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Waqa Blake in action. Photo: Megan Dunn
TAKE TWO PANTHERS LOOK TO BOUNCE BACK MASKED PANTHER > P40 New-look Pantherettes, question marks over RCG, and Cleary’s late mail ban
LOVING LUAI > P42 The boom youngster on the verge of something special at Penrith
CLINTON MAYNARD > P47 What did we learn from the first round of matches?
Friday, March 22, 2019 « the western weekender
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THE FINAL WORD
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PANTHERS 1
Dylan Edwards
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
Josh Mansour Dean Whare Waqa Blake Dallin Watene-Zelezniak James Maloney Nathan Cleary James Tamou Sione Katoa Reagan Campbell-Gillard James Fisher-Harris Isaah Yeo Hame Sele Wayde Egan Frank Winterstein Moses Leota Jack Hetherington Jarome Luai 19 Tim Grant
the western weekender • extra time » Friday, March 22, 2019
MATCH PREVIEW
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KNIGHTS
FOX LEAGUE
2GB Dean Whare in action against the Eels. Photo: Megan Dunn
TROY
DODDS Well, that didn’t go to plan. After much hype and excitement, Ivan Cleary’s second tenure at the foot of the Mountains got off to an horrific start last Sunday afternoon against arch rivals Parramatta. The Panthers looked flat, slow and uninspiring in attack, a real worry given the side is also dealing with off- field distractions that could really dog the weeks ahead. But Penrith fans have learned that patience is indeed a virtue, and anyone willing to write this side off after just one week need only be reminded of the side’s effort against the Dragons in the opening round two years ago. It was diabolical, but the team not only turned things around
and won the next week, they went on to make the Finals. Ironically, the side was also dealing with an off- field crisis at that time, involving star player Bryce Cartwright. Truth is the bounce-back factor in round 2 of the NRL is prominent and it gives Penrith fans plenty of hope this weekend. With last Sunday’s performance put quickly behind them, Penrith will head up the M1 on Saturday to take on a Newcastle side full of confidence after their opening round victory against Cronulla last Friday night. The Knights were impressive with new recruit David Klemmer leading the way up front and the spine of Connor Watson, Kalyn Ponga, Mitchell Pearce and Danny Levi justifying why many think Newcastle will return to Finals footy this year. The Panthers defended well for the majority of their game but were caught
out by a much more enthusiastic Eels side, and a baffling attacking display that saw way too many dropped balls from experienced players. In fact, I doubt Penrith’s back five will have a worse game collectively all season. Despite the gloomy start to the season, there were still some positives out of the eight-point loss to Parramatta. James Tamou was a menace up front, dominating the forward battle and even grabbing a four- pointer as a reward. If this was a taste of what the premiership winner will deliver this season, we’re in for a real treat. James Maloney also played well and earned Penrith several repeat sets, something the side has struggled with in recent seasons under Anthony Griffin. Maloney’s defence – often a fault of his game – also appeared much better than in recent times.
1
Connor Watson
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
Edrick Lee Hymel Hunt Jesse Ramien Shaun Kenny-Dowall Kalyn Ponga Mitchell Pearce David Klemmer Danny Levi James Gavet Sione Mata’utia Lachlan Fitzgibbon Tim Glasby Kurt Mann Aidan Guerra Mitchell Barnett Herman Ese’ese 18 Josh King
Penrith faces a tough task against this positive-looking Newcastle side, but again on paper there’s no question that Penrith should be favourites. Penrith have a far superior pack. We can only hope that the cobwebs are now wiped away for the likes of Dylan Edwards, Josh Mansour and Dallin Watene- Zelezniak, while Nathan Cleary will surely be looking to stamp his authority on this match after a very disappointing performance against the Eels. Penrith need much better service out of dummy half than they got from Wayde Egan last week, though his time on the field was probably unexpected given Sione Katoa was a late withdrawal. Katoa has been named to return on Saturday. I’m sticking with Penrith to win this election night battle, but I admit it’s a wobbly old tip given last week’s effort. Tip: Panthers by 4.
39
Friday, March 22, 2019 « the western weekender • extra time
PANTHER RUMBLINGS
with the Masked Panther
RCG WORRY I’m told the Panthers are keeping a very strong eye on Reagan Campbell-Gillard. Officials weren’t happy with how he finished the season last year and are hoping for much improved performances this season. Unfortunately he failed to fire in the round 1 clash against Parramatta, again raising a few eyebrows given his expensive, long-term contract. Hopefully RCG finds the form that saw him selected for New South Wales last year.
