Extra Time May 19 2023 (Round 12 - Panthers v Broncos)

analysis

Well there’s only one weekend of footy left to play before both Queensland and New South Wales teams are announced and we’re off and running for State of Origin 2023.

I believe five Penrith Panthers will be selected in the NSW Blues top 17 with Dylan Edwards taking the 18th man spot.

Before I announce my predictions for the entire NSW side, I’ll run through the five Panthers players I believe will be selected and why.

There’s no doubt that Brian To’o will be named on one wing, his performances in Origin last year were strong and after a slow start for Penrith early this season, he has bounced back and started to clock up the metres with his strong carries from the back of the field. To’o is a certainty.

After an inspiring performance against the Roosters last week, Jarome Luai only has to hold his form against the Broncos on Thursday to keep his place at five-eighth. Only an injury or an absolute shocker would open the door for Nicho Hynes or Cody Walker to be picked ahead of him.

The selection of Nathan Cleary at halfback is a ‘no-brainer’. He’s the incumbent and his strong form this season will ensure that he’ll definitely be there for NSW. Enough said.

Meanwhile, Isaah Yeo picks himself at lock. He’s in excellent form and not only can he ballplay and tackle like a demon but he has added a kicking game (wink wink) to his bag of tricks as well.

The fifth Panthers player I believe will be selected is our ‘Hamstring Hero’ Liam Martin. Martin provides passion and aggression and is made for the cauldron that is Origin. If he can get

through the game against the Broncos, Freddy will pick him.

Finally, I think Dylan Edwards will be one of the reserves that will train with the side and then make it as 18th man. He deserves to be there somewhere and will be.

My most controversial selection is leaving Stephen Crichton out in place of ‘Tommy Turbo’. Crichton has been in OK form but not playing to the standard he was last year when he was selected. I believe Turbo will be selected ahead

of Critta, if Tom has a good game this weekend. For the record my NSW Blues side is:

1. James Tedesco 2. Brian To’o 3. Campbell Graham 4. Latrell Mitchell 5. Tom Trbojevic 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Daniel Saifiti

9. Damien Cook 10. Payne Haas 11. Cameron Murray 12. Hudson Young 13. Isaah Yeo

14. Api Koroisau 15. Junior Paulo 16. Haumole Olakau’atu 17. Liam Martin.

18. Dylan Edwards

That’s my side for game one, what’s yours?

Nathan Cleary is a certainty for Origin this year. Photo: NRL Images.

with Peter Lang

It may be that we look back on the Round 11 game against the Roosters as the night Penrith had their “real deal” moment as far as the 2023 Premiership is concerned.

Just when the bookies and experts started to look elsewhere for their Grand Final winner, the Panthers put their hand up and in their best Shannon Noll impersonation, yelled “what about me?” in the loudest possible way.

Now Ivan Cleary’s side has an opportunity to back-up that impressive 48-4 flogging of the Roosters when they face the impressive Broncos at Suncorp Stadium in Round 12.

Sitting second on the ladder, Brisbane has been one of the best sides in the competition this year as they try to put last year’s stunning collapse out of the top eight behind them.

But without Adam Reynolds for this clash due to a neck problem, Penrith have a real opportu-

nity to pounce and depending on other results, could even finish the round as competition leaders.

With Penrith having the bye and a guaranteed two points next week, this is a crucial match and one that could set the Panthers up for the representative season nicely.

There’s no question Jarome Luai’s return to form was one of the highlights of last week’s win. Two line breaks and a try highlights what was very much a statement game from the incumbent New South Wales five-eighth, ahead of Origin selection this weekend. Should Luai impress again against Brisbane, it would be difficult not to pick him.

And it wasn’t just Luai who found the kind of form that made Penrith such a dominant force over the past few seasons. The likes of Isaah Yeo and Scott Sorensen also had outstanding

games, leaving the Roosters with little in response to what was a first class overall performance.

I love what Brisbane are offering this year and I think Kevin Walters has found the perfect mix with the likes of Reece Walsh, Selwyn Cobbo and Ezra Mam, plus the consistently good games of Kurt Capewell and Patrick Carrigan, and the sheer dominance of Payne Haas up front.

In fact, there’s a lot of similarities in this Brisbane team to the Panthers in 2020 and 2021; and it’s clear they are building to something. But they are a different team without Reynolds and I’m not convinced they’ll quite have the attacking firepower with Jock Madden wearing the number seven.

The key for Brisbane is the likes of Haas and Thomas Flegler having big games up front, in

an attempt to cancel out the power that Moses Leota and James Fisher-Harris will bring. I’ve got little doubt this one is all about the forwards. If the Broncos can get a roll-on then perhaps Madden can fill in the Reynolds role and create opportunities out wide, along with the lively Ezra Mam.

