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Penrith has been swept up in Grand Final fever again this week after Ivan Cleary’s side made their fifth consecutive NRL decider.
Proving it just doesn’t get old, homes and businesses have gone all out decorating in Panthers colours this week while thousands attended an open training session on Tuesday morning.
Penrith is the first club in 53 years to make five straight Grand Finals, mirroring the efforts of the legendary South Sydney side of the late 1960s and early 1970s.
“We’re so happy to be back in the Grand Final. It’s so hard to get there,” Cleary said.
“It’s surreal actually.”
Sunday night’s decider against the Storm gives Penrith the opportunity to exact revenge against the last side to beat them in a Grand Final.
Melbourne won 26-20 on that night in 2020 and taught Penrith a lesson when it came to experience in big games.
But the shoe could be on the other foot this time around.
Paul Alamoti, who plays in his first Grand Final on Sunday night, believes Penrith’s overall experience will get them across the line.
of the boys here have been at this stage before and won it,” he said.
“That’s probably the only edge we have at the moment, knowing a lot
“I was watching after the Storm game and they have only five players
Panthers Rookie of the Year contender
Liam Henry has been a spectator at Accor Stadium for the last couple of NRL deciders, but on Sunday evening he’ll get to live out his childhood dream when he finally gets to hit the pitch and play in the match.
Instead of celebrating after the game with his triumphant teammates, the 23-year-old will now get to be a part of the action when Panthers coach Ivan Cleary calls his number on Sunday night.
Speaking with the Weekender on Tuesday, an excited Henry said it doesn’t get much better than reaching a Grand Final in your first full rookie season.
“Coming to pre-season training in November, the goal was to be here on Grand Final Day and to do that is pretty special,” he said.
“This week has a been a little crazy. I’m still pinching myself. I can’t get my head around it just yet but I’m just trying to take every day in, embrace it and try not to think too far ahead.
“I just want to enjoy the week, I’m really excited!”
Fuelling Henry’s excitement ahead of Sunday’s match against the Melbourne Storm is his loving family, who hail from Blayney in the state’s Central West.
Henry said scores of his nearest and dearest will be hitting the Great Western Highway this weekend bound for the ‘big smoke’.
“The whole family is excited! They all came to last week’s game against Cronulla and were stoked. They’ll be there on Sunday with bells on, I reckon,” he said.
“There will be a few of them coming down. You could probably fill a couple of mini buses, but nah they’ll just drive down separately and stay at our place, so it should be a good day.”
And while many of his teammates will be chasing history by winning four consecutive competitions, Henry will be chasing a slice of his own as he goes for his first.
“I’d be stoked to achieve that,” Henry said.
“It’s something you think about and something you dream about as a kid and now that we have a shot at it, it’s very special. As I said before, I’m trying not to think too much about the result, I’m just worrying about the week. But it’s definitely something I’m looking forward to.”
Standing in Penrith’s way of another NRL title is the mighty Melbourne Storm, who beat Penrith twice in the regular season.
The young forward said he’s hopeful he and the boys can get the job done when it really counts.
“I think the Storm have been the benchmark all year. They’re the number one side and the Minor Premiers,” he said.
It wasn’t that long ago that Accor Stadium, the venue for this Sunday’s NRL Grand Final, was Paul Alamoti’s home ground as a member of the Canterbury Bulldogs.
The hardworking Panthers centre played 19 games with the Dogs last year – eight of those at home – but none of those fixtures will come close to what he’ll experience at the former Olympic stadium come Sunday night.
Last Saturday, when the full-time siren rang sending Penrith to a fifth straight decider, Alamoti had to put a lid on his celebrations even though – deep inside – he couldn’t contain his excitement at how far he has come as a player in the space of 12 months.
While his more experienced teammates knew the job was far from over, Alamoti tapered his joy somewhat as fans celebrated in the stands.
“That’s exactly how I felt, I just fed off the energy of the boys because they’ve been here for the last five years,” Alamoti told the Weekender
“I kind of kept the same feeling that they did, but afterwards – 20 minutes after the game – I stood there to soak it all in. I wanted to be present and understand where I’m at and what I’ve achieved. That’s when the emotion started to kick in, just the realisation where I was at.”
Alamoti, who has played 15 games for the Panthers this season, enjoyed the best game of his short career during last Saturday’s Preliminary Final against the Cronulla Sharks.
Not only did he score two important tries,
but Penrith coach Ivan Cleary made special mention of him during his post-match press conference.
Alamoti said he was happy that he was able to contribute to the result like he did.
“One of the best things is knowing that I was able to contribute to the game and put in a good performance for the boys, knowing they can trust me on such a big occasion,” he said.
“That game was probably the best prep I could get for a Grand Final and it was good knowing that we all performed well and we’re going into the game feeling good.”
Still residing in the family home in Revesby, family is hugely important to Alamoti and he’ll have plenty in the stands this Sunday at Accor Stadium.
“I’ve got a fair few tickets, a big turn-out,” he revealed.
“Normally my family come to watch me every week. My family has been there from the beginning since I started playing footy, so it will be no different this weekend.
“Not every player experiences a Grand Final, so for me to get here so early in my career – two years in –it’s very special.”
Mitch Kenny is not always considered one of the glamour players of rugby league, but come Sunday night there is no doubt he could prove to be a game breaker.
The 26-year-old first played in an NRL Grand Final in 2022, still serving as an understudy to a departing Api Koroisau, before he was given the reigns at hooker in 2023.
As Kenny prepares for his third Grand Final, his opposite number nine, Harry Grant, is getting ready for his first.
Grant is often labelled as one of the best hookers in the game, but Kenny has faith that his own game is enough to get his side the win.
“I don’t try to be anyone else,” Kenny said.
“He’s one of, if not the best hooker in the comp, he can do things that I think no one else can but I wouldn’t go out and try to emulate him at all, I’ll just do my job.
“I know my role, it’s pretty clear here at the team and when I do that well it adds value, so I’ll just be trying to do that for us.”
The city of Penrith is alive with decorations and is right behind the
team as they prepare to take their fourth Premiership, something Kenny said is a big motivator for the team.
“It’s massive for us,” Kenny said. “We always talk about, here as a footy club a goal of ours is to be a source of community pride and
I think because we are a little bit isolated out here and removed from the city that we feel like a community club.
“Walk the streets [and] people wear the jerseys, people decorate their house, it’s certainly a footy town and to have their support means the world to us so we are always trying to make them proud and having days like the open training session where they come out and you can see how proud they are of you is super special and it’s nice to connect with them.”
Preparation in Grand Final week is always going to be a little bit different from the usual week-to-week experience during the regular season, but Kenny said that embracing the difference helps to keep preparation on track.
“It is a bit different, and I think that is important to acknowledge,” Kenny said.
“If you try to ignore the fact that you’re playing a Grand Final and suppress the feelings and the stuff that comes with that I don’t think that will help but it’s important that while we are at training we are at training and we stay present and we aren’t looking too far ahead and just take things one drill, one training session, one day at a time.”
As for how Kenny thinks the game will go on Sunday, the Panthers will be bringing home the trophy.
“Penrith to win,” Kenny said. “I’ll take it by one, I’ll take it by anything!”
James Fisher-Harris is just 80 minutes away from finishing an NRL career that started all the way back on March 5, 2016.
Since then, he’s claimed three Premiership rings, played more than 200 NRL games for the Penrith club, won the Golden Boot, the Merv Cartwright Medal and become a mainstay of the New Zealand side.
To use the word glittering when discussing his career would be an understatement.
For his time at Penrith to end in another Grand Final? That’s the stuff of Hollywood scriptwriters, though those scriptwriters are well attuned to delivering history-making Panthers moments.
“It’s pretty good that this is my last – making another Grand Final,” Fisher-Harris told the Weekender
“It’s sort of sunk in that it’s my last game, but it does feel like just another week in some ways to be honest.”
As his time at Penrith nears its conclusion, it means Fisher-Harris’ desire to head home to his native New Zealand is getting closer, as is joining the Warriors for 2025.
But getting ahead of himself? Not in his nature.
“I’m just where my feet are at the moment,” he said.
“I’m just making the most of it, you can’t just be sad and sulking around the whole
time. I’m enjoying it.”
Meantime, Fisher-Harris admits he feels sorry for his Kiwis teammate Nelson Asofa-Solomona, who will miss Sunday’s Grand Final after being suspended by the NRL judiciary.
“It was a bit of a harsh one for him,” he said.
“Five weeks is a long time to be suspended. As a Kiwi teammate I feel sorry for him, but at the same time Lindsay Collins didn’t get to play much at all as a result of the hit.”
Fisher-Harris doesn’t expect Melbourne to be any less dangerous with Asofa-Solomona out.
“They’re there for a reason, they’ve been the best team all year,” he said.
“It’ll change a little bit but at the same time they’re there for a reason.”
There is one other factor driving
Penrith’s motivation this weekend: the 2020 loss to the Storm in the decider, and this Sunday’s opportunity for a slice of revenge.
“We were a young team then but it’s what we learned from that game that has kept us going and been a part of what we’ve been able to do,” he said.
But will it be mentioned in the lead-up, among the players who remain from that devastating October night four years ago?
“Maybe,” he says with a smile.
Jarome Luai may be wearing a Penrith jersey for the final time of his decorated Panthers career this Sunday night, but that doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll be leaving Penrith altogether.
Ahead of his fifth consecutive NRL Grand Final this weekend, the man of the moment has revealed to the Weekender that while he’ll be playing elsewhere next season, he’ll be
to grow up in the area as well and experience the greatness of Penrith.”
Luai’s family is hugely important to him. His three beautiful kids and his fiancé Bailey are the apple of his eye. The 27-year-old said he’s been blessed to have his family on this ‘last ride’ with him.
“That’s why I’m grateful to be here… I’m not making memories just for myself, my family’s along for this ride too and the success we’ve had means just as much to them as it does to me,” Luai said.
of memories, they’ve given them to my whole family too.”
Luai has changed a lot as a person and as a player since his very first Grand Final appearance in 2020 to now his fifth in 2024, but one thing that hasn’t changed is his appreciation of being able to compete at the highest-level year in, year out.
“It has been a long year and I’m just really grateful to feel strong and to feel good leading into this game,” he said.
“Last year I was battling to
that.”
The Melbourne Storm pose a huge threat to Penrith’s chances of a four-peat. They were the team that were there at the start of this incredible dynasty five years ago and they could be the team to end it all.
Just how Luai reflects on the success of his final season at the Panthers will depend on what happens come 9.30pm this Sunday night.
“I want to enjoy this week because reaching this far is pretty special. I never take that lightly – the effort and the achievement that it takes to
Join the action and watch the excitement of the 2024 NRL Grand Final on the big screen at Penrith City Council’s live site in The Mondo this Sunday with food trucks, entertainment, and face painting for the kids.
This is an alcohol-free family-friendly event:
Pre-event entertainment: 6pm start Kick-off: 7.30pm.
Grab a bean bag or BYO chairs and picnic blankets.
Just in case you need a pointless stat to keep your mind at ease this week, consider this: In each of Penrith’s five Premiership wins, the team they ultimately defeated in the Grand Final had beaten them at some point in the same year.
In 1991, Canberra thrashed Penrith 20-0 at Bruce Stadium in Round 11, before turning it around in the Grand Final and winning 19-12.
In 2003, the Roosters downed Penrith 38-24, only for the result to be reversed on Grand Final Day.
We all know South Sydney produced an epic Qualifying Final win over Penrith in 2021, only to go down in the Grand Final a few weeks later. The Eels beat Penrith twice in the regular season in 2022, only to fall over in both the Qualifying Final and Grand Final, while in 2023 Brisbane opened the regular season with a win over Penrith – and we all know what happened in the decider.
Fitting then that the Storm has beaten the Panthers twice during this year’s regular season.
What does it all mean?
Nothing, really. But sometimes in Grand Final Week, you take all you can get.
Sunday night’s clash at Accor Stadium has all the makings of one of the great Grand Finals. Neither of these teams is underdone. Both are at virtually full strength, outside of Nelson Asofa-Solomona for Melbourne (suspended) and Scott Sorensen for Penrith (injury, though he may be a late starter). And both have been here, done that in terms of Grand Finals. Both teams came through the Finals relatively easy, both producing comfortable wins over the Sharks and Roosters. The form line couldn’t be more even.
There is no question the two best halfbacks in the competition come up against each other on Sunday night.
On one side of the field, the brilliance of Nathan Cleary – a year scarred by injury, yet he returns in the Finals and it just all clicks. If ever you wanted evidence this was his team, you only had to watch this Finals series unfold.
“The two best halfbacks in the competition come up against each other on
And Jahrome Hughes – almost a quiet achiever at times, he has exploded out of his shell this year and produced his best season
for the Storm. And just to cap it off, he plays his 150th first grade game in this Grand Final – and we all know how much the Storm love a milestone game.
Both Cleary and Hughes are the keys to the two most exciting spines in the game.
What a privilege it will be to see them go head to head on Sunday.
At fullback you’ve got the spectacular Ryan Papenhuyzen for Melbourne – it’s almost ninjalike how he slides through defensive lines and when he gets into open space, he’s almost impossible to stop.
Penrith’s Dylan Edwards may not be as quick but is there a better effort player in the game? When the chips are down and you need someone to produce something, Edwards will step up.
At five-eighth you’ve got the two cheekiest players on the field – Cameron Munster and Jarome Luai. Both know how to get the party
started but when it comes down to business, both can match the talk with ability. And at hooker, it’s hard to believe Harry Grant is playing in his first Grand Final. He has been brilliant for the Storm all year, and how gets his opportunity to deliver on the NRL’s biggest stage.
His opposite number in Mitch Kenny was almost unwanted by the Penrith fan base following the departure of Api Koroisau. There were signs he just wouldn’t make it. But Kenny now has two Premiership rings and has become one of the most vital cogs in this Penrith team.
But as exciting as those spines are, let’s get to where this game will be won: the forwards.
It’s why I believe the Panthers will emerge victorious on Sunday night.
The loss of Asofa-Solomona is huge for Melbourne, not just based on what he brings to the side each week, but purely his presence on the park helps the Storm grow an extra leg.
And as good as the likes of Josh King, Shawn Blore and especially Eliesa Katoa have been this season, this Penrith pack just packs a better punch.
James Fisher-Harris, in his final game for Penrith and determined to go out a winner.
Moses Leota, a little quite in recent weeks but always ready to explode on the big stage, as we saw in last year’s amazing Grand Final.
Liam Martin, who after an underwhelming season has been strong in the Finals and knows how to deliver when the stakes are high. There is regular Marto, and there is Finals Marto.
And of course, Isaah Yeo.
Without question the best lock in the game and coming off one of his best seasons, his running and footwork this year has been second to none.
The other battle of course is in the coach’s box.
Craig Bellamy is considered one of the greatest NRL coaches of all time, and there is no question that what he’s done with the Storm since arriving in 2003 is worthy of rugby league folklore. With the 2007 and 2009 stripped Premierships taken into account, Bellamy has guided the Storm to three Grand Final wins – 2012, 2017 and 2020.
And it would be that last Premiership that stings the man sitting nearby on Sunday night in the shape of Ivan Cleary, who too has won three Grand Finals with the Panthers.
“How
anyone could have wanted a Grand Final other than this is beyond me. If you love rugby league, this is the game you deserve.”
The 2020 Grand Final loss to the Storm probably hasn’t been talked about much this week, given what happened in the three years after. The Panthers are in no way defined by that defeat.
But I wouldn’t mind betting that Ivan Cleary has gathered the players still around from that game – Tip: Panthers by 2.
Travel on trains is included in your match ticket, simply show your ticket to staff when boarding services.
From Penrith, express trains will run from Penrith every 15 minutes from 1pm until 9.30pm – stopping at Seven Hills, Westmead, Parramatta, Granville, Lidcombe then Olympic Park.
Trains also run regularly to Lidcombe where you can head to Platform Zero for a direct train to Olympic Park, running every 10 minutes until late.
Getting home, limited-stop services will leave Olympic Park every 10 minutes until 11.30pm, then every 20 minutes until midnight – stopping at Lidcombe, Granville, Parramatta, Seven Hills, Blacktown and then all stations to Penrith and Emu Plains.
There is limited parking remaining at Accor Stadium on Sunday night, and parking must be pre-booked via the Sydney Olympic Park website.
Taxi ranks are located on Herb Elliott Avenue.
The TAB is struggling to split the Panthers and Storm heading into Sunday night’s decider.
As of Wednesday morning, the Storm were at $1.85 while the Panthers were outsiders at $2.00.
It was tighter at Sportsbet, where the Storm were $1.90 favourites with the Panthers at $1.94.
SportsBet has Jarome Hughes and
The famous Penrith Panthers Grand Final Day parade is back this Sunday from 10.00am at Jamison Park.
Fans are encouraged to decorate their cars in Panthers colours and theming, and take part in the parade.
Once it leaves Jamison Park, the car parade will make its way through Penrith.
If you aren’t taking part in the parade, fans are encouraged to gather at Jamison Park for an unofficial Grand Final pre-party and see the parade take off. Get there from 8.00am.
Nathan Cleary equal in betting for the Clive Churchill Medal at $4.50, with Cameron Munster on the next line of betting at $8.00 and Dylan Edwards and Harry Grant at $10.00.
Brian To’o is shortest in the anytime tryscorer market at $1.73.
If you’re having a bet this weekend, make sure you do so responsibly. Support is available.
1.00pm Gates Open
1.20pm NRL State Championship Grand Final Kick-Off
3.55pm NRLW Telstra Premiership Grand Final Kick-Off
6.30pm NRL Grand Final Pre-Game Show
7.30pm NRL Telstra Premiership Grand Final Kick-Off
9.30pm Post-match presentation
There are so many places around Penrith you can watch the game on Sunday night, including most of your favourite pubs and clubs. Here’s some of the highlights: Panthers Leagues Club: There is a ticketed event in The Backyard, which has sold out. The game will be shown on other screens throughout the club. The club is expected to be extremely busy post-game and entry may be restricted.
The Mondo: Penrith City Council is hosting a free family-friendly live site at The Mondo, between Westfield Penrith and The Joan in the Penrith CBD. The event is alcohol-free with
Nine’s Wide World of Sports will celebrate Grand Final Day with 16 hours of wall-to-wall live coverage of rugby league’s biggest day, culminating in the exclusive broadcast of the NRL Grand Final.
Grand Final Day starts live from 7.00am at Accor Stadium in Sydney with ‘Weekend Today’, which will be followed by ‘Wide World of Sports’ at 10.00am and ‘The Sunday Footy Show’ at 11.00am.
Nine will then broadcast
pre-event entertainment getting away at 6pm before the game at 7.30pm. Saints Leagues: The game will be live and loud at St Marys Leagues Club in the Saints Spors Bar. Pioneer Tavern: Watch the game at Panthers legend Mark Geyer’s favour- ite pub! The game will be on live and loud from 7.30pm.
Penrith RSL: The game will be live at Penrith RSL and you can take part in the NRL Finals Promotion, which gives you the chance to win a VB Bar Fridge. Simply purchase a VB on Grand Final Day for your chance to win. Prize also includes a VB shirt and stubby cooler.
all three grades, the pre-match entertainment and the postmatch presentation.
Fox League will not have
live coverage of the NRL Grand Final itself, but will still be on air throughout Grand Final Day. A replay with their own commentary airs at 9.30pm.
For those listening on radio, there’s a plethora of options with ABC 702, Triple M, 2GB, SEN and Koori Radio all calling the game.
The Sunday Telegraph and The Sun-Herald will both release special editions on Grand Final Day with wallto-wall coverage.
The post-game press conferences will be streamed on NRL.COM.
The Weekender will release a special edition of Extra Time on October 11.
Grammy nominated, multi-platinum chart-topping global superstar The Kid LAROI will headline the 2024 NRL and NRLW Telstra Premier- ship Grand Final Enter- tainment.
A proud Kamilaroi man and die-hard South Sydney Rabbi- tohs fan who grew up in Sydney’s southern suburbs, The Kid LAROI most recently released the deluxe version of his hit
album, ‘The First time’, which included his latest single, ‘Girls’. The Kid LAROI just completed the North American leg of The First Time Tour, pack ing venues in 31 cities. This Novem ber, he will return to Australia with special guests Quavo ONEFOURand for a massive arena run of live shows.
Smoking is not permitted anywhere in the stadium, except in designated smoking areas. This includes electronic cigarettes personal vaporisers, electronic nicotine delivery systems, or other battery powered vaporisers.
Accor Stadium is a cashless venue with all trans-
actions at food outlets, bars and merchandise areas via cards only. There are no ATMs at the venue. Bag sizes are limited to 30cm x 40cm and all bags are subject to security checks on entry. For safety reasons, strollers and prams are not permitted into the stadium’s seating bowl.
Strollers and prams may be cloaked with Accor Stadium staff. There are First Aid facilities located through out the stadium. Please speak to one of the event staff on the day for assistance locating them. Fans can get free access to high speed Wi-Fi when at Accor Stadium.
Grand Final Day will be full of epic footy games with a clash between NSW State Champions, the Newtown Jets, and the QLD State Champions, the Norths Devils, to see who will get the bragging rights as the number one state, followed by the NRLW Grand Final between the Cronulla Sutherland Sharks and the Sydney Roosters before the mighty Penrith Panthers take on the Melbourne Storm.
The Jets are coming off a tight win against the North Sydney Bears, 28-22, whereas the Devils are sitting a bit prettier with a conclusive win against the Redcliffe Dolphins, 34-20.
It’s hard to go past the Jets for the win as they aim to claim the ninth State Championship Cup, having last won in 2019.
The Devils last played in the State Championship in 2022 but didn’t manage the win, however they hold the weight of Queensland on their back as the state’s only team involved in Grand Final Day.
Keep an eye on Jets halfback Niwhai Puru who can break open any game and Devils second rower Oryn Keeley who just took home the Devils’ player of the year award despite missing some of the season to play for the NRL Dolphins team.
My tip: Jets to win in a close game.
Coverage for the State Championship starts at 1pm on Channel Nine for a 1.20pm kick-off.
The NRLW Grand Final is set to be a big one
they beat the Brisbane Broncos 14-0 in last week’s Preliminary Final.
having squashed the Newcastle Knights’ chance at a three-peat in a 25-16 win.
The last time these two sides met was at the start of September where the Roosters delivered a 40-0 flogging, something Roosters Coach John Strange said won’t make his team complacent.
“We caught them off guard that day to be perfectly honest,” Strange said.
“Things went our way, our girls played well but there was a few things that went our way and I don’t think they were super up for it because they were already four points clear at the time.
“Their mindset has readjusted. They were leading the comp after six rounds by four points, they’ve got strike everywehre.
“I think its going to be a really tough game for us.”
The Sharks are getting excited for their first Grand Final Week according to Coach Tony Herman.
“We will enjoy the start to the week and work really hard and put out a good performance next week,” Herman said.
Keep an eye out on Roosters fullback Sam Bremner who was pulled out of retirement to play another season; the veteran has won many accolades in the game but is yet to grab a Premiership, so expect a big game.
As for the Sharks it’s hard to look past fiveeighth/fullback Emma Tonegato who can rip the game open.
My tip: Roosters to win by a try.
The
ever Grand Final in their first year in the NRLW after
One of the game’s top referees Ashley Klein will return to the Grand Final arena when he officiates this Sunday night’s Premiership decider between Penrith and Melbourne at Accor Stadium.
Klein, who will referee his third NRL Grand Final, was awarded the coveted gig on Tuesday by NRL Executive General Manager – Elite Competitions Graham Annesley and General Manager Elite Officiating Jarrod Maxwell.
