Extra Time July 28 2023 (Round 22 - Panthers v Sharks)

Photo: Megan Dunn.

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ROUND 22

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Cronulla come to the foot of the Mountains on Saturday night in a desperate mission to prove they are still a serious Finals contender.

Back-to-back losses to the Warriors and Sea Eagles has Craig Fitzgibbon’s team, once considered a top four candidate, hanging on to sixth place and in real danger of falling out of the top eight in the coming weeks.

Many would suggest the Sharks would prefer an easier task to get things back on track but I suspect Fitzgibbon has little trouble with having to face the Panthers at BlueBet Stadium at this crucial time of the season.

There’s no point in delaying the inevitable: to be the best you must beat the best, and now’s as good a time as any to meet the two-time Premiers on their home turf.

The 30-26 scoreline may suggest otherwise but the Sharks were pretty ordinary last

weekend against the Sea Eagles. The late surge offered their fans some hope, but the game was long gone by half-time.

We know Cronulla are a dangerous team when they’re on. They lead the competition in line breaks and try assists this season, but their average completion rate of 76 per cent puts them in the same category as the Dragons, Tigers and Knights – and it’s just not good enough.

Penrith meanwhile have the best average completion rate in the competition at 82 per cent, and continue to run through oppositions and set up games to suit their own style with relative ease.

Ivan Cleary would probably have been disappointed to not see his side put on a few more tries against Canterbury last Sunday and he’d certainly be unhappy with the 18 points conceded, but he’d also know how rare it is

to play games at this level and know from the second or third minute that you’re going to win comfortably.

Led by James Fisher-Harris and Moses Leota, Penrith’s forward pack shows no mercy to the opposition and it just allows Nathan Cleary so much time to do his thing.

Cleary had two try assists and two line break assists last week but it didn’t appear he came out of second gear. That’s the sign of a mighty good player who will likely produce his best football over this business end of the season.

The best thing to come out of last Sunday’s win was that the cohesion clearly hasn’t missed a beat across the park despite the Origin period, and Cleary’s hamstring injury. The key men all returned and produced solid performances, with the right players in the right kind of form at the perfect time of the year.

Coach Cleary has managed this part of the

season perfectly, and his efforts will come to fruition via results over the next month when clashes against some of the competition’s better sides come along.

The Sharks obviously look a better team on paper than the Bulldogs did last weekend, but I honestly can’t see the result being all that much different.

Penrith are just better all over the park and Cronulla appear to be on a downward spiral, unable to capture the form that saw them finish in the top four last season and look a likely Premiership contender at various points earlier this year.

I’ve got no doubt Cronulla will come out firing and may even land some early blows given what’s on the line, but when all is said and done, I think this will be a pretty comfortable victory for the home team.

Tip: Panthers by 18.

The Panthers celebrate a try.

Photo: Megan Dunn.

panther rumblings

FOOTY TREAT FOR OUR NICHOLAS

! Smiles all round as Nicholas cheers on Panthers: The most inspirational member of the 21,525 people in the house at BlueBet Stadium last Sunday was 10-year-old Nicholas Tadros. Nicholas lost his right leg and faced an enormous recovery after being critically injured in the Sea World helicopter tragedy in January. His mother Vanessa was killed in the accident. With father Simon by his side, Nicholas was a special guest for the Panthers v Bulldogs game last Sunday. He watched the game from the Director's Box and had the opportunity to be on the field before kick-off. It was a wonderful gesture from the Panthers and so inspiring to see Nicholas back enjoying life.

! Panthers monitoring Luai situation: There was nothing in the weekend revelation about Jarome Luai's split with his management, and what it means for his next contract, that the Panthers didn't already know. They've been monitoring this situation for some time. There's no question Penrith would be keen to get a deal done with Luai prior to November

1. They know entering the open market would see Luai attract offers well beyond what the Panthers could pay. The trade-off may be a longer team deal. Luai wants to stay at Penrith, but there will be plenty around him telling him to at least see what's out there post-November.

