Extra Time Round 3 (Panthers Bye) - March 17 2023

THE NEXT BIG THING

PANTHERS LOCK RISING FORWARD LIAM HENRY INTO LONG-TERM DEAL AT FOOT OF THE MOUNTAINS READ THE DETAILS ON PAGE 38

Liam Henry.

nrl ladder & fixtures

here ’ s cheers

NAME: CHLOE CARTER

SUBURB: WERRINGTON DOWNS

What do you love about being a Pantherette?

Being able to be involved in the game and atmosphere whilst doing something I really love!

If you were stranded on a desert island, who are you bringing with you and why? I’d bring my Dad because he can kill all the bugs for me!

panther rumblings

SONI MAY BE IN HIGH DEMAND

! Penrith’s dummy half conundrum: Penrith will at some point face a tough decision when it comes to the number nine jumper. Mitch Kenny is currently the club’s first choice hooker and remains contracted to the club until the end of 2024. But Soni Luke, who is quickly emerging as a fan favourite and has impressed in his stints at dummy half this year, is off-contract at the end of 2023 and is free to talk to other clubs now. Any club in desperate need of a hooker would be silly not to look at Luke, whose injury-tarnished career is finally taking off. Whether or not Penrith re-sign him may largely be dependent on how Kenny performs this year. The Panthers do have plenty of talent coming through at hooker, so a ‘watch this space’ sign very much hangs over the position long-term.

! Panthers quick to respond: Penrith issued an official statement regarding the Latrell Mitchell racism incident less than an hour after full-time last Thursday night. It was a brief statement issued at 10.45pm and confirmed the club was aware of the matter and was working with the NRL on an investigation. It’s no surprise Penrith hasn’t commented publicly much since. It’s not about being media shy, but in recent years the Panthers have taken the approach that there’s no need to say more than that’s required on any particular issue. It’s worked in other facets of the club’s operations and was the right option to take here too.

! League legend’s bizarre rant: Former Rabbitohs star Greg Inglis had an odd take on the whole racism drama. Inglis believes the comment made by a 15-year-old in a Roosters jersey has somehow tarnished Penrith’s two Premierships. “All the hard work they’ve done in the last three years... for this moron to go out and just racially slur one of the biggest names in the game, it just clouds everything,” Inglis told the ‘Footy Talk’ podcast. The podcast was recorded on Friday and by then it was widely known the teen who made the comment was not a Penrith supporter. It’s always tricky when former players comment on unsavoury incidents. Inglis wants a life ban for the teen who made the comment to Mitchell. It’s an intriguing demand – had the NRL issued a life ban for Inglis’ first brush with the law back in 2009, his career would have been over before it really began.

! Luai in Blues jeopardy: It seems way too early to be talking Origin, but I’m told Jarome Luai is no sure thing to retain his New South Wales jersey for this year’s series. The Blues obviously see a club partnership as an advantage and there’s no doubt Nathan Cleary will

wear the number seven for the upcoming series. But Luai has some work to do to convince Blues selectors he’s the right option – his club form will be closely watched over the next few months.

! Spotted: Penrith legend Royce Simmons catching up with fans who’d travelled all the way from Adelaide to watch the Panthers v Rabbitohs contest. Simmons was enjoying a beer with them post-game at the Leagues Club.

! Ball in town: American businessman LaVar Ball, father of basketball’s famous Ball brothers, will be in Sydney next week, and I’m hearing there was no chance he was going to miss the Grand Final re-match between Penrith and Parramatta. Ball has secured himself a ticket for the showdown at CommBank Stadium.

! Cleary falls short: A greyhound by the name of Cleary is still struggling to find its first win. It went around at Richmond last Sunday as a short-priced favourite but finished outside of the placings. It’s had seven starts so far and only collected $1,140 in prize money, with its best finish being a second placing back on January 6. Despite the name, the dog has no relationship with the Cleary family.

