Extra Time June 14 2024 (Round 14 - Panthers v Knights)

AWESOME ALAMOTI

Photo: NRL Photos.

Tthe finalword

he Panthers head to Newcastle this Sunday with a renewed confidence after bouncing back from a horror performance against the Dragons to beat the Sea Eagles last Sunday at BlueBet Stadium.

The 32-22 victory was a relief to players and fans alike but still exposed a few chinks in the armour as Penrith’s Premiership defence rolls on.

While the Panthers still have the best defensive record in the competition heading in to Round 15, gone are the days where you could trust Penrith to concede a maximum of two tries in a game, their steel-like defence a key factor in three straight Premierships.

Worrying of late in particular is the defensive lapses of Izack Tago and Sunia Turuva, Tago in particular found all at sea against Manly last Sunday with Tommy Talau having a field day down the Penrith right side.

And it’s not only in defence where Tago is having some trouble – he’s got 20 errors next to his name this season, and leads the competition in penalties conceded with 14. Something just isn’t right there at the moment, but you’ve got to have confidence that a player as good as Tago can get it sorted before the business end of the season arrives.

The Panthers welcome back Dylan Edwards and possibly Liam Martin this week, Edwards having one last opportunity to prove to New South Wales coach Michael Maguire that he had it right the first time around when selecting him at fullback for Origin I. A trouble-free performance should see him get the opportunity that so cruelly evaded him at Accor Stadium.

There is no question Martin will be there for game two of Origin and we’d love to see him bring some of the aggression he brought to the

biggest stage last week back to his club football. Martin has been a little quiet for Penrith this year but proved in a blue jumper he’s still got that ferocious spirit that makes him one of the best second-rowers in the game.

So what do we make of this Newcastle team of 2024?

With so much hope for a solid season, Adam O’Brien’s side finds itself sitting in 13th spot on the ladder and in real danger of missing the Finals if they don’t string wins together soon. They were tough against the Storm last week but in the end, their leaky defence let them down.

O’Brien has struggled all year to nail down the team line-up and find the right combinations. The constant switches in the halves have only shown more uncertainty.

At home on a Sunday afternoon, however, the Knights would rate themselves a chance

against a Penrith side that has proven itself beatable at times this year, including by sides outside of the eight.

The key will be to put pressure on Penrith through the middle and to somehow stop the side’s powerful running game, which was on show in spades against the Sea Eagles.

It’s no surprise to anyone that the Knights have made more tackles than any other club this season. They put themselves under pressure far too much, and no side giving up that much ball can get the momentum needed to win games consistently.

If Newcastle can deliver a solid completion rate and get their fair share of field position, they’ll be a chance of winning this one.

But ahead of a bye and with Edwards and Martin back in the side, the Panthers should have too much class here.

Tip: Panthers by 14.

TROY DODDS SUNDAY, JUNE 16 | 4.05PM | MCDONALD JONES STADIUM | REFEREE: GRANT ATKINS | BUNKER: ASHLEY KLEIN

panther rumblings

MAY FRONTS PANTHERS BOARD

! Batman brings Justice League: Stood down Penrith centre Taylan May fronted the club’s Board on Tuesday afternoon in an effort to save his future at the club and likely his NRL career as a whole. The Board has hit May with a breach notice over a range of off-field issues, all unrelated to the domestic violence charges he is currently fighting in court. May cut a powerful figure on arrival – flanked by his manager and three members of his legal team. A legal quandary now emerges out of the situation, with the Panthers weighing up whether to pull the trigger and terminate May’s contract, with question marks over whether their justification is water tight. Expect the next move to play out in about a week’s time.

! Spotted: A flag featuring Taylan May still flying proudly on Mulgoa Road despite the serious allegations of domestic violence against him. While May is entitled to the presumption of innocence, Penrith City Council would probably be wise to remove the flag for now given the city’s stance on violence against women.

! Lomax in town: My new text line (0434 986 622) was going off last Sunday when a number of fans spotted Dragons winger Zac Lomax in the stands at BlueBet Stadium. And it had a little extra spice to it because a few days earlier, there’d been a story about Lomax potentially joining Penrith for the run to the Finals before he switches to the Eels next season. Long-time fan Ben Cummins even snapped a photo with Lomax (pictured). But Dragons fans can rest easy. Lomax was there to support a mate in NSW Cup – not to scope out potential new digs.

