COME AND GET US
PENRITH’S PREMIERSHIP DEFENCE STEPS UP THIS WEEKEND AS THE FINALS BEGIN. FULL COVERAGE INSIDE
Athe finalword
s much as this clash between Penrith and the Roosters always felt inevitable in the Finals, it wasn’t expected to happen like this.
Just a fortnight ago the Roosters were flying, beating teams with ease and edging towards Premiership favouritism, with many experts predicting they still had another gear or two to find.
Then Round 26 happened. An afternoon of chaos that saw halfback Sam Walker and hooker Brandon Smith sidelined for the rest of the season with serious injuries. Half your spine, gone in a flash.
To make matters worse, Victor Radley suffered a serious shoulder injury and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves was watching it all unfold from the stands after copping another long suspension.
In short, the Roosters come to Penrith on
Friday night battered, bruised and almost broken.
And while the Roosters lament the loss of their halfback and playmaker, the Panthers celebrate the return of theirs.
Nathan Cleary will return from a shoulder injury for the Finals, the knight in shining armour Penrith need after limping through the final part of the regular season.
There is a lot of pressure on the two-time Clive Churchill Medal winner. Any expectation that Cleary will solve all of Penrith’s problems at the moment is probably a little over the top.
Penrith are indeed not in the form we expect at this time of the year, compared to the previous four seasons. They are not blowing teams away, they lost back-to-back games only a few weeks ago and they’re not dominating or controlling games as they have in the past.
But despite all of that, the side has finished in
the top two for a fifth straight year and is again the best defensive team in the competition. If I’d told you that before a ball was kicked this year, you’d have taken it. Indeed, you would expect a result like that would mean completely dominant performances throughout the season.
It’s fair to say that luck played its role along the way. Wins over the Eels and Dolphins, for example, could have easily gone the other way and if they had, Ivan Cleary and his team would have been on a plane to Melbourne this weekend.
But you do make your own luck in this game and it is Penrith’s never-say-die attitude that has got them this far.
A few weeks ago Cleary questioned his side’s desire, in some very deliberate comments in a press conference.
This week, I have no doubt he would have done it again, a little more privately this time.
He would be asking his team if they feel they have three games left in them. Three games to cap off this incredible era with a fourth straight title, and potentially a chance at redemption against the side that delayed the dream run by a year back in 2020.
Three games to farewell James Fisher-Harris, Jarome Luai and Sunia Turuva in style.
Three games.
This Penrith team knows Finals footy like the back of its hands. And there’s enough fresh blood in there to ensure that knowledge doesn’t go stale.
The regular season has been rocky, inconsistent and at times, concerning.
And yet, we’re here again. And what do you know, another chance to prove the doubters wrong.
Three games. 240 minutes. Bring it on.
Tip: Panthers by 10.
panther rumblings
BEHIND JANE SCALI’S RETURN
! Jane’s mighty return: Jane Scali was understandably nervous about singing ‘Go The Mighty Panthers’ at Penrith Park last Saturday night; a song she recorded for the club in the 1980s. But it wasn’t long before she understood the joy the song still brings to Penrith fans. Scali was originally only going to come out pre-game, but was so caught up in the fes tivities that she asked club officials if she could head out on the field after the game as well. Scali lives on the Gold Coast these days.
! Spotted: Former Panthers Chairman Dave O’Neill – the man who brought Ivan Cleary back to the club in 2019 – in the dressing room post-game last Saturday night.
! Spotted: Panthers forward Luke Garner handing out playing cards to unsuspecting teammates at training on Monday afternoon. Nobody’s quite sure what it was all about.
! Original Panthers honoured: Penrith did a wonderful job in celebrating a bunch of 1967 players who were part of the Old Boys’ Day celebrations last Saturday night. The club put them up in the sparkly new Pullman Hotel for a couple of nights, and deservedly treated them like royalty. Among those celebrated was Warren Crotty (pictured), who played three games for the club in the inaugural 1967 season.
responsibilities. Gutesa credits Max Cowan for his long stint at the club. It was in 1997 that Cowan demanded Casablanca Video Productions return after a disastrous start by a new company called in for the Super League season. Casablanca and Gutesa took over and have been back every year since.
