Nathan Cleary and Josh Mansour with the J.J. Giltinan Shield. Photo: NRL Images.
✓ ✓
RECORD WINNING STREAK MINOR PREMIERS PREMIERS
COME AND GET US PANTHERS THE TEAM TO BEAT AS 2020 FINALS GET UNDERWAY THIS WEEKEND LET’S COOK THE CHOOKS
SENSATIONAL SPENCER
VILIAME KIKAU POSTER
Troy Dodds previews Friday night’s Finals blockbuster
Nathan Taylor catches up with Penrith’s quiet achiever
Get your wall ready – big Kikau is coming for it!
PAGE 25
PAGE 28
PAGES 30-31
Friday, October 2, 2020 « the western weekender • extra time
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the final word
v
Celebrations erupt at ANZ Stadium. Photo: NRL Images.
TROY DODDS
T
here’s plenty of critics who want to tell you the Panthers aren’t the real deal in this NRL competition, and that Ivan Cleary’s side will be found out when they meet the likes of the Roosters and Melbourne at the pointy end of the season. Those critics claim they aren’t convinced by Penrith; that they don’t have the experience to win the big games when it really counts. That boys will not take down men. But how could you not be convinced by a side that only suffered one loss all season, finished the year with the best differential of the competition and conceded just 238 points – the best in the league? How could you not be convinced by a side that finished the regular season an extraordinary five points clear of the field, and that tops the competition in completion rates, possession, run metres, kick return metres, and 40/20 kicks?
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the western weekender • extra time » Friday, October 2, 2020
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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2 | 7.50PM | PANTHERS STADIUM | REFEREE: GERARD SUTTON It seems to me you’d have to get your rugby league brain checked if you weren’t convinced by this side given what the numbers say. More importantly, this is a side full of players in career- defining form, creating the most close- knit bond you’ll find anywhere in the NRL. Sure, the Roosters are formidable opponent. The likes of James Tedesco, Daniel Tupou, Luke Keary and Jared WaereaHargreaves are made for these big games, and Trent Robinson will go down as one of our game’s greatest ever coaches. But reputation does not always equal results. The Roosters may be the benchmark for many, but why are those pundits so convinced? After all, the Roosters have only beaten one other top four side this season – Parramatta – and dropped games to fifth and sixth placed Canberra and Souths.
Suggesting this record- breaking Penrith team will simply fall over and concede to their much more fancied opponents would be not giving the Panthers enough credit for the incredible resilience they have built this year. This is a side that hasn’t conceded more than two tries in a game since way back in round 11, and has kept their opponents tryless in two of their last three games. Meantime, the Roosters come into this game on the back of a 60- 8 thrashing at the hands of the Rabbitohs. Even if the defeat did see the Roosters avoid an unwanted road trip to Brisbane, the enormity of the loss has left the side vulnerable and would have had a significant mental impact on the playing group. All of a sudden, this Roosters team needs to prove something that is normally just a given, and that’s not a position Trent Robinson’s side has been in often.
PANTHERS
The Roosters have also lost Jake Friend, a vital cog in the wheel when it comes to the Roosters’ ability to steamroll teams. It is a significant out. Penrith have been waiting for the Finals for more than a month now – never losing their concentration as they marched through the final rounds of the competition with all the required arrogance and confidence of a team on the hunt for a trophy. Losing just wasn’t an option, even when those aforementioned critics argued they needed to have one. If the Panthers get themselves in front this Friday night, it’s hard to see them being run down. Their tenacity and attitude in defence has just been too strong this year. I’m expecting a tough forward battle in the first half, but in the end Penrith should grab the momentum and get the job done. Tip: Panthers by 10.
