Extra Time August 9 2024 (NRL Round 23 - Panthers v Eels) by Western Sydney Publishing Group

RACE FOR THE J.J.

BETWEEN THEM, MELBOURNE AND PENRITH HAVE WON SEVEN OF THE LAST EIGHT MINOR PREMIERSHIPS. IT IS FITTING THAT THEY WILL BATTLE IT OUT FOR RUGBY LEAGUE’S MOST UNDER-RATED HONOUR AGAIN IN 2024. RACE TO THE TOP: FULL FOOTY COVERAGE INSIDE

the finalword

When you’re on the hunt for a fourth consecutive Premiership and your competitors are trying to bring you down, you look for that little extra edge. The thing perhaps nobody is expecting.

And more and more I’m convinced that the x-factor for Penrith’s title run this year is Jarome Luai.

The Tigers-bound superstar has been the perfect partner in crime for Nathan Cleary these past few years, but there appears to be more to his game this season.

And it’s part of a plan, too.

Luai has been spending more time at first receiver, especially against the Knights last week. It’s allowing Nathan Cleary more freedom while shaking things up in terms of what the opposition expects.

Cleary will continue to receive the attention and the plaudits, and deservedly so, but it will

be Luai – in my view – who becomes crucial when the Finals arrive in September.

Last week the Panthers were good without being spectacular against a persistent and desperate Knights side. They responded well to the adversity thrown at them and when the game got to 14-all, you just knew that it would be a magic play from Cleary to put Penrith back in front.

It’s almost rinse and repeat at the moment, as the Panthers go through what’s become a usual routine on their final path to September.

This Friday night’s clash against the Eels is the perfect match to really put the foot down and get some confidence, and give newcomers to the team like Casey McLean the chance to really bed down their game ahead of things getting serious.

Parramatta were impressive against the Warriors last Friday night. When Clint Guther-

son and Reagan Campbell-Gillard came down the tunnel laughing and joking to each other, I just had this feeling the Eels were relaxed enough to spring an upset, and that they did. Despite that effort, it’s hard to imagine them getting close to Penrith here. The only danger could be the Panthers having one eye on the mouth-watering showdown with Melbourne next Thursday night, which could well decide the Minor Premiership.

But Ivan Cleary’s side has rarely got ahead of itself these past three or four years, so you imagine they’ll be well prepared for this clash at CommBank Stadium – their home next season.

These clashes aren’t always blowouts of course, and there’s always a bit of extra passion in a clash between two western Sydney rivals. Even earlier this year, the Panthers only got home 26-18 against their closest neighbours – and we know this corresponding clash at

CommBank last year delivered an absolute belter.

But we’re at that point of the season where a team coming second last really struggles to get up for games, especially in back to back weeks. They nab wins along the way, but the lure of the off-season catches them.

It tends to result in blowout scorelines when they come up against a team well in contention for the Finals.

I tipped the Panthers by 30 last week but the Knights surprised me, hanging in far longer than I thought they would (perhaps on the back of a couple of dicey Bunker decisions).

So let’s reload and go with the same prediction, though with a little bit of trepidation – knowing just how much the Eels would love to spring an upset and potentially ruin Penrith’s Minor Premiership chase.

Tip: Panthers by 30.

TROY DODDS FRIDAY, AUGUST 9 | 8.00PM | COMMBANK STADIUM | REFEREE: PETER GOUGH | BUNKER: LIAM KENNEDY

panther rumblings

TOOTH IS, IT WAS ALL WORTH IT

! Different kind of memory: A Sunday afternoon at the footy took an odd twist for one young fan, who was on the wrong end of Sunia Turuva kicking the ball into the crowd in the second half last weekend. The youngster lost a tooth following the impact of the ball into his face. The family took it all in good spirits. Turuva was quick to apologise as soon as he realised what happened, and gave the youngster his boots and a footy post-game as an apology.

! To’o issue settled, for now: The Panthers feel confident that they’ve calmed any issues surrounding winger Brian To’o, who was the subject of much media speculation last weekend. The club was always confident it would sort through any drama once they sat down with To’o and his manager, and that ended up being the case. All parties are on the same page and the issue will quieten down now and won’t act as a distraction ahead of the Finals. But whether it bubbles up again is yet to be seen.

