Extra Time June 2 2023 (Round 14 - Panthers v Dragons)

ready to roll

PANTHERS ENFORCERS PREPARE TO TAKE ON DRAGONS.

MATCH PREVIEW: SEE PAGE 31.

SONI LUKE POSTER INSIDE

MASKED PANTHER SEE PAGE 33

PETER LANG SEE PAGE 39

WARREN SMITH SEE PAGE 40

Moses Leota and James-Fisher-Harris.

Photo: NRL Images.

the final word v

Arare Sunday night timeslot greets the Penrith Panthers and St George-Illawarra Dragons at BlueBet Stadium this Sunday night as the State of Origin period plays havoc with team line-ups and weekend match schedules.

Much of the talk leading into this encounter has been about Penrith’s six State of Origin representatives, and whether they’ll back up from Wednesday night’s series opener in Adelaide.

There are obvious question marks over Brian To’o, Stephen Crichton, Jarome Luai, Nathan Cleary, Liam Martin and Isaah Yeo; with the Panthers medical staff working overtime to assess the impact of Wednesday night’s Origin on fitness levels heading into a Sunday night showdown.

It’s not the worst turnaround from Wednesday to Sunday but coach Ivan Cleary would have his eyes further down the road, pondering next weekend’s huge clash with the Sydney

Roosters and whether three games in 11 days is too much for some of his top flight troops.

Cleary named all of the Origin players on Tuesday, but he’s experienced enough at this representative period caper now not to push too hard – if there’s even the smallest doubt over one of the Blues representatives, or a suggestion the workload will be too much, he’ll pull them out of the clash.

You can expect changes to the final 17 regardless, with both Izack Tago and Spencer Leniu named on the extended bench but both likely to play.

The Dragons aren’t without their own concerns attached to Origin, with Ben Hunt being asked to back up after playing hooker for Queensland on Wednesday night. He’ll face the same exams as the Penrith boys but is expected to play.

Unlike Cleary, stand-in Dragons coach Ryan Carr doesn’t have the luxury of being on top of the ladder during this Origin period. His

Dragons are sitting in last place after a defeat at the hands of the Dolphins last Thursday night and there’s no sign of any great improvement in the wake of Anthony Griffin’s departure a few weeks ago. The reality of sacking a coach mid-season is that you are essentially putting the white flag up.

You would think the Dragons have given up on the prospect of playing Finals football, but a congested ladder means it’s more than mathematically possible – if they can find some much-needed wins. Given they face the Panthers and Rabbitohs in consecutive weeks, it’s a tough ask – but back-to-back wins would certainly having us talking about the Dragons again.

With possession against them, the Dragons never really got into the contest against the Dolphins despite the closeness of the score at times. You always felt Wayne Bennett’s men were in control, moreso because the Dragons were lacking any sort of killer punch.

A similar performance this week would see the Panthers tear the Dragons to shreds, especially given the bulk of Penrith’s squad enjoyed a bye last weekend – the perfect opportunity to clear up some niggling injuries and take in a well-deserved couple of days off.

Cleary will be looking to the likes of Dylan Edwards, James Fisher-Harris, Moses Leota and a returning Leniu to have big games on Sunday night in an attempt to ease the pressure on the Origin players.

The front row is really the key here. Fisher-Harris and Leota have the opportunity to really lay the platform early and certainly have the measure of Francis and Michael Molo.

While a key player missing could throw a spanner in the works, I’m confident Penrith will get the job done pretty easily here. They’re just too professional for a Dragons side that doesn’t look like elevating beyond second gear this season.

Tip: Panthers by 14.

Dylan Edwards.

Photo: NRL Images.

nrl ladder & fixtures

here ’ s cheers

NAME: EMMA AGE: 24 SUBURB: PENRITH

Seasons as a Pantherette: Six?

Favourite food? Anything Italian or Mexican. Cake is my guilty pleasure.

Favourite TV show? I 100 per cent have to go with ‘Stranger Things’. It’s so well written and I love the ‘80s fashion.

Favourite Panthers player? Stephen Crichton and Brian To’o.

Must-follow social media account? @ whitelaneevents, the best wedding stylists.

Go to pump up song? ‘The Way I Are’, Timbaland.

