Extra Time September 21

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UNFINISHED BUSINESS YOUR P E NR I T H PA N T HE RS 2018 SE A S ON R E V IE W MASKED PANTHER > P30 One Cleary down, one to go. Plus a twist in the Anthony Griffin sacking

WHAT A SEASON > P32-33 We look back at the moments that defined Penrith’s roller coaster ride

BEST OF THE BEST > P34 We crown our Player of the Year, plus what was the season’s best moment?

Friday, September 21, 2018 « the western weekender • extra time

PANTHER RUMBLINGS

with the Masked Panther

CLEARY INKS NEW DEAL » The Panthers have managed to fend

off potential approaches from other clubs and will re-sign superstar halfback Nathan Cleary prior to the key date of November 1, when other teams would be able to field official offers. In fact the deal is all but finalised and could be announced as early as today or next week.

Cleary is already secured for the 2019 season but the new deal is likely to keep him at the club until at least the end of the 2023 or 2024 season.

» One Cleary down, one to go. Now that

Penrith has exited the competition, the focus will turn to who will coach the side in the 2019 season and beyond. Penrith continues to pursue Ivan Cleary, and are reportedly on the verge of offering him a deal that would start in 2021. From there, there’s a big chance the Tigers would release him from his current deal, allowing Cleary to return to the foot of the Mountains immediately. Cameron Ciraldo would stay on board as an assistant. Whatever happens, it’s about to get messy between Penrith and the Tigers.

» Tyrone Peachey caused a storm last

week when he suggested that he wanted to get out of his three-year deal with the Gold Coast Titans, which commences next season. The 27-year-old Origin star quickly backtracked on his initial comments, and while he’d like to stay in Sydney it now seems more likely that he’ll head to the Titans to fulfil his commitments. Whatever happens, it would be unlikely Penrith would be able to find the salary cap space to retain Peachey even if he did manage to negotiate his way out of the Gold Coast contract.

» I can reveal today that sacked Penrith

coach Anthony Griffin actually wanted out of the club himself in the months prior to his departure. I’ve been told that Griffin approached club management about a release in late June or early July, but demanded a payout that the club was not happy with. Penrith were left with no option but to terminate Griffin’s contract after his position became untenable in the club’s eyes. While there’s always two

sides to every story, the suggestion that Griffin was blindsided by his sacking or that it didn’t come with reasonable grounds just doesn’t add up.

Nathan Cleary after last week’s match against Cronulla.

Photo: Melinda Jane

» The Panthers had their ‘Mad Monday’

celebrations last weekend, with the party primarily based on site at the Panthers Academy before shifting over to the Leagues Club.

» Which Panthers first grader is actually

banned from entering Panthers Leagues Club? It didn’t stop him being on site last weekend.

» Concerns are growing about Trent

Merrin and his poor finish to the season.

The 28-year-old is on big money at the Panthers but was disappointing at the back end of the year and, rumour has it, is becoming less and less focused on football. It hasn’t gone unnoticed that Merrin makes himself the centre of attention in the club’s victory song after games, despite his poor performances on the field.

» Panthers boss Phil Gould threatened to

walk away from social media last weekend after reporting that his Twitter account had been hacked. He quickly sorted out the security issue and as of earlier this week was still Tweeting away.

» Spotted: 2003 Grand Final heroes Trent

Waterhouse and Luke Swain sitting with veteran Panthers ground announcer Scott McRae at Allianz Stadium last weekend, watching Penrith take on Cronulla.

» Spotted: Injured Panthers forward Sam McKendry doing a spot of solo shopping in Westfield Penrith last Thursday.

» It appears that Bryce Cartwright and

his supporters still harbour unwarranted angst at his departure from Penrith in the pre-season. His partner posted on social media last week saying that Cartwright had been “discarded” by the club. A huge call, given Penrith went above and beyond in their efforts to keep the wayward Cartwright – whose first grade career is in tatters – on the right track.

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PANTHERS FALL IN A THRILLER P

enrith captain James Maloney believes his side had the talent and the ability to go further this season but were unable to shake off the bad habits that plagued the majority of their year.

