Extra Time May 31 2024 (NRL Round 13 - Panthers v Sharks)

BOYS IN BLUE

thefinalword

You don’t have to look far to see where this game between Penrith and St George-Illawarra will be won on Saturday.

Despite all the disruption through Origin and injury, Penrith boast a forward pack that has the potential to crush the Dragons in this showdown at BlueBet Stadium.

The best front row partnership in the game in Moses Leota and James Fisher-Harris are still there running the show.

And even without Liam Martin and Isaah Yeo, a back row of Scott Sorensen, Liam Henry and Lindsay Smith looks mighty intimidating.

The best part of all is that everyone will be focused on the backs and the debutants this weekend. The experienced forwards will just go about their work and quietly get the job done. Talking about going about their business quietly, what about Penrith last weekend?

While we were all focused on the supreme recent form of Cronulla and Penrith’s below par performances heading into last week’s showdown in the Shire, it seemed we let ourselves forget – just for a moment – that this Panthers team has won three straight Premierships and knows all there is to know about adversity.

The 42-0 thumping of the Sharks was the side’s best performance of the season and rekindled memories of the way the team so easily put sides away during the 2022 season in particular.

It was a confidence building win, not just for coach Ivan Cleary and his players but for supporters who have feared that this golden run was showing signs of wear.

How could you not be excited about the Penrith team that runs out this weekend? Getting to see Daine Laurie in the fullback

jumper so ably occupied by Dylan Edwards during the Premiership run. Debuts by Trent Toelau and Preston Riki, both of whom have huge wraps on them.

And of course Brad Schneider returning just in time to guide the side around at halfback alongside Jack Cole.

The Dragons are also impacted by Origin with Ben Hunt, Zac Lomax and Jayden Su’A all called up to the greatest stage.

One could argue the losses for the Dragons will impact them greater than the ones the Panthers have suffered, given how desperate they are at the mid-way point of the season and the struggles Shane Flanagan’s side has with depth.

There were significant sirens sounding in that second half from the Dragons last week. After leading at half-time, they failed to turn

up for the second stanza and after a year where it appeared improvements had been made, things went backwards in that 40 minutes against the Bulldogs.

Who knows what happens on Saturday. A Dragons win would not surprise anybody given the troops Penrith have missing. But I can’t go past this Penrith forward pack.

In a game where usual attacking structures, flash plays and systems probably go out the window a little bit, an old fashioned footy cliché may rule the roost here: hold the ball and you win. And throw another one in for good measure: forwards win games.

There’s plenty to be excited about in this one, and as long as Penrith remains patient with the footy and doesn’t drop their guard early, they’ll get the chocolates.

Tip: Panthers by 10.

EDWARDS OPENS UP ON ORIGIN DEBUT

Hard worker.

Reliable.

Suited to Origin footy.

These words all sum up NSW Blues debutant Dylan Edwards according to the players that know him best – his Panthers teammates.

While Isaah Yeo, Brian To’o and Liam Martin will run out for their 12th, 10th and 10th Origin game respectively on Wednesday night, Edwards will line up in his first.

At age 28, he’s played in four NRL Grand Finals, won three premierships, been awarded a Clive Churchill Medal and

represented his country. But one accolade always eluded the local father of two… Origin.

After being on the cusp of Blues selection for many years, last Sunday Edwards finally got the call he had always hoped he would get.

“Playing Origin has always been a goal and dream of mine… this is a dream come true,”

Edwards told Extra Time on Tuesday.

“When I got the phone call from Madge (NSW coach Michael Maguire), there was plenty of happy tears from my fiancé, and my two daughters were very happy for me too. They are getting a bit older, so they understand it a bit more now, so it’s pretty special.”

On top of his proud family, Edwards also got text messages from his Panthers teammates and his

coach Ivan Cleary even called him to extend his congratulations.

Maguire revealed earlier this week that the moment he knew Edwards was the man to take over from Blues skipper and incumbent fullback James Tedesco was during Penrith’s monster win over Cronulla last Saturday night.

Sitting in the PointsBet Stadium crowd watching on, Maguire witnessed his new fullback sprint to the sideline in the 44th minute to prevent a certain 40/20 play from the Sharks.

It was that effort play – with Penrith up 28-0 –that had the former New Zealand coach reaching for his phone and locating Dylan Edwards’ number.

“It sounds cliché, but that’s how we play our club footy by doing those little effort areas,” Edwards said.