! Friday night lights: I told you several weeks ago that Penrith was bound for a Friday night Finals match given the intricacies of the draw in the final round. Penrith were always keen to open the Finals and the atmosphere will be second to none for what will be the true last game at Penrith Park. The back-and-forth over scheduling is certainly not over, however. Should Penrith lose to the Roosters, they would likely want to play at Accor Stadium next weekend. But Accor is unavailable on Saturday, September 21 due to the Bledisloe Cup.
– a five-day turnaround, which the NRL would rather avoid. Could Penrith end up at CommBank Stadium?
! Bentley’s milestone: One man not at the Penrith Park celebrations last Saturday night was Col Bentley. He was busy celebrating his 60th birthday at St Marys Leagues Club.
! NRL launches Finals in Sydney: We accept the shots of the NRL Finals captains (right) with the Opera House in the background look pretty cool, but why is the league so obsessed with the city when so much of
its fan base is in the suburbs? Why not launch the Finals in Penrith, or even Belmore given the Bulldogs are the fairytale story of the season? The Dally Ms will again be in the city. Have they not heard of the Western Sydney Conference Centre?
! Still calling Penrith Park home: This Friday night won’t be the last time the Panthers see their beloved Penrith Park, or BlueBet Stadium as it will officially be known for the Qualifying Final. The team will continue to hold their weekly Captain’s Run at the venue, up until the Grand Final should Ivan Cleary’s side make it.
! Corporate discount: The NRL, which sets the prices for ticketing during the Finals including for corporate hospitality, lowered its expectations around sponsors this year. Last year, a Chairman’s Lounge ticket for the Qualifying Final was priced at $450. This year, it was down to $410. An open air box ticket went from $300 to $275.
! Carter’s Yeo tribute: Panthers legend Steve Carter says he couldn’t think of a better player to break his record for most games for the club than Isaah Yeo. “You wouldn’t get a better player on or off the field than Isaah Yeo,” Carter told the Weekender’s On The Record podcast, to be released next month. “He’s grown into a great person and it’s just great that I’m behind him. I’ll be happy to be behind him.”
! Got some goss? I don’t keep secrets but I do protect my sources. Email maskedpanther@westernweekender.com.au if you’ve got some news to share.
PANTHERS KNOW TOUGH TASK AHEAD
Like many of his teammates, Panthers and NSW Origin backrower Liam Martin hasn’t lost an NRL Finals game since the Qualifying Final against South Sydney in 2021.
That particular Finals Series, which took place in Queensland due to the pandemic raging down south, is regarded as the toughest of the current Panthers dynasty.
With several players getting around busted, including Dylan Edwards with a broken foot, the Panthers clawed their way to their first NRL Premiership since 2003 off the back of their spirited and stifling defence.
If Penrith are going to secure their fourth consecutive premiership in a few weeks’ time, they’ll need to draw some inspiration from that 2021 team that both supporters and media counted out after they lost to the Bunnies and were forced to go the long way around.
“All Finals are tough but in ’21, we were playing with busted men,” Martin told Extra Time on Monday.
While the Panthers finished the 2024 regular season in second spot despite a rocky last month, they are still considered favourites – along with the Storm – to hoist up the Provan-Summons Trophy in October.
Martin said despite a scare against the Gold Coast Titans last Saturday night, the Panthers are full of belief they can turn their form around and be there on Grand Final Day.
“It was pretty scrappy the other night. I think there’s plenty of areas to improve on,” he admitted.
“We’re tracking well. The belief is still as strong as ever and as long as that’s unwavering, we’ll be fine.
“We know what we have to improve on. We just have to get a solid week of training in and go from there.”
Not all clubs can just flick a switch and be at their best come Finals time, but the Panthers are a different beast and history has shown time and time again that when it’s all on the line, that’s when Penrith rise to the occasion the most.
With Nathan Cleary back at the helm after a month off, the Panthers will go into this Friday night’s Qualifying Final against the Roosters as favourites and with their strongest team available.
Martin said having Cleary back in the number seven jumper is crucial to their success this post-season.
“He’s as tough as they come,” Martin said.
“What he’s done… that Grand Final [last year] just demonstrates… that he has the willpower to win and it’s pretty inspiring for the rest of us.
“The Roosters are such a quality side and have been for a long time. Whenever you verse them, you want to match them and step it up a gear.
