Extra Time August 3

Brought to you by…

NEVER WRITE THEM OFF C A R DI A C K IDS S T IL L H AV E PL ENT Y T O OFFER IN 2018 PANTHERS V RAIDERS > P35 Ricky Stuart’s Green Machine heads to Panthers Stadium on Sunday

WHARE’S WAY > P37 Dean Whare on the Manly miracle and what’s to come for the Panthers

REMEMBER WHEN > P44 Brand new fun flashback launches today... who remembers the big ball?

Friday, August 3, 2018 « the western weekender • extra time

BELIEVE * SUPPORT * CONNECT

• Confidential crisis support and advocacy.

• Trauma and Grief Counselling • Domestic Violence Services • Child Sexual Abuse Services • Childhood Abuse Services • Case management and referrals • Safety plans for leaving or living with abuse, • Therapeutic, social and interest groups Protect and Support Survivors of Domestic Violence & Childhood Sexual Abuse on their Journey for Justice & Healing

Tel: 1300 856 737 www.queenofhearts.org.au 34

WW32300

THE FINAL WORD

v

SUNDAY, AUG 5 • 4.10PM | PANTHERS STADIUM | REFEREES: MATT CECCHIN & PHIL HENDERSON

PANTHERS 1

Tyrone Peachey

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

Josh Mansour Waqa Blake Dean Whare Dallin Watene-Zelezniak James Maloney (c) Nathan Cleary Moses Leota Sione Katoa James Tamou Viliame Kikau Isaah Yeo James Fisher-Harris Tyrone May Trent Merrin Jack Hetherington Corey Harawira-Naera Reagan Campbell-Gillard

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, August 3, 2018

MATCH PREVIEW

Brought to you by…

RAIDERS

FOX LEAGUE CHANNEL 9

Tyrone Peachey will stay at fullback. Photo: Megan Dunn

TROY DODDS @troydodds

A

fter the great escape, comes the great reality.

Despite Penrith’s blistering fightback to beat Manly last Saturday afternoon at Lottoland, the reality is that the side was poor for much of the contest.

The victory simply masks another below par performance that the Panthers can ill afford heading into the final month of the regular competition.

The positive news for Penrith is that a Finals spot is now assured and the side can focus on getting things right heading into the playoffs in September.

This is the time of year the true contenders shine through (have a look at the Roosters and Storm) and the Panthers are

yet to prove their ‘real deal’ status, but still have a chance to do so.

Penrith’s next three games are against sides that won’t make the Finals, which means they have an opportunity to really find their groove ahead of the tough final two games of the regular season against the Warriors and Storm away from home.

If Penrith fans are asking how their side can produce four tries in seven minutes yet only one in the 68 odd minutes prior, then Anthony Griffin must be asking himself the same question.

Is it his game plan that’s not working?

Quite possibly. Griffin has an exceptionally talented bunch of young kids who want to throw the ball around and chance their arm, yet you get feeling Griffin wants them to play a more conservative game and show patience. The two don’t quite click.

One thing you can guarantee is that

ABC 702 2GB 873

Canberra will throw the footy around on Sunday. They’ve got no reason not to now that they’re out of Finals contention, and we all know how quickly they can pile on the points when the momentum starts to shift in their favour.

They were out-played by Melbourne last weekend but in the end, the green machine were their own worst enemy with a 71 per cent completion rate, 14 errors and a whopping 14-4 penalty count against them.

After the wind was robbed from their sails against the Sharks a few weeks ago, it’s hard to see Canberra winning too many games in the last month of the competition, especially with the injuries they’ve got (including to inspirational skipper Jarrod Croker) and their shattered confidence.

But Panthers / Raiders clashes are always intriguing and often go off-script.

1

Nick Cotric

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

Brad Abbey Blake Austin Joseph Leilua Jordan Rapana Aidan Sezer Sam Williams Iosia Soliola Josh Hodgson Junior Paulo Joseph Tapine Elliott Whitehead Josh Papalii Dunamis Lui Shannon Boyd Siliva Havili Luke Bateman

Who could forget the one-point thriller in the nation’s capital earlier this season or that miracle in Bathurst last year?

I’m expecting plenty of points in this one, especially late in the game, but the match will be won in the first 25 minutes.

