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let’s get down to business PANTHERS RETURN HOME TO BATTLE SHARKS AS THE RACE TO SEPTEMBER OFFICIALLY BEGINS MATCH PREVIEW PAGE 31
James Fisher-Harris. Photo: NRL Images.
MASKED PANTHER
SONI STEPS UP
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DREAM COMES TRUE FOR BRIAN TO’O, PLUS NEWS ON THE MINOR PREMIERSHIP SHIELD PAGE 32
LUKE READY FOR WHATEVER 2023 BRINGS AS KOROISAU PREPARES TO DEPART PAGE 33
GET THE FISH ON YOUR WALL! DON’T MISS YOUR EXCLUSIVE POSTER INSIDE PAGES 36-37
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the western weekender • extra time » Friday, July 22, 2022
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Dylan Edwards in action last week. Photo: NRL Images.
TROY DODDS
P
enrith has been so dominant this year that it’s sometimes easy to forget about other sides that have improved immensely this season to put themselves in Premiership contention. There is no doubt that one of those sides is the Cronulla Sharks, who under coach Craig Fitzgibbon have gone from a side that fell out of the top eight at the back end of the season in 2021, to one sitting in third spot as the business end of the year gets underway. Fitzgibbon is getting the best out of Matt Moylan at five-eighth, helped by Nicho Hynes who has made a successful transition to a game manager at halfback; still with plenty to learn but doing enough to ensure the Sharks win more games than they lose. Hynes was quoted recently as saying he learned a lot from Nathan Cleary in Blues camp; he’ll get to put that to the test when he comes up against his Origin team mate on Saturday evening.
BROADCAST KAYO FOX LEAGUE 2GB 873 ABC 702
SATURDAY, JULY 23 | 5.30PM | BLUEBET STADIUM | REFEREE: ASHLEY KLEIN Hynes leads the competition in Linebreak Assists, perhaps not a surprise when you consider how much expansive play the Sharks manage to produce in their games; it’s an exciting brand of footy and one that has seen them become a real contender this season. This Saturday’s twilight NRL game sees the Sharks face their biggest test yet: a Penrith team that has come through the Origin period unbeaten, with their representative stars back in action after being rested last weekend. And just like he did after Origin I when the Panthers faced Newcastle, I’d expect Nathan Cleary to respond to the Origin decider loss in pretty strong fashion this weekend. Avoiding Origin talk would have been the mission of the week but for a competitor like Cleary, there’s no question it’ll be burning in the back of his mind – solved only by putting on the boots and going out there to confront 80 minutes again. You see when the likes of Cleary and Jarome
Luai are criticised, they respond not by sulking or going into their shell, but by producing standout games that reminds us all of why they wore the sky blue in the first place. And certainly you’d expect most of Penrith’s Origin players to have a bit of extra gusto in them heading into this one; as they work to clear the Origin cobwebs and get on with the job for the Panthers. Managing that process would have been a big part of Ivan Cleary’s week, not that he had too much time to drill down on it. He let the Origin players have the first half of the week off, all part of handling the workload of his biggest assets during this period. Cleary would not want to dwell on what happened at Origin nor use it as motivation to do better for Penrith, but he also knows what makes his players tick. There’s certain individuals who will use the Origin disappointment as motivation, others who would rather forget about it. It is the latter Cleary must focus on
PANTHERS
most, to ensure they don’t get bogged down in all the Origin aftermath. You can’t read too much into Penrith’s form last weekend. A narrow win over the Tigers was impressive under the circumstances, but the game is best forgotten. There was very little to learn from it. Cronulla has been dealt a major blow with their try scoring machine Sione Katoa ruled out for the rest of the season, with Connor Tracey taking his place on the wing. With Cleary and co back on deck, the Panthers should return to the side we know and love this weekend – and I’d expect a strong kicking game will ensure the home team dominates field position and gets the job done. Regardless, this is a big test of where Penrith are at – their first match against a top eight side since they played the Cowboys back in late May. Whatever the result, we’ll learn plenty from it. Tip: Panthers by 12.
