Extra Time by Western Sydney Publishing Group

FRI 14 MAR 2014 • Issue 002

Printed on 100% recycled paper

PROUDLY INDEPENDENT

BIG HITTERS Luke Priddis Erin Molan The Masked Panther

Storm Warning

Panthers aim to upset Melbourne at AAMI Park p.3

+ ROBBO’S COMEBACK + JUNIOR FOOTY + CLASSIC PANTHERS + FULL NRL LADDER

WW7516

extra time

Your kitchen is the heart and soul of your home.

FOR YOUR NEW KITCHEN PHONE FOR A QUOTE TODAY

VISIT OUR SHOWROOM • Many more colours, styles, and great ideas, including flooring, cupboards, handles, door styles, benchtops, splashbacks and glass inserts. • Design consultation with 3d live presentation of your New Kitchen • All Trade services included Plumbing, Electrical, Tiling, Bulkhead & Cornice work

Friday 14 March 2014 the western weekender

• Appliance Packages Available, tapware, handles, splashbacks, flooring, windows, blinds.

WW7547

PENRITH PANTHERS

PREVIEW

Matthew Moylan Josh Mansour Dean Whare Isaah Yeo David Simmons Jamie Soward Peter Wallace (c) Nigel Plum Kevin Kingston (c) Brent Kite Lewis Brown Elijah Taylor Adam Docker James Segeyaro Jeremy Latimore Tyrone Peachey Sam McKendry

MELBOURNE STORM 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

Billy Slater Sisa Waqa Will Chambers Mahe Fonua Young Tonumaipea Ben Hampton Cooper Cronk Jesse Bromwich Cameron Smith (c) Bryan Norrie Kevin Proctor Ryan Hoﬀman Ryan Hinchcliﬀe Kenny Bromwich Tohu Harris Jordan McLean George Rose

extra time

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

Peter Wallace and Jamie Soward embrace last weekend. Photo: Melinda Jane

Can Penrith spoil the party? TROY DODDS

@troydodds

Penrith Panthers v Melbourne Storm Kick off: 15/3 • 5.30pm AAMI Park Weather: Showers developing in the lead-up to the match TV: Fox Sports 5.30pm Radio: 2GB 5.30pm

first round matches, it’s hard to find a side in the competition that will match Penrith in this regard. As expected, Elijah Taylor flew out of the blocks, making a game-high 42 tackles and bagging his first try in Penrith colours. Penrith may have played well but they’ll have to improve a lot this weekend if they are to spoil the Storm’s first home game of the season. The Storm were buoyed this week with the news that Cameron Smith has re-signed with the club, putting to rest one of the real question marks hanging over Melbourne this season. If the Panthers are to beat Melbourne, it’ll certainly mean they’ve spoilt a pretty big party down south. Not only will fans be celebrating Smith’s new deal, but he this weekend becomes the most capped player in the club’s history. Plus, Billy Slater plays his 250th NRL match. All of that aside, if Penrith let as many opportunities slip this weekend as they did in the first half against Newcastle, the Storm will punish them hard. But there’s no doubt that some of Penrith’s key men will be better for the run last weekend.

James Segeyaro wasn’t his punchy, energetic self on Saturday and I doubt he’ll be quiet two weeks in a row. Jamie Soward was solid without being the stand-out, and his combination with Peter Wallace will only get better with time. Wallace’s kicking game was excellent and the Panthers showed a patient style in the last 15 minutes of the match that simply didn’t exist before. As a fan, you feel much more relaxed watching Penrith in the final 20 minutes than ever before – they are cool, calm, collected and generally make the right decisions. That’s thanks largely in part to Wallace who made his Penrith homecoming a superb one last weekend. Soward played through most of the second half with back spasms but when fully fit he’ll cause oppositions plenty of headaches. Melbourne in Melbourne is no easy task for any team, and the main aim on Saturday will be to be competitive. There’s no shame in going down to the Storm at AAMI Park, but going down by a big margin will undo all of the good work of last week’s victory over Newcastle. Tip: Panthers by 4

Friday 14 March 2014 the western weekender

enrith travel to Melbourne this weekend with a legitimately good chance of toppling the Storm and making it two wins from two starts to the season. The Panthers’ 30-8 demolition of Newcastle last weekend was impressive, particularly in the second half, and the side will feel confident heading to AAMI Park to play against an opposition that they have the worst record against out of all their NRL rivals. In fact, the Panthers have beaten