It’s the early forward battle that will determine the momentum, and provide the most opportunities for whatever side shows the required desire.

The likely return of Reagan CampbellGillard is an obvious plus for the Panthers.

After the pain of missing the final two Origin games, expect a refreshed RCG to have a big few weeks.

For Canberra, Aiden Sezer returns from a hamstring injury, which sends the England-bound Blake Austin out to the centres.

Big hits and some exciting tries should be the order of the day.

Tip: Panthers by 8

35

Friday, August 3, 2018 « the western weekender • extra time

PANTHER RUMBLINGS

with the Masked Panther

HOOK’S HANGING ON » There is so much talk about Anthony

Griffin that I wanted to dedicate a big chunk of this week’s column to giving you the best possible insight I’ve been able to obtain about what’s going on with the Penrith coach. Sources close to the club tell me that speculation about Griffin’s future in the pre-season was way off the mark, with no signs of any real concern. However, as the season has progressed a number of issues have emerged, particularly surrounding Hook’s “hands on” approach with all aspects of the side, which is very old school. In general, Griffin and the players get on well.

I’m told it’s somewhat of a different story when it comes to a number of the club’s medical and support staff. In the midst of it all however, the Panthers are on track to make their third consecutive Finals series for the first time in 30 years – it would be extraordinary to sack Griffin after that effort. Sacking Griffin would also cost the club $1 million in payouts, although there may well be performance clauses in his contract for 2019 and 2020. Phil Gould is well aware of the optics surrounding letting Griffin go, but also knows he has to operate in the best interests of the club’s future. I get the feeling that how deep Penrith goes into September could be a real determining factor in Griffin’s future. One thing is for sure – there will be a lot of soul searching come October and November from Griffin, Phil Gould and I dare say the Panthers’ Board. There is no real serious conflict with Griffin that would prevent the side from having a real crack at this year’s title and indeed Hook is seen as a great family man and a good guy in general. The real question that will be asked from that soul searching in the post-season is whether Griffin has the ability to deliver a premiership within two or three seasons with arguably the NRL’s most exciting young squad. Of course, if Penrith get their act together and win the title this year, any talk about Griffin moving on will be muted rather quickly. I’m also told the rumours about Trent Barrett coming to the club are totally from left field. There’s been no discussions held between the club and the Manly coach.

Anthony Griffin.

Photo: Megan Dunn

» The entire rugby league world seems to be talking about Nathan Cleary’s future, but for the man himself, it’s all business as usual. The 20-year-old has always said he’d make a decision about his longterm future in November and nothing has changed. While the noise is growing about a possible switch to the Wests Tigers to join his father Ivan, I’m told the Panthers are still very confident Cleary will stick with Penrith.

» The NRL has re-opened an investiga-

tion into an alleged betting sting that occurred in a match between the Panthers and Wests Tigers back in 2008. A punter randomly placed $30,000 on Panthers lock Nathan Smith to top the tackle count. At full-time in the Monday night game in question, Luke Priddis had more tackles (36) than Smith (32). The next

CC TYRES FAMILY-OWNED & OPERATED, WITH OVER 60 YEARS SERVICING THE PENRITH REGION.

day on a recount the stats were altered to give Smith 35 tackles and Priddis 34 tackles. The punter then collected more than $100,000. There is no suggestion that any player was involved or had any knowledge of the bet. Bookmaker Con Kafataris insists it was a rort. According to The Sunday Telegraph, the new investigation will involve a senior NRL employee, who was working for a stats company at the time of the alleged scandal. Watch this space.

» Talking of punting, one person certain-

ly had faith in Penrith’s ability to come back from the dead against Manly last Saturday. They walked into a TAB outlet and placed $50 on the Panthers when the score was 24-6. The odds had blown out to $15.00 and the punter collected a cool $750.

» Panthers five-eighth James Maloney

is carrying three separate injuries into the back-end of the season. He probably shouldn’t have played against Manly last Saturday but his toughness is such that he wants to keep giving his all for the team. Expect him to battle on but there is a suggestion he may be rested against either the Storm or Warriors at the back end of the season if the games don’t turn out to be critical in terms of Penrith’s finishing spot.

» Penrith players have been out and

about at local schools this week, reading with kids and chatting about life and footy. The players were exceptionally popular with the kids, especially Nathan Cleary who popped in to Cambridge Gardens Public School. Meanwhile, an open training session was held on Wednesday.

