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Photo: NRL Images.
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THE PRINCE IS BACK NATHAN CLEARY RETURNS FOR FRIDAY’S GRAND FINAL RE-MATCH AGAINST SOUTHS. MATCH PREVIEW PAGE 31
MASKED PANTHER KIKAU LOVES CHANGING NAPPIES, INCREDIBLE FRAMED MERCH AND SO MUCH MORE PAGE 32
ABOVE AND BEYOND
LANG ON LEAGUE
HOW J’MAINE HOPGOOD IS GOING THE EXTRA MILE TO PROVE HIMSELF AT PENRITH PAGE 35
PETER LANG LOOKS AT ISAAH YEO’S INCREDIBLE START TO THE 2022 NRL SEASON PAGE 34
Friday, April 1, 2022 « the western weekender
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the western weekender • extra time » Friday, April 1, 2022
match preview
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Taylan May celebrates a try. Photo: NRL Images.
TROY DODDS
P
enrith go into this Round 4 clash against South Sydney in the best possible position as the only unbeaten team in the competition and with players now starting to return after an early season injury crisis. Leading the charge is halfback Nathan Cleary, ironically returning against the side who he dismantled in last year’s Grand Final, winning the Clive Churchill Medal in the process. The return of Cleary is significant but as proven over the past few weeks, the club’s “next man up” mentality is well and truly working as the Panthers now become one of those sides who prove almost unbeatable no matter who runs out in the jersey. This game offers plenty of hype in the lead-up, mainly focused on the Rabbitohs
FRIDAY, APRIL 1 | 8.05PM | BLUEBET STADIUM | REFEREE: ASHLEY KLEIN and the perceived revenge they’re seeking against the side that robbed them of their 22nd premiership. I’m not sure these Grand Final re-matches are ever anything more than marketing hype for the media and fans – surely no Rabbitohs player is seeing a Round 4 win as some sort of restitution for losing a Premiership decider? Regardless, it’d be huge for the Rabbitohs if they could claim the scalp of the Premiers. After a shaky first couple of weeks (albeit, they put Melbourne to the sword), Souths came alive last Friday against the Roosters, delivering a powerful performance that reignited hope they could indeed be a top four side. Both these sides have conceded an average of 14 points this season, but the
Panthers are averaging 28 in attack and Souths just 15. The Rabbitohs therefore will need to find more tries against a stoic Penrith defence than they have all season – not an easy task, though they certainly found their attacking mojo against the Roosters. Cleary’s kicking game will be important here, especially against the likes of Latrell Mitchell and Alex Johnston who can be dangerous in open space. As good as Sean O’Sullivan has been in the first three weeks of the season, he doesn’t have the depth to his kicking game that Cleary offers and that’ll be a most welcome difference on Friday. I’m still a little worried about Penrith’s left-side defence – Izack Tago and Taylan May’s tackle efficiency is poor and they
PANTHERS
FOX LEAGUE CHANNEL 9 ABC 702 2GB 873
missed six tackles between them last weekend against the Knights. There’s no doubt Cody Walker will send plenty of attack their way on Friday. Meantime on the other side of the park, it’s hard to not see Alex Johnston landing a try against his less experienced counterpart. It’ll come down to the opportunities presented close to the line and with both James Fisher-Harris and Liam Martin possibly back this week, Penrith’s forwards should lay the platform for Cleary and Jarome Luai to do their thing. I’ve got little doubt this will be a high quality game of footy, but with Penrith’s incredible winning run at home and Cleary back on deck, it’s hard to see an upset emerging here. Tip: Panthers by 12.