! Not just a sickie: Not many people believed the story that Brian To’o was sick last week when the media converged on Penrith, keen to get answers on his future. But I’m told the winger was legitimately unwell, and wasn’t quite 100 per cent by the time the captain’s run rolled around on Saturday.

! Former CEO’s huge hike: Former Panthers CEO Mick Leary is still in great health. He’s spent the last couple of weeks travelling overseas and hiking in the Swiss Alps with his family. The now 80-year-old played 92 first grade games for the Panthers, before returning as an administrator and serving as CEO.

! Ray’s legacy lives on: Legendary Channel Nine commentator Ray Warren may have been retired since the end of the 2021 season, but his legacy certainly lives on at Penrith Stadium. A chair in the Nine box at the stadium still carries Warren’s name, albeit a little frayed. We assume lead Nine commentator Mat Thompson now sits in the great man’s chair... literally.

Injured fullback Dylan Edwards watching Penrith’s win over Newcastle last Sunday from the coach’s box, while James Fisher-Harris was at the Plaza last Thursday.

! Spotted: What a fall from grace for Taylan May. He’s gone from scoring tries at BlueBet Stadium with a huge career ahead of him to watching the game from beer hill, where he was spotted last Sunday.

! Boss shocked by sponsor’s death: Panthers Group CEO Brian Fletcher was particularly rocked by the passing of long-time Penrith sponsor Barney Allam last weekend. Fletcher has a family connection with Allam and both come from country New South Wales. The pair had only had dinner together a few weeks ago.

! NRL must tread carefully: There’s an obsession from some within the media, particularly at News Corp, for the NRL to expand to 20 teams and introduce a wildcard round at the end of the season, to stop teams resting players in the final round. It’s quite funny because many of the journos pushing for this will be the first to complain about the competition being diluted. The NRL has to be really careful here. The game is flying with sellout crowds, great TV ratings and a solid reputation. Let’s hope further expansion is not what we look back on as the mistake that took all of that away.

reunion: After helping the Panthers to Premiership triumph last year,

was back at BlueBet Stadium last Sunday as the Knights desperately tried to keep their Finals hopes alive. Cogger chatted to some of his former teammates post-game, including 100-gamer Mitch Kenny.

! New podcast: A reminder that the Weekender’s new Tension’s Running High podcast is dropping new episodes every week. Troy Dodds and Nathan Taylor take you through the latest at the Panthers, and will this week pay tribute to long-time sponsor Barney Allam following his passing. Search Western Weekender wherever you listen to podcasts, or head to www.westernweekender.com.au/podcast.

! Panthers now J.J. faves: Melbourne’s shock loss to the Dragons last weekend has forced a major change to the TAB betting markets for the Minor Premiership. Penrith are now favourites to claim the J.J. Giltinan Shield for a third straight season, in to $1.65. The Storm are now out to $2.10. While next Thursday’s clash between the two sides could well decide the Minor Premiership, for and against will also play a part. It’s very close at the moment with Penrith holding a five point advantage. The Storm do have a slightly tougher run home than Penrith.

! Big guests for lunch: Exclusive Penrith business group Olatype will hear from Panthers executives Peter Graham, Matt Camer on and Shane Elford at a special luncheon next Friday. A few of the attendees will be on a strong back-up after the Panthers v Storm clash next Thursday night.

! Spotted: Matt Nable in Penrith on Monday night recording one of his famous Fox Sports promos ahead of the Finals.

! Spotted:

! Happy

Jack Cogger

Photo: NRL Photos.

EISENHUTH SET TO EXTEND PENRITH STAY

Off-contract Panthers forward Matt Eisenhuth is on the cusp of remaining with the club next year, teasing a possible new deal in the works.

The 31-year-old has played 13 games for the Panthers this season, and 59 overall since arriving at the foot of the Mountains in 2021.

Speaking with Extra Time on Wednesday afternoon, Eisenhuth said he was confident a new contract was imminent.

“Nothing rock solid yet, but it’s in the works and hopefully we can have something positive to announce soon,” he said.

Pressed on whether his future would be at Penrith, Eisenhuth said the defending Premiers was his preference.