The Panthers bowed out of the 2018 NRL Finals last Friday night following a 21-20 nail-biting defeat at the hands of Cronulla at Allianz Stadium.

Despite being down 18-0 late in the first half, Penrith once again conjured up a trademark second half comeback to lock the scores up at 20-all with 10 minutes remaining.

However, a brave play by Sharks fullback Valentine Holmes to go for a short kick-off following Penrith’s equalising try in the 69th minute proved pivotal in putting Cronulla in prime position for a matchwinning field goal.

That one-point came moments later through halfback Chad Townsend, who put the Sharks in front 21-20 with five minutes remaining. The Panthers had their own chances to equalise through Nathan Cleary, but the 20-year-old’s drop

goals misfired and Penrith’s rollercoaster season came to an unfortunate end.

Panthers coach Cameron Ciraldo said he was “proud” of his side but was also “frustrated and disappointed” with how the game played out.

“I didn’t think we were going to lose in that second half but that kick from Val was a big play and they were good enough and experienced enough to ice it in the end – that’s what makes them such a great team,” he said.

“To our credit we fought back so many times [this year] but you can only do it so many times and under pressure your bad habits come out.”

Maloney was also proud of his team’s efforts but believes they could have gone to a Preliminary Final had they got the little things right.

“You can look back and say it was an alright season but I suppose it depends where you set the benchmark,” Maloney said.

“I think there was more in this team, so that’s disappointing and it hurts a little bit.

You get the small things right or wrong this time of year and it’s curtains on your season.

“I’m very proud of our young group of players, yeah they are young but they are

PULLMAN WILLIAMS

CASTLECORP PULLMAN WILLIAMS WESTSIDE

HILLS

Viliame Kikau had a strong game against the Sharks. Photo: Melinda Jane also very good players and we could have gone further.”

Penrith now head into 2019 with the same dream and largely the same team that contended for this year’s title.

Maloney said there’s plenty of work to do but the Panthers will be better for it.

“You’ve got to go back and start from scratch… but I’ve got every faith in the personnel we have out here,” the 32-yearold said.

“We’ll be better for it. There’s still lots of water to go under the bridge between now and next year.”

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NATHAN TAYLOR @natetaylor87

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, September 21, 2018

FEATURE

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Friday, September 21, 2018 « the western weekender • extra time

FEATURE

WHAT A YEAR! INJURIES, HUGE WINS

Ouch! Josh Mansour’s painful injury APRIL: INJURIES START TO HIT The Panthers produce a dour 12-6 win over Parramatta at ANZ Stadium, but put the afterburners on the following week to thrash Gold Coast 35-12.

Early retirement: Peter Wallace Josh Mansour suffers an horrific injury against the Gold Coast, which puts him out for several months and requires major facial surgery.

Cronulla beat Penrith on the first of three occasions in 2018 with a 26-22 victory at Southern Cross Group Stadium.

Hooked: Anthony Griffin was sacked in August with two years to run on his contract

The Panthers again come from behind, this time downing the Bulldogs 22-14 at Panthers Stadium. The win is overshadowed by news that Dylan Edwards has suffered a season-ending shoulder injury.

Josh Mansour signs a new three-year deal with Penrith, ending speculation he was set to leave the club.

JUNE: WALLACE CALLS IT A DAY Nathan Cleary grabs a late field goal to help Penrith to a 23-22 win over Canberra, but it’s quickly forgotten after the side puts in an awful display against the Roosters the following week, losing 32-6.

Peter Wallace announces his shock immediate retirement from rugby league.

Reagan Campbell-Gillard suffers a fractured jaw, ruling him out of a crucial period of the season.

The Panthers thrashed the Dragons Penrith’s first match of the season

Nathan Cleary had a stellar season FEBRUARY: A ROCKY START Penrith’s pre-season is rocked by the sudden departure of Bryce Cartwright to the Gold Coast Titans. Cartwright promised so much at the Panthers but ongoing issues both on and off the field saw him seek a change on the glitter strip.

Penrith defeat an under-strength Sydney Roosters 30-18 at Panthers Stadium in the side’s first hit-out for 2018.

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The Panthers are stunned by a 24-10 defeat to Canterbury’s reserve grade side at Belmore Sports Ground in their final hit-out before the season proper.