The Pantherettes were back on deck at
last weekend’s home game, braving the conditions and revealing their brand new outfits for the 2019 season. With so many clubs following a silly politically correct line and dropping cheerleaders from their match day experience, it’s great to see the Panthers still supporting dancers in the local community by backing the cheer squad.
New flags bearing the first grade
squad’s names and faces were on display at Panthers Stadium last weekend, but one flag was a notable omission. There was no sign of Tyrone May – who while still part of the club’s top 30, is currently subject to the NRL’s no-fault stand-down policy.
The Masked Panther doesn’t like to
whinge too much, but can somebody make the clock on the scoreboard at Panthers Stadium bigger? The new-look version is way too small.
A moment of madness from Waqa
Blake has resulted in him copping a $1,350 fine for Contrary Conduct. Blake pushed an unsuspecting Mitchell Moses over in the 59th minute of last Sunday’s game, conceding a penalty and the wrath of the match review committee. He won’t miss any game time, but is a little lighter in the hip pocket.
Good news on the injury front with forward Hame Sele cleared of a broken arm after he left the field early in last Sunday’s clash against Parramatta. Meanwhile, James Tamou won’t miss any game time
The new-look Pantherettes. Photo: Megan Dunn despite suffering a finger injury in the game. It’ll be monitored but it’s more of an annoyance than anything too serious.
Panthers boss Phil Gould is back writ-
ing for The Sun Herald. The Gus column was a fixture of the Sunday paper for years, but was cut in early 2017. Last weekend he re-appeared, perhaps related to Channel Nine’s recent purchase of Fairfax Media?
I was a little disappointed to see
Panthers coach Ivan Cleary so guarded about his team line-up at last Saturday’s pre-match press conference. Cleary was asked by the media if there was any late changes, to which he replied “not that I’m going to tell you” before hinting he wouldn’t be discussing late mail through
the year. Just a couple of hours later, the Panthers released news that Sione Katoa was out of Sunday’s game against the Eels injured (confirming a rumour that had already been circulating anyway). Why not just be up front in the first place, especially given the news was coming out anyway?
Spotted: Panthers forward Jack Hetherington having a quiet breakfast at Percy Plunkett last Saturday.
Panthers 1991 premiership winner and
NSW Origin coach Brad Fittler is the latest high profile rugby league personality to question Penrith’s decision to appoint a leadership group this season instead of a single captain. Speaking on ‘The Sunday Footy Show’ last weekend, Freddy ques-
tioned the leadership set-up at the foot of the Mountains and suggested the Panthers needed a focused captain to lead the club on and off the field, especially given recent off-field events.
There’ll be no early morning sausage
sizzle at a local school for the Panthers on State Election day. The players are staying in Newcastle on Friday night, ensuring no travel on game day this Saturday.
The Panthers are off to Bathurst next
week to take on the Melbourne Storm at Carrington Park, and as always the players will spend plenty of time in the community. The squad will arrive in Bathurst next Thursday and attend a gala day, as well as host a junior clinic at Bathurst Sportsground.
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the western weekender • extra time » Friday, March 22, 2019
FEATURE
DEBRIEF OVER DINNER NATHAN
TAYLOR While most players get to go home and sulk on their own after a loss, Nathan Cleary didn’t get that same privilege last weekend. Following last Sunday’s surprise defeat to 2018 wooden spooners Parramatta, the 21- year- old had to spend the rest of his evening with his father and coach Ivan Cleary, painfully going over what went wrong during the game at dinner. While many would consider it a nightmare, Cleary – one of the club’s leaders in 2019 – saw it as a positive. “I actually drove him to dinner at Nepean Rowing Club after the loss. It was good to get a briefing in the car and try and sort stuff out,” Cleary said. “Me and Dad have a really good relationship, we can have honest conversations of what went wrong and what we can get better at. “It was good to resolve that straight after the game and then my mum got me a free feed,” Cleary laughed. One thing Cleary Snr wanted his son and halfback to work on was his fifth tackle options.
Against Parramatta, Cleary Jr resorted to numerous bomb kicks which had little to no impact. “Dad wanted me and Jimmy (James Maloney) to work on a few different last play options, we weren’t up to scratch on the weekend and that did hurt us,” Cleary admitted. “We don’t want to get down on ourselves too early, it is only one game. Although it’s disappointing, we can’t go into our shells. We need to brush it off and fix up what went wrong.” While it is only one game, Cleary is aware that if more losses ensue in the coming weeks, those “honest conversations” with his father in the car will only get harder to handle. “We know there will be tough times throughout the year and last weekend was one of those,” Cleary said. “We were totally aware of that coming into this and knew that was part of the deal. We just have to get on with life and try and win some games.” Meanwhile, Cleary said that the recent sex tape controversy involving the club wasn’t the catalyst for Penrith’s sluggish and ill-disciplined performance. “No not at all. We put that to bed the week before,” he said.
