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Liam Martin celebrates a try against Manly. Photo: Megan Dunn
MASKED PANTHER > P32 Is Jack Hetherington about to breathe fire with the Dragons?
RETURN OF THE MACK > P33 Big Sam McKendry reveals what he’s got planned for his future
DYNAMITE DYLAN > P34 How Dylan Edwards has shaken off a rocky start to the 2019 season
Friday, June 7, 2019 « the western weekender • extra time
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THE FINAL WORD
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SUNDAY, JUNE 9 • 4.05PM | PANTHERS STADIUM | REFEREES: B CUMMINS, Z PRZEKLASA-ADAMSKI
PANTHERS 1
Dylan Edwards
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
Josh Mansour Isaah Yeo Brent Naden Brian To’o Jarome Luai James Maloney James Tamou (c) Wayde Egan Reagan Campbell-Gillard Viliame Kikau Frank Winterstein James Fisher-Harris Sione Katoa Liam Martin Moses Leota Hame Sele Kaide Ellis 19 Caleb Aekins
the western weekender • extra time » Friday, June 7, 2019
MATCH PREVIEW
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Jarome Luai in action against Manly. Photo: Megan Dunn
TROY
DODDS There is probably never a good time to play the Sydney Roosters, but if there was, this Sunday afternoon at Panthers Stadium may be it. After a dominant start to the season in which they stamped their authority on the competition, the defending champions have been a little rattled in recent times. They’ve lost their last two matches – against Brisbane and Newcastle – and are now dealing with the difficult State of Origin period, which sees coach Trent Robinson carefully managing the workload of some of his biggest stars. To make matters worse, Luke Keary is on the sidelines as he continues to recover from that harsh concussion he copped against the Knights a couple of weeks
ago, while Jared Waerea- Hargreaves was suspended for two weeks on Tuesday night for that hit on Kalyn Ponga a fortnight ago. This period will be a test for the Roosters and while Robinson has named a strong side to play the Panthers on Sunday, he’ll have to monitor some of his Origin representatives to see how they back up from Wednesday night’s brutal encounter. Penrith meanwhile are almost unaffected by the Origin period, with only Nathan Cleary away from the side. Cleary has been named on the reserve list for Sunday’s game but given the time between Wednesday night’s Origin and this weekend’s game, he is expected to play alongside James Maloney. With both halves available for the first time in three weeks, a question rises to the surface – what do you do with Jarome Luai?
TRIPLE M ABC 702 The 22-year-old has been waiting for his opportunity to nail down a permanent spot in the Penrith side ever since that memorable performance against the Warriors last year. Whenever he’s been given a chance, he hasn’t let the Panthers down, and it’s only a matter of time before he will enjoy a permanent spot in the halves. For now, coach Ivan Cleary will be forced to relegate him back to the bench for Sunday’s game against the Roosters, but most would agree he’s almost wasted there, often not used until the game has left Penrith’s grasp. The Panthers come into Sunday afternoon’s clash on the back of two confidence-boosting wins, with last Thursday’s victory over Manly particularly impressive given Nathan Cleary was on Origin duty and powerhouse forward Viliame Kikau was missing through illness.
1
James Tedesco
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
Daniel Tupou Latrell Mitchell Joseph Manu Matt Ikuvalu Drew Hutchison Cooper Cronk TBA Victor Radley Siosiua Taukeiaho Boyd Cordner Angus Crichton Isaac Liu Nat Butcher Zane Tetevano Sitilli Tupouniua Mitchell Aubusson
It goes without saying that the Panthers will have to be better than they have been all season if they’re a chance of toppling the Roosters. The victories over Parramatta and Manly were good, but the Roosters operate on a completely different level. If both James Tedesco and Latrell Mitchell back up for the Roosters, they’ll be the players Penrith have to try to control. Mitchell has scored more points than anyone in the competition this year, while Tedesco leads the competition in line breaks and tackle breaks. This is Penrith’s biggest test of the season and will answer another question all fans are pondering at the moment – is this a side that could create history and still make the Finals, or were the last two weeks simply highlights of an otherwise disappointing season? I think the Panthers may just cause a boilover here. Tip: Panthers by 2.