“We’ve always done that pretty well against them in the past, but this is a whole new game. We’ll just approach it the same.”
The Panthers and the Roosters play at BlueBet Stadium this Friday night.
WHAT’S DRIVING THE PANTHERS IN 2024
Motivation.
It’s a word that’s been uttered a lot during Penrith’s incredible premiership run over the past four seasons. How does this team of champions continue to have the motivation to keep tackling? To keep fighting? To keep winning?
A man that’s been there for much of the memorable ride is hooker Mitch Kenny.
The 26-year-old, who will play in his 10th NRL Finals game on Friday night, said finding the motivation to keep succeeding isn’t as hard as it may seem.
“There’s many different places you can draw motivation from,” Kenny told Extra Time
“You can be motivated for the guys in the group that haven’t tasted success yet but you’re also motivated for yourself – why would you want it all to end?
“We’re all just trying to get the best out of ourselves and the best out of this group. I think there is more in us, and I think we all know that.
“We don’t want to rest on things we’ve done in the past. We’re just looking to be the best version of ourselves and winning the premiership is a by-product of that.
“We’re not looking too far ahead,
we’re just trying to build and become the best team we can be.”
While many believe this year’s Penrith outfit isn’t as strong as in previous years, many would also agree that they are still miles ahead of many of the other sides fighting it out in the Finals this weekend.
Kenny said his side know the problem areas they need to fix ahead Friday’s showdown against the Roosters at BlueBet Stadium.
“We’re just lacking a little bit of polish,” he admitted.
“You only have to look at the penalties or the error count to know that we are getting in our own way a bit. We’re building a lot of pressure but we’re not able to do anything with it.
“It feels like we are dominating – it probably feels like that for the people watching as well – but it’s not resulting in blow-outs because there’s too many fundamental errors.”
while this week’s opponents are first. Kenny said if the Panthers can get their discipline in order against the Roosters, it will go a long way to winning and earning that pivotal week off.
“I guess the beauty of it all is that a lot of those are individual accountability things – holding onto the ball, making smarter decisions with
the footy,” he said.
“I think if we can do that right and everyone can take a bit more responsibility with the footy and also little things around our defence and the penalties that we are giving away, I think we’ll see all that pressure that we are building translate into a better result.”
A MEMORABLE GOODBYE TO BELOVED
PENRITH PARK
TRENT TOELAU
WILDCARDS OF THE NRL FINALS
Who doesn’t love Finals time? It’s when the competition is reset and everyone starts on zero points again. It’s where heroes are made and the eight remaining teams and their supporters are all thinking the same thing.
‘We’re going to win the premiership this year!’
Of course, no team can do it alone. It will take 17 players to win a game and while there are star marquee players in every side, which play a bigger role in every victory, there are also what I’d like to call wildcard players as well.
They are the type of player who can split a game wide-open but they’re not always the first people you think of when you say the words ‘game-breaker’.
So today I’m going to highlight two wildcard players from every top eight team, who have the ability to win the game for their team, even though they’re not expected to.
Melbourne Storm
Tyran Wishart: Son of Steelers
with Peter Lang
winger Rod, Wishart has been outstanding for the Storm whether it be at five-eighth or any position he plays. Great footwork too.
Nelson Asofa-Solomona: The big fella can inspire his team with one big hit or powerful run. Solomona’s aggression is also a
highlight of his game.
Penrith Panthers
Brian To’o: To’o can make the hard yards and big breaks just when his side need him the most. Hard to stop close to the line too.
Luke Garner: The rangy backrower is mobile enough to play in the centres and runs wonderful lines for the Panthers’ attack, which often results in tries being scored.
Sydney Roosters
Joey Manu: The outside back who can play five-eighth if needed.
Terrell May: Provides great impact off the bench with good leg speed and power.
Cronulla Sharks
Ronaldo Mulitalo: The Sharks really missed his speed and footwork when he was out injured.
Siosifa Talakai: The former Blues player is looking particularly threatening when injected into the forwards. He’s hard to bring down once he gets going.
North Queensland Cowboys
Scott Drinkwater: Provides plenty of attacking prowess whenever he chimes into the backline, his speed makes him a constant threat.