! Celebrating 150: It was an emotional time for Nathan Cleary last weekend as he celebrated his 150th NRL game. His mother Bec presented his jersey to him, and he had a huge family contingent in the stands watching the game (including his beloved nan). The family joined him on the field post-game (pictured below) as the reality of the occasion hit, with Cleary sharing a special embrace with his father and coach, Ivan.

will see the 24-year-old return to the club from the Wests Tigers next season. With Penrith expecting to lose Jack Cogger at the end of the year, Laurie will provide perfect back-up to Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai next season. Panthers Rugby League CEO Matt Cameron said he was pleased to see Laurie sign on with the club. “I look forward to welcoming Daine back to Panthers for the 2024 season,” Cameron said. “It’s always rewarding to see a former Panther return home to the club, and we believe Daine can flourish in the Panthers environment.”

! Sorensen's support: Forward Scott Sorensen met up with long-time Panthers fan Greg Eccleston last week (pictured right). Eccleston purchased Sorensen's Indigenous Round jersey via an auction, and he plans to wear it this November as he tackles the famous Kokoda Track. He's raising money for the Black Dog Institute, which supports crucial mental health research and help. Sorensen was more than happy to throw his support

behind Eccleston's efforts, with Panthers legend Royce Simmons facilitating the meet-up. You can donate at www.teamblackdog.org.au/ fundraisers/GregEccleston/kokoda-2023.

Martin on a three-year extension at some stage in the next few days. The deal will ensure Martin remains at the club until the end of the 2027 season.

! Backing Royce: You may have noticed the Pantherettes were sporting blue pom poms at BlueBet Stadium last Sunday. It was all in support of the Royce Simmons Foundation, as the Panthers continue to assist in the club legend's fundraising efforts. Simmons himself was up in the Chairman's Lounge with sponsor Bluestone Home Loans, which has also thrown its

! Marto's new deal: The Panthers are expected to announce they've re-signed Liam

support behind the Foundation, which raises funds for dementia research. You could have heard a pin drop in the Chairman's Lounge when Simmons was sharing his story and an update on his health battle.

! Scoop confirmed: As I revealed a few weeks ago, the NRL Grand Final is staying in Sydney. The State Government confirmed this week that the 2023 decider would be played at Accor Stadium. “Sydney is the nation’s birthplace of rugby league and the heart of its passionate fans, so it is fantastic the NRL and NRLW Grand Finals are remaining in their homeplace once again," said Sports Minister Steve Kamper.

! Spotted: Nathan Cleary soaking up the atmosphere from the sideline at Accor Stadium last Thursday night ahead of the Matildas' opening game of the Women's World Cup. Jarome Luai and Stephen Crichton also cheered Australia on to a 1-0 win over the Republic of Ireland.

! Laurie returns: The Panthers last week formalised a deal with Daine Laurie, which

Nicholas Tadros.

Photo: Megan Dunn.

CENTURY THAT ALMOST NEVER WAS

Milestone man Scott Sorensen may not be playing his 100th NRL game this weekend if it weren’t for a lifeline handed out by the Panthers back in 2021.

With his rugby league career in limbo, Sorensen had two options: relocate his young family overseas to play in the Super League or return to his old job working at Port Botany’s shipping terminals.

“I had a foot in the door at Port Botany… so I thought I would’ve gone back there as it was a safety net for me,” Sorensen revealed on Tuesday.

“I enjoyed working there, so that probably would’ve been it. I probably would’ve fallen back there then figured out what the next thing was.”

Debuting in 2014 with the Cronulla Sharks, Sorensen bounced around the league for several years before eventually landing on Penrith’s doorstep weeks prior to the start of the 2021 NRL season.

Sorensen said it was touch and go as to whether he’d stay in the NRL before the Panthers came calling.

“I had a one-year-old at the time and the first thing I thought about was supporting my family, so if that meant closing the door on the NRL dream then so be it,” he said.

“I was 27 or 28 at that stage, so I thought ‘OK, it’s time to grow up and be realistic’. I have to

understand, and I have to put my family first. I was pretty close to [leaving it all behind] but I was fortunate enough to get a phone call to come for a meeting at Penrith and one thing led to another.”