! New podcast launches: The Western Weekender is today launching a brand new podcast, ‘Tension’s Running High’, available wherever you listen to podcasts or on the Weekender website at www.westernweekender.com.au. The podcast, hosted by Troy Dodds and Nathan Taylor, replaces the ‘10 Minute Match Day’ podcast which has been running on game days throughout the 2024 season. The new podcast will be longer and offer a more expansive look at what’s happening around the Panthers. It’ll be out every Friday. Search ‘Western Weekender’ wherever you listen to podcasts.

! Big Marn’s big tribute: Former Panther and now media superstar Darryl Brohman has paid tribute to former teammate and business leader Lou Zivanovic. In a fascinating chat on James Graham’s podcast, Brohman opens up about his life and career, and speaks highly of a number of former Panthers, including Phil Gould and Royce Simmons. He offers tremendous insights into his relationship with both. But he saved the most glowing tribute for Zivanovic. “He’s done brilliantly,” Brohman said. “I don’t see a lot of him but I have great

Lisati departs: The Panthers have lost youngster Ativalu Lisati after he was granted an immediate release to join the Melbourne Storm. “Valu has been a great player for our club over the past few years, and made a positive impact on those around him,” Panthers Rugby League CEO Matt Cameron said this week.

! Spotted: Panthers five-eighth Jarome Luai giving up time pre-game last Sunday to sign autographs and take photos with young fans. Luai is still one of the most popular Panthers around.

respect for him. He worked his butt off to get to a situation where he then took a few risks financially... he came from nothing. I’m really happy for him.” You can watch The Bye Round Podcast with Darryl Brohman and James Graham on YouTube.

! Origin on the move? Panthers CEO Brian Fletcher is supporting a push to move State of Origin matches to Mondays when it comes to the next TV deal. There’s a theory that while clubs would still miss players leading up to Origin games, participants would be more likely to back-up with a long recovery period. Origin scheduling is always a difficult one for the NRL – but I feel the league was a lot closer to minimising the impact when it had the rep round a few years back with one Origin match on a Sunday. They’ve gone backwards in having all three games on Wednesdays.

! Kepaoa joins Panthers: The Panthers on Wednesday announced the signing of Asu ‘AJ’ Kepaoa on an immediate transfer from the Wests Tigers. The 24-year-old, who made his NRL debut in 2020, has signed until the end of next season.

! Making cash in Vegas: The Panthers will be paid $350,000 by the NRL to give up a home game to play in Las Vegas next March. It’s a sweet deal for Penrith, who will be homeless next season as their home ground is redeveloped. Penrith will also cop a cash bonus for taking a home game to Magic Round.

! Annesley’s admission: NRL Head of Football Graham Annesley has admitted Josh Aloiai should have been sin-binned for his trip on Penrith fullback Daine Laurie last Sunday. The incident went un-noticed on the field by the match officials and wasn’t called back by the Bunker, but Aloiai was later charged and suspended for two weeks. “It should have been a sin bin,” Annesley said. “Even though play may continue, it doesn’t prevent a player going to the sin bin... even though the officials missed it in live play.”

! Brothers picked for Blues: Penrith’s Jesse and Casey McLean have both been picked for the New South Wales Under 19s side that will play Queensland in State of Origin on Thursday, June 20 at Leichhardt Oval.

PAUL ANSWERS CALL OF THE CHAMPS

Penrith’s Paul Alamoti thought he would be a Bulldog for life – that was until the three-time NRL Premiers came calling.

The 20-year-old centre made his NRL debut for Canterbury in the opening round of the 2023 season before going on to play 19 games in the top grade.

A strong goalkicker and versatile in multiple positions, Alamoti was earmarked as a star of the future before his time at Belmore came to an abrupt end last year.

“As soon as Penrith approached me, I was all-in,” Alamoti told Extra Time

“I never thought I’d end up here; I always thought I’d be a Doggies player for the rest of my career, but the world works in mysterious ways and I ended up at Penrith.

“It was a no-brainer decision to come.”

Canterbury’s loss is Penrith’s gain, with Alamoti running out for the Panthers seven times this season and crossing the line on four occasions.

