Extra Time August 25 2023 (Round 26 - Panthers v Eels)

Page 1

home final secured

TYRONE

SEE PAGE 43

SEE PAGE 44

PAGE

LANG
PETER
SMITH
WARREN
POSTER INSIDE
JEFFERY
PEACHEY
LACHLAN
SEE
45 Liam Martin celebrates last weekend.
A BLUEBET BLOCKBUSTER LOOMS MASKED PANTHER: SEE PAGE 37
Photo: NRL Images.
the western weekender • extra time » 34 Friday, August 25, 2023 Get Macca’s® delivered. McDelivery® is available in select locations.

the finalword v

When the 2023 draw was released in November last year, this Round 26 showdown between Penrith and Parramatta had blockbuster written all over it.

And while any clash between these western Sydney rivals is full of spite and high emotions, it doesn’t quite have as much counting on it as initially expected.

The Eels are now out of the Finals race, a mighty fall from grace after the euphoria of reaching the Grand Final last year. The Panthers meantime are racing towards the Minor Premiership after a big win over the Titans last weekend, which secured a home final at the very worst.

Parramatta have the bye in the final round of the competition which means this Thursday’s game is their last hurrah in 2023, and they’d

like nothing better than to stick it to their cross-town rivals as the perfect farewell to an otherwise lacklustre season.

And while Penrith have been dominant against Parramatta when it’s mattered in recent years, the Eels are currently on a three game regular season winning streak against the defending Champions – including that thrilling win at CommBank Stadium earlier this year.

The Panthers came away from the Gold Coast last Saturday with a 40-14 win in their back pocket after what was a far from perfect performance, but one that never really looked like going the other way.

Penrith lacked some critical attention to detail, and there was an uncomfortable clumsiness about the attack at times, but you get the feeling Ivan Cleary’s side is simply cruising through these matches at present, as they wait

for the business end of the year to arrive.

Cleary opted to rest a number of players with niggling injuries last weekend and he may do the same against the Eels, as it becomes more and more evident a mass rest – like what has happened in previous years – is unlikely in the final round, especially if there’s a Minor Premiership to be won.

We could well see some late changes to the side that was named on Tuesday, with the expectation that Dylan Edwards and perhaps James Fisher-Harris will take either this week or next week off.

Surprisingly, there is still no Izack Tago or Mitch Kenny in the line-up, their returns from injury put off for at least another week.

That means another week in the centres for Tyrone Peachey, while Jack Cogger gets another shot at hooker.

Whether we get a decent contest in this Round 26 clash comes down to what attitude Parramatta present with. Are they determined to end their season on a high, with equal parts frustration and determination after a difficult season, or have they essentially called time on their campaign; simply showing up to fulfil their obligations.

I predict a little of both: I have no doubt the Eels will turn up to play, but as the minutes tick on and the reality of the end of the year confronts them, I think the Panthers will begin to seriously get on top and make a little statement heading into the Finals.

I’m tipping a tight first half but the Panthers to really go on with it in the second. Western Sydney bragging rights will remain at the foot of the Mountains – where they belong.

Tip: Panthers by 16.

match preview
TROY DODDS THURSDAY, AUGUST 24 | 7.50PM | BLUEBET STADIUM | REFEREE: BEN CUMMINS | BUNKER: CHRIS BUTLER
PANTHERS 1 Dylan Edwards 10 James Fisher-Harris 2 Sunia Turuva 11 Zac Hosking 3 Tyrone Peachey 12 Liam Martin 4 Stephen Crichton 13 Isaah Yeo (c) 5 Brian To’o 14 Soni Luke 6 Jarome Luai 15 Lindsay Smith 7 Nathan Cleary (c) 16 Spencer Leniu 8 Moses Leota 17 Luke Garner 9 Jack Cogger 20 Jesse McLean 21 Tom Jenkins EELS 1 Clint Gutherson (c) 10 Junior Paulo 2 Maika Sivo 11 Ryan Matterson 3 Will Penisini 12 Bryce Cartwright 4 Bailey Simonsson 13 J’Maine Hopgood 5 Sean Russell 14 Luca Moretti 6 Daejarn Asi 15 Shaun Lane 7 Dylan Brown 16 Wiremu Greig 8 Reagan Campbell-Gillard 17 Joe Ofahengaue 9 Joey Lussick 18 Makahesi Makatoa 20 Waqa Blake Brought to you by TRIPLE M SEN 1170 CHANNEL 9 FOX LEAGUE BROADCAST « the western weekender • extra time 35 Friday, August 25, 2023 WATCH IT LIVE ON THE BIG SCREENS in THE BASEMENT 51616
Nathan Cleary. Photo: NRL Images.

