Nepeannews 7june2018

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ISSUE 228

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Calling Penrith home

Based in Penrith: Penrith City Council Mayor, John Thain; NDIS Commissioner Delegate, Graeme Head; Minister for Social Services, Dan Tehan; Liberal Senator for Western Sydney, Marise Payne; Penrith City Council Deputy Mayor, Tricia Hitchen and Melissa Stratton and Sara Dubs from Thorndale Foundation in Penrith for the official opening of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Quality and Safeguards Commission. Full story page 8.

local news

By KeRRIE DAVIES

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HEAD of the State Budget later this month, local Labor candidates have labelled Treasurer Dominic Perrottet’s promise to address cost of living pressures in the upcoming budget a “hurtful con” - saying that NSW families have suffered through eight years of rising costs and record low wage growth under the Liberals and Nationals Government.

The NSW Opposition’s analysis of key cost of living pressures exposes massive increases in tolls, electricity bills, rent and house prices for Sydneysiders, according to Londonderry MP Prue Car. “If the Treasurer was serious about easing cost of living pressures, his Government wouldn’t be increasing tolls and wouldn’t be ignoring the rising cost of electricity,” Ms Car said.

“Whether it’s electricity or whether it’s general cost of living – people are finding it difficult to make ends meet. The Government needs to use this budget to address some of those challenges.

“As Western Sydney residents face these rising costs, the NSW Government continues to dither and neglect taking real action to reduce cost of living pressures.

Ms Car said that since 2011, the BerejiklianBarilaro Government has hit families in the hip pocket by reintroducing the M4 toll and selling the state’s electricity network - a sale that she says has sent bills soaring by 58 per cent.

“As families continue to experience a strain on

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their household budget, the Liberals are spending more than $2 billion on their Sydney Stadium splurge.

“Whilst the Treasurer waxes lyrical about a budget that “builds for tomorrow” the Government is nowhere to be seen on the issues of today.

“If the upcoming budget does not address the unfair toll on the M4 and rising electricity prices then it is a failure,” Mr Car said.

Labor Candidate for Penrith, Karen McKeown said she believed the government was ignoring Penrith families who say it is harder to make ends meet.

“Wages have flat lined, at a time when expenses continue to grow and with it the gap between those who can afford things and those who can’t is continuing to grow,” she said.

The NSW Budget will be handed down on June 19.

Nepean News 7 June 2018 Issue 228

Calls for Budget to address tolls

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Prue Car MP Member for Londonderry

Ph: 9833 1122 154 Queen Street, St Marys londonderry@parliament.nsw.gov.au

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From the Editor’s Desk

Nepean News 7 June 2018 Issue 228

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203 Banks Drive, St Clair Office: (02) 9834 5579 Editor: General Manager: Sales: Journalist: Sports Journalist: Sports Journalist: Graphic Design: Photographer: Printer: Letters to the Editor: Web:

Kerrie Davies 0422 067 644 Bart Bassett 0412 955 745 Larry Davis 0432 062 643 Keegan Thomson 0421 382 560 Conner Lowe 0404 419 346 Stewart Moses 0417 680 533 Stacey Fortescue 0420 319 893 Hilary Nathan Media 0402 841 434 Pegasus Print Group, Blacktown nepeannews@aol.com www.wsnewsgroup.com

By KeRRIE DAVIES

T

HIS week I am feeling very proud and want to share the great news that my BFF Michael Creed, also known as Mikey, has become a ground-breaker of sorts - the pioneer of a first in Penrith.

No, it’s not because he is getting married to his gorgeous partner James following the changes to the marriage act - at which I have a starring role as bridemaid I might add - as incredibly exciting as that is.

It is that he and James are the proud owners of Thor’s Cafe in High Street, the first ever pet-friendly cafe in Penrith!

And people are flocking to Thor’s to enjoy a puppaccino - sorry cappuccino - with their pets in tow while they woof down the amazing food that Thor’s has to offer.

So, owners of well-behaved pets across the Nepean region, give it a go and take your pooch on a doggie date to Thor’s and tell Mikey that I said hello!

See the ad on page 12 for more information.

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Stuart Ayres MP Member for Penrith

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ouncil invites everyone to celebrate World Environment Day with a free BBQ and community fun day at the new Jordan Springs Community Hub on Saturday 16 June from 12 noon to 3pm.

Council and Lendlease have teamed up to organise plenty of fun activities for the whole family. Come along to: • find out about the Wianamatta Regional Park and threatened species with NPWS • get a free native plant and learn how to pot up seedlings with Greening Australia

• get creative with recycled materials with Reverse Garbage, and • get up close and personal with our native wildlife with Australian Wildlife Displays.

You can also attend short workshops on Water Wise Household Hacks; How to Eat Better and Avoid Food Waste; How to Create a Native Habitat Garden, and Sustainability at Home.

Visit penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/wed/ to find out more about the event and to register for the free workshops, as spaces are limited.

Phone: 4722 8660 Email: penrith@parliament.nsw.gov.au Shop 23, Tattersalls Centre, 510-534 High Street, Penrith

Nepean News 7 June 2018 Issue 228

Free World Environment Day event

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local news

S

tuart Ayres MP, Member for Penrith presented Malama Psarianos with a Premier’s Volunteer Recognition certificate.

The Premier’s Volunteer Recognition Program celebrates volunteering and acknowledges the desire to take part in community life across all ages.

“Volunteers like Malama do so much to make our local community stronger and it’s important we offer our thanks and recognition,” said Stuart Ayres.

Malama has been recognised for her 25 years of volunteering across numerous sectors including: the Greek voice of WOW FM, Clean up Australia Day, Keep Australia Beautiful, Winter Sleep Out and fundraising for many charities.

“It’s great to see people like Malama committed to volunteering and making a difference in our community,” added Stuart Ayres.

Stuart Ayres also announced that applications for the 2018 Premier’s Volunteer Recognition Program are now open and is encouraging locals to nominate community members who volunteer their time.

“Volunteers in Penrith are the backbone of our community and this program shows appreciation for their contributions,” Stuart Ayres said.

“Volunteers make a difference and it is important that we applaud these efforts.”

Minister responsible for volunteering, Mr Ray Williams said The Premier’s Volunteer Recognition Program celebrates the importance of volunteering.

“More than 2.1 million volunteers contribute an estimated $5 billion of value to local communities in NSW each year,” Mr Williams said.

“This program plays an important role in acknowledging and expressing gratitude for the selfless efforts of our volunteers.”

There are seven categories under the program, including people with over 40 years and over 25 years of volunteer service, significant volunteering at any age, newly retired people who have commenced or continued volunteering, and three student categories.

To date, the program has recognised the hard work of more than 21,000 volunteers from across NSW. For more information about the program or how to submit a nomination, visit: www.volunteering.nsw.gov. au/stories/premiers-volunteer-recognition-program

› Illegal dumper jailed A man operating in our neighbouring Hawkesbury region has become the first person to be jailed as a repeat waste offender under anti-dumping legislation introduced by the NSW Government in 2014.

He was sentenced to three years in prison, with a non-parole period of two years and three months, in the NSW Land and Environment Court.

He pleaded guilty to one charge of illegal transport of waste and four counts of illegal dumping of waste.

A Hawkesbury Council spokesperson said the man offered ‘free clean top soil’ to residents from the Hawkesbury and the wider Sydney region via flyers in letterboxes. However, after investigating deliveries of illegal fill, Hawkesbury City Council’s Regulatory Services Officers discovered the fill was not clean but contaminated with many items including asbestos, plastic, fibre cement sheeting, pipe, rubble and terracotta.

The Mayor of Hawkesbury said she hoped the tough anti-dumping legislation, and the jailing of the man would serve as a strong deterrent to any potential dumpers in future.

Nepean News 7 June 2018 Issue 228

Malama receives Premier’s Volunteer Recognition

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Nepean News 7 June 2018 Issue 228

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local news

Penrith home for NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission

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enator for Western Sydney and Minister for Defence Marise Payne has joined Minister for Social Services Dan Tehan in Penrith for the official opening of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Quality and Safeguards Commission.

The Commission will create 160 new local jobs in Penrith and will ensure local and all Australian NDIS participants receive quality services from providers and workers under the NDIS. Mr Tehan said half of all expected NDIS participants in NSW live in Sydney, of which a high proportion live in Western Sydney.

“Penrith is the ideal location for the Commission’s critical work,” Mr Tehan said. “The location also presents an excellent opportunity for growth in the local disability sector.”

Senator Payne welcomed the milestone announcement for the NDIS in Western Sydney.

“This is an important initiative and a significant acknowledgement of the importance of both Penrith and Western Sydney to the Government.

It also demonstrates the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring we provide the highest quality service through the NDIS at a local level, as well as creating 160 more jobs for the people of Western Sydney,” Senator Payne said.

The NDIS provider job market in

Penrith City Council Mayor, John Thain; NDIS Commissioner Delegate, Graeme Head; Minister for Social Services, Dan Tehan; Liberal Senator for Western Sydney, Marise Payne; Penrith City Council Deputy Mayor, Tricia Hitchen and Melissa Stratton and Sara Dubs from Thorndale Foundation.

NSW is set to double from almost 30,000 full-time equivalent positions in 2016 to almost 59,000 full-time equivalent positions in 2019.

