Liam Martin and James Fisher-Harris embrace after full-time on Sunday. Photo: NRL Images.
ORIGIN IS NEXT Four Panthers picked for Freddy’s Blues
PAGE 37
FAREWELL JIMMY Special gloss poster as we say goodbye to James Tamou
PAGES 38-39
MASKED PANTHER Has Josh Mansour played his last game for Penrith?
PAGE 40
EXTRA TIME AWARDS We name our Player of the Year, plus what was the season’s best win?
PAGE 42
TOUGHEST DEFEAT STORM CROWNED CHAMPIONS AFTER CHAOTIC GRAND FINAL HOW IT HAPPENED: PAGES 32-33
Friday, October 30, 2020 « the western weekender • extra time
grand final review
SPIRITED FIGHTBACK NOT ENOUGH TO TROY DODDS
I
t just wasn’t meant to be. The Penrith Panthers were left heartbroken after their stellar 2020 campaign came to a crashing halt in the Grand Final, with Melbourne running out 26-20 winners at ANZ Stadium. In front of the biggest sporting crowd since the COVID- 19 pandemic began, wet conditions greeted the players for a Grand Final that will be remembered for a champion team’s first half dominance, and a spirited fightback from the best side of the regular season. Controversy kicks off season decider After a good start, Penrith find themselves down 6- 0 early when The Bunker awards a penalty try to Justin Olam in the third minute of play. Gerard Sutton initially calls no try after seeing the ball come loose from Olam’s grasp over the line, but replays show a different story. “Tyrone May has used the foot to kick the ball out of the possession of Justin Olam. In our opinion we believe a try would have been scored,” Bunker official Steve Chiddy declares. It was the first penalty try in a Grand Final since 2013, and most agree it was the correct decision. The four-pointer silences the pro-Penrith
The Panthers struggle to comprehend the Storm’s first half dominance. Photo: NRL Images. crowd and puts Ivan Cleary’s side on the back foot early. Penalties edge Storm ahead Ill-discipline starts to creep into Penrith’s game, and it allows the professional Melbourne outfit to capitalise.
Cameron Smith lands back- to- back penalty goals to put the Storm up 10- 0 after 27 minutes. It’s only a small lead, but against a Melbourne side renowned for managing games once in front, it’s a concerning one. Incredibly, it still feels as though Penrith are on top and making plenty of metres when given the opportunity to attack. Wayward pass as dreams start to shatter The Panthers are attacking Melbourne’s line 10 minutes out from full- time when one of the game’s most important moments unfolds. Nathan Cleary spots an opportunity on the left – and throws a long pass intended for Stephen Crichton. Suliasi Vunivalu rushes in, aware that he needs to shut down the play otherwise Crichton himself or Josh Mansour will find their way over to score. Vunivalu’s gamble to leave his wing pays off. He jumps to take the ball, rises to his feet and shrugs off Josh Mansour to run 80 metres and score. It’s a 12- point turnaround, and in that moment, the Grand Final starts to slip away from Penrith.
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Nathan Cleary tried to reignite the Panthers in the first half. Photo: NRL Images.
Smith’s fairytale edges closer to reality Melbourne look likely to take a 16-0 lead into the break, but have one last piece of magic left before the siren sounds. Attacking Penrith’s line, Cameron Smith takes the ball from dummy half only for it to be knocked out by Api Koroisau. Smith re- gathers and dives over under the posts, with Gerard Sutton immediately calling for video assistance. He calls no try on field, claiming a loose carry from Smith, but replays in The Bunker prove that Koroisau played at the ball and Smith fairly re-gathered it to score. It opens up an almost unassailable 22-0 lead, and Penrith’s Premiership dreams seem shattered. For Smith, the likely end to his Storm career is delivering the perfect finish.