What do you love about being a Pantherette? The whole game day atmosphere – performing for a big crowd, being role models for young fans, literally everything about it. To top it off we get the best seats in the house!

If you were stranded on a desert island, who are you bringing with you and why?

Pantherette Rochene because we would have withdrawals if we haven’t seen each other after one day. If I’m stranded she has to be too haha!

panther rumblings

FIGHTING WORDS FOR CLEARY

! Champions together: Panthers and Blues halfback Nathan Cleary caught up with Australian boxing great Tim Tszyu at Origin training in the lead-up to the series opener on Wednesday. The WBO interim light-middleweight title holder chatted with Cleary and other members of the NSW team, before being presented his own New South Wales jersey from captain James Tedesco.

! Cleary backs old mate: Penrith coach Ivan Cleary headed to NRL headquarters on Monday to help launch The Daniel Anderson Support Fund. The Fund aims to raise money for the former Warriors and Eels coach, who suffered a catastrophic spinal cord injury late last year while body surfing on the Central Coast. Cleary said he owes plenty to Anderson from the pair’s time together at the Warriors. “Daniel’s had a huge impact on so many people, more than he would ever understand,” Cleary said. “He totally transformed New Zealand rugby league and the Warriors... and I’m glad I was coached by Daniel, because I use a lot of what he taught me in what I do today.” Details are available at www.danielandersonfund.com.au.

! Kati’s big news: Congratulations to Pantherettes choreographer Kati Manning, who recently became engaged during a trip to the United States. Manning was in Denver, where she was once a dancer with the Nuggets in the NBA, when her partner popped the question on the court.

coming weeks. Martin is keen to stay at the foot of the mountains beyond his existing contract, which expires at the end of next year. He signed a one-year extension in February but both he and the club are keen on a longer commitment.

– with the Panthers very popular right across New South Wales.

Blues’ starting side on Monday after Latrell Mitchell suffered a calf injury at training. Critter was expecting a reasonably quiet week in Adelaide as 18th man, but was suddenly thrust into the Origin arena less than 72 hours from kick-off. It also opened the door for former Panthers centre Matt Burton, who became 18th man.

! Farewell Mark: Family and friends came together on Monday to farewell Mark Lyons, who passed away last week at the age of 52. Lyons is credited as Panther 307, and made his first grade debut with the club in Round 14 of the 1991 season. He played seven games with the Panthers, before heading to South Sydney to continue his career. Lyons was just 52.

! Spotted: Panthers hooker Soni Luke getting in some recovery and relaxation time at Reset, inside the Astina building in the Penrith CBD.

! Martin extension looms: It’s hoped that Blues forward Liam Martin will lock in a contract extension with the Panthers in the

! On the road for charity: A Panthers-themed vehicle, with local real estate agents Darren and Daniel Latty on board, took part in the Variety Bash late last month. The boys raised more than $5,000 for the cause and certainly turned plenty of heads in the journey

! Crichton’s call-up: It’s been a huge week for Stephen Crichton, who was called into the

! Spotted: Former Panthers enforcer Tim Grant in the United States checking out the headquarters of the New York Jets.

! Share your goss: Have you spotted a Panther out and about, or have some news you want to share? I don’t keep secrets, but I do protect my sources! Email maskedpanther@ westernweekender.com.au.

Tim Tszyu with Nathan Cleary.

TAGO ON VERGE OF NRL COMEBACK

Penrith centre Izack Tago is expected to make his long-awaited return from a pectoral injury ahead of this Sunday night’s clash against embattled St George-Illawarra at BlueBet Stadium.

The 21-year-old Samoan international has missed the last four games of footy after injuring his pectoral muscle during the dying stages of Penrith’s heartbreaking loss to South Sydney in Round 8.

Tago was named on an extended bench for this weekend’s match against the Dragons but confirmed to Extra Time this week that he was likely to make his comeback.

“I’m feeling pretty good at the moment, back to full training for the past few days. I’m feeling more and more confident with every session. I just need to see how the boys go tonight [in Origin] and see what the coach says after that,” Tago said on Wednesday.

“I’ve pretty much ticked all the boxes so far, I’m just getting my reps back under my feet so I’m good to go when the time comes.”