SHARKS
1 Dylan Edwards
10 James Fisher-Harris
1 Will Kennedy
2 Taylan May
11 Viliame Kikau
2 Connor Tracey
10 Royce Hunt 11 Briton Nikora
3 Izack Tago
12 Liam Martin
3 Jesse Ramien
12 Wade Graham (c)
4 Stephen Crichton
13 Isaah Yeo (c)
4 Siosifa Talakai
13 Dale Finucane
5 Brian To’o
14 Mitch Kenny
5 Ronaldo Mulitalo
14 Teig Wilton
6 Jarome Luai
15 Scott Sorensen
6 Matt Moylan
15 Cameron McInnes
7 Nathan Cleary (c)
16 Matthew Eisenhuth
7 Nicholas Hynes
16 Braden Hamlin-Uele
8 Moses Leota
17 Jaeman Salmon
8 Tuby Rudolf
17 Andrew Fifita
9 Apisai Koroisau
18 Charlie Staines 19 Spencer Leniu
9 Blayke Brailey
18 Braydon Trindall 19 Aiden Tolman
Friday, July 22, 2022 « the western weekender • extra time
31
panther rumblings
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WITH THE MASKED PANTHER
TO’O DELIVERS ON FAMILY PROMISE !
Dream comes true: Brian To’o had two financial goals when it was clear this whole rugby league caper was going to work out for him – buy a headstone for his late sister, and purchase his family a home. He managed to get the headstone for Danielle back when he signed his first major contract with Penrith a few years back. This week, he proudly revealed the second goal had been ticked off – he has bought his loving parents a property of their own. “Work hard, stay humble and put your heart into it and you can accomplish anything,” To’o said on Instagram, alongside a very happy family photo.
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Cleary’s Bali break: Panthers and Blues halfback Nathan Cleary was always planning to jet off to Bali for a few days regardless of the result of last Wednesday night’s Origin decider. The mid-season freshen up was planned as part of Ivan Cleary’s representative mud map, designed to get Penrith through the difficult period and prepare the side for the run to the Finals. The coach was adamant he didn’t want the Origin players at Panthers HQ or at last Sunday’s game against the Tigers. He wanted them to have a complete break from footy.
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CCT live in Penrith: The top-rating 2GB Continuous Call Team will be broadcasting live from Panthers Leagues Club this Saturday afternoon. Mark Levy, Darryl Brohman, Paul Gallen and Boyd Cordner will be on deck from 1pm, before heading across the road to broadcast the Panthers v Sharks match from BlueBet Stadium (CCT pictured below).
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Armchair critics get it wrong: Criticism of Nathan Cleary has followed him pretty much from day one, and only intensifies when a big game like Origin III doesn’t go his side’s way. But the critics fail to acknowledge that he’s still only 24-years-old, thrown into Penrith’s first grade team and into the Blues side during desperate times, likely ahead of schedule. Comparisons to the likes of Cooper Cronk, Johnathan Thurston and Andrew Johns are utterly ridiculous given the benefit of 10 extra years of footy sits with players like that. Recency bias ensures critics remember Cronk, Thurston and Johns at their best – not when they were still crafting their game. Cleary may well go down as one of the greats, especially given his best footy is clearly in front of him.
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Heritage matters: Those taking shots at the likes of Jarome Luai and Brian To’o for wanting to represent Samoa at the World Cup need to adjust their old-fashioned thinking. The game is changing. We should be embracing those who play with such extraordinary passion for the heritage and cultures that mean so much to them. And yes, that can mean playing with just as much passion in a New South Wales jersey as a Samoan one.
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Leniu on the outer: Just what’s going on with Spencer Leniu? He was left out of the side to play the Tigers last weekend despite the lack of first grade experience in the team. Against the Roosters he played just nine minutes off the bench, down from 23 minutes he got in against the Warriors. And he’s not been named
Brian To’o with his family.
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Grant sells: Former Panthers forward Tim Grant wisely invested in property during his time in the NRL, which is now starting to bear fruit. Last weekend he finalised the sale of a four bedroom, two bathroom property he owned at Leppington.