That call was one of the most important of his life and now Sorensen is a two-time Premiership winner, racking up 60 games for the Panthers in the process. The 30-year-old said he couldn’t be more grateful for the club.

“I can’t thank this club enough – I’m just extremely, extremely grateful,” Sorensen said.

“I’ve said it so many times how much I am grateful because I really do mean it.

“They gave me a shot and just the belief that

Ivan (Cleary) has built in me to continue my journey, I’m really enjoying and loving it out here.”

In June, Sorensen repaid the faith the Panthers showed in him all those years ago by re-signing with the back-to-back Premiers until the end of 2026. He had several suitors chasing his signature but ultimately decided Penrith was the place to see out his fascinating career.

“I absolutely love it here, I feel like I’ve found a good spot,” Sorensen said.

“We talk about the culture out here and that’s exactly what I love – I love the culture, I love the boys and Ivan as well. It was a no-brainer to stay, I’m very happy out here.”

Sorensen will have his family and friends in the BlueBet Stadium crowd on Saturday night when he lines up against his old club Cronulla for his 100th game.

It will be a special moment for the in-form backrower because it was highly likely his century may never have happened.

“It’s funny how it all pans out in the footy world, but I’m more excited for the challenge of playing the Sharks let alone the 100 games,” Sorensen said.

“I have so many people to thank for helping me get in this position – my family and of course

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analysis

The announcement last week that former Panther Daine Laurie would return to the foot of the mountains next year was welcomed not only by Penrith supporters and fellow players, but by CEO Matt Cameron and coaching staff alike.

While perhaps the happiest person of them all was Laurie himself. He played five-eighth against the Dragons in Round 20 and boy did he have a spring in his step, Laurie looked like a revitalised man.

I had a peek on the Wests Tigers fan message boards the next day and even Tigers supporters saw the difference in his performance.

While there’s no doubt he played some great games for the joint venture club over the last three years, one could argue he never looked at home.

THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME lang on league

A photo of him wearing a Panthers jersey while celebrating Penrith’s 2021 Premiership win over the Bunnies made headlines but for all the wrong reasons.

Although he was a Wests Tiger at the time, one could just see that his heart never left Penrith.

It got me thinking, about other players who had left the Panthers for various reasons only to come back years later. Not ever really feeling comfortable at their new club.

The first player that comes to mind is Tyrone Peachey, who at 32 has made a triumphant return to the Panthers this season.

The ‘Peach’ was always a fan favourite and many missed him when he joined the Gold Coast Titans on an attractive threeyear deal which started in 2019.

However, Peachey wasn’t gone long before rumours started that he wasn’t happy and wanted to return to Penrith.

The journey back however took a little longer than expected and he spent a year at the Tigers before taking a significant pay cut to finally return this season.

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His contribution and impact have been a revelation and let’s be honest here, he’s played some of his best football as part of the black attack.

Other well-known players to do the same over the years include Mark ‘MG’ Geyer, Peter Wallace, Tim Grant, Shane Elford, Anthony Xuereb and even Robert Jennings to name but a few.

OK so they didn’t all have a fairytale return but they were all happy to come back.

Someone once wrote, no matter where your life’s journey takes you, eventually, we all experience some sort of homecoming.

All the players mentioned in this story have their own reasons why they left the Panthers, then years later came back again.

However, my favourite quote on the subject, would have to come from my favourite player of all time, Greg ‘Brandy’ Alexander.

It came in an interview I had with him way back in 1994, only months before he left to join the Warriors on a lucrative three-year deal.

“No matter where I go or which club I play for,” Alexander said, “I’ll always be a Penrith boy at heart”. Alexander cut short his stay in Auckland so he could return to the Panthers in 1997, so he could return home. Because after all, home is where the heart is.

The Penrith Panthers have snapped a fourgame losing streak in the NSW Cup with a 40-16 thrashing of Canterbury at BlueBet Stadium.

Buoyed by the inclusion of several stars, the Panthers were barely troubled as they returned to the top five.

It was a stop-start opening 40 with both sides guilty of ill-discipline, however the Panthers managed to get going first, with a sublime pass from Trent Toelau setting up Matt Stimson in the 18th minute.

