ENTERTAINMENT
LOCAL SPORT
LAURA JAYES
24 page magazine inside
STARTS ON PAGE 72
EXCLUSIVE OPINION COLUMN
SISTERS KNOW HOW TO ROCK
WANDERERS INTO SECOND SPOT
LABOR PAINS ARE GROWING
FEBRUARY 15 2013 ISSUE 1090
PROUDLY INDEPENDENT CIRCULATION: 58,865
THE HEARTBEAT OF PENRITH
POWER SHOCK One of Penrith’s greatest tourism icons, the Whitewater Stadium, is struggling with electricity price increases, forcing its management to even consider the viability of purchasing their own generator. Jack Hodge, Penrith Whitewater Stadium Manager, said that the tourism hot spot and former Olympic venue has seen an increase in electricity prices both due to the carbon tax and increasing network costs.
PAGE 13
FORGOTTEN FIVE Under pressure: National Rugby League CEO, David Smith, fronts a press conference on Tuesday morning. Photo: Vanessa Watson.
Exclusive: The locals without water
Code in a corner
PAGE 7
Panthers caught up in league’s mystery drug drama NATHAN TAYLOR
T
he Penrith Panthers were this week thrown into the corner of a boxing ring, forced to defend their reputation despite not knowing what punches are coming. In an extraordinary week in rugby league, Panthers boss Phil Gould was informed on Monday evening by NRL Chief Executive David Smith that Penrith was one of six NRL clubs “implicated or referred to” in the Australian Crime Commission’s (ACC) Project Aperio Report into the use of banned substances in sport. However, despite being named in the report,
no specific player names were mentioned and the Panthers are still in the dark about exactly what could be alleged. The ACC says it cannot name individuals for legal reasons and to protect reputations and ensure fair trials. But that didn’t stop the ACC and the Federal Government from holding a very public press conference last Thursday, February 7, where the spotlight was thrown onto sport as a whole, creating a domino affect that has begun to tarnish Australia’s proud sporting reputation around the world. The Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) is now carrying out investigations.
CALL US NOW to Beat the Heat • Beat the heat with a Hi-Craft patio cover or pergola • Place your order in February to receive up to 20% OFF! • Must mention this advert to receive 20% Off
Visit Sydney’s finest home improvement display centre, Cnr of The Great Western Hwy & Russell St, Emu Plains Open 6 Days, Mon to Sat Gable Skillion Combo Hi-Craft Home Improvements Pty Ltd
Builder’s Lic No. 37487
Keep your Cool this Summer with
WW1122
OUR ‘SUPERFISH’ 11-year-old could be a swimming superstar
ASK US ABOUT OUR ENERGY SAVING DUCTED AIR CONDITIONING
Air Conditioning
Call for a ote FREE qu today! * Conditions apply. Power up-grade not included. Valid for back-to-back installation in a single storey home only. © Copyright 2013 nichollsgroup 01.13
PAGE 77
Wall Hung Split Systems & Ducted Air Conditioning
Nicholls Group
Call 1300 80 81 82 Now www.nichollsgroup.com.au
Hi-Craft Home Improvements, Sydney’s NUMBER 1 choice in Home Improvements ABN 82 000 655 827
At a press conference on Tuesday morning, Mr Smith said he understood the frustrations of players, clubs and fans but legally wasn’t allowed to speculate on the investigation. “I can’t pre-judge how long it will take,” Mr Smith told reporters. “It is imperative that everyone respects the proper process that allows ASADA and any other agency the chance to investigate and which addresses the rights of players and the clubs.” Panthers is cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation and sources close to the club have told the Weekender that officials are confident there will be no “bombshell” revelations. Continues page 3
Actron Air® is one of the largest Australian owned manufacturers of world class ducted air conditioners
3 Year Extended Warranty Wow! LY * FUL LED TAL INS
00001103
2.4kW 2 4 3.3kW 5 5.0kW 0kW 6.4kW
priced priced priced priced
from $1297 * from $1540 * from $1796 * from $1999 *
We are so confident in the quality of ActronAir that if you undertake an annual service carried out by Nicholls Group we will warrant the ducted system for 8 years.