MARCH: THE COMEBACK KINGS Penrith open their 2018 campaign with a come-from-behind victory over arch rivals Parramatta at a sold out Panthers Stadium. The Panthers are down 14-0 after half an hour but manage to produce an epic fightback, the first of many in 2018. The side also comes from 14-0 down to beat Souths the next week.

MAY: MIXED RESULTS The Panthers hit the road to take on North Queensland in Bathurst, but the Cowboys prove too good on a chilly evening, downing Penrith 26-20 in front of 10,289 fans at Carrington Park.

Penrith bounce back to form with a 29-18 win over Newcastle at McDonald Jones Stadium.

Forward Sam McKendry suffers a season-ending ACL injury – his third in as many seasons.

Nathan Cleary returns from injury to help guide Penrith to a 16-2 victory over the Wests Tigers at Panthers Stadium.

Penrith lose Nathan Cleary to a knee injury in their Round 3 defeat to Canterbury at ANZ Stadium. Despite being without their key playmaker, the side bounces back with a terrific 33-14 victory over North Queensland the following week.

The Panthers produce their best performance of the season to thrash St GeorgeIllawarra 28-2 and grab top spot on the competition ladder.

Tyrone Peachey confirms he’ll leave the club at the end of the season

Nathan Cleary, James Maloney, Reagan Campbell-Gillard and Tyrone Peachey are named to play for NSW in the 2018 Origin series.

What a win at Lottoland!

The Panthers suffer a shock 18-10 loss to Manly at Panthers Stadium.

JULY: THE ROAD GETS SHAKY Penrith roar back into form after two straight losses, thrashing the Warriors 36-4 despite being without Origin stars Nathan Cleary, James Maloney and Tyrone Peachey. Jarome Luai is the star, bagging a double and kicking six goals in an electrifying performance.

The Panthers suffer disappointing back to back losses to Cronulla and Brisbane, before a stunning fightback against Manly

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, September 21, 2018

AND A DRAMATIC COACHING FIASCO at Lottoland puts their Finals campaign back on track.

Powerhouse second-rower Viliame Kikau signs a contract extension with the Panthers.

AUGUST: DRAMA AS HOOK IS SACKED Penrith again come from behind to defeat Canberra 40-31 at Panthers Stadium.

The biggest rugby league story of the year emerges as Penrith sacks coach Anthony Griffin with two years remaining on his contract, and just a month out from the Finals. He is replaced by Cameron Ciraldo, as a war of words erupts between Griffin and Panthers boss Phil Gould.

Penrith’s season came to an end with a 21-20 loss to Cronulla at Allianz Stadium The Western Weekender reveals that the Panthers have made a shock play to bring Ivan Cleary back to the club as head coach.

A field goal in golden point extra time gives Penrith a 17-16 victory over the Gold Coast at Cbus Super Stadium, giving caretaker coach Cameron Ciraldo his first win.

Caretaker coach Cameron Ciraldo

Penrith suffer a shock 20-12 loss to lowly

Newcastle, followed by a disappointing 36-16 loss to the Warriors at Mt Smart Stadium.

Penrith produce one of the season’s biggest upsets to defeat premiership favourites Melbourne 22-16 at AAMI Park, the side’s first win in Melbourne since 2005.

The Bulldogs announce the signing of Corey Harawira-Naera.

SEPTEMBER: SHARKS BITE The Panthers finish the season in fifth spot, and beat the Warriors 27-12 in an Elimination Final. Penrith’s dreams are shattered the following week when Cronulla beat them 21-20 in a Semi Final.

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Friday, September 21, 2018 « the western weekender • extra time

FEATURE

BEST OF THE BEST IN SEASON 2018 Extra Time Player of the Year: James Maloney While his defensive lapses cost the Panthers dearly at times during the season, there can be no denying the impact of James Maloney on the club in 2018. His experience proved invaluable, especially when Nathan Cleary went down with a knee injury in the early part of the season.

Maloney is a proven match winner and in several games this season was the difference between the Panthers winning and losing. With a young squad around him, his leadership was critical in guiding Penrith to the Finals.

Maloney also took on the captaincy role following Peter Wallace’s mid-season retirement.