The Commission will focus on education, capacity building and development, but it will also have

Liberal Senator for Western Sydney, Marise Payne with Melissa Stratton, Sara Dubs, CEO Belinda Colombrita and Moneka Richards from Thorndale Foundation.

compliance and enforcement powers.

The Turnbull Government allocated $209 million in the 2017-18 Budget for the establishment and operations of the Commission over four years.

The Commission will take over functions currently performed by

each state and territory as they reach full scheme. The Commission’s head office and its NSW and SA state offices will be operational from July 2018.

For more information, visit www. dss.gov.au/ndisqualitysafeguards.

Liberal Senator for Western Sydney, Marise Payne and Minister for Social Services, Dan Tehan with NDIS Commissioner Designate, Graeme Head; Penrith City Council Deputy Mayor, Tricia Hitchen and Thorndale Foundation CEO, Belinda Colombrita.

› Premier and PM host Aerotrpolis Investor forum More than 250 local and international business leaders gathered in Western Sydney this week for the Premier’s Aerotropolis Investor Forum, to discuss opportunities within the 10,000-hectare greenfield site surrounding the new Western Sydney Airport.

The forum highlighted the $20 billion dollar commitment being made by State, Federal and Local Governments into the delivery of transport, health and education infrastructure in the region; much of which is being delivered as part of the landmark

Western Sydney City Deal.

Speaking at the forum, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull described the City Deal as “a gamechanger,” with the focus on transforming Western Sydney into “one of the best places to live and work in Australia.”

The City Deal will deliver the transport infrastructure to connect the airport and aerotropolis with the broader Sydney network. Through the new North South Rail Link, Penrith will be joined to the

airport from day one; opening up new jobs, services and opportunities for local residents and businesses.

The airport precinct will be a major generator of economic activity and investment in Penrith.

The region will see the creation of a new urban development consisting of aviation intensive businesses and related industry; providing knowledge intensive jobs that relate to Penrith’s existing strengths in manufacturing, freight and logistics.

local news

By KeRRIE DAVIES

L

OCAL Rotary clubs across the region have joined forces once again to put on a fabulous night in celebration of our local cops for the annual Police Officer of the Year awards, Recognising the great work of the now combined stations under the Nepean Local Area Command, the audience were treated to an inside look into what our police officers do on a dayto-day basis and applaud their efforts as they received acknowledgement awards.

Police Legacy were given a funding boost which included the generous donations of $5,000 from Rotary and $1500 from Penrith City Council.

It was very apparent that the police officers who serve in our region often go above and beyond the call of duty in order to ensure our safety. Well done!

Nepean News 7 June 2018 Issue 228

Rotary hosts night of accolades for our local cops

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Nepean News 7 June 2018 Issue 228

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local news

Rossco to showcase our local young and talented

By CONNER LOWE

T

he Penrith community is about to get a taste of a wonderful and creative new project that is bound to have the audience gasping for more.

The show is called the ‘Rossco Roadshow’ with the concept of treating the audience to a night of fine dining and entertainment.

Local entertainer and producer Ross ‘Rossco’ Hutchinson has been in the entertainment industry for over 70 years, producing, entertaining, acting, choreographing and much more and has come up with his new project for the Penrith community to enjoy.

The first show will introduce five incredible young talents from across the Penrith, as well as Rossco and three of his top-line professional colleagues, Brett Thomas, David Cazalet and Marty Morton.

Rossco spoke about the talent that is set to perform in the show and the opportunity it gives the young performers to go that next level.

“The talent selected in this program has come about as I always make myself available to adjudicate and judge talent performances,” he said.

“I believe that these talented youngsters are part of a vast reservoir that doesn’t get the chance to take their performances to the next level.

“This opportunity provides them with the experience of working in another dimension and being inspired by top line professionals, who will be working with them.”

Rossco’s work in television, theatre, film, cabaret, musical theatre and radio, has been seen all around Australia and Internationally.

In addition, he’ll be bringing his talents to the production of many award-winning TV commercials as Casting Director and Choreographer.

These events, plus the hundreds of other shows Ross has written, produced, choreographed and performed in over the years, has put him in a special class of his own in the entertainment world.

Rossco also spoke about the possibility of opening the door for more young performers and to ultimately give them a chance to grow.

“It will be a sensational show and a complete night of dining and entertainment,” he said.

“Hopefully this is the forerunner of a series of opportunities for many talented youngsters including our disabled, to grow themselves personally and professionally. I have created this atmosphere in one of the function rooms of the family-orientated Penrith Paceway.”

The show will give five young talents the chance to perform and grow in the industry to potentially take their career to a higher level. The performers Arena McLellan, Breanna Oakes, Emily Nkomo, Natasha Tatarinoff and Omar Maayah will have the opportunity to do what they love and entertain an audience alongside some very experienced entertainers.

Here is what the performers have had to say about the opportunity: “I absolutely love performing, I have performed with Justice Crew, for charity work, Royal Caribbean, corporate gigs and shows. I hope to continue my life performing as it’s what I love to do. The Rossco Roadshow will be a great show to expose my talent at as it’s a different crowd and I love showing new people what I can do as well as getting a good reaction from them,” Breanna said.

“I think a show like this is fantastic for exposing up and coming performers to the professional side of the industry in enabling them to work in a professional environment but with industry experts and I really am very thankful to Ross and those involved in this production for selecting me to be a part of such awesome show,” Arena said.

“I feel that the Rossco Roadshow is an unmissable opportunity for young talent. We are

able to not only to expose our talent, but also to learn from the professionals performing with us. We also get to learn from the best, Ross himself, and learn information about the business you can’t find anywhere else,“ Emily said.

“Opportunities like the Rossco Roadshow don’t come by too often, I believe I was at the right place at the right time to have met such a talented and caring person who has given up his time to teach me and my group the world of entertainment. Since meeting Ross, I have been exposed to radio interviews, local papers and many other future possibilities that are underway. I feel very blessed to have met Ross,” Natasha said.

“This is something that will see the launch of something new and exciting that will be beyond what I ever thought was possible. Not only providing us, the performers, a chance to showcase our passion for performing arts to many external sources but also to hit the hearts of many with our choice of song,” Omar said.

Rossco said tickets for this Saturday night were selling out fast so anybody wishing to experience the dinner and show need to call him pretty quickly!

“This night promises be a night so special you will want to be a part of it. As time is of the essence, I am looking forward to hearing from you promptly as seats are limited,” he said.

Penrith Paceway Showroom, Saturday 9th of June 7pm, bookings are essential – 0247212620.

Proceeds will fund the Charities and Missions works of The Ross Hutchison Foundation.

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local news

The Saintsgirls with their ‘glad-wrapped’ car. From left to right: Belinda Kay, Yvette Haines & Cathy Rowley

By KeRRIE DAVIES

A

very weary, but elated, allgirl team from St Marys Rugby League Club have returned from this year’s NSW Variety Bash with a whole new appreciation of the difference Variety The Children’s Charity makes.

Marketing Manager Cathy Rowley, Chief Financial Officer Belinda Kay and Yvette Haines, Marketing, Community and Sponsorship Coordinator were given

The Saints girls handing out free footballs at one of the schools along the way. From left to right: Cathy Rowley, Yvette Haines & Belinda Kay

the opportunity to participate in the fundraising event by the Club’s board and jumped at the chance to take part.

Trading in their high heels and office attire, the three women donned numerous crazy outfits and took to the road for 7 days of driving through country NSW. The week-long Bash starting in Newcastle, took the team to Glen Innes, Narrabri, Forbes, Griffith, Orange and Mudgee.

A record 106 cars took part in the epic 2,000km journey raising funds for Variety, visiting schools and organisations along the way and

The Saints girls ‘pinking’ it up! From left to right: Belinda Kay, Yvette Haines & Cathy Rowley

seeing first-hand the impact Variety has in these country NSW towns.

After a bit of a false start with a flat battery, a flat tyre and having their car glad-wrapped in the name of sportsmanship, the St Marys Rugby League team in Car 2760 threw themselves into driving their 1977 Ford Fairlane across NSW. “I was really looking forward to taking part,” said Marketing, Community and Sponsorship Coordinator Yvette Haines, “but I never expected it to have such an impact on me. To see the faces of so

many kids light up as we rolled into town in these banged up old cars is something I don’t think I’ll ever forget.”

“Variety is a charity we have supported for many years,” added Marketing Manager Cathy Rowley.

“This year the Club donated over $20,000 to this event and we’re thrilled to learn that the Bash itself raised a record $1,000,000.”

Asked if she would participate in next year’s Bash, Cathy responded by saying “Absolutely, we just need to work on more costume ideas.”

Village Cafe wins Zest Award

M

ost of us know the old saying ‘It takes a village to raise a child’ but the reality is that it takes a village to live well and grow old too. The village, or community, that each of us is a part of, can have an important impact on our overall state of health and wellbeing.

Prompted by this philosophy, the ‘Village Café’ was introduced last year as part of the Penrith Health Action Plan (a joint initiative between Wentworth Healthcare, Penrith City

Council and Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District).

And we were thrilled that this year’s Zest Awards, which celebrate exceptional people and projects that make a difference in the community of Western Sydney, recognised the Village Café for ‘Exceptional Partnership in a Local Government Area’.

The Village Café is a fortnightly pop-up cafe in North St Marys, one of our region’s most disadvantaged areas.

This project was initiated in response to an identified need in North St Marys, where older people were presenting at hospital with preventable health issues and had particularly low rates of health screening.