✓ All tyre brands available & a wide selection of wheels ✓ We service local business, fleet companies, government and the local community ✓ Large diameter fitting and balancing & Advanced camera alignments ✓ Tyre puncture repairs (all tyres) ✓ Road Side Service for on site equipment inc backhoes, bobcats trucks, tractors etc

We'll get the job done right!

(02) 4731 4822 / 108 BATT STREET, PENRITH

36

WW29854

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, August 3, 2018

FEATURE

WHARE: FINALS START NOW NATHAN TAYLOR @natetaylor87

P

anthers centre Dean Whare doesn’t blame fans for writing off his side last weekend – even members of the former Kiwi international’s own family weren’t confident Penrith would record one of the most miraculous comebacks in NRL history.

Down 24-6 to Manly with less than 15 minutes to go, the Panthers were staring down the barrel of a second consecutive embarrassing loss. But, as fans started leaving Brookvale Oval early and switching off their TVs at home, Penrith virtually threw away their game plan and piled on four unanswered tries in seven minutes to win the match.

It was a victory no one saw coming.

But, following several amazing comeback games in recent years, Whare said it’s never a wise move to give up on his side.

“You never write the Panthers off,” the 28-year-old told Extra Time.

“In saying that, I had family members leave the room because they thought we’d lost. Just the hardcore family members stayed and watched. When they were cheering their lungs off, everyone ran

back inside. We’ve done that a few times this year – come back from the death. We just make it harder for ourselves.”

While Penrith snatched victory from the jaws of defeat on this occasion, they know they won’t be able to do that against elite opposition – opposition they’ll be facing in the Finals in just over a month’s time.

Whare said there’s still time to rectify their slow starts and lacklustre defence before the real competition begins in September.

“If we can put a full 80 minutes together, you’ll see how well we can play – just like we did against the Dragons a few months ago,” he said.

“We still have a lot of work to do and we are lucky we have a few more games before the Finals. It’s about improving every day and getting better. Lucky for us we have a bit of time.”

Penrith will return home this Sunday afternoon to face a Canberra Raiders side hurting after a 44-10 thrashing at the hands of Melbourne last weekend.

In need of some much-needed confidence, the Panthers are hoping they too can inflict some more pain on the boys from the nation’s capital.

“You can see the way the top four teams are playing at the moment, they are really

Dean Whare played his 100th game for Penrith last weekend. Photo: Megan Dunn clinical. The way the Storm beat Canberra last weekend, that’s something we need to find in the next few weeks,” Whare said.

“Canberra are coming off a big loss and

Ricky Stuart will have them up for this game.

“We need to take care of ourselves and treat each game like it’s the Finals.”

on the prowl

Mon-Tues-Wed-Thur-Sun 11am-9pm Fri-Sat 11am-9.30pm

The Primary Classroom Program at Panthers on the Prowl has been running continuously for 16 years. We serve local primary schools to assist in the development of social and emotional learning targeted at small groups. Each week, thanks to Hertz, we nominate a student of the week from a participating school to highlight their efforts. s.

189 High St, Penrith |  4742 5261 Offer valid from 3/8/18 ’til 9/8/18 or while stocks last

Tom Cobb Whiskey

VB or Tooheys New Stubbies

700ml

50

$

$

Fat Lamb 1.25L Varieties V s

s i k e e w e h t f o t n e d Stu

Two 6 packs for

2 for

Madaline Fraser

30

Sovereign Point Cask 2 for

20

$

Shot Buckets 2 for

65

2 $ for

Single $34.99

WW32892

15

$

WW32752

panthers

The student of the week this week is Madaline Fraser. Madaline attends Bennett Road Public School and has been a determined member of our group this term. One of the key aims of the Panthers on the Prowl Classroom Program is to develop student confidence. This involves providing opportunities for students to succeed but also pushing them beyond their comfort zones. Madaline has particularly enjoyed participating in gymnastics and fitness sessions at Penrith YMCA where she has proven to herself that she is capable beyond her expectations. In our recent fitness testing, she improved her 500m time trial time by over a minute.

This is a testament to her hard work and positive attitude.