It was in the 77th minute of Penrith’s blockbuster against the Bunnies at Accor Stadium where Tago injured his pec while attempting to tackle forward Michael Chee-Kam.

Tago said he was fortunate he was able to rehab the injury without surgery.

“I probably had the best result possible in terms of how badly I did it,” he said.

“This was a new injury for me. Out of all the injuries I’ve had, I’ve never had one like this. It actually felt OK at the time, I finished the game, but it was more the next day where I couldn’t really do anything, like drive.”

After playing nearly every match in 2022, it was an unusual sight for Panthers supporters seeing the talented game breaker on the sidelines. Tago said while being part of the rehab crew was tough, he didn’t mind taking a short break away from playing.

“It’s actually been alright, it’s been good to have a break and look at the game from a different perspective,” he admitted.

“Rehab was hard to start with, not being able to do anything with your upper body. I was just doing legs the whole time.

“The other injured boys were mixing it up, but I was stuck doing legs and squats. My legs were gone!”

Following six-long weeks out the game, Tago

said he can’t wait to finally play some footy again. And while the Dragons and Panthers sit at opposite ends of the NRL ladder, Tago said he’s always found the Red V to be a huge challenge whenever he’s played them.

“Despite them coming last and their form being up and down, I know every time I’ve played them, they’ve always been physical and up for a game,” the St Marys junior said.

“I find sometimes things don’t go their way because they play a backyard style type of footy. They might make mistakes out there but as hard as it is for them to play that style of footy, it’s hard to defend too.

“They’ll be solid on Sunday night and that’s what makes them so dangerous.”

Izack Tago is hopeful of an NRL return this Sunday. Photo: NRL Images.

Izack Tago.

Photo: NRL Images.

NATHAN TAYLOR

LUKE BACKS THE SONI & MITCH SHOW

Panthers hooker Soni Luke believes he and fellow dummy half Mitch Kenny are getting better as a combination with every game they play.

Filling the boots of NSW Blues hooker and three-time Premiership winner Api Koroisau was always going to be a tough challenge for the pair to tackle, but after 13 rounds things are slowly looking up.

Speaking with Extra Time on Wednesday, Luke said he and Kenny are starting to complement each other well after what was a tough initiation to begin with.

“It’s good… Mitch gets in there, does all the dirty work up front for us – and that’s what he’s good at – and then I come on when the game’s been and done in that harder part and play my style of footy towards the back end there, whether that be before or after half-time,” he said.

After playing just four games in his debut season last year, Luke has played 10 matches for the Panthers in 2023, and is loving every moment of weekly NRL.

While he admits there’s been some challenges to overcome, like adjusting to coming off the bench and the

general rigours of first grade, he’s very much “loving the ride”.

“I’m learning heaps and while not everything’s been smooth sailing, everyone’s looking after me, which has been really good,” Luke said.

“I’ve found it a bit different coming off the bench, not knowing whether I’ll get on before or after half-time plus there was a month where I was getting some good minutes but the body was a bit beat up from playing

first grade week in, week out, but other than that, it’s been good.”

Before Penrith’s bye last round, the 27-year-old had the unique experience of playing two games in one weekend.

He played 17 minutes for the Panthers in their victory over the Broncos at Suncorp Stadium before backing up two days later in NSW Cup up against the Magpies in Leichhardt.

Luke revealed coach Ivan Cleary said it was important for him to get some more game time, in case he needs to be used more during the busy Origin period, where key players could be missing.

“A couple of days after playing in Brisbane, I went and played reggies and got some minutes there,” Luke said.

“I had a fair idea prior that I might go back for some extra minutes. It was good for me to get the body and the lungs going and get some more footy under my belt.

“We’re coming to an Origin stage here, so I might have to play bigger minutes.”

Off-contract at season’s end, Luke confirmed negotiations had finally commenced between his management and the club – and a new deal appears to be imminent for next season and beyond.

“I think we’re trying to get it sorted now… it’s in the works,” he said of his future at Penrith.

“We’re having a chat about it now and hopefully it’s all sorted pretty soon.”

Soni Luke playing against the Broncos. Photo: NRL Images.

