Stclair march2018

Federal Member for McMahon Phone (02) 9604 0710

chris.bowen.mp@aph.gov.au

News

Ph: 9834 2966 Em: mulgoa@parliament.nsw.gov.au

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ISSUE 30

Happy Easter

MARCH 2018

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St Clair Erskine Park

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Two resignations in one week

By Kerrie Davies

PENRITH City Council has been rocked by two resignations from two Councillors within a matter of days with one of them coming from St Clair’s East Ward.

East Ward Labor Councillor Ben Price and South Ward Liberal Councillor Josh Hoole both resigned last leaving two vacant spots on council and forcing two separate by-elections.

It is expected that the by-election will be held on May 12, 2018, because the vote needs to be held within three months of the Council positions becoming vacant, yet there is no offical word from council yet.

Councillor Price issued a statement where he noted personal reasons for the motivation why he was vacating his place on council.

“Recent changes to my employment have seen the need for my family and I relocate to Queensland,” Cr Price said.

“Accordingly, it was unsustainable for me to continue to represent Penrith as a Councillor and

I have tendered my resignation to Council effective immediately.

“I will always look back with fondness at my time in the Western Suburbs of Sydney and will follow Penrith City with keen interest,” he said.

This resignation means anyone living in East Ward, people from Kingswood, Claremont Meadows, St Marys, Colyton, St Clair, Erskine Park, Oxley Park and Kemps Creek legally have to vote in a new Councillor.

A statement from Penrith Council says it can be a tough job working as an elected official.

“Council respects that personal circumstances can change from time to time, and acknowledges the significant responsibility expected from individuals in their role as an elected community representative,” a spokesperson said.

So far there is no word on who will run in the byelection for East Ward but you can keep up to date on the St Clair Community News facebook page.

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ISSUE 221

w w w. z a c h o m e s . c o m . a u

Go Panthers! this is our year! Go Panthers!

UNITED WE STAND That’s the clear message the Panthers continue to convey to their sponsors, members and supporters on the eve of the 2018 NRL season. But the burning question remains - Is the window of premiership opportunity for Penrith still open in 2018?

Find out how the Panthers are shaping up for the season ahead in our exclusive 2018 NRL season preview liftout. Photo: 77 Media.

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From the Editor’s Desk

by Kerrie Davies

AS you probably read the resignation of Councillor Ben Price means St Clair and Erskine Park residents will head back to the polls on May 12 to vote in a new councillor on Penrith Council.

The area will soon be full of the obligatory corflute signs in people’s front yards and potential candidates will greet you good morning as you go to Woolies to do the shopping.

I’d like to thank Ben Price for the work he did in our area, as a local journalist I can say that he was always very easy to deal with and a really likeable guy. Best of luck Ben! The upcoming local government election means that we will move into pretty much a perpetual election mode - with council in May then the state election next March and a federal election at any time!

If you are planning a run in any of the upcoming elections to represent the St Clair / Erskine Park community, we want to hear from you!

Email nepeannews@aol.com

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St Clair Erskine Park Deputy Mayor Phone 0417 365 313

Greg DAVIES East Ward Councillor

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Todd CARNEY East Ward Councillor

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Phone 0417 762 219 todd.carney@penrith.city

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Adriana taking Australia by storm

By Conner Lowe

It’s not every day you wake up knowing you are the Australian Supermodel of the Year, but for Adriana Maltese this is a reality.

Adriana has everything to admire from tanned skin, sleek hair and a fun and loving personality and it’s no surprise that she is quickly rising to the top.

Growing up Adriana didn’t realise her talents for such a demanding industry until she hit the age of 16. Her family and friends were constantly asking her to give modelling a shot and since her first photo shoot the rest is history.

Adriana spoke about her modelling agency and where you might see her online.

“I’m signed by Neon Model Management. My agent finds me work, such as e-commerce and look book shoots, so I’m featured on online websites such as Ozsale,” she said.

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Adriana has been modelling seriously for a year now and at such a young age of 19 and so early in her career she has won the prestigious Australian Supermodel of the Year.

Adriana spoke of how she felt when awarded with the title and where she hopes it can take her career in the future.

“To have won Australian Supermodel of the Year is crazy!