And just like that, the game is gone Penrith desperately need to score first in the second half, but Clive Churchill Medal winner in- waiting, Ryan Papenhuyzen, has other ideas. Just four minutes into the second half, the Storm produce a magic scrum play from inside their own half. Cameron Smith takes the ball from lock and gets it quickly to Papenhuyzen, who burns past Nathan Cleary and Tyrone May. Dylan Edwards and Josh Mansour chase in vain, but it’s too late – the speedster is away, and Melbourne open up a 26-0 lead. Victory now seems impossible for Penrith, whose premiership dreams have been blown away by a Storm side doing the little things right. The try forces coach Ivan Cleary to make a positional change, bringing Brent Naden onto the right side in defence. Brian finds a breakthrough Where there’s life, there’s hope. 28 minutes out from full-time, the Panthers finally score their first points when Brian To’o pounces on an Isaah Yeo kick to score out wide. But the try is almost pulled back by The Bunker, who examine extensive replays of the lead-up to the four-pointer. “If they award a try here, they don’t know the rules,” Channel Nine’s Andrew Johns declares in commentary. There appears to be an obstruction in the lead-up to Yeo’s kick, but The Bunker clears it, and overturns Gerard Sutton’s on-field decision of no try. Magic moments breathe life into Penrith It took until the 68th minute, but the real Penrith Panthers finally stood up. Down by 20 points, the Panthers suddenly click into gear, delivering a stunning charge to the end of the game. First, Stephen Crichton charges over, carrying three defenders over the line with him to reduce the margin to 26-12. Jahrome Hughes is sin- binned minutes later, and from the penalty Jarome Luai
“It’s hard to put it into words. It’s very disappointing obviously. It’s obviously so hard to get here and the opportunities don’t come that often,” he said. “It was a frustrating game. I still can’t quite explain the game yet and I’ll need a bit of time for that. “I’m so proud of our boys. They couldn’t have tried any harder.” Cleary said his side tried too hard and turned over too much possession. “To be still swinging at the end of the game was an incredible effort,” he said. “It just wasn’t meant to be.” Cleary was also full of praise for the Storm as their dominance continued. “For as long as I’ve been around coaching they have been at the top of the tree and their victory tonight is reward for consistency,” he said. “You can’t do anything but admire that and it’s something I’d like to aspire to.” Bellamy rates 2020 as best premiership Storm coach Craig Bellamy said given the extraordinary circumstances of the season, which saw his team re- locate to the Sunshine Coast, the 2020 title was probably at the top of the tree. “It’s been difficult, it’s been challenging, it’s been different,” he said. “For what our guys have been through and what their families have been through I would probably put it up the top of the Grand Final wins that we’ve had. “There’s been some circumstances and situations where I thought some of the guys might have just wanted to pack up and go home.
“But they haven’t. They all stuck there through some difficult times.” Bellamy said history would show just how amazing the Storm’s 2020 story was. “We’ve won it and it’s going to be considered very special in years to come,” he said. Frustrating second half, says Smith “Tough”. That’s the word Cameron Smith used to describe the final 12 minutes, when Penrith launched an all- out attack to try to steal the 2020 trophy. “The whole second half was really tough and most of that was our own doing,” he said. “Penrith played extremely well to keep fighting and stay in the match but a lot of it was our own doing. “They are a champion team and they kept coming. “When Jahrome went to the sin bin a lot of us felt nervous... about whether we had the legs left in us to hold them out. “The good teams find a way to finish those games and we did that. We have a really tough, really resilient group of men.”
the western weekender • extra time » Friday, October 30, 2020
SAVE GRAND FINAL DAY HEARTBREAK
The aftermath The Storm were without question the best team on the night, with Penrith left to ponder what could have been. Melbourne partied into the night, before boarding an early morning flight back to the Sunshine Coast. Penrith players returned to Panthers Leagues Club for a private function.
Ryan Papenhuyzen celebrates his second half try. Photo: NRL Images. finds Josh Mansour out wide who crosses for a fantastic Grand Final try. All of a sudden, belief emerges in the Penrith camp. Thrilling finish emerges With just seconds left on the clock and all hope appearing gone, Nathan Cleary finds his way to the line for a try – carrying defenders with him as he slams the ball down for a four-pointer. The Panthers quickly tell the referee they don’t want the conversion, stopping the clock with just three seconds remaining and with six points the difference. Penrith would have just one play from the kick- off to score a converted try and send the Grand Final into Extra Time. It sounded impossible, but with Brandon Smith also sin- binned in the dying minutes, it meant Penrith would confront just 11 defenders for the final play. The Panthers frantically threw the ball around, desperate to find metres and a gap in Melbourne’s defence, but the task was too much. The Storm eventually shut down the play, and it was all over – the Grand Final was done, and Penrith’s dream run had been halted.