The Café offers older residents the opportunity to improve their social connections within their neighbourhood and to engage with services that support for their health and wellbeing in a relaxed, informal

setting over a free cup of tea or coffee.

While at the Café, residents can engage in activities that encourage social connection, receive advice from health professionals on exercise, nutrition, mental and emotional wellbeing and health screening, and receive free services such as vaccinations and blood sugar testing.

All participants also receive free fruit and vegetable packs provided by WestCare.

Nepean News 7 June 2018 Issue 228

Girl Power shakes up the Variety Bash!

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14

Legends of the Nepean Don Holland

By Noel Rowsell

L

eonay resident Don Holland stands alongside other legendary names such as Brock, Bond, Geoghan, Moffat, Gardner (and others) as an icon of Australian Motor Racing history.

Holland’s driving career encompassed a staggering fiftyfive years behind the wheel of a competitive race car, on tracks throughout both Australia and New Zealand.

His illustrious career includes nineteen Long Distance Races (initially 500 miles, then 1,000 kilometres) at the famous Mount Panorama circuit in Bathurst – the sternest test of any race car driver in Australia.

Holland began his racing career as a fresh-faced 21-year old in 1961, driving an Austin Healey at Warwick Farm and finishing second in his firstever race.

Holland also set a lap record in the event, which equalled the time set

Don Holland in action on Bathurst’s famous The Dipper.

later in the day by Jaguar driver Pete Geoghan in the Touring Class event, underlining the huge potential of the then-young Holland.

The cars driven by Holland during his career include Austin Healey, Mini Cooper S, Mazda RX-3, Ford Capri, Torana XU-1, Torana LH SLR5000 and A9X, then back to Mazda in an RX-7 before eventually finishing his racing career in the Formula Ford

Open Wheel category.

During his extensive career, Holland raced at many tracks, some of which are now just faint memories and others still in use today.

The most astonishing achievement is setting lap records at every track he raced on during his career.

The extensive list of tracks includes Catalina, Warwick Farm, Oran Park, Amaroo Park, Adelaide Raceway,

Don Holland was nominated as a Legend of the Nepean by Ron Bradley.

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

Don Holland at home, alongside his photo collage from his Bathurst ‘Long Distance’ races from 1963 to 1981.

Surfers Paradise, Lakeside, Calder, Sandown, Wakefield, Simmons Plains, Phillip Island, Hampton Down (NZ), Bay Park and Mount Maunganui.

One of Holland’s ‘hairiest memories’ is of course at Bathurst, whilst piloting a Torana L34 down Conrod Straight at 174mph (275kph).

Holland said “The front wheels came up as we came over the second hump, which was unnerving”.

“Luckily, I kept my foot on the accelerator and the front came down again, otherwise we would have gone straight over”.

The Bathurst track was also the venue of an Easter Race Event for many years and Holland was photographed in both 1971 and subsequently in 1973, coming down through The Dipper with his two near side wheels several feet off the ground – identical situations / images two years apart.

Holland had five Class wins at Bathurst and finished outright in every position from third to fourteenth, during his nineteen-year career at the famous track.

Among his many successes, Holland also had a third outright

and a Class win at both the Surfer’s Paradise 6-hour and 12-hour races.

The end of Holland’s Bathurst racing career did not however end his involvement at the Mount Panorama circuit, as he undertook the significant duties and responsibilities of driving the Pace Car for a further three years.

Holland is still working as a Test Driver several times per year, plus is an avid builder of Formula Ford Kent engines.

Whilst the racing enthusiasm may have waned in recent years, Holland would like nothing better than to get one more drive in a Torana A9-X,

Don’s #3 Mini alongside his team’s Austin Healey on an old magazine cover.

perhaps the greatest Supercar of it’s era.

“It would be like turning 30 again to get behind the wheel of the A9-X”.

In a fitting postscript, Don’s 51-year old son David is currently racing in the Historic Formula Ford Series.

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local news

Coming into the cooler months, we often see arthritis in our pets. Arthritis is a painful and debilitating condition caused by wear and tear on the joints, leading to joint inflammation and degeneration. We typically see arthritis in older, large and active dogs. However smaller, less active dogs and cats can be affected.

Early onset arthritis is a common complication of other joint issues. This can include congenital problems like hip, elbow or shoulder dysplasia and patella luxation. Cruciate rupture is a common injury in both young and old dogs that requires surgical repair. Even with surgery we expect to see arthritis develop in the affected joint.

Signs of arthritis developing are commonly an animal appearing stiff, having difficulty rising and seeming to be generally slowing down. This can progress to lameness, reduced exercise intolerance and behavioural changes. Some animals may snap or growl when touched if an area is very painful.

Some dogs will collapse and not be able to walk.

Cats will often have more subtle signs of pain than dogs. Owners may see reduced grooming, reduced appetite, increased sleeping and reluctance to jump onto high surfaces. Cats will often start to make

multiple smaller jumps like using a chair to get on a table rather than jumping directly onto the table. As they are generally less active, it can be easier to miss the signs of arthritis in cats.

Arthritis can be diagnosed by radiographs of the joints. A general anaesthetic is often required to enable correct positioning for radiographs to be taken. This also screens for more serious diseases like bone cancer. If joint abnormalities are ruled out referral for more advanced imaging (CT or MRI) to look at the soft tissues and nerves may be required.

A presumptive diagnosis of arthritis can be made on clinical signs and history. Treatment can often be started before radiographs are taken or if an anaesthetic is deemed unsafe for a patient.

Happily, there are a range of treatments available to slow the progress of arthritis and manage pain

effectively. Dietary supplements including omega 3 oils, glucosamine, chondroitin and rosehip reduce joint inflammation. Prescription diets are available that have supplements manufactured into the food.

There are oral pain relief and anti-inflammatory medications, similar to those we use in humans. A blood screen to assess the liver and kidney function are recommended before long term use of these medications in older dogs and cats. There is a series of injections for arthritis in dogs and cats unique to the veterinary world. The injections are given weekly for 4 weeks and the effects will normally last for 6-12 months. They reduce joint inflammation, provide building blocks for cartilage and helps to thicken the joint fluid. Acupuncture, which we offer at our clinic, can be used in conjunction with medical therapy and supplements to help improve mobility and reduce pain.

Strict rest may be required if an injury occurs but low impact activity is recommended for animals with arthritis to help maintain joint mobility and prevent muscle wastage. This may include a slow walk around the block, swimming or for smaller animals even just pottering around the house may be sufficient. We can provide additional comfort by simple changes like providing comfortable bedding, keeping animals inside and fitting warm jackets. If you have any questions about arthritis management please call the clinic.

Coreen Avenue Veterinary Clinic Units 2 & 3/117 Coreen Ave, Penrith NSW 2750

The G Spot

This month folks I am going to enlighten you on another pet hate that I have, the beloved grocery shopping.

Yes there you have it, I have revealed more about myself, first obsessive compulsive disorder with my granny undies and now my hate of shopping.

The shops are open till midnight every night however every man and his dog including the 198,000 population of Penrith want to shop at lunchtime Saturday or Sunday. I would rather roll on a porcupine than push a trolley through price checks, crowd noise, domestics and kids tantrums in aisle 3.

So when I enter one of these establishments called a shopping centre, any serenity that I once had is slowly stripped from me. I guess the love for shops (not) came from my stint as a loss prevention security officer (LPO) many many moons ago.

(Which I may add that I detested, hated, vomit-loathed – guess you get the picture - I was not keen on the job).

You knew once you were a LPO that you were really high on the food chain of the department store employee list, sharing our arrest and statement room with the cleaning apparatus - the dirty brooms, wet mops, staff lockers and unwanted stock, piled to the ceilings.

The department store staff hated us and it was almost like someone screamed “Bomb Threat” when we entered the lunch room, clearing it in a few seconds (Which was good for finding seating).

We also had a quota placed on us of about 15-25 hits a week (meaning positive arrests with return of stock) which was really stupid because some LPO’s would false arrest to meet the pressures of the quota.

I think the best one I ever had was this guy that had everything from the kitchen sink on him, however once I got him in the crap pile room - I mean the statement room - he was able to discard the goods into the piles of crap already in there without the blink

Phone 47 313 055

With Gina Field, Nepean Regional Security

of an eye or movement of the hand.

The dude could steal you and you wouldn’t know it, if you stood still long enough (certainly experienced in his craft).

A lady with two frozen chooks in between her legs under a skirt, so not only did I have to get the chooks back (Slightly defrosted) I also had to treat her for frostbite.

Another with a typewriter up her dress, places a new meaning to writing without hands (or hands free) yeah I know not funny….. I will stop with the jokes …promise.

Had a man chuck a fake epileptic fit in the statement room throwing mops, brooms, and stock everywhere, which really annoyed me because I just cleaned the dump up and could actually get to the desk without climbing over crap.

Yeah baby I have seen it all... the junkies, the drunks, the people who have suddenly found God after being caught and promised to repent their

sins if I let them go, the fake fainting, the bribes, the people who load up their kids with stolen goods (heroes) and those who steal because they want to, have to and of course the people that need to. However I believe all come under the same banner “Thieves” and it is as plain and simple as that!

Another ironic thing was that once we caught the offenders we would be locked up with them (alone) in a room smaller than my car boot and some offenders were fresh out of prison. (I was young and bulletproof ey?) No cameras in those days, just hand-written statements, lots of luck, stupidity and balls of steel I guess?