31
Friday, June 7, 2019 « the western weekender • extra time
PANTHER RUMBLINGS
with the Masked Panther
JACK OUT? The rugby league rumour mill is in full
swing as the June 30 deadline for player movements edges closer. Penrith forward Jack Hetherington, who had a breakout 2018 season but has hardly been seen in 2019, has been linked with the Dragons as Paul McGregor tries to fill the gap left by Jack de Belin. 22-year-old Hetherington, who should consider applying for a permanent parking spot at League Central given his relationship with the judiciary, could add some mongrel to St GeorgeIllawarra’s pack. Despite having one foot out the door, Hetherington was spotted training with Penrith’s first grade squad on Monday.
The Dallin Watene-Zelezniak saga
appears days away from being over with the New Zealand skipper set to join Wests Tigers with immediate effect. WateneZelezniak, who was still training with Penrith on Monday, wants out of the club after a rumoured falling out with coach Ivan Cleary. It’s understood that Cleary and Tigers coach Michael Maguire have been personally involved in the 23-yearold’s likely transfer to Concord, with the possibility of a player swap also in the mix.
A major pectoral injury has ended the
career of Penrith forward Tim Grant. The 31-year-old confirmed on Wednesday that he has terminated his playing contract, effective immediately. The decision is a selfless act from a local junior who has given Panthers outstanding service, on and off the field, throughout nine seasons at the club. In the end, Grant will have played 129 NRL games for Penrith.
Spotted: Reagan Campbell-Gillard
grabbing a meal at Henri Marc in Penrith.
There’s a real test for footy fans on
Sunday with three grades being played at Panthers Stadium including the NRL clash between Penrith and the Roosters. Everyone loves to talk about ‘the good old days’ when you could watch all three grades, so here’s a chance for crowds to prove it’s not just a myth and fans do actually want to head to the ground and
Jack Hetherington at training on Monday. Photo: Melinda Jane experience such a line-up. Gates on Sunday open at 11.45am with Jersey Flegg underway at Midday and Canterbury Cup at 1.50pm, followed by the NRL at 4.05pm.
pearing mid-season. An investigation is underway to find out who granted the annual leave – usually impossible to achieve during the footy season.
The fun continues after the game too
Spotted: Former Panther Corey
with members and fans being given the chance to meet the Panthers in TC’s Backyard at Panthers Leagues Club following the game, from around 7pm. Bring your jersey to get signed, grab a selfie and have a chat with your favourite Panthers. The meet and greet is part of the Winterfest Long Weekend Family Carnival which will include a fireworks display at 7.30pm.
The media and marketing teams at
Panthers have been burning the candle at both ends and working overtime this week after Marketing Manager Darren Micallef pulled off one of the year’s most extraordinary Houdini acts by disap-
CC TYRES FAMILY-OWNED & OPERATED, WITH OVER 60 YEARS SERVICING THE PENRITH REGION.
Harawira-Naera, now at the Bulldogs, in the crowd watching the Penrith v Manly match last Thursday night.
Spotted: Panthers coach Ivan Cleary on the training paddock on Monday kicking field goals. He’s still got it.
The NRL has admitted The Bunker got it wrong when it awarded a penalty to Manly as part of a controversial ‘no try’ call last Thursday night. While the ‘no try’ decision was most likely correct, Penrith should have been awarded a play-the-ball 10 metres out rather than being forced to defend a set after The Bunker ruled
obstruction. In the end, it mattered little to the end result.
Spotted: What a difference a year
makes. On Tuesday, we spotted James Maloney shopping with his family at KMart, looking for new clothes for his kids. Just 12 months earlier he was preparing with New South Wales for the 2018 State of Origin series.
Footy fans will be able to save lives
and help their club earn bragging rights thanks to the Battle of the West Blood Rivals Competition. Run by Red25, the group donation program of the Red Cross Blood Service, the competition sees fans of the Bulldogs, Eels, Tigers and of course Penrith battle it out to see who can score the most blood donations between now and August 31. Call 13 14 95 to make an appointment.
