Extra Time 12 September

FRI 12 SEP 2014 • Issue 028

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Now it’s serious Can Panthers turn the Roosters into chickens this Saturday? p.3

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PENRITH PANTHERS

PREVIEW

Matt Moylan Josh Mansour Dean Whare Jamal Idris Dallin Watene-Zelezniak Will Smith Jamie Soward (c) Sam McKendry James Segeyaro Brent Kite Sika Manu Matt Robinson Nigel Plum Lewis Brown Jeremy Latimore Ben Murdoch-Masila Sam Anderson David Simmons

SYDNEY ROOSTERS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 17 18

Anthony Minichiello (c) Daniel Tupou Michael Jennings Shaun Kenny-Dowall Roger Tuivasa-Sheck James Maloney Mitchell Pearce Jared Waerea-Hargreaves Mitchell Aubusson Sam Moa Boyd Cordner Sonny Bill Williams Issac Liu Jackson Hastings Remi Casty Kane Evans Heath L’Estrange

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Matt Robinson carries the ball forward against the Warriors last Sunday. Photo: Melinda Jane

It’s time to cook the chooks TROY DODDS

@troydodds

Penrith Panthers v Sydney Roosters KICK-OFF: SAT 13/9 • 5.50pm Allianz Stadium Referees: Jared Maxwell and Henry Perenara TV: Channel Nine Live 5.50pm Radio: 2GB Live 5.50pm

there. Cleary is being careful to not talk up his side’s chances – they’ve flown under the radar all season and he doesn’t want that to change now.

Second, Penrith held their weekly media session on Monday, less than 24 hours after the game against the Warriors ended.

This type of turnaround is quite rare, and shows that Cleary wanted to get all of the distractions out of the way early in the week so he could do most of the work behind closed doors in the latter part of the preparation.

Ivan Cleary knows what finals football is all about – he’s been there as a player, and as a coach with the Warriors.

To that end, he’s used to dealing with low expectations from the media and the wider rugby league circle, and high expectations from supporters and players.

Truth is, Penrith have no right to win Saturday’s game against the Roosters.

With their long-term injury toll in double figures and finals experience exceptionally limited, the Panthers are a small fish in a big pond.

But what is supposed to happen and what has happened are two very, very different things when it comes to the 2014 model

of the Penrith Panthers. When people say they can’t do something, more times than not they prove they can.

One thing Cleary has got more right than not this season is a game plan based on the team he’s playing.

It’s nothing overly-complicated, just identifying potential areas of dominance and allowing the players to do the rest. It’ll be hard to find weaknesses in the Roosters, but they are there somewhere.

With Jake Friend injured and the judiciary causing some problems, the Roosters have a weakened forward pack this weekend. Their victory against South Sydney last weekend was somewhat impressive, but they really only piled on the points and rolled up field when the Rabbitohs were reduced to 12 men early in the second half.

Cleary and the Panthers will feel that the Roosters are somewhat vulnerable up the middle and I’d expect Penrith to focus their attack away from the edges, at least in the first half hour or so.

One thing is certain – Cleary will have his injury-ravaged, rickety train of Panthers prepared exceptionally well for this match. Anything could happen.

Tip: Panthers by 4

Friday 12 September 2014 the western weekender

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ell Panthers fans, here we are. The roller coaster journey of the regular season is over and Penrith face the Sydney Roosters this Saturday night in their first finals clash since 2010.

Should the Panthers win, it will be their first finals victory in a decade.

Should they lose, they’ve done enough to earn a second bite at the cherry.

Forget about first versus fourth. Forget about what happened during the regular season, or even last weekend.

This weekend marks the start of an entirely new competition, and no team has really put their hand up to declare they’re sure things.

The Roosters are without doubt deserved premiership favourites, but they carry a huge weight of expectation on their shoulders. That is never easy, and if the Roosters do go on to win the trophy this year, they will become the first team since Brisbane in 1992/1993 to win back-to-back titles. It’s just not easy to do in the NRL and if the Roosters achieve it, it’ll be well deserved.

Standing in their way this weekend is a Penrith side that has defied every expectation and setback this season. It is a side built on integrity, trust and teamwork.

This is a team that plays for each other, and constantly surprises you.

This week we’ve been given a couple of small insights into Penrith coach Ivan Cleary’s game plan for this clash.

First, in an interview with Fox Sports after beating the Warriors last Sunday, Cleary spoke of how much of a privilege it was to play the Roosters this weekend.

He turned the mind games on – almost suggesting the Roosters deserved to win, and it was an honour for Penrith just to be

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FEATURE STORY

How Panthers defied injury A NATHAN TAYLOR

@natetaylor87

Battered and bruised, the 2014 Penrith squad has soared above the NRL’s worst injury toll to finish in the top four and have a real shot at premiership glory

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Josh Mansour on crutches Plum who is still recovering from concussion but Tim Grant returns from a calf strain.

