear— from panels to inverters, racking, and batteries—ensuring everything is ready for a smooth installation.

The first step is safety. Just as the Panthers protect one another, the installation crew will ensure your site is secure. This involves signing off on safety documentation, setting up ladders and edge protection, and taking every precaution to safeguard your home and our team.

Once safety measures are in place, the main event kicks off: the installation of your solar panels. Like

Psetting up for a game-winning play, the team will carefully position and mount the panels on your roof according to your accepted design.

Next comes the wiring. The team will connect your panels to the inverter, converting the sun’s energy into usable electricity. If you’ve chosen to add a battery, this will be installed at this stage too, allowing you to store energy and score savings even when the sun isn’t shining.

After wiring is complete, the team will test your system to ensure everything is operating as it should. It’s like those final minutes of the match—double-checking every detail to secure the win. Once your system passes the tests and is successfully connected to the grid, it’s time for

the handover. The crew will set up monitoring software so you can track your energy production in real-time, and before they go, they’ll cover everything you need to know.

Similar to the Panthers’ grand final against the Storm, going solar is a longterm victory that won’t stop paying off—for you or the environment.

If you have questions or would like further information, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I might not be much use on an actual footy field anymore, but when it comes to renewable energy, I’ve got you covered! In fact, if this industry awarded premierships for dedication, Nepean Solar Solutions would be celebrating nearly ten years at the top of the ladder!

LEFT OF FIELD

REMATURE Decoration! Here we are in October and it is happening, the dreaded Christmas decorations.

Just when you thought it was safe to leave your homes and venture out into the vulnerable world of the shopping centre, cue Jaws music - the premature decorators!!!!! I call them The PD club.

Have you ever watched Crime Stoppers and thought, I never knew that he or she was capable of that? The neighbours are interviewed and they say, “he was a quiet person, lovely family, I never knew that this street could house people like that,” and then look shocked.

Well the PD club are like that, they just look like meek and mild people, harmless and quiet, but deep down they are hiding a secret, perhaps even hiding tinsel in the wardrobe, who knows? But once they are out together, anything is possible. Similar to the zombie apocalypse?

Scientists still can’t work out the chemical imbalance in the PD’ers brain that gives them the urge to pull out the odd Santa and tree before December.

Statistics have shown that most grow up and run shopping centres, kid’s warehouses and the most hardened PD’s usually run department stores in the city where they can PD in about August.

Thankfully they are testing drugs at the moment that may stabilise the chemical imbalance to make PD’s actually want to start decorating in December. Trials have begun.

So as a security professional I am not really sure how to stop the PD club, however I can tell you that Christmas time is a great time for the baddies to come out and play. A couple of years ago a business near our business office left the gate unlocked, left for the Christmas shut down and boom the opportunist struck. All over Christmas in fact!

Hey, the buildings were alarmed but all the stuff in the yard (worth mega dollars) was laying there in all its glory, saying take me, pick me!!!!

There was a very well-executed clean out that lasted the entire weekend, because the baddies knew that this business was closed for business. How? Because it had a sign on it saying, back on what-ever date.

“Yippee,” the baddies screamed and happily cleaned them out of all the stock in the yard - 30 grand of crafted sandstone, to be exact.

Thankfully, good old NRS (my security company) was across the road and with the use of our cameras, the offenders were tracked down, caught and some stock returned. The other stuff was sold, oh and of course they burnt a truck out as well.

So let me ask you this? How would losing 30 grand from your business affect your operations? How would losing 30 grand from your house affect you?

So while you may say, “nah we will be right mate!” think about your security needs over Chrissy. Alarms, cameras, patrols, guards or whatever!

There are some things I can help you with and some things that I can’t, such as shopping and listening to “I’m dreaming of a white Christmas” in Coles on a 36 degree day in November.

So there you have it, the PD club will overrun us one day, think about your security and may your Christmas shopping begin!

KEEPING BUSINESS LOCAL

Supporting children’s education a key priority for Nepean Evening View Club this anti-poverty week

MEMBERS of Nepean Evening VIEW Club are calling on members of the community to give generously this Anti-Poverty Week, 13-19 October and sponsor a child through the national children’s charity The Smith Family. The focus of this Anti-Poverty Week is to end child poverty in Australia.

Nepean Evening VIEW Club sponsors five children through The Smith family’s Learning for Life education program which provides families with long term educational, financial, and personal assistance so that children have all the essentials needed to fully participate in their learning.