Storm celebrate, tears for Penrith The full- time siren sends Melbourne into party mode, as the players celebrate an incredible Grand Final win. For Penrith, it’s tears. Josh Mansour, Nathan Cleary and Viliame Kikau are all visibly emotional as they slump to the ground, shocked at what had just unfolded. James Tamou was left with the toughest job of all post- game – delivering the runners-up speech. “To our fans, stick with these guys. Stick with them and we appreciate your support throughout the year,” he said. “To the boys... it’s all a learning curve. You have such careers ahead of you. I’m 31 and I’m still learning off you guys. “They’ll be a successful team... boys, hold your heads high. Unfortunately I won’t be there but I’ll be watching.” Shattered coach remains proud If Tamou’s job on the field was the toughest, Ivan Cleary’s task of fronting the media post-match was a close second. He struggled to explain the chaotic 80 minutes that had just unfolded on the field.
Storm captain Cameron Smith consoles Nathan Cleary. Photo: NRL Images.
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Friday, October 30, 2020 « the western weekender • extra time
GRAND FINAL IN PICTURES
SPECTACULAR DAY FOR NRL DESPITE
The captains with referee Gerard Sutton. Photo: NRL Images.
A Black Hawk delivered the game ball. Photo: NRL Images.
Panthers skipper James Tamou. Photo: NRL Images.
Singer Amy Shark. Photo: NRL Images.
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Cameron Smith celebrates. Photo: NRL Images.
the western weekender • extra time » Friday, October 30, 2020
DEVASTATING DEFEAT FOR PANTHERS
Nathan Cleary scores the final try. Photo: NRL Images.
Jarome Luai. Photo: NRL Images.
Viliame Kikau in tears post-match. Photo: NRL Images.
The Storm lived it up in the sheds. Photo: NRL Images.
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Friday, October 30, 2020 « the western weekender
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the western weekender • extra time » Friday, October 30, 2020
feature
ORIGIN BECKONS FOR PANTHERS NATHAN TAYLOR
Nathan Cleary will again play for the Blues. Photo: NRL Images. Despite a rough night, Panthers coach Ivan Cleary was still full of praise for the players that received Origin nods. “I’m really happy for them, all of them thoroughly deserve it,” he said. “It is a bit of cold comfort but all those individuals can sit back and say ‘I’ve earned my spot in the biggest game around’. “It’s only going to help our team at Penrith as well, it shows all those young boys have made some incredible strides this year as a team. “We’ll have to wait for the pre-season [to
reap the benefits as a club] but I’m looking forward to it as well.” Following more than a decade of Queensland dominance, NSW will be aiming for a three-peat this year when Origin I kicks off in Adelaide next Wednesday, November 4. With the Maroons naming a rather untested squad of players, the Blues will go into this year’s series as massive favourites. Following the opener at Adelaide Oval, Origin II will be held in Sydney on November 11 and Origin III will be contested in Brisbane on November 18.
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f there’s one silver lining to come out of Sunday night’s Grand Final loss to the Storm, it’s the fact that five Panthers players have the chance of being featured in the upcoming State of Origin series, which gets underway next Wednesday night in Adelaide. Following the aftermath of Penrith’s worst performance of the year, Blues coach Brad Fittler and Maroons coach Wayne Bennett announced the final make up of their respective 27-man Origin squads. While Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary will return to the Origin arena for the third straight year, four of his teammates could taste Origin footy for the very first time. Following a career- best year for the Minor Premiers, 25 - year - old future Panthers captain Isaah Yeo is in line to make his Origin debut after he was selected in Fittler’s extended squad for next month’s series.