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the western weekender • extra time » Friday, June 7, 2019
FEATURE
RETURN OF THE MACK NATHAN
TAYLOR
Prop Sam McKendry is happy to be playing footy again. Photo: Melinda Jane contract which expires this season. McKendry confirmed he’d like to play on in 2020, preferably at the Panthers. “At the moment I’m just taking it week to week but if I play some good footy, not get injured then I would like to keep going. I’ll just have to see how I go, if they want me here I would like to stay,” he said.
In the meantime, McKendry’s main goal is to work his way back into the NRL and with his long-time friend Tim Grant sidelined with a pec tear, there’s every chance the man they call the “Mack Truck” could be powering his way back into first grade sooner than you think. The Sam McKendry story is far from over.
WW37783
Sam McKendry’s face says it all. Three knee reconstructions should have been the end of his rugby league career but Penrith’s longest serving player has defied the odds and is now hoping to play on beyond this season. After more than 12 months on the sidelines battling away with the all- toofamiliar rehab team, the former New Zealand international returned to the field in reserve grade a fortnight ago with plenty of support in the stands. McKendry’s mum flew in from New Zealand, while more than a dozen of his teammates as well as his young family were cheering him on too. It will be a moment that the 29-year-old will remember for the rest of his life. “That was very special,” McKendry told Extra Time. “The ‘old lady’ flew over from New Zealand, it was nice to have her there.
All my family and friends were there, my wife and kids too. It’s been a roller coaster ride but it was good to have everyone’s support. It meant a lot.” Despite a slight head knock during his very first hit up, McKendry got through the game unscathed and backed it up with another promising performance last Saturday afternoon at Panthers Stadium. McKendry said his knee is feeling much more stable this time around after he opted for a different type of surgery. “I wouldn’t say this recovery was harder than the previous ones but it was certainly frustrating. I tried to stay positive, my family got me through it,” he said. “This time I did a different type of surgery, the first two were donor grafts while on this occasion I used my own. I wouldn’t recommend a donor. “The knee is feeling good now. I just have to touch wood and not get injured.” If the Western Australia- born prop can stay injury- free for the remainder of the year, there’s every chance he could secure himself a new deal beyond his current
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Friday, June 7, 2019 « the western weekender • extra time
FEATURE Dylan Edwards. Photo: Melinda Jane
FIGHTING BACK HOW DYL AN EDWARDS FOUND HIS CONFIDENCE NATHAN
TAYLOR
34
Not too long ago Dylan Edwards was one of Penrith’s most popular players but after an error- ridden start to 2019, many fans fell out of love with the 23- year- old and couldn’t wait to see the back of him. However, as the old saying goes, time heals all wounds and Edwards is now enjoying a resurgence in first grade following several weeks regaining his confidence in the Canterbury Cup. Speaking with Extra Time, Edwards opened up on what he labels one of the most challenging periods of his career. “I was quite down on confidence earlier this year and my performances were definitely showing that. It was a challenging period and the only way I was going to get out of it was just trying to keep my head up,” he said.
“I went back down to Cup and had some alright games there. The coaching staff and boys really looked after me and helped me get through it.” Edwards returned to Ivan Cleary’s lineup in Round 10 and has enjoyed victory
“I NEVER HAD CHATS WITH ANYONE – MY HEART WAS ALWAYS WITH THE PANTHERS”
and a near error- free run the last two weeks. While the Bellingen Dorrigo junior was always hopeful of an NRL recall, nothing is certain in rugby league and he was a little wary if it would ever come. “I hoped so, I really hoped so, but I really didn’t know what to expect. I just knew I had to perform well in Canterbury Cup and see what happened from there,” Edwards said. “There’s a healthy competition for spots at Penrith but obviously there can only be one fullback in a team, so boys are missing out. It’s been a crazy period.” Not only was Edwards down on confidence playing in front of a smattering of fans in reserve grade, he had to deal with constant rumours that he was on the outer. Edwards said it never crossed his mind to leave Penrith or ask for a release. “I saw the rumours and was getting phone calls from family and friends but I
never had chats with anyone – my heart was always with the Panthers,” he admitted. “My main goal was to get back into first grade, I never looked elsewhere or anything like that.”