ROUND 11: BYE ROUND 12: The day before their blockbuster clash against Parramatta, Jamal Idris is withdrawn from the game due to personal issues and is replaced by Isaah

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make way for Sika Manu who returns from off-season shoulder surgery.

ROUND 5: Peter Wallace and Josh Mansour return against the Raiders but David Simmons is sidelined with a hamstring strain and is replaced by Dallin Watene-Zelezniak on debut.

ROUND 6: Penrith are missing prop Nigel Plum but are boosted with news of Brent Kite’s return.

ROUND 7: The Panthers are without Lewis Brown who suffers a mild pectoral tear in their loss to South Sydney. Sam McKendry is also missing after suffering an ankle injury while David Simmons and Nigel Plum both return.

ROUND 8: Panthers prop Tim Grant is granted an early release to join South Sydney in 2015 before Penrith’s clash with the Titans on Monday night.

ROUND 9: The Panthers are without Elijah Taylor (knee) and Kevin Kingston (ankle) for their match against Newcastle.

Tim Grant is also missing with a calf injury but Sam McKendry does return. During the game Nigel Plum is heavily concussed and has to leave the field on a stretcher.

Meanwhile in the NSW Cup, Penrith’s back-up half Isaac John does his Achilles and is out for the season.

ROUND 10: Penrith are without Nigel

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s Penrith prepare for their first finals game in four years, their inspirational journey through an horrific injury and suspension toll can finally be revealed in full.

As the Panthers prepare to battle one of the NRL’s true glamour clubs on Saturday, we look back at how Ivan Cleary has manage to guide his side to the top four despite huge stumbling blocks.

ROUND 1: The Panthers went into their season opener against the Knights missing new recruit Jamal Idris, who suffered an injury in Penrith’s final trial. Jamie Soward is also under an injury cloud but recovers to play.

ROUND 2: David Simmons suffers a knee injury during Penrith’s win over Newcastle and is replaced by new recruit Kevin Naiqama for the game against Melbourne.

Jamie Soward is also injured in the leadup and is replaced by Isaac John. The day before their game against the Storm, Penrith are rocked by the news troubled centre James Roberts has been sacked.

ROUND 3: The Panthers are dealt their first big blow of the year when Brent Kite (calf), Josh Mansour (hamstring) and Peter Wallace (groin) are all missing from their clash against the Bulldogs.

ROUND 4: Prop Tim Grant is dropped to

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FEATURE STORY

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horror story and is out for the season. Josh Mansour is also injured and leaves the field with an ankle injury.

ROUND 19: Penrith are without Josh Mansour and Tyrone Peachey. The pair are replaced by Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Bryce Cartwright. Adam Docker plays his first game in headgear after a number of concussions.

ROUND 20: Adam Docker is a late withdrawal in Bathurst with Sika Manu, who was named 18th man, taking his place.

Penrith are boosted by the return of Peter Wallace in the halves. However, during the first half, Wallace suffers a serious knee injury but manages to play out the rest of the game. It’s later revealed Wallace is out for the season with an ACL. ROUND 21: Adam Docker, David Simmons and Josh Mansour all return for Penrith’s Friday night blockbuster against Canterbury. Will Smith makes his NRL debut in place of injured halfback Peter Wallace. During the game Elijah Taylor (knee), Bryce Cartwright (ankle) and Brent Kite (pec) all suffer serious injuries.

ROUND 22: Penrith are hit with the news Elijah Taylor and Bryce Cartwright are out for the season while Brent Kite is sidelined until Round 26 with a pec tear. Tim Grant returns to replace Brent Kite.

Trainer Ron Palmer attends to James Segeyaro’s ankle injury. Photo: Melinda Jane ROUND 23: Penrith is missing David Simmons who injures his shoulder against the Dragons in Wollongong. Isaah Yeo is also a late withdrawal with injury and is replaced by Ben Murdoch-Masila on club debut. During the game James Segeyaro is forced to leave the field with an ankle injury.

ROUND 24: After being under an injury cloud all week, James Segeyaro is cleared to play against the Storm but is a late withdrawal after the unexpected death of his father in PNG. Kevin Kingston returns to first grade to replace Segeyaro.

ROUND 25: Penrith are dealt a double blow with the news Kevin Kingston

suffered a serious knee injury in the loss to Melbourne. The Panthers are also without in-form prop Jeremy Latimore who is found guilty of a ‘crusher’ tackle in the previous game and is suspended for two weeks. Sam Anderson and Kierran Moseley on debut join the side.

ROUND 26: In the final game of the season, Penrith are without Adam Docker who is suspended for two matches for a dangerous throw tackle in the loss to Manly.