Melbourne just seven times in their history and lost 19, though the most recent memory is a good one – a hard fought, slogit-out victory on a Sunday night at Penrith Stadium last year. Melbourne come into this game on the back of a grinding, 23-22 golden point victory over Manly at Brookvale Oval; a win that would have given the side plenty of confidence but also drained them physically. With Cooper Cronk poised to make a comeback this weekend, the Panthers will certainly have their work cut out for them but last weekend’s victory will give them plenty of confidence. Whilst Ivan Cleary has named the same team that downed the Knights last weekend, some late changes are possible with Jamal Idris and Tim Grant both a good chance of being available. In Grant’s place, Jeremy Latimore had an impressive game and even grabbed a try to ensure he’ll avoid a nudie run come the end of the season. Should Grant not play again this weekend, Latimore is a more than suitable replacement. Penrith’s forward pack was too good for Newcastle and after watching all of the

extra time

FEATURE STORY

Back from a ‘dark place’ S NATHAN TAYLOR

@natetaylor87

Injuries took their toll on talented Panthers second-rower Matt Robinson, but he’s now back on track and hoping to extend his time with the club

ince bursting onto the NRL scene to rave reviews in 2012, Panthers second-rower Matt Robinson has gone from one of the game’s most promising new prospects to one of its unluckiest. In the space of 12 months, the Kiwi-born talent has endured a devastating run of injuries that have included being heavily concussed, breaking his neck, off-season ankle surgery and in February, rib cartilage damage in the recent trials. The run of bad luck was a testing time for the 23-year-old, who in 2012 inked a new two-year deal only to play just 11 games in the top grade last season. “I’d never been injured during my career, so it’s been a learning curve but an interesting experience at the same time because I now know what my teammates would go through,” Robinson said. “I was a bit naïve [before the injuries] but I learnt a lot about myself and hopefully it’s all done for the season.” When Robinson was at his best just a season and a half ago, he was putting backs through holes, offloading like the New Zealand Warrior he once was, and scoring spectacular tries himself. However, all that good form seemed a distant memory only a matter of months

Show ‘n’ Shine Sunday 16th March

Entry $10 Car Entry Trophies & Give-aways for Entered Cars

Penrith Panthers Car Park Behind McDonald’s

Matt Robinson. Photo: Melinda Jane at training,” Robinson said. “It will be a slow start to the year but hopefully I can work my way into the 17 and stay there. I want to show what I’ve got to secure a new contract. I definitely want to stay a Panther.”

Rides, Face Painting,Kids’ Corner, Raffles

Permit # T14/01

A Fundraising Event for

s od R t Ho stoms Cu s ke Bi

ago when Robinson had his biggest setback yet – fracturing his C6 vertebrae in a game against the Parramatta Eels. “It takes you to a dark place. I had more than a month off from training and for the first couple of weeks after the injury it was pretty nerve racking,” he admitted. “I kept asking myself ‘what am I doing?’. I questioned coming back to footy at all.” Robinson revealed how for the first few weeks he did “absolutely nothing” and most likely wouldn’t have returned to his usual, positive self without the care of his loving girlfriend. “I did no weights, no running, no cardio, I didn’t even come to training or think about football. All I did was read a few books and watch a lot of TV,” he said. “My girlfriend was really good supporting me though, she even offered up the odd counselling session every now and then.” Robinson made a successful return to football last weekend via the NSW Cup, and with his contract due to expire at season’s end, he’s hoping to catch the eye of coach Ivan Cleary early and extend his stay at Penrith for years to come. “I was really disappointed when I got injured during the Tigers trial because I was right in the mix [for a first grade spot]

Gold Coin Spectator Donation

EContact John Cornish 0416 208 730 Hotrod.34@hotmail.com Matt Atkins or Jenny Parfitt 02 4721 2992 matt_atkins@me.com jenny.parfitt@au.stores.mcd.com

Open to Public from 9am Set up from 7am

WW7355

Mary Anne Lowery

Chiropractor

& Massage Therapy

Our sedentary culture of computers and mobile phone texting and games creates enormous strain on our spines – especially our neck region. This creates poor posture, slouching and a stooped neck appearance which in turn impacts on our health. Common symptoms of this new syndrome are: Headaches • Neck pain • Low energy • Poor concentration • Lowered immune system To restore your naturally good posture call 47212143

44 Castlereagh Street, Penrith Tel: 4721 2143

WW7354

Friday 14 March 2014 the western weekender

Straighten Up

www.malchiro.com.au

FEATURE STORY

NATHAN TAYLOR

@natetaylor87

Off contract at the end of the season, Josh Mansour has plenty to prove and started the 2014 season with a bang last weekend, scoring two tries in Penrith’s win over Newcastle.