ROOSTERS
1 Dylan Edwards
10 James Fisher-Harris
1 James Tedesco
2 Josh Mansour
11 Viliame Kikau
2 Daniel Tupou
11 Boyd Cordner (c)
3 Brent Naden
12 Liam Martin
3 Josh Morris
12 Sitili Tupouniua
4 Stephen Crichton
13 Isaah Yeo
4 Joseph Manu
13 Isaac Liu
5 Brian To’o
14 Tyrone May
5 Brett Morris
14 Lachlan Lam
6 Jarome Luai
15 Kurt Capewell
6 Luke Keary
15 Lindsay Collins
7 Nathan Cleary
16 Moses Leota
7 Kyle Flanagan
16 Angus Crichton
10 Siosiua Taukeiaho
8 James Tamou (c)
17 Zane Tetevano
8 Jared Waerea-Hargreaves
17 Sonny Bill Williams
9 Apisai Koroisau
18 Mitch Kenny 19 Dean Whare
9 Freddy Lussick
18 Nat Butcher 19 Mitch Aubusson
25
Friday, October 2, 2020 « the western weekender • extra time
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The regular season’s best of the best
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T
Moses Leota and Zane Tetevano always made an impact when they came on.
he 2020 Penrith Panthers first grade side is the most successful regular season team in the history of the club. Not even the premiership winning sides of 1991 and 2003 amassed such an outstanding win-loss record after the conclusion of the regular competition. Of course history shows us that those teams went one step further and became Premiers, not just Minor Premiers. The next few weeks will determine if this 2020 side can join such illustrious company. I thought I’d give out some awards to this incredible group who have already taken all Panthers supporters on such an amazing ride in 2020...
NSW Origin bolter... I picked it a few months ago but Liam Martin had a brilliant season. He runs hard, he tackles hard, he scores tries and he has a motor which never gives out. He’ll play for the NSW Blues this year and no one saw that coming at the start of the season. Best cameo... Winger Charlie Staines certainly caught the eye of plenty in the two games that he played for Penrith. A genuine speedster who knows how to find the try line.
Best game of the season... There were so many it was hard to find a standout but if I had to choose one, it would be the Round 13 clash against the Canberra Raiders at Panthers Stadium. Penrith won the match 28- 12, but it was just a complete and dominant performance both in defence and attack. Best player(s) of the season... Jarome Luai and Nathan Cleary. Both players had spectacular seasons with their kicking and passing games. There was not a struck match between them in my eyes. Best back... It’s Stephen Crichton all the way.
Best singer... Jarome Luai, someone sign this kid up to a recording contract or get him onto the next season of ‘The Voice’.
Jarome Luai and Nathan Cleary were Penrith’s best in 2020. Photo: NRL Images. The kid is something special. He makes things happen. He can score by pulling a ball from the sky or he can score a try with a kick and chase. He’s fast, agile and just one bloody good footballer.
& M E T S Y S R A L O S L A C O T L S I L A I YOUR C E P S E G A R O T S BATTERY
Best forward... James Fisher- Harris was so good he inspired everyone around him to be better. James Tamou had his best season in Panthers colours, while fellow props
Best dancer... Can anyone even get close to Brian To’o? The man can dance, he’s one ‘smooth criminal’ (a Michael Jackson dance reference for all you millennials out there!). The final word... It goes to former Panther David Applebee, who once said: “To be a Penrith Panther is an honour, a privilege... we don’t just let any bastard in”. Brilliant!
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BACK TO BUSINESS FOR PANTHERS NATHAN TAYLOR
F
ollowing the enormous highs of last Saturday afternoon’s J.J. Giltinan Shield presentation at ANZ Stadium, it was back to business for the mighty Penrith Panthers this week. After being officially declared the best side in the competition after 20 rounds, Penrith will be the team everyone has their eyes on when the NRL Finals get underway tonight at Panthers Stadium. While claiming the Minor Premiership last weekend was a huge feat for the entire club, star players like Api Koroisau know there are much bigger fish to fry. “It was a weird feeling last Saturday, the boys were really excited and proud to win the Minor Premiership but, at the same time, everyone knows the bigger picture which is this week’s game against the Roosters and every other game from here on in,” he told Extra Time. “Celebrations were pretty tame in the locker room after the Bulldogs game, everyone was proud of the achievement but we’re not letting it get ahead of ourselves.” If Penrith manage to knock off the backto- back reigning Premiers this evening,
Hooker Api Koroisau is pumped for the NRL Finals to begin. Photo: NRL Images. they’ll propel themselves to a Preliminary Final berth and a well-earned week off. A victory against the fourth- placed Roosters will also see the Panthers avoid a potential road trip to Suncorp Stadium to face the Storm in week three. “I think everyone knows the value of
winning this game, getting the week off,” Koroisau said. “I’m pretty confident everyone in the team is focusing on each day, we’re trying to soak it all in and we’re pretty happy where we’ve ended up this year. “But we know the job is not done and
it’s one week at a time for us. It’s pretty good to see the humility some of the boys have.” While Penrith’s opponents will have a few key bodies missing, including champion hooker Jake Friend, the Panthers will go into tonight’s big game at full strength with coach Ivan Cleary naming winger Brian To’o despite concerns over his injured ankle. “Brian got named in the team, so that’s normally a fair indicator there [that he will play],” Panthers lock Isaah Yeo said. “In regard to everyone else, we’ve rested a couple of players each week over the last fortnight and they’ve pulled up great from that. The healthier you are leading into the Finals can only benefit you.” After getting blown away 60- 8 by arch enemies South Sydney last Friday night, the Roosters will be keen to prove the many doubters they’ve collected over the past seven days wrong. Koroisau said last week’s capitulation by the Chooks should be “thrown away”. “When I saw the final score on the NRL app, I thought it was a typo – I couldn’t imagine the score getting blown out like that,” he said. “I know what kind of team the Roosters are and they’re going to bounce back hard… they never stay down for long.”