“Like players, referees work hard all year with the aim of appearing on Grand Final Day,” Annesley said.
“On behalf of the NRL, I congratulate all of the Match Officials appointed and wish them all the best for Sunday.”
Maxwell said Klein is highly experienced, having successfully refereed the entire State of Origin series earlier this year.
“Ashley has been excellent in the Finals Series and comes with enormous experience in big games. He refereed in all three State of Origins this year and has shown the required consistency and aptitude throughout 2024,” he said.
“Only very recently, Ashley celebrated his 400th game as an NRL referee. He has also refereed in 28 Finals matches and 17 State of Origins. That experience will be invaluable in a Premiership decider.”
Joining Klein on the field will be touch judges David Munro and Chris Sutton, while Grant Atkins will be the Bunker Review Official.
Klein said he was looking forward to returning to the middle on the game’s biggest day.
“This one means a lot,” he said.
“Obviously there was the disappointment of last year, but that also gave me the motivation to go into this year and perform and make it back and I’m pretty excited to be going out there on Sunday to officiate what will hopefully be a fantastic game with the top two teams in the competition.”
Returning to the NRL Bunker on Grand Final Day is Grant Atkins, a former teacher at Penola Catholic College in Emu Plains. The local father said being behind the wheel of the Bunker is a different type of beast.
“It’s a different atmosphere altogether, it’s a different type of officiating effectively,” he said.
“There’s obviously the pressure of expectation of perfection out of the Bunker compared to on field where you get a little more latitude.”
Like most seasons, officiating has been under extreme scrutiny this year with a number of questionable decisions getting under the skin of fans, players and coaches.
Just last weekend, Panthers coach Ivan Cleary blasted the Bunker in his post-match press conference over a controversial decision to deny Sunia Turuva a try against the Sharks.
The Roosters are looking to grab their second premiership after last winning one in 2021
Coverage for the game starts at 3.10pm on Channel Nine for a 3.55pm kick off.
Grand Final Day is not complete without some good food and to make it even better, Panthersthemed food.
Here’s a few places we have found that will help you get in the Panthers’ spirit come game time on Sunday night.
Gourmet Meat Company
Gourmet Meat Company is offering a footy finals pack for $180. It includes six premium scotch fillet steaks, 2kg of beef sausages, 2kg of BBQ rissoles, 2kgs of marinated chicken wings and 12 wagyu beef burger patties. Make sure to order ahead of time in store or online at www.gourmetmeatcompany.com.au to ensure you get your hands on this pack.
Percy Plunkett
Pick up some Panthers-themed doughnuts at Percy Plunkett this weekend. DM Percy Plunkett on Instagram, @percy_plunkett,
now to get your order of black, red, green and yellow doughnuts. Four packs for $30 to be picked up on Sunday with some individual doughnuts for sale on Sunday until sold out!
East Blaxland Butchery
East Blaxland Butchery has brought back their Panthers-themed sausages ahead of the Grand Final. They have black (beef, cheese and vegemite), yellow (Malaysian chicken curry), red (Memphis BBQ beef) and green (basil pesto chicken) sausages
available for purchase. You can also get 1kg of Panthers sausages for $20. They are also offering a Grand Final meat pack for $99, which includes four sirloin steaks, eight lamb loins, 12 thin sausages and eight chicken kebabs. Purchase in store or head to their website to place an order now at www.eastblaxlandbutchery.com.au.
Donut King Nepean Village
Donut King in Nepean Village will have $20 ‘Go Panthers!’ donut boxes. It will have 12 donuts with six cinnamon and six traditional iced donuts, two strawberry, two chocolate and two caramel with a ‘Go Panthers!’ edible message. These packs must be pre-ordered and will be available to pick up on the Sunday morning of the game. Message the Donut King Nepean Village Facebook page to order, but get in quick before stock runs out!
Paris Diana Cakes
Paris Diana Cakes is encouraging Penrith to show their support with some delicious Panthers-themed cupcakes. Get a six pack for $30, a 12 pack for $55 and a 24 pack for $100. Contact the team to order on parisdianacakes@gmail.com or call them on 4731 2514.
Sweets by Kath
Sweets by Kath is offering Panthers cupcakes and will be selling eight cupcakes for $25. You’ll get four chocolate and four vanilla with Panthers decorations. Make sure to pre-order on their Facebook page to secure yours now.
October 5. They have a limit on the number you can get, so make sure to get in quick! You can get nine for $28 or individually for $3.50 or build a footy fanatic pack for $40.
Crottys Bakery
Crottys Bakery have their Panthers cupcakes ready to go! Get a six pack for $25, but they have limited stock, so make sure to pre-order now. They will be selling the cupcakes individually for $4.50 until Saturday or until stock runs out!
will have Grand Final donuts available for walk in purchases only on Saturday,
or
TIP: Storm by 8
Clive
TIP: Panthers by 8
Clive
TIP: Panthers by 8
TIP: Panthers by 4
A shortened pre-season and a trip to England takes it toll on Penrith, who fail to score a point against Melbourne to open the season. The Storm grind away and produce an 8-nil win.
The Panthers play their first home game of the year and prove too good for arch rivals Parramatta, winning 26-18. The Eels score first, but the Panthers take control mid-way through the first half.
around
The Panthers are disappointing against Manly at 4 Pines Park, with the Sea Eagles producing a 32-18 win. Dylan Edwards scores two tries, but it’s not enough to get Penrith the win.
The Panthers race away to beat the Tigers 22-6 in front of 12,000 fans at Carrington Park in Bathurst. Sunia Turuva scores a double, while Paul Alamoti and James Fisher-Harris
Nathan Cleary leaves the field injured as Penrith brush past Canterbury 16-10. Luke Garner and Brian To’o score tries for Penrith, with conversions and penalties proving the difference.
The
In a bizarre game, Brian To’o and Tommy Talau both score first half hat-tricks. Sunia Turuva bags a second half double, and Penrith down Manly 32-22 at BlueBet Stadium.
Nathan Cleary returns from injury and delivers a two-point field goal in Golden Point extra time to beat the Dolphins 28-26 in Penrith. Both teams grabbed four tries.
A hush falls over BlueBet Stadium after Nathan Cleary leaves the field with a shoulder injury that would ultimately rule him out for the rest of the regular season. Melbourne win 24-22.
Dylan Edwards stars as Penrith get past Newcastle 26-18 at McDonald Jones Stadium. The Panthers never seem overly troubled, but the Knights refuse to go away and keep it close.
Trent Toelau scores his first try in the NRL as the Panthers cruise past the Dragons 46-10 at WIN Stadium in Wollongong. Nathan Cleary bags three tries in the thrashing.
It’s tough going for the Panthers in the nation’s capital, with the Raiders winning 22-18 courtesy of a late intercept try. The loss puts Penrith’s chances of a Home Final in doubt.
Nathan Cleary returns and produces a stunning performance as the Panthers down the Roosters 30-10 in Penrith. Brian To’o, Izack Tago and Jarome Luai score tries in the opening 20 minutes to blow the Roosters away early. The Panthers lead 24-0 at the break and hold off the Roosters in the second half.
Penrith’s wet weather record is again exposed, with the Cowboys producing a 16-6 win over the Panthers in rainy conditions at BlueBet Stadium. Brad Schneider scores Penrith’s only try.
The Knights score first, but Penrith respond quickly and take control of the contest in front of more than 20,000 fans at BlueBet Stadium. The Panthers run out 22-14 victors.
South Sydney are no match for a Penrith team desperate to get the back end of the season back on track. The Panthers take an 18-6 lead into the break and are never headed, winning 34-12.
Brisbane edge to a 6-4 lead at half-time over Penrith, but fail to score a point in the second half. Brian To’o and Mitch Kenny grab second half four-pointers and the Panthers win 14-6.
Penrith produce a stunning comeback, grabbing three tries in the space of four minutes to beat Parramatta 36-34 at CommBank Stadium. Izack Tago bags the match-winner.
Penrith turn back the clock in a heritage jumper and down Gold Coast 18-12 at Penrith Park to secure a Home Final. It’s a shaky performance, but the win ensures the Panthers finish second.
3
Thousands of loyal Penrith fans packed into BlueBet Stadium on Tuesday to watch their side train ahead of Sunday’s Grand Final.
Fans were able to see the side train under the watchful eye of Ivan Cleary, before players posed for photos and signed autographs...
and Pink Up Penrith organsier, said Penrith was one of the first towns to take on the challenge of “pinking up”.
Penrith, let’s paint the town pink this October!
October is breast cancer awareness month and Penrith is being encouraged to pink up the town to raise funds for McGrath Foundation breast care nurses in the local area.
McGrath Foundation breast care nurses are specialised registered nurses who are trained to manage the care of people with breast cancer throughout the course of treatment and to provide trusted and knowledgeable support for families by offering medical expertise, clinical care and psychological support from time of diagnosis and throughout treatment.
Gai Hawthorn, CEO of Penrith CBD Corp
“Seven years ago, we had no local McGrath Foundation breast care nurses available at Nepean Hospital and we were the first metropolitan city to take on the challenge of pinking up our town,” Hawthorn said.
“Getting involved with McGrath meant that we were building a better connection and hopefully we were fundraising for our local community to have our own local nurses.”
Since beginning the challenge of pinking up Penrith seven years ago, Penrith has raised over $350,000 and now has five McGrath Foundation breast care nurses with a sixth nurse anticipated to start at Nepean Hospital in the coming months.
There are a series of events across October Penrith residents are urged to get behind.
For $5 you can enter the York Jewellers raffle to win a pink diamond necklace worth $2,500 and on Thursday, October 24 they will be holding a VIP event where pink diamonds will be available for purchase.
The Log Cabin is offering a Pink River Spritz, Watermelon Margarita and Pink Up Cannoli all month with $2 from every purchase being donated to the McGrath Foundation.
There will be a Pink Up Penrith Party featuring Jellybean Jam on Saturday, October 12 at Penrith RSL where $1 from all pink cocktail sales will go directly to Pink Up Penrith.
Penrith RSL is also offering a pink raffle on Sunday, October 20 with over 60 prizes.
Alexander’s at Panthers Leagues Club will be hosting a Pink It Up Brunch on Friday, October 18.
Henry’s Bar and Grill is offering a night of fun on Wednesday, October 23 where 40 per
cent of ticket sales and a portion of cocktail and mocktail sales will go to the McGrath Foundation.
On Thursday, October 24 there will be the United In Pink show at Penrith Panthers with a range of entertainment and dancing.
The Pink Up Penrith Golf Day was held on Friday, September 20 where $16,000 was raised.
Hawthorn said that as well as events there are other opportunities available, including a special initiative involving Atmosphere gym.
And during October, advertisers in the Weekender who turn their ads pink to raise awareness will be in the running for a terrific prize pack. Our masthead is also pink today.
For more information about all the pink events going on in Penrith this month or to donate please visit https://www.pinkuppenrith.com.au.
Jim Aitken, the prominent local real estate icon, community champion and former Mayor, has died.
Aitken had been battling illness for some time, and formally resigned as a Penrith Councillor last year.
He was 76.
Aitken was elected to Penrith City Council in 1995 and subsequently re-elected to represent South Ward in 1999, 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016 and 2021. He served as Mayor in 200809, and twice as Deputy Mayor.
But he is best known for his business interests, building Jim Aitken + Partners into the most recognisable real estate brand in Penrith.
He opened his first real estate office at age 49, with David Reeves, in the Lennox Shopping Centre in Emu Plains.
“He was a wonderful human being and a man from humble beginnings that really just had a heart bigger than himself,” Reeves told the Weekender
“He was a selfless individual who put others before himself.
“He was a dynamic thinker and a very successful business person and a person who thought differently from normal and had a determination to make life better for the people that he came across.”
Reeves said he was “privileged” to have “lived some life with Jim”.
“Life was better once you got to know Jim. You were better for the relationship and better for the experience,” he said.
Born in the Central West of New South Wales, Aitken moved to Penrith with his family in 1959. A butcher by trade, he tried his hand as a fireman, taxi driver,
garbologist and property developer before landing in the real estate industry. He managed a butcher shop in Penrith Plaza when it first opened in 1971, and bought two shops of his own in 1972.
Aitken gave back to the community significantly through his church community and Penrith Valley Rotary Club, where he spearheaded Penrith’s annual Carols
by Candlelight for many years. He has also been a strong advocate in assisting children with disabilities.
Aitken became one of the largest private sector employers in Penrith,
with multiple offices spread across the region. The legacy of the Jim Aitken + Partners brand remains in force today with offices across Penrith, trading as Aitken RE.
In an interview, Aitken once said:
“I always maintained a vision to make a positive contribution to my community. Through our business and my role as councillor, I feel blessed to be able to serve those individuals in need and support the many schools, sporting groups, churches and charity organisations that in turn serve us all.”
Aitken, a recipient of the Order of Australia Medal, leaves behind a wife and three children, as well as grandchildren.
He passed away last Saturday morning following a battle with illness.
A funeral service will be held next week.
Aformer nurse will spend at least threeand-a-half years in jail after being found guilty of sexually assaulting a student and patients under his care at two private hospitals.
Ali Khamis Moh’d molested three separate women at Sydney’s Norwest and Nepean private hospitals between December 2018 and March 2022.
The 44-year-old was sentenced to up to five years and two months behind bars on Friday, September 27 with a non-parole period of three-and-a-half years.
Judge Ian Bourke said Moh’d “manipulated and abused his position of authority for his own sexual gratifications”.
“The (victims) speak in clear terms of the fear, confusion, shock and sense of violation the victims experienced at the time of the incident,” he told Parramatta District Court.
After 14 hours of deliberations in August, a jury found Moh’d guilty on one charge of rape and three counts of aggravated sexual touching.
He was found to have grabbed a 21-year-old student nurse’s underwear, pulling it away from her skin to see her genitals as he taught her how to listen for bowel sounds using a stethoscope.
Jurors accepted further complaints by a 25-year-old patient that Moh’d had asked to inspect a surgical wound on her groin area, massaging it before touching her vagina with his fingers.
Moh’d was also found to have touched a 67-year-old woman’s breasts while replacing heart-monitoring stickers to her body after she had a pre-operation shower.
His lawyer Linda Barnes argued he should receive a lesser sentence as he did not seem to gain obvious sexual gratification from his offending.
“We often see before the courts evidence from complainants along the lines of the observations that a person was visibly aroused, had erections, were ejaculating,” she said.
“There was no evidence from any of the complainants that Moh’d demonstrated anything reflecting sexual gratification.”
But Judge Bourke said the offending was serious and he was unsatisfied with that argument.
“The absence of such elements does not reduce the seriousness,” he said.
Moh’d’s wife sat at the back of the court silently during sentencing.
He will be eligible for release in 2028.
Support for those experiencing sexual violence is available via 1800 RESPECT.
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Remembering Jim Aitken
Penrith will forever be poorer now that Jim Aitken is gone.
But we will always be grateful he was here, given how unlikely it was.
He was born in 1947 near Parkes in the NSW Central West. It was a childhood plagued with domestic violence, alcoholism and poverty. Stability was not part of the conversation.
When he landed at Penrith to live in a caravan in his grandmother’s driveway in 1959, it changed his life.
The tough early years had steeled him and he knew that if life was going to be successful, he needed to take action himself.
And so Jim landed just about every job a teenager could in 1960s Penrith, from newspaper delivery boy to selling lollies and cigarettes at the train station.
Back then, even with the determination he had developed, it’s hard to imagine what Jim would make of himself.
But his life story will be one of major success – working his way through the business landscape to ultimately create a real estate juggernaut in Penrith, and moving into politics, where he would eventually become Mayor of Penrith and a long-time Councillor. Working in Penrith media for more than 20 years, I got to know Jim very well.
He was always happy to pick up the phone and discuss whatever issue was prevalent at Council, happy to find time in his day for a photo and a few quotes.
His ability to do the numbers on election nights was second to none: a crystal ball hidden away, perhaps.
For a short period about 12 years ago, he was a part-owner of the Weekender. He had stepped in, along with a host of other Penrith business people, to help save the paper following a series of events that saw it clinging to life.
A few years back he created the Aitkens Australia in the Round panorama in Glenbrook, something he was immensely proud of and had been part of his vision for more than two decades.
But no matter what business it was, no
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matter what charity he was involved in, it all generally came back to Penrith.
Jim became a wealthy man but staying close to family was always a priority, especially given his own early years.
And so conquering the world, or even the country, was never really part of Jim’s plan in business or in life.
Conquering Penrith was more than enough, and there is no question at all that he did that.
Ponga exposes rugby league’s truth
Newcastle’s Kalyn Ponga has backflipped on his decision to withdraw from Australian selection at the end of the year, but his initial call has exposed a truth in rugby league that nobody wants to talk about.
You see, no matter how much we talk it up and no matter how much Andrew Abdo and Peter V’landys wish to see it grow, the international game is a poor cousin to the rest of the rugby league offering.
For some reason nobody wants to admit it, but the NRL club competition and State of Origin are the two pinnacle parts of rugby league.
Any suggestion that we shorten the club competition so we can play more international football is fraught with danger in terms of the future of the game.
I’m not sure that any legitimate fan survey would show you that’s where people want to land.
Despite all the complaints about how long the season is and the drain of the Origin period, we’ve just come off a record-breaking season of ratings and crowds for the NRL.
The Origin series was spectacular.
Only a handful of people will actually be excited about the Pacific Championship coming up.
I’m not trying to suggest playing for your country is something to scoff at. I understand it is an extraordinary honour, no matter what the sport.
But for all the criticism he copped, Ponga was simply mirroring a rugby league reality: club football is far more important to most than international fixtures.
A wonderful week in Penrith
It’s hard not to feel a tiny bit complacent when it comes to Grand Final Week in Penrith given this is the fifth time we’ve done it.
But it is such a wonderful week, and it’s been great to soak it all up ahead of Sunday’s Grand Final at Accor Stadium.
As a fan growing up supporting Penrith through the 1990s and 2000s, success came in flashes but rarely lasted.
But the old saying, ‘If the Panthers are going well, Penrith is going well’, always rang true. And right now it feels like the Panthers are part of something much bigger: the rise of Penrith as a city.
History will show just what an important era this was not just for the Panthers, but for Penrith as a whole.
And right now, we get to live it. How good.
A dash of Pink this October
You may have noticed our masthead has turned pink this week as we throw our support behind the Pink Up Penrith initiative.
This wonderful concept has been running for seven years now, and credit must go to Gai Hawthorn at the Penrith CBD Corporation who has done a terrific job in spearheading it.
The initiative raises funds for Breast Care Nurses at Nepean Hospital, which are funded by the McGrath Foundation.
Three of these nurses are working at Nepean these days directly as a result of the Pink Up Penrith campaigns of recent years. There are so many ways you can contribute this month, so make sure you head to www. pinkuppenrith.com.au to find out more.
And when you take those Panthers decorations down this month, perhaps replace them with some pink ones and spread the word about this wonderful cause.
Seven people are diagnosed with breast cancer every day in Australia, and very few of us will escape its impact either directly or through family, friends and colleagues.
Every little bit counts, so get behind the initiative this month.
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The long-awaited dedicated bus service for Jordan Springs Public School (JSPS) has been delivered and students got to test it out last week.
The new service will start picking up students from day one of Term 4 starting in two weeks’ time and to make sure it was up to scratch a select group of students got to take a test drive.
The students were joined by the Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car and Minister for Transport Jo Haylen who worked to get the service up and running.
Haylen said that delivering this new service is going to give the community a safe trip to school.
“Get your student Opal cards at the ready, a new bus service is coming! This will be a safe, convenient and accessible journey to and from school on public transport every day of the week,” Haylen said.
“When we came to Government, there were a number of schools across NSW where the demand for school buses was not being met.
“We’re taking a responsible, staged approach to delivering the transport service communities need.”
The new bus will serve students travelling to Jordan Springs Public School from Lakeside Parade opposite Landsborough Street and from Edge Pocket Park, Jordan Springs.
The bus will operate in the morn-
ing as Route 4166 which will depart from Edge Pocket Park at 8.25am and will arrive at JSPS at 8.41am and in the afternoons as Route 4666 departing from JSPS at 3.00pm and will arrive at Edge Pocket Park at 3.15pm.
School kids can use their student Opal cards for free travel.
Car said she heard the community’s call for the service and is proud to see it realised.
“The community was calling out for this bus and now it will be ready to roll next term,” Car said.
“I want to thank the parents, teachers and students of JSPS for their advocacy. It’s not lost on me
how much this new service will mean.
“This crucial new bus will not only support students get safely to and from school every day but will also help alleviate pressure and congestion on local roads.”
President of the JSPS P&C Kylie Thomas, who has been a strong advocate for the dedicated service, said the service is welcomed by the community.
“It’s one of those situations where you fought for something, you knew that it needed to be there, so you championed for something and then to be actually able to see it come to fruition in the same year is exceptional,” Thomas said.
Thomas said she expects the service to be warmly welcomed by parents and students when next term rolls around.
“The feedback from the community has been extremely positive... The impact is a lot bigger than we first thought when the issue was raised,” she said.
“It makes me extremely proud of the fact that the P&C was able to do it as well and be part of that and it just shows the importance of what a P&C can actually have impact on.”
Penrith: Man arrested after abusing blind man and slapping police
A man has been arrested after verbally abusing a blind man and slapping a police officer.
At about 10.25am on Wednesday, September 25 police were patrolling Penrith Railway Station. Police observed a blind male of African appearance with a mobility cane accidentally bump his cane into the foot of a 25-year-old Blacktown man.
The 25-year-old has then verbally and racially abused the African man. Police at the time were wearing their body worn cameras and captured the entire incident.
As police were approaching the pair they continued to be involved in a verbal altercation with each other. An officer has then stepped between the pair and the 25-year-old has clenched his fist and attempted to walk towards the African man. One officer has grabbed the shirt of the 25-year-old to stop him from walking forward.
The man threatened to bite the hand of the officer, and the officer started to let go but the 25-year-old grabbed the officer’s hand with a firm grip. The man was told to let go by the officer and did.
Again, the 25-year-old has attempted to approach the African man and police have had to restrain him. He then attempted to assault one of the officers and has lost his balance; in doing so, he has attempted to kick an officer in the groin area but was unsuccessful.
The 25-year-old then got to his feet and as police were trying to speak with him, he slapped an officer across the face. The man was taken to the ground and hand cuffed.
The man was taken to Penrith Police Station where he was formally charged. He will appear in Penrith Local Court on Thursday, October 10.
St Marys: Man goes on stealing spree and threatens store manager
A man has been caught stealing twice in one day and found threatening store manager.
At about 8.15am on Monday, September 23 a 41-year-old St Marys man had a trolley full of personal property and his bike whilst waiting outside for a store to open in a shopping centre at St Marys.
He was seen holding a large knife which he tied to his bike with a shoelace and police were called.
The man has entered the store once it opened and was placing items in his bag.
Police have arrived and entered the store and spoke to the man.
The man was asked what he was doing with the items that he had placed in his bag, and he responded by saying he was only going to pay for some of them. The man was searched, and the items were returned to the store.
Police escorted the man out of the store.
Police then located the man’s bike and the knife that was tied to it. The man was informed that he would be given paperwork to attend court at a later date.
At 10.00am on the same day, the same man has attended a shopping centre in St Clair.
The 41-year-old was aggressive with staff when asking for an item they didn’t sell. The man walked off and continued shopping, returning a short time later to purchase a large kitchen knife.