Edwards chatting with Nathan Taylor
Have the Panthers finally found their mojo?
ANDY RAYMOND T
hey say a week is a long time in rugby league and if that’s the case than a fortnight can seem like an eternity. Three weeks ago the Panthers were on a six-game losing streak and were anchored to the bottom of the ladder, a far cry from where many experts had predicted them to be at the start of the year. Fast forward to now and the Panthers have scored back- to- back wins over the Eels and Manly and now sit just two wins out of the top eight. Last Thursday night’s win against Manly may not have been the prettiest win in Panthers’ history, but it was exactly what they needed. The Panthers showed a steel and determination that has been lacking in previous weeks, the Panthers’ side of the earlier rounds would have allowed the Sea Eagles to snatch victory following a comeback late in the game, but this Panthers side showed plenty of character and composure to get the job done. The performance of Liam Martin would have put a massive smile on Ivan Cleary’s face.
The Panthers celebrate Liam Martin’s try last week. Photo: Megan Dunn
Added to the Penrith side as a last minute inclusion for Viliame Kikau, the 22- year- old, in just his sixth NRL game, was a standout for the Panthers. His energy on the ball and his commitment off it was just the tonic the Panthers needed to get their season back on track. The Panthers welcome back arguably their most potent attacking weapon in Kikau this weekend and will be buoyed by the return of Nathan Cleary from State of Origin duty, but their task won’t be an easy one. Waiting in the wings for the Panthers is one of their most arch rivals in defending premiers the Sydney Roosters. The week after, it’s the Rabbitohs. The Panthers and Roosters rivalry dates back to 1995 when a Panthers junior by the name of Brad Fitter left the Blue Mountains for Bondi and it only intensified when the Panthers downed the Roosters in the 2003 Grand Final. Back- to- back losses will have Trent Robinson’s men well and truly up to the task, but with a host of State of Origin players backing up I can smell an upset in the air.
the western weekender • extra time » Friday, June 7, 2019
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Friday, June 7, 2019 « the western weekender
Origin and club football just don’t mix
CLINTON MAYNARD 7
213… that’s how many people turned up to watch the Bulldogs and Raiders at ANZ Stadium last Saturday night. Sure, ANZ Stadium is a terrible venue for league games and shouldn’t be used for club matches, but the poor crowd demonstrates the problem the NRL has with scheduling State of Origin in the middle of the season. Meanwhile, less than 8,000 fans turned up to watch the Panthers and Sea Eagles do battle at Panthers Stadium. Origin is the game’s showpiece but it means the bread and butter of league almost grinds to a halt mid-year. The four games played over the weekend were of a fairly poor quality and that resulted in a lack of fan interest. Without Origin players turning out for their clubs the standard of play was low but the results also affect the integrity of the competition. Souths played without Damian Cook, Cody Walker, Dane Gagai and Cameron Murray. Take two players out of any team’s spine and they are going to struggle, yet they remained competitive but couldn’t beat a fairly ordinary Parramatta. Is it fair
for South Sydney fans? If the Rabbitohs miss the Minor Premiership Wayne Bennett could rightly point to this result. What’s the solution? Game 2 in a few weeks’ time will be played on a Sunday and there’ll be no club football that weekend. Could that be a model for all three games? The broadcasters wouldn’t be happy as Wednesday night Origin can attract a bigger audience. The season would also have to be stretched another two weeks to accommodate those missed rounds of the NRL. Could you handle three weekends without any club football? Would that bore fans? It would be the fairest solution for all clubs. A left field idea is to play the Origin series at the end of the year, after the Grand Final. It would certainly mean a very long year for the players, but they probably wouldn’t mind given the prestige of making the Blues or Maroons teams. Would fans still be interested in late October? Whatever the answer, last weekend demonstrated the current schedule of mixing Origin and club football doesn’t quite work.