So there you have it folks I hate grocery shopping (tick) Stealing is NOT okay (tick) If ya gonna steal a chook in between ya legs make sure it is defrosted first so you don’t get Hypothermia (Tick) and be a rebel shop on a Friday night at 10pm ( go on you can do it, I dare ya).

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Nepean News 7 June 2018 Issue 228

Arthritis in our pets

17

Nepean News 7 June 2018 Issue 228

18

ENTERTAINMENT

Letters to Lindy

F

illed with humour and heartbreak, this stunning work, Letters to Lindy, by awardwinning playwright Alana Valentine (Parramatta Girls, Head Full of Love) explores the public’s relationship with Lindy Chamberlain - one of 20th century Australia’s most iconic figures.

The story captivated a nation. A mother accused of murdering her child, her claim that the baby was taken by a dingo denied and discredited by zealous police and a flawed legal system. The media circus, the rumours, the mob mentality, and a nation’s prejudices laid bare.

Over three decades, from baby Azaria’s death to the final coroner’s report, the public wrote more than 20,000 letters to Lindy. From sympathy to abuse, letters from children and letters from those who have lost a child, these letters traverse the gamut of human response to Lindy’s story.

Letters to Lindy draws on this correspondence, as well as extensive interviews with Lindy ChamberlainCreighton herself, to create an enthralling, moving, and long overdue dialogue between Lindy and the nation.

Directed by Darren Yap and featuring the critically acclaimed performance from Jeanette Cronin as Lindy Chamberlain-Creighton, Letters to Lindy provides a deep insight into one

Source: Wikipedia

of the most compelling legal and human dramas of our times. It paints a singular portrait of the heartbreak, wisdom and resilience of a grieving mother and her 30-year fight for justice.

A poignant story and a reminder that the criminal justice system sometimes does get it wrong, and the human cost of these errors.

A story not to be missed – tickets on sale now at The Joan box office 4723 7600 or online www.thejoan.com.au Standard $65 | Concession $60 | Under 30s $30.

Produced by the Merrigong Theatre Company in Wollongong and proudly supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW.

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Saturday 16 JUNE - 8PM Socceroo’s & Rugby Union on Big Screen

Nepean News 7 June 2018 Issue 228

20

ENTERTAINMENT

CROSSWORD ACROSS 1 Humbleness (8) 5 Monkey-bread tree (6) 9 Insolvent (8) 10 Discarded food (6) 12 The official language of

Iceland (9) 13 Community (5) 14 Kill (4) 16 Take one’s clothes off (7) 19 Give a title to someone (7) 21 Singlet (4) 24 King or Empress (5) 25 Sentries (9) 27 Frank (6) 28 Cathedral (8) 29 Gets pleasure from

causing pain (6) 30 Resembling a tree in

form (8)

DOWN 1 A composite (6) 2 Fixed (6) 3 Insect stage (5) 4 Lukewarmly (7) 6 Honors (9) 7 Grow on trees (8) 8 Unwarranted (8) 11 Beige (4) 15 Freedoms (9) 17 Withdraws (8) 18 Sloped (8) 20 Nature of being (4) 21 Having a superior position (7) 22 American neighbor (6) 23 Land surrounded by water (6) 26 A poem by Homer (5)

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Nepean News 7 June 2018 Issue 228

The Legend of the Death Bird (Part1)

21

By Jack Brook Blacktown and District Historical Society

S

tories of the Death Bird are to be found throughout Darug, Dharawal and Gundungurra tribal areas, all within 110km of Sydney. There remains a oral history of a bird or bad spirit, known by various names such as Duwan, Dthuwanggobg or Twan.

When Jim Kohen and I were gathering material for our book, The Parramatta Native Institution and the Black Town: A History, we were told by two ladies of Darug descent ( Mrs J Workman and Mrs H Tangye) about the Duwan. Both women trace their lineage back to Yarramundi, “ Chief of the Richmond Tribes”, his daughter Maria and his son, Colebee.

The ladies knew of the Duwan being an evil-omen bird, which appeared before the death of a near relative. Both described in vivid detail how this large black bird with red eyes and a piercing scream visited them to foretell of an imminent death.

Not only Aboriginal people believed the legend. Many descendants of early Hawkesbury pioneers believe in the association of this particular bird and a warning of death. The residents of Hawkesbury knew that the legend came from the Aborigines. Rex Stubbs, who was a descendent of Hawkesbury pioneers, wrote in 1982 of a number of incidents along the river concerning the bird and various deaths. He wrote “During the First World War time after time the death bird foretold the death of local boys serving at the front”. One woman who lost two sons and three nephews heard the call three days before she received the news of each death. Her nerves were so shattered that she left the district.

Another incident happened in 1931 at Mangrove Creek. A new settler heard the call every night for a week. He asked the locals what it was and they told him. Two days later a letter arrived informing him of the unexpected death of his brother. One must decide is it a coincidence, a legend or one of the mysteries of the universe.

This legendary “Messenger of Death”, the Duwan, is reputed to be a white-winged Chough, which according to the Slatter Field Guide to Australian Birds, is a sociable black mud nest with a white patch in the wing, obvious in flight. Usually in small flocks numbering 6-10...with red eyes”, it’s description is similar to a Currawong, with the eyes a different colour. It is a common resident in woodland, Dry Scleopyll forest and scrubland in southern and eastern Australia.

During the early 1900s, a Blacktown resident, Mr W E Francis, met a “grand old man, then nearly eighty years of age” on the Eastern Creek Bridge on the Great Western Road some two miles from Doonside railway station. The elderly man, an Aboriginal, was walking to Bathurst from Parramatta. He claimed to be a descendant of the Bungarribee Tribe. His story was as follows: In the early days of his grandparents, his grandmother’s sister, Wandah, a belle of the tribe of about 15 years old, was claimed as his wife by an old man, the brother of the “chief” or elder. Marriages were settled without any sanction of the bride to be in those days, and refusal to become the wife of the man, who had received

the “chief’s” consent to his claim, on the part of the woman meant undergoing a severe tribal ordeal which unusually resulted in the death of the transgressor.

Wandah was also sought out as a wife by a young warrior of the tribe, noted for his great feats of strength and endurance while on hunting expeditions and his secret wooing was acceptable to the girl who detested the thought of becoming the wife of the older aspirant, whom she loathed.

Bomeree, the young lover tried to persuade Wandah to run away with him to the distant mountains beyond the Nepean River but Wandah knew they would never be free from the fear of death at the hands of the avengers, men of the tribe who would be detailed to track them down for breaking tribal law. The only alternative for Wandah was to refuse the old man as a husband and trust in her ability to survive the tribal ordeal instead.

This meant that Wandah must stand in front of a tree only twelve paces from the old man who was allowed five spears to throw at her to take away her life. Wandah would only have a small wooden shield on one arm with which to defend herself. Much to the distress of her younger lover she decided to risk this ordeal for if she survived, it would leave her free to marry the younger warrior.

The tribe assembled near the waterhole on the right hand side of the hunting track (now the Great Western Highway close to Eastern Creek bridge facing east). This waterhole then contained plenty of fish. The tribe had prepared for the wedding feast for several days hunting and fishing, and although many knew Wandah did not desire to marry the old man they were all astounded when on the day of the ceremony she refused to take part. ....To be continued next issue

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Nepean News 7 June 2018 Issue 228

22

FINANCE AND REAL ESTATE MATTERS

REVIEW YOUR HOME LOAN INTEREST RATES REGULARLY AND SAVE With Steve Beard Select Mortgage Broker

I

f you haven’t reviewed your home loans for a few years, you should do so as you can save thousands of dollars each year. A lot of people are paying around 4.3 to 4.6 percent or higher. Some lenders are offering variable rates as low as 3.68 percent and fixed rates of 3.72 percent for 2 years.

The table below shows the approximate savings if you are currently paying 4.4 percent. The savings in the first year are less as I have allowed $1,000 to cover the bank fees for leaving your existing lender, bank fees to start with a new lender plus government fees to discharge and register a single mortgage.

Current Mortgage

Current New interest rate interest rate

Savings in Annual first year (less savings fees) thereafter *

$300,000

4.4 percent

3.7 percent $1,100

$2,100

$400,000

4.4 percent

3.7 percent $1,800

$2,800

$500,000

4.4 percent

3.7 percent $2,500

$3,500

* Your saving would decrease slightly each subsequent year as your loan balance is reduced of course.

If you also have revolving credit card debts and

don’t have the ability to repay all of these debts in full within the next 3-6 months, then you should also consider consolidating these debts into loan secured by your home.

To maximise the savings, the trick is to have a separate loan over the shortest period that you can afford. If you take this debt over say 30 years, you may not get any benefit even though the interest rate is a lot lower.

Credit Card Debt

Home loan interest paid at 3.7% repaid over 5 yrs

Savings if repaid over 5 year

Home loan interest paid at 3.7% repaid over 3 yrs

Savings if repaid over 3 years

$10,000

$8,632

$969

$7,663

$581

$8,051

$20,000

$17,264

$1,938

$15,326

$1,162

$16,102

$30,000

$25,896

$2,907

$22,989

$1,743

$24,153

These figures presume that the credit card is not used and the debt is repaid in full over the stated period. A lot of Australians only make the minimum payment each month and are not reducing their monthly balances. The table shows that purchases of $10,000 could cost you an extra 86 percent if it takes you 10 years to repay that debt (at 14 percent).