As the man exited, the store’s manager saw the 41-year-old jacket was bulging and suspected him of stealing items. The manager has followed the man to a vehicle where the 41-year-old entered the passenger’s side of the vehicle. The manager took a photo of the licence plate.
The manager then informed the 41-year-old that he had a photograph of the licence plate, and the 41-year-old has asked the manager to delete the photo and handed him the stolen item from the store.
The 41-year-old then pulled out a hammer, which was also stolen from the store, and threatened the manager with it. The manager showed the 41-year-old that the photo had been deleted.
Police were called and realised the man was the same from the incident earlier in the day.
Later in the day, the man was arrested and charged. He appeared in Penrith Local Court and was bail refused until Thursday, October 17.
Penrith: Man dies following crash on Mulgoa Road
A man in his 80s has died after he was struck by a vehicle while on a mobility scooter at Penrith last Friday.
The incident happened at around 12.45pm on Friday, September 27, sparking a major emergency response.
The crash happened at the busy intersection of Mulgoa Road and Ransley Street.
The vehicle that hit the mobility scooter failed to stop, while others rushed to lend assistance.
A man was later arrested and charged over the incident.
There are two things you can be certain of this weekend – the Panthers winning their fourth consecutive premiership and double demerits!
We often get inquiries about what you can do if your licence is suspended for accruing too many demerit points.
From Friday to Monday this weekend if you are caught committing a traffic offence that attracts demerit points you will receive double meaning your chance of losing your licence is much higher.
A demerit points suspension occurs when you accrue more demerit points than you are allowed under the licence you hold.
For an unrestricted licence holder the limit is 13. For green P platers the limit is seven. For red P platers and L plates the limit is four.
The typical suspension period for accruing too many demerit points is three months off the road.
If you are an unrestricted licence holder you will most likely have the option of electing to go on a one-year good behaviour bond instead of serving your suspension. This means that if you are caught committing a traffic offence that attracts more than one demerit point during the 12 month bond period you must serve double the original suspension. However, if you do not commit any traffic offences during this period you start with a clean slate and no demerit points.
If you are a P plater you do not have the option of a good behaviour bond. You can however appeal your demerit points suspension. In considering whether to offer you leniency in the form of overturning your suspension altogether or reducing the period of your suspension the Court will take into account things like:
• Your need for a licence;
• The nature of your driving record and the offence that resulted in your licence being suspended;
• Personal circumstances, like the availability of public transport in the area in which you live.
Normally, the Court also likes to see that young drivers engage in a traffic offenders program to educate them about the dangers of breaking the road rules in order to give you leniency or overturn your suspension.
One of the most common questions we get asked is “can I get a work licence?”. In other words, can I get a licence to only drive my car for work purposes.
No such licence exists in New South Wales and while it is a relevant factor in considering your appeal, most people need their car to get to and from work so that fact in and of itself is usually not enough to get you over the line.
Magistrate’s also often take the view that you knew you needed your licence for work before you committed the traffic offences leading to your licence suspension, so will offer limited leniency.
To be successful in a demerit point suspension appeal as a P plater you normally need to demonstrate that you have a need for a licence, demonstrate why public transport is not an option for you to travel to and from work or study and fulfilling the other commitments you have, and successfully complete a traffic offenders program at a minimum.
We wish all of our readers a happy and safe long weekend and we have a public service announcement – if you are a highway patrol officer and your radar clocks something moving at 200km/h on Sunday don’t be alarmed – it is probably just Dylan Edwards scoring a length of the field try.
The fall of F45 continues with the St Marys franchise closing its doors on Wednesday.
The owners wrote to members on Monday confirming that the Queen Street gym was shutting its doors.
It is the latest in a string of F45 gyms to close, with another location at Jamisontown shutting its doors last year.
The brand has dropped in popularity in recent years.
Us
Administration
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Contact Centre Open 8.30am-4pm. Mon-Fri. 4732 7777
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council@penrith.city Council’s services are accessible via the online portal at my.penrith.city
Services
Waste Services 4732 7777
Illegal Dumping
Contact the EPA hotline on 131 555 and ask for the RID Squad (Regional Illegal Dumping Squad).
Freecall 1800 022 182
Meeting Dates
28 October 2024 – 7pm (Ordinary Meeting) Online via penrith.city
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● Join us this school holidays for our last Mini Makers for 2024!
We’re having fun at City Park, Penrith on Wednesday 2 October and Coachmans Park, St Marys on Wednesday 9 October from 10am–1pm with free activities for kids to enjoy during the school holidays.
Come down and get your face painted, enjoy a slime workshop (at Penrith) and rock painting (at St Marys), and spend some time outside with games and live music.
No bookings are required. The activities are free. Find out more at penrith.city/events
● If you’re looking for an excuse to go outdoors on the weekend, register for our Creating Canopies tree planting event on Saturday 26 October from 9am to 12pm at Grey Gums Reserve in Cranebrook.
We’ve partnered with Greater Sydney Landcare to plant 500 trees at the reserve to provide shelter and habitat for local wildlife.
The event is free, but registration is essential. Register at penrith.city/events
● If you live in a multi-unit dwelling and recently received FOGO, our Waste team is hosting an information session on Monday 14 October at Wainwright Park in Kingswood from 10am-12pm, where you can ask questions about your new FOGO bins and how you can make the most of them.
We’ll be joined by special guest Costa Georgiadis (Gardening Australia) and will also be giving away a limited number of native plants, courtesy of Council’s nursery.
Find out more at penrith.city/events
The following Development Applications have been received by Council:
• The Learning Jungle Pty Ltd
141 Victoria Street, Werrington
DA24/0668
Demolish existing dwelling and outbuildings, extend existing car parking and construct new pre-school accommodating 30 children, as an addition to an existing 80-place centrebased child care
Contact: Pukar Pradhan on 4732 7726
Closing Date: Tuesday 22 October 2024
• Abraham Nemra
141 Victoria Street, Werrington
DA24/0678
Demolition of existing structures and construction of 6 multiunit dwellings and Strata subdivision
Contact: Pukar Pradhan on 4732 7726
Closing Date: Sunday 20 October 2024
Pursuant to Section 4.59 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, the schedule below lists applications recently determined by Penrith City Council.
Approved Development Applications
• Vianello Holdings Pty Ltd
DA24/0038
Lot 445 DP 1268480 and Lot 701 DP 1275647, Lot 445 Hereford Avenue, Glenmore Park
Torrens title subdivision into 26 residential lots, 2 residue lots and public roads including related civil engineering works (Stage 5: Highland Views)
• Oriem Pty Ltd
Lot 67 DP 31909, 32–50 Vallance Street, St Marys
DA23/0277
Change of use to general industry and alterations and additions
• The Trustee for Fife Land 3 Trust
DA22/0530
Lot 90 DP 1289463, 74–104 Aldington Road, Kemps Creek
Three-lot Torrens title subdivision including vegetation removal, bulk earthworks, road construction and associated civil and stormwater drainage works
• Christopher Dib
Mod24/0147
Lot 1034 DP 259016, 4 Hobbits Glen, Werrington Downs of outbuilding and construction of attached garage
• St Marys Land Limited
DA18/0587 Lot 1253 DP 1215094, Lot 1253 Cadet Circuit, Jordan Springs
Construction and embellishment of a Village Park Including kick-about space, amphitheatre, bio-retention basin and landscaping works
• St Marys Land Limited
DA19/0621 Lot 1 DP 1248480, Lot 1 Wianamatta Parkway, Jordan Springs
New community facility in the Village Park containing BBQ area, a stage, ancillary structures and associated landscaping works
• Developable Pty Ltd
Lot 231 DP 1078123, 84–86 Allan Road, Mulgoa
DA24/0336
Construction of shed and partial use as home business (Stage 1), demolition of existing dwelling and construction of new single storey dwelling (Stage 2)
Viewing of Development Applications
The above development application/s may be viewed on Council’s DA Tracker via penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/DATracker Development Services Department will be able to assist with your enquiries.
Disclosure of Political Donations or Gifts
By law, reportable political donations or gifts must be disclosed by anyone lodging a planning application to Council. Call 4732 7649 or visit penrithcity.nsw.gov.au
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) firefighters across the state have been visiting retirement villages to share life-saving advice about fire dangers to protect those most vulnerable. Now, as we head towards summer, local crews are hoping that those in the wider community will take a page out of their books, and book a home fire safety visit.
Regentville Station Officer Matt Ligteringen first started doing fire safety visits at Nepean Shores in Jamisontown in March this year, following a spike in incidents both at the retirement community, and for this age group more generally.
“We’ve identified that the elderly are most at risk of injury and death in residential fires. One in two fire deaths in New South Wales are people aged over 65,” he said.
“The reason that I did Nepean Shores was because we have a responsibility to identify risk groups in our station areas, and we’d gone to a few incidents at Nepean Shores in preceding months, so that to me was a red flag, and an opportunity to get a fire safety message out there.”
Over the course of the program, he and his crew did over 50 visits within this community, educating residents about potential fire hazards.
Home fire safety visits enable local firefighters to provide specific fire safety information for you in relation to your home and lifestyle. With resident permission, they will travel around your home and property, pointing out any potential hazards, and providing advice.
“It gives them peace of mind, and it gives them very practical tools that they can implement – what to do in an emergency, having a home escape plan, ‘keep looking when you’re cooking’ – and we can empower them to make good decisions and form good habits that will prevent emergency incidents in the home,” he said.
As part of these visits, and in general, Ligteringen said that the most important part is ensuring you have a working smoke alarm. In a home fire safety visit, firefighters can replace or install one for you, completely free of charge.
“We like to test it every month, vacuum or dust it every six months, replace the battery every year, and replace the entire unit every 10 years,” he said.
“Almost half of all house fires actually start in the kitchen, so we talk a little bit about the kitchen – cooking fires, electrical appliances, storing flammables, what to do if your pan catches on fire, what are the appropriate extinguishers to use.
“We also talk about leaving candles unattended, not having a working smoke alarm,
“We talk to them about the risks, so for older people, there are more specific risks,” he said.
smoking and the dangers of falling asleep when smoking, as well as things like having lint in your clothes dryers, not repairing things yourself, and not overloading power boards.”
In light of this, he’s hoping to help spread fire safety messaging throughout the community more broadly, encouraging everyone to book in a home fire safety visit if they can.
“They now have 10-year lithium battery smoke detectors, which avoid the necessity for having to change the battery yearly. Generally, the units that we’re installing now for people are these 10-year battery smoke detectors.”
For more information or to book a fire safety visit, visit www.fire.nsw.gov.au or call your local fire station.
As Aussies continue their pursuit of health and wellbeing, it’s no surprise that we are searching for lighter options across the board – from the food we eat to the wine with sip – without having to sacrifice on taste. Enter In The Middle – a fresh, delicious new range of wines, that just happen to be mid-strength.
In The Middle features a lively Pinot Noir, a bright Rosé, a dry Chardonnay, a fresh Pinot Grigio, and a zesty Prosecco, that offer consumers a lighter option for all occasions. The range boasts not only a lower alcohol percentage (ranging between 6-7 per cent), but also a depth of flavour that belies their lighter profile.
“The mid-strength wine category is going from strength to strength, and In the Middle allows consumers to enjoy a wine at lunch or other
occasions with confidence in a lighter choice,” said Fourth Wave Wine’s Marketing Manager Indeya Passfield.
In The Middle wine range is created for any occasion, anytime – whether you are in the middle of a good book, cooking or enjoying a Sunday brunch with friends. Available now at Dan Murphy’s and independent retailers nationally for $15.99 (RRP).
The Weekender has three In The Middle wine prize packs to give away. For your chance to win one, send an email to competitions@ westernweekender.com.au with ‘Wine’ in the subject line. Don’t forget to include your contact details. Entries close Friday, October 18 and the winners will be notified by email. Terms and conditions are available at www. westernweekender.com.au. Over 18s entries only.
Members of the Penrith Paceway in Penrith have the chance to win great prizes thanks to a special promotion involving the club and your favourite newspaper, The Western Weekender Club members can pick up a free specially numbered
bumper sticker from the Paceway or the Weekender office, and our spotters will be out and about in the community.
Three spotted bumper sticker numbers will be printed each week, with winners needing to report to the Pace-
way to verify their bumper sticker number and collect their prize. Look out for new winners on this page every single week!
Tell us exactly where this week’s featured I Spy image is located in Penrith and you could win! Email ispy@westernweekender.com.au with your answer for your chance to win two movie tickets. Our winner will be notified by email. Entries close each Wednesday at 5pm.
LAST WEEK’S ANSWER
The concrete seat with the image of three people pointing on it is located in The Mondo area next to Westfield Penrith Plaza.
CASSIDY PEARCE
This month, Penrith Panthers cheerleader
Taleah Donoghue is taking part in Epilepsy Foundation’s Walk for Epilepsy – and you can too.
Donoghue, from Cranebrook, has been dancing since she was two-years-old. But, an epilepsy diagnosis at age 17 meant she may not have ever been able to do it again.
“Being diagnosed at 17 was life-changing,” the 2024 Pantherette said.
“It made me question if epilepsy would affect me in auditioning and being a part of performances. At the time I didn’t know much about epilepsy so I didn’t know what to expect or the effects it would have on my future.”
Donoghue has two different types of seizures – myoclonic epilepsy, which can cause muscle twitching, and the more commonly known type of seizure, tonic-clonic, which cause her to stiffen and have uncontrollable jerks.
The suddenness of it all led Dono-
ghue to spiral, relying on both her inner circle, and those online who were dealing with the same symptoms, to get through it.
“I missed a lot of school, had no motivation to do anything and wanted to stay in my room all day. It essentially put me into a state of depression and I had no clue what to do,” she said.
“I found Facebook groups dedicated to epilepsy, which gave me a safe space.
“Also, my family and friends were behind me, helping me wherever they could.”
But, it was becoming a Pantherette which turned things around for her, having now been a part of the squad for two years.
“I saw that the Panthers were auditioning for cheerleaders. I wasn’t sure I could do it, but I gave it a shot and I got in!” she said.
“It’s an amazing environment to be a part of and they’re so supportive. Everyone has their own stories but there’s no competition, we just support each other. They’re a shoulder to lean on.”
Through this, Donoghue said she’s realised how important it is to create awareness around epilepsy,
and will this year be taking part in Epilepsy Foundation’s Walk for Epilepsy –encouraging others to do the same.
“Just do it!” she said.
“Whether you have epilepsy yourself or know someone who has epilepsy, it is a great organisation and the more people that join in, the more encouraging it is for the people around you to get involved.
“It is a really special event and being able to see others participating is really comfort ing.”
Epilepsy Foundation’s Walk for Epilepsy will be taking place throughout the month of October, and asks partic ipants to walk, run, or ride 100km in 25 days. For more informa tion or to register for the event this Octo ber, visit www. walkforepilepsy. org.au.
Ahead of Love Your Bookshop Day on October 12, the team at Harry Hartog are reflecting on what has been a huge first year in Penrith, and encouraging everyone to get involved in the festivities.
Harry Hartog opened their biggest store yet in Penrith last May, in the midst of what was a bookshop drought in the area.
According to manager Peri MacDonald, the store has not only successfully brought life to that side of High Street, but also provided a hub for local book lovers.
“The popularity when we first started was incredible, and we’ve just created a really great community of repeat customers,” she said.
According to MacDonald, it’s gotten to the point where people are coming in moreso for the conversation, rather than the books themselves.
“We have a huge romantasy community here, but then also a really lovely literary fiction community as well,” she said.
“But, people love the connection
more than anything. They come in for the chat, which we love. We’re very big chatters!”
Love Your Bookshop Day, held this year on October 12, is a celebration of local bookshops, and the great impact they have on the communi-
ties that surround them.
To celebrate, Harry Hartog Penrith is getting involved in a few special initiatives with the help of Penguin Books Australia, which will see readers who pick up two Penguin books receive their own Personal
Penguin, as well as a few of their own.
“We’re going to have a bundle draw. For the week when Love Your Bookshop Day is being held, any customers that come in will go in the draw to win one of three
bundles,” MacDonald said.
“That’s how we’re giving back, and showing that we love our community as well.”
They’re also going to be reflecting on the year that was via their social media platforms.
“We’re going to showcase it on our Instagram, post a lot of our favourite author visits, and hopefully the community celebrates with us!” she said.
MacDonald said she’s hoping to see the local community come out in strides for the day.
“We’re hoping it’s going to bananas,” she said.
“We thrive under that kind of popularity, and we’re hoping that everyone wants to celebrate us as much as we celebrate them.”
But, in general, she’s encouraging everyone to give reading a chance –especially little ones.
“On the weekend, we’ve got a children’s author coming through who’s going to do an interactive workshop with them,” she said.
“Getting more early investment in young readers will be really good. We very much encourage our local kids to come through, our kids section is very vibrant!”
Four weeks on, Ellie Busby has successfully completed one month of personal training sessions at West HQ’s One55 Fitness. Here’s her verdict...
Following on from my first two weeks working with a personal trainer at the western Sydney Gym, I’m going break down just what exactly week three and four involved – and if it was worth doing.
Week three saw the introduction of a new group exercise class – Les Mills SPRINT, a 30-minute High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) workout, using an indoor bike. This class would have to be one of the highlights of my time at One55. Not only were the lights turned off so we could exercise in the dark (a perk for anyone who feels self-conscious while exercising), but everyone from the instructor to the rest of the participants were incredibly welcoming.
There were many fist-bumps and encouraging words as I managed to work my way through the intense workout. It made the experience of joining a fitness class as a newbie far less dauting and way more enjoyable, even if it was a struggle to walk into work the next day.
The class was followed by another personal training session later in the week and this
time it focused a lot more on using different weight machines – something I tend to avoid when at the gym.
One of the perks of having a personal trainer is they’re able to explain just how the machines should be used, which was a huge help as someone who isn’t as confident with using them.
My last personal training session in week four was a different experience as I had a new personal trainer, which again involved trying different gym equipment.
With new Life Fitness treadmills, cross trainers, arc stationary bikes, recumbent bikes and stair masters, the gym features what has been described as the “Ferrari” of gym equipment.
Along with new equipment, the gym has also undergone a change in layout, providing a new personal training section. The upgrades have been valued at $1 million and more are on the way, with additional pin-loaded and plate-loaded machines to arrive in 2025.
Ultimately, having a personal trainer is something not everyone is going to be able to
The weekly views of Penrith’s General Manager
Panthers
I am thrilled that the Penrith Panthers are in the NRL Grand Final this weekend!
Penrith City Council, like almost everyone in our city, is cheering on the mighty Panthers as they compete in their fifth consecutive Grand Final. Community spirit and hopes are high for a fourth straight win. The team is already a record-breaker, and another Grand Final win will further cement their position as one of the greatest in history!
Council will be hosting a free family-friendly Grand Final celebration in The Mondo on Sunday, October 6.
Come and join us to watch the game on the big screen! We’ll also have free entertainment and activities for the kids. Bring a picnic, or there’ll be food for sale on site. Celebrations kick off at 6pm.
Let’s join together and decorate the city in Panthers colours. Council has been busy installing flags and banners right
afford, especially on top of the normal gym membership fee. One55 is aware of this – it’s why they offer 30-minute sessions for those who aren’t able to cover the full 60-minute sessions.
As someone who did the shorter sessions, I found 30-minutes was more than enough time to work up a sweat. And the best thing is you can do as many or as few training sessions as you want – so if you do find it’s not for you, it’s easy to bow out.
For me, I found the personal training sessions helped me to achieve my goal of kick-starting my fitness routine.
When I first started this personal training experience I was a sporadic gym-goer, occasionally going on weekends when I had a spare moment. But after a month of regularly trying new exercises and classes I’ve found myself in a solid exercise routine – even going to the gym after work, something I wouldn’t have made the time for beforehand.
Will personal training be something I pick up again in the future? Who knows.
What I do know though is that it’s given me the push I needed to start exercising more often.
I’ve found I have more energy, and more confidence in my abilities, since I first started the experiment. And for the first time in a long time, I might actually be excited to exercise. To find out more about One55 Fitness visit www.one55.com.au.
the
LGA to support the team.
You can show your support by decorating your homes and workplaces with red, green and black, in true Panthers’ spirit. To help, Council has been giving away free limited-edition posters, available from the Civic Centre and St Marys Office.
I expect these will run out fast so get yours now!
Penrith City Libraries also have limited numbers of Panthers-Council bookmarks available from each of our three libraries – in Penrith, St Marys and St Clair. Children at Council’s Children’s Services will show their support with a Panthers’ colouring stencil, and these are also available for fans at the Civic Centre and Library.
Go the Mighty Penrith Panthers – the Penrith community is cheering you on!
ANDREW
MOORE
General Manager
Expand your readership of The Western Weekender by listening to one of our podcasts.
We produce the weekly Penrith Panthers podcast, ‘Tension’s Running High,’ plus the ‘On The Record’ interview podcast.
These insightful podcasts are available free of charge.
Search Western Weekender wherever you listen to podcasts including Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Podcasts, iHeart and Podcast Addict.
Paula Byrne, Owner & Founder
At Westside Conveyancing, we specialise in Conveyancing services tailored to your needs. Whether you’re buying, selling, or transferring property within New South Wales, we’ve got you covered. With over 20 years of experience Paula Byrne and her team at Westside Conveyancing will help you every step of the way.
We will handle your property transactions with expert precision and unwavering professionalism. Our motto, ‘Conveyancing Made Easy,’ reflects our commitment to ensuring your important property dealings proceed seamlessly. We pride ourselves on o ering competitive fixed fees and complete transparency regarding all related expenses.
Westside Conveyancing was the Winner of this year ’s Professional Service Award at the Local Business Awards which is a testament to the professionalism and customer service that Westside Conveyancing is known for. We will be with you every step of the way, leaving you feeling confident that you are in good hands.
Δ Viral kebabs coming to Penrith: YouTube and social media sensation Spanian is bringing his iconic kebab truck to Penrith. Spanian’s Kebabs (pictured above) opened at the Manufactor precinct at 2115 Castlereagh Road, Penrith, on Thursday night. It will be just the second Spanian’s Kebabs truck to open in Australia following its successful debut at Victoria Road, North Parramatta, earlier this year. Spanian, real name Anthony Lees, is a former inmate and reformed drug addict who is now one of the most popular YouTubers in Australia, with more than one million subscribers combined on his accounts. He’s famous for his ‘Its All Eats’ and ‘Into The Hood’ videos, which often generate more than a million views each when published.
Δ Get a boost: Boost Juice will opening a brand new store at Nepean Village in the coming weeks.
Δ Grimace is coming: Grimace will be arriving in Australia and bringing his world-famous Grimace Shake and Grimace Meal with him to McDonald’s, starting today. Grimace has been shaking things up around the world since his big birthday bash in the US – and now it’s finally our turn. Our purple pal will be gracing our shores and bringing back nostalgic memories with the Grimace Shake and Grimace Meal everyone wants to get their hands on. The Grimace Shake is an explosion of flavour, embodying everything Australia’s purple best friend stands for – good vibes, fun times and his vibrant purple colour, topped with a whirl of whipped cream. The Grimace Shake will be available a la carte or as part of a Medium or
Large Grimace Meal with the choice of a Big Mac or 10-piece Chicken McNuggets, complemented by Fries.
Δ A taste of nostalgia: Peters Twin Pole has just released an exciting new frozen treat that brings back the childhood nostalgia of an old-school cola spider: meet new Twin Pole Cola Spider. With the retro cola spider flavour, making a huge comeback in all formats, Twin Pole Cola Spider is set to be the new go-to family treat. What Australians love most about the iconic Twin Pole, is it offers twice the fun, and now for the first time, the Cola Spider edition features a creamy vanilla core encased in a refreshing cola water ice shell. Peters Original has launched Twin Pole Cola Spider in eight packs, available at Coles, Woolworths, and Independent Grocers for $8.00 RRP.