Reuben Cotter: Tough, old-school type of player who
enjoys nothing more than charging from the back fence into the defence at full-tilt!
Canterbury Bulldogs
Reed Mahoney: While his mouth may be his biggest weapon, I do like a player who can back it up with some skill.
Viliame Kikau: While I don’t think we’ve seen Kikau at his barnstorming best yet, he’s the type of player that can explode.
Manly Sea Eagles
Luke Brooks: perfect foil for DCE when he takes on the line and plays heads-up football. When he does, he’s damn hard to stop.
Haumole Olakau’atu: At his rampaging best, Olakau’atu is one of the most dangerous edge backrowers in the NRL. Big, strong and fast and can throw a pass.
Newcastle Knights Bradman Best: One
of the hardest and toughest centres you’d ever meet. He can go missing at times but when he gets involved you want to get out of his way.
Leo Thompson: Is starting to develop quite a reputation as a real tough, uncompromising forward. Can play anywhere in the pack too.
Well that’s it from me this week, folks. Let’s go Panthers!
Western Weekender Penrith Panthers Player of the
competition runs throughout the season, with our four experts delivering a 3, 2, 1 rating for the best Panthers players from each Penrith game. The player
panther memories
Today marks 10 years to the day since one of the most remarkable Finals matches in Panthers history.
After finishing fourth at the end of the regular season, Penrith travelled to Allianz Stadium to take on the top-of-the-table Sydney Roosters.
The Roosters were favourites, but a tense first half saw them in front just 6-4 at halftime.
When they took an 18-12 lead through a converted Mitchell Pearce try in the 72nd minute, it looked like the Chooks were home.
But then, with just three minutes on the clock, a miracle pass from Dallin WateneZelezniak to Dean Whare resulted in a try, and then a pressure sideline conversion from Jamie Soward. With the scores locked at 18-all, Soward stepped up again in the final minute to kick a match-winning field goal – wobbly, wonky, but over!
won 19-18.
finals previews
FIRST WEEKEND OF FINALS DELIVERS
TROY DODDS
Melbourne Storm v Cronulla Sharks. Saturday, September 14, 4.05pm. AAMI Park.
Melbourne are in the box seat to win the title this year, with their home team status among the most relevant of the Finals series given they potentially don’t have to leave Melbourne until Grand Final week.
They kick-off their campaign against the Sharks on Saturday afternoon. Fourth spot is often the most challenging position to finish in – yes, you get a second bite but it opens up a clash with the Minor Premiers, which is never an easy task.
However, last week the Sharks proved that they will be no easybeats in the Finals via a 40-20 victory over Manly at Brookvale Oval.
Many thought Cronulla, despite being a top four side for most of the year, were simply making up the numbers in the Finals given their failure at the important end of the season in recent years.
But the element of surprise may just work in their favour as they chase a second Premiership and their first since 2016.
The Sharks should hold no fear going to AAMI Park given they beat Melbourne there earlier this year, a 25-18 defeat back in May. It was their only clash this season.
There’s plenty of stats that suggest this game will be closer than the betting markets and many people expect. The Storm has scored an
The battle of the halfbacks here will be epic –Nicho Hynes out to prove he can deliver in big games, Jahrome Hughes on the back of his best season in first grade.
A major upset here would not surprise, but given they’re pretty much at full strength, it’s hard to go past the Storm.
Tip: Storm by 6.
North Queensland Cowboys v Newcastle Knights. Saturday, September 14, 7.50pm. QLD Country Bank Stadium.
The Cowboys are hitting their straps at the right end of the season. After it looked like they could even miss the eight at one stage during the year, Todd Payten has got his side right where they need to be as the whips get cracking. Apart from a hiccup back in Round 23 when they were humiliated by Brisbane, North Queensland have been on a roll with big wins over the Raiders, Storm and Bulldogs to finish the season.
The Cowboys haven’t had any trouble winning in Sydney, so road trips won’t be an issue later in the Finals. But right now they get to play at home and that’s a huge advantage in an Elimination Final.
But if the Cowboys are firing at the right end of the season, so is Newcastle’s Kalyn Ponga. The sleeping giant has awoken in recent weeks and Ponga has been superb in guiding the Knights to the final spot in the top eight.
average of 28 points per game this season, while it’s 27 for the Sharks. The Storm have conceded an average of 18 points, while for the Sharks it’s 17.