Nathan Cleary chatting with the Weekender’s Nathan Taylor on Tuesday “Yes, it was a difficult time with everything going on and the constant media speculation but that definitely didn’t
hinder our preparation or performance on the weekend.” Penrith play Newcastle on Saturday.
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Friday, March 22, 2019 « the western weekender • extra time
FEATURE Jarome Luai. Photo: Megan Dun
NEXT BIG THING JAROME LUAI BULKS UP FOR SEASON AHEAD NATHAN
TAYLOR
42
After being one of the smallest players in the Penrith squad last season, boom half Jarome Luai made it his mission to bulk up in the off-season, so his young body could handle the weekly rigours of the NRL. With his mum on the case cooking up a storm combined with a strict weights program, the 22- year- old managed to put on an additional three kilograms of muscle. Speaking with Extra Time on Tuesday, Luai appeared quite proud of his brandnew physique. “Yes I am weighing a bit heavier this year, I’ve always tried to get bigger but this year it’s actually worked,” he said. “Mum’s been shoving food down my throat, so it’s good to get recognised for a bit of size.
“I’ve always trained hard in the gym but mum’s been feeding me well and it’s helped. “I was 86kg last year and I’m currently at 89kg. I’m trying hard to get to 90kg.” Luai’s frame and long flowing locks were a sight for sore eyes during his 19-minute stint off the bench in Penrith’s shock loss to Parramatta last Sunday. Filling in for concussed hooker Sione Katoa – who was accidently knocked out at training in the lead-up to the match – Luai provided plenty of spark from dummy half in the eight-point defeat. “I hadn’t played hooker since U9s, it’s now the third position I’ve played in my five games of first grade,” Luai said. “It was a good experience to jump out there in the middle with the big boys.” During his short but effective time on the field, Luai appeared to pick up a knee injury and he was seen mid- field clutching at his leg in pain.
Vision of Luai in distress sent shock-
“I’VE ALWAYS TRAINED HARD AT THE GYM BUT MUM’S BEEN FEEDING ME WELL AND IT’S HELPED... I’M TRYING TO GET TO 90KG” waves through the Panthers camp especially considering it was his first official game back since seriously injuring
his ankle at Suncorp Stadium in a match against Brisbane last July. “It was a bit of a scare because I’ve had problems with my knee before, fortunately I was able to run it out,” Luai said. “It was good to get out on the field today and test it out, it felt good. I’ll be playing this week.” After a surprise opening round defeat, Penrith will be eager to bounce back when they take on the promising Knights in Newcastle this Saturday. For Luai, McDonald Jones Stadium is home to plenty of wonderful memories as it was the location of his first grade debut last May. “It will be good to go back there, I’ve been thinking about that already – just remembering how I debuted there,” Luai said. “It will be cool to play there again, any opportunity I can play with the boys I’ll gladly put my hand up.”
Numbers prove Panthers must start better to be a title chance
MATT RUSSELL A
t a recent lunch with friends, we all nominated our NRL top four and filed them, so we could allocate prizes and punishments at the end of the season. Mine was Roosters first, Brisbane second, Penrith third and Newcastle fourth. It is sure to be hopelessly wrong but, for the record, there it is. With that in mind, you can understand how excited I am to call two of those teams head to head on Saturday in Newcastle for Fox League. Nathan Brown’s men started on the right note. A win against Cronulla. Big Edrick in full flight. The ‘New- Car-Sell’ chant. And more! Ivan Cleary’s team has work to do, especially early on. Early in games that is. Crunching the numbers from last season, Penrith lost their first halves by a combined 92 points. They won their second halves by a combined 160 points. From -92 to +160 is a 252 point turnaround after the break. The oranges out west must be good! Six times they came from behind at halftime to win. But nine times they didn’t!