WW42268
the western weekender • extra time » Friday, October 2, 2020
feature
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Friday, October 2, 2020  the western weekender • extra time
feature
QUIET ACHIEVER MAKES HIS MARK NATHAN TAYLOR
L
ess than 12 months ago young Panthers forward Spencer Leniu never could have imagined he’d be where he is right now. After debuting in the NRL late last year, there weren’t many players hungrier than the Junior Kiwi heading into another tough Panthers pre-season. The former Minchinbury Jet was feeling untouchable on the Academy training field before a nasty hamstring injury stopped the 109kg wrecking ball dead in his tracks. “I got the injury right at the start of pre-season‌ that was a bumpy ride, I just couldn’t get it right,â€? Leniu told Extra Time last week. With the help of Penrith’s incredible rehab staff, Leniu worked hard to overcome his pesky hammy before injury struck again. “I finally got my hamstring right but then
in my first trial game against the Magpies I tore my MCL,� he said. Once again Leniu was back in the rehab group, feeling miserable about not getting the chance to impress coach Ivan Cleary. Then, just as Leniu was set to return to the paddock after a torrid run of luck, a little thing called a global pandemic decided to rear its ugly head. “I finally got my body right, my weight was right, everything was going to plan, I was ready to play again and then COVID hit and I was back on the lounge,� Leniu said. “That period was probably the worst and hardest time of my life. Thankfully I got through it and I’m here now, but I won’t take these lessons for granted and hopefully next year I’ll be in better shape.� Since Leniu made his long- awaited return to first grade against the Cronulla Sharks in Round 9, not only have his minutes increased with every game played but his confidence has shot up also. The 20-year- old said if it wasn’t for the guidance and encouragement from three
Spencer Leniu has provided plenty of punch off the bench. Photo: NRL Images. key Panthers forwards, he wouldn’t be in the position he’s in right now. “I’m really blessed to have the likes of Fish (James Fisher-Harris), Zane Tetevano and James Tamou instilling in me a lot of confidence heading into games,� he said. “Competing against them in training every week has really helped with my confidence. I’ve learned a lot from them this year, so shout out to them.� Leniu wasn’t named in Ivan Cleary’s
17- man squad for tonight’s Finals match against the Roosters, but there’s every chance he’ll be called up during October. When that call comes, he’ll be more ready than ever. “It’s definitely going to be a step up in intensity, but that’s the stuff I love,� Leniu admitted. “I’m just going to back myself, that’s what the coaches have been telling me all year.�
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WW42269
WITH THE MASKED PANTHER
NRL’S TICKETING MESS !
The NRL’s bizarre ticketing system for the Finals is part of the reason why so many fans missed out on tickets to Friday’s blockbuster between the Panthers and Roosters. During the regular season, a ticketed member could only buy one ticket per membership for each game. The system worked well enough, particularly given the reduced capacity at Panthers Stadium due to COVID- 19. But the NRL introduced a different model for the Finals, essentially allowing ticketed members to buy eight tickets per membership. All it did was create a second tier market and allow members to pass tickets on to non-members with ease. Plenty of people directed their anger at the Panthers but it was solely an NRL issue – and behind the scenes the club shared fans’ frustrations.
ing away from the pack a few weeks ago. He was this week presented with a signed 2020 Penrith Panthers jersey as well as a range of other prizes. Great tipping this year, Lee!