NATHAN TAYLOR

WEIGHT: 85KG | POSITION: HOOKER | NRL DEBUT: APRIL 2022 (V RAIDERS)

HEIGHT: 178CM |

25/02/96 |

Well time certainly does fly because we’ve just past the halfway mark of the 2023 NRL season. The Panthers find themselves in FIRST place on the ladder courtesy of seven wins, four losses and two byes. Since the quarter-season report card, Penrith have lost a further two matches and picked up another bye but it’s going to be a slightly different overall mark this time around. So without further ado, let’s get stuck into the mid-season report card.

Attack: The Panthers attack is still not humming along as it was in previous seasons. Going into Round 14, the side has scored 264 points to register only the sixth best attack. One reason, the side has had an extra bye over other teams like Brisbane and South Sydney. Look, when it clicks, the team can clock up 48 points (vs Roosters) BUT when it splutters, it can produce only eight points (vs Tigers).

GRADE: B+

Defence: Put quite simply, the Panthers have the best defensive record in the competition by a county mile. They’ve conceded only 125 points with the next best defensive side being the Melbourne Storm on 205 points, a whopping 80 points more. Penrith put quite simply, are a brick wall and very tough to score against. They scramble well (obviously) and their line speed is incredible, they literally suffocate teams out of a game.

GRADE: A+

Player performances: OK, let me rattle off the same three names as last time, Dylan Edwards, Isaah Yeo and Nathan Cleary have all been

brilliant. This time allow me to add a few more names under that category, like Jarome Luai, Brian To’o and Scott Sorensen. All three have really come alive recently while Liam Martin is improving with each game he plays back from injury.

GRADE: A+

Who needs to lift: Despite playing a lot better in recent times, Mitch Kenny still needs to improve his attacking and running game. He tackles his backside off but his service from dummy half is still a little slow at times and he just doesn’t put much doubt in the minds of the markers, let alone the entire opposition defensive line.

BREKKY BREKKY BREKKY WITH WITH WITH WAYNE WAYNE WAYNE

analysis www.my88.com.au

Players to watch: Get ready, Sunia Turuva is looking more comfortable and starting to make a few more breaks. He still needs better service from his centre partners but it’s his kick returns which are helping put Penrith on the front foot again.

Coaching: By his own words, the only game which coach Cleary failed to prepare the side properly for was the 12-8 loss in the rain to the Tigers. Penrith still play poorly in wet conditions but that’s been the only sour note over his coaching in the last six games.

AFTERNOONS AFTERNOONS AFTERNOONS WITH WITH WITH MADELEINE MADELEINE MADELEINE WW48139 WW48139

Sunia Turuva is a player to watch. Photo: NRL Images.

with Peter Lang

warren smith

State of Origin time brings any number of challenges to the clubs supplying players to either New South Wales or Queensland, the most obvious being their unavailability when those clubs play NRL games in the round directly preceding the Origin fixture.

It’s a huge burden for the clubs affected and in an ideal world the Origin portion of the calendar would happen outside of the NRL season.

That scenario played out in 2020 after the COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc to the NRL season and all three State of Origin games were played after the Grand Final.

It meant clubs weren’t impacted as they are again this year, but the downside to doing it that way each season is the disruption, or even cancellation, of the International games and World Cups that are played in October and November.

Throw in the fact that television ratings for the Origin series weren’t as big in 2020 as they normally are, and it means that we’re stuck,

rightly or wrongly with the Blues and Maroons doing battle in the middle of the NRL season.

It’s a concept that would be unimaginable in most sports leagues around the world.

Imagine telling the owners of NFL clubs that for two or three games each season the stars they’re paying the most money to wouldn’t be available. Good luck with that.

In the domestic soccer competitions around the world they have windows in which those leagues stop for a week while international games are played, which is a system that makes the most sense, but they have the luxury of not having direct competitors who could take advantage of the season coming to a halt.

The NRL has tried that in

recent seasons for one of the Origin games each year, but there’s no indication that it will be happening again anytime soon.

So, as it was last weekend in Round 13, clubs had to play for competition points while some of their best players were getting ready to represent their state.

It’s like owning a McDonald’s franchise and suddenly Big Macs have

been taken off the menu. It doesn’t seem fair or remotely equitable, but as we’ve discussed above, there is no perfect system so this is the one we’re lumped with.