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Shield presentation: The NRL is yet to open discussions with Penrith about the presentation of the J.J Giltinan Shield should they win the Minor Premiership, which now seems a given. However, I can confirm it is the club’s preference to have the Shield presented in front of their home fans in Round 24, ahead of the game against the Warriors.
in the 17 for this Saturday’s clash with the Sharks at BlueBet Stadium either. While the Panthers are planning for Leniu to be at the club next season, there’s no doubt questions are being raised about his future at the foot of the Mountains. He’s shown plenty of potential over the years, but something is clearly hindering his progress.
Ciraldo ponders future: The Panthers are still confident Cameron Ciraldo will remain at the club next season but they can’t escape the ongoing speculation about his future. The Bulldogs rumour simply won’t go away despite the red flags that surround the deal. This week, he was suddenly talked about in the same breath as the Dragons, who appear to be going cold on Anthony Griffin. But as I reported a few weeks back, the Eels remain a huge possibility – Brad Arthur needs to produce a stellar finish to the season and likely a Grand Final appearance to convince the powers that be that he remains the long-term solution. At this stage, Penrith are comfortable that Ciraldo isn’t being distracted by what’s going on behind the scenes. They’re also confident Andrew Webster is focused on the job at hand and not preparing for his switch to the Warriors. But if the Panthers drop a few games, rest
assured the club will likely ensure the coaching train is very much focused and on track.
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Silverware secured: The Panthers took home the first ever Royce Simmons Cup when they toppled the Tigers 18-16 at CommBank Stadium last Saturday. Stand-in skipper Dylan Edwards was handed the honour of hoisting the NRL team’s first piece of silverware for the year (pictured).
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Bookies back Panthers: Penrith are now at almost unbackable odds of $2.00 to win the Premiership with the TAB, making them one of the shortest priced Premiership favourites in history, especially at this stage of the season. To put things into context, Melbourne sits on the second line of betting at $7.00.
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the western weekender • extra time » Friday, July 22, 2022
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LUKE READY FOR WHAT 2023 BRINGS NATHAN TAYLOR
P
anthers rookie Soni Luke says he’s ready to step up in the absence of departing Blues hooker Api Koroisau next season. With the two-time Premiership winner off to join Tim Sheens and co. at the Wests Tigers, Penrith have a huge role to fill at dummy half. While it appears Mitch Kenny will get first crack at the vacant number 9 jumper next season, fellow hooker Soni Luke – who made his NRL debut in Round 7 this year – said he’d love to be in the mix also. Speaking with Extra Time following his third game in first grade last weekend, Luke said he’d love to secure a bench role if Kenny gets the starting spot. “Obviously Mitch has been there and has been doing that role the last three or four years, so he’s kind of done his apprenticeship. He’ll probably be looking forward to that starting role and if I’m coming off the bench then I’ll be stoked with that,” the 26-year-old said. “Just learning every week, playing first grade every week would be awesome. But I still have a heap of work to do before I get there. I’ve got another pre-season to come and I’ll be learning off Api has much as I can before he leaves as well.” Koroisau will be a huge loss for Penrith next season, with Kenny praising him several times in previous interviews for the impact the crafty Fijian has had on his own development.
Soni Luke is likely to get more time in first grade next season. Photo: NRL Images.
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Luke said there’s no better dummy half in the game to learn off than Koroisau. “He’s unreal! He’s probably the best hooker in the comp at the moment,” the St Marys junior admitted. “He plays both sides of the ball, is great in defence and even better in attack. He’s so good for guys like Mitch and I. We ask him a million questions and he’s always letting us know where we can be better and what other things we can do to get better as well. “I can’t give him a big enough wrap. He’s been awesome for me.” With Penrith limited on funds for next season, it’s highly unlikely they will go to market to secure another hooker. Knowing the club is putting faith in Kenny and himself next season is music to Luke’s ears. “It’s massive. I take a lot of confidence when stuff like that happens,” Luke said. “Just the trust that Ivan and the staff have in guys like me and Mitch, it’s pretty cool to have in the back of your head when you’re training all pre-season knowing that there’s going to be a role there for you.” Following another honest performance in the NRL last week, Luke will return to NSW Cup this Sunday to face Blacktown Workers at H.E Laybutt Sporting Complex. Luke said he’s been enjoying his cameos in first grade this year, and he’ll now wait for his next opportunity. “It’s pretty fun, I’m pretty lucky to be part of a good team and a good system, and it makes it a lot easier to play around these guys as well,” he said.