“If that’s what got me noticed by Madge then I’m happy for that. It’s something we value back home and I’m going to try and do that on Wednesday night as well.”

Fortunately for Edwards he’ll have plenty of current and ex-Panthers teammates in his corner to make sure his Origin debut is a successful one.

Speaking with Extra Time, Blues winger Brian To’o said his determined fullback has earned his Sky Blue jersey through hard work and patience.

“Dyl is one of those people that works hard on and off the field and I feel that he’s earned that spot and I’m really happy for him,” he said.

“He’s worked really hard the last couple of years and just biding his time, so I’m really glad he gets to be here.”

Blues backrower Liam Martin said Edwards has “been killing it for years” and his experience in big games will put him in good stead for the upcoming Origin series against Queensland.

“Dyl’s so reliable for us and I just know he’s going to do whatever it takes and give it his all on Wednesday night,” Martin told Extra Time

“We’ve all come a long way with the experiences that we’ve had over the years. I think we’ve been handling it pretty well, especially him. Dyl just goes to another level in those Finals games, and I think he’ll be fine.”

Panthers skipper and Blues mainstay Isaah Yeo said State of Origin selection was the last achievement the boy from Dorrigo in northern NSW needed to tick off his rugby league bucket list.

“If you look at his body of work that he’s put in the past four or five seasons – the accolades that he’s already got – I just feel like this was the last one for him to knock over,” Yeo told Extra Time

“I feel like his form of late, he was knocking down the front door.

“I feel like the harder the game is, the better he is. He’s suited so much in this arena, and he’ll do a wonderful job.”

Edwards said he’s not too sure exactly what to expect when he takes the field next Wednesday night, but if anyone knows how to handle big game pressure at Accor Stadium, it’s him.

“We’ll find out next Wednesday, but I feel like some of the big games that we’ve (Penrith) played there over the years can’t do me any harm in terms of preparation, so fingers crossed,” he said.

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Looking good in blue: Dylan Edwards. Photo: Melinda Jane.

Blues debutants prepare for Wednesday’s State of Origin opener. Photo: Melinda Jane.

NATHAN TAYLOR

PANTHERS TO DO OUR STATE PROUD

While this year’s NSW team welcomes a new coach and a host of new recruits, there are many familiar faces who have enjoyed the highs and lows of Origin football.

New Blues fullback Dylan Edwards is experiencing everything for the first time, however a number of his Panthers teammates know exactly what to expect when Origin I kicks off on Wednesday night.

“I think this will be my 10th Origin game,” Brian To’o told Extra Time

“I still get nervous in the lead up to the team being announced. It’s not my spot to have. I still have to earn it throughout the year and that’s something I take a lot of pride in.

“I’m really grateful to be back here again.”

Also lining up for his 10th Origin game for the Blues is backrower Liam Martin. The 27-yearold made his NSW debut back in 2021 and has never missed a game since.

However, things were looking dicey for the ‘Temora Terrier’ last weekend when he suffered a minor leg injury in Penrith’s 42-0 win over the first-placed Sharks.

“I was waiting on some scan results but they came back all good – I’m ready to go,” Martin declared.

“I was a little bit worried because it felt like a hammy injury but it turned out to be a glute strain, so I’ll be fine and right to go.”

Martin said he’s “incredibly privileged” to

wear the Sky Blue jumper again, and it’s something he’ll never take for granted.

“The whole day you’re just sitting by the phone wondering if you’ll get the call and when you do, it’s the same feeling – excitement, and letting all your family know. I don’t think that feeling will ever fade,” he said.

After an outstanding first half of the season, Panthers co-captain Isaah Yeo was one of the first players picked when new coach Michael Maguire was putting his team together.

While his 12th Origin appearance next

Wednesday night will likely be via the bench, Yeo said he can’t wait to return NSW to glory over Queensland.

“You hope that your form at clubland puts you in the conversation to be picked and then off the back of that you hope to get a phone call,” he said.

“I was lucky enough to get that off Madge on Sunday and I’m super excited.

“It’s always a good time of year, but coming into camp with the new coach, new captain and debutants, there’s a really exciting feel

around it.”

The NSW Blues have been based in Leura this week, staying at the Fairmont Resort and training at Blue Mountains Grammar School in Wentworth Falls.

“I’ve spent a lot of time in Leura and the waterfalls,” Martin said.