arnstorming Panthers winger Josh Mansour believes the double he scored in Penrith’s huge victory over the Newcastle Knights last Saturday were two of the best tries he’s bagged in his career. Mansour put on a spectacular performance in his side’s 22-point win, scoring one try carrying four Knights on his back and another tiptoeing the sideline. “To be honest when I scored the first one there were a lot of emotions running through me and when I saw the boys’ faces it was a good feeling,” Mansour told Extra Time. “To get the second try was outstanding. I would’ve been filthy had I stepped out. I had to look at the replay a couple of times but I was pretty confident I got it down and stayed in.” Since debuting at the club in 2012, Mansour has attracted plenty of attention for not only his ability to crack open a defensive line but perhaps even the odd selfie or two. However, with the recent wave of new recruits and talent simmering away in the lower grades, the 23-year-old knew he had to do more than break a tackle or take a mean selfie to attract coach Ivan Cleary’s attention this season.

extra time

Mansour stays on his toes B

Josh Mansour after scoring one of his tries last weekend. Photo: Melinda Jane “I had to stay on my toes with all the depth we have in the squad,” he admitted. “I just did my thing. I trained hard on the field, and off the field I ate right and had no late nights. At the end of the day it’s the coach’s choice what he wants to do and how he’s going to get the win. I’m just glad I got picked for the team and the coach put trust in me.”

But the question still remains – with so many players itching to crack their way into first grade and Mansour’s contract up at season’s end, just how long will the former Rabbitohs junior remain on Cleary’s priority list? “Obviously I’d love to stay here but I can’t say much at this point, it’s too early,” Mansour said coyly.

We transport anything up to 50 tonnes

Penrith

4736 4400

• Interstate/Country • Fully Insured • Green Card

St Marys (Division)

• Accredited Drivers • Family Owned & Operated • Ticketed Operations

9623 2020

PENRITH TILT TRAY SPECIALISTS S T M A RY S - P E N R I T H - B L U E M O U N TA I N S WW7365

Friday 14 March 2014 the western weekender

• General Trade • Machinery • Accident • Prestige Vehicles • Heavy Vehicle up to 12 Ton • Local • Containers

What a great start to the year of footy! I

extra time

t was fantastic being back on ‘The Footy Show’ last week, this time in a full time role! We had a sensational first show. I just wanted to say what a pleasure it is to be part of the Extra Time team for season 2014. Each week I’ll be bringing you my thoughts on everything rugby league from the game’s biggest issues to my top teams of the week. So, come join me in what’s set to be a thrilling season of footy. First up, round one saw the introduction of the much-talked about new rule changes that the NRL unveiled during the off-season, and I must say they were a success. You only need to look at the quality of the games, which certainly didn’t suffer with the changes. There were a lot of close and exciting matches, plenty of tries and a lot free-flowing play. I think whatever makes this game more entertaining to watch is a good thing. There are areas for improvement, but there is always going to be. I don’t think you’re ever going to get it right but from what I’ve seen after round one they look good. As I mentioned earlier there were some great games last weekend and the performance by the South Sydney Rabbitohs was the stand-out.

MOMENT WITH MOLAN @Erin_Molan

ERIN MOLAN

The Footy Show’s Erin Molan believes the Penrith Panthers will prove to be the surprise packets of the NRL this season.

this year but you only need to look at the superstars that they’ve got. Regardless of new combinations, if those guys play well and consistently they will do fine. As a Raiders girl I thought they impressed many, especially during that first half against the Cowboys. I didn’t mind Jack Wighton in the halves and hopefully they can build as the year goes on. It is only round one but I think there’s good signs for every club and, in particular, for all you Panthers fans out there. I tipped the Panthers last week and honestly I think Penrith will be the real surprise packets this year. Tim Grant was quiet last season, but if he has a big year and does what he did when he was selected for Origin, he will be huge for the Panthers. Some of Penrith’s new buys are outstanding – Jamal Idris is electrifying, Jamie Soward has that x-factor and Peter Wallace is fantastic. Penrith fans should be incredibly happy, and to have Buzz Rothfield tipping you says something! Make sure you catch ‘The Footy Show’, live on Thursday at 8.40pm on Channel Nine (check local guides). From the Big Marn to Beau, we’ve got plenty of laughs and of course we look at all the weekend NRL matches.

Jamie Soward The Rabbitohs looked clinical and were incredible. The Melbourne Storm were fantastic as well, even without Gareth Widdop. I thought five-eighth Ben Hampton had some great moments at times. I also thought Parramatta looked alright. A lot of people didn’t give them a chance