FINALS Week 1: Jeremy Latimore returns from suspension, but Penrith is without Tim Grant who suffered a knee injury in the final regular season game.

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Yeo. Adam Docker is also missing with injury but Penrith are boosted with the news Nigel Plum, Elijah Taylor and Lewis Brown are all fit to return.

ROUND 13: Adam Docker returns from injury to replace Bryce Cartwright.

ROUND 14: Kevin Naiqama returns to first grade to replace David Simmons who injures his knee in Penrith’s win over the Titans. Bryce Cartwright returns to replace Adam Docker who is once again out with concussion.

ROUND 15: BYE ROUND 16: After nearly a month on the sidelines dealing with personal issues, Jamal Idris returns to first grade with a bang. Adam Docker also returns from injury to replace Bryce Cartwright. Jamie Soward injures his ankle during the game and does not return.

ROUND 17: Despite being under an injury cloud all week Jamie Soward does play against the Tigers. However, Penrith’s luck quickly runs out when Peter Wallace goes down with an ankle injury early in the first half and doesn’t return.

ROUND 18: Penrith are without Peter Wallace who is replaced by Tyrone Peachey in the halves. Late in the game Peachey leaves the field with injury. It’s later revealed Peachey suffered a torn pec

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FEATURE STORY

From Europe to the Finals T NATHAN TAYLOR

@natetaylor87

With the past now behind him, Jamie Soward says he’s looking forward to the challenge of leading the Panthers through the NRL Finals

his time last year Jamie Soward was cruising around Italy visiting Rome’s Colosseum, taking selfies in front of the Statue of David and eating pasta in Florence.

Fast-forward 12 months and the 29-yearold captain of the Penrith Panthers has traded in his passport, luggage and tacky Italian souvenirs for a ticket to the 2014 NRL Finals.

This Saturday night the popular halfback will lead out his courageous, albeit depleted troops onto the Allianz Stadium turf in what will be the club’s first finals appearance since 2010.

The Panthers will take on defending premiers the Sydney Roosters in a true David and Goliath battle for a spot in the preliminary finals.

Speaking with Extra Time at Monday’s NRL Finals Launch, Soward said he was looking forward to the challenge of playing the competition’s most confident and consistent side.

“Playing the champs, especially with the form they’ve been in, will be a big task for us on Saturday but in saying that, we’re looking forward to the challenge,” he said.

“We’ve been underdogs all year and I think we’ve surprised a few people, and nothing’s going to change.”

The captains of the remaining eight clubs in the competition. Photo: Melinda Jane Soward said Sunday’s 22-6 victory over the Warriors was a well-earned reward for the Penrith community who continued to show up game after game despite less than ideal scheduling.

“I thought they turned up last night in numbers and I think the team needed that support as it was an important game for us,” he said.

“Scheduling hasn’t been favourable to us throughout the year, and we understand that, but still we’ve been getting crowds to games. We can be grateful to the fans that turned out especially with the weather.”

Soward will be hoping those same passionate fans continue to show up in their droves for however long the Panthers remain in the hunt for the premiership.

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FEATURE STORY

Idris back in finals arena I NATHAN TAYLOR

@natetaylor87

It’s been five years since Jamal Idris last played in a finals match, and he says he’s pumped and ready to go for Saturday’s game against the Roosters

t’s hard to believe a rugby league name as big as Jamal Idris hasn’t played finals footy since 2009.

Idris, who joined Penrith from the Titans earlier this year, last played in the post-season some five years ago when he was just a 19-year-old pup with the Bulldogs.

This weekend the damaging centre will return to the finals arena much older, wiser but as hungry as ever.

“I remember the last time I played [finals] was 2009 against Parramatta when I was at the Bulldogs, there was 74,000 people, which is still a record for the semi-finals,” Idris recalled.

“Just the feel when you run out onto the field is amazing. I remember the first kick Parra had as well, they kicked it down field, Luke Patton (Bulldogs fullback) got it and got knocked out. It was his first run the poor bloke, things like that stick in your mind.”

While the Bulldogs failed to get the result that day, and Parramatta ultimately went on to reach the 2009 Grand Final, Idris is hoping for a much better outcome despite Penrith being major underdogs all year to take out the coveted Telstra Premiership.

“I guess it sort of reflects how we’ve gone this season because a lot of people wrote

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us off as underdogs and were putting us down there close to the wooden spoon with the likes of Canberra,” he said.

“We’re just fighting against all odds aren’t we? We’re getting players out suspended at the judiciary, we’re getting some bad calls, we’ve just got injuries riddling the club – we’re just fighting all odds.”

In multiple media interviews this week, Idris has made it clear that the squad is well aware of how under-rated they are by the rugby league community.

It is part of what has driven the club to be this season’s surprise packet.