The student of the week is brought to you by

37

Friday, August 3, 2018 « the western weekender • extra time

» GRIFFIN NEVER GAVE UP

Penrith coach Anthony Griffin says he never gave up on his side despite the clock and scoreboard being against them at Lottoland last Saturday.

The Panthers scored four tries in seven minutes to come from 24-6 down to beat the Sea Eagles 28-24.

“We dug ourselves a hole but to the players’ credit they lifted tremendously there at the end and dug themselves out,” Griffin said.

“I’m not trying to sugar coat it but I always thought we’d get a chance. They had to do a lot of defence in the first half and I thought they were really struggling just before half-time.

“But obviously we were cutting it thin. Once we got that first try, it gave us a bit of confidence.”

Griffin said it was important to win games like that, given the confidence boost it provides.

“We haven’t been at our best but to be able to peel that off at the end will give us a bit of confidence,” he said.

“It’s a credit to them to be that positive that they could keep chasing the game at the back there.

“It’s a win. They are hard to come by. At this stage of the year it’s very valuable. It’s not the way we wanted to get it but it’s a win. We’ll improve from that and move on.”

FEATURE

ED’S TREK TO PENRITH EMILY NEWTON @emmerleener

R

eady to sing the team song alongside his fellow mountain men, Papua New Guinea super fan Ed Kolen’s dreams are coming true.

Extra Time caught up with Kolen as he prepares for his international trip to watch his first live game on Panthers soil.

“My purpose of coming over is to watch a Penrith Panthers game,” Kolen said.

“It will be a dream come true for me and one I will never ever forget. It’s also a story to tell to my family and friends.”

With support of Panthers fans here in Australia, Kolen is arriving on Friday, August 17 for the weekend to see his beloved Panthers play the Newcastle Knights the following day.

“I am so so excited but I am at the same time nervous as this will be my first time watching a game live,” he said.

“To tell you the truth, I never went to watch a single international game played on PNG soil and I don’t know how it’s like watching a live game, so coming over and watching a game at Penrith with the fans will be the first of its kind for me.”

Travelling over 2,700km to Panthers

Stadium isn’t the first time Kolen has travelled for his team, as he has to walk for three hours to watch any game.

“I currently live in the village and I don’t have a house on my own in town, so I go to town to my uncle’s house to watch the game every weekend,” Kolen said.

“It’s costly for me as I am not working and at times I miss watching the game but luckily some good Penrith Panthers friends update me on the results, they are really amazing.”

Kolen is looking forward to meeting his fellow Panthers fans and friends in person and hopes to meet the team.

“I’d also like to meet Mark Geyer, the player who made me support Penrith Panthers,” Kolen said.

“If time allows I would like to meet other players in lower divisions of the club because they are the foundations and development of the club.”

Not one to pick favourites, he said he likes “all the players in the team” but his top three are Sam McKendry, Isaah Yeo and Reagan Campbell-Gillard “Sam is a player who has a heart and I am thankful he has made it possible for me to come over,” Kolen said, referring to the $300 donation McKendry made to Kolen’s GoFundMe page.

Ed Kolen’s (left) love of the Penrith Panthers has encouraged his family and friends to also support the team

We transport anything up to 50 tonnes

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

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

38

www.dickiestransport.com.au

WW32662

Unpredictable sides clash in Sunday footy

MATT RUSSELL T

he Canberra Raiders can surely relate to Kermit the Frog’s famous song.

Ricky Stuart’s men pack their bags for Penrith on Sunday, haunted by the fact they’ve had eight losses this season by eight points or less.

They’ve been level or ahead at half-time on 13 occasions but only turned those games into six wins. The cruel are calling them the Canberra Faders!

If it’s not easy bein’ green, how about life as a ‘Chocolate Soldier’ or ‘Black Panther’, as Penrith will be against Canberra.

“Every time they get so far behind, it takes years off our lives. I love these players but they are killing me,” tweeted their rugby league GM Phil Gould, after Sunday’s win at Manly.

It wasn’t just any old win. Penrith trailed by 18 points with 13 minutes to play but won 28-24.

The Fox Sports Lab put the performance in perspective.

It’s the biggest comeback in the final 13 minutes of a game ever. Right back to 1908.

(Strangely, Penrith held the two previous ‘latest comebacks from 18 or more’ as well

– down by 19 in the 64th minute against St George in 1975, winning 25-19… and down by 20 in the 63rd minute against Cronulla in 2006, winning 32-28. What is it about the Panthers!)