The Smith Family’s evidence-based approach helps children experiencing disadvantage to overcome the educational inequality that they face. VIEW Clubs raised more than $1.5 million nationally last year to support The Smith Family’s important work. The VIEW Clubs have also raised nearly $400,000 for The Smith Family’s Digital Learning Essentials

program that aims to close the digital divide. “A laptop and reliable internet access at home are now vital for any child’s education,” said club president Fran McDaid.

While fundraising plays a vital role in helping children in need, it also encourages women of all ages to donate their time and skills by joining a VIEW Club. Nepean Evening VIEW Club fundraises through raffles, cake stalls, fashion parades, an Art Show and more recently a Trivia Night. Last year VIEW members collectively volunteered over 70,000 hours of their time to help young people through homework, reading and mentoring programs run by the charity – but there is a need for more helping hands.

To find out more about joining VIEW, visit view.org.au or call 1800 805 366

For Nepean Evening VIEW Club details, email nepeanview@gmail. com

To sponsor a child through The Smith Family, visit thesmithfamily. com.au

OUT N ABOUT

To advertise in Nepean News or request your event to be added call Malama on 0416 203 777 OR EMAIL: sales@nepeannews.com.au with Malama

ARCHAEOLOGY OPEN DAY

Sunday 19 October 2024, 10am to 3pm

In the Old Council Chambers Building on Station Street, Penrith.

Between Henry Street and Penrith Station (opposite Westfield’s Station Street entrance).

• Artefacts from historic local buildings

• Antique bottles, china, photographs and local maps

• Personal effects from Penrith’s earliest European settlers

• Bricks from the early 1800s

• Local experts to answer your questions

• Raffle with fantastic prizes Entry is FREE and all are welcome

Gourmet Meat Company owner Bill McDeed with Jarome Luai after the grand final.

Congratulations to the City of Penrith RSL sub-Branch Auxiliary, who celebrated their 80th Anniversary last month!

Nepean / Blue Mountains Prostate Cancer Support Group - October Group Meeting

The next Group Meeting of the Nepean / Blue Mountains Prostate Cancer Support group will be held on Monday 21st of October, 2024 at the Emu Sports Club, 1 Leonay Parade, Leonay, NSW 2750 commencing at 6.45pm for a 7.00pm start.

The meeting will be an open forum where men and their spouses, carers, partners, family can ask questions about any matter concerning them BUT please note we are not clinicians and CANNOT give medical advice. We can however, discuss our own experiences.

The meeting is open to all men who may be experiencing prostate problems or just wish to become more aware of this disease. Newcomers will be made most welcome.

As usual at all of our Group Meetings, partners are not only welcome but are encouraged to attend.

For further information www.prostatesupport.org. au or ‘phone the Group’s President David Wilkinson on 1300 13 38 78.

BY ROLAND MELOSI

There were plenty of fans at the Grand Final Screening put on by Penrith City Council at the Mondo.

Nepean River sparkles at Real Festival 2024

PENRITH City Council is thrilled to announce that the Real Festival 2024, held on September 20 and 21 at Tench Reserve, drew 45,000 attendees over the two days.

With great weather, the stunning backdrop of the Nepean River and a jam-packed program, it’s no surprise that festival-goers flocked to Penrith to enjoy this year’s festivities. The grounds were alive with excitement and creativity as families and friends indulged in the food offerings, immersed themselves in a wonderland of sound and colour, shopped from local markets and tried their hand at a host of workshops.

Penrith City Council General Manager Andrew Moore praised the event’s success.

“I want to extend my sincere thanks to the Council staff, volunteers, and every member of our community who contributed to making this year’s Real Festival a resounding success. Your dedication and support have made a significant impact,” Mr Moore said.

“The success of this year’s event would not have been possible without the support of our wonderful sponsors, and I would like to thank Busways, Blue Mountains Gazette, Western Sydney International Airport and the

Western Weekender who helped make this Festival a reality,” he said.

“Real Festival is an important annual event in Council’s calendar, as it provides family friendly activities for residents and visitors of the LGA, for free. We look forward to building

on this year’s success in next year’s edition,” Mr Moore said.

Keep up to date with the 2025 dates via the Real Festival social pages: Facebook.com/ realfestivalpenrith and Instagram. com/realfestival

SUDOKU: EASY

INSTRUCTIONS

Fill the grid so that every column, every row and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9 with no duplicates

SOLUTION: Next fortnight

CROSSWORD

Love and laughter take local center stage

THE Sum of Us by David Stevens, directed by Anthony Brown, will grace the stage at The Ruby Theatre this October. This heart-warming and bittersweet comedy offers performances on the 18th, 19th, 25th, and 26th at 7 pm, with matinee shows on the 20th and 27th at 3 pm.