While Idris’ comments certainly ring true, the Panthers have spent the entire 2014 season thriving on the criticism, the setbacks, the bad calls and injuries.

Idris said it’s what’s made them battlehardened for hopefully the next month of thrilling footy to come.

“We are battling against all odds and that is the Australian way,” Idris said.

“Every Australian likes to look at themselves as the underdog, so I think it’s bred in us all.”

After a season of ups and downs, Idris is clearly in stunning form heading into the finals and produced a tough display against the Warriors last Sunday.

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PANTHER RUMBLINGS with the Masked Panther

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

The biggest story at Penrith this year is the incredible redemption of Jamie Soward. Soward was almost unwanted by many Penrith fans when he was signed for the 2014 season in April last year, but has proven even his harshest critics wrong with an incredible season that has resulted in the Panthers making the top four. The inspirational playmaker walked slowly around Sportingbet Stadium last Sunday night thanking supporters – many of whom were probably eating their fair share of humble pie. Soward is without doubt the NRL’s buy of the year and deserves every bit of praise he gets.

I’m told a big membership promotion at Panthers Leagues Club, in which a car is up for grabs as the main prize, has got a few sponsors up in arms. A number of car companies that sponsor the Panthers weren’t even asked whether they could potentially be involved in the promotion, and aren’t very happy about it.

named in the squad are Issah Yeo, Kierran Moseley, Andy Saunders, Waqa Blake and Chris Smith.

The NRL still can’t get over their love affair with Parramatta and Jarryd Hayne.

Even at the launch of the finals on Monday, a promotional video was played featuring the Eels, despite the side not featuring in the finals this year. It’s embarrassing and really shouldn’t be happening with today’s fast-paced technology.

week, Channel Nine’s Erin Molan Tweeted that she was cheering for her “fiancé” Matt Moylan during last Sunday night’s game. Moylan Tweeted back, “You better be!”. To make the whole situation even funnier, some fans didn’t get the joke – and congratulated Erin Moylan-Molan on her engagement!

Brisbane fans were certainly cheering hard for the Panthers on Sunday night, with the Broncos qualifying for the finals thanks to Penrith’s win. One Broncos fan took their relief a step further – sending flowers to Panthers HQ with a card thanking the side for keeping their team alive.

The Panthers will name their Player of the Year at their annual presentation night this coming Monday. It’s the first presentation night to be held during a finals campaign since 2010, when coach Matt Elliott famously asked his side to get up and walk out half-way through the night, so they could rest up and prepare for the game that weekend. The buzz in the room on Monday night is expected to be at fever pitch. Matt Moylan and Jamie Soward are the favourites as far as Player of the Year is concerned, but surely James Segeyaro won’t be far behind.

Brent Kite is back from injury There was a lot of focus on Kevin Kingston’s farewell on Sunday night at Sportingbet Stadium, but probably not enough on Tim Grant, who is a Penrith junior and truly has the Panthers in his heart.

It’s unfortunate that the circumstances surrounding Grant’s upcoming departure meant that he didn’t get the farewell and pre-promotion he probably deserved.

Jamie Soward celebrates with supporters on Sunday evening

Friday 12 September 2014 the western weekender

Five Panthers players were this week selected in the Junior Kangaroos train-on squad for the upcoming Junior Test (Under 20’s) against New Zealand. The match will be played on Saturday, October 18 at Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland. Penrith players

Jamal Idris had a simple explanation for how he was able to recover from what appeared to be a pretty serious knock to the head against the Warriors last weekend. During an interview with Fox Sports post-match, he said his dreadlocks helped cushion the blow.

Flirt alert! Carrying on from some great laughs on ‘The Footy Show’ last

Brent Kite was a late inclusion in Penrith’s side to play the Warriors last Sunday, but was always going to play. Ivan Cleary will be hoping to use Kite for his finals expertise over the coming weeks, with his leadership and experience set to come to the fore.

Credit must go to Penrith officials for the way in which they handled the tribute to Ron Mulock last weekend. Mr Mulock was a long-time supporter of the Panthers, but he and the club did fall out at one point.

The relationship was ultimately repaired and Mr Mulock was given a fine tribute

by Chairman Don Feltis. The Panthers club also invited the Mulock family into a corporate box for the game, a great touch for a great man.

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NSW CUP

Holden Cup

STEWART MOSES

@theriffmarn

Penrith is one win away from the Grand Final in the NSW Cup competition, and will enjoy a weekend off after beating Illawarra 42-6 last Saturday

depleted Penrith Panthers outfit continues to show why they are the team to beat, making an empathic statement to the rest of the NSW Cup finalists by destroying the fourth-placed Cutters 42-6 last weekend. Penrith took advantage of Illawarra’s poor ball control to put on a clinical display in attack in week one of the finals at Leichhardt Oval.