“Yeah, that’s what I would like, so we’ll wait and see,” he

Somewhat polarising among the Panthers fan-base, Eisenhuth has enjoyed another strong year contributing to Ivan Cleary’s first grade team on more than a dozen occasions.

With James Fisher-Harris having another stint on the sidelines due to injury, Eisenhuth is expected to continue to stack up the games before season’s end.

“That’s always been the case for me over the years. I manage to string 10+ games throughout the year and, as unfortunate as it is [that teammates get injured],

Finals Series. That’s my mentality.”

Eisenhuth has been named on the bench for Friday night’s Battle of the West against Parramatta at CommBank Stadium.

Penrith took care of the Eels back in Round 2 at BlueBet Stadium but haven’t beaten them at their home ground since way back in 2019. Eisenhuth said it’s going to be an almighty battle even though the two sides sit at opposite ends of the ladder.

“We haven’t had too many good results against the Eels there and we’re looking to change that this week,” he said.

“We’re playing against a Parramatta team that’s sort of struggled a little bit, but we know whenever we play them it’s a different story.

“They always play good against us. That rivalry, that Battle of the West, I know I’m preparing for a tough game this week.” If Penrith do manage to break their five-year hoodoo against the Eels at CommBank Stadium, it sets up for a mouthwatering clash against the top of the table Melbourne Storm the following week. The match could decide who secures the coveted J.J. Giltinan Shield.

“The Minor Premiership is not something we’re thinking about week to week, but it’s being spoken about in the media with the Storm losing last week,” Eisenhuth said.

“For us, we’re not focusing on that. We’ve got a game to play this week.” They have nothing to lose.”

Matt Eisenhuth chatting with Nathan Taylor. Photo: Melinda Jane.

Matt Eisenhuth is hoping to remain a Panther in season 2025. Photo: Melinda Jane.

Matt Eisenhuth against Newcastle.

TAYLOR

FOOTY CLUB

TURUVA “DREADING” PANTHERS EXIT

Every player makes a choice throughout their career… to continue with the club that gave them their first grade debut or move on elsewhere for other opportunities.

For Penrith in recent years, they’ve almost gotten used to players departing.

Players they’ve developed.

Players they blooded.

Players they’ve given a chance.

Many leave for financial reasons. Some a new challenge. A lot of the times, both apply.

Jarome Luai, James Fisher-Harris and Sunia Turuva will be the latest to pack up their locker in the coming weeks as they get ready to set off on their new adventure.

“Far out bro… I’m not looking forward to it,” Turuva said about leaving the Panthers.

“I’m just trying to take each week at a time. Try not to think about it, but it’s sad times ahead.”

The 21-year-old isn’t sad about going to the Wests Tigers on a lucrative new contract, he’s sad that he has to leave a club that he loves due to, for the most part, the pressures of a successful club’s salary cap constraints.

While Fisher-Harris’ circumstances for leaving are different as he’s headed home to New Zealand to be closer to family, in a perfect world Turuva and Luai would be remaining at Penrith for many more years to come.

all my focus is at the moment.”

And while Turuva has admittedly had a shaky sophomore season at times – resulting in a couple of games missed due to coach’s decision – he knows he needs to take the next five weeks seriously to give himself the best shot at appearing in the Finals and getting that second ring he so badly desires.

Turuva said he and centre Izack Tago have been working hard to improve their performances in recent weeks, and it’s showed.

“We were leaking a few too many tries down our edge but in the last three weeks, myself and Tages have had a few honest chats with each other, just trying to narrow our focus each week,” he said.

“Whether good or bad, leaking a try or not, we know what our focus is and we try not to dwell on it for too long.”

Friday night’s clash against the Eels will be a special moment for the Tago family, with Izack and his older brother Jake coming up against each other in the NRL for the very first time.

The 25-year-old Parramatta winger made his debut last month, with Izack there to present him with his first grade jersey.

“It’s a special group here and I know that when us three move on, Penrith will still come through with special players.

“For the three of us though, it’s just team-first. Whatever happens with us… I’m dreading the day.”

Turuva already won a Premiership with

“Far out… the season has gone so quick. I don’t even want to think about [leaving in the coming months],” Turuva admitted to Extra Time

Penrith last season, but he said one more with his beloved Panthers would be the ultimate send off.