Also, a lot of people have credit cards with interest rates around 20 percent if they have reward points or over 30 percent if they had an interest free period as well.

SELECT MORTGAGE FINANCE

Current Credit Card interest paid at 14% repaid over 10 yrs

Don’t let your debts control you. Take action now to take control and reduce your interest rates and overall debt. Put yourself in a stronger financial position so you can handle any future negative events and to protect yourself so you never have to be forced to sell your home.

Last month I wrote about the declining Sydney property prices. More evidence of this escalating decline was last weekends’ property auction clearance rate falling to a 6 year low of only 52 percent of the 699 reported auctions.

I think it is almost certain that property prices in Sydney will reduce even further in the short term. If and when interest rates rise again, some people who are overcommitted will be forced to sell, especially if their incomes are reduced for whatever reason.

When property price fall, some people have declining confidence in their forward planning for spending money and investing.

Prepare yourself for your financial future today.

Talk to your trusted mortgage broker or me anytime.

Please do not hesitate to contact me on 4739 4500, 0403 166207 or beards@selectgrp.com.au if you want to discuss your situation, any financial matters or have any Home Finance questions that I can assist you with. This information is of a general nature and should consider your own situation carefully before making any decisions.

Phone: 4739 4500 Mobile: 0403 166 207 Email: beards@selectgrp.com.au Award winning mortgage broker

Light up your home with natural light A well-illuminated home is always more inviting than a dark, poorly lit one. But not all light is created equal and the benefits of natural light, which include improved moods and health, far outweigh those of traditional lighting sources. Discover how Solatube’s Daylighting Systems can enhance your home and quality of life.

A

ustralians love the outdoors and if we had our way we’d be spending much more of our time outside. Unfortunately most people spend up to 90 per cent of their time inside and this means less exposure to natural light – a situation that can have a negative effect on your health.

Spending time inside also tends to increase exposure to artificial light sources, such as computer screens and televisions. More natural light can help to counteract this. An affordable, simple and quick solution is to install a Solatube Daylighting System. This system allows natural light into your house without transferring the heat.

Natural is best Natural light can improve your health and well-being by releasing serotonin that boosts energy levels and your overall mood. But it’s not always practical to spend time outside, which is where the Solatube Daylighting System comes in.

“Exposure to adequate amounts of natural light has been proven to encourage people to exercise more and to help them maintain regular circadian rhythms, which influence daily sleep

and waking patterns,” says Solatube’s Brett Dickson.

By effectively capturing and bringing daylight into your interiors from the early morning until late afternoon, Solatube’s solutions can improve your health while reducing your need to rely on other traditional sources of lighting.

Increase your home’s buyer appeal and market value How often have you seen a property promoted with the words: “light-filled interiors”? Real estate agent John Smyth of The Madison Agency in Sydney’s

north, says skylights add value to a home: “The amount of natural light a home receives can influence its appeal, the length of time it’s on the market and its sale price,” he explains. “A skylight enhances a room even on overcast days.”

Adding aesthetics, form and function Natural light provides an easy way to enhance your home, but Solatube doesn’t stop there. We also have various lighting fixtures and accessories to further enhance your interiors - and

suit your home’s style and aesthetics.

From practical, elegant and dazzling Decorative Lighting Fixtures; wallmounted daylight dimmers; stylish add-on kits to keep your home bright long after nightfall; to ‘effect lenses’, which adjust the light and offer choices to soften or warm the light colour.

A Solatube Daylighting System is one of the easiest, quickest and most affordable ways to effectively bring the right amount of natural light into your home to help improve its look and your health.

SPORT

By CONNER LOWE

T

he Penrith Valley Sports Foundation has awarded Alex Muir the Sky Encouragement Award for the month of April for his amazing development and skill in little athletics.

Alex throughout the year is involved with various sports including little athletics, soccer and cricket in the summer. Alex has excelled in all sports being selected in the Penrith representative junior cricket team and winning multiple events in little athletics.

Alex this year finished first in the 1100m walk for the U/10’s group in little athletics NSW State Track and Field Championships on the 25th March.

Alex spoke about how he felt to receive the award and his achievements in little athletics.

“I am really happy and excited to be selected for the award,” he said.

“Last year I got a Bronze Medal and this year I received a gold medal at Little Athletic State Championships,

which is the highest level I can go at this age.

“The last two years at the presentation for Nepean little athletics I have been awarded the ‘best achievement’ trophy in the club and I have been picked to represent the Penrith junior cricket rep team for 2018/19.”

Alex is an extremely enthusiastic and talented walker who puts 100 per cent in all his competitive races.

Alex has trained three days per week

for the past year and is extremely dedicated to keep improving his skill and technique. Through his hard work he went from finishing third in last year’s State Championships to first in this year’s State Championships for his age.

Alex also spoke about his training and how far he wants to go in athletics.

“I train three times a week all year around with my coach, Annette Tillman and compete in the summer at Nepean Little Athletics on a Friday

night,” he said.

“I also have started sometimes competing with the winter NSW walking club.

“I would love to compete for Australia in the future Olympics, but my next big race is the NSW winter road walking competition which is in June at the Regatta Centre.”

We would like to congratulate Alex on his award from Penrith Valley Sports Foundation and to continue his success in his sport for the future.

Colonial Werrington footgolfers World Cup bound

By CONNER LOWE

T

wo Nepean locals Klim Veljanoski and Giuseppe Murdica are on their way to the Footgolf World Cup in December.

Klim and Giuseppe are both FIFG World tour footgolf players with a huge soccer back ground after both playing at the Australian State League level.

The pair represent the Colonial Werrington club when competing at the Australian Open World Tour Series. They compete in the Open Men’s category which is the highest level for the sport and serves as a qualifier for the Footgolf World Cup in December, hosted in Morocco.

Although not new to the game of soccer, the pair are fairly new to footgolf with Klim first taking up the sport in October last year. Klim has finished first in two Australian Open Series events at Colonial Werrington footgolf course setting an equal course record and achieving the course record at the Jamberoo footgolf course.

Klim spoke about competing in the sport and what he wants to achieve come time for the World Cup. “Very excited to compete again, brought back memories of my younger sporting days,” he said.

“My plan is to become Australia’s highest ranked player leading into the World Cup and at this stage I am training twice a week at our home base colonial golf course in Werrington.”

Giuseppe won his debut Australian Open Series at Horizons Golf Resort in Salamander Bay. Giuseppe has only been training for the sport since late February and achieved an amazing -3 score to claim first place. Klim finished third in the same event with some top ranked Australian players competing in the event.

Giuseppe spoke about his first footgolf event and his preparations for the upcoming World Cup. “I really enjoyed it. It was a great experience to play on one of the best courses and against the best ranked

players in Australia,” he said.

“To continue to build my match play, compete in the upcoming events and be in the best possible condition leading into the World Cup in December.”

The highlight for Giuseppe and Klim is achieving these series wins early in their footgolf careers, which has qualified them to represent Australia in the Footgolf World Cup. To represent Australia in the Footgolf World Cup at the end of the year in Marrakech, Morocco, the pair would appreciate any sponsors or support that can help assist them on their trip.

The World Cup will take place between the 9th and 16th of December. The cost of participating in the World Cup (travelling and accommodation expenses + uniforms) is around $45,000. Klim and Giuseppe will be doing different fundraising events in the upcoming months to raise funds for their trip.

If you would like to donate go to: https://asf.org.au/donate/footgolfaustralia-incorporated/team-australia2018-footgolf-world-cup-fund/

Nepean News 7 June 2018 Issue 228

PVSF Sky Encouragement Award

23

Celebrity

ROUND 14

ROUND 15

CAN gct man NEW PAR CRO MEL BUL PAR NQC SYD BUL STG CRO NEW WES PAN sou nzw SYD NQC WES BRI STG SOU NZW PAN GCT MAN BRI MEL CAN June 8 6.00pm

June 8 7.55pm

June 9 3.00pm

June 9 5.30pm

June 9 7.30pm

June 10 June 10 2.00pm 4.10pm

June 11 4.00pm

June 14 7.50pm

June 15 6.00pm

Jeff Watson - Club President, St Marys Band Club - 9623 1211

June 15 7.55pm

June 16 June 16 June 16 June 17 June 17 3.00pm 5.30pm 7.35pm 2.00pm 4.10pm

SCORE

BONUS POINTS FOR PERFECT DOUBLE ROUNDS: ROUND 12 & 13

130 Sharon Spindler - Aussie - 0449 954 497

120 Romano Garofali - Nepean Pools - 4722 9201

110 Victor Glanville - Vic’s Maxi Transport - 4732 2195

126 Brett McVea - National Locksmiths - 1300 897 170

110 Toby Hughes - Sinclair Hyundai - 4720 1111

118 Daniel Galea - Adenbrook Homes - 9622 4091

114 Vic Shipley - Powersmart Electrical - 0415 982 093

122 John Thain - Penrith City Mayor - 0411 427 812

110 Iris Russell -Benard VenueBratusa Manager, Pioneer Tavern - 4736 4466 Councillor

116 Thor Thor’s- Cafe Aaron- Tyres @print- 4721 0292

124

TIPSTERS ROUND 14

ROUND 15

CAN gct man NEW PAR CRO MEL BUL PAR NQC SYD BUL STG CRO NEW WES PAN sou nzw SYD NQC WES BRI STG SOU NZW PAN GCT MAN BRI MEL CAN June 8 6.00pm