The Panthers opened proceedings in the 7th minute with Tom Humble scoring a determined try from close range and increased the lead to 10-0 seven minutes later when Kevin Naiqama provided a deft round the corner pass to put Eto Nabuli on a tight run along the left touchline to score in the corner.

The Panthers went further in front 16-0 after 32 minutes when Humble kicked behind the line for Waqa Blake to pounce on the loose ball in goal to score out wide.

On the stroke of half-time it was Humble again who provided the Panthers’ last points for the half as his swirling cross field kick from just inside the Cutters’ half was allowed to bounce by Adam Quinlan and pounced upon by Luke Capewell to score under the posts to give Penrith a commanding 22-0 lead.

Penrith were never headed in this game and scored again in the 47th minute with

NATHAN TAYLOR

After debuting in first grade last month, hooker Kierran Moseley was a late inclusion against the Cutters.

Photo: Melinda Jane Eto Nabuli grabbing his second try before the Panthers went on with the job even further with another three tries with Humble completing his hat-trick while Blake grabbed his second.

Quinlan strolled over from close range to get the Cutters on the board but the minor premiers still ran out convincing winners 42-6 and will enjoy the week off while they await the winner of the minor semi-final between Wentworthville and Wyong. The Panthers are now one win away from the Grand Final.

@natetaylor87

After winning the 2013 Holden Cup premiership last October, the Penrith Panthers have failed in their title defence, missing out on finals footy by the skin of their teeth.

The Panthers were just a matter of seconds away from a top eight berth last Sunday evening before the New Zealand Warriors, who were also fighting it out for a spot in the eight, stole it from their grasp with a last minute try.

With both teams locked on 28 premiership points coming into the match, a Panthers win would have assured them a spot in the finals.

The Warriors’ predicament was very similar, although due to their better for and against, a win or a draw over the Panthers would have been enough to see them advance.

With the Panthers in front 18-12, the Warriors pounded the defending premiers’ line set after set to no avail.

However, with just seconds remaining on the clock the Warriors finally got their reward, scoring in the corner in controversial circumstances, with many saying it came off a forward pass.

With the Warriors down by two points, a sideline conversion by Mason Lino was all the visitors needed to book a spot in the final eight – and they got it.

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PANTHERS IN PICTURES Nigel Plum muscles his way through the defence

Panthers demolish Warriors

Sika Manu offers some sympathy to the Warriors

The Panthers finished the regular season in style last Sunday with a 22-6 win over the Warriors at Sportingbet Stadium in front of a huge crowd. Melinda Jane captured some of the highlights from a big night of footy @wwpenrith

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1. Sika Manu was very busy during the game 2. Jamie Soward produced another five-star performance 3. The Pantherettes were thrilled with the result 4. James Segeyaro played his first game in three weeks Photos: Melinda Jane

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2014 is a season we can be very proud of

DON FELTIS

Don Feltis is the Chairman of the Penrith Panthers

no other NRL club has the depth that the Panthers have. To lose at least nine NRL players to season-ending injuries during the middle and latter part of the season and finish eight points clear leaders and minor premiers in the NSW Cup and to have the NYC U/20 challenging for a finals position in the competition and the NRL team finish in the top group, ahead of teams such as the Bulldogs, Cowboys, Broncos and Storm stamps the 2014 season as one of the best on record for our club.

Mention must be made of the outstanding coaching performance of Garth Brennan with the NSW Cup who steered the team through one of the worst injury lists in the club’s history, losing nine players from his initial squad and getting the best out of the many replacements he has had to manage. And with the very productive season the NYC U/20 team has had under the coaching of Trent Barrett, it is just further testimony of the astute leadership of Phil Gould and Ivan Cleary.

We must also acknowledge the U/16 Harold Matthews and U/18 SG Ball junior development squads who both played in the respective grand finals.

I am also delighted to acknowledge and thank all our supporters for the strong and dedicated support they give to our club

Don Feltis addressing the crowd with ground announcer Scott McRae every weekend throughout the season and particularly the committed group of supporters who travel to every game irrespective of where it is located, North Queensland, New Zealand, wherever.

Sincere thanks to you all.

We greatly respect your commitment and loyalty to the Panthers.

Thanks to you all our membership base has grown significantly with our supporters being the lifeblood of our club and rugby league in this district.

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CHAIRMAN’S LOUNGE

The many achievements throughout the 2014 season have been beyond our expectations and whilst initially we were confident we would be very competitive, it became apparent as we progressed through the season, that the strong on field performances by our players and the significant off field expertise of Ivan Cleary and his coaching staff, would ensure the Panthers overall would have a successful and productive season, which has certainly been the case.