Toelau backed it up with another great ball three minutes later to send Jack Cole over.

Fa’amanu Brown slipped through to put the Bulldogs on the board soon after, however the Panthers held a comfortable 12-6 half-time

The Panthers wasted no time in extending their lead in the second half, with strong tries to John Faiumu and Tom Jenkins pushing the score to 24-6.

Another pair of tries followed as Cole picked up his second with a show-and-go, before another great ball from Toelau led to Jesse McLean scoring.

Two late Bulldogs tries pulled the margin back, before Jaeman Salmon put the icing on the cake with a try on full-time.

The result was nearly identical in Jersey Flegg at Windsor, as the Panthers returned to form by thumping the Bulldogs.

Defensive pressure forced an error in the Bulldogs’ first set, with a typically strong charge from Peter Taateo seeing him cross after two minutes.

The Bulldogs quickly hit back, with Daniel Corcoran levelling the scores at 6-all.

Tries to Sam Lane and Timothy Sielaff-Burns from pinpoint Joseph Nohra grubbers, along with one to Luke Philp, sent the Panthers to half time leading 24-6.

They continued that form into the second half, with Liam Ison and Blake Moore combining for a long-range try.

Jonah Glover scored for Canterbury with 15 minutes remaining, however any fears of a comeback were quickly put to bed as Moore snaffled an intercept and raced 50m to score.

Another runaway try, this time by Nohra, in the final minutes wrapped up the big win.

Daine Laurie is one of a number of ex-Panthers to return.

with Peter Lang

Photo: NRL Images.

WILL CLEARY REST STARS AGAIN?

It’s always dangerous when you start looking too far down the track.

Make a couple of birdies on the front nine at golf and you instantly start running through your winner’s speech in the Wednesday competition, only to jump onboard the bogey train just as quickly.

Or maybe that’s just me.

In the world of financial advice they do it in reverse, telling you how good things have been in the past and that they should be just as good in the future, but then add the proviso that previous results are no indicator of future returns.

warren smith

That, funnily enough, also sounds like my golf game.

And sure enough, the moment you start pencilling in wins in the NRL to try and predict the make-up of the Top 8, results go haywire, players get injured or suspended, and you could make an omelette with the amount of egg you have spread across your face.

But here at Crystal Balls-R-Us we’re in a mood to throw caution to the wind and look down the track to the last week of the minor premiership and one game in particular – Panthers versus Cowboys at BlueBet Stadium.

Now, let’s just say the Panthers keep doing what they’ve done plenty of recently – winning – and

find themselves in a position where they have a top two spot on the ladder locked up with one round remaining, guaranteeing themselves home-field advantage in the Finals.

North Queensland is coming to town for the final game of the regular season in a remarkably similar scenario to what we saw on the

last weekend before the playoffs in 2022, and Ivan Cleary has a choice to make.

The Panthers coach chose to rest 12 of his starting 13 players, which was a big call and the complete opposite of what he did the previous season when again he had the luxury of resting as many players as he wanted after his team had

wrapped up the double-chance during the Finals by finishing second to the Storm.

So, what will he do this time around should the Panthers find themselves in the same situation?

Penrith fans don’t need a refresher course to remember that while the Panther cubs that travelled to Townsville last year were no match for the in-form Cowboys, going down 38-8, it meant the big guns were fresh and ready to go for the Finals series and put the sword through the Eels, Rabbitohs and then Eels again in three straight victories that made it back-to-back titles.

Ivan Cleary told the players exactly what he was planning to do some weeks before resting the players last year, and no doubt he’ll be keeping a very close eye on energy levels both at training and during games over the next few weeks before deciding which way he’ll go this time.

It will be a moot point, of course, if the Panthers stumble between here and Round 27 and need a win against the Cowboys to secure a top two berth, but if they’ve earned the right by that stage to give the stars a breather before the big games in September, my money is on the coach following last year’s blueprint to set the team up nicely for a tilt at a threepeat.

The Panthers and Cowboys are set for a final round showdown.

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