Extra Time 2023 Round 1: Panthers v Broncos (March 3)

IT’S OPENING NIGHT

PENRITH COMMENCE QUEST FOR AN HISTORIC THREE-PEAT AGAINST BRISBANE AT BLUEBET STADIUM MATCH PREVIEW: SEE PAGE 31

MASKED PANTHER

SEE PAGE 33

SEE PAGE 39

RUSSELL SEE PAGE 40

Photo: NRL Images.

VISIT US AT 2115 CASTLEREAGH RD, PENRITH NSW 2750

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the final word v

You’ve heard all about the next man up policy at Penrith; how players departing and even injuries have little impact on the side.

You saw it in action last year when Sean O’Sullivan produced a host of winning performances when replacing the injured, and then suspended, Nathan Cleary.

You saw it when Izack Tago replaced Matt Burton after the 2021 Grand Final – seamless, even if different players entirely.

There is no question that the mantra gets tested more than ever in 2023, with Api Koroisau and Viliame Kikau departing the club and Taylan May to spend the year on the sideline after picking up a devastating ACL injury in the pre-season.

And so who replaces May? Sunia Turuva, of

course. Opportunity knocks for this excitement machine, who plenty of Penrith fans were screaming to see more of last year. His performance for Fiji in the mid-season Test against Papua New Guinea was enough to prove that we’ve got something special in this 20-year-old flyer. They just keep coming.

It was no surprise to see Mitch Kenny named at hooker as life without Koroisau begins, but the one selection that did perhaps raise some eyebrows was that of Soni Luke on the bench. It points to Penrith using a similar game plan to last year where Kenny started matches at hooker before Koroisau offered a burst of energy and Kenny was then used elsewhere in the pack.

Luke Garner replaces Kikau in the secondrow, as expected. It’ll be intriguing to watch

what he brings to the side given the boots he has to fill, but it may result in Penrith going right a lot more, at least in these first few games – Liam Martin may see plenty more ball this year.

With no Reece Walsh, Brisbane will go with Selwyn Cobbo at fullback as they look to kick off their campaign in strong fashion after last year’s tumble out of the top eight.

It’ll be the second straight year the Broncos will start the season without their prized recruit, after Adam Reynolds missed the opening game of the 2022 campaign. Reynolds is there front and centre on Friday night, however, and is without question the danger man in Brisbane’s side – Penrith will need to shut down his kicking game and limit his opportunities if they’re to get the two competition points.

Brisbane’s forward pack is nothing to be

sneezed at. Payne Haas will be looking to prove his worth this season, while we know what Kurt Capewell can do and Patrick Carrigan returns at lock.

Penrith have been short-priced favourites with the bookmakers ever since markets opened for this game, which is understandable given the quality of the side and its stunning record at BlueBet Stadium.

But while Penrith proved this wrong last year, defending Premiers can often have slow starts to new seasons; the limited pre-season catching up with them as they try to get back into the groove.

I do believe the Panthers will get the chocolates on Friday night, but I’m expecting it to be a lot closer than most are predicting.

Tip: Panthers by 8.

Sunia Turuva in action against St Helens.

Photo: NRL Images.

nrl ladder & fixtures

1

IS THIS YOU?

here’s cheers

Favourite TV show? ‘Friends’.

Favourite

Must-follow social media account?

@penrithpantherettes.

Go-to pump up song? ‘Say My Name’, Destiny’s Child.

What do you love about being a Pantherette? Getting to perform at each

game with a live audience, and the safe, welcoming environment the other Pantherettes and Kati have provided.

If you were stranded on a desert island, who are you bringing with you and why?

I would bring my best friend Maddy, because we would more than likely end up lost on a deserted island one way or another, and she is the smart one that would get us out of that situation safely.

panther rumblings

WITH THE MASKED PANTHER

LENIU TO BECOME A ROOSTER

! Leniu’s big call: The Sydney Roosters are expected to announce the signing of Penrith forward Spencer Leniu within days after the 22-year-old informed Penrith he would leave the back-to-back Premiers at the end of the season. It became clear to Leniu’s management over the past week that Penrith were not going to be able to match offers for Leniu from elsewhere, with both Canterbury and the Roosters both expressing serious interest. It’s understood the Roosters, who see Leniu as a replacement for Jared Waerea-Hargreaves when he likely moves on at the end of the season, have all but won the race for the Samoan international’s signature. Panthers Rugby League CEO Matt Cameron said: “Although it’s disappointing to see a Panthers junior sign with another NRL club, we understand Spencer is a premiership winner and international player, who has received external interest.”