“So, I’m excited to get up there with the boys and get connected as a group. It’s something different and I think it will be great!”

In total, five Panthers will represent the Blues at Accor Stadium on Wednesday night.

Brian To’o. Photo: Melinda Jane. Liam Martin. Photo: Melinda Jane. Isaah Yeo. Photo: Melinda Jane.

panther rumblings

GOOD NEWS FOR WEST MEMBERS

! Stadium EIS on display: The longawaited Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the redevelopment of Penrith Stadium went on public display on Wednesday – a major step forward for the project. We already know most of the information –although the EIS does confirm major changes to the training field to the west of the ground, which will be redeveloped to include a dedicated player warm-up space, an activation hub at the western entry to the stadium and additional car parking. It also reveals an expected height of 30.05m for the Western Stand and 28.85m for the Eastern Stand –significantly higher than they are now. And in a huge win for members who sit in the Western Stand, the EIS confirms a plan to ensure they retain their seats. There are currently 3,891 members seats in the western stand, with 4,800 to be available in the new stand. The EIS also outlines plans for the stadium to host concerts – up to 10 a year. However, there is an admission that “high profile acts are unlikely to use Penrith Stadium”. Meantime, an extensive search of the Aboriginal Heritage Information Management System (AHIMS) database was undertaken and confirms there are no known artefacts of potential archaeological deposits identified within the site. You can view the EIS on the NSW Government’s Planning Portal.

! Panthers weigh up cap call: Penrith are yet to make a decision on whether they will apply for salary cap dispensation after the NRL enacted its no-fault stand down rule in relation to Taylan May. May won’t play again this season, with his court case in relation to domestic violence offences dragging in to 2025. The NRL has informed the Panthers they are eligible for cap dispensation, but the club hasn’t made a final call on what it will do. They’re looking at all options, a club official told me.

! May walks on: Talking of Taylan May, I told you last week that his social media behaviour had been a little erratic to say the least, and certainly not what you’d expect from someone facing such serious criminal charges. Far from laying low, May has now started a regular early morning walking group in Mount Druitt and Penrith – encouraging others to join him on his new venture. He had to cut his second walk short on Tuesday to prepare for his court appearance.

! Spotted: Nathan Cleary and Mary Fowler at a Cronulla café ahead of the Panthers’ game against the Sharks last Saturday, and again at Sydney Airport earlier this week. Fowler is back in Australia ahead of the Matildas’ games against China in Adelaide on Friday night

and at Accor Stadium in Sydney on Monday evening.

! Rekindled bromance: Brian To’o and Stephen Crichton remain the closest of friends, but they haven’t played alongside each other since last year’s Grand Final. The pair have been reunited in a football sense in Blues camp, and were loving being in each other’s company at Tuesday’s media session. It’s pretty obvious who the naughty boys at the back of the class will be during this camp.

! First Origin for Edwards: Not only is Dylan Edwards playing in his first State of Origin match on Wednesday night, but he’s never actually seen one live. It’ll be a different experience for Edwards given Penrith haven’t been the crowd’s choice for the last two Grand Finals played in front of a similar crowd size.

! Brock’s sensational cover: Up and coming country music artist Brock Rodziewicz turned a few heads earlier this month with a rendition of ‘Go The Mighty Panthers’, which he posted on TikTok. Brock is a dedicated Panthers fan and his rendition of the club’s theme song is sensational. Surely we can get him at BlueBet Stadium before the end of the year to perform it live. It’s been a long time since the song was performed live at the stadium.

! Triple M’s top call: Anyone who says you can’t tell the difference when a commentator is at the ground or calling from a studio is kidding themselves. Triple M forked out the cash for Dan Ginnane and James Graham to fly to Brisbane to call last Sunday’s clash between the Broncos and Titans. The call was nothing short of sensational and you felt every big moment. Executives at Fox Sports and 2GB should listen to it – tell me it doesn’t make for a much better product.

! Awkward presser timing: Ivan Cleary’s weekly pre-match press conference was perfectly timed for the media who had been across town at Penrith Local Court for Taylan May’s court appearance on Tuesday. May left court about 20 minutes before Cleary’s scheduled 1pm presser. It made for an icy press conference for Cleary, with media manager Michael Blok stepping in to put a stop to questions about May.