But if it’s Penrith that get the momentum, it’s hard to imagine Brisbane stopping Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai, especially after the confidence received last week.

And having Liam Martin back in the team after a successful return last weekend is also a win.

We’re in for a good game of footy here, but Penrith’s return to top class form last weekend and Reynolds being out means it’s a win for the visitors for me.

Tip: Panthers by 8.

Jarome

and Nathan Cleary. Photo: NRL Images.

nrl ladder & fixtures

ROUND 12

face in the crowd

If it is, you’ve won a carton of Drink West beer thanks to the team at Drink West. To collect your prize, visit the Weekender office at 2/42-44 Abel Street, Jamisontown and ask for Nathan Taylor. Winner must be over 18. Drink responsibly.

NAME: MEG

AGE: 20 SUBURB: RICHMOND the western weekender • extra time » 34 Friday, May 19, 2023 WW51255 PROPERTY MAINTENANCE HANDYMAN & CLEANING FULLY INSURED. ALL WORKERS HAVE POLICE CHECKS. CALL 8677 8885 Western Sydney, Penrith, Blue Mtns & Hawkesbury Areas ABN 80 082 730 210 • Lawnmowing • Gardening • Yard Cleanups • Gutter Cleaning (SS) • Handyman Tasks • Install Handrails • Pest Control • Free Quotes • Senior Discount CAN WE HELP YOU?

Seasons as a Pantherette? One. Favourite food? Raspberries. Favourite TV show? ‘Love Island’. Favourite Panthers player? Mitch Kenny

Must-follow social media account?

@indyclinton (especially her TikToks! She has the funniest family and her son Navy is so funny).

Go to pump up song? ‘Make Me Feel Good’, James Hype.

What do you love about being a Pantherette? I love the whole atmosphere and being a part of a great team again. I love how Katie is supportive and how she works us hard during the training sessions. I cannot wait to perform on the field and experience the true feeling of cheerleading for the Panthers!

panther rumblings

SORENSEN HEADED FOR THE EXIT?

! Sorensen’s uncertain future: The good form of Penrith second-rower Scott Sorensen certainly hasn’t gone unnoticed by other NRL clubs, with whispers that he could be bound for Newcastle next year. Off-contract at the end of the season, the 30-year-old admitted to the Weekender earlier this year that he wanted to stay with the Panthers but would consider all options, including a stint in the Super League. Sorensen has been a solid player but has never been one of the top paid players at any club during this career, which only really took off at Cronulla in his mid-20s. He’ll rightly chase whatever deal is best for him financially.

! Luai back in Origin frame: I reported months ago that Jarome Luai had all but lost his NSW five-eighth jumper, but there’s now a strong chance he’ll retain his spot at least for the opener in Adelaide. Luai did himself no harm with a standout performance against the Roosters last weekend, while his obvious replacement Nicho Hynes has been far from great over the last fortnight. The NRL schedule that sees Penrith play on Thursday this weekend will also help Luai. The NSW team will be named at the end of the round.

! 2003 heroes drink up: A big crowd of fans turned out at Drink West last Friday afternoon to join in the 2003 Grand Final reunion celebrations. Coach John Lang (below) was among the most popular attendees, especially given he’s rarely in Penrith these days. Former Panther Lou Zivanovic was the driving force behind the unofficial reunion, ahead of the major event later that night.

sation – especially when it came to the way the team was introduced. Players were also invited back into the sheds for the team song after the 48-4 thumping of the Roosters. Luke Priddis was clearly best on ground. Whether it was at the ground, in the corporate areas or back at the club afterwards, the 2003 players were more than happy to mingle with fans – there wasn’t an ego amongst them.

! Kent stood down: Panthers critic and ‘NRL 360’ host Paul Kent has been stood down from his role on the show and with The Daily Telegraph Kent was arrested and charged over an alleged assault at his home late last week. Interestingly, News Corp and Fox Sports are yet to report on the arrest – instead saying Kent has been stood down while he deals with “personal issues”.

! Spotted: 2003 captain Craig Gower embracing current Panthers skipper and fellow Premiership winner Nathan Cleary after the Roosters game.

of rugby league’s more painful injuries – a ruptured testicle. The injury happened at a training session 48 hours before the Roosters game, forcing a re-think on the game plan – with Liam Martin playing a different role on his return. Leniu is still some weeks off a return – a blow to Penrith’s forward stocks and to Leniu, who had been mentioned in some circles about an Origin bench spot.

! Griffin hooked: You would have to think the coaching career of former Panthers mentor Anthony Griffin is now over, after he was sacked by the Dragons on Tuesday. There’s plenty of “I told you so” lines going around this week; with some people who were associated with the Panthers during the Griffin era warning the club it was the wrong choice when they first signed him.

end up being the final nail in the coffin for the stadium overhaul.