When Phil Gould accepted our approach to him back in 2011 to return to the Panthers as the General Manager and put together his five year development plan, certain sections of the media through 2012 and 2013 took him to task criticising his endeavours and it’s well known now that they embarrassed themselves with their lack of understanding and underestimation of Phil and his ability to achieve.

Phil’s overhaul was major and extended throughout the NRL squad down through the NSW Cup, NYC U/20, the junior representative squads and into the Junior League and embraced coaching, recruitment, high performance activity, selection and everything associated.

As testimony to Phil’s significant leadership and partnership with Ivan Cleary,

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PRIDDO'S POINT LUKE PRIDDIS

Luke Priddis won a Grand Final with Penrith in 2003 and is a former Clive Churchill Medal winner

It was a wonderful finish to the season proper on Sunday night with a dominant win against the Warriors who threw everything at the Panthers in their efforts to win their own place in the finals.

With that, comes the all-important top four position and the added chance if required.

While many are saying no matter what happens this year the Panthers will be real contenders in 2015, through experience you need to take your chance when it presents itself as there is no guarantee that next year will present a similar opportunity, ask the Sharks about that.

Now the real competition begins to decide the Premiers for 2014.

It is fitting that the Panthers are pitted against arch rivals the Roosters in the first week. There is plenty of history between both clubs from the days that stars such as Brad Fittler, Matt Sing and Phil Gould were poached across to the latte brigade to the battles on the field including our last Grand Final victory in 2003.

While the Roosters have been riding high over the past I certainly believe that the stars could be aligning for the Panthers with the Roosters potentially facing possible suspensions as well as injury this week that could all aide the Penrith side.

Panthers centre Jamal Idris mixes with fans last weekend While Penrith have been far from the top side this year the attitude that has been developed over the past six weeks since injuries ravaged the side is a “can do” that doesn’t care for reputations and is full of self-belief similar to what was felt in 2003.

For this reason I see no reason why the Panthers cannot be sitting back taking a week off after Saturday’s game examining their potential opponents for the Grand Final qualifier.

Out of the other games I believe the little brother of QLD in the Cowboys will end Brisbane’s season which really should have been over last week.

I believe the Storm will finish off a disappointing season for the Dogs that has failed to live up to the expectations and I think that Manly will continue their disappointing few weeks with the Rabbitohs jumping over them.

Mention must also be given to Panthers’ other final contenders with the NSW Cup side convincing Minor Premiers and winners of their first semi final. With the disappointment of the Holden Cup side missing the finals after being Premiers in 2013, lets hope that the second side can start the collection of silverware this year with First Grade to follow.

Friday 12 September 2014 the western weekender

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18

Unsung heroes lead the way

From the Mayor and Councillors of Penrith City Council

GO THE MIGHTY PANTHERS Let’s bring the Premiership home!

MOMENT WITH MOLAN ERIN MOLAN @Erin_Molan

Catch Erin on ‘The Footy Show’ every Thursday night at 8.30pm on Channel Nine

penrithcity.nsw.gov.au WW12318

A lot of people are saying this week’s game between the Penrith Panthers and Sydney Roosters is a one-way battle.

If you look at the Roosters side almost every single player is an international or representative player, but when you look at Penrith’s team this week they’re kind of void of those type of players.

This week, I want to give special mentions to some of the Panthers players who I think will make an impact in the finals.

First off is Nigel Plum, he’s just a stalwart and has played out of his skin this year.

I remember when he was at the Canberra Raiders many years ago and he was one of the hardest working blokes I saw. That’s what every team needs, they need guys who don’t need the limelight and just do their job. Nigel Plum is one of those players.

Adam Docker is another player I’d like to make special mention of.

Docker’s name this week has been tossed around for a potential Four Nations call-up, which is great for him.

When I asked Matt Moylan which teammate he looked up to more than anyone in the Panthers line-up he said Adam Docker because of his unbelievable work rate and what he does both on and off the field.

Jamal Idris is another Panther playing brilliantly at the moment and seems to have this resolve and hunger he was missing when he first came to Penrith.

Jamal’s attitude has just changed the last few months and he seems to come into each game with a different mentality. One big play or hit from him can lift the whole team.

Of course all these players wouldn’t be who they are if it wasn’t for the brilliant coaching of Ivan Cleary.

Cleary is a master at inspiring, motivating and getting the best out of his men and that’s not an easy thing to do.

Penrith are one of my favourite teams to watch. They work hard and you can’t help but like and respect what they do.

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Matt Moylan puts pen to paper on Tuesday moment, all the boys are great and Ivan is an outstanding leader,” he said.

“I’m excited to see where we can take this club in the future. As a team, we are playing some really good footy and it’s exciting to be a part of that.”

Cartwright, who made his first grade debut in Round 12 against the Parramatta Eels, said he was proud to remain with the club his family has enjoyed so much history with.