The Milperra Colts junior said he didn’t expect to play too many games in the NRL this year, but has enjoyed every minute playing alongside some of the best in the business.

“To get half a dozen games under my belt so far has been really good and it definitely helps when you’re playing with a lot of quality players,” Alamoti said.

“I think playing so many games for the Bulldogs last year helped me massively also. I was

able to get a year of NRL under my belt before coming here and every bit of experience playing in the NRL arena definitely helps.”

Despite still living at home to “save cash” because “it’s not cheap out here”, Alamoti has fit into the Panthers system and community like a glove.

If you think the 98kg former Australian Schoolboy looks comfortable out on the field already, it’s because he is and there’s a few big reasons for it.

“Firstly, the work we put in on the training paddock, everything that’s designed for the boys to do day in, day out, is meant to help you if you do end up in the NRL team. So, if you do get a chance to slot in, all the training and drills they put you through, it’s all meant to enable you to slot in with ease and make you comfortable,” Alamoti said.

“Secondly, what’s good about this club is that it’s a tightknit group where everyone gets along with each other.

“There’s always different things going on around the joint – boys playing basketball, boys playing cards, boys having a laugh in the corner. I, personally, try and mingle and learn off everyone – be a sponge.”

As for Alamoti’s future at the foot of the Mountains, he’ll remain a Panther in 2025 with the club expected to provide more details in the coming weeks.

“I definitely want to stay,” he confirmed. “I’ve found a home here, it’s very enjoyable, I love coming to work, so hopefully I can be here a bit longer.”

Paul Alamoti has been strong for the Panthers this season. Photo: NRL Photos.

TAYLOR

FOOTY

feature

LATE BLOOMER KEEN TO PROVE HIS WORTH

If you were looking for information on Penrith’s latest debutant Trent Toelau recently, you wouldn’t have found much on the club’s website.

Apart from a headshot, the date he made his debut and some stats from his first game, Toelau is somewhat of a mystery man.

But, not for long…

Born in Victoria and raised in Melbourne, Toelau is among the rare group of NRL players who played their junior footy in the AFL capital of the world.

Plying his trade in the burgeoning Melbourne Storm system, Toelau won the Thunderbolts Player of the Year Award in 2018 followed by the Darren Bell Medal in 2019 after being judged the Storm’s best in the Jersey Flegg competition.

“I was born and bred in Melbourne. I grew up there and played all of my junior and Flegg footy there,” Toelau told Extra Time

“I’d just won back-to-back awards but, after my final year of Flegg, it came time for me to move on.”

Unable to see a path to first grade, Toelau moved to Sydney for a bigger opportunity.

He landed at Newtown initially before joining Penrith’s feeder club St Marys, where things really started to take off.

Off the back of some hard work and perseverance, Toelau netted himself a pre-season at the Panthers before bouncing between Ron Massey Cup and NSW Cup over the past couple of seasons.

Toelau admitted that while he relished the opportunity to play in rugby league heartland, he was missing home a fair bit.

“At the start it was hard to move up here – just more homesick, missing Mum and that, family, friends, but now I wouldn’t change it for the world,” he said.

“It’s been a dream come true moving here and, in hindsight, it was probably the right thing to do.”

After strong performances in NSW Cup last year, Toelau earned the

opportunity to train with the NRL team during pre-season and now he’s starting to get the attention he very much deserves.

“This is my first year full-time, all the other years in the Cup squad, you’d come to training in the arvos,” he said.

“[The attention] is crazy… it’s something you want because it means you’re doing something good. I’m very grateful to have the support from all the fans and members.”

Following some stunning performances in NSW Cup this season and the Panthers down on troops due to Origin, Toelau finally got his chance to play in the NRL when he was named on the bench for Penrith’s Round 13 clash against the Dragons.

His 24-minute stint – at the age of 24 – was a dream come true for the self-confessed late bloomer.

“Playing NRL was something that I’d been looking forward to for a long time… the game was a dream come true,” Toelau said.

“I’m 24, turning 25 in November. I’m a bit older than most debutants but it was the best day. It’s something

I’ve been working at for a long time and to finally achieve it, and at this club as well, it was pretty special.”

And fortunately for Panthers fans, they’ll be seeing a lot more of this talented Melbournian in the years to come after the father of one recently inked an extension with the club.