nrl ladder & fixtures

here ’ s cheers

Seasons as a Pantherette? One.

Favourite food? Sushi.

Favourite TV show? ‘Outer Banks’.

Favourite Panthers player? Nathan Cleary.

Must-follow social media account?

@pennyyjane. Go to pump up song? ‘Blah Blah Blah’ by Armin Van Buuren.

What do you love about being a Pantherette? I love performing and just

NAME:

PENELOPE AGE: 23 SUBURB: GLENWOOD

being on stage in front of a huge audience. Being a Pantherette will help me come out of my comfort zone more due to not performing six months ago.

If you were stranded on a desert island, who are you bringing with you and why?

I would bring my partner Alex for two reasons. 1. We would probably end up in that situation to begin with and 2. Because I feel he has really good survival skills in case something happens.

CLUB PD W D L B F A +/- PTS 1 Panthers 22 17 0 5 3 583 268 +315 40 2 Broncos 22 17 0 5 3 588 375 +213 40 3 Warriors 22 15 0 7 3 544 408 +136 36 4 Storm 22 14 0 8 3 558 421 +137 34 5 Sharks 22 13 0 9 3 589 459 +130 32 6 Raiders 22 13 0 9 3 462 570 -108 32 7 Knights 22 12 1 9 3 562 433 +129 31 8 Rabbitohs 23 12 0 11 2 552 479 +73 28 9 Cowboys 22 11 0 11 3 500 488 +12 28 10 Roosters 22 11 0 11 3 414 476 -62 28 11 Eels 23 11 0 12 2 555 556 -1 26 12 Sea Eagles 22 9 1 12 3 449 503 -54 25 13 Titans 22 8 0 14 3 477 586 -109 22 14 Dolphins 22 8 0 14 3 476 587 -111 22 15 Bulldogs 22 7 0 15 3 384 693 -309 20 16 Dragons 22 5 0 17 3 456 623 -167 16 17 W. Tigers 22 4 0 18 3 365 589 -224 14 Thursday, August 24 7.50pm BlueBet Stadium Friday, August 25 8.00pm Suncorp Stadium BYE: RABBITOHS Saturday, August 26 5.30pm Allianz Stadium Sunday, August 27 2.00pm Accor Stadium Friday, August 25 6.00pm Go Media Stadium Saturday, August 26 3.00pm AAMI Park Saturday, August 26 7.35pm GIO Stadium Sunday, August 27 4.05pm McDonald Jones Stadium
V V V V V V V V Extra Time Issue Number 2023-026 PRODUCED BY The Western Weekender EDITOR Troy Dodds / 4722 2998 troy.dodds@westernweekender.com.au WRITERS Nathan Taylor, Peter Lang, Warren Smith, Lachlan Jeffery SALES DIRECTOR Chris Pennisi / 4722 2998 chris.pennisi@westernweekender.com.au
Is this you at a recent Panthers game? If it is, you’ve won a carton of Drink West beer thanks to the team at Drink West. To collect your prize, visit the Weekender office at 2/42-44 Abel Street, Jamisontown and ask for Nathan Taylor. Winner must be over 18. Drink responsibly. the western weekender • extra time » 36 Friday, August 25, 2023 EXPERIENCE PENRITH’S LEADING GYM 7 DAY FREE PASS 47 600 700 WW50628
ROUND 26
IS THIS YOU? face in the crowd

panther rumblings

FINALS TICKET FIASCO LOOMS

! Home Final locked in: The Panthers have secured a home Final at BlueBet Stadium, and the usual ticketing fiasco is about to ensue. As I understand it, the NRL and Ticketek have made no progress on allowing Members to purchase their own seats for the home Final. Surely the two organisations could work with Panthers to ensure their most loyal supporters are looked after. Instead, all Members will be issued a code for a pre-sale and will have little choice over where they sit. This isn’t a Panthers issue – the NRL runs the Finals, and while Members understand they have to pay outside of their package to attend the Finals, all they want is the ability to sit around the people they’ve cheered the boys on with all year. Surely it’s not that hard.