“Bro, it would be massive!” he said.

“For myself, there’s no other way to leave the club besides leaving here with a ring on my finger. That’s my focus at this point.

“I just want to take each week at a time. Play some good footy. Work on my defence. That’s

“Tages was telling me earlier this week that his mum was dreading the day when they verse each other – she wasn’t looking forward to it,” Turuva revealed.

“It’s exciting times for the family. I know it is for myself, having trained with Jake in the off-season when we get ready for pre-season.

“I’m really happy for him. He’s come a long way. He’s like 25-26, been really patient and put in a lot of hard work.”

Sunia Turuva will depart Penrith at the end of the season. Photo: Melinda Jane.

NATHAN TAYLOR

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HUGE STADIUM COVERAGE COMING UP

The Western Weekender will present a three-part series dedicated to the farewell of Penrith Park ahead of its major reconstruction.

The three-part series will appear in the Weekender’s print edition and online starting on August 23, continuing on August 30 and September 6.

It will be accompanied by special editions of the Weekender’s Panthers podcast, ‘Tension’s Running High’.

“The stadium means so much to so many people and this very much feels like the end of an era,” said Weekender Managing Editor, Troy Dodds.

“We know the stadium is coming back, and it will be a terrific venue, but the magic of this current venue will be hard to replicate.

“As Penrith’s newspaper of record, we wanted to say a proper goodbye to the venue with a special series.”

The series has partly been made possible thanks to a grant from the Local Independent News Association (LINA).

Part one will feature a detailed history of the stadium and its changes over the years, Part two will be focused on the faces and people who have made the stadium so iconic in Penrith, and Part three is a behind-the-scenes tour like you’ve never seen before.

In addition to the upcoming special features, the Weekender has revealed its plans for coverage of the upcoming Finals and potential Grand Final for Penrith.

“We have produced unrivalled Panthers Grand Final coverage over the last four years and we hope to do it again this year – we just need the boys to get there,” Dodds said.

Special 20-page editions of Extra Time will run on September 13, September 20 and September 27.

Troy Dodds and Nathan Taylor will spearhead the coverage with Peter Lang and The Masked Panther along for the ride.

And if Penrith make the Grand Final, it will kick-off an unprecedented week of coverage in the Weekender, culminating with a special commemorative print edition on Friday, October 4.

“We will provide extensive coverage throughout the week with every bit of news and information available, all with a Penrith flavour,” Dodds said.

“It’ll be a special week of coverage and our plan is to make it bigger and better than anything we’ve done over the last five years.”

To find out about advertising opportunities relating to the Weekender’s NRL coverage during the Finals, email sales@westernweekender.com.au.

The upcoming series will take you behind the scenes of the stadium. Photo: Melinda Jane.

BRIAN TO’O GOING NOWHERE

Panthers winger Brian To’o has confirmed his commitment to the Penrith Panthers.

After days of speculation last week suggesting he was unsettled at Penrith, the Origin star met with the club last Thursday and it’s understood both parties are on the same page.

To’o then took to Instagram to confirm he’s heading nowhere.

“Thanks for all the support fams,” he said. “Nothing to see. Not going anywhere, no shopping here. Let’s get it.”

Panthers Rugby League CEO Matt Cameron has confirmed the meeting had a positive outcome, essentially ending the story.

“Today we had a very positive discussion with Brian and his management,” Cameron told the Weekender last Thursday.

“Brian confirmed he is fully committed to the club moving forward as he aims to help the club win a fourth Grand Final.”

Brian To’o has confirmed his loyalty to Penrith. Photo: NRL Photos. TROY DODDS

BYE: ROOSTERS

WHY PANTHERS KEEP WINNING

lang on league

with Peter Lang

Against popular opinion I’d like to suggest that losing so many superstar players over the last four years has actually ‘helped’ Penrith maintain their stranglehold at the top of the NRL ladder.

The Panthers have been on top of the table, riding high with four straight Grand Finals and three consecutive premierships and look in prime position to win four titles on the trot this season.

Wait a second, how can losing topline talent and representative players like Stephen Crichton, Spencer Leniu, Matt Burton and Viliame Kikau be a positive?