“I’m here until the end of 2026,” Toelau, who became a dad five weeks ago, confirmed.

“I signed on a month or two ago, locked down my future for a couple of more years.

“I’m a five-eighth but I’ll play wherever I can. That #14 spot is somewhere I feel like I can add to the team, playing in different positions. But, at the moment, I’m still trying to learn and I want to get better.”

Trent Toelau made his NRL debut on June 1. Photo: NRL Images.

NATHAN TAYLOR

SCOTT SORENSEN

WHERE ARE TOP JUNIORS NOW?

When you think Panthers, you think of the wonderful junior nursery and the incredibly successful Pathways Program, particularly, over the last five years.

The strong form of Liam Henry this year, himself a graduate of that program had me thinking. I wonder what happened to past players who had won the Panthers Holden Cup/ Jersey Flegg Cup Player of the Year Awards.

Between 2020-2022, due to COVID and the disruption it caused to lower grades, a Jersey Flegg Cup Player of the Year was not given out, so I thought I’d look at the last 10 winners dating back to 2011 and find out what happened to them.

2011 – Kurt Horton – Unfortunately Horton never played first grade, but he did play a lot of football, first for Mt Pritchard in the VB NSW Cup before moving to the UK and turning out for Workington. He finished with the Asquith Magpies in the Ron Massey Cup in 2018.

with Peter Lang

2012 – Vaipuna Tia-Kilifi –Vaipuna easily won the Panthers Holden Cup Player of the Year. Unfortunately, Vaipuna could not get past reserve grade at Penrith. He did go on to play for the Northern Pride in the Queensland Intrust Super Cup before joining the Mt Pritchard Mounties in the NSW Intrust Super Premiership in 2017.

2013 – Daniel Foster – Foster played International Rugby League for Tonga (2013-15) and for Penrith’s NSW Cup side in 2014-15.

2014 – Brendan Attwood –Attwood played reserve grade for Penrith in 2015-16 before finishing up at Blacktown Workers in 2017 in the NSW Intrust Super Premiership.

2015 – Moses Leota – Four-

time Grand Finalist, three-time Premiership winner for Panthers. He has also played six test matches for New Zealand over the last two years. Leota is signed with Penrith until the end of 2027. He has no plans to ever play for any other club.

2016 – Corey Waddell – Is currently playing in the secondrow for the Manly Sea-Eagles. After

playing reserve grade for Penrith he had stints with Manly (2019-20) and Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs (2021-23).

2017 – Wayde Egan – Egan played made his first-grade debut for Penrith in 2018 before going on to play a total of 29 first grade games for the club. He signed with the New Zealand Warriors in 2020 where he has become a mainstay of the side.

2018 – Daine Laurie – Laurie went on to play three first grade games for the Panthers in 2020 before joining the Wests Tigers for the next three years. He returned to the foot of the mountains at the start of this season and played his best game ever for Penrith against the Sea Eagles last weekend.

2019 – Charlie Staines – The ‘Forbes Ferrari’ scored four tries in his first grade debut for the Panthers in 2020 before moving to the Tigers in 2023 after the Panthers told him he was free to look elsewhere at the end of 2022.

Special mention to Jack Cole who last year won the NSWRL Jersey Flegg Player of the Year Award. Finally last year’s Jersey Flegg Cup Player winner was Sam Lane, who is currently plying his trade by playing in the centres for the Panthers Flegg side.

He still dreams of playing first grade in the NRL.

The Western Weekender Penrith Panthers Player of the Year 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 with the most votes at the end of the season is crowned our Player of the Year.

Corey Waddell was Penrith’s Jersey Flegg Player of the Year in 2016.

panther memories

Did you know that a young Kelly Clarkson performed live at Penrith’s 2003 Grand Final win over the Roosters?

In fact, it was a star-studded Grand Final entertainment line-up, with Meat Loaf the headline act.

But while Meat Loaf may have been the top attraction, securing Clarkson – just 21 at the time – was a huge get for the NRL.

She had won ‘American Idol’ just a year before, kickstarting what would become a successful pop career.

Who would have thought just 12 months after winning America’s biggest TV talent show, she’d be the opening act for the likes of Craig Gower, Ryan Girdler and Preston Campbell?

(Photos thanks to NRL Photos)

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