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Friday, July 22, 2022 « the western weekender • extra time
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feature
LEOTA REMAINS QUIET ON WORLD CUP NATHAN TAYLOR
P
anthers prop Moses Leota won’t make a call on his World Cup future until later this year, but one thing is certain – he has a huge decision on his hands. Eligible to represent both Samoa and New Zealand, the 27-year-old local junior is expected to be in high demand for both nations when the 2022 Rugby League World Cup kicks off this November. Will Leota join several of his Panthers teammates playing for rising nation Samoa or will he link back up with the Kiwis, who he made his long-awaited debut with just last month? Speaking with Extra Time after eating breakfast at Emu Hall on his 27th birthday on Wednesday, Leota said representing New Zealand for the first time recently was a special moment for both he and his family. “We haven’t played back in New Zealand since 2019 and I’ve got heaps of family there, including my Nana,” the Auckland product said. “That was the main reason I wanted to play for the Kiwis because I could go over there and play a game in front of them. “My Nana was super happy; she was there at the game cheering me on. She’s proud of my achievements and how far I’ve come. She’s my number one supporter.” Whichever country Leota chooses to represent later this year, that team will get a massive boost. After returning from a fractured shoulder back in May, Leota has been in outstanding form ever since and has played a pivotal role in Penrith’s near undefeated season so far. While the understrength Panthers got a late scare against the last-placed Wests Tigers last weekend, they managed to do enough in the end to record their 16th victory of the year. “I felt the boys that came up to first grade did a really good job and, even though there were some errors, we got the win which was the main thing,” Leota said. Down 16-12 with six minutes remaining, inspirational prop James Fisher-Harris scored the match winner under the posts in his 150th game. It was a real couch jumping moment for Panthers supporters back home as well as his teammates, including Leota, on the sideline. “Bro, I was super proud of Fish,” Leota said. “We were just all sweating on the sideline
Moses Leota in action during Penrith’s narrow win over the Wests Tigers last weekend. Photo: NRL Images.
because they were up, and he came in clutch and scored that last try – and on his big milestone too. “That’s the type of player he is. He just shows up every week and he shows up for the boys.” Best mates off the field as well as on, Leota was full of praise for Penrith’s engine room leader, who appears to be getting better with each and every game he plays. “I’ve always looked up to him, his work rate is out of this world,” Leota said of Fisher-Harris. “He looks up to Kobe [Bryant] and he pretty much has the same mindset as he did. I’m just trying to get some little gems out of him to help my game.” This Saturday evening at a packed out BlueBet Stadium, Penrith will be aiming for their ninth straight win. They’ll take on a Cronulla Sharks side who have been one of the surprise packets of the season – sitting in third position with less than two months before Finals. Boasting an experienced forward pack and an
Moses Leota with his family after representing New Zealand.
34
the western weekender • extra time » Friday, July 22, 2022
explosive backline, Leota and his teammates know they’ll have to be at their very best to keep their winning run alive. “The Sharks have really shown up this year – what are they third on the ladder?” Leota asked. “We really need to be on our game this
Moses Leota made a big impact for the Kiwis.
week and it’ll be good to have the Blues State of Origin boys back just in time for the big game too.” Penrith’s Origin contingent returned to Panthers HQ on Thursday morning in preparation for tomorrow night’s blockbuster clash.