June 8 7.55pm

June 9 3.00pm

June 9 5.30pm

June 9 7.30pm

June 10 June 10 2.00pm 4.10pm

June 11 4.00pm

June 14 7.50pm

June 15 6.00pm

June 15 7.55pm

June 16 June 16 June 16 June 17 June 17 3.00pm 5.30pm 7.35pm 2.00pm 4.10pm

SCORE

Mark Geyer - Nepean News columnist

110 Prue Car - Member for Londonderry - 9833 1122

112 Councillor Aaron Duke - 0404 085 981

104 Peter Zaccazan - Zac Homes - 1300 350 793

92 Paul Wallace - Property Central - 0412 272 407

108 Jim Hill - Nepean Solar - 0425 281 626

108 Emma Husar - Member for Lindsay - 4722 0600 - www.emmahusar.com.au

118 Steve Beard - Select Mortgage - 0403 166 207

108 Aaron Tyers - @print - 4731 5055

108 Brock Shepperd - Wests Harold Matthews Coach

130 Sharon Mudiman - Bespoke Realty Group - 0413 757 998 Nicole Keene - Blink Property - 1300 629 610

110

Nepean News 7 June 2018 Issue 228

26

SPORT

PENRITH PANTHERS

GOLDEN POINTS with Stew Moses

@TheRiffMarn

ITS 2003 ALL OVER AGAIN AS PANTHERS STADIUM CROWDS SURGE Penrith’s second sell-out home game of the season has ensured that with an average of 16,500 fans packing out Panthers Stadium thus far in 2018, the Panthers are on track to record their highest season attendances since the heady days of 2003-14 when the crowd averaged 17-18,000 home crowds.

The Penrith fan-base certainly know a winner when they see one and results like the recent 28-2 win over the Dragons, will only serve to fuel the community’s renewed love with their footy team over the remaining five home games, reviving memories of those 200304 years when a Panthers home game was the hottest ticket in town.

Having had minimal representation in the NSW Blues side under previous Blues coach, Laurie Daley, the Panthers are back from the Origin wilderness with a bang under former Panthers legend, Brad Fittler.

The four Panthers picked – Reagan CampbellGillard, Nathan Cleary, James Maloney and Tyrone Peachey, gives Penrith its highest Origin representation since Game 3, 2010 and highest for NSW since Game since Game 1, 2004.

In addition, the Panthers are represented by Greg Alexander, as Fittler’s chief advisor and referees’ coach Luke Phillips.

The Panthers link expands even further when you consider both James Roberts and Damien Cook once played at the club.

Whilst there was elation with four Panthers picked, Trent Merrin was unlucky to miss out. It’s understood that Merrin was very close to selection but was pipped at the post by incumbent David Klemmer.

Meanwhile Trent Merrin went out of his way to suggest that Isaah Yeo deserved to be among the selection talk, indicating the Dubbo junior is a Blues player in waiting given his stellar form in 2018.

“Isaah definitely should be there at some point, either this year or in future years,” Merrin told Nepean News.

“It often go unnoticed by some, but we notice those little things that he does for the team.

“He’s a leader of this group and a future captain of this club. I can’t wrap him enough.”

Apart from Penrith’s NSW contingent, the Panthers look set to have up to ten players playing representative

Jack Hetherington desperately needs to curb his natural aggression after incurring his sixth suspension inside the past two years, after taking the early guilty plea to a grade one dangerous contact charge in Penrith’s win over the Dragons.

It’s the third suspension thus far in season 2018, which has seen the talented forward now miss four games, including two since making his NRL debut in Round Seven against the Sharks.

Expect more “full-houses” for remaining Panther home games should their form continue. Credit: 77 Media.

footy in coming weeks – should the club allow its’ Kiwi contingent to play in the controversial Denver Test.

Dean Whare, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, James Fisher-Harris, Corey Harawira-Naera (New Zealand); Sione Katoa (Tonga); Viliame Kikau, Tyrone Phillips (Fiji) and Tyrone May, Christian Crichton and Jarome Luai (Samoa) are all realistic chances of gaining selection.

However the Panthers could be set to pay for its new found success with news surfacing that the club could be set to pay up to $85,000 should all anticipated player selections for NSW and NZ occur.

The club also faces a tricky period of the season as it manages the additional representative demands on its playing roster. In no order, over the Origin period, Penrith play Canberra (A) and Cronulla (H) both less than 48 hours after Origin games 1 and 3, and also face games against Sydney Roosters (A), Manly (H) and New Zealand (H), the latter match potentially minus its’ current NSW representatives.

On the injury front, coach Anthony Griffin confirmed Josh Mansour remains on track for a R1819 return despite having recent minor ankle surgery.

Meanwhile Peter Wallace (shoulder) remains sidelined but is hopeful of a return in coming weeks as is Waqa Blake (Round 16) and Moses Leota (Round 18).

Whilst on Peter Wallace, expect an announcement on his playing future in coming weeks with the 32-year old skipper likely to announce that 2018 will be his last as a player as he looks to continue his rugby league career by joining the coaching ranks.

OFFER ENDS 30 JUNE 2018

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Spotted One: recent signing from South Sydney, centre/back-rower Siosifa Talakai played recently for St Marys in the Ron Massey Cup. Spotted Two: Panthers chairman, Dave O’Neill in attendance at Penrith Cricket Club’s annual presentation night.

Panthers Executive General Manager, Phil Gould AM has re-joined Twitter (@PhilGould15) and has wasted no time telling one fan that the Panthers are unlikely to make significant additions to its’ top 30 roster in 2019/2020.

Gould is confident that no other player will need to be released from its’ 2019 roster but conceded the club’s salary cap is looking tight for 2020, which is no surprise considering the hefty increases, the likes of Nathan Cleary, Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Viliame Kikau, Waqa Blake, James Fisher-Harris and Wayde Egan are expected to earn.

Penrith have signed centre Brayden McGrady (21) and his younger brother, Glenn (17) to two-year deals from 2019.

Brayden, had scored 12 tries in 7 Intrust Super Cup games for Tweed Heads, before his season was cut short by an ACL injury and will join the Panthers full-time squad, while Glenn, a fullback for Tweed Heads’ Under 18s Mal Meninga Cup team, will join the Panthers’ Under 20s squad.

With voting going behind closed doors for the second half of the season, James Maloney leads the tally on 17 points after Round 12.

Having been as much as $23 outsiders to win the premiership after Round 3, the Panthers are in a three-way tie with the Rabbitohs and Dragons for premiership favouritism at $5.50, as the club surges towards making its third consecutive final series for the first time since 1989-91.

SPORT Wests Harold Matthews Coach Fifth and Last NRL Podcast b.shepperd@hotmail.com

Importance of Game Sense and Awareness in Professional Sport Watching the Parramatta Eels, Canterbury Bulldogs, Gold Coast Titans and the North Queensland Cowboys this season has been difficult.

For the most part these teams try their best to win games and follow the tactics of the coach. At times the execution has been lacking but the effort is generally solid. The question to be asked is why are these teams occupying the bottom positions on the ladder? Watching and analysing their performances there is one clear stand out factor that has had an impact on their ability to win games so far this season, and that is a lack of game sense and awareness.

Whose responsibility is it to make the players game aware and give them the ability to sense what play or tactic is appropriate for the given situation within a particular game? It’s the coach. But he often receives a mostly finished product, the players still develop but to have learnt these necessary abilities from a young age places them at a distinct advantage once they do make the transition to the elite level.

Junior coaches play a major part in this constant

cycle of development. But too often these coaches do not understand their role in this cycle. They see the structured play and tactics implemented at the elite level and simply copy them to fit into their junior teams. This is not a problem isolated within Rugby League, it is a problem experienced across junior sport as a whole.

The need for the removal of structure at all levels has never been more important and relevant. ‘Let the players play!’ is the philosophy that needs to be employed in order to allow the players to understand what is needed in certain situations.

If we manufacture and constantly premeditate the conditions they are training and working under then how do we expect them to be able to react to an open and changing environment once they hit the field in a competitive game? Within training environments create as many open scenarios and games as you can, and limit the amount of structured and confined drills and scenarios as it restricts the development of players. It is also important to note this is not applicable to the fundamental skills which

must be learnt under closed and controlled environments.

When watching fore mentioned teams at the bottom of the NRL at the moment they lack any real spark or creativity. The opportunities to be creative and attack are there, but the players are not aware enough to take advantage of them and lack the sense of the appropriate time to attack or employ a new tactic. Instead they run the same methods, plays and tactics expecting the result to change. These teams really need to peel their games back and try to create as many fast play the balls and space in attack as possible. It may seem really simple but often the big problems are a combination of a cluster of small problems inhibiting the ability of that team to get any cohesion or momentum. It is also widely acknowledged that two of the four teams occupying these positions in the Eels and the Cowboys are teams most expected to be in the Top 4 at seasons end… so talent is not the issue… the issue is the method and the awareness and sense of the players on these teams.