SPECIALISED IN WHEEL ALIGNMENT ALL MAKES & MODELS

175/70R13

.00 INC GST

FITTED & BALANCED

185/65R14

185/65R15

.00 INC GST

FITTED & BALANCED

Friday 14 March 2014 the western weekender

175/65R14

.00 INC GST

FITTED & BALANCED

BUY ANY 4 TYRES GET 1/2 PRICE WHEEL ALIGNMENT + FREE ROTATION & BALANCE EVERY 10,000K

LATEST GERMAN EQUIPMENT

195/60R15

.00 INC GST

FITTED & BALANCED

215/45R17

195/65R15

.00 INC GST

FITTED & BALANCED

205/55R16

.00 INC GST

FITTED & BALANCED

INC GST

FITTED & BALANCED

Agent for

INC GST

FITTED & BALANCED

215/60R16

.00 INC GST

FITTED & BALANCED

235/40R18

115.00 $110.00 $110.00

4732 5591

INC GST

FITTED & BALANCED

235/45R17

95.00

INC GST

FITTED & BALANCED

Mickey Thompson

TYRETECH

2/2 PEACHTREE RD. PENRITH

205/65R15

OPEN 6 DAYS

13 21 91

WW7525

extra time

Friday 14 March 2014 the western weekender

WW7550

Wallace will be key to success this year I LUKE PRIDDIS

Panthers legend Luke Priddis believes Peter Wallace holds the key to success at the club this season after a solid debut against the Knights

certainly enjoyed what was a perfect afternoon for rugby league at Sportingbet Stadium to kick off the Panthers’ 2014 season. While results from the 20’s and NSW Cup games were disappointing and early on that trend looked set to continue in the main game, the final result certainly pleased the solid crowd that came to watch the new look Panthers strut their wares. The direction that Peter Wallace provided the team was a telling factor. Success this season will depend a lot on his ability to continually build on this leadership and develop combinations with other key players, ensuring the Panthers deliver consistent performances throughout the year. This will ensure Sportingbet Stadium becomes the ‘black hole’ once again where teams know when they play there they are going to leave knowing they have played the Panthers. I am certain that despite the win Ivan Cleary will ensure his players don’t get too far ahead of themselves as Newcastle were clearly the stronger starters of the two sides before losing key personnel in Boyd and Gidley leaving them with 15 men for more than half the game and clearly lacking direction in their attack.

BEER BREWING  ................................................................... DISTILLING  ................................................................... CIDER AND SOFT DRINKS  ................................................................... CHEESE MAKING  ................................................................... YOGHURT AND KEFIR  ................................................................... TOFU  ................................................................... SAUSAGES SMOKING CURING  ................................................................... COFFEE ROASTING  ................................................................... FOOD PRESERVING  ................................................................... AUSTRALIAN NATIVE FOODS  ................................................................... CHOCOLATE MAKING  ................................................................... WINE AND MEAD MAKING  ...................................................................

Peter Wallace in action last weekend Penrith face a tough trip to Melbourne this week which will give a true indicator of where they are at despite the Storm possibly still being without Cooper Cronk. Looking at some other points from last weekend, Tigers rookie half Luke Brooks was certainly provided a reality check in

more than just homebrew

the game against the Dragons. Against the same opposition last year, Brooks was truly a magician. Given the headlines, he is now a known quantity who is on everyone’s radar and the young kid certainly had a tough day with the young star found wanting as the Dragons targeted him with their attack. The defensive aspect of the game is the greatest challenge graduates from the Holden Cup face when they make the leap to first grade. The effort required and expected on a consistent week to week basis against men for the context of the full season is something most of these kids struggle with and is why there is huge support for the return of the previous Reserve Grade comp as a precursor to first grade in 2015. We all have a pick when it comes to rugby league’s best but few could argue that an injury free and fully fit Greg Inglis is the most devastating player most have seen. I had the privilege of playing with Wendell Sailor and Lote Tuqiri when they were both at their devastating best and no disrespect to either but GI is lengths ahead of these two guys which shows how outstanding this bloke is given what the previous two have achieved in the game. Simply, he is a superstar.

Country Brewer

POPULAR BRANDS

PRIDDO'S POINT

SPECIALISING IN

Friday 14 March 2014 the western weekender

extra time

PH: 02 4731 5444 218 Great Western Hwy Kingswood

www.countrybrewer.com.au

.................................................. Epicurean .................................................. Roberts Confectionery .................................................. Wyeast .................................................. Fowlers Vacola .................................................. A Taste of the Bush .................................................. Andale .................................................. Coopers .................................................. Weyermann .................................................. Joe White .................................................. WW7549

All looking up at Panthers PANTHER RUMBLINGS with the Masked Panther

Send your Panthers gossip at news@westernweekender.com.au

There was great news for the club last Saturday with the target of 10,000 members being met just hours before kickoff. This is a huge achievement given the side hasn’t played finals football since 2010 and is testament to the good work being put in by Phil Gould, Warren Wilson and Don Feltis. One very impressive improvement to the match day experience last weekend was the new look for the cheerleaders, which I revealed exclusively last week. The girls have a great Panthers-style look now, and while they still look beautiful and sexy, the focus is less on how much skin they’re showing and more on how much they represent the Panthers brand

stadium. Can I say this though – I really think the Saturday afternoon timeslot will backfire for the NRL, and hence for the Panthers, this year. There’s just too much on for people on Saturdays and last week’s 4.30pm kickoff, for example, would have been too early for many fans who had things on during the day and too late for those who had to get to things at night. The NRL really needs to look more at the scheduling of matches to suit fans, not pay TV, as difficult as that may be given the dollars involved.