RABBITOHS
1 Dylan Edwards
10 Spencer Leniu
1 Latrell Mitchell
2 Charlie Staines
11 Viliame Kikau
2 Alex Johnston
10 Mark Nicholls 11 Keaon Koloamatangi
3 Izack Tago
12 Scott Sorensen
3 Taane Milne
12 Jai Arrow
4 Stephen Crichton
13 Isaah Yeo (c)
4 Campbell Graham
13 Cameron Murray (c)
5 Taylan May
14 Mitch Kenny
5 Jaxson Paulo
14 Jacob Host
6 Jarome Luai
15 J’Maine Hopgood
6 Cody Walker
15 Siliva Havili
7 Nathan Cleary (c)
16 Lindsay Smith
7 Lachlan Ilias
16 Thomas Burgess
8 Matthew Eisenhuth
17 Jaeman Salmon
8 Tevita Tatola
17 Liam Knight
9 Api Koroisau
19 Liam Martin 24 James Fisher-Harris
9 Damien Cook
18 Blake Taaffe 19 Davvy Moale
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Friday, April 1, 2022 « the western weekender • extra time
panther rumblings
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WITH THE MASKED PANTHER
INCREDIBLE MERCH ON SHOW ! Frame it up: There’s been some awesome images pop up on social media in recent weeks of framed Panthers 2021 Premiership jerseys. Check out this amazing framed piece (pictured right) from Black Door Gallery, who have been kept busy with plenty of Panthers projects since the side won the decider last year. ! Nappy chief: He’s an enforcer on the field, but Viliame Kikau is a big softie off it. He’s absolutely loving being a new Dad, and has revealed he doesn’t mind changing nappies either. “We actually enjoy changing nappies, we take it in turns. He’s a good baby, doesn’t cry much,” Kikau said. “I’m getting a bit more sleep now. The first few weeks were pretty rough but now he’s sleeping really good.” ! Kati’s story: Pantherettes choreographer Kati Manning (pictured below) has gone full circle – back at the club in charge of the cheerleaders more than a decade after she first performed on the Penrith Stadium turf herself. Kati is the latest guest on the popular ‘Passion and Perspective’ podcast, which is out now. “The passion of their dance and the passion for the football – to combine the two is a perfect mix. I try to choreograph routines and create performance pieces that entertains,” Kati says on the episode. You can catch the ‘Passion and Perspective’ podcast on all the usual podcast platforms.
! Leniu stands up for Smith: One thing the cameras didn’t pick up last Saturday in Bathurst was Spencer Leniu’s response to Mitch Barnett’s high tackle on Chris Smith. Leniu was absolutely fuming on the touchline and even had to be restrained at one point – that’s how enraged he was at what had happened in the minutes prior. Barnett fronted the judiciary on Tuesday night and was suspended for six weeks.
Panthers destroy the Knights. There were plenty of smiles in the crowd and very little trouble as the folk of regional NSW welcomed Penrith and Newcastle fans alike. The big rumour doing the rounds was that Bathurst may get a second game in 2023 or 2024 while the Panthers are homeless due to the stadium redevelopment.
! Cool under pressure: Stephen Crichton was being relentlessly mocked by a Newcastle fan just metres from him when lining up his final conversion of the afternoon at Bathurst last Saturday. It wasn’t a pressure kick but Crichton landed it perfectly, ensuring he had the last laugh. ! Spotted: Mitch Kenny and Sean O’Sullivan grabbing breakfast at High Street Depot in Penrith last week. The stylish Kenny was wearing a vintage sweater.
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! Back in Bathurst: The Masked Panther made the trip to Carrington Park last Saturday and it was a fabulous afternoon with some 11,000 fans watching the
!
Fletch winding down: The appoint-
ment of the media shy Matt Cameron to the CEO role at Panthers was no surprise, with Brian Fletcher making no secret of the fact that he’s closer to the end of his tenure at Panthers than the beginning. Fletcher still has a few years to run on his current deal and remains Group CEO, where he’ll focus on the Leagues Clubs and the continuing development around the Panthers precinct. Peter Graham is the club’s new Chairman.
! Secrets lie beneath: Crazy as this may be, there’s rumours that several fans may have had their ashes buried beneath the surface at Penrith Stadium over the last 50odd years. It’s almost impossible to verify as none of it would have happened in the modern era, but with a full redevelopment of the stadium coming, who knows what secrets may be revealed. If you know anything, email maskedpanther@westernweekender.com.au.