Both are looking good at the right time of the season, and it’s only Melbourne’s dominance throughout the year that has them as clear favourites on Saturday afternoon.
The big question is whether the Knights can back-up from that absorbing game against the Dolphins last Sunday, where all the pressure was on in terms of winning to make the Finals.
BLOCKBUSTERS AS NEW COMP BEGINS
Often, when teams face such pressure just getting through it is an achievement.
This could well be one of the most entertaining games of the opening weekend and potentially the closest. For me, Newcastle have struggled to find points this season – in fact, they have the lowest points total of any side in the top eight and only scored seven more points this year than the last placed Tigers.
That and the home ground advantage may just be enough to get the Cowboys the chocolates.
Tip: Cowboys by 12.
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs v Manly Sea Eagles. Sunday, September 15, 4.05pm. Accor Stadium.
Probably the most anticipated game of the weekend as the Bulldogs return to the Finals with a crowd of more than 45,000 expected at Accor Stadium for the family-friendly Sunday afternoon timeslot.
The NRL moved this
one from Saturday night to avoid chaos at Sydney Olympic Park with an AFL Finals match and sold out concert on next door, and it will deliver a bigger crowd than originally anticipated.
Canterbury were on a tremendous run at the back end of the season but their fans would be nervous heading into the Finals on the back of two straight losses to Manly and North Queensland.
Cameron Ciraldo has done a terrific job to get this side back playing Finals football but whether or not
they’ve run out of puff at a crucial time is yet to be seen. Manly is a bit of an unknown quantity. They were disappointing against the Sharks on Sunday afternoon at Brookvale, throwing away the opportunity of a home Final, but welcome back Tom Trbojevic who will give them serious X-Factor.
The fact the Sea Eagles beat the Bulldogs pretty comfortably at this very venue just a fortnight ago would give Anthony Seibold plenty of confidence that they can get the job done again.
But the emotion surrounding this one is huge. And despite having not played Finals for some time, there’s plenty of players with Finals and Grand Final experience including the likes of Viliame Kikau, Matt Burton and of course skipper Stephen Crichton, who has been the club’s best player
Hard to know where this one goes but I reckon plenty of points will be
2024’S TOP TIPSTER NAMED
Cameron Faico from Faico & Co real estate has been declared the winner of The Western Weekender celebrity tipping competition for 2024.
Faico, a Manly Sea Eagles tragic, was in front for most of the season and came home strong to win the competition for the first time.
Faico finished on 271 points, 12 points clear of Mark Elphick from Markwater Plumbing who grabbed the silver medal, sharing the podium with the Weekender’s own Nathan Taylor. Both Elphick and Taylor finished on 259 points.
The wooden spoon this year goes to Bill McDeed from Gourmet Meat Company, who we can assure you prepares meat a lot better than he tips!
“Congratulations to everyone who took part in the tipping competition this year. It’s always great fun,” said Extra Time Editor, Troy Dodds.
“We look forward to Cameron returning to defend his crown next year.”
Faico wins two tickets to the NRL Grand Final at Accor Stadium in October, where
Cameron Faico
is the year’s best tipster.
he’ll be hoping to cheer on his beloved Sea Eagles. Bookings are now open for local business representatives to feature in the Weekender celebrity tipping competition next year. It’s an affordable marketing initiative and great fun. To find out more details, email sales@westernweekender.com.au.