and how skilled they are at their chosen profession. A really, really positive move. The crowd of around 11,000 for the Panthers v Knights last Saturday was a little disappointing given the build-up, but probably not unexpected. The side needs to win and win consistently before the masses will flock back into the

@natetaylor87

Penrith Panthers NSW Cup coach Garth Brennan unveiled a huge surprise during last Saturday’s loss 24-14 loss to the Newcastle Knights. Robert Jennings, the teenage brother of Michael and George Jennings, was a surprise late inclusion in Brennan’s lineup, replacing Isaah Yeo.

The Panthers put on a great postmatch function for fans after the game last Saturday back at the EVAN Theatre. The coaches and captains of all three grades appeared on stage to chat to the fans and explain the results, with players sticking around for photos with supporters afterwards. The new big screens you saw at Sportingbet Stadium last weekend were temporary, with huge new screens to arrive in May. It’s a great idea to have screens at both ends of the field, and I’m told the big ones will look amazing when they arrive. Officials at the Panthers are doing everything they can to help fix the long queues at the bars and food areas at the stadium. Expect to see some positive changes ahead of the game against the Bulldogs with more to evolve throughout the season.

The new-look Penrith Panthers cheerleaders

NATHAN TAYLOR

I am told that merchandise sales are absolutely through the roof at the Panthers this year. The new merchandise hall at the ground itself is fantastic and the sales figures coming out of the round one clash impressed all club officials. How great is it to see more and more Panthers gear being sold and worn around the area? It seems that Darryl ‘The Big Marn’ Brohman’s influence is spreading strongly in the ranks of the 2GB Continuous Call team. Spotted on Saturday afternoon was ‘The Duck’ bringing up several bags of burgers and fries for the 2GB crew in the media box at Sportingbet Stadium.

extra time

Many fans have spoken about ‘Go The Mighty Panthers’ not being played after the win against the Knights last weekend. I can confirm that Panthers fans will indeed be singing along to the classic song should we win against the Bulldogs next weekend.

Lower GRADES

Photo: Melinda Jane While it usually wouldn’t be unusual for a Jennings brother to feature in a top grade side, Robert is only 18 and has never played a game of Holden Cup, the grade below NSW Cup. His bypassing of grades speaks volumes of this kid’s ability and he definitely didn’t look out of place in a beaten side last Saturday afternoon. Meanwhile, Penrith’s Holden Cup team has given up an 18-6 half-time lead to go down to the Newcastle Knights 34-22. The Panthers were in control for the first 30 minutes of the match before the visitors pounced on the mostly inexperienced home side. The few shining lights for the Panthers were fullback Brent Naden, newly re-signed prop Andy Saunders, Chris Smith and hooker Josh Tangitau – who provided a spark whenever Penrith needed it. This Saturday the junior Panthers travel down to Melbourne to take on the Storm, who also lost in round one, whilst the NSW Cup Panthers will head to Wyong to take on the Roos.

DEBT MANAGEMENT ~ SUPERANNUATION (SMSF) ~ INVESTMENT ~ LIFE INSURANCE BUSINESS SUCCESSION PLANNING ~ RETIREMENT PLANNING ~ AGED CARE ADVICE

Do you want to secure your Financial Future? x We develop Financial Strategies specifically tailored to your personal circumstances. x Ongoing updates ensure that when life events cause change, your advice continues to reflect your financial goals.

26a Gymea Bay Rd Gymea NSW 2750

Take the first step today and call me for a chat. 02 9524 4890

info@cprwealth.com.au www.cprwealth.com.au Priddis Pty Ltd ACN (111 605 341) trading as CPR Wealth ABN 75 662 829 642 Corporate Authorised Representative of Charter Financial Planning Limited ABN 35 002 976 294 Australian Financial Service Licensee number 234665