“I really appreciate what the Panthers have done for me and the faith they have shown in my ability,” he said.

“Penrith is where I started my footy career and it’s definitely where I want to stay and develop over the next few years.”

WE PRICE MATCH

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They’ve been absolute superstars on the field and the Penrith Panthers have made sure they’ll remain with the club well into the future with the announcement local juniors Matt Moylan and Bryce Cartwright have re-signed.

Moylan, who was already contracted to the end of 2015, extended his career at the Panthers on Tuesday afternoon until the end of 2017.

While Cartwright, whose current contract was also due to expire at the end next season, committed himself to Penrith until 2018.

Panthers coach Ivan Cleary said the re-signings of Moylan and Cartwright were a proud day for the club.

“These boys are happy, we’re really happy and it’s the start of many more homegrown products to come through our system,” he said.

“The way they’ve played [this year] the word’s getting out that we’ve got some young guys with a lot of talent and ability, and we wanted to make sure that they’re staying put.

“They’ll be a big part of our development going forward as a team.”

Moylan, who made his first grade debut with the Panthers last season, has been one of the most impressive fullbacks the NRL competition has to offer this year.

The 23-year-old’s ability to remain cool under pressure, which has resulted in a number of clutch moments already this season, has been nothing short of spectacular for fans to watch.

“I’m really glad to be staying at the Panthers. We’ve got a good team at the

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20

CHEERLEADER OF THE YEAR

Let’s cheer for Kirsten!

W NATHAN TAYLOR

@natetaylor87

A first-year member of the Penrith Panthers cheersquad, Kirsten Collins has won the Extra Time Cheerleader of the Year competition

hen 19-year-old Kirsten Collins found she won Extra Time’s Panthers Cheerleader of the Year competition last Sunday evening she was lost for words.

Two people who weren’t lost for words upon hearing Kirsten’s massive announcement were her loving parents who couldn’t wait to tell the world of their daughter’s achievement.

“When my parents found out I won they called more people than I did,” Kirsten told Extra Time.

“My parents have been absolutely incredible; they’d been hounding everyone to vote. I had both my parents sending messages and photos the second they found out.

“Considering they support a different NRL team, this year they’ve come to every single Panthers game, sat out in the rain and even drove all the way to Bathurst to cheer me on. They are an amazing support and would do anything for me.”

Kirsten won Extra Time’s Cheerleader of the Year competition by the slimmest of margins over her nearest rivals in what was a true battle right to the very end.

After being whittled down to eight finalists during the season, the Panthers cheerleaders were asked to film a 60-second video performing to the new Panthers theme song.

The videos were then featured on the Western Weekender and Panthers official websites for public vote.

“I was certainly surprised to win, that’s for sure, being my very first year in the cheersquad,” Kirsten said.

“All the girls are such strong dancers and competitors, and I know everyone supported each other immensely and had their fingers crossed for one another.”

However the St Clair resident, who began dancing in 2005, had a slight edge over her competitors as she was the cheersquad’s chief acrobat performing amazing backflips during Penrith’s home games.

Kirsten said she took more of an interest in acrobatics and contortion when her dance teacher at T.H.A.T.S Dance Company in St Marys recommended it to her.

The moment Kirsten Collins was named Cheerleader of the Year. Photo: Melinda Jane “My dance teacher said I had quite a flexible back and I’ve been doing acrobatics and contortion ever since,” she said.

“I definitely feel more confident throwing some backflips out there than a few dance moves.”

As part of her Cheerleader of the Year win, Kirsten takes home a $1000 JB Hi-Fi voucher, 10 Hoyts movie tickets, a

professional photo shoot with Weekender photographer Melinda Jane and will feature on the cover of next week’s Extra Time magazine.

Kirsten said she’d like to thank everyone who voted for.

We’d like to thank Penrith Homemaker Centre for their support of the Cheerleader of the Year competition this year.

Friday 12 September 2014 the western weekender

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21 SUPPORTING OUR BOYS IN THEIR 2014 FINALS CAMPAIGN

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Ross Fowler & Co Chartered Accountants 4722 3066 11 Tindale Street, Penrith Your achievement has come as a great delight to all of us. All your hard work, commitment and practice has paid off

4722 8660 penrith@parliament.nsw.gov.au Shop 23, Penrith Centre, 510-534 High St Penrith You should be proud of yourselves as the rest of Penrith are! Now it’s time to win the Premiership

Tanya Davies MP Member for Mulgoa a Simonne Thompson Hertz Penrith Congratulations to the team that is inspirational to many throughout the year and looking forward to seeing you WIN the Grand Final

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Friday 12 September 2014 the western weekender

Shop 1/159 Queen Street, St Marys 9833 2913 e: mulgoa@parliament.nsw.gov.au mail: PO Box 138, St Marys NSW 1790 Congratulations Penrith Panthers on a successful season. Now it’s time to win the big one!