Joining him is one of the most lethal weapons in the game, Panthers centre Stephen Crichton. The 20- year- old was rewarded with Origin selection following an outstanding rookie season that saw him score 17 tries in 2020, including one on Grand Final Day. Despite his strong ties to both New Zealand and Samoa, Panthers five-eighth Jarome Luai was by far the biggest selection surprise of the evening. While it’s unlikely Luai will see any game time unless there’s an injury to either Luke Keary or Cody Walker during the series, it’s a huge reward for the 23- year- old St Marys junior who was one of Penrith’s best all year. While the Panthers will have a strong contingent representing the Blues, they will also have one player featuring for the Maroons this year in utility Kurt Capewell. If 27-year-old Capewell makes his debut for Queensland during the upcoming series, he’ll be the first Panther since former captain Petero Civoniceva to pull on the maroon jumper.
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Friday, October 30, 2020  the western weekender • extra time
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Friday, October 30, 2020 « the western weekender • extra time
panther rumblings
WITH THE MASKED PANTHER
SAUCE’S LAST DANCE? !
the past. So many have great memories of attending games over many decades. This is what it’s all about.
Sunday’s Grand Final loss may be even tougher for veteran Panthers winger Josh Mansour. Everything I’m hearing points to ‘Sauce’ leaving the club before the start of next season, with Charlie Staines the favourite to take his wing spot in 2021. 30-year-old Mansour is still contracted to Penrith next season but he may find a longer term deal elsewhere given the writing is on the wall at Penrith.
!
It’s often a poisoned chalice but Sportsbet has posted Penrith as Premiership favourites for next season, ahead of the Roosters and Storm. “The Panthers showed a lot of ticker against the Storm and no doubt nerves were a factor in the first half. They’re a young side and will be better for the experience and everything points to them being in next season’s battle for the silverware,’’ said Sportsbet. com.au’s Rich Hummerston.
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Penrith players gathered at a private function at the EVAN Theatre at Panthers in the hours after the Grand Final on Sunday night. It was a largely subdued affair but the players also ensured they celebrated what was a very successful season. The stars of the night were the Penrith WAGS who were, I hear, the last people standing at the after party. The players continued to reflect on the season through the week, with plenty of Vodka Cruisers being consumed.
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Meanwhile a lucky punter collected $60,030 from the TAB after the Grand Final after a $30 same game multi landed. He backed Melbourne to win, plus picked the 1-12 margin. He also had ‘Melbourne to win either half’ in the multi, along with a long list of try scorers – Suliasi Vunivalu, Cameron Smith, Ryan Papenhuyzen, Brian To’o, Josh Mansour and Nathan Cleary.
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Panther fans shouldn’t worry about rumours doing the rounds suggesting Stephen Crichton is a chance of heading to the Bulldogs in 2022. The exciting centre is staying at Penrith. Put it in concrete, he’s going nowhere. Expect a formal announcement inside the next month.
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A number of Penrith officials as well as wives and girlfriends of the players had to undergo a COVID-19 test last Friday to ensure they could be a little closer than normal to the players after the game.
Josh Mansour. Photo: NRL Images.
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Spotted: Former Silverchair frontman Daniel Johns rocking a pink Panthers jersey at the Grand Final. He was sitting in Bay 108 and lapping up the atmosphere at ANZ Stadium.
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Two Penrith centres must surely have a cloud over them in terms of their futures at the club. Dean Whare was once one of the best defensive centres in the game but it seems he’s unlikely to find his way back into Ivan Cleary’s top 17 next year unless there’s a long injury list. Meantime Brent Naden must surely be wondering what being dropped to the bench for the two biggest games of the year means for his 2021 prospects. An offseason of speculation looms.
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Spotted: Penrith coach Ivan Cleary making the effort to come over to fans in the stands on Sunday night to show his appreciation for the support this year. He looked devastated by the result.
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Technology caught out ARLC Chairman Peter V’landys last week. The saviour of rugby league was taking part in a function for VIPs and major sponsors last Thursday night, when he publicly backed the Panthers in the Grand Final. V’landys thought he was safe with the all-Sydney crowd, before he was told that Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy, captain Cameron Smith and a number of Storm officials were watching the function via Zoom.
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How’s this for an expensive bite to eat. A lucky local paid $15,000 at Penrith’s Grand Final luncheon last Friday to have a lunch with Panthers legends Royce Simmons and Greg Alexander. We hope Royce brings his own beer.