! 20 year reunion a hit: The 2003 Premiers still have a strong connection with the current generation of fans. Many were kids when Craig Gower lifted the trophy at Telstra Stadium and now bring their own kids to the footy. It’s why the 2003 reunion last weekend was so popular. Panthers did a tremendous job in the organi-

! Stadium D-day: The NSW Government will hand down the State Budget on September 19. That sounds pretty boring to most league followers but it could have an impact on the now-stalled Penrith Stadium project. The wording of the Budget date announcement by Labor over the weekend suggests tough cuts ahead as the government tries to fix what it calls “significant pressures and risks”. You would have to think the stadium project could be shelved entirely. The Budget could

! To’o becomes three: Congratu lations to Panthers winger Brian To’o and his wife Moesha who are expecting their first child. To’o made the announcement on his Instagram last week, with the pair holding a baby Panthers jersey and To’o clutching an ultrasound.

! Share your gossip: Spotted a Panther out and about? Have some news to share? I want to hear about it. I don’t keep secrets but I do protect my sources. Email maskedpanther@ westernweekender.com.au.

! Leniu’s tough break: Spencer Leniu is recovering from surgery after suffering one

Scott Sorensen.

POSITION: WINGER | NRL DEBUT: JUNE 2022 (V RAIDERS)

WEIGHT: 88KGS |

HEIGHT: 181CM |

DOB: 04/09/02 |

INSURANCE & PRIVATE WORK ALL WORK GUARANTEED

Proudly servicing the people of Penrith since 1974! 42 Cox Ave, Kingswood info@mervshipp.com.au

WHO’S PLANNING FOR ’24?

You know we’ve reached the serious part of the season when the first coach gets sacked.

The Dragons know that after 10 games, and just two wins, their season is in dire condition, but then, they probably knew that when they started making noises about ‘exploring all options’ regarding the head coach’s position back in March. Or was it February?

warren smith

Either way, things can get away from you fairly quickly when you’re on a losing streak, and while the Dragons will make all the right noises about this season not being over and that there’s still plenty to play for, the reality is that they are now in a phase where the planning has begun for 2024.

The Tigers, with the same two win, eight loss record as the Dragons, aren’t about to sack Tim Sheens, but they have already begun planning for 2025 with Benji Marshall set to take over the head coaching role after a two year apprenticeship.

But what happens if the Tigers find themselves in the same predicament next season?

History tells us the board members at Tigers HQ have opted for the easy decision in such circumstances, preferring to remove the coach rather than fumble for answers as they pick up

their skim latte at the local café as to why the team is yet again headed for a holiday in September.

So, if we can put a red line through the Dragons and Tigers regarding contending for the Top 8 this season, who else is on the cusp of ringing their travel agent to plan their spring break earlier than anticipated?

Working our way up the ladder, the Bulldogs have improved from where they were at the same stage last season, but four wins from 11 games will be a disappointment for fans of the Belmore boys who held out great hope of at least pushing towards Top 8 contention.

Injuries have been unkind to firstyear coach Cameron Ciraldo, and the search for a halfback continues, with the task of sneaking into the Finals more than likely requiring them to win at least eight of their remaining 13 games. At this stage of the rebuild it would seem beyond them.

The Eels find themselves in the same predicament as the Bulldogs, and while recent history would tell us there’s more potential for Parramatta to reel off a string of wins, their season might be on the line over the next week when they play the top-of-the-table Rabbitohs and fast-improving Cowboys. Failing in both games, slumping to a 4-9 record, would be lights out

for last year’s Grand Finalists.

Queensland have woken from their early season slumber you’d expect

them to continue to move towards the Top 8, however their sloppy beginning has put them under more pressure than they’d like. Of the remaining teams outside the Top 8, there’s a five-bell alarm ringing at the Sea Eagles as their season slips through their fingers, the Knights and Titans need a sports psychologist pronto to work

hidden panther

out their savage mood swings, and the Roosters are showing signs that a 10-year cycle of contending has left the veterans in the squad wondering if they can still get themselves up for the weekly grind of the NRL. That group, ninth to 12, have a huge few weeks ahead of them that might just define their season.

WHO AM I ?

Anthony Griffin was sacked as Dragons coach.

PENRITH BACK TO WINNING WAYS

The Penrith Panthers have broken a threematch losing run in the Knock-On Effect NSW Cup, claiming a nail-biting 16-14 win over the Sydney Roosters at BlueBet Stadium.

The Panthers went on the attack early thanks to a penalty and took advantage, with Jack Cogger stepping through the line to score next to the posts.

They crossed again on the half-hour mark as Luke Sommerton darted over under the posts.

A slick backline move set up Sam Lane to score another try before half-time, taking the score to 16-0.