Δ The right fit: Corasol, a stylish new shoe shop, has opened at Westfield Penrith on Level 2.
Δ Got some source? We want to hear from you about store openings, closings, new products and more! Email news@westernweekender.com.au with submissions.
N N O T T H H I N N G B B U T T NUMBER 1S N U U M M B E R 1 S MONDAY OCT 7 M M O N D D A Y O O C T 7 8A M- 6PM 8 A M - 6 P M
A dedicated Panthers fan celebrates the club making the 1991 NSWRL Grand Final.
He holds a Sun-Herald advertising poster, promoting the paper released on Grand Final Day.
Penrith would go on to prove it was indeed their time, winning the Grand Final 19-12 over Canberra.
It sparked major celebrations in the city, and put the Panthers on the map after decades of being easybeats in the competition.
Penrith has gone on to win many more titles, but there can only be one first.
WITH HANNAH STACK
SYDNEY BUSINESS CENTRE • 4721 5011
Nowadays, more and more customers expect instant responses, even outside traditional business hours.
As businesses strive to enhance customer experiences and optimise lead generation, chatbots have become indispensable. These AI-driven assistants offer a seamless way to convert website traffic into qualified leads while providing round-the-clock support.
What are lead generation chatbots?
According to the Oracle poll, 80 per cent of marketers have already been using chatbots since 2020, which are automated tools that facilitate conversations between businesses and their customers.
Built using AI and machine learning or simple interfaces, these chatbots usually gather customer information, guide them through buying, and qualify leads. Through this, they help businesses engage prospects and prevent potential customers from leaving unconverted.
How to use Chatbots
Generate more leads: When a visitor lands on your website, a chatbot can trigger a proactive message offering discounts, promoting newsletter subscriptions, or inviting them to a webinar.
Qualify leads: Chatbots can gather specific information through targeted questions, helping you determine the lead’s readiness and guiding them to the next step in the sales funnel.
Provide support: By addressing frequently
asked questions and common issues, chatbots can reduce the burden on your customer support team and provide immediate assistance.
How to set up a lead generation chatbot?
1. Clearly outline what you want to achieve with your chatbot, whether it’s capturing leads, qualifying them, or providing support.
2. Develop questions that will help your sales team determine the quality of the leads.
3. Ensure the chatbot’s language aligns with your brand’s voice and resonates with your audience.
4. Decide which pages the chatbot should appear on and when it should be triggered based on visitor behaviour and other criteria.
5. Test different chatbot designs and messaging to see what works best for engaging and converting leads.
6. Ensure your chatbot integrates seamlessly with your CRM and marketing automation systems for smooth lead management.
Implementing chatbots can significantly enhance your lead generation efforts by automating customer interactions and qualifying leads efficiently. Here are some top lead generation tools that can take your business to the next level:
1. Chatbase.co
2. ManyChat
3. LiveChatAI.
com.au
Grace Ficara© of Yagoona, New South Wales, is not a voluntar y transactor in commerce, and is the irrefutable Holder in due course of my properties and all associated copyright protected Trade names since unrebutted lawful Reconveyance to the Land and Soil juris tiction of Terra Australia also known as the Commonwealth of Australia. Grace Ficara Public Recording Number RPP44 6390005100 32111 85601. Proclammation Date 19th August 2024. Severing unsufruct subjugation ties with the occupying Corporation Government of Australia in its entirety. Immediately cease and desist any further infringement these copyright protected financial instruments and cease and desist misaddressing Grace Ficara© in fraudulent debased.
Jontay - George - Ficara© of Yagoona, New South Wales, is not a voluntar y transactor in commerce, and is the irrefutable Holder in due course of my properties and all associated copyright protected Trade names since unrebutted lawful Reconveyance to the Land and Soil juristiction of Terra Australia also known as the Commonwealth of Australia. Jontay - George - Ficara© Public Recording Number RPP44 6390005100 32110 93609 Proclammation Date 19th August 2024. Severing unsufruct subjugation ties with the occupying Corporation Government of Australia in its entirety Immediately cease and desist any further infringement these copyright protected financial instruments and cease and desist misaddressing Jontay - George - Ficara© in fraudulent debased.
Buying: LP RECORDS, Automatic Watches, Diecast Car s, NINTENDO + Playstation, Coins, Stamps, Old Toys + Tools ANYTHING OLD! Deceased Estates/Downsizing? Will come to you! SPRING INTO ACTION! Ph: Mike 0400 675 315
IF YOU HAVE A GIG OR EVENT YOU Would LIKE TO PROMOTE PLEASE CONTACT AMANDA at AMANDA.COSKERIE@WESTERNWEEKENDER.COM.AU
National Poker League
6pm
$11 buy in, $500
Prizepool Guaranteed Club Parramatta
Official After Party
HOsted by Ne-yo
Doors open 9pm
Karaoke @ Tatts
8pm - Till Late
DJ Nino Brown
From 8:30pm
Morning MelodiesThe Swing Sisters
Doors open 10:30am Tickets from $12.50 Evan Theatre, Panthers thu 3
Acoustic Fridays From 7pm in the Beer Garden Red Cow
Live music
From 5pm
wed 2 fri 4
Tickets from $49Packages Available Bella Vista Hotel sat 5
Tattersalls Hotel Sat 5
Lone Pine tavern
Project X From 8pm Pendle Hill Inn
Albion Hotel Manufactor
Cars under the stars @ Manufactor
EVERY FRIDAY & SATURDAY
EVERY tuesday saturday 5th / sunday 6th
Oktoberfest
6pm - 9:30pm sat 5
All day Saturday and Sunday
Workers HUbertus Club fri 4
After taking over theatres across the US, Dipika Guha’s ‘Yoga Play’ is finally coming to Aussie shores, in a collaboration between National Theatre of Parramatta and La Boite Theatre.
Actor Thomas Larkin has been involved with La Boite Theatre for almost 15 years, having been home to his very first production –‘Hamlet’, in 2010.
After not having worked with them since 2013, Larkin said he’s excited to be returning for ‘Yoga Play’.
“Dipika Guha has really written an incredibly complex play, and it asks a lot of questions,” he said.
“The best pieces of theatre ask questions,
they don’t provide answers, and I think that’s exactly what Dipika has done here in her production of ‘Yoga Play’.”
‘Yoga Play’, first written in 2017, shares the story of yoga apparel giant Jojomon.
After the CEO was brought down by a nasty scandal, new CEO Joan is brought in to stabilise the company – though times are rocky, and her strategies are risky.
“It dives into a world of corporate wellness, and identity, and authenticity,” he said.
“Like any great play, it’s a high stakes environment, given that it is a global yoga apparel company, and it explores the absurdity, cultural appropriation, and the lengths somebody will go to to preserve an image.”
Now two weeks into rehearsals for the upcoming Parramatta season, Larkin said he’s loving seeing the show come together.
One of the most interesting parts of his job
is that he not only plays one role, but many throughout.
“It’s always fun juggling different hats,” he said.
But, the best part, according to Larkin, is the cast, made up of Andrea Moor, Nat Jobe, Jemwel Danao, and Camila Ponte Alvarez, as well as director Mina Morita.
“It’s such a delightful bunch of creators across the board – the humans onstage and off-stage,” he said.
“You get paid to do a job at the end of the day, but you don’t necessarily get paid to get along with everyone. One of the blissful parts of this job is the human beings that I’m fortunate enough to interact with.”
‘Yoga Play’ will be taking the stage at Riverside Theatre from Thursday, October 17, to Saturday, October 26, and Larkin said he can’t wait for it to make its Australian debut.
“Even though you’ll be hearing the play with that American twang, and various other accents that appear in the piece, I think it’s still a production that a really broad cross-section of human beings will be able to engage with,” he said.
As for what audiences can expect from ‘Yoga Play’, Larkin said they’re in for witty dialogue, and a show that will make you both laugh, and think.
“Our hope is that it will create laughter, and introspection,” he said.
“Hilarious and thought provoking all at once.”
Yoga Play will be on at Riverside Theatre from Thursday, October 17 to Saturday, October 26. Tickets start at $49. For more information or to book tickets for the Parramatta season, visit www.riversideparramatta.com.au.
Have a crack at cricket in the school holidays
Join the Thunder Cricket clinic these school holidays to help your little ones develop their skills with qualified coaches. On this Tuesday, October 8 at Howell Oval, the Thunder school holiday clinics feature fun activities in a positive and engaging environment for girls and boys aged seven to 14. Bring friends, and make some new ones! To book, visit www.playhq.com.
BARGAIN BUYS
Op Shop at Kingswood Thursdays and Fridays, 9am to 3.30pm. Kingswood Anglican Church, corner of Bringelly Road and Second Avenue, Kingswood. Morning tea every Friday morning.
BUSINESS
Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce
For more information about membership and upcoming events, visit www.penrithchamber.org.au.
Penrith CBD Corporation
Regular meetings and networking for Penrith CBD businesses. Visit www. penrithcbdcorp.com.au.
CLASSES AND FUN
Free weekly Tai Chi & Qiqong
Saturdays 4.30pm, WSU Kingswood Campus. Outside the Food Hub. Guan 0422 120 738.
COMMUNITY GROUPS
Jordan Springs Probus Club
Fourth Tuesday of the month at 10am, Jordan Springs Hub. 0414 766 763.
Nepean Riverlands Probus Club
Meets on the second Wednesday of the month at Nepean Rowing Club
Country takes centre stage in Penrith
A one-of-a-kind musical event is coming to the John Lees Centre this weekend, with Country Night – The Ultimate Date Night. The event promises an evening like no other, featuring some well-known country songs with a mix of country dancing to entertain your night away. It’s more than just a concert! Visit www.rubyproductions.com.au for tickets.
from 10am. New members are always welcome.
Kingswood-Caddens Probus Club
Meets on the last Monday of the month at Kingswood Sports Club at 10.30am.
Probus Club of Nepean
First Wednesday of the month at Emu Sports Club, Leonay from 10.30am. Visitors and new members welcome. Contact Faye on 0417 267 866 for more information.
Penrith Lions Club
Second and fourth Monday of the month. Penrith Bowling Club. 4736 1546 for more information.
Nepean Valley RSL Day Club
Meets every Friday from 10am-2pm at Penrith Senior Citizens Centre. Volunteers needed. 0407 014 542.
Penrith Hospital Auxiliary
Craft stall at Nepean Hospital on the first Tuesday of each month from 9am2pm. Volunteers needed. Call Helen on 4572 5244.
Red Cross Penrith
Meetings held the second Thursday of the month for lunch. Members and
Men’s Shed celebrates anniversary
Penrith Community Men’s Shed is encouraging everyone to come along and help them celebrate their 10-year anniversary on Saturday, October 12. The group is holding a Community Family Fun Day, including fire trucks, jumping castle, petting zoo, sausage sizzle, face painting and more. The event will be on between 9am and 1pm at 3-11 Morello Tce, Caddens.
volunteers knit teddies for trauma victims. Call 0438 244 414.
Penrith NASHOS
Monthly meeting on the third Sunday of the month at Penrith RSL. Call 0448 983 399 for details.
Nepean Evening VIEW Club
Meets the third Monday of the month at Panthers from 7pm, with dinner and interesting speakers. Call 0411 306 150.
COMMUNITY SERVICES
Nepean Food Services
Delivered meals available to purchase for those over 65 or with a disability. Call 4733 7200 for details or visit www.nepeanfoodservices.org.au.
Free food shop
9am-11am every Tuesday at 51 Henry Street, Penrith.
MUSEUMS
Penrith Museum of Printing Sundays from 10am. Penrith Paceway. 0415 625 573 for more information.
Nepean Naval Museum
Open Sundays 11am-3pm. 40-42 Bruce Neale Drive. 0411 138 700 for more details.
Arms of Australia Inn
Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 10am-1pm, 4735 4394. 127 Gardenia Avenue, Emu Plains.
SUPPORT GROUPS
Penrith Stroke Recovery Group
Third Thursday of the month at 10am, Panthers. 1300 650 594.
Penrith Carer Support Group
First Thursday of the month. Headspace. 8880 8160.
Penrith Men’s Walk and Talk Thursdays from 5.30pm. Meet at Coffee Club Nepean River.
Penrith Women’s Health Centre Domestic violence support services. 4721 2499.
Penrith Autism Community Network Carers support group. Meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 6.30pm at Maze Cafe, Penrith RSL. Phillip on 0420 209 015 for more details.
Prostate Cancer Support Group Meets third Monday of the month at Emu Sports Club from 6.30pm. Call 1300 13 38 78 for more information.
SATURDAY 9thNOVEMBER, 5.30PM- 9.30PM NORMAN LINDSAY GALLERY,FAULCONBRIDGE Norman Lindsay Gallery Up late with
Norman Lindsay Gallery comes alive after dark with live performances from Devi Mamakand the Caravan Band. Food trucks, tarotreaders, bar and food trucks.
47511067 E: nlg@nationaltrust.com.au
Moss drops ‘Firecracker’
Australian country music star Taylor Moss is set to make waves with the release of her highly anticipated debut album, ‘Firecracker’, out now.
As a force to be reckoned with in the Australian country scene, Moss continues to prove her talent with the success of her latest single, ‘The Women Who Raised Me’ which is rapidly climbing the Australian CountryTown TOP 50 charts.
This empowering anthem, dedicated to women everywhere, is an energetic tribute to the voices of the women who shaped Moss’ life. With twangy guitars, an infectious drum-beat, and lyrics that tug at the heartstrings, ‘The Women Who Raised Me’ celebrates the strength, love, and inspiration passed down from the women in Moss’ life, especially her mother. The song’s resonance with fans is a testament to Moss’ ability to capture deeply personal experiences and turn them into relatable country anthems.
Download her music from all the usual streaming platforms.
Loss of a legend
The saddest of news filtered through on Monday morning with the passing of the legendary US country artist, Kris Kristofferson.
Kristofferson was not just a country music icon, but a Hollywood star too – featuring in several blockbusters, like ‘A Star Is Born’.
“So sad to hear Kris Kristofferson has passed,” US country star John Rich said.
“He and I became friends over the years, and it was a distinct honour every time I got to work or hang out with him. He was one of the greatest lyricists to ever live, and a true class act. He set the bar so very high.”
Not afraid to share his political views, Kristofferson developed something of an outlaw image in the country music scene.
Among his biggest hits was ‘Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down’.
Kristofferson was 88.
Morning Melodies - NSW Police Band
Wednesday 9
Blue Mountains Musical Society presents Catch Me If You Can Saturday 19 October to Sunday 3 November
Morning Melodies - Bond to Bacharach Wed 13 November - Morning Tea 10am; Performance 11am
Ê The new season of ‘Shark Tank Australia’ will premiere on 10 on Wednesday, October 16 at 8.30pm. The new season will see returning investors Davie Fogarty, Jane Lu and Robert Herjavec joined by two new sharks, Maxine Horne and Nick Bell. Keep your eyes peeled for some familiar faces who wade into the tank this season, like former ‘Bachelor’ star Matt Agnew, who swaps cocktail parties for a totally different kind of feeding frenzy.
Ê ‘The Great Outdoors’, you know the Channel Seven travel show we all watched in the ‘90s, well it’s returning with an all-new season this Saturday, October 5 at 7pm. Originally screening from 1993-2009 with Ernie Dingo, Tom Williams, Shelley Craft, Sophie Falkiner and Andrew Daddo, ‘The Great Outdoors’ had a short-lived revival in 2012. Now it’s back with new lifestyle presenters James Tobin, Phil Burton, Teigan Nash, Kimberley Busteed, Lee Carseldine and Chris Parsons, showcasing the best of Australian and international travel, food and culture.
Ê New episodes of ‘Married at First Sight UK’ are currently streaming on 9Now from Sundays to Wednesdays. 16 singles will meet for the first time at the altar, matched by Australia’s Mel Schilling and relationship experts Paul C Brunson and Charlene Douglas.
Ê Classic music game show ‘Spicks & Specks’ is returning to the ABC on Sunday, October 20 at 7.30pm. Competing on Myf Warhurst’s team in the first episode is Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and musician Ben Lee.
Ê Right after ‘Spicks & Specks’ at 8pm is the new season of mega ABC hit ‘Fisk’ starring Kitty Flanagan. Helen Tudor-Fisk (Flanagan) returns to navigate life with her unique charm and no-nonsense perspective, in six star-packed and laugh-filled episodes. Julia Zemiro, Marty Sheargold, Aaron Chen, Glenn Butcher and John Gaden also star.
Ê The new season of ‘RPA’ premiered on Channel Nine this week. Narrated by actor
Rodger Corser, the eight-part series was filmed at Sydney’s Royal Prince Alfred hospital, profiling patients and the medical teams dedicated to their care. The new season will showcase advancements in medical science and highlight the human stories behind every case, making it a compelling exploration of the trials and triumphs of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Catch ‘RPA’ at 8.45pm Thursdays on Nine.
Ê Disney+ is cracking down on password sharing, rolling out its Paid Sharing capability. In Australia, people using your Disney+ subscription that are outside of your household will need to pay an Extra Member fee of $7.99 per month. The crackdown follows earlier steps taken by Netflix to prevent password sharing.
Ê Channel 10’s popular streaming service 10 Play will simply be known as 10 in 2025. The announcement was made during the network’s Upfronts last month along with plenty of other surprises for next year.