2017 winner: Reagan Campbell-Gillard Extra Time Rookie of the Year: Jarome Luai While Luai made a quiet debut off the bench against Newcastle, he captured the public’s attention in round 17 when he guided an under-strength Penrith to

a 36-4 win over the Warriors at Panthers Stadium. Luai scored two tries and kicked six goals in the victory.

Luai played four games in the 2018 season and while he has James Maloney, Nathan Cleary and Tyrone May ahead of him, he’s likely to play even more first grade when he returns from injury next year.

2017 winner: Corey Harawira-Naera Extra Time Win of the Year: v Dragons, Round 12 The build up to this match in round 12 was epic with top spot on the ladder up for grabs. A huge crowd of 21,656 packed in to Panthers Stadium to watch what was expected to be an epic contest.

In the end, however, the Panthers dominated. Producing their best performance of the season, Penrith kept the Dragons tryless in the 28-2 victory.

Nathan Cleary, Christian Crichton, Viliame Kikau and Reagan CampbellGillard bagged tries in the huge win, while James Maloney kicked six goals.

James Maloney has been named the Extra Time Player of the Year. Photo: Melinda Jane 2017 winner: Panthers 36 Warriors 28 (Round 10) Extra Time Moment of the Year: Melbourne hoodoo broken Having not beaten the Storm in Melbourne since 2005, the Panthers were rated very little chance of beating the defending premiers in the final game of the regular season at AAMI Park.

Penrith produced a major surprise however, winning 22-16 and breaking the

AAMI Park hoodoo. That full-time siren, having beaten Melbourne on their home turf, was one of the season’s greatest sounds.

2017 winner: Miracle in Bathurst Extra Time Coach of the Year: Cameron Ciraldo From a field of two, we’ve gone with Cameron Ciraldo for his terrific efforts in guiding Penrith through the back end of the season and into the Finals.

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Friday, September 21, 2018 « the western weekender • extra time

FEATURE

PANTHERS HUNT FOR FLEGG TITLE NATHAN TAYLOR @natetaylor87

T

he Penrith Panthers will be aiming for back to back Jersey Flegg titles when they take on the Cronulla Sharks in this Sunday’s Grand Final at Leichhardt Oval.

The last time Penrith won a Jersey Flegg premiership was way back in 2007, which coincidentally was the last year the famous NSWRL competition was played before becoming the National Youth Competition (Toyota/Holden Cup) in 2008.

After the National Youth Competition was dissolved at the end of the 2017 season, the Jersey Flegg Cup made a triumphant return in 2018.

Penrith qualified for this Sunday’s showdown after defeating the minor premiership-winning Newcastle Knights last weekend at Leichhardt Oval.

After leading for most of the match, Penrith found themselves behind on

the scoreboard with less than a minute remaining before full-time. Fortunately there was one final twist in the game when the Panthers snatched victory with 40 seconds to go.

The late heroics of fullback Daine Laurie set up winger Thomas Lofts for a try in the corner to send Penrith through to this Sunday’s all-important decider against Cronulla.

Meanwhile, Penrith won’t be contesting back to back Intrust Super Premiership NSW Grand Finals after they were upset by the Newtown Jets 28-24 in last weekend’s Preliminary Final, also at Leichhardt.

Newtown led 16-12 at half-time before Penrith regained the lead early in the second half. The see-sawing game took another turn moments later when Newtown got back in front with a try of their own.

The Panthers missed numerous opportunities to regain the lead, while Newtown capitalised on all their chances to extend.

Down 28-24, Penrith had one last roll of the dice to steal victory but skipper Kaide

Penrith winger Thomas Lofts scores the match winner. Photo: Penrith Panthers Ellis wasn’t able to come up with the miracle play.

It was Penrith’s first taste of defeat since May, with Newtown set to play the Canterbury Bulldogs in this Sunday’s Grand Final.

In the weekend’s other big matches, St

Marys will take on Wentworthville in the Ron Massey Cup decider while Campbelltown will face Guildford in the Sydney Shield Grand Final, both on Saturday afternoon.

This weekend’s games will be broadcast on Channel Nine and NSWRL.com.au.

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