! Shirts on: Make some room in the cupboard because the Panthers will soon reveal their 2023 Finals shirt, along with a new slogan for their Finals campaign. The shirt will likely be available at the match against the Cowboys in Round 27, as well as from the Panther Shop and online.

! Our team, our beer: Talking of shirts, fans were able to get their hands on a rare long sleeve Panthers shirt at BlueBet Stadium for the clash against the Eels. The shirts were free with every four Tooheys New beers purchased.

! Honour for Yeo: Penrith co-captain Isaah Yeo’s incredible season has been recognised with a major media award. Yeo has taken out the ABC Grandstand Rugby League Player of the Year Award with two full rounds still to play. Yeo now sits on 31 points – seven clear of Shaun Johnson – putting him in an unbeatable position.

calendar a fair bit over the years, and last year was held between weeks one and two of the Finals. The venue is also changing this year – moving from the EVAN Theatre to the new Western Sydney Conference Centre.

! Spotted: Panthers legend and Director Greg Alexander wearing a Sydney Roosters cap during his SEN radio show last week.

! Merv on the move: The Merv Cartwright Medal is moving back to after the Grand Final this year. Penrith’s end-of-season presentation night will take place on Wednesday, October 4 – three days after the season decider at Accor Stadium. The event has moved around on the

! Not half bad: Former Raiders halfback Brad Schneider is poised for a return to Australia to be the latest back-up half at the Panthers. With Jack Cogger headed to Newcastle, the Panthers are again in the market for a fill-in for Nathan Cleary during the Origin period and to cover for injuries. Schneider, who is currently playing in the UK Super League, would be superb to cover that role. With Daine Laurie also heading back to Penrith next year, the Panthers’ back-up halves combination would suddenly loom better than some clubs’ first choice halves.

! Member concerns: Success can often breed complacency and it would appear a review of how things operate from a Member-

ship perspective is required at Panthers. As the old saying goes, you can’t please everyone. But I’m receiving consistent feedback over a range of issues, relating to everything from Ultimate members feeling unappreciated and value being poor to membership packs and the timing of VIP events. Case in point is the 2020 Members Pledge event – three years in the making yet scheduled at 2pm on a Friday on relatively short notice. That’s pretty ordinary no matter which way you look at it. A few years ago, a committee of members that reported direct to Panthers was quietly disbanded. It may be time to bring it back.

! Push for Atkins: I’m told there was a push in some corners of the NRL for referee Grant Atkins (pictured) to take charge of this year’s Grand Final. Origin referee Ashley Klein would be considered the favourite to take charge of the season decider on October 1, while Gerard Sutton also has big game experience. But Atkins is considered the leader in the next generation of big match referees and some feel it’s time to push the button, rather than wait for Klein to retire. However, the push is likely to be a lot quieter now after Atkins was

axed from on-field duties in Round 26 over that eighth tackle try blunder in Newcastle last weekend. Still, it’s worth noting there’s a push for a new era to begin as far as big games are concerned.

! Spotted: Panthers legend Mark Geyer soaking up plenty of memories at North Sydney Oval last weekend. He was there to watch son Mav go around in the NSW Cup clash against the Bears.