10:30 Take 5 With Zan Rowe (PG) 11:00 Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee 12:00 ABC News 1:00 Joanna Lumley’s Spice Trail Adventure (PG) 1:45 Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee 2:35 Poh’s Kitchen 3:00 Whale With Steve Backshall 3:55 The Assembly 4:40 Grand Designs (PG) 5:30 Antiques Roadshow 6:30 Hard Quiz (PG) 7:00 ABC News 7:35 Gardening Australia 8:35 Joanna Lumley’s Spice Trail Adventure (PG) 6:00 Sunrise 9:00 The Morning Show (PG) 11:30 Seven Morning News 12:00 Hailey Dean Mysteries (PG) 2:00 House Of Wellness (PG) 3:00 The Chase UK (PG) 4:00 Seven News At 4 5:00 The Chase Australia (PG) 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Better Homes And Gardens 8:30 Movie: “A Few Good Men” (M l) (’92) Stars: Tom Cruise 11:30 Movie: “Priest” (PG) (’11) Stars: Paul Bettany 1:15 GetOn Extra 2:00 Home Shopping 4:00 Million Dollar Minute 6:00 Today 6:30 Today Extra 11:30 NINE News Morning 12:00 Movie: “A Town Called Love” (PG) (’23) Stars: Emma Johnson 2:00 Pointless (PG) 3:00 Tipping Point (PG) 4:00 NINE News Afternoon 5:00 Tipping Point Australia (PG) 6:00 NINE News 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 Country House Hunters Australia 8:30 Movie: “Joker” (MA15+) (’19) Stars: Joaquin Phoenix 11:00 Movie: “The Disappointments Room” (MA15+) (’16) Stars: Kate Beckinsale 11:30 Entertainment Tonight (PG) 12:00 Everyday Gourmet 12:30 Family Feud (PG) 1:00 10 News First: Lunchtime 2:00 Wheel Of Fortune 2:30 Lingo
2:00 Disasters At Sea (PG) 3:00 STIHL Timbersports (PG) 3:30 Hustle & Tow (PG) 4:30
Wars (PG) 5:00
Restoration (PG) 5:30 American Pickers (PG) 6:30 Pawn Stars (PG) 7:30 Surveillance Oz (PG)
1:35 Take Me Out (PG) 2:50 Modern Family (PG) 3:20 Around The World With Manu (PG) 4:20 Australia’s Got Talent (PG) 5:50 Movie: “The Karate Kid” (PG) (’84) Stars: Elisabeth Shue 8:30 Movie: “Fifty Shades Darker” (MA15+) (’17)
2:55 Doctor Who (PG) 3:40 Fresh Off The Boat (PG) 4:05 Would I Lie To You? (PG) 4:35 MythBusters (PG) 5:25 Long Lost Family (PG) 6:15 Car S.O.S
6:00 rage (PG) 7:00 Weekend Breakfast
2:00 Chris Tarrant’s Extreme Railway Journeys (PG) 3:00 Escape To The Country 5:00 Seven’s Horse Racing *Live* 6:00 Heathrow (PG) 6:30 The Highland Vet (PG) 7:30 The Yorkshire Vet (PG) 8:30 Escape To The Country
4:35 Little J And Big Cuz 5:00 Peppa Pig 5:35 Fireman Sam 6:05 Interstellar Ella 6:25 Pfffirates 7:05 Andy And The Band 7:30 The Crystal Maze (PG) 8:15 Movie: “Early Man” (G) (’18) Stars: Eddie Redmayne 9:40 Officially Amazing (PG)
12:00
Randwick/ Flemington *Live* 5:00
3:00 The Magic Canoe 3:35 Spartakus And The Sun Beneath The Sea 4:05 The Mysterious Cities Of Gold (PG) 4:35 Motown Magic 5:00 Our Stories 5:30 NITV News: Nula 6:00 Bamay 6:40 Arctic Secrets (PG) 7:30 Little J & Big Cuz
Inside Iceland: A Budget Supermarket 9:30 Come Dine With Me UK 10:30 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw
6:00 Home Shopping 8:00 Pooches At Play (PG) 8:30 Diagnosis Murder (PG) 10:30 JAG (PG) 12:30 Dr Phil (M) 2:30 Jake And The Fatman (PG) 3:30 Diagnosis Murder (PG) 5:30 JAG (PG) 7:30 NCIS (M v) 9:25 NCIS: Los Angeles (M) 2:00 Becker (PG) 2:30 Frasier (PG) 3:30 Rules Of Engagement (PG)
3:45 ABC World News Tonight With David Muir 4:15 PBS News Hour 5:15 Abandoned (PG) 6:10 Craig Charles: UFO Conspiracies (PG) 7:05 Jeopardy! 7:30 NITV News Update 7:35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown (M l,s) 12:00 Hart Of Dixie (PG) 2:00 Young Sheldon (PG) 2:30 I Dream Of Jeannie 3:00 Bewitched 3:30 The Nanny (PG) 4:30 The Addams Family 5:00 Bewitched 5:30 I Dream Of Jeannie 6:00 The Nanny (PG) 7:00 Young Sheldon (PG) 1:50 Keeping Up Appearances (PG) 3:10
5:30 Border Security - Australia’s Front Line (PG) 6:00 Seven News 7:00 The Great Outdoors 7:30 Movie: “Pearl Harbor” (M) (’01) Stars: Ben Affleck 11:10 Movie: “Death Wish” (MA15+) (’74) Stars: Charles Bronson 1:15 Travel Oz (PG) 3:00 Home Shopping 4:00 Larry The Wonderpup 6:00 Getaway (PG) 6:30 A Current Affair (PG) 7:00 Weekend Today 10:00 Today Extra Saturday 12:00 Cross Court 12:30 Explore TV 1:00 Great Australian Detour 1:30 The Block (PG) 3:30 The Garden Gurus 4:00 Journey To Europe 5:00 NINE News First At Five 5:30 Getaway (PG) 6:00 NINE News Saturday 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 Movie: “Speed” (PG) (’94) Stars: Keanu Reeves 9:50 Movie: “Speed 2: Cruise Control” (MA15+) (’97) Stars: Sandra Bullock 11:00 The Amazing Race
3:00 American Pickers (PG) 4:00 Desert Collectors (PG) 5:00 Counting Cars (PG) 5:30 Storage Wars (PG) 6:00 AFL: Grand Final: Post Match 7:00 Storage Wars (PG) 7:30 Movie: “The League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen” (M l,v) (’03) 2:05 Australia’s Got Talent (PG) 3:35 Dancing With The Stars (PG) 5:30 Movie: “The Prince And Me 3: A Royal Honeymoon” (PG) (’08) Stars: Adam Croasdell 7:30 Movie: “Murder On The Orient Express” (PG) (’17)
3:00 ABC News 3:30
3:00 Penn And Teller: Fool Us (PG) 3:40 Fresh Off The Boat (PG) 4:05 Would I Lie To You? (PG) 4:35 MythBusters (PG) 5:25 Long Lost Family (PG) 6:15 Car S.O.S (PG) 7:00 Spicks And Specks (PG) 7:30 Would I Lie To You? (PG)
2:50 NITV News: Nula 3:20 Nganampa Anwernekenhe 3:50 Road Open 4:00 Great Lakes (PG) 5:00 Kairakau 6:00 NITV News Update 6:10 Pacific Island Food Revolution (PG) 7:00 The Other Side (PG) 7:30 Alone Australia (M I)
5:30 Lorraine Pascale: Home Cooking Made Easy 6:00 David Rocco’s Italia 6:30 Beyond River Cottage 7:30 Alex Polizzi Secret Italy 8:30 Gordon, Gino And Fred’s Road Trip 9:30 Anthony Bourdain: The Layover 10:30 River Cottage Australia
12:30 Taste Of Australia BBQ Special 1:00 Jake And The Fatman (PG) 2:00 JAG (PG) 4:00 Pat Callinan’s 4X4 Adventures 5:00 Reel Action 5:30 Diagnosis Murder (PG) 6:30 JAG (PG) 7:30 NCIS (PG) 9:30 Bull (M v) 12:30 Evil (M) 11:30 Friends (PG) 1:00 The Amazing Race Australia (PG) 3:40 Becker (PG) 4:05 Frasier (PG) 5:00 Deal Or No Deal 6:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 10:30 Two And A Half Men (PG) 12:00 Home Shopping 1:00 South Park (M)
1:00 Motorsport: Hi-Tec Oils Super Series: Round 5 *Live* 5:00 ABC World News Tonight With David Muir 5:25 PBS News Hour 6:25 The Secret Genius Of Modern Life (PG) 7:35 Impossible Engineering (PG) 8:30 Make America Swift Again 3:05 Surfing Australia TV 3:35 Motorway Cops: Catching Britain’s Speeders (PG) 5:35 Movie: “Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium” (PG) (’07) Stars: Natalie Portman 7:30 Movie: “Pacific Rim” (M v) (’13) Stars: Charlie Hunnam
1:30 Barnwood Builders 2:30 Maine Cabin Masters 3:30 Building Off The Grid 4:30
1:45 Movie: “The Sound Barrier” (PG) (’52) Stars: Ann Todd 4:10 Movie: “New York, New York” (PG) (’77) Stars: Robert De Niro 7:30 Movie: “Sliding Doors” (PG) (’98) Stars: Gwyneth Paltrow 9:30 Movie: “Fools Rush In” (M l) (’97)
6:00 rage (PG) 7:00 Weekend Breakfast 9:00 Insiders 10:00 Offsiders 10:30 The World This Week 11:00 Compass (PG) 11:30 Songs Of Praise 12:00 ABC News 12:30 Landline 1:30 Gardening Australia 2:25 Darby And Joan (PG) 3:10 Nigella’s Cook, Eat, Repeat 3:40 George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces 4:30 Restoration Australia 5:30 Antiques Roadshow 6:30 Compass (PG) 7:00 ABC News 7:30 Return To Paradise (M v) 8:30 Unforgotten (M l) 7:00 Weekend Sunrise 10:00 The Morning Show - Weekend (PG) 12:00 House Of Wellness (PG) 1:00 TBA 2:50 Surveillance Oz (PG) 3:00 Border Security - International (PG) 3:30 Border Security - Australia’s Front Line (PG) 4:00 Better Homes And Gardens 5:00 Seven News At 5 5:30 Sydney Weekender (PG) 6:00 Seven News 7:00 The Voice (PG) 8:50 7News Spotlight: Prince George - A King For The Future (PG) 9:50 The Latest Seven News 6:00 Hello SA (PG) 6:30 A Current Affair (PG) 7:00 Weekend Today 10:00 Wide World Of Sports (PG) 11:00 Sunday Footy Show (PG) 1:00 NRL: State Cup Championship Grand Final: Newtown Jets v Norths Devils *Live* 3:55 NRL: Women’s Premiership: Grand Final: Sydney Roosters v Cronulla-Sutherland
Holistic Living (PG) 10:30 Home And Away 1:30 The Amazing Race (PG) 3:40 The Voice (PG) 5:30 Puppy School (PG) 6:30 Bondi Vet (PG) 7:30 Law & Order: Criminal Intent (M) 8:30 Law & Order: SVU (M) 10:30 Law & Order (M) 9:00 Rugby League: Koori Knockout 2024 *Live* 5:00 Going Places With Ernie Dingo (PG) 5:30 Duke Ellington And His Orchestra 6:10 NITV News Update 6:20 Animal Babies (PG) 7:30 First Australians (PG)
1:00 What’s Up Down Under 1:30 Diagnosis Murder (PG) 2:30 The Amazing Race Australia (PG) 3:30 On The Fly 4:00 I Fish 4:30 NBL: Round 3: Tasmania JackJumpers v Perth Wildcats *Live* 6:30 JAG (PG) 7:30 NCIS (M) 10:30 Bull (M v) 7:30 Neighbours (PG) 9:30 Becker (PG) 10:00 Frasier (PG) 11:00 Family Feud (PG) 1:00 The Middle (PG) 3:30 Becker (PG) 4:00 Frasier (PG) 5:00 Deal Or No Deal 6:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 8:30 Two And A Half Men
7:30 A Lake District Farmshop 8:30 Rick Stein’s Cornwall 9:30 Anthony Bourdain: The Layover 10:30 River Cottage Australia 11:30 Cooking With Curtis 12:00 Rick Stein’s Seafood Odyssey 1:00 Motorsport: Hi-Tec Oils Super Series *Live* 5:00 France 24 English News 5:25 PBS Washington Week With The Atlantic 5:50 Land Of The Giants: Titans Of Tech (PG) 6:40 Mysteries From Above (PG) 2:00 Ben Fogle: Starting Up Starting Over (PG) 4:00 Movie: “Astro Boy” (PG) (’09) Stars: Freddie Highmore 5:45 Movie: “Cats & Dogs” (PG) (’01) Stars: Michael Clarke Duncan 7:30 Movie: “The Dark Knight” (M v) (’08) Stars: Christian Bale
1:05 Movie: “Bikini Beach” (PG) (’65) Stars: Frankie Avalon 3:10 Movie: “Hawaii” (PG) (’66) Stars: Julie Andrews 6:30 M*A*S*H (PG) 8:30 Movie: “The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” (PG) (’15) Stars: Dame Judi Dench Classifications: (G) General, (PG) Parental Guidance, (M) Mature Audiences, (MA15+) Mature Audience Over 15 Years Consumer Advice: (d) drug references, (s) sexual references or sex scenes (h) horror, (l) language, (mp) medical procedures, (n) nudity, (v) violence
(M) 3:30 Hustle & Tow (PG) 4:30 Talking W 5:00 American Restoration (PG) 5:30 American Pickers (PG) 6:30 Pawn Stars (PG) 7:30 Aussie Gold Hunters (PG) 4:20 Bondi Vet (PG) 5:20 Glee (PG) 6:20 First Dates Australia (PG) 7:30 Law & Order: Criminal Intent (M v) 9:30 Law & Order: SVU (M v) 5:00 Our Stories 5:30 APTN National News 6:00 Bamay 6:30 NITV News Update 6:40 Extreme Africa (PG) 7:30 Who Do You Think You Are? (PG)
5:35 Fireman Sam 6:05 Little
Neighbours (PG) 4:30 The Bold & The Beautiful 5:00 10 News First 6:00 Deal Or (PG) 6:30 The Project (PG) 7:30 The Amazing Race Australia (PG) 8:40 Have You Been Paying Attention? (M l,n,s) 9:40 TBA 10:40 10’s Late News
JAG (PG) 12:30 Dr Phil (M) 2:30 Jake And The Fatman (PG) 3:30 Diagnosis Murder (PG) 5:30 JAG (PG) 7:30 NCIS (M) 9:25 NCIS: Los Angeles (M) 4:30 The King Of Queens (PG) 5:00 Becker (PG) 5:30 Frasier (PG) 6:30 Neighbours (PG) 7:00 Friends (PG) 8:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG)
5:35 Fireman Sam 6:05 Little J And Big Cuz 6:25 The Adventures Of Paddington 7:05 Riley Rocket 7:35 The Inbestigators 7:50 Operation Ouch! (PG) 4:00 Afternoon Briefing 5:00 ABC News With Joe O’Brien 6:00 ABC News Hour 7:00 ABC National News 7:30 7:30 8:00 ABC News Tonight 4:35 MythBusters (PG) 5:25 Long Lost Family (PG) 6:15 Car S.O.S (PG) 7:00 My Family (PG) 7:30 Would I Lie To You? (PG) 8:30 Breeders (M l) 9:20 Extras (M) 5:30 My Market Kitchen 6:00 River Cottage Australia 7:00 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw 7:30 The Chocolate Queen 8:00
5:35 Fireman Sam 6:05 Little J And Big Cuz 6:25 The Adventures Of Paddington 7:05 Riley Rocket 7:35 The Inbestigators 7:50 Operation Ouch! (PG)
4:00 Afternoon Briefing 5:00 ABC News With Joe O’Brien 6:00 ABC News Hour 7:00 ABC National News 7:30 7.30 8:00 ABC News Tonight
Diagnosis
1:00 The
4:35 MythBusters (PG) 5:25 Long Lost Family (PG) 6:15 Car S.O.S (PG) 7:00 My Family (PG) 7:30 Would I Lie To You? (PG) 8:30 Not Going Out (PG) 5:30 My Market Kitchen 6:00 River Cottage Australia 7:00 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw 7:30 Marcus Wareing: Simply Provence 5:15 Abandoned (PG) 6:10 Craig Charles: UFO Conspiracies (PG) 7:05 Jeopardy! 7:30 NITV News Update 7:35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown (M l,s)
(PG) 5:30 JAG (PG) 7:30 NCIS (M v) 9:30 NCIS: Los Angeles (M) 10:30 The Weekly Kickoff 11:00 NCIS: Los Angeles (M) 4:30 The King Of Queens (PG) 5:00 Becker (PG) 5:30 Frasier (PG) 6:30 Neighbours (PG) 7:00 Friends (PG) 8:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 4:00 The Nate And
7:00
8:30
6:00
4:30 The Addams Family 5:00 Bewitched 5:30 I Dream Of Jeannie 6:00 The Golden Girls (PG) 6:30 The Nanny (PG) 7:30 Seinfeld (PG) 3:30 Movie: “Saraband For Dead Lovers” (G) (’48) 5:30 Yorkshire Auction House 6:30 Antiques Roadshow 7:30 As Time Goes By (PG)
In ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’, Joaquin Phoenix returns as the titular Joker, alongside Harley Quinn, played by Lady Gaga. This thrilling musical sequel is directed by Todd Phillips. Struggling with his dual identity, failed comedian Arthur
Fleck meets the love of his life, Harley Quinn, while incarcerated at Arkham State Hospital. As the two experience life as a musical through their linked insanity, Arthur’s followers start a movement to liberate him.
This school holidays, see Craig Silvey’s beloved best-selling novel leap onto the big screen in a charming new Australian family movie. ‘Runt’ is the heartfelt and hilarious tale of 11-year-old Annie Shearer and her best friend Runt, an adopted stray dog with remarkable abilities. In a bid to save their family farm, the two aspire to compete in the Agility Course Championships at the prestigious Krumpets Dog Show in London, whilst overcoming hurdles, obstacles, and nefarious villains.
The all-Australian ensemble cast includes Jai
www.hoyts.com.au
Manufacturing in western Sydney is expected to receive a boost after the newest scale up hub, AMRF Connect, was announced in the region last week.
As part of the Advanced Manufacturing Research Facility (AMRF) located in the First Building at Bradfield City Centre, AMRF Connect is expected to speed up growth and competition in the manufacturing sector.
“THIS WILL
Bradfield Development Authority CEO Ken Morrison said the hub will strengthen the manufacturing sector.
“AMRF Connect is a business connector and accelerator that will play a key role in supporting the development of a stronger manufacturing ecosystem in
western Sydney, with a central hub located at Bradfield City Centre,” Morrison said.
“Sitting alongside the unique technical and expertise offerings of the AMRF, local manufacturers will have unprecedented access to manufacturing capability and networks that translate to realworld production and growth for businesses.
“This will create more highly skilled jobs and a stronger industry base for the future.”
Powered by Western Sydney University’s (WSU) Launch Pad and Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, the hub will leverage local, national and international networks to connect manufacturers with investors, research organisations and other businesses.
WSU Vice Chancellor and President Distinguished Professor George Williams said the hub will be a bridge between industry and research.
“AMRF Connect represents a significant milestone in our journey to position western Sydney as a hub for advanced manufacturing and innovation,” Williams said.
“By bridging the gap between academia and industry, we are not only enhancing research capabilities but also contributing to the economic growth and technological leadership of our region.”
CSIRO’s Director of Manufacturing Dr Marcus Zipper said the announcement will be a pathway
to access innovation.
“CSIRO works with Australian manufacturers to help improve processes, materials and end products,” Zipper said.
“AMRF Connect is an exciting new pathway for businesses to access the innovation ecosystem, including CSIRO’s cutting -edge research capabilities and targeted innovation programs.”
AMRF Connect will offer collaborative workspace and a comprehensive program of targeted masterclasses, networking events and experts in resi dence.
What is so great about this property?
This property offers a spacious and well-designed family home with a great balance of indoor and outdoor living.
The home features four generously sized bedrooms, multiple living areas including a flexible rumpus room, and a cosy fireplace in the open-plan living area.
The large covered outdoor entertaining space, complete with an outdoor kitchen, overlooks a stunning saltwater pool, perfect for family gatherings and summer fun. With ample storage, including a separate shed and tandem carport, plus proximity to schools,
shops, parks, and transport, this home provides comfort, convenience, and an ideal family lifestyle.
Who does this property suit?
Perfect for first home buyers looking to gain entry into the market, upsizers with big families, astute investors looking for a great investment property, or anyone looking for a good sized block of land with spacious living.
Tell us about the suburb the property is in?
Colyton, located in Western Sydney, is a family-friendly suburb known for its peaceful
atmosphere and strong sense of community.
Positioned between Mount Druitt and St Marys, Colyton offers convenient access to essential amenities, including local schools, shopping centres, parks, and recreational facilities. The suburb is well-connected with easy access to the M4 Motorway, making commuting to Penrith, Parramatta, and the Sydney CBD straightforward.
Colyton’s quiet streets, proximity to green spaces like Kevin Maley Park and Roper Road Reserve, and local services make it an appealing suburb for families and those seeking a relaxed suburban lifestyle.
No job too small
Lic No. 829 19C
Specialising in Carports, Awnings, Glass Rooms, Rumpus Rooms, Screened Rooms, Wooden Decks
Ma rian’s Mana is a pre stig iou s maste r-plan ne d pre ci nct offer i ng prem iu m land lots and a rchite ct ural ly des ig ne d res idence s i n one of South-West S yd ney’s faste st-g rowi ng com mu nities.
PR ICES START FROM $554, 50 0
FE AT URES MANICURED GARDENS AND GREEN SPAC ES , ALL MAIN TA INED UNDER A CO MMUNIT Y TITLE SCHEME
WELL PO SITIONED NE AR THE RA PI DLY EX PA NDING OR AN PA RK TO WN CENTRE
Located near Oran Park ’s most popular amenities and shopping precinct, Marian’s Mana invites you to enjoy an addres s that blends nature with urban conveniences. It ’s a place you’ll want to call ho me.
*Artist impression
GIZZELLE
Though the ‘clean girl’, ‘no-makeup-makeup’ look has been trending for a while now, the warmer months are always my favourite to embrace a more natural base.
In my opinion, the most important part of mastering this is finding a tinted moisturiser or sunscreen that works for your skin tone.
As someone who is very pale also has very oily skin, this has posed a challenge. But, there are a few excellent options out there to try.
We Are Feel Good Inc. Sticky Zinc SPF 50+
We Are Feel Good Inc. is an Australian brand built for Aussies who love to hike, swim and surf,
so of course the sun protection in this product is undeniable. It’s a thicker consistency and definitely feels like zinc, meaning it takes a little bit of time to blend out. But, going over it with a beauty sponge after using your hands does wonders.
Though the shade range isn’t great, meaning it won’t work for everyone, it has good coverage, especially for a sunscreen, and works well as a foundation.
Aside from some light creasing and separation, I would say it wears fairly well over the course of a 12-hour day.
sunscreens on this list. It has the lightest colour – though this may not be ideal for others – and also the lightest coverage.
Lust Minerals Clean Tinted Mineral Sunscreen + Hyaluronic Acid – SPF 50 Broad Spectrum
This Lust Minerals product works the best for me of the
I find it incredibly easy to use as a foundation, as it’s very thin and easy to blend out as a base. It’s dewy, but not greasy, and lasts very well throughout the day when set with powder. In saying that, I also think it would look beautiful alone, especially with the incredible sun protection.
At $38, I would say it’s a great option!
Aesthetics Rx Tinted
Water-Resistant Sunscreen with Zinc SPF50+
The Aesthetics Rx Tinted Water-Resistant Sunscreen with Zinc SPF50+ is another sunscreen which I think works beautifully as a foundation, or
Perimenopause, also known as the menopausal transition, is a natural phase in a woman’s life that typically occurs in the years leading up to menopause. Menopause itself marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years and is defined as the point when a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months. Perimenopause comes with various symptoms, including irregular menstrual cycles, hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, mood swings, decreased libido, fatigue, cognitive changes, weight gain, headaches, and joint/muscle pain. These symptoms result from hormonal fluctuations and can vary in intensity and duration.
Nutrition plays a pivotal role in managing the symptoms associated with perimenopause, and seeking the guidance of an Accredited Practising Dietitian can offer personalised strategies to navigate this transformative stage of life.
Some nutritional considerations during perimenopause include the following:
– As estrogen levels decline during menopause, the risk of bone loss increases.Incorporating calcium rich foods into your diet becomes crucial to maintain bone density. Dairy products, fortified cereals, and fish with bones are excellent sources of calcium. –
Phytoestrogens are plant compounds that mimic estrogen in the body. Including foods like soy products, flaxseeds, and whole grains can help alleviate some menopausal symptoms by providing a natural source of estrogen-like compounds. – Omega-3 fatty acids play a vital role in reducing inflammation and supporting heart health. Including sources such as fatty fish (salmon, mackerel), walnuts, chia seeds, and flaxseeds will promote cardiovascular well-being during this transitional phase.
–
Both caffeine and alco-
hol can impact sleep quality and exacerbate symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings. Moderating the intake of these substances can contribute to better sleep and emotional wellbeing during menopause.
– Perimenopause often brings changes in metabolism and body composition. A nutrition plan that supports healthy weight management, emphasising nutrient-dense foods, portion control, and mindful eating to address potential weight-related concerns can be helpful. Navigating perimenopause with the support of an Accredited Practising Dietitian offers a personalised and comprehensive approach.
alone. The tint on this one is slightly darker than the others – it doesn’t match my skin tone naturally, however works perfectly with my fake tan. It also has a beautiful neutral undertone, so you’re not left looking orange. It’s not greasy or shiny whatsoever, and will absolutely last all day when set with powder.
MECCA MAX Off Duty BB Cream With SPF 15 This, in my opinion, is such an underrated product. Being that it’s a BB Cream, it doesn’t have much sun protection, though I think it’s enough if you’re mostly staying out of the sun, or can layer another sunscreen underneath. It’s thin and blends out well, and though it gets shiny throughout the day, being that it has a dewy finish, it doesn’t look overly oily at all.
It comes in 15 shades, and only costs $22 – a win all round!
Anastasia Beverly Hills Beauty Balm Serum Boosted Skin Tint
Being that this product is advertised as being hydrating and glowy, I was hesitant to try it on my oily skin. However, it’s ended up being a fave.
Like the MECCA MAX product, it has a fantastic shade range. Despite being a stick foundation, I find it blends out well, and doesn’t feel too thick at all. I also feel as though it has slightly more coverage than I bargained for – which isn’t a bad thing. It doesn’t have any sun protection, but if you’re just looking to even out your skin tone, I would highly recommend this option.
It’s great to be back – and with a bang! The sun is shining, and the mighty Panthers are heading into another Grand Final this weekend – what more can we wish for...?
Well... this Spring / Summer I am wishing for a community focus on water safety to prevent any tragedies from occurring in our area this season. For that to happen I believe we can learn from our sporting heroes and take a leaf out of the Panthers playbook by focussing on consistency, persistence, determination and working together to achieve our goals!
Learning to swim is a marathon, not a sprint. Whatever your age or stage of development, consistently attending your swimming lessons every week is the key to success, regardless of whatever else is happening in your world. Of course, we understand that sometimes life happens – which is why we have an extremely flexible make up lesson policy,
with no limit on the amount of makeup lessons allowed per year – however coming to the same lesson every week, with the same instructor, at the same centre will really set your child up for success, reinforcing the skills they are learning in a familiar environment. Consistency is key.
Persistence is equally important. I am sometimes asked “How long will it take for my child to learn to swim?”. The answer is actually in the question and there is no one size fits all answer – your child is unique, and all children, indeed all people, learn at their own pace, with some skills taking longer than others to master and confidently execute. Please do not become frustrated or give up if a particular stroke is challenging to you or your child, because with persistence and determination, you will definitely get there – just as the Panthers will this weekend for the fourpeat! As a community, there
JULIE SHELDRAKE
Nepean Aquatic Centre & Eva Bory’s Swim School 4730 8900
are so many ways we can work together to achieve the goal of water safety. Please check your fences and gates, always supervise your children when swimming or near any body of water and encourage other adults to do the same. If you can’t swim yourself and would not be able to help your child if in trouble – come and learn to swim in our adult classes, it’s never too late. Take advantage of our free community water safety roadshow and encourage your child’s school or daycare centre to reach out to us to book an educational visit. Looking for work? Apply to train with us as a Swimming Teacher.
As the excitement builds for the Panthers’ NRL Grand Final, many of us are planning to gather with friends and family for a BBQ or party. While it’s the perfect time to enjoy good company and great food, it’s also important to remember our furry companions, who might be lurking nearby, waiting for a treat to fall their way. Unfortunately, some of the foods we love to indulge in during a celebration can pose serious health risks for pets, especially dogs. To keep the festivities safe, here’s a guide on how to protect your pets during grand final celebrations.
Cooked bones: While it may seem natural to hand a bone to a dog, cooked bones can be extremely
bones, cooked bones become brittle and can splinter easily. These splinters may cause choking or serious damage to your dog’s digestive tract, leading to life-threatening complications like blockages or tears in the intestines. Avoid giving your dog any kind of cooked bone, especially ribs or chicken.
Kebab skewers: The smell of kebabs sizzling on the BBQ is hard for anyone to resist, including your dog. While the meat may seem like a tasty treat, the wooden skewers can be a disaster if ingested. If swallowed, they can cause punctures or blockages in the digestive system, leading to serious complications and emergency surgery.