Luke Priddis B.Sci Dip.FA Authorised Representative WW7419

Friday 14 March 2014 the western weekender

2/282 High St Penrith NSW 2750

CELEBRITY TIPSTERS

extra time

Vic Shipley Akira Teppanyaki

006

RABBITOHS

COWBOYS

BRONCOS

COWBOYS

WARRIORS

DRAGONS

WARRIORS

DRAGONS

PANTHERS

ROOSTERS TITANS RAIDERS BULLDOGS

ROOSTERS

008

RAIDERS

TITANS BULLDOGS

PANTHERS Nathan Taylor Western Weekender

ROOSTERS

010

KNIGHTS

PANTHERS

TITANS BULLDOGS

Mary-Anne Lowery Mary-Anne Lowery Chiropractor

ROOSTERS

008

RAIDERS

TITANS BULLDOGS

PANTHERS David Landrigan Redback Automotives

EELS

008

RAIDERS

TIGERS SHARKS

RABBITOHS

COWBOYS

BRONCOS

COWBOYS

BRONCOS

COWBOYS

DRAGONS

WARRIORS

STORM

PANTHERS

STORM

ROOSTERS

006

RAIDERS

004

Ian Garton McDonald’s Penrith Leagues

RABBITOHS

Deidre Barlow Country Brewer Nepean

Michael Ball Michael Ball Realty

Brought to you by THE FOOTY SHOW

ROOSTERS

Simonne Thompson Hertz Penrith

TITANS

TITANS KNIGHTS

008

BULLDOGS

ROOSTERS

Darren Latty PRD Penrith

TITANS

008

RAIDERS BULLDOGS

Rhys Davis ABL Tile and Bathroom Centre re

ROOSTERS

012

KNIGHTS

TITANS T BULLDOGS

Michael Taylor Stanton & Taylor Commercial

ROOSTERS

008

KNIGHTS

TITANS BULLDOGS

RABBITOHS

SEA EAGLES

COWBOYS

BRONCOS

WARRIORS

DRAGONS

WARRIORS

DRAGONS

STORM

PANTHERS

STORM

ROOSTERS

EELS

Corey Tubie Dikies Towing

TITANS RAIDERS

TIGERS KNIGHTS

006

BULLDOGS

Fiona Scott Federal Member for Lindsay

EELS

008

KNIGHTS

TIGERS BULLDOGS

Ross Fowler Ross Fowler & Co

ROOSTERS

008

KNIGHTS

TITANS BULLDOGS

Nathan Buhagiar Cassola Kitchens

006

ROOSTERS TIGERS KNIGHTS SHARKS

WW7369

ABL TILE & BATHROOM CENTRE YOUR ONE STOP SHOP FOR ALL YOUR BATHROOM, KITCHEN AND TILING NEEDS

1500 COOL FREESTANDING BATH

390

949

15% OFF

149

Friday 14 March 2014 the western weekender

25% OFF

900 VANESSA GLOSS VANITY

399 30% OFF

Save $569

KOKO BASIN MIXER

1600 CUBE BACK TO WALL FREESTANDING

RUSH BASIN MIXER AR 15 YE

229

659 20% OFF

SEE INSTORE OR ONLINE FOR MORE GREAT DEALS

2799 40% off

KIRI BASIN MIXER

299

WAIPORI SATINJET RAILSHOWER AR 15 YE

239

38% off

900 KANSAS FLOOR STANDING VANITY

IME LIFET

Save $254

18 FORTHORN PLACE, ST MARYS PH: 9623 0499 WWW.ABLTILECENTRE.COM.AU

859 25% OFF

TO LLER CONTRO

329

239

1089 Save $561

URBANE EASY HEIGHT WALL FACED SUITE NEW RELEASE

KOKO WALL FACED SUITE

MINIMALIST GOOSENECK PULL OUT SINK MIXER D LIMITE S STOCK

199 20% OFF

45% OFF

PETE EVANS DOUBLE BOWL SINK

NURESEN BO UCH SC

BYRON WALL FACED SUITE

15% OFF

1129

399

INFINTY 26 CONTINOUS FLOW HOT WATER

CASCADE SWIVEL BATH PANEL

UNDERFLOOR ERFLOOR HEATING

1589 Save $336

25% off

750 ROCKHAMPTON WALL HUNG

MINTORI CONTOUR FREESTANDING SPA

FROM

1675 NEWBURY ISLAND PLUS

479

R 5 YEA

MINIBOIL INSTANT BOILING/AMBIENT WATER AR 15 YE

40% OFF

OPENING HOURS MON TO FRI 7:30 - 5PM SAT 8:30AM - 4PM / SUN 9AM - 3PM

1419 Save $440

799

AR 10 YE

TRIUMPH TASTIC 3 IN 1 3 TO E CHOOS FROM

109

Save $40

WW7351

NRL LADDER

+/- Pts

1 Panthers

+22

ROUND 2

2 Eels

16 +20

Sea Eagles v Rabbitohs

3 Rabbitohs

+20

Friday 7.40pm Bluetongue Stadium

4 Dragons

24 +20

5 Broncos

6 Titans

7 Cowboys

Warriors v Dragons

8 Storm

9 Sea Eagles

-1

Saturday 3.00pm Eden Park

10 Raiders

-6

Storm v Panthers

11 Bulldogs

-6

Saturday 5.30pm AAMI Park

12 Sharks

-6

13 Roosters

28 -20

14 Warriors

36 -20

Saturday 7.30pm Allianz Stadium

15 W. Tigers

44 -20

Titans v Tigers

16 Knights

30 -22

Sunday 3.00pm Cbus Super Stadium

Extra Time Issue Number 002 PRINTED BY Spotpress Pty Ltd / PRODUCED BY The Western Weekender EDITOR Troy Dodds / 4722 2998 / troy.dodds@westernweekender.com.au CONTRIBUTORS Nathan Taylor / Luke Priddis / Yvonne Purtell / Erin Molan SALES MANAGER Simon Gould / 4722 2998 simon.gould@westernweekender.com.au

Broncos v Cowboys Friday 8.40pm Suncorp Stadium

Roosters v Eels

Knights v Raiders Sunday 6.30pm Hunter Stadium

Bulldogs v Sharks Monday 7.00pm ANZ Stadium

Kevin Kingston He leads the Panthers with pride, and Kevin Kingston is one of the game’s toughest players

Best moment in the NRL: Playing in a grand ﬁnal Favourite team growing up: Norths Closest teammate: All of them! Sporting idol: Sam Anderson and Jamie Soward! Favourite TV show of all time: ‘The Simpsons’ Favourite band or artist: Motley Crue Favourite guilty pleasure: Chocolate

Friday 14 March 2014 the western weekender

WW7352

extra time

Club