! Kiama calls: The Panthers have opted to

go into camp this week given the unusual situation of having a bye early in the season. Ivan Cleary and the first grade squad have spent time in Kiama, as they go through an unusual preparation for next Thursday night’s showdown with Parramatta at CommBank Stadium. The club has also taken the opportunity to instigate a short media ban, escaping any of the coverage surrounding the racism drama at BlueBet Stadium last weekend.

! Fletch back at work: Panthers boss Brian Fletcher is back in the office after a frightening security scare. Police became involved when Fletcher was sent a bizarre package and a death threat. They advised Fletcher to work from home while investigations took place. Police tracked down the man who sent the package, discovering he’d taken his own life. It was a sad end to a bizarre story. Fletcher is now back at work as normal.

! Get in touch: I love hearing rumours! I don’t keep secrets but I do protect my sources. If you’ve heard anything on the grapevine, spotted a player or know some news, email maskedpanther@westernweekender.com.au.

Soni Luke. Photo: NRL Images.

PANTHERS RE-SIGN EMERGING STAR

He’s only played one NRL game, but Penrith have shown an enormous amount of faith in youngster Liam Henry, re-signing the promising forward until the end of the 2026 season.

The 21-year-old prop was already contracted to the club for the 2023 and 2024 seasons, but has signed a two-year extension that will see him remain in Panthers colours until 2026.

With two-time premiership-winning prop Spencer Leniu moving east at season’s end, Henry’s extension is a clear sign that Penrith have big plans for him in the coming years.

A Blayney Bears junior, Henry has played for Penrith’s Jersey Flegg and NSW Cup teams since joining the club in 2019, and made his NRL debut against the North Queensland Cowboys in Round 25 last year.

“Re-signing with the Panthers means everything to me because l love this club – it feels like home,” Henry said.

“They gave me an opportunity and I want to repay the faith. I’m really excited to remain with the Panthers for the next four years.”

Born in Orange and nicknamed ‘Horse’, Henry put in a solid 80-minute performance during Penrith’s 30-20 win to South Sydney in last week’s NSW Cup fixture. In the tight battle, he ran for 178 metres, notched up two tackle breaks and made 55 tackles.

Panthers Rugby League CEO Matt Cameron was excited to secure Henry long-term.

“We are thrilled to see Liam commit to the club and we look forward to seeing him progress his rugby league career in Panthers colours,” he said.

“Not only is Liam a talented rugby league

player, but he is also a respectful and hardworking young man, who represents the club with pride.”

Long-time Panthers Recruitment Manager Jim Jones congratulated Henry on his contract

extension.

“Liam is a dedicated player, who has earned the respect of all at Panthers,” he said.

“He has a great future at the club, and we look forward to his career progression.”

Liam Henry following his NRL debut against the Cowboys last year. Photo: NRL Images.

NATHAN TAYLOR

I’d like to join the long list of people who have condemned the 15 year-old supporter who allegedly yelled racial obscenities at Latrell Mitchell last Thursday at BlueBet Stadium.

Now I’m all for heckling an opposition player but there are two golden rules to follow if you’re going to do that. One, don’t bring a player’s family into it and two, do not ever make it about their nationality or the colour of their skin.

Yelling out ‘Lolly legs’ when a player is about to take a kick at goal or booing whenever they touch the ball is one thing. Racist comments are another altogether.

I am drawn to this quote by Giovannie de Sadeleer.

“The true colour of one person is not determined by skin, but by their behaviour in it.”

By not jumping the fence and fighting back with his fists, Latrell Mitchell showed more class than the boy who allegedly made the racist comments did... or perhaps ever will.

Where are they now? Robbie Beckett (Panthers 1994-2001)

The man nicknamed ‘Boom Boom’ during his playing days with the Panthers between 1994-2001, scored 66 tries in 146 games and always had speed to burn on the footy field.