Onions and garlic: Onions, garlic, and anything from the onion family are toxic to dogs. Whether raw, cooked, or powdered, these common ingredients found in dips, sauces, and burgers can cause serious harm to a dog’s red blood cells, leading to anaemia. Even a small amount can be harmful, so
make sure these ingredients are kept far out of reach.
Salty snacks: While salty snacks like chips and pretzels might seem harmless, they can be dangerous for pets. Chocolate and sweet treats: Chocolate is well-known for being toxic to dogs, but it’s important to remember that many desserts contain hidden dangers. Xylitol, an artificial sweetener often found in sugar-free gums, candies, and baked goods, can cause rapid drops in blood sugar and lead to seizures, liver failure, or even death. Keep all desserts far from curious paws.
Grapes and Raisins: Grapes and raisins are highly toxic to dogs.
JOANNE
MADELINE MOORE
Boho Astro
bohoastro.com
@JoMadelineMoore
© Joanne Madeline Moore 2024
JANUARY 21 TO FEBRUARY 19
This week, Venus and Mars bless work projects and professional connections. But it’s time to clear up any murky unfinished business, before Pluto powers into your sign on November 19-20 (depending on where you are in the world). So, do your best to clean up the relationship swamp; take out the emotional garbage; and get some closure on messy mistakes from the past. Then you can start the brand-new Pluto in Aquarius era with a shiny new slate.
APRIL 21 TO MAY 21
On Tuesday fiery Mars boosts energy, motivation and confidence, especially involving travel, communication and education. Attached Bulls – love planet Venus is visiting your relationship zone (until October 17) so plan something romantic with your partner. Unhappily single? You could find yourself drawn to a charming Capricorn, a sexy Scorpio or an amorous Aries. Your motto is from birthday great John Lennon, “Love is the flower you’ve got to let grow.”
JULY 23 TO AUGUST 23
Have you and a friend or family member been heading in different directions? Venus encourages you to remember the good times you’ve enjoyed together and search for common ground. Things will look a lot brighter in the morning. Your motto is from birthday great Eleanor Roosevelt, “With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts.” If you are unhappily single, you could find yourself falling for someone from your complicated past.
OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22
Scorpios can be very intense, determined and driven. This week, peacemaker Venus is vamping through your sign (until October 17) so it’s time to cool down, compromise and cooperate. Plus – with the Sun and Mercury both transiting through your solitude and spirituality zone – it’s also time to mediate, contemplate and ruminate. Your motto for the moment is from singer-songwriter John Lennon, “Turn off your mind, relax and float downstream.”
FEBRUARY 20 TO MARCH 20
Practical Saturn and poetic Neptune are both transiting through your sign. So it’s a good week to find someone you can share a dream with – a partner, family member, close friend or colleague. Then work together to make that shared dream a concrete reality. Your motto for the moment is from birthday great, John Lennon (who was born on October 9, 1940), “A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality.”
22 TO JUNE 21
The Sun and Mercury are activating your creativity zone, so it’s time to write, sing, dance, perform, paint or play music as you draw on the richness of your colourful world within. Tuesday’s Mercury/Jupiter trine will help you turn imaginative ideas into successful projects. Travel, teaching studying, and business ventures are also favoured. With Jupiter jumping through your sign (until June 2025) keep learning, exploring and expanding your horizons.
AUGUST 24 TO SEPTEMBER 23
On Tuesday, Jupiter forms a beneficial aspect with Mercury (the Virgo power planet). Which is fabulous for travel, education, communication, work and finances, as your thinking is clear and your judgement is sound. So make the most of this positive energy surge while you can. However, with Neptune and Saturn transiting through your relationship zone, it’s time to take off your rosecoloured glasses and see someone in the clear light of day.
NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 21
Prepare to inspire others with your high spirits and contagious enthusiasm. You’re at your buoyant best on Tuesday, when Mercury and Jupiter boost confidence levels and put extra wind in your Sagittarian sails (especially involving relationships, joint ventures, goals and dreams). But a family situation looks complicated and/or confusing. Ask for some clarification, otherwise you could find yourself jumping to hasty conclusions! Patience is the key.
MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20
This week your partnership zone is activated by the Sun, Mercury and Jupiter. So – when it comes to romantic, platonic and business relationships – it’s time to be more creative, curious and generous as you shine brighter, communicate better and laugh more often. There are also interesting connections to be made and new friends to be found within your local community. So get out and about as you explore fresh nooks and crannies in your neighbourhood.
With mighty Mars marching through your sign (until November 4) it’s time to be the bold, brave, confident Cancer you were born to be (like fellow Cancerians Princess Diana and Meryl Streep). No hiding in the shadows or sulking on the sidelines. Crawl out of your Crab cave and take on the world. Your motto for the moment is from birthday great, Eleanor Roosevelt, “You not only have the right to be an individual, you have an obligation to be one.”
This week is all about getting the ratio right between your busy public life and your private inner world. Be inspired by well-balanced Libran movie star Hugh Jackman (who turns 56 on Saturday), “The secret to modern life is finding the measure in time management.” It’s also time to make plans, set goals and dream big dreams. And don’t make them too safe and sensible! Go for gold, as Mars and Jupiter encourage you to be bold and brave about the future.
DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 20
Venus and Mars join forces to help you with a troubled relationship. Mars pushes you to be proactive as you make the first move, and Venus encourages you to hold out the olive branch of peace. Compromise and cooperation will take you a lot further than conflict and false pride. Singer-songwriter (and birthday great) John Lennon also reminds us, “We need to earn to love ourselves first. If we cannot love ourselves, we cannot fully open to our ability to love others.”
72.
74.
row, column and 3x3 box contains every number uniquely.
For many strategies, hints and tips, visit www.sudokuwiki.org
If you like Str8ts check out our books, iPhone/iPad Apps and much more on our store.
Find all the words listed hidden in the grid of letters. They can be found in straight lines up, down, forwards, backwards or even diagonally.
THEME: GENEALOGY
ADOPTION
ANCESTORS
CERTIFICATES
CHURCH RECORDS
COURT
DATES
DEATH
FAMILIES
FAMILY BIBLE
FATHER
GENEALOGIST
GENERATIONS
GIVEN NAMES
MOTHER
OBITUARIES
OFFSPRING
ORAL TRADITION
PASSENGER LISTS
PATERNAL
STUDY
SURNAME
TOMBSTONES
TOWN TRACE
Last week’s solution
Test your knowledge about the Penrith Panthers in our special trivia quiz this week...
1. In what year did the Panthers enter the first grade NSWRL competition?
2. In what year did the Panthers win their first reserve grade competition?
3. Leo Trevena was Penrith’s first coach, but departed after one season. He returned for one more season in what year?
4. Who coached the Panthers from 1984 until 1987?
5. Who is the most capped Penrith Panthers player of all-time?
6. Ryan Girdler is the all-time highest point scorer for Penrith, but which current player will almost certainly go past him next year?
row or column. But... rows and columns are divided by black squares into compartments. These need to be filled in with numbers that complete a ‘straight’. A straight is a set of numbers with no gaps but can be in any order, eg [4,2,3,5].
Indy Performance is an independent, high-tech automotive workshop in Emu Plains. Their mission is to get any vehicle performing at its best every day.
Indy Performance has been taking care of cars from Emu Plains, Penrith and the lower Blue Mountains for over 35 years.
These days you need someone who can diagnose and work with the latest technology – that’s what Indy Performance does.
The team has diagnostic equipment for all cars, this allows them to zero in on the things to fix, so they can get straight on to sorting them out for you.
Indy Performance takes care of general repairs, auto electrical work, fuel injection, brakes, clutches and tuning. They also repair and change tyres, perform rego checks as well as service and repair air
conditioners. They have a loan car available through booking only. They can service cars still under warranty.
The team provides quality repairs for most makes and models of vehicles – 4WDs, light commercials, vans, utes and family cars –including European models. Have a hybrid?
The team at Indy Performance are also qualified in servicing hybrid motor vehicles.
For your convenience, they are open six days a week, which includes Saturday mornings, and provide an early drop-off facility.
Indy Performance is located close to public transport. They also pick up and drop customers home in the Emu Plains area.
Indy Performance has worked hard to keep their Green accreditation and take pride in having one of the area’s cleanest and most well-maintained workshops.
Story continued from » p.48
“Wakeboarding is like gymnastics, so you’re ranked on your composition, difficulty and execution, and the judges give you a score out of 100,” Charlotte said.
“My first attempt I didn’t nail… I fell pretty early on, so it was all down to that last ride.
“Luckily, it’s not an average of both scores, it’s your best run.
“I was hoping to make the podium, but to win it all was very special.”
Charlotte took up the action-packed sport as a 12-year-old when she visited Cables Wake Park during the school holidays.
Now, she’s giving back to wakeboarding by teaching the next wave of kids coming through.
“I started at a beginner holiday camp at Cables, and I remember it being really helpful. I learned so much at the camp, so I stuck with it,” Charlotte said.
“Now, I’m teaching others at holiday camps, and I really enjoy it. Not only is it fun, but you get a lot out of helping people grow.”
One of the most respected coaches in women’s cricket has returned to Penrith.
Ron Woods, who guided Penrith to a first grade title back in the 2022/23
NSW Premier Cricket
Women’s season, is back at Howell Oval following a stint as Female Academy coach at Northern District.
still in charge of Penrith’s first grade outfit,
Woods has returned to the club as a specialist coach for its blossoming women’s program.
“I’ll be working with the coaching group as well as the players that need some help batting, that need some help fielding, and that need some help bowling,” Woods told the
few months, Woods has been running an eight-week program focusing on the club’s fielding capabilities.
pick up the slack, but Penrith didn’t have that last year.
“Fortunately, we’ve bought in some new players this year who have followed me over from Northern District.
“I’ll be working across all three spaces, enhancing the women’s side of the club and its understanding of not just playing cricket but how to become better play-
Over the last
“It was eight weeks of really working hard on the fielding basics, but more importantly, working on the athletic program of fielding and a bit of that psychology of why you’re fielding and how to become a better fielder,” he said.
Following their Premiership triumph in 2022/23, Penrith failed to make the Finals last season after finishing in ninth place with seven wins and 11 losses.
With the loss of their coach and a number of key players, including Australian superstar Phoebe Litchfield, Penrith’s premiership defence last year was a tougher challenge than many realised.
“Winning a premiership is the ultimate, but then when you lose a couple of players in the middle order, it can really hurt,” Woods said.
“When you don’t have that middle order process where if there’s a couple of early wickets, your middle order can usually
“We’re looking for some real growth in our middle order this season and the bowling stream as well.”
The 2024/25 NSW Premier Cricket Women’s season will get underway next weekend, with Penrith due to start the year playing T20 fixtures before the One Day portion of the season rolls around.
Woods said he expects a “much better” summer ahead with plenty of new and familiar faces to watch out for.
“Our senior players – Sammy Arnold, our skipper, and Elise Noble are back and ready to go,” Woods said.
“We also have a fast bowler at our club by the name of Shree Swarup – she’s tall, bowls big inswingers and I’m predicting is going to have a great season. Plus another young player Aanya Siingh, who plays second grade, has really impressed me so far.”
FOOTBALL: The Western Sydney Wanderers have confirmed that the Sydney Derby season opener has reached a new level of excitement, with both the Wanderers and Sydney FC’s active supporter sections selling out in record time for the upcoming clash October 19 at CommBank Stadium. The match has seen unprecedented demand for tickets with limited seats remaining. Red & Black vs. Sky Blue, West vs East, the Sydney Derby is steeped in history with every encounter filled with intensity, emotion and drama. The 2024/25 Sydney Derby season opener is shaping up to be one of the biggest in recent history, especially with the much-anticipated A-Leagues debuts of global stars Juan Mata and Douglas Costa in the fixture. Wanderers CEO Scott Hudson encouraged all Wanderers fans to get their tickets before the match is sold-out in the coming weeks. “With the passionate Red & Black supporters selling out their active sections last week and now Sydney selling out their allocation, we’re expecting an electric atmosphere at CommBank Stadium come October,” he said. “This is the biggest fixture of the A-Leagues calendar, and we know supporters will bring unmatched energy and passion to the Sydney Derby. We look forward to welcoming everyone to CommBank Stadium next month and encourage everyone to purchase their tickets as soon as possible to avoid missing out.”
FOOTBALL: The Western Sydney Wanderers have confirmed the signing of Ben Holliday for the upcoming A-League season. The 21-year-old has signed with the Wanderers after a prolific start to his career in the Queensland National Premier League with 2024 Championship side Moreton City Excelsior. Holliday was part of Excelsior’s Australia Cup squad that navigated their way their way through the knockout competition to the Quarter Finals against heavyweights Melbourne Victory. The versatile left-wing and left-back is set to play in his first season of the domestic competition having only had previous experience as a youngster in the Brisbane Roar youth set-up. Holliday said he was grateful for the opportunity he has been given with the club. “I’m so grateful for the opportunity and I’m really excited. It hit me when I was driving 10-11 hours from Brisbane with my whole life in my car and I was just really excited,” he said. Wanderers coach Alen Stajcic said the deal was a fantastic opportunity to recognise Holliday’s progression and development. “This is a fantastic opportunity for Ben to recognise his progress throughout 2024 in the Queensland
NPL,” he said. “We see great potential in him as he looks to continue his development as a footballer and now as a professional for the first time in his career.”
CRICKET: Penrith played three games at Howell Oval last weekend in the Kingsgrove Sports T20 competition, winning two of them. Last Saturday morning, Penrith (5/93) defeated Parramatta (9/92) with five balls and five wickets in hand. Last Saturday afternoon, Penrith (4/132) produced yet another win, this time over Hawkesbury (10/131) with five balls and six wickets in hand. Unfortunately, Penrith (5/141) were unable to get the hat-trick last Sunday afternoon, losing to Sutherland (6/146) after 20 overs. No games will be played this long weekend, with Penrith sitting in second spot in their pool, just below Parramatta.
CRICKET: Round 1 of the Nepean District Cricket Association (NDCA) competition took place last weekend, with Panthers Cricket Club losing their opening game. In fourth
grade, Panthers 9/103 went down to Glenbrook-Blaxland 8/196. Panthers were unable to post a defendable total but were able to make somewhat of a comeback with the ball.
AMERICAN FOOTBALL: The Nepean Ducks had a mixed weekend in Round 2 of the 2024 Gridiron NSW competition. In the Men’s competition, Nepean were crushed by the Northern Sydney Rebels 46-6. In the Colts competition, Nepean enjoyed a win over the Rebels 30-12. In the Women’s competition, Nepean were blown apart by the UC Stars 78-6. Due to the long weekend, Ducks games will resume on Saturday, October 12.
GOLF: The advantage of playing at home was well illustrated in the latest of Western Sydney Region Veteran Golfers Association’s Interclub Challenge at Wallacia Country Club. 124 players teed off on the chilly and slightly damp Friday morning despite the forecast of continued rain, the weather gods were kind. The Wallacia golfers took full advantage of their local knowledge to feature prominently in the list of prize winners, and also take out the team event for the first time since February 2023. The combined scores of Steve Snell, Warren Husband, Steve Francis and Dave Coombs was 147 stableford points, enough to overcome Glenmore (142), closely followed by Richmond and Penrith (141 each) who were narrowly ahead of Dunheved and Leonay (140 each). The home side shone in the individual competitions, securing the top prize in all three men’s competitions. In A-Grade, Steve Snell (38 points, Wallacia) was followed by Richmond members Karl Lozier (37) and Paul Evans (36). In B-Grade Wallacia’s Warren Husband (38) edged out Scott Bailey (Glenmore) and Grant Bissett (Leonay) by a single point. The C-Grade pairing of Dave Coombs (35 points) and John Woods (34 points) didn’t combine well enough
to take a team prize but did finish in the top two places in their grade, but only on a countback from Stonecutter’s Fred Croyston. The Ladies competition was taken out by Jean Paterson from Penrith Golf Club (38 points), well ahead of Julie Edwards (Glenmore) and Jo-Ellen Thorpe (Wallacia) who both had 33 points. The 2BBB Medley competition was very close – with only a single stableford point separating the leading four teams. The Richmond team of Lynette Luttringer and Allan Davies overcame Jean Paterson and Jyulie Berg from Penrith on a countback after both pairs finished with 42 points. Third place was also taken on a countback on 41 points and went to Christine Hoppe and Robert Browning of Wallacia. The Men’s 2BBB competition was almost as tight. Steve Malesevic and Grant Bissett (Leonay, 46 points) were just ahead of Paul Fairbrother and Warren Beard from Dunheved (45 points) who were in turn narrowly ahead of Andrew Burns and Michael Hughes (Leonay) who took out third place after a countback with 44 points. The final interclub event for the year is at Stonecutters Ridge Golf Club on October 23.
AFLW: The GWS Giants have lost back-toback games, torched by the West Coast Eagles 64-40 in Round 5 of the AFLW. Played last Sunday afternoon at Henson Park, West Coast kicked a club record score, beating the Giants on the road by four goals. GWS were due to play the Melbourne Demons at Ikon Park on Thursday night.
BASEBALL: After a strong start to the year the Greater Western Warriors have plummeted back down to earth, losing both games in Round 3 of the 2024/25 Baseball NSW State League first grade competition. Last Wednesday, Greater Western went down to Cronulla 7-2, while last Saturday the Warriors were eaten alive by the Sharks 10-0. Greater Western, who have gone from first to fifth in the space of a week, will battle Blacktown Workers in Round 4.
Charlotte Butler has come a long way since trying out wakeboarding at a school holiday camp at Cables Wake Park in Penrith.
Last week, the local teenager was crowned World Champion at the WWA Wake Park World Championships on the Gold Coast.
Charlotte secured the title after impress-
ing the judges in the <17 Girls Elite Park division. With athletes representing over 30 countries competing in 37 divisions ranging from amateur to professional, Charlotte said she was thrilled to come away with the top prize.
“This is the third time I’ve competed at the World Championships, but the first time I’ve taken it home,” she said.
“There were so many competitors at the World Championships. People from Thailand, Singapore, USA, Europe. There was
also a lot of people that came to watch as well, which made for a really cool atmosphere.”
Having competed at the World Championships in London and Thailand in previous years, the 16-year-old knew what to expect when she hit the Gold Coast Wake Park course for the four-day competition.
“Those last two years helped me be prepared for the pressure and I just knew what I had to do,” Charlotte said.
“I was lucky that the team at Cables
would open the lake for me to train and the coaching I received was a major help.
Knowing I had that support made it so much easer.”
But things didn’t all go to plan for the Year 11 student. In the lead up to the World Championships, Charlotte broke her ankle playing touch football, while during last week’s meet, she failed on her first attempt.
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There’s a photo of Daine Laurie going around, I’m sure you’ve all seen it, it’s made the rounds before the last three Grand Finals. It’s a picture of Laurie wearing a Penrith jersey while giving a big thumbs up out of his car window.
It was so controversial in 2021 because he was playing for the Wests Tigers at the time. He even had to issue an apology to Tigers supporters and explain to them that he was only wearing a Penrith jersey because he was happy his ‘good mates’ had just won the competition.
Now while Laurie may not be in the starting 17 when the Panthers run out to face the Melbourne Storm this Sunday, this year, the photo, which is being used again by a betting agency, at least makes sense.
He returned to the foot of the mountains at the end of 2023 and in 2024 Laurie has had a hand in helping the team he loves so much, reach their fifth straight Grand Final.
with Peter Lang
Laurie played 16 first grade games this season and at one stage was in such red-hot form that coach Ivan Cleary had to find a spot for him somewhere in the team.
Unfortunately, Laurie ended up on the wing for a couple of weeks, now unfortunately wing is not his
strongest position and he was dropped shortly after.
However, there’s no doubt he put in several Man-of-the-Match performances which helped the team get enough wins to finish second at the end of the regular season.
Laurie along with 11 other players can be proud that they played a big part in helping the NRL side reach the ‘big dance’ once again.
Let’s remember rugby league is a team sport and despite superstars like Nathan Cleary, Dylan Edwards and Isaah Yeo playing a bigger role than others when the team runs on to the field, without their 16 teammates each week, they could
not win a game on their own.
At the end of each year, only 17 players will get to play in the Grand Final. Other players like Daine Laurie, Trent Toelau, Jack Cole or even Mavrik Geyer will all watch the game from the sideline but they are as much a part of the team as the players who will run out on to the surface at Accor Stadium.
Whether it’s one game, two or 16 like Daine Laurie, I’d like to salute every player who played first grade for the Panthers in 2024.
I’d also like to acknowledge every player who trained with the team since last November.
opposed sessions or filled in when the superstars were missing during State of Origin.
You all deserve a pat on the back.
Congratulations boys, you all played your part. Now it’s time for the final 17 to do their bit.
The players who ran decoy plays at training, who participated in
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Here is the full list of players and the amount of first grade games they played for Penrith in 2024. Trent Toelau (13 games), Mavrik Geyer (12 games), Jack Cole (eight games), Taylan May (eight games), Casey McLean (seven games), Luron Patea (three games), Luke Sommerton (three games), Jesse McLean (two games), Soni Luke (two games), Tyrone Peachey (two games), Preston Riki (one game).
My holistic approach to health emphasises the profound mind-gut connection, which I believe is vital for sustained health and happiness. Sharing the benefits of colonic hydrotherapy with others is not just a career for me; it is a calling to empower and enlighten others about the transformative power of gut health.
As we stand on the brink of our fifth consecutive Grand Final, I am filled with immense pride and excitement for our club, our players, and most importantly, our dedicated members and fans. This achievement is nothing short of extraordinary and speaks volumes about the hard work and determination that defines the Panthers.
I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each of you. Our club isn’t just a team; it’s a community. Your unwavering support fuels
our passion and ambition, and we strive to be a source of pride for all of you.
A special thank you goes out to our corporate partners, especially MyPlace, our principal partner. Your commitment to the Panthers allows us to reach new heights and ensures that we can continue to provide the best for our community.
As we dive into Grand Final Week, I encourage all our fans to embrace the excitement, wear your Panthers colours with pride, and celebrate
the journey we’ve taken together. This is your moment, too!
I want to take a moment to recognise our incredible playing group, particularly as we prepare to farewell Jarome Luai, James Fisher-Harris, and Sunia Turuva. Their contributions to our club have been invaluable, and they’ll always be Panthers.
I also want to acknowledge Ivan Cleary, whose leadership has guided us to this remarkable achievement. Leading a team to five straight Grand Finals is a
testament to his vision and dedication, and we are grateful for his leadership.
Starting this week, through our stint at CommBank Stadium and then to a world-class Penrith Stadium, we need the unwavering support of our members and fans more than ever. You are the heart of this club.
Let’s enjoy this week. Thank you for being part of our Panthers family.
Together, let’s make this Grand Final unforgettable!
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! NRL rejects the west: I can reveal today that high level approaches were made to the NRL in July about holding official Grand Final fan events in western Sydney, and more specifically Penrith. With the Panthers on the verge of a fifth straight Grand Final appearance, school holidays scheduled and western Sydney being the home of rugby league’s core fan base, it made sense. But the NRL chose to ignore the plea, which had the backing of Panthers, and pushed ahead with holding its official Fan Fast at the Overseas Passenger Terminal in Sydney this week and a Footy Fest at Bondi Beach on Saturday. Even if Penrith hadn’t made the Grand Final, holding events in western Sydney should be a key part of the NRL’s strategy. You’ve got prime locations like Parramatta Square, Gipps Street and Tench Reserve to potentially hold massive events.