Nathan Cleary is on track to win the Dally M. Photo: NRL Images.
the western weekender • extra time » Friday, October 2, 2020
panther rumblings
!
The NRL’s decision to allow Nathan Cleary to keep the Dally M points deducted from him as a result of the TikTok suspension earlier this year is not so much a backflip as it is correcting a mistake at head office. Turns out former Panther Frank Puletua, who is in charge of the Dally M Awards at the NRL, incorrectly provided information that suggested Cleary would be stripped of six points for his two game suspension. But it never should have been the case – those deductions are only for suspensions relating to on- field incidents, not off-field indiscretions. The NRL needed to step in and fix the issue as people were starting to ask questions around why Dally M points had not been stripped from other players suspended for off-field incidents in past seasons.
!
Spotted: Penrith centre Stephen Crichton documenting the side’s Minor Premiership celebrations with a GoPro on the field at ANZ Stadium last Saturday afternoon, and again back in the sheds.
!
Spotted: Panthers Chairman Dave O’Neill and CEO Brian Fletcher keeping their social distance while watching James Tamou and co be awarded the Minor Premiership shield from NRL boss Andrew Abdo.
!
Perfect timing: Panthers legend Craig Gower is the latest guest on the Weekender’s ‘Passion & Perspective’ podcast, which is due to be released today. Gowie talks about his career with Penrith and all the highs and lows along the way. Search ‘Western Weekender’ wherever you listen to podcasts or head to www.westernweekender.com.au to stream/download.
!
Isaah Yeo is emerging as the obvious choice to replace James Tamou as Panthers captain next year. A number of players have now publicly backed Yeo for the job, while during last week’s Minor Premiership presentation at ANZ Stadium, the playing group pushed Yeo out of the pack to ensure he stood alongside Tamou when collecting the J.J. Giltinan Shield. Nathan Cleary is the other candidate but it’s looking more and more likely Yeo will get the job.
!
One lucky punter had a very relaxing afternoon watching the Panthers top-
!
ple the Bulldogs last weekend. He put a $40,000 bet on Ivan Cleary’s side to beat the Bulldogs at very slim odds, and while he had a few nervous moments early in the game it was ultimately a very comfortable watch.
!
Congratulations to Lee Banister from Tresami Computer Engineering in Penrith, who was the clear winner in this year’s Western Weekender Celebrity Tipping competition. Lee went into the final round with an unassailable lead after pull-
It was interesting to note that Phil Gould called in sick to ‘100% Footy’ last week when Penrith coach Ivan Cleary was a guest. We’re not suggesting Gus chucked a sickie, but it certainly avoided an awkward situation.
!
One of Penrith’s 1967 originals, Laurie Fagan, has passed away. He played 79 games for the club.
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Friday, October 2, 2020  the western weekender • extra time
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the western weekender • extra time » Friday, October 2, 2020
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WW41871
CLUB
PD
W
D
L
B
F
1
Panthers
20 18
1
1
0
537
238 +299 37
2
Storm
20 16
0
4
0
534
276 +258 32
3
Eels
20 15
0
5
0
392
288 +104 30
4
Roosters
20 14
0
6
0
552
322 +230 28
5
Raiders
20 14
0
6
0
445
317
+128 28
6
Rabbitohs
20 12
0
8
0
521
352
+169 24
7
Knights
20 11
1
8
0
421
374
+47
23
8
Sharks
20 10
0
10
0
480
480
0
20
9
Titans
20
9
0
11
0
346
463
-117
18
10 Warriors
20
8
0
12
0
343
458
-115
16
11
20
7
0
13
0
440
505
-65
14
20
7
0
13
0
378
452
-74
14
13 Sea Eagles 20
7
0
13
0
375
509
-134
14
14 Cowboys
20
5
0
15
0
368
520
-152
10
15 Bulldogs
20
3
0
17
0
282
504
-222
6
16 Broncos
20
3
0
17
0
268
624
-356
6
W. Tigers
12 Dragons
A
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Saturday, October 3 5.40pm GIO Stadium
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Saturday, October 3 7.50pm Suncorp Stadium
V
Sunday, October 4 4.05pm ANZ Stadium
Face In Th e Crowd
IS THIS YOU YOU? U? FOR THE LATEST PANTHERS NEWS AND UPDATES, FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @WWPENRITH
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Extra Time Issue Number 2020-026 PRODUCED BY The Western Weekender EDITOR Troy Dodds / 4722 2998 troy.dodds@westernweekender.com.au WRITERS Nathan Taylor, Peter Lang, Matt Russell, Clinton Maynard SALES DIRECTOR Chris Pennisi / 4722 2998 chris.pennisi@westernweekender.com.au
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Friday, October 2, 2020 « the western weekender • extra time
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What a great year. Well done Panthers in shutting the Bulldogs down, great effort.