You’d think it would disrupt the in-form clubs to the point where it could stop them from seriously challenging for a premiership, but when you go through the teams that have won the title over the past decade or more, it’s hard, if not impossible, to argue that any of them didn’t deserve to be champions.

The best team over the past two seasons has been the Panthers. They’ve supplied plenty of players to the Origin series, but still managed to hold the Provan-Summons trophy aloft on the last day of the season. That could possibly change if the NRL regular season was shorter, but at 24 minor premiership rounds, there’s enough of a buffer built in to the season to account for the games where the true contenders are impacted by having Origin players unavailable.

Nathan Cleary running the show for the Blues.

Photo: NRL Images.

PANTHERS WIN ACROSS TASMAN

An understrength Penrith Panthers have come away from Auckland with a 24-14 win over the Warriors in Round 13 of the Knock-On Effect NSW Cup.

Resting several starters with six first graders away on Origin duty, the Panthers handed highly rated youngsters Zac Lipowicz and Ryley Smith their first starts in NSW Cup as they overcame a slow to start to run out winners.

The Panthers fell behind before even touching the ball, conceding out wide to Ali Leiataua after just two minutes.

Ill-discipline by the Warriors invited Penrith into attacking range, with Matt Stimson crossing from close range to lock the scores at 4-all within 10 minutes.

The Warriors took back the lead when fullback Taine Tuaupiki evaded the defence and sent Viliami Vailea away down the left-hand sideline before he kicked inside for Ben Farr to score.

Ronald Volkman converted, giving the Warriors a 10-4 lead mid-way through the half.

A shift to the right saw Jesse McLean score in his first match since Round 9, before Luke Sommerton beat lazy defenders on the goal line as the Panthers scored two tries in the final seven minutes of the first half to take a 14-10 lead.

Daeon Amituanai burrowed his way over the line in the left-hand corner 10 minutes into the second half, with Kurt Falls converting to push the lead to 20-10.

A strong surge from Mavrik Geyer set McLean up for his second, pushing the margin beyond two converted tries with 20 minutes remaining.

Vailea cut the Panthers’ lead back to 24-14 five minutes later, however they were no threat as the Panthers wrapped up the 10-point victory.

The result sees the Panthers climb into the top

five for the first time in over a month.

The Panthers are back at BlueBet Stadium in Round 14 for a Sunday afternoon triple header against the St George-Illawarra Dragons, with

3.45pm

2.15pm

Jersey Flegg fresh off the bye in the opening game at

and NSW Cup kicking off at

as curtain-raisers to first grade in the unusual timeslot of 6.15pm.

Ryley Smith. Photo: NRL Images.