CRICHTON RE-LIVES “THAT” MOMENT NATHAN TAYLOR
S
tephen Crichton was already a well-known face in Penrith but after his scintillating match-winning intercept try in last year’s NRL Grand Final, he has become hot property – almost a God-like figure – around town. Not a week has gone by since that perfect night on October 3 that the supremely talented 21-year-old hasn’t been stopped in the street or a café to talk about one of the greatest moments in Panthers history. In-fact, even during this interview on Wednesday afternoon, Crichton was interrupted by teammate Jarome Luai yelling “Stephen Crichton is away” in his best Ray Warren voice. “I think my life changed massively from that moment, I just get noticed a lot more now,” Crichton admitted to Extra Time. “People will come up and say ‘nice try’ or ask me ‘how did it feel?’ and things like that. It’s always the same answer.” While most players tend to shy away from their heroics on the field, Crichton is embracing it as he knows how much that particular moment meant to Penrith fans everywhere. “Getting noticed just comes with the game and there’s a lot of massive Panthers fans out there and, whenever I see them, it puts a massive smile on my face that they recognise me,” Crichton said. “I guess it’s a career highlight for me, on the biggest stage. It’s definitely one of my favourite moments playing the game… it’s right up there.” In the lead up to last year’s Grand Final
at Suncorp Stadium, Crichton said he and Panthers defensive coach Cameron Ciraldo studied the Rabbitohs’ attacking plays and what to watch out for. The St Clair Comets junior said the pair took particular interest in five-eighth Cody Walker, the man who threw the pass that Crichton would pick off. “I watched clips throughout the week with our defensive coach on what kinds of plays they’ve (South Sydney) got,” Crichton explained. “I think I was just in the right position at the right time. I was in a position to try and make a tackle, but I ended up catching the ball and ran off with it to score.” Crichton said even if the intercept didn’t come to fruition, he believes he was in the right spot to make the much-needed tackle instead. “Cody Walker could’ve made one of three passes and even if he hit short or hit long [and I missed the intercept], I think I was in a good position to make a tackle as well,” he said. “I was just watching the ball… it was perfect timing. It was good to pick it off.” A near sell-out crowd is expected Friday night when the Panthers and Rabbitohs do battle for the first time since last year’s Grand Final. Having been involved in their own revenge game against the Melbourne Storm this time last year, Crichton and the Panthers know exactly what to expect from the Bunnies tonight at BlueBet Stadium. “They are definitely going through what we did last year,” he said. “They know they missed a few opportunities in the Grand Final and they are going
the western weekender • extra time » Friday, April 1, 2022
feature
Stephen Crichton races away in the Grand Final. Photo: NRL Images.
to be working on those throughout the week. It’s a massive game and I know they are going to come out firing because of the Grand Final loss. But we’ll be ready and we’ll prepare well to resist them.” Giving Penrith a huge advantage heading into tonight’s Round 4 clash is the return of Clive Churchill Medallist and NSW Blues halfback Nathan Cleary, who will play his first game since last year’s Grand Final victory.
A moment that changed Penrith history: Cody Walker passes, as Stephen Crichton begins to swoop. Photo: NRL Images.
While Crichton praised his teammates for holding down the fort while Cleary was sidelined, he said he’s glad to have his co-captain back on the playing field. “It’s a massive confidence boost having Clez out there with the brains that he has and the kicking game that he has,” Crichton said. “It will be heaps of fun and exciting to have him back. It’ll be a good one eh.”
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Friday, April 1, 2022 « the western weekender • extra time
YEO EARNS GAME’S RESPECT AS OLD-FASHIONED LOCK H
lang on league with Peter Lang
e was a tall skinny kid who only wanted to play football. A Dubbo CYMS junior, Isaah Patrick FergusonYeo is the son of former North Sydney Bears and Balmain Tigers player Justin Yeo. Like his father, Isaah dreamed of playing in the NRL, little did he know back then, just how far his dreams would take him. Today he is one of the best lock forwards in the competition. At 27 years of age, he is at his peak of his rugby league powers. The co-captain of the reigning NRL Premiers and an incumbent NSW Origin player. He’s also on top of the Dally M Leaderboard with a perfect nine points out of nine! He is as vital to the success of the Panthers as his co-skipper and halfback Nathan Cleary. Cleary may be the on-field game manager but whenever it’s time to pull the trigger, run a play and bamboozle the opposition, he looks to his co-captain to help him execute the manoeuvre. Yeo is deadly with the ball in his hands and it’s fair to say he is the team’s third playmaker after Cleary and Luai. The amount of times he runs the ball to the line, engages the opposition players and then throws a deft pass to put a player into a hole is astounding. He’s like a lock forward should be, you know, in the old days when the position demanded a ball player as well as a ball runner. Back when the lock was a link between the forwards and backs.