It was completely unexpected and overwhelming, it was a complete surprise,” she said.

“I hope one day to be modelling internationally, travelling the world and walking in New York Fashion Week.”

This title is sure to propel Adriana up the ranks and kick start what will surely be a very successful career. Congratulation Adriana Maltese on becoming the Australian Supermodel of the Year from the Nepean News team.

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Penrith Council’s General Manager retires

Penrith Council’s General Jordan Springs and Thornton Manager, Alan Stoneham will retire (amongst others) had not been from Council on 30 June 2018. developed.”

When he steps down, Mr As Planning Director and General Stoneham will have worked for Manager, Mr Stoneham was involved Penrith Council for 43 years – 10 as in much of this development. He General Manager – and in the Local also helped secure the Whitewater Government sector for 47 years.

Stadium as a Sydney 2000 Olympic As a Planner, Planning Director venue, oversaw the approval of and General Manager, Mr Stoneham the Penrith Lakes Scheme and the has helped shape the Penrith of today Erskine Park employment area. and the future City that will continue Mr Stoneham said local jobs to lead our region. growth continues to be one of In the decade he has led the Council’s key priorities.

Penrith Council’s General organisation, Mr Stoneham has He cites Penrith’s rise as a venue Manager Alan Stoneham worked with Councillors and staff to for a wide range of National and expand and improve services across the board.

International events as just one of the ways Council During his tenure, Penrith City Children’s is striving to create jobs, boost the local economy Services has grown from two centres to 26, all of and expand tourism to the region. which meet or exceed National Quality Standards.

“Penrith Council’s strength lies in the fact that it Under his leadership, Penrith was the first NSW thinks and acts strategically to secure the best future council to establish a Sustainability Team and our for the City and the region,” he said. award winning 3-bin system.

“We take our responsibility as a leader of the Mr Stoneham said he was proud of Council’s region very seriously, and the work currently ongoing work to improve, protect and maximise the underway with a number of cross regional projects, potential of the Nepean River precinct. This includes including the Western City Deal, really gives us the securing the first Greenspace Grant and subsequent chance to share our knowledge and expertise.” ongoing grants from state and federal governments.

Mr Stoneham describes his 10 years as General Penrith has grown and changed a great deal since Manager as “challenging at times, but also enjoyable Mr Stoneham first joined Penrith Council in 1972. and rewarding”.

“I started working for Council when the City had “I’d like to thank the Councillors and our staff for a population of only 60,000,” he said. “The suburbs their support over the past 10 years,” he said. “I’m of South Penrith, Glenmore Park, Claremont confident this organisation will continue to work Meadows, Werrington County, Werrington Downs, hard to deliver great services for our community.”

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‘Let’s do more together’

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By Allan Ward

St Clair and District Men’s Shed will be participating in Penrith City Council’s 2018 Seniors Festival in April.

Established 5 years ago in February 2013 St Clair and District Men’s Shed after much searching moved in October 2016 to premises in the grounds of heritage listed Mamre House located on Mamre Road (near traffic lights junction with Banks Drive).

We are very much indebted to CatholicCare and Mamre Homestead for providing the shed with somewhere to establish much needed facilities at a convenient location with a building where we are able to socialise and make new friends. Those interested can also participate in woodworking and metalworking projects.

Therefore for this year’s Seniors Festival we invite anyone interested along to our shed to ‘Meet and greet’ our members with free tea, coffee and biscuits provided. We will be open for visits from 8.00am to 2.00pm on the following dates: Wednesday April 4th; Monday April 9th; Wednesday April 11th.

There is ample parking available and then just

follow the signs for a short walk down to the shed past Mamre House.

Worth noting that there are now close to 1000 sheds around Australia and now finally St Clair and surrounding districts have one of their own.

Please visit www.scadms.com.au to see more about our shed.

Where on earth is Noodles?

Please help us find Noodles! We came back from holidays and learnt that our beloved pet has gone missing. He needs to come home as he needs regular medical attention. Generous rewards to be given.