RAIDERS WARRIORS

RABBITOHS BRONCOS ROOSTERS STORM

PANTHERS

TIGERS DOLPHINS

RABBITOHS SHARKS ROOSTERS STORM

PANTHERS

RAIDERS WARRIORS

TIGERS DOLPHINS

RAIDERS WARRIORS

RAIDERS WARRIORS

RABBITOHS BRONCOS ROOSTERS STORM

RABBITOHS BRONCOS ROOSTERS STORM

RABBITOHS SHARKS ROOSTERS STORM

RABBITOHS BRONCOS ROOSTERS STORM

TIGERS WARRIORS TITANS SHARKS ROOSTERS STORM

RAIDERS DOLPHINS

RAIDERS WARRIORS

TIGERS WARRIORS

RABBITOHS SHARKS ROOSTERS STORM

RABBITOHS BRONCOS BULLDOGS STORM

RABBITOHS SHARKS ROOSTERS STORM

PANTHERS

PANTHERS

PANTHERS

PANTHERS

PANTHERS

PANTHERS

PANTHERS

PANTHERS

RAIDERS WARRIORS

TIGERS DOLPHINS

RABBITOHS SHARKS ROOSTERS STORM

RABBITOHS SHARKS ROOSTERS STORM

RABBITOHS SHARKS ROOSTERS STORM

PANTHERS

PANTHERS

PANTHERS

RAIDERS WARRIORS

BRONCOS ROOSTERS STORM

RABBITOHS SHARKS ROOSTERS STORM

PANTHERS

PANTHERS

RAIDERS WARRIORS

RABBITOHS SHARKS ROOSTERS STORM

PANTHERS

RAIDERS WARRIORS

RABBITOHS SHARKS ROOSTERS STORM

RAIDERS WARRIORS TITANS SHARKS ROOSTERS STORM

RAIDERS DOLPHINS

RABBITOHS SHARKS ROOSTERS STORM

PANTHERS

PANTHERS

PANTHERS

RAIDERS DOLPHINS

RAIDERS WARRIORS

TIGERS WARRIORS

RAIDERS WARRIORS

RABBITOHS SHARKS ROOSTERS STORM

RABBITOHS SHARKS ROOSTERS STORM

RABBITOHS SHARKS ROOSTERS STORM

RABBITOHS SHARKS ROOSTERS COWBOYS

PANTHERS

PANTHERS

PANTHERS

PANTHERS

RAIDERS WARRIORS

RAIDERS DOLPHINS

TIGERS WARRIORS

RABBITOHS SHARKS ROOSTERS STORM

RABBITOHS SHARKS ROOSTERS STORM

RABBITOHS SHARKS ROOSTERS STORM

PANTHERS

PANTHERS

PANTHERS

READ ALL ABOUT US

A new Montessori childcare centre has officially opened its doors at 4 Chamberlain Road, Guildford NSW 2161

Australia’s most trusted treatment centre for sleep apnea and CPAP therapy is open at 55 York Road, Jamisontown

Guildford Montessori Academy provides a nurturing and stimulating environment for children aged six weeks to six years old and is designed to help children foster a life-long love for learning.

CPAP equipment. This makes them better qualified to guide people toward the best mask for their face and the most comfortable settings on their CPAP device.”

“Our goal is to provide a nurturing environment where children can develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed in life. We believe that Montessori philosophy is the perfect way to achieve this.”

CPAP machines and batteries as well as the latest ultra light CPAP masks and memory foam options. All with a price match promise and good old fashioned customer service.

Acquired in January 2023 and newly fit-out in recent months, this is Montessori Academy Group’s 50th Australian childcare centre.

CPAP Direct was acquired years ago by a QLD family where the owner himself suffered from chronic snoring and sleep apnea. Disillusioned with the quality of local care in his area, he was determined to build a business that focused on a positive experience for the patient that helped guide them on the journey and make it easy to adapt to therapy. Today, CPAP Direct employ over 110 people and have stores across Australia.

The beautifully refurbished centre features four classrooms equipped with a full suite of Montessori materials, two magnificent play areas with an epic plane fort, sandpits, and climbing equipment to engage children’s curiosity and potential.

“I believe people deserve good old fashioned customer service as well as great prices on the latest equipment.”

CPAP Direct opened at 55 York Rd Jamisontown over a year ago and is managed by Ashleigh Olliffe who has been helping local Penrith patients with sleep studies and CPAP therapy for years. Conor and Brittany also assist in store and as a team, have built the reputation of being the most trusted and reliable destination for everything sleep apnea and CPAP related.

The Montessori method is a child-centred approach to education that promotes independence, self-directed learning, and respect for each child’s individual pace and interests. This approach encourages children to explore and discover the world around them, while also developing a love of learning that will stay with them throughout their lives.

Said Bryce Perron – Managing Director. “We have arguably the best clinicians in the industry working with us and all of them have first hand experience using

“We are thrilled to open our doors to the families in Guildford and surrounding areas,” said Montessori Academy Group’s Chief Operations Officer, Rami Nassif.

For the snorers out there, who are sleeping in the spare room, we recommend having a sleep study to find out if you have obstructive sleep apnea. The latest technology in sleep study devices is about to be released and is a game changer for comfort when having a sleep study in your own home. The SomFit sleep study device will be available at CPAP Direct stores across Australia from late July.

Guildford Montessori Academy is run by a team of qualified and experienced educators, who are passionate about helping children reach their full potential. The centre is also equipped with a wide range of educational resources that align with the Early Years Learning Framework to deliver the best early childhood outcomes for children.

The newly renovated centre offers educational childcare in a long day care format and is open from 7:30am to 6:00pm, Monday to Friday.

For those already using CPAP therapy, Ashleigh and the crew can show you the latest technology in tiny travel

Families who are interested in enrolling their children at the centre are invited to attend the Grand Opening Event on Saturday 20th May 2023 or contact their Enrolments Team on 1300 000 162.