Last Sunday equalled the biggest comeback of the season after Gold Coast came from 18 down to beat… you guessed it, Canberra… in Round 1.

Penrith have been doing it from the first two rounds, where they spotted Parramatta and Souths 14-0 leads, yet won both.

Penrith’s precociously talented team has been the youngest of the round nine times this season. It might make the wild swings easier to understand but not to endure.

As for Canberra, well Ricky Stuart has been watching from the sideline all season trying to make sense of what he’s seen.

He’s still trying.

When Penrith and Canberra clashed in Round 14, it was neck and neck the whole way before a Nathan Cleary field goal proved the difference 23-22.

Try picking what’s going to happen on Sunday!

Enjoy your footy this weekend.

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, August 3, 2018

Brought to you by

James Tamou in action against Manly last Saturday. Photo: Megan Dunn

WHY CHOOSE US? 9 WE COME TO YOU 9 WE ARE LOCAL 9 FULL IN-HOUSE SERVICE FOR GRAPHIC DESIGN AND PRINTING 9 FAST TURNAROUND TIME 9 FRIENDLY GRAPHIC DESIGNERS AND PRINTERS 9 PERSONALISED SERVICE

CALL NOW

4731 5055 21 Lawson Street, Penrith NSW 2750 www.atprint.com.au

WW34034

39

Friday, August 3, 2018 « the western weekender • extra time

IN PICTURES Photos: Megan Dunn

THE MIRACLE AT BROOKVALE 28/07/ 18 : Penrith fought back from the dead to b beat eat Manly

Pension discount & government endorsed 7 days same day service Call your local specialist

We will fix it from $49

Alan 0415 152 123

WW33481

40

Having reception problems?

Need a new antenna?

Can’t tune your TV? Need a TV wall mounted?

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, August 3, 2018

Get a copy of our Statement of Wishes to help you plan your final wishes.

Part of the local community Ph: 02 9826 2273 or visit www.kempscreekcemetery.com.au WW30302

41

42

WW34509

Friday, August 3, 2018 « the western weekender • extra time

The problem with Anthony Griffin’s game plan

JAMIE SOWARD E

veryone enjoyed yet another Panthers comeback last weekend – myself included – but it got me thinking, is Penrith really this great second half team that so many perceive?

Let’s look at the numbers.

Penrith’s amazing comeback win against Manly last Saturday afternoon was the fifth time this season that they’ve trailed by a double-digit margin and come back to win.

Five other teams in the NRL have done it twice this year (a comeback from doubledigits down) but no one’s done it more than the Panthers.

But, if you look at it closely, four of Penrith’s five comeback wins came against opposition NOT in the top eight (Eels, Bulldogs, Raiders and Sea Eagles).

The only current top eight team Penrith have come back from double-digits down to beat was South Sydney, way back in Round 2.

So are Penrith really this great second half team when the majority of their comebacks have come against sides below them on the ladder?

Eventually these slow starts are going to

come back and bite the Panthers, and it could very well happen during this year’s Finals series if they don’t fix it up soon.

While Penrith and some of their players, including Nathan Cleary, have suffered an Origin hangover, I do believe it’s the way the Panthers play that gets them into trouble.

When I first arrived at Penrith in 2014, the team loved playing what was in front of them – adlib, second phase footy – but I believe that’s been coached out of them in recent years.

This is not a personal attack on coach Anthony Griffin but his style is very one dimensional and it puts a negative feel across the side. Anthony’s game plans are pretty boring and very negative, they are not conducive of the style of footballers he’s got out there.

Anthony’s style is get to a point and don’t kick it, or put up bombs from halfway.

Big Viliame Kikau should be getting two carries in the opening set of the game to get him going. Corey Harawira-Naera should be changing angles when he runs.

Nathan Cleary should be grubbering into the in-goal for repeat sets. The simple

Panthers coach Anthony Griffin. Photo: Megan Dunn stuff we as fans see from the sidelines isn’t being translated onto the field.

Penrith only start playing well when they’ve found themselves in a deep hole and then go out and play some footy to try and get themselves out of it.