ONLY THREE SIDES CAN MATCH THE PANTHERS IN RACE FOR TITLE W
lang on
league
The three sides I feel pose the biggest threat to the Panthers are the Sharks, Storm and Eels with the Cowboys being the dark horse. You might find picking North Queensland, who are going into Round 19 second on the ladder, as the dark horse confusing, but I think when the Finals begin, they won’t have the experience to make it to the Grand Final and will fall agonisingly short. So, we’re down to the Sharks, Storm and Eels. All three sides have shown me enough this season to suggest if they make the Grand Final, they have the players, depth and coaching experience to topple the Penrith Panthers. Cronulla have experienced campaigners like Matt Moylan, Nicho Hynes, Wade Graham and Dale Finucane to trouble Penrith in the big games. The Storm may look like they have the hippy-hippy shakes at the moment but when the whips start cracking, they have one of the best coaches in the game plus a cast of superstars in Munster, Smith, Hughes and Grant. Which leaves us with the Eels. Now while they may have trouble beating the cellar-dwellers, so far in 2022, they are the only side to beat the Panthers. They also seem to have no trouble ‘getting up’ for their western Sydney rivals.
Matt Moylan’s Sharks are a Premiership threat. Photo: NRL Images.
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with Peter Lang
ith only seven rounds remaining in the 2022 NRL season, this is the time where teams show what they’re worth and start making a run towards the Finals and then ultimately the Grand Final, in an effort to win the whole competition. The Panthers did it last year and are bookies favourites to go back-to-back this year as well. I obviously think Penrith can win it again, but I also believe there are realistically three other teams which can threaten the Panthers on the big day. To start with, I’d like to eliminate five teams which I believe have no chance of making the Top 8 let alone the big dance. No disrespect intended but let’s put a red-felt pen through the Titans, Tigers, Bulldogs, Knights and Warriors. It just hasn’t been their year. The next block of four teams I’d like to take out of the equation are the Raiders, Dragons, Sea Eagles and Roosters. These four sides are all fighting for the last spot in the Top 8 and just don’t have the momentum to go all the way. The next two sides will make the eight and if they click can easily get to the second week of the Finals. The Rabbitohs and Broncos can cause some headaches but I think they’ll have a better shot next year.
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Friday, July 22, 2022 « the western weekender • extra time
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panthers poster 36
the western weekender • extra time » Friday, July 22, 2022
Friday, July 22, 2022 « the western weekender • extra time
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Unit 1, 16-26 Jack Williams Drive, Penrith – 4732 3777
Sit back. Watch the kids play, laugh and enjoy, having a blast in three fun-filled courts with action-packed games and activities!
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the western weekender • extra time » Friday, July 22, 2022
nrl ladder & fixtures CLUB
PD
W
D
L
B
F
A
+/-
PTS
1
Panthers
17
16
0
1
1
500
192
+308
34
2
Cowboys
17
12
0
5
1
430
249
+181
26
3
Sharks
17
12
0
5
1
388
272
+116
26
4
Storm
17
11
0
6
1
485
308
+177
24
5
Broncos
17
11
0
6
1
386
325
+61
24
6
Eels
17
11
0
6
1
407
371
+36
24
7
Rabbitohs
17
10
0
7
1
428
369
+59
22
8
Sea Eagles
17
9
0
8
1
398
366
+32
20
9
Roosters
17
8
0
9
1
391
342
+49
18
10 11
Raiders Dragons
17 17
8 8
0 0
9 9
1 1
300 309
337 421
-37 -112
18
Warriors
17
5
0
12
1
388
463
-175
12
13
Knights
17
5
0
12
1
262
456
-194
12
14
Bulldogs
17
4
0
13
1
264
391
-127
10
15
Titans
17
3
0
15
1
258
434
-176
8
W. Tigers
17
3
0
14
1
234
432
-198
V
Thursday, July 21 7.50pm CommBank Stadium
V
Friday, July 22 6.00pm Netstrata Jubilee Stadium
V
Friday, July 22 7.55pm McDonald Jones Stadium
V
Saturday, July 23 3.00pm GIO Stadium
V
Saturday, July 23 5.30pm BlueBet Stadium
18
12
16
ROUND 19
8
V
Saturday, July 23 7.35pm Accor Stadium
V
Sunday, July 24 2.00pm CommBank Stadium
V
Sunday, July 24 4.05pm QLD Country Bank Stadium
Face In Th e Crowd
IS THIS YOU? Is this you at a recent Penrith Panthers game? If it is, you’ve won a Hoyts Family Movie Pass to use at any Hoyts Cinema in Australia! To collect your prize, visit the Weekender office at 2/42-44 Abel Street, Jamisontown and ask for Nathan Taylor.