! Grand Final Launch: To top it off, the NRL held its Grand Final Launch (below) at Campbell’s Cove at The Rocks on Monday night, with former winger Josh Mansour Penrith’s representative.
! Legends share a brew: Tooheys will continue to be poured at bars at Panthers until 2031 after the club announced it had extended its partnership with Lion for a further seven years. With a rich history in supporting the club, Tooheys has been a proud partner of the Panthers for over 22 years, and the 2027 season will mark an astonishing 50 years of partnership with the Panthers Group. “Tooheys has been deeply embedded in the Panthers’ journey for over two decades, and the upcoming 50-year milestone in 2027 is a testament to the strength of our relationship,” Managing Director at Lion Australia, James Brindley said. “We share a common bond with the club and the Penrith community, and we’re excited to continue supporting the Panthers as they build on their success and inspire the next generation of fans. Good luck to the team!” The partnership extends across the clubs within the Panthers Group as well as the Pullman Sydney Penrith and Western Sydney Conference Centre. This collaboration, which was announced last Friday, will continue to strengthen the connection between the Pan-
thers and its loyal fan base. “Our partnership with the Tooheys brand has thrived because of our mutual values, including teamwork, innovation, outstanding results and a dedication to serving our community,” Panthers Rugby League CEO, Matt Cameron said. “I’d hate to take Tooheys off the tap and put another brand on. We’d probably lose half of our customers, so we can’t afford to do that!” Group CEO Brian Fletcher added. The new contract was celebrated by club legends Royce Simmons and Steve Carter, who shared a Tooheys at the announcement.
! Pretty in pink: The Panthers will wear their pink jersey for the first time in a Grand Final on Sunday night, with Melbourne given the right to play in their home jumper given where they finished on the ladder at the end of the regular season. With the NRL concerned of a clash between the two teams’ playing strips,
the Panthers will revert to their pink jersey for the decider.
! Spotted: Panthers back-up half-back Brad Schneider heading into Osso at Panthers for dinner on Sunday night.
! Three years in Brisbane: The Panthers’ recent deal to play a home game at Magic Round is actually a three-year agreement, meaning the club will host games at Suncorp Stadium in 2025, 2026 and 2027. There is no plan to extend the deal, with the club to return to its usual suite of home games from 2028.
! Final look at Accor: Melbourne and Penrith will both hold their Captain’s Runs at Accor Stadium on Saturday, 24 hours out from the big game on Sunday night. Storm coach Craig Bellamy will get the final word, holding his press conference after Ivan Cleary.
! Cleary escapes fine: I’m told the NRL was unhappy with the way in which Ivan Cleary addressed last Saturday night’s Bunker blunder in relation to the Sunia Turuva no try, but felt it couldn’t take any
action by way of a fine given his core point was right. Head of Football Graham Annesley confirmed on Monday that the try should have been awarded.
! Council deserves a wrap: Penrith City Council has been slammed in recent years for being slow off the mark when it comes to celebrating the Panthers. But they deserve to be commended this year – they were on the ball, with free materials available for fans even before the side had made the Grand Final and banners and flags adorning the city.
! Magic milestones: It was great to see the respect the Panthers showed Isaah Yeo by allowing him to walk out solo on to Accor Stadium last Saturday night. It was also a terrific milestone for Dylan Edwards – who celebrated his 150th game with his kids on the field after full-time.
Can you believe the Panthers will compete in their fifth straight Grand Final on Sunday night?
There’s part of me that still can’t. Anyone who has been a fan long enough to go through the tough times, will know what I mean.
To understand just how big this achievement is, you have to step back in time.
No team since the mighty South Sydney Rabbitohs of the late 1960s and early 1970s has competed in five straight Grand Finals.
And it’s quite possible no other team will do it again for another 50 years.
This is a Penrith team in elite company.
And while it is impossible to compare the modern day Panthers with the St George Dragons side that won 11 consecutive Premierships from 1956 to 1966, there is no question that Ivan Cleary’s side is in the same conversation in terms of greatest ever teams.
It will not be until this era is long gone that people pay the Panthers the respect they deserve for this run of success.
There’s still too many people declaring this Grand Final run ‘boring’, but at least the silly claims of the side being arrogant have now disappeared.
The secret to success at Penrith has been waiting in the shadows all along.
Phil Gould arriving back at Penrith as General Manager almost a decade later.
Gould would steel Penrith for the time ahead, and his part in this era of success should not be under-rated.
One of the key appointments was Matt Cameron, who was brought in to restructure the
And then there’s Ivan Cleary.
There’s so many Ivan Cleary stories that will be told once this era is put to bed, but the only one that really matters is that he answered former Chairman Dave O’Neill’s phone call in mid-2018.
It was the sliding doors moment that changed
And so as we prepare to take on the Melbourne Storm this Sunday night, the enormity of what
This is a footy side that will not rest on its past. The most foolish thing anyone could do this
SUNDAY 6TH OCTOBER
•$25 Bu et Breakfast & House beer, house wine, mimosa or soft drink - 7am - 10am
•Lunch special – ‘Panther burger ’
•Open until late
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•$2,000 Members Instant Cash Draw - 6:30pm
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•Watch the Grand Final Live & Loud
• Bottomless Brunch from 11am
•$25 Lunch & Beer / Wine – 1pm – 5pm
•Free L ive Music
•Watch the Grand Final Live & Loud
• Ticketed Event – Sold Out
•Watch the Grand Final Live & Loud
• Four Paws Cocktail
• Ticketed Event – Be quick - L imited tickets available
Moments matter in Grand Finals. Here’s the top five moments from Penrith’s seven Grand Final appearances...
5. Left to Rooney (2003)
With Penrith up 12-6 in wet conditions and the 2003 Grand Final entering its knockout stages, a moment of magic from two Lukes – Priddis and Rooney – would wrap up an historic win for the Mountain men over the Roosters. With Penrith attacking the line, everyone expected Priddis to quickly get the ball back to Craig Gower for a field goal. Instead, he shifted left from dummy half, took a couple of steps and then threw a long ball out to Rooney who went over in the corner untouched. It was a dummy to die for – and killed off the Roosters.
4. Royce gets the winner (1991)
With Penrith up 13-12 over a champion Canberra side and the clock ticking down in the Grand Final, a moment of magic from Royce Simmons in his final game would seal Penrith’s first Premiership. Canberra opted for a short, low line drop-out, desperate to get the ball back, but it took a perfect bounce for big Mark Geyer, who weaved through the defence, then found Simmons out wide. He got past fullback Gary Belcher and planted the ball – before immediately jumping into the embrace of Geyer. If Penrith hadn’t already won the Grand Final, that moment sealed it for sure.
3. Crichton’s intercept (2021)
With the scores locked at 8-all in the 2021 decider, it was Stephen Crichton who blew the game wide open and set up Penrith’s first Premiership win since 2003. South Sydney playmaker Cody Walker was desperately
searching for space on the left side, quickly shuffling the ball to his outside backs when Crichton plucked it out of the air and raced away to score a famous try with 14 minutes left on the clock. Nathan Cleary’s conversion gave the Panthers a 14-8 advantage, and it turned out to be enough come full-time, with Penrith winning 14-12.
2. The Sattler tackle (2003)
With the scores locked at 6-all mid-way through the second half, the 2003 Grand Final between Penrith and the Roosters was precariously placed. When winger Todd Byrne started racing down the touchline at the Olympic stadium, it appeared he would streak away to score – but one man had other ideas. Lock Scott Sattler came across in cover, executing a perfect tackle around Byrne’s legs and bundling him into touch. The tackle entered Grand Final folklore, while for Penrith it inspired them to go on and win the club’s
1.
The front page of the Weekender on Friday, September 20 1991 said it all – ‘bound for glory’.
Inside, another headline read ‘Panthers to win’.
It was a Grand Final Penrith was always destined to claim.
After going down to the Raiders in 1990, Penrith walked onto the Sydney Football Stadium pitch a much more mature looking team than the one that tasted heartbreak on the very same turf 12 months earlier.
According to Panthers legend Greg Alexander, the heartbreak of the previous year played a significant role in his side’s mindset ahead of the 1991 decider.
“I think it was all of us realising that
we probably wasted a chance in 1990 and these chances don’t come along all that often,” he said.
“I’d been playing seven or eight years by the time we hit 1991. It was ‘we need to win this’ because we might not get another chance.”
So many things went against Penrith in the big one – Mark Geyer was sent to the sin bin, the Raiders scored a try off a controversial refereeing decision, and Mal Meninga was having a stellar game.
At half-time, with his side down 12-6, Penrith coach Phil Gould delivered an almighty spray to his players.
Rumour has it the speech finished with the words: “Are you going to be losers?”
Alexander remembers the feeling at half-time well.
“Even though we scored the first try
there was no doubt they were on top at half-time,” he said.
“And apart from a few desperate defensive situations, they could have been more than 12-6 in front quite easily.
“At half-time, there was a concern. We didn’t walk into the sheds with our heads up... it took Royce and Gus... Royce got up and made an impassioned speech about what we needed to do and Gus had his say.
“We went out and in the second half we barely let them into our half. We were very dominant.”
The second half was terrific from Penrith, but with 10 minutes to go, the scores were locked at 12-all and it was anyone’s game.
Then, the man they call Brandy stepped in.
Alexander potted a 38 metre field
goal that would give Penrith a 13-12 lead and the advantage heading into the final stages of the game.
The Panthers built pressure and the rest is history – the forced line dropout, the short restart, the Geyer run, the Simmons try – magic. Alexander confirmed victory with a sideline conversion that gave the Panthers an unassailable 19-12 lead.
“They worked really hard for that – right from the Grand Final day the previous year,” Gould told the Weekender years later.
“It was a wonderful day for the club, it was a wonderful day for the city and it really put Penrith on the map.”
Back at Panthers Leagues Club, the party was epic.
A huge blow-up Panther had guarded the club for much of the week, welcoming fans on Grand Final day who watched the match on 55 screens throughout the club.
A Grand Final Disco was held at Reactor One.
One of the big talking points out of the Grand Final was the awarding of the Clive Churchill Medal to Canberra’s Bradley Clyde. Royce Simmons would tell the Weekender years later who he believed should have been handed the prestigious prize that day.
“Greg Alexander was the player of the match. His kicking game was outstanding and his leadership was fantastic,” Simmons said.
Penrith’s 18-6 Grand Final triumph over the Sydney Roosters on October 5, 2003, was one of the most magical days in club history.
Despite finishing the regular season as Minor Premiers, Penrith still went into the decider against the Roosters as underdogs.
It was no surprise, perhaps, given this Penrith side had finished last just two years earlier, and didn’t make the Finals in 2002. Many simply didn’t believe the Panthers had what it took.
But in front of a crowd of 81,166 at a very wet Telstra Stadium, the ‘men in black’ were simply superb and produced memories that will last a lifetime.
The game – which is regarded by many as one of the greatest rugby league Grand Finals in history – produced highlight after highlight, with Scott Sattler’s remarkable try-saving cover tackle on Roosters winger Todd Byrne still talked about to this day.
Penrith winger Luke Rooney won the hearts of many on the back of his two-try performance, while eventual Clive Churchill Medallist Luke Priddis not only set up two tries that evening but bagged one himself in an heroic effort in sluggish conditions.
Fan favourite Ryan Girdler, who limped off injured in the second half, summed up the enormity of the occasion on behalf of all Panthers players and supporters.
“We’ve been here through the bad times, and
that’s what makes it so special,” he said.
Interviewed by Nine’s Andrew Voss as the siren sounded in the background, coach John Lang declared: “I just hope I don’t wake up tomorrow and it’s still Sunday”.
Penrith partied for days following the club’s second Grand Final win, and thousands turned out on November 28 to celebrate one last time with a victory parade through the city’s streets, before the off-season officially began.
Last year, most of the 2003 Grand Final team gathered in Penrith to celebrate the club’s famous win 20 years prior.
In an interview with the Weekender back in May 2023, two-try hero Luke Rooney said he’s still a fan of the team and loves watching
games alongside his son, who is a Panthers fanatic.
“Yes, I still support them and, even though I live in Melbourne, my son is a mad Panthers supporter,” the 40-year-old said.
“We both watch all the games and the last two years have been unbelievable especially.”
Luke Priddis, who was crowned Man of the Match, said he’s one of many players who have never watched the entire game back.
“I don’t think most blokes would have watched it from start to finish… there’s enough stuff on social media that summarises the game pretty well and I was lucky enough to be a part of it,” he said.
“Whenever you win a Grand Final, it’s always something special that you cherish.”
TROY DODDS
Afour-peat must start with the first, and as Penrith prepare for a slice of history at Accor Stadium on Sunday night, it’s intriguing to remember that this incredible Premiership run started in – of all places – Queensland.
The NRL relocated all of its teams to the sunshine state mid-way through the 2021 season after COVID-19 wreaked havoc through New South Wales, forcing the state into its second lockdown.
Penrith powered their way through the remainder of the season, quickly grabbing Premiership favouritism before a stunning surprise in the first week of the Finals changed everything.
The Panthers faced the Rabbitohs in the Qualifying Final at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville, and all was going to plan early when Stephen Crichton scored the opening try.
But Souths worked their way into the game, crossing through Cody Walker in the first half and Jaxson Paulo in the second to set up a 16-10 win – on a night where five penalty goals were kicked between the two sides.
The loss put Penrith into dangerous territory – with some experts labelling them ‘done’
– as they started a mission to go the ‘long way around’ and try to make the Grand Final from the other side of the draw.
It was off to BB Print Stadium in Mackay for a Semi Final showdown with Parramatta – and showdown is putting it lightly. In one of the most tightly contested Finals you could imagine, Penrith emerged 8-6 winners after a scoreless second half. The Panthers’ defensive performance was something special, and would ultimately be part of what defined the side’s run to the Premiership.
A Preliminary Final clash with now competition favourites Melbourne was next – and again it was a tightly contested affair, that had fans back in Penrith on the edge of their seats.
Crichton bagged an early try thanks to a sneaky kick from Nathan Cleary to the right wing, but it wouldn’t be until Brian To’o scored in the 42nd minute that the scoreboard attendant would be troubled again.
Ryan Papenhuyzen finally scored for Melbourne in the 62nd minute, with the final 18 minutes becoming a warrior-like defensive performance from the Panthers to hold on for a 10-6 win, and qualify for the 2021 Grand Final.
It was on to the decider – the Panthers and Rabbitohs in
decided the Grand Final and secured Penrith’s third Premiership.
The Panthers won 14-12 but not before a late scare with South Sydney halfback Adam Reynolds missing a sideline conversion four minutes from full-time that would have
It was a Grand Final for the ages.
After a bruising opening period, Penrith were first to score when Matt Burton found space in the 16th minute.
The Rabbitohs hit back to level the scores soon after when Cody Walker produced some of his trademark solo brilliance just four minutes later.
The Panthers took an 8-6 lead into the break when Cleary kicked a penalty goal in the 32nd minute. Souths came out strong in the second half and were unlucky not to find the tryline, but did manage to level the scores through a penalty goal just four minutes into the period.
The Rabbitohs looked like they were about to create something down their left side when the game took a dramatic twist – Crichton intercepting a wayward Walker pass to race into Grand Final immortality. Alex Johnston scored with just six minutes to go but Reynolds couldn’t land the conversion, leaving Penrith 14-12 up.
There were incredible scenes of emotion at full-time as the Panthers celebrated a hard fought victory over a newfound arch rival.
Nathan Cleary was awarded the
It was the Grand Final Penrith and Parramatta fans had been both dreaming of and dreading for more than 50 years – the ultimate Battle of the West.
With back-to-back premierships on the line, the Panthers were firm favourites heading into their third consecutive decider.
After losing on the same ground two years earlier to the Storm and winning up in Brisbane the year prior, Penrith were determined to finally give their home fans the end-of-year celebration they thoroughly deserved.
In front of a sold-out crowd at Accor Stadium, the match played out eerily similar to the 2020 decider, but with the roles very much reversed. This time it was Penrith with the experience, and it showed in an opening half onslaught that saw them lead 18-0 at half-time.
The game was over well before that. By the time Brian To’o scored his first try, seven minutes after Stephen Crichton opened up the scoring, it was obvious nobody was beating the Panthers.
Penrith had been the dominant team in the NRL for three years, but they saved perhaps their best performance of this period for the Grand Final.
With an 86 per cent completion rate, they starved the Eels of the ball and powered over the top of them like it was men against boys.
Much like the Storm did in 2020, Penrith put their foot on the accelerator in the opening
stages of the second half, putting any question of an Eels revival to bed.
To’o’s 45th minute try – his second of the evening – came after a Waqa Blake mistake close to his own line. At the end of the ensuing set, Penrith produced a classy left-side move that ended with To’o crashing over out wide.
With time and hope slipping away, Penrith’s 22-0 lead quickly became an unassailable 28-0 when Charlie Staines – in his first Grand Final – found a hole in Parramatta’s defence and cut
through to score.
If there was any disappointment for Penrith, it would come in the final five minutes when Clint Gutherson and Jake Arthur bagged tries.
For Penrith, the full-time siren cemented back-to-back titles for the first time in the club’s history.
In the end it wasn’t the Grand Final for the ages many fans were hoping for. The Battle of the West became a one-sided affair that proved just who is the most dominant in this chapter of
the long rivalry between the two clubs.
Dylan Edwards was awarded the Clive Churchill Medal for his scintillating performance, while skipper Nathan Cleary accepted the trophy post-match, congratulating Parramatta on their season.
“We look forward to continuing those battles,” he said.
“To the fans… thank you so much. We’re so blessed to represent Penrith and can’t wait to party with you all.”
It was a Grand Final for the ages, capped off with a moment rivalling Kyle Feldt’s last minute try for the Cowboys in 2015, or Darren Albert’s miracle four-pointer in 1997.
The roar around Accor Stadium when Nathan Cleary crossed in the 76th minute to win the game for Penrith was deafening.
With the try and subsequent conversion, Cleary had not only brought the Panthers back from the dead to win the season decider but had put the icing on one of the most memorable 20 minute periods of his career.
There was only 18 minutes left on the clock when Cleary decided to take the game by both hands and deliver a performance that will be talked about for decades to come.
A smart play to set up a try for Moses Leota, a 40/20, a clever decision to force a penalty from a Brisbane drop-out and his own personal
four-pointer were the highlights of his heroics.
Earlier, the Grand Final appeared gone.
With the game precariously placed at 8-6 to Penrith early in the second half, Ezra Mam stepped up in an unstoppable 10 minute period to put Brisbane into a Premiership-winning position.
Mam scored three straight tries –carving up the Penrith defence with blistering speed to give the Broncos a 24-8 lead.
It should have been enough.
“It’s just hard to get your head around what actually happened. It’s very disappointing,” Brisbane coach Kevin Walters said.
Somehow the Broncos went from a commanding lead with Mam’s name on the prestigious Clive Churchill Medal to a brutal collapse that had long-lasting impacts.
Nobody could have seen Penrith’s comeback on the horizon.
Not when inspirational co-captain Isaah Yeo was forced from the field for a Head Injury Assessment and Jarome Luai’s shoulder finally gave
way in the midst of Mam’s hat-trick. Scott Sorensen, too, was forced from the field after a head knock.
The momentum just shouldn’t have turned, and yet it did.
“I must say I was a little worried half-way through that second half,” Panthers coach Ivan Cleary said post-match.
“One thing I’d never doubt is these boys’ ability to keep fighting. There was still a long time to go and that was the important part. If they had have jumped to 24-8 with 15 to go I don’t think we would have come back.”
It had been a pulsating opening half to the Grand Final but nobody could have imagined what would unfold in the second 40 minutes.
Brisbane had talked up their big game experience all week despite it coming from other arenas like Origin, but nerves were evident in the opening period. They put themselves under pressure with a raft of errors, but Penrith struggled to capitalise.
The opening try came in the 17th minute when a short drop-out somehow bounced into the hands of
Mitch Kenny who scored his first try of the season. With Cleary getting attention in back play, Stephen Crichton grabbed the conversion to give Penrith a 6-0 advantage.
It became 8-0 in the 29th minute when Cleary resumed the kicking duties and potted a penalty goal, but Brisbane started to get into the game more in the period closing in on half-time.
When Thomas Flegler barged his way over in the 38th minute, it felt like a reward for Brisbane’s entire season more than anything else –they had toiled and toiled, and finally got what they needed.
In the end it was the 29th minute penalty goal that proved the difference. Both teams scored four tries, and landed four conversions. Dig deeper though and it is likely Penrith’s 97 per cent completion rate – freakish in any game, let alone a Grand Final – that ensured they were still within a chance of winning and sending the more than 81,000 fans at Accor Stadium into a state of disbelief.
For Penrith, the victory ensured their place in rugby league folklore –a third straight Premiership, the first team in the NRL era to achieve such a feat.
When building a champion team, you need at least three things: a good coach, good players and good management. From the architects themselves, this is how Penrith achieved what many clubs before them have failed to do...
Trust the process
Sporting clubs all over the world achieve success in many different ways. Some like to spend money buying talent for a quick fix, while others put their funds towards development for longer lasting success.
What works for some clubs, may not for others.
In the case of the Penrith Panthers, they are all about the process or the system, which many would say has been the biggest key to their golden run over the past five seasons.
Penrith Panthers CEO Matt Cameron, a former school teacher and NRL assistant coach, remembers like it was yesterday the development pathway he put in place when he arrived more than a decade ago.
The vision, ‘Project 2015’, was designed to future-proof the club for long-term success.
“The single biggest thing about ‘Project 2015’ was alignment and that was talking to Ivan [Cleary] and understanding what he looks for in a player and aligning our recruitment strategies with what the head coach was looking for; aligning our developing programs with what
the head coach was looking for,” Cameron told the Weekender
“A great example is Lindsay Smith. We had a program called Junior Elite Training School (JETS) and Lindsay was our youngest JET at 14-years-old.
“Now, if the program is lined up the way it should be, a player like Lindsay should progress all the way through to first grade.
“If everyone knows what we’re looking for and we all agree to it and we all stick to it, then we should produce good people and good players.”
This strategy didn’t just work with Smith –who will play in his second NRL Grand Final this weekend – but dozens of players that have worn the Panthers jersey.
And while Cameron is the person many people point to for the current state of the club, he knows that it takes a team of good, intelligent and hardworking people to build a dynasty.
“Everyone thinks this is an overnight success. It’s taken us 10 years and a hell of a lot of people and a hell of a long time to get the club to where it is now,” Cameron said.
“People often just see the footy team out there, but they don’t see the layers upon layers involved in building a successful business because that’s what we are, a business.
“I say to people all the time, our business is no different to your business. It’s just when we get it right, we’re on the back page of the paper and sometimes when we mess it up, we’re on the front page of the paper.
“But it’s a business like everyone’s else’s business and it starts at the top with good
governance, good management, good people and then collectively being aligned with what we want to achieve.”
No club in the NRL era has achieved what Penrith has over the past five years, and while Cameron knows that Premierships won’t always come every year, if you’re patient and stick to the process, sustained success will.
“If you talk to Ivan, we don’t talk about winning. We talk about the process. We are a process-driven team, club, business – however you look at it,” Cameron said.
“The reality is, 16 teams won’t win a Grand Final every year and the success our club has had over the past five years has been absolutely phenomenal, it’s like rarefied air. But we’re not silly enough to think we can do it for 10 seasons in-a-row.
“The challenge is to be a really consistent, process-driven business that achieves good results every year, to put ourselves in the window of playing Grand Finals every year.”
“We copped a few knocks, but everyone stuck together” – Jim Jones
Success doesn’t happen overnight and in the case of the Penrith Panthers, it’s taken the better part of a decade to get to where they are today.