Written by Australian playwright and Academy Award nominee David Stevens, The Sum of Us is a bitter-sweet comedy about the search for companionship and belonging. It explores the loving relationship between a widower, Harry, and his gay son, Jeff, as they embark on their individual searches to find the right partner.

This touching play illuminates the eternal human need to transcend our separateness and embark upon the difficult but necessary road to an accepting and loving connection with others. Perfectly balancing humour and sadness, it’s described as ‘a meditation on the enduring strength of love in the face of adversity’.

Tickets are priced at $30 for adults and $25 for concessions. You can book tickets at www.trybooking.com/CRJLX, or reserve them by emailing rubyproductions99@gmail.com. Please note that the venue, located at Level 1, 15 Evan Street, Penrith, has no wheelchair access. Don’t miss this beautiful exploration of love, humor, and human connection at The Ruby Theatre this October!

17th March 1882

By Lyn Forde – President/Research Officer of St Marys & District Historical Society Inc.

IN 1882 Alfred Colless’s “Nepean Times” newspaper originally had eight pages that later increased to ten selling at 3d (pence) a copy. Early in the 1890’s he bought out the “Penrith Argus” and the “St Marys Times.” He was first elected an Alderman of the Penrith Council in 1876 and at its first General Meeting he was appointed to the Finance Committee and the General Purposes Committee and continued to play a prominent part in council matters for seven years. Elected Mayor in 1880 he continued in that position (being re-elected annually) until 1883 when he resigned. The very first edition of the “Nepean Times” so what did other papers think?

Evening News - We have received the first number of the “Nepean Times” a weekly paper published at Penrith. This new candidate for public favour is neatly printed and contains a good selection of local and general news besides having a fair show of advertisements. The proprietor Mr Alfred Colless, deserves to succeed.

Wagga Express - We must apologise for tardiness in noticing the birth of a new contemporary, The Nepean Times at Penrith, but the delay was through an oversight. The first number that reached us a few days ago is excellently printed and in every respect creditable to the proprietor.

Cowra Express - We have much pleasure in congratulating Mr Alfred Colless on the very creditable appearance of the first issue of his literary venture “The Nepean Times.” The original articles are well written in a trite and taking style, the extracted matter carefully selected and the typography faultless. We wish our contemporary a lengthy career of usefulness and its spirited proprietor a greater financial prosperity than is ordinarily vouchsafed to provincial journalists,

Queanbeyan Times - We have to acknowledge the first number of the “Nepean Times” a journal published in Penrith. It is demy-folio, eight pages and is neatly got up. We wish it every success.

Newcastle Herald - Issue No 1 of this latest addition to NSW journalism is to hand, hailing from the picturesque town of Penrith. “The Times” is an eight-page journal and starts well backed up by advertising support, a guarantee that it will not be short-lived. There is scope in the Penrith district for this latest enterprise and judging from the first number the residents will profit not a little by its existence.

Mr Alfred Colless of High Street, Penrith is the Publisher.

Burrangong Chronicle - We are in receipt of the first issue of the “Nepean Times” published at Penrith. In politics the new aspirant for public support claims to be Liberal-Conservative, not merely in politics but in religious municipal and indeed all other subjects.

The paper is very well got up and a credit to the growing districts in which it has cast its lot.

Yass Evening Tribune - We have to acknowledge the receipt of a paper published at Penrith under the title of “Nepean Times” the size of those in this paper. It contains a good share of advertisements and a nice collection of reading matter and altogether the journal appears to be well suited to the requirements of the district.

Murrumburrah Signal - We are in receipt of the first number of the “Nepean Times,” a weekly paper just started in Penrith in opposition we presume to the “Penrith Argus.” The paper is fairly got up and contains a good deal of local and general information.

Southern Argus - We have much pleasure in welcoming a fresh addition to the already long list of colonial newspapers namely, “The Nepean Times.” This paper is published at Penrith and is very well brought out. It contains an excellent variety of original matter which is a good recommendation and one that the public will speedily appreciate. We wish our new contemporary every success.