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Spotted: Residents at Southern Cross
Care’s Thornton Park aged care facility dressed up and excited for the Grand Final (pictured above). They all have such fond memories of the players throughout the years and it was a great week for them to reminisce and celebrate the team’s achievements this year. A number of the residents have direct links to players from
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Former Panthers, Jets and Raiders winger Ray Blacklock has passed away after a long illness.
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That’s it from me in 2020. Thanks for reading throughout the year – hopefully I’ve given you some insight into what’s happening behind the scenes at the Panthers, and delivered a few scoops too!
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the western weekender » Friday, October 30, 2020
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Friday, October 30, 2020 « the western weekender • extra time
feature
CLEARY IS SEASON’S BEST PLAYER I
against a champion Roosters team aiming for a three-peat. The Panthers came back from 10-0 down early and held their nerve late to win one of the most exciting Finals games you’ll ever see. 2019 winner: v Warriors, Round 15
t was a terrific year for the Penrith Panthers, with the club claiming the Minor Premiership and making the Grand Final. We reflect on the year’s best in our Extra Time Awards for 2020... Extra Time Player of the Year: Nathan Cleary Halfback Nathan Cleary proved himself as one of the game’s leading playmakers, coming out of his shell in 2020 to deliver a standout season that steered Penrith to the Grand Final. Cleary topped the NRL for line engagements, tallied up a competition- leading 10,391 kick metres and grabbed four 40/20s along with four field goals. The 22- year- old scored eight tries and kicked 86 goals, delivered 17 try assists and 11 line break assists in what was without question his best NRL season to date. While Cleary was quiet in the Grand Final, there’s no question that it was his efforts throughout the season that ensured Penrith made it to the biggest stage last weekend. 2019 winner: James Fisher-Harris Extra Time Rookie of the Year: Stephen Crichton While officially debuting in 2019, 2020 was Crichton’s recognised rookie season – and what a year it was. He made 22
Extra Time Moment of the Year: Panthers qualify for Grand Final The relief of the full- time siren sounding at ANZ Stadium in week three of the Finals was something every Penrith fan will remember for many years to come. The 20-16 win over Souths wasn’t pretty, but it ensured the Panthers qualified for their first Grand Final in 17 years – a terrific moment to savour. 2019 winner: Sharks hoodoo broken
Nathan Cleary celebrates a winning moment in 2020. Photo: NRL Images. appearances for the club, scoring 17 tries and delivering seven try assists and 18 line breaks. He also produced 55 tackle breaks. The 20-year-old proved himself as a lethal weapon on Penrith’s left edge. 2019 winner: Brian To’o
Extra Time Win of the Year: v Roosters, Qualifying Final While Penrith conceded 28 points, this is the victory that will be remembered most fondly in 2020. It was the club’s first Finals match at Panthers Stadium in a decade,
Extra Time Headline Event of the Year: Club record winning streak The Panthers not only set a new club winning streak in 2020, but they obliterated the previous record of eight straight wins. This young team doubled the previous record and then some, finishing with 17 consecutive victories. It is a feat unlikely to be repeated any time soon, and came in the most difficult of circumstances with the team relocated for part of the season due to the pandemic. 2019 winner: Gus Gould gone!
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fter what can only be described as a phenomenal season for the Penrith Panthers, their (and our) incredible journey ended last Sunday when the Melbourne Storm defeated them 26-20 in the 2020 NRL Grand Final. After 17 straight wins, it was their first loss since June and it hurt the most. However even in the depths of despair the preparation for season 2021 began as soon as the full-time siren sounded. Here are five reasons why I think the Panthers will win the competition next year. 1. The pain and anguish the players felt in those first few minutes after the game finished will drive them. It will fuel their fire over the off-season to go one step further in 2021 and this time not only make the big dance but do the Cha-Cha! 2. The Panthers’ spine will not change next year. The ever- improving Dylan Edwards will be fullback, Jarome Luai and Nathan Cleary will be the halves and Api Koroisau the hooker. These combinations worked so well in 2020 and will work even better in 2021. 3. There will be a new attacking coach for next season, which will also help shake things up and ensure the Panthers don’t become predictable or stale. What worked so well this year won’t work at all next season unless
the same starting 17. This stability will not only help build and strengthen combinations further but any player promoted into the first grade side, will come from within the Penrith production line – another big advantage. 5. One year older, one year wiser. 2020 rookies such as Charlie Staines, Matt Burton and Daine Laurie all had a taste of first grade and showed they were more than ready for it. Staines is a speed machine, Laurie can play a variety of positions and well, we all know what Matt Burton can do. His move into the forwards next year could be the making of him.