! Money talks: It’s worth noting that in the vast majority of cases, Penrith have had a decent offer on the table for the players who have departed the club in recent years, and those who will exit at the end of this year. No, it wasn’t the highest offer out there in most cases – and nobody can blame players for looking after themselves. In the Panthers’ case, it’s simply good management – and trusting in the system that has delivered them two Premierships and three straight Grand Final appearances. There’s no point finger pointing at the Panthers, and no point blaming other clubs for wanting to strengthen their rosters. Players can talk all they like about ‘the area’, their love of the club and their ‘brothers’, but it appears –perhaps understandably – money trumps all of those things.

! Cleary in demand: Nathan Cleary has dethroned Tom Trbojevic as the player most clubs would sign if given the opportunity. A Sydney Morning Herald poll of club CEOs and Chairs saw Cleary grab 29 per cent of the vote when the bosses were asked who they'd sign if they could pick up any player in the NRL. Cameron Munster and Joseph Manu came in next with 17 per cent. Trbojevic, a game breaker but troubled by injury, didn’t make the top five this year. Meanwhile, Dylan Edwards appears to finally be getting the respect he deserves – a whopping 42 per cent of club CEOs and Chairs said the Clive Churchill Medal winner was the most under-rated player in the game.

! Delightful doco: A huge congratulations to everyone involved in the ‘All The Way’ documentary, which premiered on 9NOW last weekend (pictured right). It offers brilliant

insight into Penrith’s title defence, with never-before-seen footage and interviews. There was a chance this footage – filmed by Penrith’s media team – would never see the light of day, but thankfully they were able to secure a broadcast partner in Nine. It’s a terrific memento from a wonderful season.

! Stadium in limbo: The future of the new Penrith Stadium still has a question mark over it. While Premier Dominic Perrottet is adamant his government will build the stadium on the site of the Penrith Paceway, and Labor is also generally in support (although less enthusiastically), there's a few other things in play. First, the NRL Grand Final still doesn't have a home for this season – with NSW only securing last year's decider at the last minute and no long-term deal put in place. There's also the issue of other suburban grounds, including Shark Park, missing out on funding that was initially expected to come their way. There will be pressure on any new government to re-think the whole stadium funding situation, with securing the Grand Final long-term a key component. You'd have to think that could bring the funding allocated to Penrith into further question. With a few weeks to go until the election, we need both parties to be a little firmer on what is likely to happen.

! Museum a must: Penrith has had a few basic attempts at permanent reminders of the club’s proud history in the past but there remains no dedicated Panthers museum, and no statue of any former player. A few St Helens fans in town for the World Club Challenge mentioned this to me – they thought the Leagues Club was terrific and clearly prioritised football, but where could fans see special mementos from the past, read more about the club’s history or marvel at different bits of memorabilia that are probably collecting dust

somewhere? Surely we could find somewhere in the leagues club for a Panthers Museum –perhaps combined with expanded shop. There

would be plenty of retired fans who’d likely be happy to form a volunteer group to run the museum, too.

! New bobblehead: You know you've made it when you’ve been recreated in bobblehead form. A new Nathan Cleary bobblehead has just been released through most NRL merchandise shops. It’s 18cm in height and is labelled as official NRL merchandise. It’s retailing for between $20 and $25.

! Share your news: Spotted a Panther out and about? Got some goss? Noticed something at the stadium? I don’t keeps secrets but I do protect my sources. Email maskedpanther@ westernweekender.com.au.

Spencer Leniu.

SALMON PUTS MIXED YEAR BEHIND HIM

for a few years, but I felt that last season was probably the start of my NRL career,” Salmon admitted.

“I’ll have a pretty similar role this season, well at least for Round 1,” Salmon said.

After Canberra Raiders coach Ricky Stuart made some bizarre and unsavoury comments about him during a post-match press conference last winter, Panthers utility Jaeman Salmon became a household name for all the wrong reasons.