There’s no doubt Yeo’s sublime ball playing and intelligent running have blurred the lines between the two skills. It’s what makes him so bloody dangerous. Isaah however also doesn’t shirk the tough stuff, the ‘sh*t rucks’ as they’re known. The term refers to a hard run made by a player when the team is trying to gain some yardage five metres out from their own line. Next time you watch a game, see how many of these types of runs Yeo makes. When you look at the club’s weekly Stat Attack sheet, Isaah Yeo’s name is always on it. Over-and-over again. Most tackles, most metres, most post contact metres. Panthers coach Ivan Cleary knew he had something special when he gave Yeo his debut in first grade in 2014. Too skinny to be a forward, Cleary put him in at centre and it’s fair to say, Yeo didn’t immediately stand out. In fact, it took Yeo a few years to find his feet in first grade but he kept being picked and every season he just kept improving. It’s been said that, blood, sweat and respect are three vital components to success. The first two you give, the last one you earn. It’s fair to say Isaah Yeo has always given the first two… and Isaah Yeo leads the Dally M Medal tally. now he definitely has the third.
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the western weekender • extra time » Friday, April 1, 2022
feature
HOPGOOD KEEN TO PROVE COMMITMENT NATHAN TAYLOR
N
RL star in the making J’maine Hopgood is doing everything he can to impress his coaches and earn more game-time in the hopes of landing a new contract at Penrith. Last weekend the 22-year-old forward, who is currently off-contract, played not one but two games of rugby league – backing up his 18-minute performance for the Panthers in Bathurst with a 49-minute stint in NSW Cup the following day. It’s the stuff you heard about often in the ’80s or ’90s when players used to get ‘bashed’ in reserve grade before running out in the main game just hours later. With Hopgood not playing any form of football in Round 2 due to being named as 18th man in Penrith’s NRL game, the Queenslander thought it would be in his best interests to get more game time under his belt last weekend as the battle for spots in first grade heats up. “Because I got rested the week before and didn’t play any footy, I asked Ivan if I could have another run around,” Hopgood told Extra Time on Monday.
“I pulled up fine in Bathurst and I knew some of the boys were testing their fitness to come back this week, and I didn’t want to be underdone whether that be in first grade or reserve grade.” With injuries starting to bite Penrith, particularly their forwards, Hopgood’s initiative to play more footy would’ve impressed coach Ivan Cleary. After making his NRL debut last season, Hopgood said his goal in 2022 is to play more first grade. “I played five games last year and the goal for me this year is to get a few more games under my belt,” the Hervey Bay Seagulls junior said. “Obviously coming off contract, that’s always a big thing as well. You want to be playing good footy whether that’s in first grade or reserve grade. “It’s great that I got a game early on this year, so hopefully I can build off that momentum and get a few more games throughout the year.” More game-time for Hopgood will also result in more interest from rival NRL clubs, however with his family – including his mum and sisters – now living in the area, the man known as ‘Mainey’ would love nothing more than to stay right where he is. “This club gave me the opportunity to play first grade, so it’s always going to be a home to me here,” Hopgood admitted.
J’maine Hopgood feels at home in Penrith. Photo: Melinda Jane.
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Friday, April 1, 2022 « the western weekender • extra time
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Friday, April 1, 2022 « the western weekender • extra time
TAKING YOU INSIDE THE CRAZY WORLD OF THE NRL SIDELINE I
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’m lucky to be sent there by Fox League often. That location has been in the news a bit lately. It was where Wests Tigers trainer Robbie Farah was supposedly ‘giving it’ to the head coach last Friday. It is also where some people want the HIA spotters instead of in the NRL Bunker. I say bunkum to both… but I’ll get to those points in a moment. Let me (try) to take you inside the crazy place that is the NRL sideline. We sideline reporters sit behind a screen showing the broadcast and above an audio control panel, marked ‘on air’ and ‘producer’. (God help you if you push the wrong one!). We have headphones to hear the commentary, plus instructions from the producer and other technical staff. I sit with one ear-piece on and the other above an ear, so I can hear all the natural sound unfolding sideline. Then at the right time in the game – not on tackles five or six, or while teams are in the attacking 20m, or while someone else is talking, or over a kick-off, break, referee audio – you deliver some of the below. Apart from observing the play and delivering your researched facts and figures of those involved, your primary job is to report what is happening sideline. A LOT HAPPENS. As players come and go from the bench as regular interchanges – you want to nail their arrival for a big milestone,
Lara Pitt on the sideline for Fox.