Fans at BlueBet Stadium for the Finals last year. Photo: NRL Images.
WITH THE MASKED PANTHER « the western weekender • extra time 37 Friday, August 25, 2023 WW51035 NORMAN’S SCRAP METALS NORMAN’S SCRAP METALS Free Call 1800 225 235 $$$$ buyers of all Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metals NEW & USED STEEL BOUGHT & SOLD PICK-UP SERVICE AVAILABLE MOST PUBLIC HOLIDAYS OPEN 7 DAYS SYDNEY - 9748 0611 FAX - 4721 7658 6 BLIGH STREET, AUBURN PENRITH - 4732 1683 34 PEACHTREE ROAD, PENRITH (Off Castlereagh Road) WW51035
the western weekender • extra time » 38 Friday, August 25, 2023 shows, matches, performances and exhibitions in town. Organising an Event? Sydney Showground is an award-winning venue, supported by an awardwinning team experienced in delivering a wide range of events to an exceptional standard. Visit sydneyshowground.com.au/plan-your-event/make-an-enquiry/ for more information. dogloversfestival.com.au catloversfestival.com.au www.pbcexpo.com.au ozcomiccon.com 16 – 17 September 23 – 24 September

Liam Martin’s NRL debut in 2019 wasn’t the prettiest of occasions.

It was a chilly March evening in Bathurst when the boy from Temora entered the playing field in jersey number 21 after 31-and-a-half minutes.

37 seconds into his debut game, Martin made an error and Penrith’s opponents that night, the mighty Melbourne Storm, ran riot on their way to a convincing 32-2 victory.

“I think the first six NRL games I played I lost, and I was thinking to myself, ‘Oh Jesus, is this what it’s going to be like for the rest of my career?’,” the 26-year-old said on Tuesday. Fortunately for Martin, he was wrong… very, very wrong.

In fact, since that challenging 2019 season, where the Panthers finished outside the top eight, Martin has only lost nine games whilst playing for Penrith.

Nine.

In his debut season alone he tasted defeat 10 times.

“Fortunately, we turned it

around pretty fast, so I’m very lucky to be here,” Martin said.

Lucky, indeed.

Martin played his 100th NRL game on Thursday night when the Panthers tackled old foes Parramatta at BlueBet Stadium.

Extra Time caught up with the NSW Blues and Australian backrower in the lead up to his milestone match, reflecting on the journey he’s been on since that Round 3, 2019, fixture at Carrington Park.

“It’s gone so quick! It feels like yesterday that I played the first one in Bathurst and they’ve just flown since then,” Martin said.

“I’m just grateful for everyone that’s helped me along the way. I certainly wouldn’t be where I am today without a lot of people. I’m just thinking about all the support I’ve had over the years.”

Martin said his mum Maxine and his late brother Jarred are always on his mind whenever he’s out on the pitch, giving it his all whether it be for Penrith, his state or his country.

“Most games I just play footy but milestones like these give you an opportunity to think about loved ones, like my mum and how much she sacrificed

for me and my brother,” Martin said.

“Playing for those sorts of people is the reason why you play footy.”

It’s hard to find many players who have enjoyed a century of games quite like Liam Martin. He’s played in three Grand Finals, won two Premierships and, although they don’t count towards his tally, played in nine games for NSW and won a World Cup with Australia.

“My proudest achievement so far is definitely the back-toback premierships – that’s what everyone dreams of,” Martin said.

“There’s a lot of players that play 200, 300 games and don’t even get one. So, to have two by 100 [games] and be in contention for another is pretty incredible.”

Last month, Martin re-signed with Penrith until the end of 2027, meaning his next century of games will be with his beloved Panthers. He believes his best is yet to come.

“I’m so grateful for what this club has given me so far and hopefully I can repay them with even better footy in the coming years,” Martin said.

MARTO CRACKS
CENTURY
A
Liam Martin has played 100 games in the NRL. Photo: NRL Images.
feature « the western weekender • extra time 39 Friday, August 25, 2023 NEW Waste Recycling Facility in Emu Heights! Construction & Demolition Waste | Green Waste | Timber | Bricks & Concrete Safe & Clean Facility Fast Tipping Times – In & Out in Under 10 minutes www.recyclewastesolutions.com.au | info@recyclewastesolutions.com.au | Mon-Fri 7-5 Sat 9-1 FRIENDLY STAFF WHO HELP YOU UNLOAD Builders & Demolishers 4 No Dust NoNoPotholes Nails CHEAP RATES Call us on 9030 5999 25 Bromley Rd, Emu Heights (2 mins off the M4 at Russell St) EPA Licence No. 21507 WW51607
NATHAN TAYLOR
the western weekender • extra time » 40 Friday, August 25, 2023
panthers poster