Please let us know if you have seen him around Harvey Circuit, St Clair. Details below: Reported Missing: 31 Dec 2017 Name: Noodles; Also answers to Noods Breed: Male, Schitzu-Maltese Age: 4 years Colour: White with patches of cream on his ears and paws Desexed: Yes MicroChipped: Yes (details updated) Registered with Lost Pet Sites, Groups: Yes (St Clair/Erskine Park; Western Sydney; Lost Pet Finder) Collar: Blue Any information is trully appreciated.

0400 621 697

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Sally Smithard: Mulgoa’s 2018 Local Woman of the Year In recognition of her dedication and hard work in the Mulgoa community, Member for Mulgoa, Tanya Davies MP has named Sally Smithard as Mulgoa’s 2018 Local Woman of the Year.

Tanya Davies said Sally Smithard’s commitment to bringing positive change to Mulgoa through her outstanding leadership of St Clair High School during challenging circumstances made her an outstanding candidate.

“In 2014, a devastating fire destroyed 80% of the infrastructure and contents of St Clair High School. Shortly after this, Sally took the role of Relieving Principal and management of the school rebuild. The rebuild has faced a number of challenges and issues over the past 3 and a ½ years and it is through this adversity that Sally has lead the school with grace and strength,” Tanya Davies said.

As Minister for Women, Tanya Davies also said the NSW Women of the Year Local Awards celebrate

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the contributions and successes of women who are often quiet achievers.

“The Local Awards are designed to acknowledge women who are making a significant impact in the places where we live and work, and in the lives of people around them. Local award winners exemplify the spirit of their communities,” Tanya Davies said.

Mulgoa’s Local Woman will attend the 2018 NSW Women of the Year Awards ceremony in Sydney on International Women’s Day, Thursday, 8 March with Tanya Davies MP and NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian.

Statewide Award winners, as voted by the public, will be announced at the Awards ceremony. To view the full list of Award categories and finalists go to www. women.nsw.gov.au.

The NSW Women of the Year Awards program recognises remarkable women across the state who have achieved inspiring things in their careers, in business or in their communities.

EMMAUS CATHOLIC COLLEGE A co-educational secondary college meeting the learning needs of all students, giving them the best preparation for life in the 21st Century. We are committed to providing the best possible learning and teaching of the whole person as part of a rich tradition of catholic education.

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a College with strong traditional catholic values and high expectations of all its students a place where prayer and sacrament life are valued and nurtured a place where relationships are characterised by dignity, respect and authenticity a learning environment of challenge, inquiry and innovation, where each student is expected to achieve personal excellence a Year 7 integration program (HERE) in HSIE, English and RE a broad choice of course offerings across Years 9 - 12 a BYOD (bring your own device) program enriching the learning environment in a blended way VET courses and university and TAFE linked courses in Years 11 - 12 a wide variety of sports played at a representative level and cultural opportunities including Visual Arts, Digital Photography, Mock Trial and Music recitals a highly qualified and committed teaching staff a community where personal responsibility and justice are valued and expected a peaceful and beautiful rural setting.

Emmaus Catholic College is a Catholic, dynamic, learning community where parents, staff and families “Walk with Jesus”

87-109 Bakers Lane, Kemps Creek NSW 2178 For further details, application and prospectus, please contact Mrs Biermann or Ms Chebatte on 9670 8300 or visit www.emmaus.kempscreek.catholic.edu.au

The humble grass seed

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By Dr Richard Miller

This cheeky guy came in the other day with massive left sided facial swelling that had developed quickly over the previous 48 hours.

He was putting on a brave face, but the swelling was quite hot and painful. We quickly realised it was an abscess and that Cheeky would need to have it lanced under anaesthetic. No wounds or cause for the abscess were obvious, inside the Ouch! mouth or on the skin.

When we lanced it, along with rivers of yucky pus, out floated a little grass seed which immediately told us the cause of the abscess. It likely entered the cheek from the inside of the mouth, migrated into the cheek muscle until his immune system realised it was there.

The body hates grass seeds, so then attacked it with billions of white blood cells creating a huge cavity of yuk and ouch around it!!!

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Grass seeds can get stuck under eyelids causing very unhappy eyes, or, once they’ve found their way into tissues, can cause massive abscesses as seen here or migrate anywhere in the body including spine or brain making them potentially deadly.

Perhaps they are not so humble after all and give us another good reason to keep the damn grass mowed and avoid long grasses where possible on a walk.