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Jarome Luai is one of the best five-eighths in the competition. Photo: NRL Images.
You’ve lost me… just like Jarome does the defence. He’s scored in five of his last six games. Cam Munster. 15 games, 4 tries, 9 assists. If you need a big play, you need the unflappable Cam Munster. Origins. Internationals. Finals for the last five seasons. Enough said! Dylan Brown. 16 games, 4 tries, 5 assists. Maybe the dark horse in this field. Only 20-years-old, he often has so much time. The good ones do! And Mitch Moses is so looking forward to having him back. Luke Keary. 18 games, 10 tries, 17 try assists. Three Grand Finals for three premierships. A Clive Churchill Medallist. Can tell an opponent is out of position, two plays before he is! A baby face who delivers the monster play. Jack Wighton. 19 games, 10 tries, 11 assists. Big and boisterous with ball in hand. He’s scored three doubles in his last five games. Defenders beware. He’s one of Ricky’s favourites for a reason. Cody Walker. 18 games, 9 tries, 21 assists. He leads the lot when you add those last two figures together. Directly involved in 30 of South Sydney’s 86 tries. As Spudd said before we went to air this week. “It’s no use us forwards going berserk if we don’t have the backs to make something of it. Those blokes would make me run through a brick wall… or The Chief again!”
•
I
enjoy sharing the ‘NRL Tonight’ desk with Mark “Spudd” Carroll once a week. Perhaps most famous for charging into Paul Harragon, which gave each of them a free trip to the moon, Carroll brings much more to the rugby league conversation than just brute force. Each Tuesday, a segment called ‘Spudd’s Spotlight’, shines attention on something that caught his eye from the weekend. After the final round, he said; “How good are the five- eighths! Six of them could win their team the comp. That’s my ‘Spuddlight’ this week.” Hang on, how is a prop entitled to make that comment. Well, Spudd knows a thing or two about good five-eighths. Look at the men who wore number six while he was at Penrith. Carter, Mortimer, Izzard, Fittler. Not bad. Carroll went to Souths and was on the ground when Phil Blake thrilled at fiveeighth. Then it was Cliffy Lyons while at Manly. Cronulla have lost Shaun Johnson to injury and Newcastle have rotated players for the same reason. So let’s look at the six sixes, Spudd is talking about. Here are their 2020 stats: Jarome Luai. 20 games, 7 tries, 21 assists. This guy has faster feet than Usain Bolt. Watching him is like watching the magician moving the cups on a table.
the western weekender • extra time » Friday, October 2, 2020
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Friday, October 2, 2020 « the western weekender • extra time
34
PREVIEWS
BLOCKBUSTER WEEKEND OF FINALS Storm v Eels @ Suncorp Stadium Saturday, October 3, 7.50pm
TROY DODDS
T
Raiders v Sharks @ GIO Stadium Saturday, October 3, 5.40pm
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t’s extremely difficult to mount an argument for Cronulla heading into the Finals, with most anticipating that John Morris’ side is simply making up the numbers after an ordinary season overall. To prove just how mediocre they were in the regular season, Cronulla finished on a zero points differential – they scored 480 points and conceded the same number. It all came from 10 wins and 10 losses. Canberra perhaps didn’t do as well as many would have hoped after last year’s Grand Final appearance but they were always thereabouts and in the end, only points differential kept them out of the top four. Being at home in week one, however, is a huge advantage and Ricky Stuart would be confident that his side can advance to at least week two. As luck would have it the Raiders and Sharks met just last weekend, and it was bad signs for Cronulla with a 38- 28 loss despite Stuart resting a whole heap of regular first graders.