HEIGHT: 183CM |

08/08/91 |

TYRONE PEACHEY « the western weekender • extra time Friday, August 25, 2023 CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE QUOTE 1800 600 760 Commercial, Industrial and Residential emersonsenvirocaresydney.com E MERSON’S NVIROCARE PEST MANAGEMENT SERVICES IF IT’S A PEST PROBLEM WE’LL FIX IT OUR SERVICES Cockroaches • Spiders • Ants • Silverfish • Bees & Wasps • Termite inspections and treatments • Bird control • Rats & Mice • AND MUCH MORE
WEIGHT: 93KGS | POSITION: UTILITY | NRL DEBUT: MAY 2013 (FOR SHARKS)

Pick up a copy of the paper

Caddens

Caddens News (Caddens Corner)

Clementine’s Café

Woolworths

Cambridge Gardens

Coles

Mcdonald’s

Overlander Hotel

Cambridge Park

Cambridge Park Newsagency

Cellarbations

Friendly Grocer

Castlereagh

Ampol Service Station

Claremont Meadows

Iga Claremont Meadows

Colyton

Colyton Centre Pharmacy

Colyton Friendly Grocer

Colyton Hotel

Colyton Newsagency

Hewitt Street Takeaway

Cranebrook

Aldi Cranebrook

Cranebrook Community Health

Cranebrook Village

Mcdonald’s

Mother Earth Nursery

Plus Pharmacy

Woolworths Cranebrook

Emu Plains

Chambers Cellars

Lennox Centre Newsagency

Mcdonald’s

Penrith Regional Gallery

Woolworths Lennox Village

7/11 Emu Plains (Great Western Highway)

7/11 Emu Plains (Old Bathurst Rd)

Emu Heights

Super Save Compounding Chemist

Erskine Park

Ashcroft’s Iga

Erskine Park Ctc

Glenmore Park

Coles

Mags News

Mcdonald’s

Medi Advice Pharmacy

Woolworths

Jamisontown

Abcoe

Abel Street Eatery (Happy Harrys)

Batt Street Take Away

Grey Gums Hotel

Harvey Norman

New On York Takeaway

Parrabey Gourmet Kitchen

(Penrith Homemaker)

Salt Cafe (Penrith Homemaker)

Shell Service Station

The Coffee Club Nepean River

Three Sugars Café

Western Weekender

York Takeaway

Zoo Fitness

7/11 Jamisontown

Jordan Springs

Brooks Tavern

Jordan Springs Newsagency

Woolworths

Kemps Creek

Caltex Service Station

Kemps Creek Bowling Club

Kingswood

Barista Bar Coffee Shop (Nepean Private Hospital)

Country Brewer

Hallani’s

Kingswood Hotel

Kingswood Newsagency

Kingswood Smash Repairs

Kingswood Sports Club

Penrith Gaels Club

Radhe Indian Grocery Store

Volunteers Desk Nepean Hospital

7/11 Kingswood

Leonay

Emu Sports Club

Grow Café (Formerly Willow Tree Café)

Llandilo Iga

Londonderry

Londonderry Liquor Store Shell X Roads

Luddenham

Ampol

Australia Post Iga Luddenham

Minchinbury

Mcdonald’s

Minchinbury Fruit Market

Mount Druitt

Westfield Mount Druitt

Mulgoa

Glenmore Heritage Golf Club

Mulgoa Newsagency

Mulgoa Pharmacy

The Bunker

North St Marys

Boronia House (Retirement Community)

Mfc Food Stores

Orchard Hills

Flower Power

Oxley Park

Morris Care & Advice Pharmacy

Penrith

Aldi

Astina

Atmosphere Gym

Australian Arms

Borec Road Takeaway (Valley Café)

Brisket Boys

Café Fred

Caltex Coreen Avenue

Coles Penrith (Nepean Village)

Coles (Westfield Penrith)