Incorporating Puppy Preschool, Cat Boarding Along with a full range of medical, diagnostic and surgical services and facilities

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CROSSWORD

ACROSS 1 Dissenters (14) 10 Metal bar (5) 11 Glades (9) 12 Midday meals (7) 13 Raise up (7) 14 Confused (5) 16 Catch (9) 19 Plant adapted for limited water (9) 20 A type of floral leaf (5) 22 Reverses the tape to the beginning (7) 25 One who examines processes (7) 27 Not extreme in climate (9) 28 Sporting venue (5) 29 In accordance with fundamental law (14) DOWN 2 Arranger (9) 3 Nab (5) 4 Required (9)

Solution: February

5 Overweight (5) 6 Killers (9) 7 Ringworm bush (5) 8 Temporarily expel (7) 9 Worked the soil (6) 15 One who relies on another’s support (9) 17 Encountered generally (9) 18 An abnormal condition of the lungs (9) 19 Dry (7) 21 Capable of killing (6) 23 Adult females (5) 24 Intelligent (5) 26 San Antonio fort (5)

Creative ideas help the disadvantaged

By Keegan Thomson

THE TEAM at the Creative Fringe have just launched not one but two community campaigns to help the disadvantaged and homeless people of the Nepean.

Last winter the Creative Fringe teamed up with Mama Lana’s Community Foundation to challenge the local community to band together and knit 20cm x 20cm squares that would be sewn together to create warm blankets for survivors of domestic violence and rough sleepers.

Following the success of last year’s campaign, the team at the Creative Fringe are asking for more knitted and sewn squares or blankets, but they’re also asking for your plastic shopping bags as well.

Community Manager at the Creative Fringe, Rienna Kroh said they want to make soft, waterproof, crocheted plastic mats for rough sleepers to sleep on, which will go hand in hand and with their blankets.

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“This year TCF have created this new challenge called ‘Plastic Fantastic’ because we learnt that there is a need for not only warm blankets but for something for our homeless community to sleep on,” Mrs Kroh said.

The plastic mats are designs as portable, light weight beds for rough sleepers. They’re made by crocheting plastic yarn, or plarn, into a pattern.

Debbie O’Connor, the CEO and Creative Director of the Creative Fringe, has been teaching herself how to make plarn. She said the new initiative was helping to address two problem areas in the community.

“By using plastic bags we are recycling excess plastics and removing them from landfill,” Mrs O’Connor said.

You can contact the Creative Fringe for more details at their website http://www.thecreativefringe. com.au/.

Local Leading

Celebrating the St Clair / Erskine Park region’s female

TANYA DAVIES Member for Mulgoa The Minister for Mental Health, Minister for Women and Minister for Ageing Being a Member of Parliament is an incredible honour. I have an opportunity to stand up and fight for my community and see real change and benefit delivered for families and communities. Just some of these benefits include the $100 sports voucher to help families with the cost of sport registration for their school-aged children; delivering over $20.0 million for the St Clair High School Rebuild; delivering $576.0 million for Stage 1 Nepean Hospital rebuild; closing the St Marys Methadone Clinic; delivering green slip savings; boosting school maintenance budgets and many more improvements for sports grounds, community centres and local organisations. While I can look back on many achievements that I have delivered for my community, the future potential for western Sydney is even brighter. I am focussed to continue to speak up and stand up for what my community needs and ensure I deliver the quality lifestyle and infrastructure we deserve here in the Nepean region.

CR Tricia Hitchen Deputy Mayor Penrith Council A Penrith local, Tricia is a highly decorated former NSW Police Chief Inspector.

Tricia spent all of her Police Service working in the outer western suburbs giving her a unique understanding of the difficulties faced by many families in this area.

After retiring from the Police Force through injury Tricia continued her public service when she was elected to Penrith City Council in 2012 and again in 2016. Married with three children, Tricia and her husband Trevor run a family owned removals and storage business, which has operated in the Penrith area for over 60 years.

A founding member of the Aussies for Orphans charity, Tricia has served on the Board of a number of local organisations including the Nepean Medical Research Foundation, Ripples, CBD Corp, St Marys Town Centre Board and The Haven.