Extra Time Issue Number 2022-020 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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Friday, July 22, 2022 « the western weekender • extra time
39
NOTHING WRONG WITH A PLAN B: NRL IS A FUNNY OLD BUSINESS G
matt russell Brought to you by
ood business or poor management? It was a common question this week when representatives of Parramatta coach Brad Arthur were reported to be sounding out rival clubs for his services. Arthur denied any such moves, saying he’d worked so hard with the Eels to put them in Premiership contention, loved the club, lived seven minutes from training, and still had so much more to do. But of course, Arthur’s management is fully aware his future may not be solely his decision. In the NRL coaching caper, it rarely is. So, what’s wrong with his representatives quietly manoeuvring to open as many options as possible? It’s their job, after all, to look after their client (oh, and their own financial interests) as best as possible. It’s their job to realise, if Arthur finishes his ninth season without a Premiership, the usual calls for change at Parra will come. It’s their job to realise that if he does deliver, the more interest there is for his client, the more his price to stay heads north. It’s our job to realise that be you a player, coach, commentator or cleaner, this is a business. Often a ruthless one. And there is always much happening behind the scenes. The above could well stay behind the scenes if Arthur leads his Eels to the Premiership. On Fox League’s ‘NRL Tonight’ last Tuesday, 1996 Premiership winner Mark Carroll said it won’t be this year. “Against the top teams they play like Tarzan, but against the bottom teams they look like Jane. I need to see Tarzan more often,” he said. On the same show, former Eels captain Tim Mannah went the other way. “I still think they can win the comp. As we’re
Parramatta Eels coach Brad Arthur. Photo: NRL Images.
seeing at other clubs, a few injuries are bringing those clubs back to the pack. And the Eels are the only team to beat Penrith at Penrith and Melbourne in Melbourne. On their day they’ll beat anybody.” Mannah’s comments are backed up by last year’s Finals when they lost to Penrith in a semi 8-6 – one of the great games of rugby league, despite the low score. Four times Arthur has taken Parramatta to
Week 2 of the Finals and lost in sudden death. Improving on that could well depend on the next seven weeks leading into the post-season. Their draw is tough – against Brisbane twice, Penrith, Manly, Souths, Canterbury and Melbourne to finish. Who knows what will happen on the ride home, but nothing is certain. As a result, who knows how many Plan B’s Brad Arthur’s management needs in place.
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the western weekender • extra time » Friday, July 22, 2022
LENIU MAKES SHOCK NSW CUP APPEARANCE AS PANTHERS FALL A
n understrength Penrith Panthers have been upset 32-20 by the Western S u b u r b s Magpies at Leichhardt Oval in the K n o c k- O n Effect NSW Cup. T h e Panthers were missing several regulars to first grade duty, however they were boosted by the surprise inclusion of Spencer Leniu. The Panthers went close to scoring in the opening 10 minutes, however a kick ahead just beat Thomas Jenkins to the sideline. It didn’t take long for them to get another chance, with Logan Dickson crossing off a
lower grades report with Lachlan Jeffery @LachlanJeffery Spencer Leniu played NSW Cup last weekend.
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enrith coach Ivan Cleary has hit back at claims his side was disrespectful for resting all seven NSW stars for last week’s game against the Wests Tigers. Interim Tigers coach Brett Kimmorley suggested it wasn’t respectful to not name the representative stars nor play them against the struggling Tigers, but Cleary refuted those claims both post-match and in a mid-week media conference. “I don’t think we could win so many games as we have over the last few years if we disrespected anybody,” Cleary said on Tuesday.