While the incident took a toll on him and his loving family, the 24-year-old says he’s finally moved on from the dramas of last year thanks to the support of the Panthers club, community and his teammates.

Speaking with Extra Time on the eve of the 2023 season, Salmon said he and his family are now doing “okay” after Stuart referred to him as a “weak-gutted dog” following a spicy Raiders-Panthers match last August.

“The club always had my back, so I knew there was no issue there. It probably affected my family more than anything,” Salmon revealed.

“I didn’t think about it too much, I just moved on with it and I put it aside.

“But to see how it affected my family was a bit upsetting but the club rallied around me, the boys rallied around me, and I just got on with the job of playing footy.”

Stuart’s petty insult couldn’t have come at a worse time for Salmon, who had been enjoying his best, most consistent season in the NRL to date.

Not only did the former Parramatta Eel string together a whopping 25 games in season 2022, but he capped it off with a NRL Premiership ring.

“I’ve been in and out of the NRL

“I finally strung together a full season and I felt I found my straps a bit.

“All credit to the coaching staff at the time and the boys who had the faith in me, and the coaches who had the trust in me to do the job. I guess you could say it was the best year of my career. To top it off with a Grand Final was amazing.”

Following Penrith’s incredible Premiership win over Salmon’s former club in October, the De La Salle Caringbah junior went on a well earned seven-week adventure through Central, South and North America, to let his hair down and recharge the batteries.

Upon his return to Penrith Salmon re-signed with the Panthers for another season – shrugging off interest from elsewhere to remain with the back-to-back Premiers.

“I love this club. It’s a successful club and I love being a part of it,” Salmon said.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time at Penrith. I have some great mates here, I love all the coaching staff and all the boys, so it was an easy decision to stay.

“There was some interest from elsewhere, but I was pretty set on staying at Penrith, especially after the last two years with two Grand Final wins. I made up my mind pretty early.”

Salmon will look to continue his good run of form when Penrith kick-off their 2023 campaign tonight against the Brisbane Broncos at BlueBet Stadium.

Salmon has once again been named on the bench in Ivan Cleary’s opening round side, proving his worth as a handy utility to the back-to-back Premiers.

“I can play back-up second-row, centre, half – it just depends how the game is going.

“Obviously I want to play more minutes but whatever the team needs me to do, I’ll do.

“If someone goes down, I’ll go in. I’m willing to do whatever for the team.”

While Salmon had the utility spot all to himself last season, he does have a few new recruits chasing his tail this year.

With Tyrone Peachey back at the club and Jack Cogger capable of filling in multiple positions also, Salmon knows he’s going to have to perform in the limited minutes he has in order to keep his spot in first grade.

“There’s been some healthy competition this year and it’s been good. All the boys are training well, they’re good players,” he said.

“Peach is a very experience player and Coggsy’s been to a couple of NRL clubs now and he knows what he’s doing.

“It’s good, healthy competition and it still is. They’re also great fellas as well, so it’s good to have them at the club.”

The Panthers and Bron cos do battle at BlueBet Stadium in Penrith tonight (Friday, March 3) at 8.05pm. The game is live on Fox Sports and Channel 9.

Jaeman Salmon chatting with Nathan Taylor.

Photo: Melinda Jane.

Panthers utility Jaeman Salmon.

Photo: Melinda Jane.

NATHAN TAYLOR

YEO BACKS DEPARTING STARS TO SHINE

Panthers co-captain Isaah Yeo expects departing Premiership-winning players Stephen Crichton and Spencer Leniu to be highly motivated to go out with another ring on their finger later this season.

Like Matt Burton, Kurt Capewell, Api Koroisau and Viliame Kikau before them, Crichton and Leniu will be hoping to finish their successful careers at Penrith in the best way possible, with another NRL Premiership.

Crichton made his decision to leave the Panthers back in January, while barnstorming interchange prop Leniu informed his teammates on Monday morning that 2023 would be his last year as a Panther.

Speaking with Extra Time on Wednesday, Yeo said he was “disappointed” to see someone of Leniu’s potential leave the club.

“You can’t wrap him enough for what he gives us off the bench. He’s a wonderful player at such a young age, but that’s the business of rugby league,” the World Cup-winning lock said.