the western weekender • extra time » Friday, June 7, 2019
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It was a quiet night on the hill at Panthers Stadium last Thursday. Photo: Megan Dunn
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Friday, June 7, 2019 « the western weekender • extra time
NRL LADDER AND FIXTURES PD
W
D
L
B
F
A
11
9
0
2
1
279
143
+136 20
2 Rabbitohs
12 10
0
2
0
296
191
+105 20
3 Roosters
11
8
0
3
1
275
201
+74
18
4 Knights
11
6
0
5
1
251
184
+67
14
5 Raiders
12
7
0
5
0
237
180
+57
14
6 Sharks
11
6
0
5
1
210
208
+2
14
7 Sea Eagles
12
6
0
6
0
225
221
+4
12
8 Eels
12
6
0
6
0
251
254
-3
12
9 Broncos
11
5
0
6
1
191
207
-16
12
CLUB
1
Storm
+/-
PTS
10 W. Tigers
11
5
0
6
1
208
226
-18
12
11 Cowboys
12
6
0
6
0
192
241
-49
12
12 Warriors
11
4
0
7
1
206
226
-20
10
13 Dragons
11
4
0
7
1
187
253
-66
10
14 Panthers
12
4
0
8
0
158
262
-104
8
15 Titans
12
3
0
9
0
206
263
-57
6
16 Bulldogs
12
3
0
9
0
152
264
-112
6
Round 13
/ / / / / / / /
FACE IN THE CROWD
Friday, June 7 6pm ANZ Stadium Friday, June 7 7.55pm Bankwest Stadium
Saturday, June 8 3pm Mt Smart Stadium Saturday, June 8 5.30pm PointsBet Stadium Saturday, June 8 7.35pm 1300SMILES Stadium Sunday, June 9 2pm Suncorp Stadium
Sunday, June 9 4.05pm Panthers Stadium
IS THIS YOU? Is this you at a recent Penrith Panthers game? If it is, you’ve won a Hoyts Family Movie Pass to use at any Hoyts Cinema in Australia! To collect your prize, visit the Weekender office at 2/42-44 Abel Street, Jamisontown and ask for Nathan Taylor.
Extra Time Issue Number 2019-001 PRODUCED BY The Western Weekender EDITOR Troy Dodds / 4722 2998 / troy.dodds@westernweekender.com.au
Monday, June 10 4pm ANZ Stadium
CONTRIBUTORS Nathan Taylor / Clinton Maynard / Andy Raymond SALES DIRECTOR Chris Pennisi / 4722 2998 chris.pennisi@westernweekender.com.au
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What could have been Winning a premiership is one of the most difficult things to do in rugby league. Winning two of them in a row is nearly impossible. The Panthers found this out the hard way in 2004, exiting premiership contention just one game short of the Grand Final and leaving the squad wondering what could have been. After the title success of 2003, expectations were high for another good year. The squad remained relatively stable and the younger members of the side were only going to get better. Things got off to a rough start, however, when the Panthers went down 20-14 to Newcastle at Penrith Stadium, stunning the big crowd of 19,936. The Knights were not coming off a particularly special season, finishing the 2003 regular season in seventh spot, so the loss was a surprise. Things did get back on track though over the next month, with the Panthers stringing four wins together over the Raiders, Warriors, Roosters and Storm. It put Penrith back on top of the ladder, but two heavy defeats to the Dragons and Broncos would bring the side back down to earth. As if on a cycle, the Panthers went through the same process again – four more wins, including a 40- 29 thriller
the western weekender • extra time » Friday, June 7, 2019
Panther Flashback
SCOREBOARD NRL
PANTHERS 15 SEA EAGLES 12
NSW CUP
PANTHERS 28 SEA EAGLES 16
JERSEY FLEGG
Amos Roberts in action for Penrith in 2004 over the Bulldogs in round 12 – before losing two games on the trot. With just the odd question mark floating around about Penrith’s premiership credentials, the critics were back on board when the side produced three stunning performances to finish the regular season. First, they thrashed a hapless North Queensland 56- 6 at Penrith Stadium, then defeated arch rivals Parramatta 30-20 at Parramatta Stadium. In round 26, the Panthers gave it to Brisbane 46-20 to ensure they finished fourth. Fourth was enough to give the Panthers a home final, and they played
the Dragons on a Friday night in front of 21,963 fans. It turned out to be a thrilling contest, with a Craig Gower field goal ultimately getting Penrith home 31- 30 after the Dragons produced a stunning comeback late in the game. The Panthers went into their Grand Final qualifier against the Bulldogs a little underdone, and lost 30-14. Penrith led 8- 4 at the break, but the Bulldogs were simply too good in the second half. It ended the dream of back- to- back premierships for Penrith, and would be the last time they’d play Finals football until 2010.