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“We actually put a lot of work into that game last weekend. We put a lot of work in... and we were happy with the result.” Cleary said “time will tell” if resting all seven NSW players was the right call. “Certainly history will show that... and a lot of people will talk about it... it’s a mental drain that Origin period,” he said. “For most of our guys it’s only the second time they’ve done it.” Cleary hinted it would be unlikely that James Fisher-Harris, Viliame Kikau or Dylan Edwards would be rested in the coming weeks despite stepping up during the Origin period. “All of those guys have had a week off somewhere... I’m not thinking like that at the moment,” he said.
cut-out pass from Jack Cole. It didn’t take long for Wests to even up as Tyrone Peachey set up Brandon Tumeth in the 20th minute. Penrith took back the lead four minutes later when Luke Sommerton ducked over from dummy-half. The Magpies took a 14-12 lead to half-time after Johnny Mitsias scored and Jock Madden added a penalty goal on the siren. The Panthers’ minds were clearly left behind after the break as they conceded three tries within the first 17 minutes of the second half. Wests were reduced to 12 players in the 70th minute when Junior Pauga was sin binned, with the Panthers adding tries through Jenkins and Dickson, however it was too little, too late for the Mountain men. It was good news for the Panthers in the Jersey Flegg Cup as they ran out 26-16 winners over the Wests Tigers earlier in the day. The Panthers got off to a perfect start as Keegan Russell-Smith set up Cody Lawson with a pinpoint kick after just two minutes. Further tries to Kristian-Li Mai and Ryley Smith saw the Panthers open a 14-0 lead before the Tigers crossed through Kurt Picken. Another try to Smith in the shadows of halftime gave the Panthers a 20-4 advantage at the break. A pair of Tigers tries to Jaycob Anjoul and Michael Tannous cut the margin to four points with 10 minutes to go, before a try with four minutes left by Tyreece Tonga wrapped up the 10-point win for Penrith. In round 19, the Panthers travel to Blacktown to face the Sea Eagles at HE Laybutt Reserve in the KOE Cup, while the Jersey Flegg squad face Manly at Brookvale.
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Friday, July 22, 2022 « the western weekender • extra time
41
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the western weekender • extra time » Friday, July 22, 2022
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Friday, July 22, 2022 « the western weekender • extra time
43
D BY T L O T – S E I R TO PENRITH’S S
On The
HE P
d r o c Re
O R I ES T S ’S H T I R N PE E THEM D A M O H W EOPLE P E H T Y B D TO L
ST A C D O P ’S R E D THE WEEKEN
TO N E T S I L asts and c O d T o p W to n te HO s li u er’ wherever yo
kend d more! e n e a t W ic rn d d te A s t e s a ‘W c h d 1. Searc Podcasts, Po le p p A , fy ti o p S n o subscribe. We’re odcast
m.au/p o .c r e d n e k e e w stern 2. Visit www.we e.
on our websit t c e ir d n te s li d n a to listen now e d o c R Q e th n a c 3. S
Terry Gallaway Veteran journalist and broadcaster
Peter Lang Respected Panthers rugby league writer
Troy Dodds Long-time Editor of The Western Weekender
John Todd CEO of Western Sydney Business Centre
Tricia Hitchen Current Penrith City Mayor
Mark Geyer Penrith Panthers legend and gym owner
Stuart Ayres State Member for Penrith
Matthew Freeburn Long-time Penrith business owner
Matt Jones Former owner of the Daily Planet nightclub
Graham Chapman Local business and marketing guru
Greg Alexander Penrith Panthers 1991 Grand Final captain
Ian Taylor Former ONE FM broadcaster
Kevin Crameri Veteran Penrith City Councillor
Prue Car State Member for Londonderry
Andrew Paech Local charity leader
Wayne Willmington Local radio legend
Royce Simmons Penrith Panthers legend
Ross Hutchison Entertainer
John Scott Local business icon
Ben Feszczuk Penrith’s former top cop
John Thain Veteran Councillor
44
the western weekender • extra time » Friday, July 22, 2022