Crescent Mini Mart

High Street Pies

Hoyts Westfield

Joan Sutherland Arts Centre

Lemongrove Community Health Centre

Liquor Stax Peachtree

Mcdonald’s High Street

Mcdonald’s Panthers Leagues

Mcdonald’s Peachtree

Mercure Hotel

Museum Of Fire

Nepean Aquatic Centre

Nepean Motor Group Café

Nepean Rowing Club

Nepean Village Coffee Club

Nepean Village Newsagency

Nextra Westfield

Office of Karen McKeown MP

One Point Health

Panthers Leagues Club

Peachtree Hotel

Penrith Bowling Club

Penrith Cbd Corporation

Penrith City Council

Penrith City Library

Penrith Golf Club

Penrith Hotel

Penrith Paceway

Penrith Rsl

Penrith Senior Citizens’ Centre

Pioneer Tavern

Re/Max

Sittano’s Restaurant

Tattersalls Hotel

The Chicken Run

The Heritage Terrace Café

The Log Cabin

Westfield World Gym

7/11 Henry Street

Regentville

7/11 Regentville

Ropes Crossing

Coles

Ropes Crossing Newsagency

Silverdale

Iga

The Chemist Shop

South Penrith

Budget Service Station

Fish Fish

Friendly Grocer

Grose’s Pharmacy

Southlands Newsagency

Southlands Takeaway

South Penrith Neighbourhood Centre

Woolworths

St Clair

Blue Cattle Dog Hotel

Foodworks

Melville Road Takeaway

St Clair Library

St Clair Shopping Centre

7/11 St Clair

St Marys

Andrew’s Corner Store

Ampol Foodary

Astley Pharmacy

Cassandra’s On Queen

Guido’s Hair Care

Jayam Supermarket

Mcdonald’s St Marys South

Monfarville Corner Store

Queen St Newsagency St Marys Band Club

St Marys Fish Market

St Marys Leagues Club

St Marys Library

St Marys Pharmacy Queen St

St Marys Pizza Hut

St Marys Rsl

St Marys Village

Wagon Wheel Hotel

Walter’s Newsagency

Thornton

Petramart

Thornton Community Centre

Wallacia

Wallacia Golf Club

Wallacia Hotel

Wallacia Post Office

Wallacia Takeaway

Warragamba

Warragamba Sports Club

Werrington

Colonial Hotel

Crossroads Convenience Store

Dirani’s Mfc

George’s Charcoal Chicken

Henry Sports Club

Mcdonald’s

Supa Iga

The Foodary

Werrington Newsagency

the western weekender » 42 Friday, August 25, 2023 WW48421
PERFECT POT PLANTS THE NEW RANGE TO BR GH EN UP YOUR HOME S Mark STEVENSON SEE PAGE 72 Your HOROSCOPES SEE PAGE 77 &
L 200 QUEEN MARYS 1044 SHOP MELVILLE RD, PETER DIAMANTIDIS Director Selling Principal Selling, buying or renting? Contact our award-winning team today! 4033 200 QUEEN MARYS NSW 02 9834 1/46-52 MELVILLE CLAIR NSW 2759 FIVE KEY MOMENTS EXTRA TIME AWARDS PREMIERS POSTER PANTHER PARTY PLAYERS AND FANS CONTINUE TO CELEBRATE weekender the western #1 NEWSPAPER www.west Free P possiblejuggernaut.ecedent aking way. - all was the defences game only Premierships while just player. was Grand Final night performance MedalEdwards, match. Penrith partied night era and thedominance greatest history little switched were barely the was staying emerged and have show after game Monday - Pe Bathurstcommunity. Penrith - cially result and NRL coverage THE GREATEST and Photo: Friday, INDOOR LEADINGREFORMER TRAINING BOXING JOIN LEA PENRITH• OPEN QR your THE FOOD YOU PETS HAVE BE WAITING FOR! ORDER If your favourite location has run out, or if you’d like a new location added, please email distribution@westernweekender.com.au www.westernweekender.com.au/getapaper
Home Lifestyle
You can pick up the latest copy of the Weekender at the following locations each week:

If you’re a player looking to lift your value on the open market and want to learn and become a better player in the process, you could do worse than join the back-to-back Premiers for a year or two.