“He’s got an opportunity at wherever he’s going and it’s just a better one for him. Whether it be financial or more of a starting position, all I know is that he’s done a wonderful job for us and I’m sure he’ll be highly motivated – as will ‘Critta’ – to go out on a high.”

If the mighty Panthers are to win three successive first grade competitions, they’ll need to be up for the challenge.

Not only has the club lost some experience

and depth in the off-season, but nearly every other rival in the NRL has strengthened their rosters to hopefully take down the juggernaut that is Penrith.

Yeo said while it’s still too early to tell whether this Premiership defence will be harder than last year’s, he does expect a tough and close season ahead.

“I just feel like every defending season is hard – whether this one is any different to the others, I’m not sure yet, but I feel like a lot of the teams in the NRL have strengthened their rosters and have another year of experience under their belts,” the 28-year-old said.

“I feel like it’s going to be a really tough season and a really close one, which will be great for the fans and as players, it’s wonderful too as we get to compete.”

Penrith fans will be hoping their side can get back on track against the Brisbane Broncos on Friday night after slipping up against St Helens in the World Club Challenge a fortnight ago.

Yeo said while the result was “obviously disappointing”, he was impressed with his side’s fitness levels and how they fought back from being 12-0 down.

“We have a lot to work on but I feel like, in terms of our fitness, we were the one’s coming home strong and scoring tries at the death to keep us in it,” he said.

“It was a disappointing loss, but I felt like we will be better for the run, and we’ll need to be against the Broncos this week because they’ve had all pre-season to prepare and I have no doubt they’ve had this game circled since mid-November. Bring on the challenge!”

Isaah Yeo chatting with the media on Wednesday.

Photo: Melinda Jane.

NATHAN

an ongoing relationship, and we aim to equip you with the tools you need to manage your finances long term.

Ithought I’d take a different path this week and open the 2023 NRL Premiership season by gazing into my crystal ball and predicting who the winners will be at the 2023 Merv Cartwright Medal, set to be held in the all-new Western Sydney Conference Centre at Panthers later this year.

Well there’s no point in doing this at the end of the season, that would be too easy.

Ok let’s see how good this newly polished crystal ball of mine is...

New Category – Best New Recruit of the Year: ZAC HOSKING. He came with little fanfare but I predict that Hosking will have a breakout season at 26 years-of-age.

Runner-up: Luke Garner.

NSW Cup Player of the Year: MAVRIK GEYER. Geyer finished an injury-riddled 2022 as number 18 for first grade. He will get his opportunity in the top grade this season but will also shine in his first full season in reserve grade too.

Runner-up: Isaah Longi.

Ben Alexander Rookie of the Year: SUNIA TURUVA. With Taylan May injured, Turuva will have ample opportunity this year to show his speed, footwork and uncanny ability to get to the tryline and he’ll show it all in first grade. Reminds me very much of Rhys Wesser.

Runner-up: Jesse McLean.

Members Player of the Year: DYLAN EDWARDS. A fan favourite and he will get the distinct honour of winning back-to-back Members Awards. When the supporters find a favourite, they usually stick with him for a while

so why wouldn’t you pick Dyl again? Lock him in.

Runner-up: Brian To’o.

John Farragher Award for Cour age and Determination: MOSES LEOTA. I’ve known John for years and he always rewards effort and determination, not necessarily the player with the highest profile. Well this season, it’s Leota’s turn. Like his front row partner, Leota is relentless with his charging runs and the way he belted the Eels in the Grand Final last year was a taste of things to come.

Runner up: Scott Sorensen.

Merv Cartwright Medal: JAROME LUAI. I’ve got a feeling based on what he’s said in the pre-season that Luai is ready to explode in 2023. He knows that with Api Koroisau gone a lot of pressure will be on Nathan Cleary, so I can really see Luai rising to another level with his kicking game, especially close to the line. I can also see him using his footwork more to bamboozle the defence and therefore create and score more tries than ever before.

Runner-up: Dylan Edwards.

Now remember if you thought last year was good, you ain’t seen noth ing yet!

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Jarome Luai’s best season ever?

Photo: Megan Dunn.

with Peter Lang

NRL RESPECT ROUND IS A MUST

Driving to Fox League’s ‘NRL Tonight’ this week took me through Surrey Hills. The joint was jumping. Sydney’s WorldPride celebration was in full swing and the vibe was obvious and infectious.