! Making Mountains home: The NSW team has spent plenty of time in the Blue Mountains this week. They’ve been based at the Fairmont Resort, with players even managing to get a round or two of golf into the schedule. On Wednesday, they trained at Blue Mountains Grammar School at Wentworth Falls and will do so again on Saturday. All part of Michael Maguire’s shake-up to the camp.

! Pantherette getting hitched: Congratulations to Penrith Panthers cheerleader Kaylee Burns (pictured below), who became engaged to her partner Brad last week.

The stadium in concert mode.

VIVID for Couples: breakfast for 2, bottle of wine, parking, late 12pm checkout, glow sticks. bottle

BLUES CALL ON PANTHER PRIDE

lang on league analysis

with Peter Lang

Five Panthers were picked for the first New South Wales State of Origin team, with the series set to kick-off on Wednesday, June 5 at Accor Stadium. The usual list of suspects were selected in Jarome Luai, Isaah Yeo, Brian To’o, Liam Martin and Dylan Edwards.

Hang on, did I just say the usual suspects? Well, that statement is not completely true because if you look at the Penrith players selected, one name sticks out like the proverbial.

Of course I’m talking about Dylan ‘Pickles’ Edwards. The current Dally M leader and not only the form fullback in the competition but arguably the best player in the NRL.

Bias aside you’d be hard pressed to find any rugby league supporter who wouldn’t agree that Edwards has earned his spot in the Blues team.

According to Fox Sports, Edwards is averaging a career-high 202 run metres and he’s on track to surpass his best-ever stats in try assists, linebreaks, linebreak assists and tackle busts if he stays on the same trajectory for the remainder of 2024.

Meanwhile the selection of Isaah Yeo and Brian To’o was a formality. Both players have been in sensational form all season and were automatic picks.

Jarome Luai’s selection, while thoroughly deserved, was somewhat aided by the ‘Stephen Bradbury’ like collapse of Nathan Cleary, Adam Reynolds and Mitchell Moses, who all succumbed to injury at the same time.

Still Luai has been there before and will benefit from past experiences. I expect him to have an absolute blinder for the Blues next Wednesday. His confidence is sky-high and for good reason. Finally, and not to denigrate Liam Martin for his selection but Marto can thank his lucky stars

that his hatred of the Maroons and his kamikaze style runs during last year’s series helped force Blues coach Michael ‘Madge’ Maguire’s hand, when selecting his forward pack.

By his own admission, Martin’s form has been a little scratchy this season, partially due to several niggling injuries but if Marto can get through the week injury-free, he will be a force to be reckoned with for the Blues.

For the most part, the Blues team, as promised, has been picked on form except for one glaring selection.

How Api Koroisau didn’t get picked at hooker defies logic. I mean Reece Robson is an excellent

player but his form for the Cowboys hasn’t been inspiring while Koroisau has been outstanding in a struggling Wests Tigers outfit.

The selection of Joseph Suaali’i is also puzzling because he hasn’t really set the world on fire for the Roosters this season.

All that aside I applaud the selection of Zac Lomax and Angus Crichton who may have been inconsistent last year but have been in superb touch this season.

As for NSW’s chances against another strong looking Queensland side, I think they can beat the Maroons in game one and start the series with a bang! My tip: Blues by 6.

player of the year

The Western Weekender Penrith Panthers Player of the Year competition runs throughout the season, with our four experts delivering a 3, 2, 1 rating for the best Panthers players from each Penrith game. The player with the most votes at the end of the season is crowned our Player of the Year.

WEEK’S POINTS: PANTHERS VS SHARKS

The Blues being put through their paces this week. Photo: Melinda Jane.

panther memories

John Lang helped wake Penrith from its slumber in 2003, but by the time the 2006 season rolled around, things had taken a turn at the foot of the Mountains.

Poor results in 2005 saw Panthers CEO Glenn Matthews take action.

He informed Lang prior to the 2006 season that it would be his last in charge, with Matt Elliott to take over in 2007. It fractured the relationship between Matthews and Lang, and would leave Lang to coach the side in difficult circumstances in 2006.

Lang farewelled Penrith on Sunday, September 3 – a 30-22 loss to the Bulldogs at CUA Stadium in front of 13,363 fans. He undertook a lap of honour after the game in emotional scenes.

Lang coached Penrith 126 times, for a win percentage of 51.6 per cent.

(Photo thanks to NRL Photos)

EELS KNIGHTS

SHARKS BULLDOGS

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