return from injury, or key moment… and conversely mention their stats if they’re leaving the field after a big stint. Then there are the Head Injury Assessments, which we’re seeing more and more of. Note to self – I’ll check if he’s passed in 15 minutes. Key injuries need to be reported quickly, accurately and respectfully. There’s the
training staff to watch and talk to. Half-time reports. The crowd mood and occasional witty sledge can provide more material. The ground manager might drop a big crowd number in your lap or tell you an ambulance has been called for ‘Player X’. Our Fox League floor manager often delivers more information as another ‘set of eyes’. It’s loud, it’s fast, it’s drama charged. Sometimes you’re up and down more than the players as you check in with different NRL officials and team representatives. It’s not uncommon to have no idea what’s happened on field for the last 10 minutes because so much has been happening off it. So last Friday at Campbelltown, as much of the above unfolded, I wasn’t surprised to see Robbie Farah shouting to the bench and gesticulating wildly as communications broke down with the game on the line. Robbie knows this arena well. It’s not for the meek and mild. Yes there was colourful language but none of it unusual in this environment and none of it pointing to a rift with the coach. This is the National Rugby League baby. Play on. It’s also why, the NRL doctors are better in a calm, quiet bunker, assisted by multiple replays and much technology. The sideline isn’t a place to quickly and easily look for different head knock indicators and relay information efficiently. The sideline is bedlam but it’s brilliant. Sometimes I leave thinking I need an HIA.
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PD
W
D
L
B
F
A
+/-
PTS
1
Panthers
3
3
0
0
0
86
42
+44
6
2
Cowboys
3
2
0
1
0
68
24
+44
4
3
Sharks
3
2
0
1
0
73
52
+21
4
4
Knights
3
2
0
1
0
66
48
+18
4
5
Storm
3
2
0
1
0
65
58
+7
4
6
Eels
3
2
0
1
0
76
70
+6
4
7
Raiders
3
2
0
1
0
54
67
-13
4
8
Broncos
3
2
0
1
0
39
52
-13
4
9
Rabbitohs
3
1
0
2
0
46
42
4
2
10 Titans
3
1
0
2
0
70
74
-4
2
11
Bulldogs
3
1
0
2
0
28
33
-5
2
12 Warriors
3
1
0
2
0
50
60
-10
2
13 Roosters
3
1
0
2
0
48
60
-12
2
14 Dragons 15 Sea Eagles 16 W. Tigers
3 3 3
1 1 0
0 0 0
2 2 3
0 0 0
56 31 32
72 66 68
-16 -35 -36
2
ROUND 4 V
Thursday, March 31 8.05pm Cbus Super Stadium
V
Friday, April 1 6.00pm PointsBet Stadium
V
Friday, April 1 8.05pm BlueBet Stadium
V
Saturday, April 2 3.00pm Moreton Daily Stadium
V
Saturday, April 2 5.30pm Glen Willow Oval
V
Saturday, April 2 7.35pm QLD Country Bank Stadium
V
Sunday, April 3 4.05pm AAMI Park
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Extra Time Issue Number 2022-004
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Sunday, April 3 6.15pm Commbank Stadium
PRODUCED BY The Western Weekender EDITOR Troy Dodds / 4722 2998 troy.dodds@westernweekender.com.au WRITERS Nathan Taylor, Peter Lang, Matt Russell, Lachlan Jeffery SALES DIRECTOR Chris Pennisi / 4722 2998 chris.pennisi@westernweekender.com.au
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. . . Be part of our Passion . . .