PANTHERS 44 SEA EAGLES 10
BEHIND THE PANTHERS
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Isabella Maltese Membership Executive
WHAT’S THE BEST THING ABOUT WORKING FOR PANTHERS? Working with a great bunch of like-minded people and partaking in Frangos Fridays. WHO IS YOUR FUNNIEST COLLEAGUE AT PANTHERS? My membership colleague Cassidy Gabrio – the gift that keeps on giving.
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The Bulldogs have confirmed the signing of Melbourne forward Joe Stimson for the next three seasons. 23-year-old Stimson made his debut for the Storm in 2017 and has currently made 40 NRL appearances, including last season’s Grand Final loss to the Sydney Roosters.
Two of the game’s greatest Australian
Jillaroos players have had medals named in their honour, with an official announcement made at the opening dinner of the 2019 NRL Harvey Norman Women’s Championship on the Gold Coast. The Jillaroos’ most capped player, Tahnee Norris was honoured with a medal in her name, which will be awarded to the Women’s Championship player of the tournament moving forward, while the first ever Jillaroos player, Nat Dwyer will have a medal in her name awarded to the player of the match in the Under 18s Queensland v New South Wales game to be played at North Sydney Oval on June 21.
Talk of a Wildcard Weekend being
introduced in the NRL has been dumped, with the current Finals system to remain in place moving forward. “We sought input from a range of stakeholders on the concept of a Wildcard Weekend and
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Manly is mourning the passing of 1960s winger Nick Yakich whilst it is fair to say that there was strong support in some quarters, on balance, the Commission has determined that the Finals Series will remain as is for the time being,” said ARLC Chairman, Peter Beattie.
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Manly is mourning the passing of
former winger Nick Yakich at the age of 79. Graded with the Sea Eagles in 1960 (player number 134), Yakich immediately impressed with his speed and try scoring ability in open play.
Canberra forward Hudson Young has been suspended for five matches after submitting an early guilty plea to a grade three Dangerous Contact charge stemming from the Raiders’ victory over Canterbury last weekend.
Book your appointment and take a tour of our sales suite at Panthers Penrith. Visit
TheRoyce.com.au to find out more.
It’s your choice, The Royce.
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Friday, June 7, 2019 « the western weekender • extra time
EXTRA MINUTES
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the western weekender » Friday, June 7, 2019
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Friday, June 7, 2019 « the western weekender
PANTHERS JUNE ENTERTAINMENT MENTAL AS ANYTHING & THE RADIATORS
SAT 8 JUN
Once upon a time, a group of art students passed themselves off as a band in order to con the local publican into giving them a gig in exchange for free beer. The deception worked better than intended with the group receiving beer in return for music and came to be known as Mental As Anything. Four decades later, they are still irritating the public with their highly listenable, idiosyncratic brand of garage pop and to celebrate the anniversary of their first release, Mental as Anything Play at Your Party, the Mentals have released the 7-track EP on vinyl available exclusively at mentals.com.au, as well as releasing a brand new 40 minute, hi-definition, multi-camera film to celebrate the milestone. The rock ‘n’ roll road to stardom is a dangerous road indeed littered with the corpses of starry-eyed hopeful’s, wannabes, one hit wonders and jagged “if only’s”…while many bands self-implode before they even leave the garage, victims of classic clashing egos and personalities …… Few survive… One of these survivors is Australian band, The Radiators, who in 2013 celebrated 35 years together since they played their very first show. Iconic in Australian culture, these two epic pop-rock 80s bands will be playing here in EVAN Theatre. Their classic and music has stood the test of time and is still popular and much loved today.