But as I processed the day’s rugby league news in my head, considered the headlines and contemplated the rundown, I couldn’t help but feel a big storyline in 2023 was right in front of me in all its glory.

matt russell

It’s now history that Manly’s proposed 2022 Pride Jersey exploded as a news story around Australia, indeed the World. The poor execution of the initiative, the player rebellion to wearing the jumper and media firestorm killed the Sea Eagles’ season and maybe Des Hasler’s coaching career in the process.

With so much of the NRL playing group having devout conservative religious heritage, the issue is dormant, not resolved.

Look what happened when the NBL tried something similar over Summer, even gently offering players the chance to be involved or not. Certain Cairns players pushed back and the Taipans were under criticism and in focus.

So, what’s the solution? True inclusiveness is wanting the lgbtqia+ community to feel understood, accepted, and respected

while also respecting the rights of others not to have to publicly endorse a lifestyle they struggle to accept. No?

One word appeared twice there –respect. I love the idea of a ‘Respect Round’.

What about farmers who toil against the elements, often unable to attend games hundreds of kilometres from their land. Let’s include and respect them.

What about the single parents who struggle to raise children alone, too time poor to watch or attend games like they’d wish. Let’s include and respect them.

What about the poor and homeless, whose dreams were crushed by factors outside their control. We’d love them to feel included and respected.

Add groups to the list as you please – refugees, our emergency

service personnel, those with a disability, disaster victims, etc.

Surely a Respect Round would be adopted by the entire NRL playing group because it caters for everyone and issues close to their heart. Surely the playing group would agree the world needs more respect and the kindness that goes with it. A successful ‘Respect Round’ is something we could all take PRIDE in.

hidden panther WHO AM I ?

1. I’m a proud Kiwi international.

2. I had a terrible run of luck with knee injuries.

3. I played park footy with St Marys following retirement.

4. I was a one club player.

5. I was born in Western Australia.

CAN YOU SEEK OUT THE HIDDEN PANTHER IN THIS WEEK’S QUIZ?

It’s important for the NRL to embrace a Respect Round, says Fox League’s Matt Russell.

CUP, FLEGG TEAMS LOOK STRONG lower grades

Following premierships in 2022, the Penrith Panthers enter the 2023 NSW Cup and Jersey Flegg Cup seasons as the team to beat.

The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup squad remains largely unchanged from 2022, with 11 of the 17 who took the field for the State Championship decider against Norths Devils named to start in Round 1 against the North Sydney Bears.

The rest of the squad also remains nearly identical to last season, with Tyrone Peachey and Jack Cogger the only signings of note.

lower grades report

The biggest change comes in the form of a new coach following Peter Wallace’s promotion to first grade assistant. Ben Harden will take over the NSW Cup head coaching role, having spent 2022 as part of the NRL coaching staff. He also previously worked as Panthers Head of Pathways and in numerous lower grade coaching roles.

There’s also a healthy mix of youth and experience within the squad, with 10 players in the Round 1 squad having played first grade, along with young guns Isaiah Iongi, Jesse McLean, Luke Sommerton and Mavrik Geyer all pressing for first grade debuts in 2023.

The Jersey Flegg squad features a similar level of consistency, with nine players from last year’s thrilling Grand Final victory over Newcastle named in Round 1 against the Melbourne Storm, along with six who featured in the SG Ball Grand Final.

Jono Rolfe will continue as Jersey Flegg coach after claiming the Premiership in his first season.

Penrith’s NSW Cup and Jersey Flegg teams will feature in triple-headers with the first grade side at BlueBet Stadium on three occasions throughout the season, with NSW Cup being played as the sole curtain-raiser on six other occasions.

There will be one double-header featuring only the two lower grades at home, with various other double and triple-headers in away matches.

The Panthers NSW Cup season kicks off at

5.25pm on Friday against Norths at BlueBet Stadium as a curtain-raiser to first grade, with Jersey Flegg beginning the following afternoon at the same venue against Melbourne.

MIGHTY PANTHERS PANTHERS

Jesse McLean is set to star for Penrith in the NSW Cup. Photo: NRL Images.