Bathurst Independent – The Nepean Times. On Friday last was issued from the office of Mr Alfred Colless of Penrith and a very creditable production it is. As regards its sentiments we will let it tell its own tale from its first leading article. It says “Our sentiments are of the Liberal-Conservative school and these sentiments are not confined merely to politics but to religious, municipal, temperance, literature and kindred subjects of a manifestly progressive character. It is on these grounds we ask a generous support. As journalists we all respect the rights and opinions of all men and do that ourselves which we believe to be just and right regardless of any man’s frown and unbiassed by any spurious sentimentality about self-interest. We have made our venture to a great extent on strictly commercial principles.” We heartily wish our new contemporary a prosperous and useful career.

Temora Herald - The first number of “The Nepean Times” is to hand and we certainly must congratulate the people of Penrith on their possessing such an excellent newspaper evidently in the hands of no tyro in journalism. The proprietor is Mr Alfred Colless who was or is Mayor of Penrith and we congratulate him on his new journalistic enterprise. Alfed’s health started to fail him in December 1920 and he died in hospital in Sydney. The funeral took place when his body was brought back to his residence in Derby Street then afterwards to St Stephen’s Church for the service and then to the Church of England portion of the Penrith General Cemetery and is buried with his wife Georgina.

Source: Nepean Times Friday 17 March 1882 (1st Edition)

Innovation Roof Restoration

 Photo of grave courtesy of Find a Grave Website.

Penrith lady golfers lead Lakeside to Pennant Title

LAKESIDE

Golf Club have claimed the Inaugural Women’s Sunday Handicap Pennant, defeating Warringah GC 4-2.

Two members of the Lakeside team (Tracey Wood, Joanne Ogle) are also members of Penrith GC, where they are both members of the Grade Pennant team, winning the Pennant flag in 2022.

Tracey was a pivotal player in the Sunday Pennant Final, winning the final match of the day to clinch the win for Lakeside. She was also undefeated through the Pennant season and held the position of team manager.

“What a great season we had. I’m so proud of my team. Well Done,” said Tracey.

Catherine Roche, Warringah team manager said “What a great initiative from Golf NSW for Women’s Golf. We are already looking forward to next year.”

NextGEN Amateur enters the ‘Sydney Swing’

BY NOEL ROWSELL

THE 2024 NextGEN Amateur Tour enters the Sydney Swing on 14-15 October, with the first tournament being held at Castle Hill CC.

The following event will be at Pymble GC on 28-29 October, then Lynwood on 4-6 November to complete the regular season.

Eligible players from this year’s competition will then play in the World Final in Melbourne at Commonwealth GC over 18-19 November.

Local players entered initially for Castle Hill are: Ryan Cadle, Alexander Payne, Sean Sammons and Kade Webber (Stonecutters Ridge GC), Glenmore Park’s Chaewon Lee and Richmond’s Ti Fox (both at Concord GC) and Twin Creek’s Darcy Mackay (The Australian GC). Ti currently leads the Junior Male (U18) Order of Merit, ahead of Darcy in second spot, Chaewon is placed 5th in Future Female (18-25), whilst Coby Carruthers and Kade are locked together at the top of the Future Male division.

Top ten age group results at International Tournaments

THE Jack

Golf organisation ran three International tournaments last week in the Hunter Valley, with 12 local juniors competing across the Junior, sub-Junior and Under 12 competitions.

Richmond’s Ti Fox (Concord GC) was the best of the west in the Men’s Junior competition, finishing tied for 11th after being well in contention through the first two days of action.

Ti shot 67 on Day One to be tied 1st, then slipped back through the field

over the next three days as his game remained solid, but several other leading contenders simply got red hot to surge past him on the leaderboard.

Ti also finished 4th in the 16 Years Boys, whilst Darcy Mackay (Twin Creeks / The Australian GC) finished 12th in 17 Boys.

Savannah Webb (Stonecutters Ridge GC) was the best of the local girl’s contingent, finishing 36th outright and 9th in 15 Years Girls.

Carter Bryant (Richmond / Lynwood CC) won the 9 Years age group in the Under 12’s.

Newton Junior

BY NOEL ROWSELL

Ti Fox in action during the Junior International. Photo courtesy of Golf NSW

Coby Carruthers. Photo courtesy of Brett Costello

BY NOEL ROWSELL

The successful Lakeside GC Ladies Sunday Pennant team. Photo supplied by David Tease / Golf NSW. Tracey Wood, 2nd from left. Joanne Ogle - 3rd from right.

Darcy Mackay.

Photo courtesy of NextGEN Amateur Tour

Scone AEC capture Countess of Dudley Cup

THE New South Wales Championship Trophy, the Countess of Dudley Cup, was first presented in 1910 and has become arguably one of the most coveted trophies in Australian Club Polo.