Gus quits to join Junior reps the Roosters doing well YVONNE PURTELL

extra time

PANTHERS FLASHBACK

JUNIORS @penrith_juniors

We move into Round 5 of the junior rep program this weekend where we see the Panthers take on the Roosters at Windsor Sports Complex. Harold Matthews kicks off at 12pm and SG Ball at 1.30pm. Prior to this game we will see an U17 development game between Panthers and Western Suburbs. A great day of football, so come along and watch the young men of the district battle it out. The Harold Matthews are four from four as is the SG Ball, with them having a draw as well. Monday night saw over 50 young ladies attend an information night/clinic at the stadium. The clinic was run by our NRL Development Officers with the assistance of two Panthers players, Matt Robinson and Ryan Simpkins. From this we hope to be able to run girls/ladies competitions within our district for 2014. Most of our junior league clubs are starting their trials this weekend. If anyone is interested in playing rugby league in the district please contact your local club for further details. Online registrations are now open for trainers, managers and volunteers. Visit our website penrith.leaguenet.com.au for further details. The Penrith Junior League will be involved in gathering statistical data on injuries throughout the 2014 season as part of the CHISM (Children’s Hospital Institute of Sports Medicine) Report. The district participated in this program in the late ‘90s and we have been asked to participate again this coming season which will be a good indicator on the changes to the game over this time. A great effort by our returning and new players with just over 3,700 players already registered for the 2014 season.

Soward injured Panthers coach Ivan Cleary has admitted that at one stage, it looked like Jamie Soward wouldn’t return for the second half of last weekend’s win over Newcastle.

Jamie Soward

Friday 14 March 2014 the western weekender

Soward suffered back spasms during the game and

was forced from the field in the final minutes. “I didn’t think we he was going to go back on (for the second half) but he just said he would have a crack and luckily we had the running at the start of the second half and he was able to get through most of it,” Cleary said. The injury is not expected to keep Soward out of Saturday’s clash with Melbourne at AAMI Park, but will obviously be monitored throughout the next few matches.

TROY DODDS

@troydodds

hil Gould’s return to the Penrith Panthers in 2011 was the next chapter in the long, sometimes rocky relationship between ‘Gus’ and the club. Whilst Gould is seen today as the man who helped save the Panthers and is leading a remarkable turnaround at the club, back in the mid 1990’s, the story was somewhat different. As head coach, Gould had taken the Panthers to the heights of its first premiership in 1991, but had to deal with the devastating lows that would follow, including Ben Alexander’s death in a car accident, which all but tore the club apart. By 1994, Gould had fallen out with Ben’s brother and club legend Greg over the family trophy business. Once firm mates, the pair were all but torn apart by the rift, but managed to bury the hatchet in the early part of the 1994 season. “It was personal stuff between my family and Gus,” Alexander told Rugby League Week. “You can’t change what’s happened in the past but you have to put it behind you and get on with it.” A much bigger story was happening behind the scenes though: Gould was preparing to quit Penrith and join the Roosters. By mid-season, the rumours were public. Six rounds out from the end of the 1994 season, Gould announced he would join the Roosters on a three year deal, with a two year option. Gould would tell Rugby League Week some time later that he’d wanted to leave Penrith since Ben Alexander’s death in 1992. “No-one knows what I’ve been through at the club,” he said. Indeed, Gould was young himself but was thrust into being the man to handle a squad totally devastated by the loss of one of their own. The pressure, the challenge and the huge personal toll that young Alexander’s death had on Gould was never really appreciated by the media, or the fans in the years that followed. Whilst Gould’s move to the Roosters would be played out in the rugby league media as a major defection, truth was that whilst the media and fans may have recovered from Ben Alexander’s death,