Over the last four years the Panthers have become something akin to a ‘hit music factory’, because playing with the Premiers certainly has its benefits.

Young players come to Penrith to increase their profile, some older players to resurrect their careers.

Youngster Matt Burton came through the Panthers system and while he played a few games in the halves at Penrith, his career really took off when he played centre in Penrith’s premiership victory of 2021.

Burton however wanted to play first grade in the halves and so took a great offer from the Bulldogs at the end of the 2021 season.

Kurt Capewell, on the other hand was an older player who was known as a ‘solid first grader’ when he joined Penrith for the 2020 season. Two years in the Panthers system, a Grand Final appearance and premiership ring later, Capewell left to take up a far more lucrative contract with the Brisbane Broncos from 2022 onwards.

With a genuine shortage of quality halves on the open market,

the Panthers have already helped re-launch the careers of two journeymen.

After playing only one season as understudy to Nathan Cleary, these two boys have virtually been able to write their own ticket.

Dolphins half Sean O’Sullivan joined Penrith in 2022 and played 11 games as Cleary’s understudy. By the end of the season he was

signed by the Dolphins on a threeyear-deal as their starting halfback. At the beginning of this year, not many fans were familiar with Jack Cogger either. Cogger, at 25, was bought back from the UK Super League to fill the void whenever Cleary was on representative duties or injured. Fast forward a few months and Cogger now has a three-year deal with the Newcastle

Knights starting in 2024, quite the move.

A quick rundown of other players who have benefited from playing with the Panthers over the last four years include Jaeman Salmon, Jack Hetherington and Thomas Jenkins, who is rumoured to be heading to the Newcastle Knights next season. Meanwhile, journeyman Scott Sorensen came to the Panthers on a wing and a prayer at the start of 2021, looking for an opportunity and recently re-signed for a further three seasons but not before being approached by several NRL clubs including Newcastle. Whether it’s the culture at the Panthers, the system, the players, the recent premierships or a combination of all four, playing for Penrith, once not considered an ideal destination for players to progress their career, has become a place where players want to go. Or in the case of Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo, Moses Leota, Liam Martin and Brian To’o, want to stay. As for the money, well that’s not bad either at the Panthers but there’s no doubt a lot of players who stay take less than they could at another club, but as prop James Fisher-Harris said in an interview with the Sydney Morning Herald last week, “It’s not all about the money bro!” Indeed it isn’t.

analysis WW51023

Kurt Capewell, Matt Burton and Liam Martin. Photo: NRL Images. with Peter Lang
INSIDE THE PENRITH HIT FACTORY lang on league « the western weekender • extra time 43 Friday, August 25, 2023

NO NEED FOR RULE CHANGE

When Reuben Garrick came crashing back to earth in Auckland last weekend, the impact was enough to fracture one of those boney protrusions that extend off your vertebrae like the limbs of a tree.

The contact with Warriors fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, ending with Garrick free-falling onto his back from an uncomfortable height, was a freakish coming together that happens, thankfully, extremely rarely in a game that has high-impact collisions at its essence.

warren smith

Remarkably, Garrick is a chance of playing again before the end of the minor premiership, and may even take the field against the Bulldogs this Sunday.

That’s a great outcome for an eye-popping moment, especially so when you hear the words ‘fracture’ and ‘vertebrae’ used in the same sentence.

Sea Eagles coach Anthony Seibold was understandably beyond upset that the onfield officials, with the help of the Bunker, found no fault with the contact from Nicoll-Klokstad, which to Seibold was a double whammy when he realised that Garrick’s injury would incapacitate him for the rest of the game.

And, as usually happens with a moment like this, fans watching

the game were instantly split into two camps – those who thought Manly was at least entitled to a penalty and that the Warriors fullback should probably be placed on report, and the viewers who saw the whole thing as one of those rugby league accidents the game produces on occasion.

If Nicoll-Klokstad did nothing wrong by the rules then the rules should be changed, say the fans and pundits who fall into that first group.