Twelve teams from WA, QLD, Scone, the Hunter Valley and the Hawkesbury entered this year’s tournament, with Scone AEC winning a thrilling Final 10-8 over Ellerston Gardenvale.

Windsor Polo Club successfully hosted the tournament over 28/9 – 6/10, along with a number of lower grade tournaments. In all, 40 teams played this past week, and over the duration of the event (10 days), 80 games were played across 7 fields, in 5 grades.

Not only was it a record tournament for Windsor Polo Club, the largest crowd of the season packed the sidelines on the #1 field to witness the Finals in the Countess of Dudley Cup, the Hector King Cup and the Sir JJ Garvan Trophy.

Countess of Dudley Cup: Scone AEC (Steve Urquhart, Alfie Hyde, Alec White, Jack Archibald) defeated Ellerston Gardenvale (Hunter Valley) 108.

Hector King Cup: Ellerston Blue (Hunter Valley - Ben Barham, Lucas Grimes, Tomas Wilans, James Harper) defeated Larapinta Green (QLD) 7-6; Sir JJ Garvan Cup: Larapinta Red (QLDMike Irvine, Cody Grimes, Jack Spilsbury, Thomas Hunt) defeated Swan Valley Sandalford (WA) 8-6; Sir Philip Charley Trophy: Kurri Burri (Jackson Marshall, James Parry-Okeden, Adam Marshall, Sam Hopkinson) defeated Killarney 8-6; 2 Goal Pool A: TRFD (Jack Raval, Mike Barker, Ant O’Leary, Ric McCarthy) defeated Bella Polo 7-4; 2 Goal Pool B: Classic Safari Company (Olivia McIntosh, Peter Bailey, Mark Barber, Agustin Ruiz) defeated Team Tibra/Red Dog Polo 8-3; 0-1 Goal: Dowling Polo (Jack Dowling, Toby Dowling, Archie Dowling, Anna Dowling) defeated both AWI and Blue Gardens in a round robin over two days; Subzero: Bellevue Polo (Teneille Murray, Lee Portelli, Lachlan McGregor & Tom DaltonMorgan) defeated Ilala Stud 4-3.

“It’s been amazing watching the Hawkesbury community unite to host everyone for the Countess of Dudley Cup,” said Kim McDougall from M Polo Management.

The 12-goal teams are headed north to Ellerston in the Hunter Valley this weekend but Windsor Polo Club will host the Winten Cup.

“For those sticking around (Windsor), it’s quite possibly my favourite tournament of the year,” said McDougall. “It’s not because of the beautiful prizes to be won, it’s the reason behind the Rothwell family starting this annual tournament at Windsor Polo Club – a competitive

and achievable grade, where family members can play together.

Over the last few years, the Rothwell family’s legacy and vision has definitely come into fruition, with Parry-Okeden, Marshall and Tolhurst family combinations playing and winning.”

BY NOEL ROWSELL

Action pics from the Final of the Countess of Dudley Cup. Photos by Noel Rowsell

Hunt finishes top five at One Raceway

BY NOEL ROWSELL

THE 2024 mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship, presented by Motul (ASBK), returned to One Raceway (formerly Wakefield Park) over the 4-6 October, featuring the Pirelli Australian Superbikes, Michelin Supersport, Race & Road Supersport 300, ShopYamaha R3 Cup and bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup (OJC) categories.

William Hunt (Mulgoa Rise) had a successful weekend, finishing 6th, 4th and 4th in the three R3 races to finish 4th overall for the weekend and move into 4th spot for the Series. William also raced in Supersport 300, finishing 10th, 9th and 8th for an 8th placing for the weekend and moving into 10th for the Series.

“The new One Raceway track was great, I felt really confident in myself and the bike. the track was smooth and fast throughout the majority of the weekend,” said William. “I had an ‘off’ at the top of the track but that didn’t set me back at all, as I was out for the next qualifying session. during the R3 cup races.

“I got some really great starts and made my way up to 3rd in one of the races, before it got red flagged. The race restart was good, I got another good start and made my way up to 4th after starting 5th. Overall it was a challenging yet amazing weekend and I can’t wait to see what I have to offer

at round7 at the bend in South Australia.”

JJ Nahlous (Glenwood), Jake Farnsworth (Glenhaven) and Jack Favelle (Cattai) all raced in the Michelin Supersport category, with JJ recording a 2nd and 4th placings to finish 2nd for the weekend but still hold a strong lead in the Series.