The mother of a special needs child, Tricia is a strong advocate for disabilities, accessibility and equity and was recently successful in her campaign to have Council open an Adult Change Room in the Penrith CBD, with one in St Marys on its way. Tricia was elected Deputy Mayor in September 2016.

Ladies success stories on International Women’s Day

ANTHEA STRATHDEE Small businesswoman Anthea Strathdee has two motivations: Great quality standards and exceptional customer service.

She co-operates with her husband Andrew their “local business of the year” award winning Lower Mountains Air Conditioning, and is always striving to stay one step ahead of the game.

“You’ve got to be completely in the business on all fronts because that way you get the most hands on idea of where your business is going,” Mrs Strathdee said.

A Penrith local for her whole life, Mrs Strathdee believes great customer service is one of the reasons why her business is set a part from the rest.

“I always make sure that I’m following up with people because people want a human connection,” she said “It is important to instil this to our staff and our installers as well because they’re the ones interacting with the customers.”

With her business she also champions local community groups, clubs and schools through sponsorships, donations and charitable give aways.

On top of being an award winning business owner, Mrs Strathdee works six days a week, is mum to three children and is the President of her local P and C committee.

HELEN KOSTRUBIEC & JADE FLETCHER Explorers Conveyancing

Helen Kostrubiec and Jade Fletcher met several years ago working together at a local law firm, and decided to combine their experience to form Explorers Conveyancing.

When asked what it was that had guided them so easily to success, they believe it is a combination of their dedication to helping people with their most important asset, their ability to overcome challenging transactions and their people skills.

“I think clients like coming here because we talk their language - unlike some solicitors or conveyancers who forget that the clients aren’t used to the legal jargon,” Helen said.

“Yes, we explain things in terms that are easy to understand, and we’ve made so many good friends out of clients over the years,” Jade added.

Helen and Jade are both licenced conveyancers and their knowledge of the property conveyance process is immense.

While sitting in their office based on Explorers Way, St Clair the home office was a hive of activity.

We conducted the interview between a phone that constantly rang and clients popping in to say hi. These very talented girls took it all in their stride, showing that juggling several projects at once is something they do with ease! And the thing that stuck out the most is that they absolutely love their work. They work incredibly well together, they bounce ideas off each other constantly and most of all, smile and laugh through their day.

If you are buying, selling or transferring property ownership, give Jade and Helen a call on 9670 1161. They are a breath of fresh air and I believe you’ll thank me for making the recommendation!

Chances are you will be sorry to say cheerio when the transaction is completed, but like many others in their massive client base, you’ll probably want to call past and say hi long after their service to you is completed. In fact, I didn’t want to wrap up the interview. Great girls!

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2018 PANTHERS SEASON PREVIEW

THE CAPTAIN Peter Wallace

Penrith’s latest captain, Peter Wallace, certainly can’t deny his footy career has now turned the full 360 degrees - and for the better.

Having been relieved of the captaincy soon after Anthony Griffin’s arrival at the club, the local junior’s NRL career as a halfback looked all but over.

But the switch to the hooking role has revitalised Wallace’s career, culminating with Griffin’s decision to reinstate the rake as NRL captain for the 2018 season after former skipper Matt Moylan, was released to join Cronulla.

“A few years back I didn’t know where my career was going to take me,” Wallace told Nepean News.

“It is funny how life works sometimes but I’m happy with how it’s all panned out.

“Obviously it’s a huge honour to lead the club.

It comes with added responsibility but I’m really honoured.”

Told of his captaincy appointment just before Christmas, Wallace says that he takes great confidence from the fact that Griffin didn’t consider other candidates for the role, confirming just how far their working relationship has recovered in recent seasons.

“It was (a great show of confidence from Hook) as Hook and I get along great now,”Wallace replied.

“We have a good working relationship. It’s great to have his support in getting this job.”

For Griffin, it was a no brainer to reinstate his hooker back in the leadership role for a second time.

“It’s good for Pete. He’s gone through a lot the past couple of years getting himself back from injury and getting himself into that hooking role,” Griffin declared.

“Pete also had a really tough year last year with injuries, missing out on that State of Origin spot.