Now 20 years retired from rugby league, Beckett lives in Tumut, a small town of 6700 people near the Snowy Mountains and works at Visy Pulp & Paper.

Unlike the speed he was known for on the field, Beckett is enjoying a slower pace of life with his wife Tanya.

“I moved to Tumut in 2004 and married a local girl,” Beckett told me recently.

“We now have two beautiful girls, Ella and Mia.”

From very humble beginnings operating out of a double garage in Riverstone to one of Australia’s largest independently owned plasterboard distributors with Factories in Sydney, Melbourne And Canberra “we are very proud to be sponsoring the greatest footballer of his generation for the 2023 season as Nathan continues to inspire a new generation of Panthers coming through”

Granville Plastamasta is a family business in every sense of the word and so is this mighty Club. We wish Nathan and his family of Brothers the best of luck this year as they chase history.

When asked what he remembered most about his rugby league days, Beckett replied: “Just all the good mates I made over the years, plus playing with superstars like Brad Fittler, Greg Alexander, Ryan Girdler, Rhys Wesser and Craig Gower. But the toughest player I ever knew was Morvin Edwards.”

Beckett said he would like to see the Panthers make it a three-peat in 2023 and believes Ivan Cleary and his troops can do it. As for his well-known speed, it

seems he has passed it on to his daughter Mia, who regularly blitzes the opposition at running carnivals she takes part in.

When asked what was ahead for him, well it was all about his two children.

“The girls have got Rep BBall and Ladies Tag coming up. I coach the Under 14’s League Tag for Tumut so... busy times ahead,” Beckett smiled.

It’s great to hear Beckett is doing so well in retirement.

2023 PLAYER PARTNER

photo of : Corey Battese, owner & his son Connor with Nathan Cleary

PLASTAMASTA GRANVILLE PLASTASTORE.COM.AU | 20 KENDALL ST, GRANVILLE | (02) 9637 0766

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Former Panthers winger Robbie Beckett with his two daughters. Robbie Beckett in his playing days with Penrith. Photo: NRL Images.

with Peter Lang

WEIGHT: 92KG |

HEIGHT: 182CM |

DOB: 14/11/97 |

WE LOVE RIVALRIES OLD AND NEW

Rivalries make the rugby league world revolve and get ready to spin out of control!

On Friday, the oldest rivalry sees the Roosters and Rabbitohs go at it for the 230th time. Their 229th meeting involved seven sin-binnings, five failed HIA’s, five charges from the Match Review Committee and two suspensions. Basically complete chaos.

matt russell

A night earlier Manly and Parra open Round 3. Both arrived in the Big League in 1947 and have been trading blows before and after the beer commercial had “Mr Motion came sliding in… and all the crowd began to sing”! Parramatta, beaten Grand Finalists last season are yet to win a game. Manly, who slid horribly out of contention last season, are on top of the table.

Then next Friday we welcome the newest rivalry when Brisbane and the Dolphins do battle for the first time.

What a rich part of the rugby league draw we’re at already. What a time to be alive!

The ‘Battle Of Brisbane’ is still a week away but already Adam Reynolds is urging his Broncos not to look past St George Illawarra on Saturday night. You can be guaranteed Wayne Bennett is telling his men to concentrate on a war-torn Newcastle this Friday.

Unbelievably, if both heed those

warnings, they’ll head into the Round 4 mega-match boasting 3-0 records. If anyone tells you they predicted that, you’re listening to the globe’s greatest fibber. For a long time, the Broncos had Queensland to themselves, let alone Brisbane. A heavyweight of Australian sport in terms of brand, results and all the funds that flow from that.

But now the crown has slipped, and the Dolphins are here to kick it to the curb. They’ve deliberately avoided identifying as Redcliffe to tap into Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, basically anywhere in southern Queensland the Broncos thought was theirs.