Jake Farnsworth finished 12th and 6th for an 8th placing for the weekend and sits in 4th for the Series. Jack Favelle finished 8th and 10th for a 9th placing for the weekend and sits in 8th place in the Series.

Elijah Andrew (Marayong) had three strong results in the R3 cup, finishing 10th in all three races

for 7th placing for the weekend and moving into 8th for the Series. Elijah also raced in the OJC but battled equipment issues on both days. He recorded finishes of 13th, 12th and 10th for an 11th placing for the weekend and sits in 5th for the Series.

Adam Jordan (East Kurrajong) had a DNF in Race 1, followed by 14th and 16th in the following races to finish 16th the weekend and sits in 16th for the Series.

Zac Russo (Sackville North) finished 14th in Race 1, had a DNF in Race 2 then 15th in Race 3 to finish 14th for the weekend. He sits in 15th in the Series.

William Hunt in action at One Raceway. Photo courtesy of RbMotoLens / Motorcycling Australia

THE MIGHTY PENRITH PANTHERS

PANTHER PRIDE

Getting to know...

1. What age did you start playing footy? 11

2. Favourite Song? Peace Train

3. Apart from Bluebet Stadium what is your favourite other ground to play at? Suncorp Stadium

4. Favourite Movie? Shawshank Redemption

5. If not footy what would you be doing? I’d be a teacher

6. Favourite TV Series? Peaky Blinders

7. What 3 famous people would you love to have a night out with? Roy Keane, Tom Brady, Larry Bird

8. Favourite Video Game? Fifa

9. Favourite other Sport and Athlete? NFL and Tom Brady

10. What is your death row meal? A massive tomahawk steak

THE MIGHTY PENRITH PANTHERS

PANTHERS 4PEAT STUPENDOUS! MARK ON THE

WHEN googling words that mean the same thing as awesome the following pop up: breathtaking, astonishing, awe-inspiring, staggering, stupendous, mind-blowing, out of this world, and my favourite BADASS!

That’s exactly what this Panthers team are!

The Penrith Panthers fourth competition victory in 5 attempts is even surreal to write, let alone realise its a story of non-fiction not some made up fable! How?

In a world where the NRL salary cap has never been more stringent, and in that same world where this rugby league team loses at least two stars from their roster annually, the brain just doesn’t compute a team winning 4 straight grand finals in this current rugby league landscape.

The fourth, and for mine, the most impressive for the very reasons I’ve just listed, was a suffocating slow death victory over one of the competition’s best attacking forces. Penrith quite simply didn’t have a player who rated less than a 7 in the most important game of the year. They were dialled-in BIGTIME!

A few observations if you will from last Sundays 14 points to 6 victory over Craig Bellamy’s Melbourne Storm:

* Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai are now the best pairing of halves in the history of our game. Playing 89 games together and winning a staggering 78 of those at 88% confirms this.

WITH MARK GEYER

* Ivan Cleary enters the ‘coaching stratosphere’ with not only what he’s done in years gone by, but the game plan he implemented in the Grand Final was sublime. Tiring out Harry Grant (who had to make 60 tackles) with a constant flow of big men heading his way to nulify his attacking brilliance was astute. Chasing the high ball but not attempting to jump for it in case of a stray finger tip, then surrounding the ball catcher with a pink wall was again brilliant. He also surpasses Craig Bellamy of ‘legit’ Grand Finals won.

* Liam Martin is one of the best BIG GAME players we’ve seen in the past decade.

* Isaah Yeo is like Royce Simmons

said, the best rugby league forward we’ve seen.

* Paul Alomoti proves that players will head to the foot of the mountain just to be sprinkled with the golden dust that glitters in Penrith.

* Mitch Kenny and Dylan Edwards are two players I wouldn’t swap with ANYONE in their same position in this comp.

* Lindsay Smith is ready and rearing to go as the alpha male of the forward pack. And so on and so on. The superlatives are justified and may they continue to ring.

What a year. What an incredible 5 years these Panthers have had. You’d be foolish to think they can’t make

it 5 wins in a row given the array of young Panthers waiting in the wings to emulate this current team of absolute superstars.

There have been some great ‘slogans’ followed by this team in recent years. This current one of ‘The last Dance” was highly apt.

As we turn our attention to next year I’m not sure what the next mantra adopted will be, but I do know one thing. #5in2025 has a good ring to it!

See you at the game.

Don’t forget, if you’re looking for a new car contact my great mate at Sinclair Hyundai, Toby Hughes.

MG (random Westie) OAM