Simple, the production line assembled at the foot of the mountains via the club’s celebrated ‘Pathways Program’ just keeps churning out quality players to replace ones lost but you still have to keep your spine strong and intact.

Then build your players around your 1, 7, 9 and 13. It also helps when you have a representative prop, second rower and winger to support that spine.

Throw in the odd shrewd buy from outside the club and you have a recipe for long-term success.

The next generation of Panthers are already coming through to replace the stars which have departed.

18-year-old Casey McLean is his

own man but has already been compared to Stephen Crichton.

He’s only a baby in terms of NRL experience but what he’s shown in the four NRL games he’s played so far has Penrith supporters salivating for more.

Casey’s 19 year-old brother Jesse, looks equally as promising as does backrower 20-year-old Luron Patea and the list goes on.

There’s no doubt losing star players in the past has had an extremely negative impact on the club. They

simply weren’t set up to handle it.

However coach Ivan Cleary has learned to embrace the challenge and turned an otherwise negative into an amazing positive.

Early in the 2023 season Cleary admitted to having to tinker with the side’s attacking philosophy following the departure of Viliame Kikau to the Bulldogs.

It was a bit clunky at first without the ‘big fella’ but it didn’t take long for coach Cleary to get it right.

It’s nothing new for Penrith to

lose key players to the salary cap at the end of every season.

The coaching staff and players adapt and now see it as a pivotal part of the developing the club’s ‘next man up’ culture.

Having such high player turnover keeps existing players fresh and motivated.

It also keeps the playing group from becoming stale.

Same old training drills, same old moves, same old philosophies year after year.

Not at the Panthers.

People have been predicting Penrith’s demise since 2020 when the club made its first Grand Final in 17 years.

The loss to the Storm that year was supposed to have stopped the team dead in its tracks.

How wrong the critics and cynics were.

Now the same lines from the media and opposition fans are circulating again.

“Enjoy 2024 Panthers because without Jarome Luai and Sunia Turuva, your era of dominance will soon be over.”

There’s no doubt the Panthers dominance will one day come to an end, it’s kind-of inevitable that it will.

But not today….and probably not tomorrow either.

Enjoy your footy.

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.

The Panthers continue to dominate the NRL. Photo: NRL Photos.

panther memories

It’s always intriguing to look at players who only ever played a single first grade match with Penrith.

One of those players is journeyman Darrien Doherty, a Cambridge Park junior whose top grade rugby league record reads 67 games – but only one for the Panthers.

That one game was also his first grade debut.

Doherty made his one and only appearance for Penrith against the Western Suburbs Magpies on Sunday, August 26, 1990 at Campbelltown Sports Ground. He played in the number 12 jumper.

The Panthers were beaten 22-12, with Steve Carter scoring two tries and Ben Alexander landing the conversions.

It was Doherty’s only appearance for the club, with John Cartwright back in the starting side the following week.

Doherty went on to play first grade for Wests, Canterbury, Illawarra, Hunter and Adelaide, before finishing his career with the Cowboys in 1999 and 2000 (main picture).

Credited as Panther 297, Doherty is now 52.

(Main photo thanks to NRL Photos)

STORM TITANS PANTHERS SEA EAGLES

COWBOYS DRAGONS DOLPHINS KNIGHTS

STORM TITANS PANTHERS SEA EAGLES BRONCOS BULLDOGS DOLPHINS KNIGHTS

STORM TITANS PANTHERS SEA EAGLES

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COWBOYS BULLDOGS WARRIORS KNIGHTS

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DOLPHINS KNIGHTS

STORM SHARKS PANTHERS SEA EAGLES BRONCOS BULLDOGS WARRIORS TIGERS

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DOLPHINS KNIGHTS

STORM TITANS

EAGLES COWBOYS BULLDOGS DOLPHINS KNIGHTS

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STORM SHARKS PANTHERS RAIDERS COWBOYS BULLDOGS DOLPHINS KNIGHTS

STORM SHARKS PANTHERS SEA EAGLES BRONCOS BULLDOGS DOLPHINS TIGERS

STORM SHARKS PANTHERS RAIDERS BRONCOS DRAGONS WARRIORS TIGERS

STORM SHARKS PANTHERS SEA EAGLES COWBOYS BULLDOGS DOLPHINS KNIGHTS