Add to all this, Wayne Bennett. The wily 73-year-old has welcomed, invented, and survived that many rivalries you half expect one of his eyebrows to pick a fight with the other one when he’s bored. He’ll sit high above ‘his stadium’, watching ‘his teams’ play on ‘his terms’. He’d love to beat Brisbane and his players will know that. If you thought they were peaking in Round 1, wait ‘til Round 4.

The Queensland rivalries already played make it hard to pick a winner.

When Brisbane first played a Gold Coast team – the Giants in 1988 –Scott Mieni, Ron Gibbs and Chris Close got the Coast home 25-22.

hidden panther

When Brisbane first played the Titans in 2007, tries to Michael Henderson, Anthony Laffranchi, Mark Minichiello and Brett Delaney helped the underdogs win 28-16.

The Dolphins should be enthused by that.

Conversely, North Queensland endured 14 losses and two draws before finally beating Brisbane, nearly a decade after the Cowboys arrived.

The Broncos should be enthused by that.

Whatever you think, make sure ‘Friday, March 24, Dolphins v Broncos, Suncorp Stadium, on Fox League’ is in your diary.

The Roosters and Rabbitohs go at it last year. Photo: NRL Images.

MIXED RESULTS IN SECOND ROUND

The Penrith Panthers have opened the Knock-On Effect NSW Cup season with back-to-back wins, defeating the South Sydney Rabbitohs 30-20 at BlueBet Stadium last Thursday.

The Panthers raced to a 10-0 lead after only six minutes thanks to tries down the right edge by Jack Cole and Logan Dickson.

It didn’t take long for the Rabbitohs to hit back, with Ethan O’Neill winning the race to a grubber in the 14th minute.

Cole once again found space on the right in the 24th minute, restoring the lead to 10 points, before Isaiah Iongi muscled his way past four defenders, opening up a 22-6 lead at half-time.

lower grades report

The Panthers suffered a setback to begin the second half, losing both wingers to injury, before a pair of tries to Rabbitohs winger Tom Carr reduced the lead to 22-16.

A long-range penalty goal from Kurt Falls pushed the Panthers lead back beyond a converted try eight minutes from full-time, before an error from the kick-off gave Souths another opportunity to score, cutting the margin to 24-20.

A well-deserved try to hooker Luke Sommerton within the final two minutes wrapped up the 30-20 victory for the Panthers.

Penrith have suffered their first defeat of the Jersey Flegg season, falling 17-16 to the Rabbitohs at BlueBet Stadium on Saturday.

The two sides traded tries in the first half, with the Panthers scoring first through Liam Ison in the 13th minute.

The Rabbitohs quickly hit back out wide through Carson Kaho, before the Panthers immediately returned serve when Ryley Smith ran 35 metres from dummy half.

The Rabbitohs again hit back shortly after, before Joseph Nohra added a field goal late in the half to give the visitors an 11-10 half time lead.

Another Rabbitohs try shortly after half time extended the margin to 5, before a penalty goal

with 10 to go seemed to wrap up the result. A long-range try in the dying minutes gave the Panthers a sniff, however they ultimately ran out of time, going down 17-16.

Both grades join the NRL side in having a bye in Round 3.

Penrith half Kurt Falls in action last week against South Sydney. Photo: NRL Images.

EELS DOLPHINS

SEA EAGLES DOLPHINS

ROOSTERS STORM COWBOYS BRONCOS

ROOSTERS STORM WARRIORS BRONCOS

BULLDOGS SHARKS

BULLDOGS SHARKS

SEA EAGLES DOLPHINS ROOSTERS TITANS COWBOYS BRONCOS

SEA EAGLES DOLPHINS RABBITOHS STORM COWBOYS BRONCOS

SEA EAGLES DOLPHINS RABBITOHS STORM COWBOYS BRONCOS

EELS DOLPHINS ROOSTERS STORM COWBOYS BRONCOS

BULLDOGS SHARKS

BULLDOGS SHARKS

BULLDOGS SHARKS

BULLDOGS SHARKS

BULLDOGS SHARKS