Canberra will take on Cronulla for the second straight week. Photo: NRL Images. The mindsets of the two sides here is pretty obvious. For Canberra, it’s about unfinished business – the pain from last year’s Grand Final loss would have stuck with them right through the regular season, and for sides coming off such disappointment, it’s often a case of just waiting for the next Finals to come around so you can try to right the wrongs of the previous year. The past is the past, but Stuart would be silly not to use last year’s devastation as motivation.
For Cronulla, it’s all about the start of a new competition. Not beating a top eight side all year is irrelevant – they did enough to make the post- season, and that’s all that matters. Coach Morris will be talking about taking things one game at a time, knowing that just four wins gets his side an unlikely premiership. I can’t see anything but a Canberra win here – only complacency could derail the green machine. Tip: Raiders by 14.
he business end of the season has arrived and the Melbourne Storm, despite all the complications and distractions season 2020 has provided, have landed themselves another top four finish. Craig Bellamy’s chief concern this weekend would be his side’s defence, which has been far from its usual standard in recent weeks. The Tigers and Cowboys both put 20+ points on them, and while last week’s loss to the Dragons wasn’t unexpected given the players that were rested, it has certainly allowed some doubt to creep in. Meantime the jury is out on Parramatta, who went from being the best team in the competition at one stage of the season to facing the very real prospect of missing the top four. In the end they limped into ‘second bite’ territory thanks to a narrow win over the Wests Tigers last weekend. You would think that the Storm should be too professional for this Parramatta side, that really needed to show more impressive Finals form over the last month of the competition to give this thing a real shake. That said, if Mitchell Moses and Clint Gutherson can find their best form then anything is possible.
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Rabbitohs v Knights @ ANZ Stadium Sunday, October 4, 4.05pm
All eyes will be on Mitchell Moses against Melbourne this week. Photo: NRL Images. Melbourne thrive on adversity, and there’s plenty of it to go around. Not only have they been forced out of Victoria due to the Coronavirus outbreak, but they’ve dealt with constant speculation about their skipper Cameron Smith and now strong whispers about the future of Bellamy himself. Any other club would be
at risk of being distracted by it all, but not Melbourne. They’ll use it as motivation. I think the Eels will give Melbourne a small fright in this one – they may even take the lead at some stage in the first half. But in the end, the Storm should be too good. Tip: Storm by 10.
Adam Reynolds. Photo: NRL Images.
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f any team announced themselves as a premiership contender in the final round of the season it was South Sydney. Wayne Bennett is at it again – waking a team from its slumber on the eve of the big games and threatening to upset the apple cart. The 60-8 thumping of the Roosters was stunning, and while so much attention has been placed on the collapse of their rivals, nobody can deny that Souths produced near-perfect football last Thursday night. If Souths play like that against Newcastle on Sunday we could be looking for the record books. In my view, Newcastle’s hopes of advancing to week two of the Finals rested on them playing at McDonald Jones Stadium, but their poor showing against Gold Coast last Friday forces them to ANZ Stadium and it’s hard to see a form reversal that would be good enough to spring an upset. The Knights looked good at the start of the season and shared the competition lead for a little while there but in the end injuries proved too disruptive, and first- time coach Adam O’Brien is still finding his feet. He needs to find a quick fix on Sunday afternoon against one of the
game’s best ever coaches – a true David versus Goliath battle. Newcastle’s big hope here is that the game turns into a sluggish forward battle. They don’t have the firepower out wide to match it with the Rabbitohs and to win they’ll need to contain the likes of Alex Johnston and Cody Walker who are in sparkling form at present. In the end Souths’ shock loss to the Bulldogs a fortnight ago was probably the best thing for them – it shocked the side into gear, resulting in a big win over the Roosters and now huge confidence heading into this one. Tip: Rabbitohs by 18.
the western weekender • extra time » Friday, October 2, 2020
AS OCTOBER DREAMS GO ON THE LINE
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Friday, October 2, 2020 « the western weekender • extra time
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clinton maynard T
fin has a big job in front of him to turn the club around.