Back-to-back sets early in the second half gave the Roosters a chance to hit back and they did precisely that, with Drew Hutchison scoring and Sandon Smith converting to cut the Panthers’ lead to 16-6.

A try to Jade Anderson reduced the Panthers’ lead to six with a quarter of the game remaining.

A dangerous tackle by Elie El-Zakham gave Cogger a chance to extend the margin to eight, however his penalty goal attempt was unsuccessful, before Anderson’s second try cut the lead to 16-14 with eight

minutes remaining. That was enough for the Panthers to hold on, despite not scoring a point in the second half.

A dominant performance by Penrith’s forwards laid the platform for them to record a comfortable Jersey Flegg win over the ladder-leading Roosters, 34-20.

The two sides traded tries in the opening quarter hour of the game, but Luke Philp and Billy Phillips had the Panthers ahead 10-6.

A scuffle saw both sides lose a player to the sin bin late in the first half, before Angelis Hotere-Papalii and Harrison Hassett both pounced on Ryley Smith kicks to give the Panthers a 22-6 lead at half-time.

Back-to-back tries to Aston Warwick and Zac Lipowicz to begin the second half looked like the beginning of a second half thrashing, however the Panthers were unable to score again.

The Roosters, off the back of former Panther Braith Alexander, scored three late tries to cut the Panthers’ victory to 34-20.

In Round 12, the Panthers face the Tigers and Magpies

Penrith celebrate a try against the Roosters last Friday.

PANTHERS DRAGONS

RABBITOHS SHARKS TIGERS RAIDERS

DOLPHINS TITANS

PANTHERS ROOSTERS

RABBITOHS SHARKS

COWBOYS STORM

TITANS RAIDERS

PANTHERS ROOSTERS EELS SHARKS COWBOYS STORM

PANTHERS ROOSTERS

PANTHERS ROOSTERS

PANTHERS ROOSTERS

PANTHERS ROOSTERS

PANTHERS ROOSTERS

PANTHERS ROOSTERS

PANTHERS ROOSTERS

RABBITOHS SHARKS COWBOYS STORM

RABBITOHS SHARKS

COWBOYS STORM

RABBITOHS SHARKS TIGERS DOLPHINS

RABBITOHS SHARKS COWBOYS DOLPHINS

RABBITOHS SHARKS

RABBITOHS SHARKS

COWBOYS DOLPHINS

COWBOYS STORM

RABBITOHS SHARKS COWBOYS STORM

TITANS RAIDERS

TITANS RAIDERS

TITANS RAIDERS

BULLDOGS RAIDERS

BULLDOGS RAIDERS

TITANS RAIDERS

BULLDOGS RAIDERS

TITANS RAIDERS

PANTHERS ROOSTERS

RABBITOHS KNIGHTS TIGERS DOLPHINS

PANTHERS ROOSTERS EELS KNIGHTS COWBOYS STORM

PANTHERS ROOSTERS EELS KNIGHTS COWBOYS STORM

BULLDOGS RAIDERS

TITANS SEA EAGLES

TITANS SEA EAGLES

BULLDOGS RAIDERS

PANTHERS DRAGONS

PANTHERS ROOSTERS

RABBITOHS SHARKS TIGERS STORM BULLDOGS RAIDERS

RABBITOHS SHARKS COWBOYS STORM TITANS RAIDERS

SHARKS COWBOYS DOLPHINS

TITANS RAIDERS

PANTHERS ROOSTERS

RABBITOHS SHARKS COWBOYS STORM BULLDOGS RAIDERS

PANTHERS ROOSTERS EELS SHARKS COWBOYS DOLPHINS TITANS RAIDERS

PANTHERS ROOSTERS RABBITOHS SHARKS TIGERS STORM

BULLDOGS RAIDERS

PANTHERS ROOSTERS EELS SHARKS COWBOYS STORM BULLDOGS RAIDERS

PANTHERS ROOSTERS

PANTHERS ROOSTERS

PANTHERS ROOSTERS

RABBITOHS SHARKS TIGERS STORM

BULLDOGS RAIDERS

RABBITOHS SHARKS COWBOYS STORM BULLDOGS RAIDERS

RABBITOHS SHARKS COWBOYS DOLPHINS

BULLDOGS RAIDERS

PANTHERS ROOSTERS

RABBITOHS SHARKS TIGERS STORM

BULLDOGS SEA EAGLES

cameron faico 087

PANTHERS ROOSTERS

RABBITOHS SHARKS COWBOYS DOLPHINS

BULLDOGS RAIDERS

PANTHERS ROOSTERS EELS KNIGHTS COWBOYS STORM TITANS SEA EAGLES

PANTHERS DRAGONS EELS SHARKS TIGERS STORM

BULLDOGS RAIDERS