THE EAGLES THE HEART OF THE MATTER
SAT
15
JUN
Paul McGovern developed a love for Don Henley’s music through his exposure to The Eagles and having served as the principal vocalist in The Eagles tribute show “New Kids in Town” in the late 1980s. Paul was born to sing these songs possessing a voice with an identical range and a slight huskiness akin to Henley’s, lending a feel of authenticity to his delivery. With a brilliant band featuring Cameron Lees, Glenn Magson, Jerry Ico and Rob Turner (ex-Eagles Show)… this show is world class. Follow Don’s journey from small-town Texas, and his early exposure to country music and rock and roll, through the heady days of the 1970s as a founding member of The Eagles, to the respected and mature artist that he is today. It could be said that Don Henley’s songs always get to “The Heart of the Matter.” “The heart of the matter” is all about recreating those beautiful, “sun-kissed” vocal harmonies and unforgettable musical moments that were responsible for the Eagles becoming the musical giants they are.
Come and see these bands in WKLV 6DWXUGD\, and grab your tickets today.
COST $45.15
(INC GST & BF)
| DOORS 7.30PM SHOW 8PM
FABBA SAT 22 JUN In 1974, when an unknown Swedish group, ABBA, won the Eurovision Song Contest with the song now famously known as ‘Waterloo’. From there ABBA rocketed to fame bringing with them a range of smash hits that landed on charts around the world selling around 140 million to 500 millions records worldwide making them one of the best-selling artists of all time. But that was short lived when ABBA disbanded in 1982, each going their own way. Even though ABBA ceased to record or tour together, their music continued to entertain, to enthral, to inspire. The countless hits have transcended time to remain as popular today as they were when first released, in some cases more so. The movies Muriel’s Wedding, Priscilla, Queen of the Desert and Mamma Mia all featured ABBA’s music and won the group whole new generations of fans. The opening of the musical and the movie versions of MAMMA MIA! have audiences dancing in the aisles, reliving memories…… and for some, discovering the ABBA sound for the first time. FABBA will take you on a musical journey when life was as good as an Abba song and the only way to travel was on the Priscilla Bus….from Eurovision to Mamma Mia to the Abba phenomenon with all the songs, costumes and comedy combined into one FABBA-ulous show!
COST $35
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(INC GST & BF)
| DOORS 7.30PM SHOW 8PM
COST $27.25
(INC GST & BF)
| DOORS OPEN 7.30PM SHOW STARTS 8PM
EUROGLIDERS
SAT 29 JUN
The EUROGLIDERS story begins in 1981, in Perth, Australia……the most isolated city in the world. Within a decade of forming, EUROGLIDERS had recorded four albums, enjoyed a multitude of charttopping singles and been awarded a swag of awards from around the globe, for both music and video. But EUROGLIDERS truly began as a love story between a songwriter and a singer, both of whom had their own bands. With Grace Knight, the ‘manic ballerina’, and Bernie Lynch on vocals and guitar, their performances were a rallying cry of anthems that audiences sung along with till their lungs were bursting. Songs like ‘Heaven’, ‘We Will Together’, ‘Can’t Wait To See You’, ‘Absolutely’ and ‘The City of Soul’ became the songs of a young Australian generation. Life was a long dizzying ride to the top of the charts and ten Top Ten charting singles and albums were the result. The next decade saw EUROGLIDERS travel the world, charting in countries like Japan and America. ‘Heaven’ was a top five hit on the Billboard USA charts and the band won numerous Countdown and MTV awards. A darling of MTV, EUROGLIDERS performed ‘live’ on MTV’s New Year’s Eve party in New York, broadcast to over 65 million people.
COST $42.60
(INC GST & BF)
| DOORS OPEN 7.30PM SHOW STARTS 8PM
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