YOU KNOW THE YOU KNOW THE

WE

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, August 3, 2018

Brought to you by

SHOW YOU

If the Panthers want to be up there with the elite teams in this competition like Melbourne, Souths and the Roosters, Anthony Griffin is going to have to rectify things and change his ways quick smart.

There’s really no other way.

WHY..

WHAT..

HOW..

Local Business Advisors are ready to assist you with Starting or Running Your Business Two Fully Subsidised & Confidential Appointments Small Business Workshops & Training Offices across Western Sydney & the Blue Mountains Mobile Advisors Available to visit you at your home or business WW28413

02 4721 5011 W W W . W S B U S I N E S S . C O M . A U 43

Friday, August 3, 2018 « the western weekender • extra time

NRL LADDER AND FIXTURES PD

W

D

L

B

F

A

Storm

19

14

0

5

1

456

282

+174 30

2 Rabbitohs

19

14

0

5

1

457

327

+130 30

3 Roosters

19

13

0

6

1

434

281

+153 28

4 Dragons

19

13

0

6

1

459

352

+107 28

5 Panthers

19 12

0

7

1

410

342

+68 26

6 Sharks

19

12

0

7

1

374

330

+44

26

7 Broncos

19

12

0

7

1

396

388

+8

26

8 Warriors

19

11

0

8

1

352

372

-20

24

9 W. Tigers

19

9

0

10

1

288

333

-45

20

CLUB

1

+/-

+24

PTS

10 Raiders

19

8

0

11

1

458

434

11 Knights

19

8

0

11

1

348

488 -140 18

12 Titans

19

7

0

12

1

368

463

-95

16

13 Bulldogs

19

5

0

14

1

303

378

-75

12

14 Sea Eagles

19

5

0

14

1

379

472

-93

12

15 Cowboys

19

5

0

14

1

305

405 -100 12

16 Eels

19

4

0

15

1

286

426

Round 21

/ / / / / / / /

18

-140 10

FACE IN THE CROWD

Thursday, August 2 7.50pm ANZ Stadium Friday, August 3 6pm McDonald Jones Stadium Friday, August 3 7.55pm ANZ Stadium

Saturday, August 4 3pm WIN Stadium

S Saturday, August 4 5.30pm ANZ Stadium

Saturday, August 4 7.35pm Allianz Stadium

Sunday, August 5 2pm Shark Park

IS THIS YOU? Is this you at a recent Penrith Panthers game?

If it is, you’ve won a Hoyts Family Movie Pass to use at any Hoyts Cinema in Australia! To collect your prize, visit the Weekender office at 2/42-44 Abel Street, Jamisontown and ask for Nathan Taylor.

Extra Time Issue Number 022 PRINTED BY Spotpress Pty Ltd / PRODUCED BY The Western Weekender EDITOR Troy Dodds / 4722 2998 / troy.dodds@westernweekender.com.au

Sunday, August 5 4pm Panthers Stadium

CONTRIBUTORS Nathan Taylor / Jamie Soward SALES DIRECTOR Chris Pennisi/ 4722 2998 chris.pennisi@westernweekender.com.au

REMEMBER WHEN?

ON THE

D R O C RE

WW34270

A unique podcast series telling the stories of Penrith’s remarkable people.

44

westernweekender.com.au/podcasts or search Western Weekender on iTunes.

Remember when... the big ball was part of the entertainment line-up at Panthers Stadium?

For years, lucky fans would run from opposite ends of the stadium towards the huge inflatable ball... resulting in big hits, long chases and of course plenty of fun (and a prize for the winner!)

However, it all ended in tears in 2014.

During a mid-season game, the big ball became the centre of drama when two fans collided, with one breaking his ankle. Michael Gregson was stretchered from the field, and required surgery.

After that night, the big ball was retired and hasn’t been seen since.

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, August 3, 2018

EXTRA MINUTES

SCOREBOARD

JONES SNUB RAISES PLENTY OF QUESTIONS » The NRL is dealing with the fallout

NRL PANTHERS 28 SEA EAGLES 24

ISP NSW

of a major mix-up which saw powerful 2GB broadcaster Alan Jones snubbed from the Immortals judging panel.

Jones had reportedly been asked by NRL executive Frank Puletua to join the judging panel, but the NRL then moved forward without Jones, who was only told he was no longer required a week ago.