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Penrith Golf Club takes out Veterans Inter-Club event

By Noel Rowsell

T

he Western S y d n e y Veteran Golfers A s s o c i a t i o n (WSRVGA) held it’s latest Inter-Club event at Penrith Golf Club on 25th May. The host club took full advantage of playing on their home course, narrowly winning the Club event on the day - just two shots ahead of Wallacia GC. The win by Penrith has made a huge impact on their position in the ‘Club of the Year’ rankings, with the club moving from last to third place (on 429 points), just behind Richmond GC (440) and Wallacia (435).

The ongoing appeal of the WSRVGA Inter-Club events is evident, with yet another full field of 144 golfers teeing up on the day.

The winning Penrith team were Ray Forster, Margaret Dickson, George Bloomfield and Rod Sharples.

2BBB Winners Men – Ray Forster, Rod Sharples (Penrith) 51pts, Runners-up Hans Schneider, Chris Holden (Leonay) 48; 2BBB Winners Medley – Julie Edwards, John Edwards (Glenmore) 46pts, Runners-up David Shearer, Wendy Thompson (Wallacia) 45.

A Grade Singles (Men) – 1st Graham Anderson (Wallacia), 2nd Gary Denny (Leonay), 3rd Frank Jones (Wallacia); B Grade Singles (Men) – 1st Glenn Vine (Wallacia),

WSRVGA President Les Knox (centre) presents a Certificate of Appreciation to Guy Eagleton and Michael Bridges (both of Guardian Funerals), in recognition of their company’s ongoing support and sponsorship of the Senior Golfer’s Association.

2nd Alan Rudman (Glenmore), 3rd Brian Metcalfe (Leonay); C Grade Singles (Men) – 1st James Lyons (Richmond), 2nd George Bloomfield (Penrith), 3rd Ross Chant (Wallacia).

A Grade Singles (Ladies) 1st Jennifer Porter (Penrith), 2nd Shirley Owen (Wallacia); B Grade Singles (Ladies) - 1st Margaret Dickson (Penrith), 2nd Denise Chant (Wallacia).

The next Inter-Club will be held at Dunheved GC on 19th June.

The 2018 Master Pennants Golf competition is one weekend away from completing the preliminary rounds and there are some mouthwatering contests on the final

Ladies from the Penrith and Richmond Golf clubs in action on the 6th green at Penrith GC. Photos courtesy of Noel Rowsell (www.photoexcellence.com.au)

weekend of 17/6/18.

Second-placed Springwood Country Club caused a minor upset on Sunday, defeating first-placed Glenmore Heritage Park GC 8-7 to move into first spot in Division One. Glenmore need to defeat Bankstown at home and hope Oatlands can spring an upset over Springwood - if Glenmore are to move into the playoffs.

Penrith GC lost a narrow contest against equal leaders Cabramatta 8.56.5 and sit in second place in Division Two. Penrith need last-placed Chatswood to pull off a minor miracle win over Cabramatta and score their own crushing win over Roseville, in order

to advance to the playoffs.

Windsor CC crushed Dunheved 12-3 in Division Three and are guaranteed first spot on the ladder, irrespective of the results on the final weekend.

Leonay GC grabbed an upset 8.56.5 win over Lynwood in Division Four but cannot finish in first spot, Macquarie Links currently sit in first spot and face Lynwood in the final round to determine which team wins the Division.

Wallacia GC had a resounding 11-4 win over Beverley Park to move into first spot in Division Sixteen but now must win away from home, once again over Beverley Park, to win their Division.

Nepean News 7 June 2018 Issue 228

Coach’s Corner

Brock Shepperd

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Nepean News 7 June 2018 Issue 228

28

SPORT

PENRITH PANTHERS

Harsh lessons pave the way for Merrin’s return to form

By STEWART MOSES

I

@TheRiffMarn

t’s fair to say that by his lofty standards, 2017 was a struggle for Panthers forward, Trent Merrin.

Merrin was coming off a stellar 2016 season which saw the then new recruit, win the club’s prestigious Merv Cartwright Medal and more importantly, regain his Australian test jersey that ended in success in the Four Nations series at the end of that season.

But 2017 was a different story as Merrin struggled with injury both before and during the season which meant the lock-forward struggled to produce his consistent best, culminating with the loss of his spot in the Australian Kangaroos squad that claimed World Cup success.

However fast forward to 2018 and a leaner, fitter Merrin admits that comparing his form between the past two seasons is like “chalk and cheese”, crediting the learnings gained from his psychology course that has enabled him to make some harsh assessments on where he was at in life and learn from it.

“My uni course has definitely helped me move forward positively,” Merrin told Nepean News.

“I’ve had to learn a lot about myself the last few years.

“Sometimes you need to go backwards in order to go forward.

“I’ve done homework on myself, which is where it all starts.

“Coming into this year, I’ve had to mark myself hard and be humble in my approach.

“I’ve learned not to be a victim and

Trent Merrin is elated with where the team is at in 2018. Credit: 77 Media.

keep setting a new standard for myself and working on those one percenters.

“Also help building up the people around you to get into a good position and putting the team first.”

His learnings have definitely helped him enjoy his game once more despite making the move back into the front row where he enjoys less game time than what he has been accustomed to in the past.

If anything the move according to Merrin makes him work even harder for the time he is out on the field.

“It’s been great (playing that traditional front rower’s game),” Merrin replied.

“I know that I’ve got only a certain amount of time out there so I’ve just got to go for it especially starting the games, I’ve got to set a good platform.

“We’ve got a great rotation there with our big boys and it’s doing a great job so far.

“We’ve had a few injuries this year and we’ve had to mix around the whole team so everyone is taking it on board with both hands and we’re building some great consistency.

Whilst happy to have finally defeated his old club, St GeorgeIllawarra for the first time in four attempts which enabled Penrith to snatch top spot at the halfway mark of the NRL season, Merrin says the result is more importantly a reflection on how the team has grown over time to where it is currently.

“It was good to get one back on them, but really it’s just all credit to the team, we’re all going outstanding at the moment,” Merrin said.

“Everyone’s just working really hard for one another.

“The character shown by this team has been great.

“We’ve just knocked off the top team and did a great job in doing so too.

“I’m just very proud of the team and the performances over the course of the year and again tonight.

“It’s just great to play in a team like this where we are all working really hard so this has been a while coming.”

Merrin didn’t hide from the fact that after two seasons of making the finals without making a real impact, the Panthers had to change up their game.

That change in their game has largely been built upon a new-found aggressive attitude in defence, highlighted by their relentless linespeed in recent wins over Wests Tigers and now St George-Illawarra which has seen the Panthers turn into the second half of the season as copremiership favourites.

“We’ve got a lot of aggression in our pack and we’ve got to use it,” Merrin declared.

“When they get a win on the play the ball we know we have to win the next one.

“We have a goal to dominate each pack as they come along, especially the last few weeks.

“But it’s still important to stay humble in our approach each week and work really hard on the little things and keep building that character that we’ve been showing.

“It’s a great club we’ve got here.

There’s a lot of belief. A lot of depth.

“But I think we’re starting to believe as a team now it can be done.”

Singh, Griffith win big on Penrith Cricket’s Night of Nights

By STEWART MOSES

L

Other key award winners included:

@TheRiffMarn

ower grades bowler Jap Singh, along with NSW Breakers and Sydney Thunder women’s representative cricketer Lisa Griffith, were the big winners at the Penrith Cricket Club’s annual presentation night held last Saturday night.

The hugely successful night was held at Panthers Leagues Club with local MP for Penrith, Stuart Ayres, Penrith Councillor and former Mayor, Karen McKeown, Panthers Chairman Dave O’Neill and newly appointed Panthers first grade skipper Ryan Smith, among the 100 plus attendees.

Singh, who was a standout for Bowler of the Year Honours having taken 43 wickets at the impressive average of just 11.70 runs per wicket taken, won the player of the year award ahead of the likes of Cameron Weir and Jordan Watson.

Griffith’s Player of the Year and

Penrith’s Jap Singh (left) and Naomi Stalenberg (right) were among the winners at last Saturday night’s presentation dinner. Photos: Supplied.

Bowler of the Year Award capped a stellar season where the Lady Cats allrounder regained her spot in the allconquering NSW Breakers squad, after spending considerable time away from the game as well as making her T20

WBBL debut with the Sydney Thunder.

The other highlights of the evening included the presentation of premiers’ cap to Penrith’s victorious Poidevin Gray Shield and Metropolitan Cup teams.

Men’s Batsman of the Year - Cameron Weir One Day Player of the Year - John Di Bartolo T20 Player of the Year & All-Rounder – Michael Castle Poidevin Gray Shield Player of the Year - Ryan Hackney Women’s Batter of the Year - Naomi Stalenberg Brewer Shield Player of the Year - Elsa Hunter Club Person of the Year Warren Masters It was also confirmed on the night that wicket-keeper Nick Carrathurs would be joining rival Sydney grade cricket club, Bankstown next season.

PENRITH PANTHERS

with Stew Moses

@TheRiffMarn

CREAM OF THE CROP HELP PENRITH RISE TO THE TOP Penrith’s most complete performance of the season to date, a 28-2 win over St George-Illawarra in front of 21,565 fans, their largest home crowd since 2010 and their second sell-out of the 2018 season, has seen the Panthers replace the Dragons at the top of the table at the season’s halfway mark.

The Panthers’ win as has been the case for much of 2018, was built off strong attacking defence – relentless, aggressive line-speed which gave their opponents little room to build any momentum through the middle while rolling through the Dragons’ middle with ease the longer the game went.

Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Trent Merrin and Isaah Yeo led the way upfront for the Panthers, allowing playmakers James Maloney and Nathan Cleary to control the game and in the process resolved NSW Blues coach Brad Fittler’s Origin halves dilemma in empathetic fashion.

The win was a bonus from Penrith’s perspective given the likes of Peter Wallace, Waqa Blake, Moses Leota, Josh Mansour and Tyrone May, are set to return to the side in coming weeks.

But Penrith now face a tricky period of having to manage their playing roster over the coming weeks with the added pressure of four players being selected for Origin 1 – Reagan Campbell-Gillard, James Maloney, Nathan Cleary and Tyrone Peachey.

In addition the Panthers face the real prospect of having up to five Kiwi players selected to play in the upcoming Denver Test match against England as well as representation in the Pacific Test series.

Having led 8-0 at the main break through a Cleary try and two Maloney conversions, the Panthers never looked back, with Christian Crichton, Viliame Kikau and Campbell-Gillard scoring tries, with Maloney completing a perfect night with the boot, kicking a further four goals.

Coach Anthony Griffin said his team handled the big occasion with flying colours.

“I liked the way the whole team handled the occasion,” Griffin said post-match.

“It was a big game and we’ve been building up nicely over the past few weeks.

“The occasion of the game. It was obviously the biggest game of the season thus far for us.

“We prepared for that, we spoke about that during the week.

“It was just a good game for us to aim up on and prepare and I thought from a club point of view we just did a really good job.

“Obviously (it was our best performance) against

breaks, 1 line-break, 2 line-break assists and a try assist.

This weekend, Penrith have the bye before heading off to Belmore the following Saturday to take on the Bulldogs at 12:45pm.

Reagan Campbell-Gillard is one of four Panthers representing NSW at Origin 1. Credit: 77 Media.

that quality of opposition, they’re leading the competition.

“To be able to do that to them is a credit to them.

“There’s a lot of good things (to like about) both (our) attack and defence in this game.

“But our energy and our desire to keep coming up in that type of game I thought was really good.”

Stand-in skipper James Maloney agreed with his coach’s summation.

“This win tonight was a real key moment for us.

We set it up and framed it as a big game,” Maloney said.

“You don’t get many too many opportunities to see how you perform in the pressure cooker of a big game situation.

“But I think our boys handled it a treat tonight.”

The Panthers started the last fortnight in fourth position, stole top spot off Mounties with a resounding 34-14 win, only to relinquish it a week later at a wet and cold Morrie Breen Oval despite salvaging a point in their dramatic 16-16 draw against Wyong.

In fairness the Panthers would only be sharing top spot with Mounties and would still be second on for and against after the competition leaders hammered Newcastle 62-0.

The inability to come away from the Central Coast with the two competition points was definitely through no fault of fullback, Caleb Aekins.

The fullback, who continues to show why he is arguably Intrust Super Premiership’s best player at the moment, took his game to a new level last Saturday, making 327 metres (almost 100m postcontact) from a staggering 31 runs, 10 tackle

Colonial Golf Course Werrington Road Werrington Incorporating Orchard Hills Golf Club

29 29 Nepean News 7 June 2018 Issue 228

Repeat Sets

SPORT

Under 18’s National Champions, Penrith, have been rewarded with four players selected for NSW to play Wednesday night against Queensland - Shawn Blore, Hayden Bonanno, Spencer Leniu and Maurice Trindall.

Meanwhile in Jersey Flegg, Penrith (9-2) have now won five straight and join Newcastle in equal second position (third on for & against), just two points behind competition leaders, Cronulla.

Round 12: def. Mounties 36-16; Round 13: def.

Sydney Roosters 42-10.

Next Up: Bye (Round 14); v Canterbury Bulldogs (Round 15 – Belmore Sports Ground Sat Jun 16, 11am).

The demands of having to back up less than 48 hours after Origin 1 could force coach Anthony Griffin to rest possibly all four of his NSW representatives when the Panthers take on the Raiders in a chilly Canberra this Friday night.

The Panthers will definitely be without Jack Hetherington (grade one dangerous contact – 1 week) as well as Peter Wallace (shoulder). The club has been allowed to name the following extended 23-man squad for the clash due to Origin: 1.

Dallin WATENE-ZELEZNIAK 2.

Christian CRICHTON 3. Tyrone PEACHEY 4. Dean WHARE 5. Tyrone PHILLIPS 6.

James MALONEY 7. Nathan CLEARY 8.

Trent MERRIN 9. Sione KATOA 10. Reagan CAMPBELL-GILLARD 11. Corey HARAWIRANAERA 12. Isaah YEO 13. James FISHERHARRIS 14. Wayde EGAN 15. Kaide ELLIS 16. Viliame KIKAU 17. James TAMOU 18. Jarome LUAI 19. Tyrone MAY 20. Tom EISENHUTH 21. Nick LUI TOSO 22. Caleb AEKINS 23. Liam MARTIN The Panthers then back up the following Friday night with a clash against competition heavyweights, Sydney Roosters at Allianz Stadium.

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Nepean News 7 June 2018 Issue 228

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The Great Walk has been completed!

By KeRRIE DAVIES

W

HEN it comes to helping out local charities, these local blokes don’t just talk the talk, they literally walk the walk!

Rob Wearn, Jonathan Green, Trent Baker, Mark MG Geyer, Greg Nelson, Mark Mulock, Dave Crossman, Dr Tony Bowden, Cameron McInnes and Greame O’Kell recently completed the Great Walk Foundation’s annual trek from Bathurst to Blaxland.

It isn’t just to raise a small amount of money either; this year’s effort is fast approaching the $100,000 mark, which will take the total money raised in 11 years over 1.1 million!

Well done lads!

Some of the boys at the Children’s ward at Nepean Hospital

› Day 1 Left Bathurst walked 36 hilly kms finishing just before Tarana. › Day 2 Walked another 36 kms finishing with the nasty climb from Lake Lyle up to Lithgow. › Day 3 Walked thru Lithgow and Hartley Vale.

Then the trek along Lawson’s Long Alley followed by the brutal climb up to Mt Victoria.

Then the final 6 kms into Blackheath. All up 32kms. › Day 4 A welcome flatter 32kms finishing at Hazelbrook. › Day 5 The final leisurely 24kms ending at the Lapstone Hotel. › A massive thank you to the sponsors: Rob Wearn (Mulgoa Quarries & Penrith Waste Services) Sterling Ashbee (Glenmore Park Plumbing) Trent Baker (One Point Health) Dianne Azzarpardi (Direct Accounting) Greg Nelson (Equip Trade) There were also numerous other significant donations. Far too many to mention but very much appreciated.

A big thanks to the hosts and their staff: Scott Macalister (Knickerbocker Hotel Bathurst), Matt Geary (Gardeners Inn Blackheath), Tim Briggs (Lapstone Hotel), Iris Russell (Pioneer Hotel)

PENRITH PANTHERS

with MARK GEYER

At the half-season mark here’s my Emmy G awards!

As we hit the half way mark (wow! Already!) it’s time to dissect the season thus far and hand out some awards, as well as a few gongs.

Let’s start with the competition’s best team. Panthers.

Sitting atop the competition table after 13 rounds the Panthers have brushed off all off-season speculation re their coach and dismissed all the outside headnoise in playing a great brand of footy to watch.

Worst team - Parramatta So much was expected of the Eels this year after an almost fairy-tale ending to 2017 but alas, the fairy-tale has turned into a nightmare. Currently languishing at the bottom of the ladder with only 2 wins this year the Eel’s year from hell doesn’t look like easing.

Most improved team - Dragons Like the Panthers the brand of footy the Dragons are playing this year is a breath of fresh air. Ben Hunt and James Graham have been a superb addition to a team who’ll be hard to beat come the business end of this year.

Team gone backwards - Cowboys Who else really? I suppose Manly can be thrown into the same basket but the Cowboys were EVERYONE’S tip to win the whole thing this year. Whenever you have a player like Jonathan Thurston in your team you have to be considered; but it’s just not clicking for the boys from Townsville.

Best player - Kalyn Ponga Every decade or so ‘that’ player comes along who is impossible to take your eyes off.

Currently second in the Dally M medal counting, the 20-year-old dynamo has the rugby league world at his nimble feet.

Best Buy- James Maloney Quite simply, the bloke’s a winner. Like Glen Lazarus in the 90’s, every team Maloney goes to has success. His leadership of the young Panther cubs has been a highlight.

Most disappointing off season buy - Kieran Foran So much was expected of the Bulldogs this season, purely on the back of their 2 big off-season buys in Foran and Aaron Woods, but they haven’t struck a blow. Foran is visibly ‘not right’ as he seems to be carrying ongoing injuries.

Most improved player - Damien Cook Sitting twiddling his thumbs last season on the bench for Souths, he has been a standout this year with his speed out of dummy half earning him a much deserved origin call up.

Best coach - Griffin and Seibold Coach most under pressure - Brad Arthur Who will play in the Grand Final - Penrith v Souths Who will get the wooden spoon - Parramatta There you have it, my mid-season report card, let’s come back at the season proper at the end of August and see how many of these have changed.

See you at the game...

MG (random Westie) OAM

 Two teams flying!

 Two teams not so

31 31 Nepean News 7 June 2018 Issue 228

MG on the mark

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