Jim Jones has been Recruitment Manager at the Panthers since the early 1990s and has been responsible for scouting some of the game’s biggest names over that period.
In fact, more than a dozen players in Penrith’s current Grand Final team were identified as teenage prospects by the soon-to-be 70-yearold.
Take Liam Martin for instance, a tough kid from country NSW who has gone on to win multiple premierships as well as represent his state and country.
“Marto came down to do work experience. I remember Royce Simmons’ brother rang me and said, ‘I’ve got a young bloke who wants to come down and do a bit of work experience’,” Jones told the Weekender
“So, he came over, I showed him around, gave him a bit of gear and I said, ‘Do you want to have a run?’. He said, ‘Yeah’, and he went out and busted a few.”
Stories like Martin’s journey to the Panthers is just one of many that Jones has in his repertoire, and he’s proud to share them.
“You can get these kids into the system, but it’s up to them to do the work and train and play and take the knocks and injuries,” Jones said.
“You can identify them and give them the opportunity, but they’re the ones that do it.”
While Jones is largely responsible for plucking
these teens from footy clubs from all over the state and country, it takes a whole army of people to develop them into first graders.
“It’s a credit to the club and the system. Matty Cameron and the whole Board, the staff over at the Academy, Gus who was the architect of building the Academy, plus you can’t underestimate Ivan Cleary and the coaching side of things,” Jones said.
“Ivan’s proven to be one of the best coaches in the game and the players respect him and play for him. It was a great move to get him back.”
But none of what you see now at the Panthers happened without a solid plan and plenty of blood, sweat and tears. Jones recalled a meeting some 10 years ago that outlined Penrith’s vision for the future.
“We had a long-term plan. Matt Cameron sat us down and said, ‘Right, we’re going to work hard with the Junior League and work hard with Western Division’ and that’s how we got players like Yeoy (Isaah Yeo), Liam Martin, Matty Burton and Charlie Staines,” he said.
“We were patient. We stuck through the hard times, and I think the reward now is seeing what we’ve done over the past five or six years.
“Other clubs aren’t as patient, and they sack everyone and start again. They think that
“We were patient. We stuck through the hard times, and I think the reward now is seeing what we’ve done over the past five or six years”
fixes everything. But we pick and stick here at Penrith, we pick and stick. Loyalty is a big magic word. I’ve showed loyalty to the club, and they’ve shown it to me.”
The $5 coffee that changed everything
Former Penrith Panthers Chairman Dave O’Neill has fond memories of his near decade involved with the club, but there’s one moment that will stay with him forever. One moment that changed the course of not only the Panthers, but the rugby league world as we know it.
their coach Anthony Griffin mere weeks out from the NRL Finals. It was a shock decision, especially considering the Panthers were sitting fourth at the time.
With rumours swirling as to who would be Penrith’s next head coach, O’Neill wondered to himself if an old flame could be the one to reignite the Panthers into the next generation.
“I was involved with Ivan when he first came to the club in 2012, so I knew he had a passion for that side,” O’Neill told the Weekender
“I struck up a friendship with him and I knew he ‘got’ what Penrith was about. Penrith is a small community and has a big nursery, but you’ve got to understand those cultures in there – especially the diverse culture around the Penrith area.
“Obviously, it didn’t work out with ‘Hook’ (Anthony Griffin). I thought he was a good guy, but he had different ideas to us. We had one shot at getting Ivan back.”
In 2018, Ivan Cleary was enjoying his second season in charge of the Wests Tigers. But with media reports suggesting his son Nathan was on the radar of the Concord-based club, O’Neill knew he had to reconnect with his old mate before it was too late.
thought to myself… ‘what if I asked him to coach Penrith again?’. At the time, we had an interim coach in Cameron Ciraldo.
“So we sat around and had a coffee, and we didn’t even speak about Nathan. We were talking about other things and then the next minute I was asking if he’d come back. He said ‘yeah’, and the rest is history, really.”
Cleary returning to Penrith was a massive and complicated process, with numerous parties needing to sign off on the deal.
“I had to bring that to the CEO and Gus and then to the Board, who were unanimous that Ivan was the man,” O’Neill said
“Then it was up to Brian [Fletcher] to finalise the deal with Ivan’s management. It was a big process and a tough time at the Panthers. But a $5 coffee and the rest is history.”
When Cleary returned in 2019, not everything went to plan. The side struggled in his comeback year and Cleary would later admit he’d almost given coaching away due to the stress of that season.
O’Neill, too, was struggling but not once did he or anyone at the Panthers for that matter waver, that Cleary was the right man for the job.
“The first year he came back, it was a tough time. I know I had plenty of sleepless nights over it,” O’Neill admitted.
The year was 2018 and Penrith had just sacked
“I knew Ivan was always uncomfortable coaching against Nathan and everyone thought he’d eventually go and play for the Wests Tigers,” O’Neill said.
“The night before I caught up with him, I
“Even though we had a lot of tough times in 2019, there was never any discussion whether we made a bad decision in getting Ivan back. Ivan was the person, the man.”
Like the old saying goes, ‘tough times don’t last, tough people do’ and Penrith would eventually come out the other side in a huge way.
In 2020, a year after Cleary’s return, the Panthers would play in their first NRL Grand Final in 17 years before eventually taking out the Premiership in 2021.
Four months later, in February 2022, O’Neill would depart the Panthers after falling short of being re-elected to the Board.
Despite not being involved with the club in a professional capacity, O’Neill will always be credited for being one of the pivotal architects of Building the Champions.
“Ivan and I are still good friends, and we catch up every now and then, but I let him do what he does and I’m just a proud fan,” O’Neill said ahead of Penrith’s fifth consecutive decider.
“The current Board are doing an amazing job, and the current management have taken the club to the next level.
“I had good times there, but my time is up, and I’ve moved on. I’m so proud to see Penrith be Penrith. There’s no reason why this dynasty will end on Sunday. It’s got plenty of momentum going forward.”
These are the moments in time, sliding doors scenarios if you like, that helped define Penrith’s incredible run of success.
The New Zealand Warriors make a huge call and allow coach Ivan Cleary to finish his contract with the club a year early, opening the door for a switch to Penrith in 2012.
JULY 1, 2012
Parramatta assistant coach Matt Cameron departs the club after 15 years to join the Penrith Panthers as High Performance Manager. He becomes responsible for the alignment of the Junior Pathways and the NRL program, setting the club up for the success it enjoys today.
After a brief stint with the Wests Tigers in 2015, he returned to Penrith and would rise through the ranks of the club, and is now the footy club’s CEO.
A day that could have derailed a golden era at Penrith. Phil Gould dramatically sacks Ivan Cleary as head coach.
“In the middle of the season I was a bit worried about him. We spoke and I thought he needed a break,” Gould said.
“But Ivan said he was motivated to keep going. He wanted to keep going but we knew things had to improve. We’ve been talking about it for a few months. I just got a gut feel it was the right time.”
Anthony Griffin is appointed as Cleary’s replacement.
28, 2011 OCTOBER 19, 2015 JUNE 4, 2016
“While we were discussing the potential to extend Ivan’s contract over the last week, it became apparent to both parties that Ivan had a chance to secure his long-term coaching career with Penrith immediately and that we were not in a position at the moment to guarantee a similar term,” Warriors CEO Wayne Scurrah said at the time.
“Given the circumstances, it also became clear to both of us that it wouldn’t have been in anyone’s interests for Ivan to fulfil the last year of his contract with the Vodafone Warriors when he had an immediate opportunity offering him significant security elsewhere.”
General Manager Phil Gould called a press conference to announce Cleary would coach Penrith from 2012.
Cleary proceeds to take the Warriors all the way to the 2011 Grand Final, going down to Manly 24-10.
Anthony Griffin hands a 19-year-old Nathan Cleary his NRL debut for one of the game’s most daunting tasks: Melbourne in Melbourne.
The Storm win 24-6 in an uneventful game in front of 11,116 fans at AAMI Park. It wasn’t exactly
star is born stuff, but Cleary’s debut at five-eighth alongside Jamie Soward would kickstart a new era at Penrith.
Soward never returned to first grade, and the number seven jersey was handed to Cleary. He’s held it ever since.
The Western Weekender breaks the biggest rugby league story of 2018: The Panthers want Ivan Cleary back in charge.
It followed Anthony Griffin’s shock departure from Penrith just weeks out from the Finals.
It was the ultimate power play from Chairman Dave O’Neill, and a sign that Phil Gould’s control of the club was weakening.
O’Neill had sounded out Cleary, who was coaching Wests Tigers, about a return to the club – and the opportunity to create a dynasty with son Nathan, who it was feared would depart the foot of the Mountains.
One of the great rugby league dramas ensued, but on October 29, 2018 the Panthers got their man – confirming Cleary would re-join Penrith on a mammoth five-year deal ahead of the 2019 season.
Penrith’s incredible run in the COVID-impacted 2020 season ends at the final hurdle, when Melbourne win the Grand Final 26-20. But a stirring fightback that sees Penrith score three tries in 11 minutes at the end of the game provides a glimpse into the future. A team of boys had been beaten, but a team of men would emerge.
Penrith produce an NRL powerplay and re-sign coach Ivan Cleary and champion son Nathan Cleary until the end of the 2027 season.
“On behalf of all at Penrith Panthers, I’d like to congratulate Ivan and Nathan on their contract extensions and say how pleased we are to have secured them both on long-term deals,” Chairman Peter Graham said.
“As a club we’re excited to see the fatherand-son duo remain
together at Panthers, and we’re delighted to see them re-sign on the same occasion.”
It’s a moment that stops any speculation about the future of the Clearys before it began, and allowed the team to focus solely on building a championship football team on the field.
Penrith come through the most dramatic of Finals runs to beat South Sydney 14-12 in the Grand Final at Suncorp Stadium. Forever remembered for Stephen Crichton’s iconic intercept in the second half, the Panthers break an 18-year Premiership drought on a night of redemption for so many people.
Penrith make it back-to-back titles with probably the best premiership defence in 50 years, downing Parramatta 28-12 to cap off a dominant season.
Chairman Dave O’Neill, watching from his lounge room in Penrith, is vindicated for his one-man crusade to bring Ivan Cleary back to the club, while Cleary himself gets the Premiership monkey off his back.
For a city in lockdown, it provides the ultimate moment of celebration – but it was just the beginning.
Penrith become the first club in more than 50 years to reach five straight Grand Finals after beating Cronulla 26-6 in the Preliminary Final.
Nathan Cleary enters rugby league immortality, spearheading a stunning comeback against Brisbane to ensure Penrith claim a third straight title. The Panthers win 26-24 to complete the first three-peat of the modern era.
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50. Jump Around – House Of Pain
Hotel Key – Old Dominion
Chicken Fried – Zac Brown Band 18. Toes – Zac Brown Band
19. Flowers – Miley Cyrus
20. Things That We Drink To – Morgan Evens 21. I Was Jack (You Were Diane) – Jake Own 22. A Bar Song (Tipsy) – Shaboozey
23. This Feeling – The Chainsmokers
24. Eye Of The Tiger – Survivor
25. T.N.T. – AC/DC
26. Are You Gonna Be My Girl – Jet
27. Carnival – Kanye West
28. Dilemma – Nelly, Kelly Rowland
29. Hot In Herre – Nelly
30. All I Do Is Win – DJ Khaled
31. Titanium – David Guetta, Sia
32. Mr Brightside – The Killers
33. Feels Like Summer – Childish Gambino
34. Feet Don’t Fail Me Now – Jay Crookes
35. What You Get Is What You See – Tina Turner
36. Feels Like Woah – Wesley Dean
37. Tubthumping – Chumbawamba
38. We Are The Champions – Queen
39. Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again – The Angels
40. What’s My Scene – Hoodoo Gurus
41. Let Me Entertain You – Robbie Williams
42. Rock or Bust – AC/DC
43. Epic – Faith No More
44. No Second Prize – Jimmy Barnes
45. Shoot To Thrill – AC/DC
46. Back In Black – AC/DC
47. All Fired Up – Pat Benatar
48. Paradise City – Guns N’ Roses
49. My House – Flo Rida
51. Sweet Caroline – Neil Diamond
52. My Hero – Foo Fighters
53. Big Gun – AC/DC
54. Panama – Van Halen
55. YMCA – Village People
56. Working Class Man – Jimmy Barnes
57. Wild Thing – The Troggs
58. Freeze-Frame – The J Geils Band
59. Bound For Glory – Angry Anderson
60. King Of The Mountain – Midnight Oil
61. Eyes Of A Panther – Steel Panther
62. Start Me Up – The Rolling Stones
63. Run To Paradise – Choirboys
64. I Want It All – Queen
65. My Hero – Foo Fighters
66. Whiskey Glasses – Morgan Wallen
67. Good Times – Jimmy Barnes
68. Have You Ever Seen The Rain – Creedence Clearwater Revival
69. That’s My Team – Hoodoo Gurus
70. Dancing In The Dark – Bruce Springstreen
71. You’re The Voice – John Farnham
72. Hit Me With Your Best Shot – Pat Benetar
73. The Champion – Carrie Underwood
74.
Just as the Panthers have had a phenomenal season this year, their efforts have been mirrored on the sidelines by the Pantherettes.
Despite being one of the few remaining squads left in the NRL, choreographer Kati Watson said the Pantherettes’ involvement in game days – from performing to meeting the fans – has only grown, citing this year as her favourite yet.
“Being my fourth year running the Pantherettes, I have felt like every year has been sensational, because obviously the Panthers have just done so well and my squad every year has been phenomenal, but there is just something about this year and the 2024 season that has just been so unbelievably indescribable. It’s been a total dream,” she said.
One of the most significant games of the season was their final one at Penrith Park. Having been a Pantherette herself before becoming their choreographer in 2021, Watson said it was completely surreal, and she loved being able to go through it with the squad.
“I’m not going to lie, I definitely shed a few tears the morning of the
final home game for Penrith Park, because for me, who used to be a Pantherette myself, I thought, ‘This is where it all began’,” she said.
“The Pantherettes were dressed in different costumes from over the years of the Penrith Pantherettes, and the crowd just loved it.”
It was this game which also led the Panthers into the Finals.
Though for the Pantherettes, who were able to perform at both matches against the Roosters and the Sharks, nerves were well and truly present, the girls couldn’t be more excited to be heading into yet another NRL
Grand Final at Accor Stadium this Sunday night.
Whilst much of the squad has been involved in a number of Grand Finals over the years, for second-year Pantherette Maddie Malkoun, it will be her first.
“All the girls talk about is how good
it was and how good it is to experience a Grand Final, so I’m just so excited to get that experience and the atmosphere of it all,” she said.
“It’s all just so exciting, and it’s so new.”
Also in her second year as a Pantherette, Summer Stone will be returning for back-to-back Grand Finals, and she couldn’t be more excited.
“Being a Panthers supporter first and their cheerleader second, I definitely am extremely proud,” she said.
“I know there’s going to be a couple of tears on the field. I don’t know when they’re going to come, but I can feel it coming!”
Nine-year veteran Kaylee Burns will be performing in her fifth and last Grand Final with the Pantherettes this year, and is keen to have it all end on a high note after riding the recent wave of success.
“Being with the squad for nine years and doing nine seasons, I think it’s just insane that more than half my time, I’ve been able to experience Grand Finals,” she said.
“I’m really nervous, because I’m like, ‘Can we bring four home?’. But, I’m praying that we can do it, and I’m really, really excited, because this will be the year I hang up my poms. It’s my last season, so I really hope we can finish with a bang!”
We are so proud to be from Penrith and of our beloved Panthers. Five Grand Finals in a row = extraordinary. A three-peat already achieved but the absolute icing on the cake would be winning the 4th against the Storm. Time to avenge 2020. What a way to farewell Jarome, JFH and Sunia.
We wish our Panthers all the best for Sunday night. We know they’ll do us proud and hopefully we will be celebrating with them on a lap of honour at Accor when that full-time siren goes.
Meagan Miller
Play hard and be the best on the day. Love you, guys. And let’s get this FOUR PEAT done and dusted. #PANTHERFORLIFE
- Bridgette Beard
My 80-year-old Mum is a Panthers supporter. My husband and I are Panthers die-hards.
Both our daughters are Panther girls. Now our three grandchildren are Panther kids.
We’ve watched through all the bad, good and fantastic years. And all of us will be watching on Sunday! Cheering and clapping through every single minute.
I was blessed to be part of our 2003 win, but you guys have beyondexceededanyone’s expectations. Let’s make it four!
- Rob Weaver
The Penrith community is right behind you once again. Our favourite week of the year. Five grand finals in a row with a chance to make it four premierships. You’ve got this. Go the Mighty Panthers!
LET’S GO PANTHERS!!! Bring that trophy back home to where it belongs.- Emma McKenzie
GO THE MIGHTY PANTHERS.
You are better than those bad Storm players. Touch wood that you aren’t losing against those Storm players. But at least you didn’t get the wooden spoon. Go Panthers.
- Caleb Dunlop
Ivan you’re a legend!
Congratulations to you and the team, your achievements are outstanding. You have been my team for many years.
I’m a season ticket holder, and I’ve watched the path to glory over and over. I have every confidence you can beat the Storm. Good luck, I love you all!
Thank you for representing the club and our beautiful town with so much class and dignity while being humble and grateful in your success. All the other clubs are in awe and just envy what you’ve achieved. The people of Penrith have so much pride and respect and look up to you. The ride the past five years has been nothing short of remarkable. You give hope to those doing it tough in our community. We all stand as one behind you and wish you all the best. Please thank the Storm appropriately for the defeat in 2020 by bringing back the trophy.
Boys, elevatedyou’ve the Panthers but also the city of Penrith. What you have achieved is priceless and whenever the outcome on Sunday, the city, the people and myself are behind you. Let’s gooooo!
- Shamus Davies
Congratulations on making it to 5th Grand Final after the win over Sharks last night, which I was at the game to witness it. Congratulations to Isaah Yeo on surpassing Steve Carter‘s 243 and became all time most capped Panthers. Good Luck in Grand Final and remember your game plan and focus on for 80 minutes and play hard and win games on defence and attack. Time for revenge from 2020 loss to Storm. You can do it boys ! Go Panthers!
What a wonderful journey you boys have been on. Win or lose look at what you have achieved - GREATNESS. Let’s go boys! Up the riff! 4peat baby! - Cindy
Stay strong, just keep doing you. You are about to make history for the first time in a long time. Proud of all of you. To the three leaving the Panthers, you will forever be a Panther, we all love you all and will miss seeing you every weekend. Stay strong, safe and much love to you all. You got this Panthers, Bring it home where it belongs.
Winmill
Will be cheering you on from Dalmeny, on the far south coast of NSW. We know you can make it 4 in a row. But whatever happens you boys have done us proud. Best of luck on Sunday. Go Panthers! - Patricia Prus
Hey guys, we are all behind you in your run for a 4peat. It’s revenge for 2020 ! Just know, no matter what happens, your fans won’t ever let you down. We will be there cheering and crying and experiencing all the emotions with you. God bless and best of luck! – Katie Hope
Wishing you good luck on Grand Final day. I am a big fan and hope you bring the trophy home for the fourth time. Go the Mighty Panthers! - Michael
Good luck mighty Panthers can’t wait to see you smash the Storm and bring home the 4 peat! I’ll be right there cheering you all on. Enjoy your last game Romey, Tito and Fish. Gonna miss you boys running out there each week. How about two tries BIZZA!
Melbourne forward Nelson
Asofa-Solomona will miss Sunday night’s Grand Final after he failed to have a high tackle charge downgraded at the NRL judiciary.
Former Penrith coach and General Manager Phil Gould has declared Sunday’s Grand Final will be one for the ages.
“The similarity about these two teams is that they have systems that they believe in,” Gould told Nine’s ‘100% Footy’.
“They’re different, it’s a different type of football, but both teams are committed to their particular system and it consistently wins.
“I think it will be an epic Grand Final.”
Gould said it was no surprise that the Panthers and Storm would face-off in the decider.
“We could have played this game in February,” he joked.
“They are the best in the competition. They are both built on high energy, high fitness.
“They’ve had two great games this season so far.
“There’s nothing between them.”
Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary says his coach and father Ivan doesn’t change much during Grand Final Week.
“Nah he’s the same as usual, probably a bit happier to be honest,” he told the Weekender on Tuesday.
“I’m super proud of him. It’s been a big journey for him and he’s put so much time and effort into this club, being able to create the culture that we have today.
The Storm rolled the dice and fronted the judiciary on Monday night in an unlikely attempt to free the big forward, who was sin-binned in the opening minutes of Melbourne’s win over the Roosters last Friday night. He would have had to achieve a ‘double downgrade’ to be free to play in the Grand Final.
!WARM DAY FOR THE BIG ONE
Sydney is set to turn on a stunning day for Sunday’s Grand Final between Penrith and Melbourne.
The Bureau is predicting a top of 29 degrees at Sydney Olympic Park on Sunday, with no chance of rain and only light winds around.
It’ll be similar conditions to last year when warm weather greeted the Panthers and Broncos for what was ultimately a classic contest.
In the end, the judiciary panel took only a short time
to find him guilty of the grade three charge and suspended him for five matches.
“Obviously I’m very disappointed with the result, but I had a fair hearing. All my energy will go towards my team to get the result,” Asofa-Solomona said after the hearing.
RING REVEALED
Rugby league’s newest Immortal, Ron Coote, has helped design this year’s Premiership ring, that will be given to the winners of Sunday’s Grand Final.
Each ring is encrusted with two carats of diamonds and feature an image of a young Coote on one side, according to The Daily Telegraph
The rings are valued at $10,000 each and are not available to purchase by the public.
Clubs can purchase additional rings for wider squad members or players.
Coote joins an illustrious list of people who have helped design the ring with Affinity Diamonds, including the likes of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and legendary commentator Ray Warren.
The presenting of the rings has become a tradition after the NRL Grand Final.
For many Penrith players, it could be their fourth ring after winning season deciders in 2021, 2022 and 2023.
will release a
of
Running High’ podcast today. Troy Dodds and Nathan Taylor will preview Sunday’s big game, plus talk to some of the Penrith players chasing a slice of rugby league history. Search Western
wherever you listen to podcasts, or head to www. westernweekender.com.au/ podcast to stream or download the episode.
Remember those Taylor Swift light up wristbands that made her shows in Sydney so spectacular?
They’re back for the Grand Final!
Make sure you grab your light up wristband when entering Accor Stadium on Sunday afternoon. They’ll light up when tries are scored and during special moments of the match on Sunday evening.
“I’m really proud of him and just grateful to be on this journey alongside of him.”
This Sunday marks the fifth Grand Final the Clearys will compete in together as player and coach.
“I don’t agree with the exercise of the judgement in this case.”
He’s the understudy to a champion, but Brad Schneider knows his moment could come at any second this Sunday night.
And if chaos does ensue at any point – in the name of Nathan Cleary’s shoulder –Schneider’s job will be keeping his head while others are
losing theirs.
“You never really want anything to go wrong but it’s about being ready for anything,” the 23-year-old told the Weekender
“Rugby league is a funny old sport and things can change pretty quickly. I’ve just got to be open minded and ready to go wherever. The last few weeks have been pretty amazing. It’s a very good experience and I’m excited for this week.” Schneider has spent the year soaking up the experience, admitting he was a little nervous coming into the champion Penrith team at first.
“Coming into a team like this is a bit nerve-racking but I’ve got a lot of confidence out of it,” said Schneider.
“They instil a lot of confidence in me and tell me to back myself, so it’s been really good.”