PANTHERS 28 JETS 24

JERSEY FLEGG SHARKS 25 PANTHERS 24

» The Women’s Wests Tigers elite touch football team finished the Grand Final with a 4-2 result against the Brisbane Broncos last weekend, while the Men’s Broncos team conquered the Tigers 6-5.

» The Sydney Roosters will be without five-eighth Luke Keary until the Finals after he suffered a knee injury against the Dragons last weekend.

» Channel Nine starts broadcasting

Saturday Night Football from this weekend as part of its broadcast deal with the NRL and Fox Sports. It means Nine shows four free-to-air games every

Radio 2GB broadcaster Alan Jones weekend until the end of the season.

Nine will show Thursday night football, the 7.55pm Friday game, the 7.30pm Saturday game and Sunday’s 4.10pm match.

» A planned Test match between Aus-

tralia and Tonga in New York in October could be called off due to the high costs of staging the contest. It’s believed the tab will soar above the $1 million mark.

The NRL is continuing to negotiate with the independent promoter who is keen to host the game.

Panthers Game Day Special: 10% off lunch & dinner

Best German Restaurant Sydney 2018

New Lunch Menu

Open for Dinner Every day except Wed

Open for Lunch Saturday & Sunday from 12noon

4721 7717

122 Station Street Penrith (opposite Paceway)

WW34586

Phone

45

Friday, August 3, 2018 « the western weekender • extra time

CELEBRITY TIPSTERS

Broncos Knights Rabbitohs Dragons

Broncos Tigers Storm Warriors

Bulldogs Knights Rabbitohs Dragons

Broncos Tigers Rabbitohs Dragons

46

Broncos Tigers Rabbitohs Dragons

192

190

190

188

GARTON GROUP MCDONALD’S 4721 2992

THE WESTERN WEEKENDER 4722 2998

MACQUARIE COMMERCIAL 0402 896 906

ROBERT HENRY STATEWIDE REALTY 0418 650 579

IAN GARTON

TROY DODDS

LUKE BELOTTI

ROBERT HENRY

Eels Roosters Sharks Panthers

Broncos Tigers Rabbitohs Dragons

Titans Roosters Sea Eagles Panthers

Broncos Knights Rabbitohs Dragons

Eels Roosters Sharks Panthers

Broncos Tigers Storm Dragons

Titans Roosters Sharks Panthers

186

182

182

182

HERTZ 4731 6344

MACQUARIE ACCOUNTANTS 4731 5628

COMPLETE LEGAL & CONVEYANCING 1300 266 529

VIC’S MAXI TRANSPORT 4732 2195

TEENA EDWARDS

CHRIS AYLING

DANIEL MCKINNON

VICTOR GLANVILLE

Titans Cowboys Sea Eagles Panthers

Broncos Tigers Storm Dragons

Eels Roosters Sea Eagles Panthers

Broncos Tigers Rabbitohs Warriors

Titans Roosters Sharks Panthers

Broncos Tigers Rabbitohs Dragons

Titans Roosters Sharks Panthers

180

180

180

178

ONE AGENCY REEVES PROPERTIES 4732 1600

RAINE & HORNE COMMERCIAL 4722 8500

DICKIES TOWING 4736 4400

ONEPOINT HEALTH 4732 5188

ANDREW REEVES

KATE RADCLIFFE

NARELLE TUBIE

KYLE PERRY

Eels Roosters Sharks Panthers

Broncos Tigers Storm Dragons

Eels Roosters Sea Eagles Panthers

Broncos Tigers Storm Warriors

Titans Cowboys Sea Eagles Panthers

Broncos Knights Storm Dragons

Eels Roosters Sharks Raiders

178

178

176

176

FUTURE FINANCIAL SERVICES 4704 8585

FOWLER AND CO 4722 3066

BOQ PENRITH 0427 998 110

EZRVEND 0414 254 074

ALEX MCKENZIE

ROSS FOWLER

GREG LAWTON

DERRY O’DONOVAN

Eels Roosters Sharks Panthers

Bulldogs Tigers Rabbitohs Dragons

Eels Roosters Sharks Panthers

Broncos Knights Storm Dragons

Titans Roosters Sharks Panthers