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2010: What Season is could have been almost done YVONNE PURTELL

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PANTHERS FLASHBACK

JUNIORS @penrith_juniors

Last Saturday saw four seasons in one day with sunshine, rain and wind but this didn’t stop the games from going ahead. Mod grand-finals were played at Peppertree Sports Complex and hosted by the St Clair JRLC. We saw some excellent games of football and I would like to congratulate all teams who played on the day. These games were played in the true spirit and there were no losers on the day. We also saw the international finals played which now sees 17 of our 21 clubs represented in next Saturday’s grand finals. This is an excellent achievement for our district.

The Sunday 2nd and 3rd division competitions concluded last weekend with the grand finals at The Kingsway. There were some very close games to finish off the season with the Premiers for 2014 being as follows – U16 Div 2: Blacktown City; U16 Div 3: Hawkesbury City; U17 Div 2: Colyton Mt Druitt; U17 Div 3: Western City Tigers; U19 Div 2: Cambridge Park; A Grade Div 2: Cambridge Park; and A Grade Div 3: Hawkesbury City.

Next weekend sees the end of the Junior League season for 2014 with the Sunday first division competitions playing their grand finals at Sportingbet Stadium. I would like to thank Panthers who allow us the privilege of playing on the stadium each year. I know the players look forward to this.

Following our grand finals we have the Battle of the West, where the First Division Premiers of all competitions U7s to U19s play against the First Division Premiers of Parramatta. The U9s, U11s, U13s, U15s and U17s will be played at Sportingbet Stadium on Sunday, September 21 whilst the U7s, U8s, U10s, U12s, U14s, U16s and U19s will be played on Saturday, September 20 at Cabramatta Oval. Last season the Parramatta district took home the trophy.

FROM THE VAULT

Friday 12 September 2014 the western weekender

From The Vault this week, in the spirit of the finals, we’ve found an old copy of Rugby League Week, issued after Penrith’s success in the 1991 Grand Final.

With the headline ‘A Hero’s Farewell’ splashed across the front cover, the main picture is of Royce Simmons proudly holding the Winfield Cup. Simmons scored two tries in the Grand Final, Penrith’s first premiership victory. It was his final game in first grade for the Panthers. What a farewell!

TROY DODDS

@troydodds

T

he last time Penrith made the finals, it was in 2010 and despite finishing second, the Panthers fell out of the premiership race quickly, losing in both week one and week two. It was the first and only time the Panthers had made the finals under coach Matt Elliott, and Penrith had finished the regular season in second position. Hopes were high at the foot of the Mountains, with the final three regular season games resulting in big wins for Penrith – a 54-18 thrashing of Souths, a 24-18 win over the Bulldogs and a 50-12 defeat of Cronulla.

But Elliott’s inexperienced side found it tough in their opening finals match, despite it being played at Penrith Stadium in front of a vocal home crowd.

Penrith went into the game as favourites, and all eyes were on halves combination Travis Burns and Luke Walsh, who had combined to ensure Penrith scored plenty of tries in the 2010 season, many of them from kicks.

But the Raiders found something special, with captain Terry Campese producing a five-star performance to lead Canberra to a 24-22 win.

The win shocked the Penrith faithful, and the players, who were most likely expecting a weekend off the following week – something that would have been achieved if they’d defeated the seventh placed Raiders.

While the end result was disappointing, the match will remembered for one of the great finals tries, scored by Panthers winger Sandor Earl. Earl produced a magical dive into the corner to score a try that got Penrith back into the game, but his incredible acrobatic skills were not enough to save the Panthers.

All of a sudden, Penrith was facing sudden death in week two of the finals. Their opponent was the Sydney Roosters, who the previous week had defeated the Wests Tigers 19-15 in an absolute thriller at the Sydney Football Stadium. That Golden Point epic certainly had the Roosters believing and high on confidence, while the Panthers were looking wobbly heading into the encounter.

The Panthers were forced to make a range of positional changes prior to kick-off, and perhaps the death knell was sounded when it was confirmed

Luke Walsh during the game against Canberra

The match will be remembered for one of the great finals tries, scored by Panthers winger Sandor Earl

that winger Adrian Purtell had been moved into the second row. Michael Gordon moved to the wing to cover him, while a young Lachlan Coote played fullback.

The Roosters, on the other hand, were 1-17 and with Todd Carney and Mitchell Pearce in the halves, looked to be the clear favourites.

The first half was a dour affair, but the Roosters managed to go into the sheds holding a 12-0 lead.

In the second half, the Panthers simply couldn’t compete, and ultimately went down 34-12 and were eliminated from the 2010 finals series. The Roosters would go on to play in the Grand Final.

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