Contractor Licence: 122820C WW47936
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lower grades report with Lachlan Jeffery @LachlanJeffery
he Penrith Panthers have continued their blistering start to the Knock-on Effect NSW Cup season, thrashing the Newcastle Knights 40-10 on a wet afternoon at BlueBet Stadium. There was a lengthy delay early after Knights hooker Liam Wilkinson was knocked out attempting the first tackle of the match. Penrith were able to quickly get into their rhythm, with Kurt Falls setting up the opening two tries to Matt Stimson. The first came with a simple grubber into the in-goal, while the second was via a handy offload. It was Falls’ halves partner Niwhai Puru who set up the next two tries, both to Tom Jenkins. The first came from a similar in-goal grubber, while the second was a simple shift and beautiful cut-out pass from Puru to give the Panthers a 22-0 lead that they took to half time. The Panthers wasted no time extending their lead in the second half when Falls and Sunia Turuva combined to send Robert Jennings over in the right-hand corner. Jennings became the third Panther to register a double for the afternoon when he chased down his own grubber, sandwiched between Knights tries to Pasami Saulo and Jirah Momoisea. The Panthers had the last laugh though, with an expert chip over the top by Falls regathered by Turuva to push the margin back out to 30 points.
the western weekender • extra time » Friday, April 1, 2022
CUP SIDE POWERS AHEAD, BUT FLEGG FALL TO SHARP KNIGHTS
Penrith’s NSW Cup side continued their good form last week. Photo: Jake Hunter.
It was a disappointing result for the Jersey Flegg Panthers earlier in the afternoon, suffering their first loss of the season. The Panthers looked dangerous early but struggled to control the ball in the wet conditions. The Knights took advantage of the Panthers’ errors, with halfback Max Buderus guiding his team to a 16-0 halftime lead.
my panther memories
The Panthers were better in the second half, with hooker Braith Alexander (son of the legendary Brandy) muscling over from dummy-half to get them back into the match. Poor discipline in the wet ultimately hurt them though, with Newcastle adding another try and a penalty goal late to take the win 24-6.
DIGITAL MARKETERS FOR NFP, NDIS, CHARITABLE FIRMS & BUSINESSES IN NEED
Whether you’re an NDIS Services Provider, a Charity approved or a Not For Profit organisation, Palm Branch is here to help. Our mission is to get your mission heard across the internet and on the ground, and for that purpose, Palm Branch has an able team to provide you with the tools and content you need.
NAME: MOSES FINAU | SUBURB: ST MARYS What is your greatest Penrith Panthers memory? Joining the car parade around Penrith and celebrating the Grand Final win with the locals around Jarome Luai’s parents’ home in Mt Druitt the night of the win. Police having to close off the road due to congestion... what a night it was!
back in 2003. Fast forward now that I’m a parent I get to my have my kids/household experience the hype of decorating our car, home and celebrate the Grand Final win. My wife and I are also founders of the Western Vikings JRLC for the Panthers Juniors District, all the more to celebrate for our beloved district.
Why was this memory so important to you? Because I was too young to celebrate
How long have you been supporting the Panthers? Since 2000.
SUBMIT YOUR MEMORY – EMAIL INFO@WESTERNWEEKENDER.COM.AU
We provide a number of services including: • Website Development and Branding • Creating Social Media Strategies • Providing Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) Specifically For Your Niche • Digital Advertising • Graphic Design • Video Production To find out how Palm Branch can help you with all these digital services and more, contact us today so we can set up a meeting to discuss your digital strategy in detail.
Palmbranch.com.au |
1300 205 244
Palm Branch is a division of Label & Mint
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Friday, April 1, 2022 « the western weekender • extra time
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the western weekender • extra time » Friday, April 1, 2022
keiran mcgarity
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Friday, April 1, 2022 « the western weekender
What’s On
At Sydney Showground we host some of the most exciting shows, matches, performances and exhibitions in town.
Tickets on sale now!
6 - 8 May
eastershow.com.au
meatstock.com.au/sydney
15 May 3:20pm vs Saturday 14 May symbiotic.net.au
gwsgiants.com.au
Organising an Event? Sydney Showground is an award-winning venue, supported by an awardVisit sydneyshowground.com.au/plan-your-event/make-an-enquiry/ for more information.
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winning team experienced in delivering a wide range of events to an exceptional standard. W WW42527