Broncos Tigers Storm Warriors

Titans Roosters Sharks Panthers

176

174

170

170

PREMIERSHIP WINNER

ST MARYS PROFESSIONALS 9673 4422

THE WESTERN WEEKENDER 4722 2998

PENRITH CBD CORPORATION 0437 506 517

JAMIE SOWARD

TERRY HANSEN

NATHAN TAYLOR

GAI HAWTHORN

Eels Roosters Sharks Panthers

Broncos Knights Storm Dragons

Eels Roosters Sharks Panthers

Broncos Knights Storm Dragons

Titans Roosters Sharks Panthers

Broncos Tigers Storm Dragons

Eels Roosters Sharks Panthers

166

166

TRESAMI COMPUTER ENGINEERING 4731 8444

HARVEY NORMAN PENRITH 4737 5111

MICHAEL BALL REALTY 0414 264 668

FOX LEAGUE

LEE BANISTER

PETER ANDERSON

MICHAEL BALL

ANDREW VOSS

Bulldogs Tigers Rabbitohs Dragons

Broncos Knights Storm Dragons

Titans Roosters Sharks Panthers

Broncos Knights Rabbitohs Dragons

Titans Roosters Sharks Panthers

Broncos Tigers Rabbitohs Dragons

Eels Roosters Sharks Panthers

164

164

164

162

RAINE & HORNE PENRITH 0414 321 000

LOWER MOUNTAINS AIR CONDITIONING 4735 6411

KELLY PARTNERS 4721 7433

PROPERTY CENTRAL 0428 000 734

GARY ROSSETTO

ANTHEA STRATHDEE

CHARBEL GEAGEA

BRAD DREW

Titans Roosters Sharks Panthers

Bulldogs Tigers Rabbitohs Dragons

Eels Roosters Sharks Panthers

Titans Roosters Sharks Panthers

Broncos Tigers Storm Dragons

Broncos Knights Rabbitohs Dragons

Eels Roosters Sharks Panthers

162

158

156

154

COUNTRY BREWER 4731 5444

SYNERGY FINANCIAL SERVICES 4732 6555

STANTON & TAYLOR 4731 2899

CATHOLIC CEMETARIES 9826 2273

DEE BARLOW

SHANAKA DE SILVA

MICHAEL TAYLOR

KIM RILEY

Eels Roosters Sharks Panthers

Broncos Tigers Rabbitohs Dragons

Eels Roosters Sharks Panthers

Bulldogs Knights Rabbitohs Dragons

Eels Roosters Sharks Panthers

Broncos Tigers Storm Warriors

Eels Roosters Sharks Panthers

154

154

154

154

GOTZINGER SMALL GOODS 0418 594 791

VISION PAINTING & DECORATING 0404 459 600

AT PRINT 4731 5055

IRRESISTIBLE POOLS & SPAS 4776 1118

BILL MCDEED

HANS BOR

AARON TYERS

KEITH WILSON

Titans Roosters Sea Eagles Panthers

Broncos Knights Storm Dragons

Eels Roosters Sharks Panthers

Bulldogs Knights Storm Warriors

Eels Cowboys Sea Eagles Panthers

Broncos Tigers Storm Dragons

Eels Roosters Sharks Panthers

152

148

144

142

CC TYRES 4731 4822

SMITH STREET AUTO 4731 4019

HITCHENS 4735 7000

PROPERTY CENTRAL 0434 400 225

MICHAEL ASHTON

MATT BOND

TREVOR HITCHEN

CAMERON FAICO

Eels Roosters Sharks Panthers

Broncos Knights Storm Dragons

Eels Roosters Sharks Panthers

Broncos Tigers Storm Dragons

Eels Roosters Sharks Panthers

Broncos Tigers Storm Warriors

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, August 3, 2018

Broncos Tigers Rabbitohs Dragons

Broncos Tigers Storm Dragons

168

Eels Roosters Sharks Panthers

Broncos Knights Storm Dragons

Broncos Tigers Storm Dragons

168

Titans Cowboys Sea Eagles Panthers

47

OR Support the Western Weekender fundraising for local Charities.

Order your NEW 2018/2019 Entertainment™ Membership!

Your purchase of an Entertainment Membership contributes to one of the Western Weekender’s local charities help us achieve our goal by sharing this link with your friends and family.

Thanks for your support!

Please go to:

www.entertainmentbook.com.au/orderbooks/948q083 Go to www.entbook.com.au/948q083

WW33630