his should be a column previewing the 2020 Grand Final, the decider should be played on Sunday night, but the evils of COVID- 19 have delayed that. There’ll be plenty of time to talk about the Grand Final in the coming weeks because the Panthers have a massive chance of being there, so this week it’s time to say goodbye to the eight teams that didn’t make the post-season. Gold Coast: A year ago I argued for their relocation, professional sporting teams never work on the Gold Coast I said. However Justin Holbrook has proven me wrong and shows if you have the right man in charge of a club they can do anything. The Titans consistently improved over the season ending the regular rounds winning five straight. They are in far better form than the teams finishing in 7th and 8th. That improvement can only be down to coaching as the squad on paper is not Finals standard. With the likes of David Fifita joining next year there can only be good times ahead. New Zealand: Deserve to be playing Finals. They have been magnificent, they kept the competition going through their selfless act of leaving their families. Todd Payten must be a good coach, it’s very rare a club sacks its coach mid-season and they improve. I wonder whether the fact they
Manly: I fully expected Manly to be in the Finals but what their season shows is how a club’s management of the salary cap can lead to disaster when injury strikes. The Sea Eagles have most of their cap tied up in three players – Daly Cherry- Evans and the Trbojevic brothers. With Tommy Turbo out for most of the season, the side had no depth to cover. The decision to allow Api Koroisau to join Penrith was a fatal blow.
Gold Coast Titans coach Justin Holbrook. Photo: NRL Images. haven’t had to travel overseas every two weeks has actually helped. Wests Tigers: A below par season by their standards, not because they haven’t made the eight, but because they’ve finished 11th not 9th! I think Michael Maguire has done a reasonable job with a squad that again isn’t up to Finals football. They fight in most of their matches and really should’ve beaten the Eels in the final round. I just can’t see how they can
improve next year without the injection of a few star players while they’ll also lose their two best – Harry Grant (back to the Storm) and Benji Marshall. Their treatment of the greatest player in the club’s history is disgusting! St George- Illawarra: Another example of salary cap mismanagement. Ben Hunt is a good player, but he was never a $1.2 million halfback and Paul McGregor has paid for it. Incoming coach Anthony Grif-
North Queensland: A brand new stadium and the recruitment of Val Holmes and they dish up a season like this! The best thing going for the Cowboys is the signing of Todd Payen as coach for next season and beyond.
the western weekender • extra time » Friday, October 2, 2020
Long off-season of reflection begins for eight clubs
Canterbury: Trent Barrett clearly has ability as a coach, but as he watches the club’s Board fight, would he be having second thoughts? They clearly don’t have an NRL standard roster and unless Barrett can entice some fringe Panthers to join him it’s hard to see much improvement. Brisbane: The league world seems to be crying about their disastrous season but can we as Sydney NRL fans just enjoy the fact they are suffering?
extra minutes
The NRL is celebrating ‘50 Days of Football’. Photo: NRL Images. The traditional NRL Finals launch didn’t happen this week due to ongoing COVID- 19 restrictions and the bubble environment that players find themselves in. Instead the NRL held an event focused on ‘50 Days of Football’, encompassing the NRL Finals, the start of the NRLW competition and the upcoming State of Origin series.
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Speaking of the NRLW, it kicks off this weekend with a double header at GIO Stadium in Canberra. The Roosters and Dragons will do battle at 11.30am while the Broncos take on the Warriors at 3pm. Both games will be shown on Channel Nine and Fox League.
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2GB’s Continuous Call Team again leads the way when it comes to rugby league coverage, dominating the latest
radio ratings survey. Both Triple M and the ABC are languishing behind.
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Departing playmaker Kieran Foran has been named Canterbury’s Player of the Year. Jake Averillo won Rookie of the Year.
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St George- Illawarra has announced the appointment of Matt Elliott and Peter Gentle as assistant coaches to Anthony Griffin next season. “Change was inevitable for our football department heading into the 2021 season following the appointment of Anthony Griffin,” General Manager of Football Ben Haran said. “We are pleased with the personnel that will join the Dragons in preparation for our 2021 campaign, and how they will connect under the new structure we have put in place.”
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Friday, October 2, 2020 « the western weekender