C addens
C addens News (C addens Corner)
Woolworths
C ambridge Gardens
Coles
McDonald's
Overlander Hotel
C ambridge Park
C ambridge Park Newsagency Cellarbations
Friendly Grocer
C astlereagh
Ampol Ser vice Station
Claremont Meadows
Iga Claremont Meadows
Coly ton
Coly ton Centre Pharmacy
Coly ton Friendly Grocer
Coly ton Hotel
Coly ton Newsagency
Hewitt Street Takeaway
Cranebrook
Aldi Cranebrook
Cranebrook Community Health
Cranebrook Village
McDonald's
Mother Earth Nurser y Plus Pharmacy
Woolworths Cranebrook
Emu Plains
Chambers Cellars
Lennox Centre Newsagency
McDonald's
Penrith Regional Galler y Woolworths Lennox Village
7/ 11 Emu Plains (Gre at Western Highway)
7/ 11 Emu Plains (Old Bathurst Rd)
Emu Height s
Super Save Compounding Chemis t
Erskine Park
Ashcroft’s Iga
Erskine Park Ctc
G lenmore Park
Coles
Mags News
McDonald's
Medi Advice Pharmacy
Woolworths
J amisontown
Abcoe
Atmosphere Fitness Signature Gym
B att Street Take Away
Grey Gums Hotel
Har vey Norman
New On York Takeaway
Parrabey Gourmet Kitchen
(Penrith Homemaker)
Patt y’s Place
S alt C afé (Penrith Homemaker)
S hell Ser vice Station
The Coffee Club Nepean River
Three Sugars C afé
We stern Weekender
York Takeaway
Zoo Fitness
7/ 11 Jamisontow n
Jordan Springs
Brooks Tavern
Jordan Springs Newsagency
Woolworths
Kemps Creek
C altex Ser vice Station
Kemps Creek Bowling Club
Kingswood
B arista Bar Coff ee Shop
(Nepean Private Hospital)
Countr y Brewer
Hallani’s
Kingswood Hotel
Kingswood Newsagency
Kingswood Smash Repairs
Kingswood Sports Club
Penrith Gaels Club
Volunteers Desk Nepean Hospital
7/ 11 Kingswood
Leonay
Emu Sports Club
Grow C afé (formerly Willow Tree C afé)
Llandilo
IGA
Londonderr y
Londonderr y Liquor Store
S hell X Roads
Luddenham
Au stralia Pos t IGA Luddenham
Minchinbur y McDonald's
Minchinbur y Fruit Market
Mulgoa
Glenmore Heritage Golf Club
Mulgoa Newsagency
Mulgoa Pharmacy
The Bunker
Nor th St Mar ys
Boronia House (Retirement Community)
MFC Food Stores
Orchard Hills
Flower Power
Oxley Park
Morris C are & Advice Pharmacy
Penrith
Aldi
Astina
Atmosphere Gym
Au stralian Arms
Brisket Boys
Ca fé Fre d
C altex Coreen Avenue
Coles Penrith (Nepean Village)
Coles ( We stfield Penrith)
Crescent Mini Mar t
High Street Pies
Hoyt s Westfield
Joan Sutherland Arts Centre
Liquor Stax Pe achtree
McDonald's High Street
McDonald's Panthers Le agues
McDonald's Pe achtree
Mercure Hotel
Museum Of Fire
Nepean Aquatic Centre
Nepean Motor Group C afé
Nepean Rowing Club
Nepean Village Coffee Club
Nepean Village Newsagency
Nextra Westfield
O ffice of Karen McKeown MP
One Point Health
Panthers Le agues Club
Pe achtree Hotel
Penrith Bowling Club
Penrith CBD Corporation
Penrith City Council
Penrith City Librar y
Penrith Golf Club
Penrith Hotel
Penrith Paceway
Penrith RSL
Penrith Senior Citizens’ Centre
Pioneer Tavern
RE/MAX
Sittano s Restaurant
Tattersalls Hotel
The Chicken Run
The Heritage Terrace C afé
The Log C abin
We stfield
World Gym
7/ 11 Henr y Street
Regentville
7/ 11 Regentville
Ropes Crossing
Coles
Ropes Crossing Newsagency
Silverdale
Mobil Ser vice Station
The Chemist Shop
S outh Penrith
Budget Ser vice Station
Fish Fish
Friendly Grocer
Grose’s Pharmacy
Southlands Newsagency
Borec Road Takeaway (Valley C afé)
Lemongrove Community Health Centre
South Penrith Neighbourhood Centre
Woolworths
St Clair Blue C attle Dog Hotel
Foodworks
St Clair Librar y
St Clair Shopping Centre
7/ 11 St Clair
St Mar ys Andrew ’s Corner Store
Ampol Foodar y Astley Pharmacy
C assand ra’s On Queen
Cr ystal C afé
Guido s Hair C are
Jayam Supermarket
Queen St Newsagency
St Mar ys Band Club
St Mar ys Fish Market
St Mar ys Le agues Club
St Mar ys Librar
McDonald's St Mar ys South Monfar ville Corner Store