Credit: 77 Media

“But he finished the year strongly and led us really well at the back end of the season so it as a natural thing to have him in there this year.”

Wallace says there is plenty to be excited about the season ahead given the strong pre-season and the experiences his young side have gained in recent seasons.

But to become a top four team, Wallace concedes they need to start faster than the previous two seasons when the Panthers won just five of their opening twelve games.

“We’ve had a really good pre-season and we’re confident but we need to make sure we get ourselves off to a good start,” Wallace said.

“We haven’t made the top four in the past two seasons because of our starts.”

“But our younger players still had a good year under their belt last season.

“It was filled with adversity for a while there, but we were able to play finals in the end which was a really good experience for them.

“They’ll be better for that and I’ve seen a lot more improvement in them over the pre-season too.

“Not just in how they have developed as players but also physically, they’re bigger and stronger.”

THE COACH Anthony Griffin Having just completed his third pre-season at the club to date, Panthers coach Anthony Griffin says he is happy with where the team is at, on the eve of what could well be a defining year for the Penrith coach.

Whilst happy with the fitness and attitude of his squad, Griffin concedes that his side has worked hard on improving their attacking game in order for the club to improve on it’s week two finals appearances of the past two seasons.

“Most pre-seasons everyone goes through some conditioning phase, there’s no easy way to do hard work,” Griffin explained to the Nepean News.

“But the whole group has been really good. Their attitude has been great. “(As a result) we’ve probably been more settled this pre-season, which has allowed us to focus more on the football itself and work a bit harder on our attacking game.”

However Griffin refuses to reveal where he thinks his side will finish in 2018 but is adamant the

Panthers will improve, given they will start the season with arguably the fittest squad in Credit: Penrith’s recent history.

77 Media “Like every other team, our goal is to improve. Without making predictions about where we got to end up, I feel like we are building on what we did last year,” Griffin replied.

“The important thing at this time of the year is that we have got though the trials without losing anyone to injury.”

Nonetheless Griffin says the team will make a membership base that is up 5,000 members on same time last season, having reached around 16,000 members, very proud in 2018.

“It’s great to see the fans are leading with their wallet and buying memberships,” Griffin exclaims.

“We’re very conscious of that (growth this year) and I’m sure we are going to make them proud to be members this year as we look forward to Round One.”

THE CEO Brian Fletcher Panthers CEO, Brian Fletcher says that the time has come for the club’s current playing roster to deliver on years of promise, if Penrith is to challenge for its third premiership title.

Having gone to within two games of an NRL Grand Final appearance in consecutive seasons, Fletcher told Nepean News that with the squad virtually injury-free, coupled with the addition of James Maloney to the roster, there are no excuses for Penrith not to challenge for the 2018 title.

“We are over saying it’s a young side now. We’re old enough to be competitive now,” Fletcher declared.

“In the last two years, we’ve finished only two games away from playing in a grand final so we don’t have to improve much.

“You have to remember last year too, we started the first eleven rounds without Josh Mansour as well, so we had our share of injury problems.

“This year will probably be the best start we’ll have from an injury point of view for a long time too.

“We only have one player (Tyrone May) in the sick bay, where normally we’ve always had five or six.

“I also think that with the expertise of Maloney joining the squad, I’m certain they’ll find an extra couple of lengths (in 2018) and we’ll finish a lot closer than two games away from a grand final this year.

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“(All things being equal) we’ll have no excuses in 2018.”

But the window for premiership success could close temporarily as young talent matures and become in demand as being the game’s next superstars.

Having already released the likes of Matt Moylan, Leilani Latu and Bryce Cartwright in recent months, there is the real prospect that players like Tyrone Peachey and Josh Mansour may have to move on given that the Panthers, as they look to build its future around halfback, Nathan Cleary, will need to significantly upgrade his modest deal in order to retain him beyond 2019.

Fletcher concedes it is becoming increasing difficult to keeping together the nucleus of one of the club’s strongest NRL rosters in recent memory.

“That’s the reality (we face). Along with some other players, Nathan is the future star (of this club) and we’ll be doing everything in our power to keep him,” Fletcher re-affirmed.

“We’d love to keep them all but the sad part about it is that once we show off the talent that we have, these young blokes automatically double in price and you just can’t keep them all.”

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