Phil Gould in his coaching days with Penrith

Gould had fallen out with Greg Alexander over the family trophy business, leading to a massive rift between the pair

Gould and the squad hadn’t. It was time to move on, time to heal. It is somewhat fitting that Gould would, almost two decades later, return to the Panthers to finish the job of building the club into the force it promised to be when he led them to their first grand final win in 1991. Ironic, too, that Greg Alexander is on the Board that approved his return.

WW7368

WANT TO KEEP YOUR HOUSE

extra time

THIS SUMMER?

ď&#x20AC;Š Call us now to find out how 02 8999 5597 or 0419 283 113

WW7551

Friday 14 March 2014 the western weekender

www.nulookroofing.com.au

extra time

PANTHERS IN PICTURES

Moylan magic on show

Matt Moylan in action against the Sydney Roosters at Penrith Stadium last year. Photo: Melinda Jane

An emerging star last season, Panthers fullback Matt Moylan now has his chance to stamp his authority on the NRL. After a great performance last weekend, Moylan is on the verge of proving he has what it takes to become a superstar @wwpenrith

Friday 14 March 2014 the western weekender

Sir Walter premium soft leaf buffalo lawn BUY DIRECT FROM THE FARM & SAVE!

from

per m2 PLUS DELIVERY

FREE DELIVERY for 100m2 or more

Call Us Now On 1300 136 389

WW7554

extra time

1. Moylan in action against the Eels last season 2. Moylan in the clear against the Tigers in a trial match 3. Moylan muscles his way through the Tigers defence 4. Moylan after last monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s trial against Newtown Photos: Melinda Jane

4 Call Us Now On

NEW ONLINE STORE WW7555

1300 136 389 www.atlasturf.com.au

Friday 14 March 2014 the western weekender

Office / Sales - 52 Mileham Street Windsor Farm - Yarramundi Lane, Richmond Sales@atlasturf.com.au

SIMPLE TICK SYSTEM FOR FINANCE PRE-APPROVAL GOOD CREDIT HISTORY  LICENCE  PAYSLIP  WORKING 

Call 4736 8800 for a No Hassle Conﬁdential Quote

LATE MODEL CARS & 4x4

www.carwise.com.au

4736 8800

Great Western Highway, KINGSWOOD Corner Morley Avenue

CLEARANCE SALE

2011 TOYOTA COROLLA ASCENT SPORT

2010 SUZUKI SWIFT SX4

2011 SSANGYONG KORANDO S C200

2007 PROTON SATRIA

Excellent condition. CDP 35 G

Sporty in excellent condition. BX 17 PE

Excellent fuel economy

Automatic hatchback

$15,990

$17,990

$7,990

2011 NISSAN TIIDA ST

2007 MITSUBISHI PAJERO

2010 MAZDA3 SP 25 BL

2012 FORD FALCON XR6 FG UPGRADE

Low klms, automatic hatch

Excellent condition with black leather interior

Long rego to 24/01/2015.

With new car warranty to 2015. BP 20 KK

$14,990

$24,990

$21,990

$20,990

PROTON.

MOTOR ON The Proton Prevé. GX MANUAL

From

$15,990* drive away.

New Exora, Free 5 years Servicing, 5 years Roadside Assistance and 5 years Warranty.** For carefree motoring, test drive the new Proton Prevé or Exora today and discover that Proton really does mean more car for your money.

The 7-Seat P Proton Exora.

FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY

Keep your family y moving GX G X AUTO

fr om from

CARWISE PROTON www.carwise.com.au

$25,990 $ 25,990* drive dri rive ive away. aw

Ph: 1300 587 256

(Cost of a local call)

Great Western Highway, Kingswood (Cnr Morley Avenue)

* Prices are for the Prevé GX Manual and the Exora GX CVT (auto) variants for private buyers at participating Proton dealers ordered and delivered before 31st March 2014 or while stocks lasts. Metallic paint $490 extra. ** 5 years /150,000km warranty and roadside assistance, 5 years/75,000km capped-price servicing (whichever occurs rst). Proton reserves the right to change or extend these offers. Refer to www.proton.com.au for further details.

WW7541