Conversely, as half- time leaders nine times, Penrith only lost once. When they scored the first try, Penrith won all 10 games. Think Might and Power, Vo Rogue and Sunline. Penrith at the moment are really good front-runners. They just have to find the front. So when Parramatta led 14-0 last Sunday, only for Penrith to close to 14-12 and lose 20-12, footy fans were left scratching their heads. Is it 2018 or 2019? Are Anthony Griffin and Cameron Ciraldo coaching the team, or has Ivan Cleary taken over? The constant, of course, are many of the players. They need to start games better. Otherwise all they’ll also see the back of Edrick Lee. All they’ll hear is ‘New- CarSell’. All they’ll need is another comeback, which may or may not work. You can understand why Adam Keighran departed Penrith after a helping them to the third week of the Intrust Super Premiership Finals (now the Canterbury Cup) last season. He’s built for rugby league, scored 10 tries, kicked 80 goals, and finished with
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the western weekender • extra time » Friday, March 22, 2019
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The Panthers in action against Parramatta last weekend. Photo: Megan Dunn 200 points for the Panthers’ reserves. Behind Nathan Cleary and James Maloney, Keighran sought more opportunity at the Warriors and celebrated his NRL debut by scoring a try and landing kicking 6/7 goals. He helped the Warriors finish with the most dominant performance of Round 1.
Can he back it up against Wests Tigers in Campbelltown on Sunday night? It’s only a short drive from Penrith for anyone who wants to find out live. Otherwise the game will wrap up Round 2 on Fox League. We look forward to your company.
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Friday, March 22, 2019 « the western weekender • extra time
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What we learned from the opening weekend
CLINTON MAYNARD R
ound 1 is traditionally the hardest round to tip with new look teams and many with new coaches, so after the first weekend of football what did we learn about season 2019? The Storm just keep on going, no Billy Slater, doesn’t matter, Craig Bellamy just finds another fullback who can slot into their system. Only one of the big three is left, but their win shows Melbourne will still be contenders. The Broncos will be there or thereabouts but questions remain over their halves combination. Newcastle, most critics expect them to be a Finals team and they proved against the experienced Sharks side they will be different. Cronulla couldn’t catch the ball, but if passes stick they could be dangerous. The Cowboys can be contenders without JT because they’ve got another JT, Jason Taumalolo who arguably played the best game of his career. The Dragons still need to get their spine right and questions remain over whether the million dollar halfback Ben Hunt is a half or hooker. Penrith still need to learn to turn up in the first half and Parramatta may well be one of the surprise packets of the year,
the western weekender • extra time » Friday, March 22, 2019
Brought to you by
Fans got a first look at footy in 2019 last weekend with Dylan Brown already putting his hand up for Rookie of the Year. Canberra will look to play ‘Land of Hope and Glory’ before each of their matches this year such is the pommy influence in their team, while the Gold Coast look
like they are treading water yet again. The Tigers appear solid under Michael Maguire and an ageless Robbie Farah. The Warriors can score plenty of points even without Shaun Johnson but the Sea Eagles and Bulldogs will be in for very long years.
The biggest message from Round 1? Everyone has tipped the Roosters to do what no team has done since the Broncos of 1992/93, win back to back premierships. Souths proved to their old rivals it’s not going to be so easy!
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Friday, March 22, 2019 « the western weekender • extra time
NRL LADDER AND FIXTURES PD
W
D
L
B
F
A
+/-
PTS
1
1
0
0
0
40
6
+34
2
2 Raiders
1
1
0
0
0
21
0
+21
2
3 W. Tigers
1
1
0
0
0
20
6
+14
2
4 Cowboys
1
1
0
0
0
24
12
+12
2
5 Storm
1
1
0
0
0
22
12
+10
2
6 Rabbitohs
1
1
0
0
0
26
16
+10
2
7 Eels
1
1
0
0
0
20
12
+8
2
8 Knights
1
1
0
0
0
14
8
+6
2
9 Sharks
1
0
0
1
0
8
14
-6
0
CLUB
1
Warriors
10 Panthers
1
0
0
1
0
12
20
-8
0
11 Roosters
1
0
0
1
0
16
26
-10
0
12 Broncos
1
0
0
1
0
12
22
-10
0
13 Dragons
1
0
0
1
0
12
24
-12
0
14 Sea Eagles
1
0
0
1
0
6
20
-14
0
15 Titans
1
0
0
1
0
0
21
-21
0
16 Bulldogs
1
0
0
1
0
6
40
-34
0
Round 2
/ / / / / / / /
FACE IN THE CROWD
Thursday, March 21 7.50pm Netstrata Jubilee Stadium Friday, March 22 6.00pm GIO Stadium Friday, March 22 7.55pm Suncorp Stadium Saturday, March 23 3.00pm Shark Park Saturday, March 23 5.30pm McDonald Jones Stadium Saturday, March 23 7.35pm Lottoland
Sunday, March 24 4.05pm ANZ Stadium Sunday, March 24 6.10pm Campbelltown Stadium
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 2019-002 PRODUCED BY The Western Weekender EDITOR Troy Dodds / 4722 2998 / troy.dodds@westernweekender.com.au CONTRIBUTORS Nathan Taylor / Clinton Maynard / Matt Russell SALES DIRECTOR Chris Pennisi / 4722 2998 chris.pennisi@westernweekender.com.au
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Panther Flashback