Penrith are primed to go one step further next year according to Peter Lang. changes are made. Opposition sides will face different attacking patterns next year and I can’t wait to see it.
4. As well as having the same spine, apart from departing skipper James Tamou, the Panthers will field much
the western weekender • extra time » Friday, October 30, 2020
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Why the Panthers will win the competition in 2021
The final word.... You have to lose one to win one right? That’s what they all say. Well if this team can follow the fortunes of a Panthers team which went through a similar heartache in 1990, then all Penrith supporters will have a smile on their face in 12 months’ time. Make no mistake Panthers fans, this team will not falter in 2021. They will not let the weight of expectation bury them or let the loss to Melbourne define them. They will use the pain of defeat for a purpose. They will come back, bigger, better and stronger than ever. For that’s the power of a Panther. See you all next year!
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Extra Time Issue Number 2020-029 PRODUCED BY The Western Weekender EDITOR Troy Dodds / 4722 2998 / troy.dodds@westernweekender.com.au WRITERS Nathan Taylor, Clinton Maynard, Peter Lang SALES DIRECTOR Chris Pennisi / 4722 2998 / chris.pennisi@westernweekender.com.au
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clinton maynard I
Viliame Kikau is part of Penrith’s long-term plans. Photo: NRL Images. Melbourne made the most of limited opportunities and mostly against the run of play and the Panthers couldn’t turn dominance into points.
That can change with experience. There’s been all this attention on Nathan Cleary apparently having his worst game of the season, and while he admitted he’d
let his teammates down, I think the criticism is far too harsh. What Penrith have in Cleary is the best halfback in the game under the age of 25, in fact he’s probably the best halfback in the game overall. With Dad as coach, he is effectively under lock and key for the long-term. Why were Brisbane a success for so long? Because Darren Lockyer was their leader (and remember his debut for Australia? Diabolical). Why are Melbourne so successful in the face of losing Cooper Cronk and Billy Slater? Because they’ve still had their leader in Cameron Smith. Having a superstar playmaker leading a club for the long-term is the key to success and that is what Penrith has in Cleary and a key reason they will have success for years to come. The Panthers are blessed with an extraordinary talent factory, they’ve had it for years but Gus Gould developed the program to harness it and now Ivan Cleary can benefit from it. The Panthers organisation itself should be so strong as a business, provided it survives the COVID recession intact, that it will have the resources to support the production line. Losing a Grand Final is tough, but is there any Sydney club that has as much potential as Penrith? Thanks for reading this year.
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’ll declare it now, Penrith will win the 2021 NRL Premiership! 2006 heralded the start of the Melbourne Storm’s extraordinary era of dominance. They lost the Grand Final that year to the Brisbane Broncos, but as Matthew Johns has pointed out, it marked the Broncos handing their baton over to the Storm. The same can be said for what happened last Sunday night as painful as it was for Panthers fans. The are two reasons the Panthers can dominate like the Storm have: Nathan Cleary and their production line of talent. The 17-match winning streak is enough to suggest Penrith will again compete for the top four next year. The last club to come close to that streak was Cronulla in 2016 and while they have made the top eight in each season since, they’ve failed to make another Grand Final. The difference between the Sharks and the Panthers going forward is player turnover. The Sharks had an aging roster and four seasons later had only three players left in their side. The Panthers will lose James Tamou and that’s pretty much it, so they will be strong again in 2021. Then there is the evidence of the game itself. In the opening 20 minutes Penrith had more than 60 per cent possession. They didn’t get the rub of the green in crucial decisions and the Storm showed the difference in experience.
the western weekender • extra time » Friday, October 30, 2020
Why Panthers are primed for era of dominance
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Friday, October 30, 2020 « the western weekender
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