SCOREBOARD NRL
EELS 20 PANTHERS 12
NSW CUP
PANTHERS 22 MAGPIES 12
JERSEY FLEGG
PANTHERS BYE Penrith have won premierships, produced superstars of the game and had great success over the years, but one of the most significant days in the club’s history was way back on April 23, 1967. It was on this day that Penrith Park was officially opened – the venue that would go on to be the hallowed turf that so many memories were made on. With the Panthers granted a place in the 1967 competition, work was feverish in late 1966 to get the ground ready. When it opened on April 23, 1967 it
looked nothing like it does now – many upgrades over the years have taken away the bulk of the 1960s heritage that existed at the venue. The official opening game was against the ferocious Dragons, a side that had won 11 straight premierships. The Penrith side is pictured above. The Dragons were obviously the favourites, but Penrith had emotion and celebration on their side and ran out 24-12 winners. The day will be remembered sadly for St George fans, with the legendary Reg
Gasnier suffering a broken leg early in the contest. The crowd on that day was 12,201 and each one of them witnessed something very special in the history of not only the Penrith Panthers, but Penrith as a city. Nobody could have foreseen on that day what would happen to rugby league over the next 50 or so years, nor would they have expected that the Panthers would still be running out at the same location in 2019. It was a magical day, topped off by a remarkable win.
BEHIND THE PANTHERS Jimmy Jones Recruitment Manager
WHAT’S THE BEST THING ABOUT WORKING FOR PANTHERS? There is great camaraderie and respect amongst our staff and it really is a pleasure to come to work every day. We work in a very professional environment with great facilities.
I gain great satisfaction and sense of achievement when young players push through to NRL level, you know you are doing your job properly and making a difference. WHO IS YOUR FUNNIEST COLLEAGUE AT PANTHERS? A lot of our staff have a sense of humour and the banter is constant most days. I would say our Gear Manager Alan Mair is my funniest colleague, he really is the master of the one liners. Our accountant John White laughs a lot, especially when you ask him for a pay review.
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HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED FOR PANTHERS? Phil Gould offered me a position as Coaching and Development Officer back in 1990, I was actually working for the Raiders at the time with another old teammate, Tim Sheens, who was head coach. As my wife Maryann (Cartwright) was a local girl, it was a good move for us, to come back and be with family. It was also great to be here working with the club when we won our first ever competition in 1991. I worked for St Marys Rugby League Club between 2003 and 2008 as Coaching and Development Officer, then Mick Leary (CEO at the time) offered me the Recruitment Manager’s job at Panthers in 2008 when Peter Mullholland went to Canterbury.
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Friday, March 22, 2019 « the western weekender • extra time
EXTRA MINUTES Andrew Johns has opened up on his
recent health battle on Fox League’s ‘Sunday Night with Matty Johns’. In a candid sit-down interview with his brother Matthew, the three-time Dally M medallist admitted that he’s been diagnosed with frontal lobe epilepsy. “I’ve been on medication for it for three years now, but they’ve upped it (medication) right up,” Johns said. “The last three months, since the last seizure, I have felt really clear. They can’t be sure what causes it, it may be something that’s cropped up later in life, but they think a contributing factor may be some of the concussions I’ve had and some of the continual head knocks.”
Parramatta has put contract talks with
coach Brad Arthur on ice until mid-season. While the Eels got off to a great start to the season last weekend, last year’s wooden spoon still haunts the club. Officials want to make sure Arthur is the right man for the job before they commit to extending his contract, which expires at the end of the season.
Don’t believe the silly story going
around about TV ratings suffering in round 1 due to the off-field scandals over the summer. While 85,000 less people watched the NRL overall year-on-year,
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Matthew Johns interviewing Andrew Johns on Fox League last weekend it’s barely a drop in the ocean when you consider the total cumulative audience was over four million across Channel Nine and Fox League. The ratings also don’t include figures for streaming service Kayo.
Chris Lawrence is expected to be back
for the Tigers in less than eight weeks after he underwent surgery on his face following a training mishap in the preseason.
ruled out for an unspecified time after suffering a ruptured testicle. Not a pretty injury.
The Dragons have already lost Jack de
Panther Tom Eisenhuth has suffered a fractured larynx and will be out of action indefinitely.
Belin indefinitely and now they’ve been dealt another blow with Tyson Frizell
Melbourne forward and former
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Friday, March 22, 2019 « the western weekender
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