The problem with that, however, is the prospect of bringing into play a range of situations that aren’t remotely likely to lead to injury that would suddenly result in penalties having to be blown and changing

the fabric of the game. What would the new rule say? That you can’t tackle or make contact with a player who has the ball when his feet are off the ground in any situation?

Or should it state that the referee should be able to use his discretion to penalise defenders if the contact results in a ‘dangerous’ situation?

Nobody wanted to see Reuben Garrick injured, but the fact is he’s very unlikely to ever be placed in the same situation again.

Should the NRL try to tweak the laws of the game to catch all incidents where players are injured, well, rugby league would look a lot different to what it currently does.

Retroactively changing the laws following moments like the one

hidden panther

we saw is like trying to remove that bubble in the lounge room carpet that’s been bugging you ever since it was first laid.

You can flatten it out and make it smooth in one corner, only to turn around and find that the bubble now appears right next to the coffee table.

When the NRL introduced the set-restart rule to keep play flowing instead of blowing a penalty, nobody could foresee that teams would instantly start giving away an extra six tackles to make sure their defensive line was set when under pressure in their own red zone. Bubble. Carpet.

The game is fine. Accidents will happen.

WHO AM I ?

to you by
Brought
Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad and Reuben Garrick. Photo: NRL Images.
analysis 1. I debuted with Penrith in 2008. 2. I was born in Blacktown. 3. I’ve played for my state and country. 4. I’ve won a Premiership. 5. I will retire at season’s end.
LAST WEEK’S ANSWER: Darryl Brohman. CAN YOU SEEK OUT THE HIDDEN PANTHER IN THIS WEEK’S QUIZ? the western weekender • extra time » 44 Friday, August 25, 2023

grades

PANTHERS ON BRINK OF FINALS lower

Astirring second half comeback has seen the Penrith Panthers upset Minor Premiers North Sydney 26-18 in the penultimate round of the Knock-On Effect NSW Cup, keeping their Finals hopes alive. The Panthers trailed 18-8 at half-time, with Sam Walker creating three tries for the Bears from kicks, while Jesse McLean and Isaiah Iongi

lower grades report

scored tries for the visitors at North Sydney Oval.

frustrate them.

It took until the 58th minute, but the Panthers finally broke through, keeping the ball alive for Kurt Falls to score adjacent to the uprights.

They scored again in the 70th minute when Trent Toelau ran the ball on the last before putting in a pinpoint banana kick for McLean’s second. Jack Cole’s sideline conversion gave them a 20-18 lead.

The Panthers were rewarded with another try on the siren, when Toelau again ran the ball on the last, this time turning it inside to Eddie Blacker to crash over near the posts.

The Jersey Flegg Panthers missed out on an opportunity to maintain third spot on the table, suffering their second narrow loss in succession, 24-20 against the Melbourne Storm.

The Storm were first on the board in the fifth minute through Ali Okusitino, however Billy Scott quickly hit back for the Panthers.

Former Panther Keagan Russell-Smith put the Storm back ahead five minutes later, but it took only four minutes for Cody Lawson to strike back for the visitors.

The Storm went to half-time leading 18-10 following a try to Coby Williamson on the siren.

The Panthers jumped to a 20-18 lead within 10 minutes through tries to Aston Warwick and Lawson, however Williamson scored his second 15 minutes from full-time, allowing the Storm to hang on to win.

In Round 26, the two grades host the Eels at BlueBet Stadium on Saturday afternoon, with NSW Cup needing a win and hoping that any of the Warriors, Raiders or Blacktown lose, or that they beat Parramatta by at least four points more than Blacktown beat Canterbury by.

with Lachlan Jeffery @LachlanJeffery
« the western weekender • extra time 45 Friday, August 25, 2023 SCAN HERE BET NOW 47700
Isaiah Iongi scored a try against the table-topping Bears. Photo: NRL Images.

PANTHERS WARRIORS

COWBOYS STORM ROOSTERS BRONCOS

BULLDOGS SHARKS

PANTHERS WARRIORS

COWBOYS STORM ROOSTERS BRONCOS

SEA EAGLES KNIGHTS

PANTHERS WARRIORS COWBOYS STORM ROOSTERS BRONCOS

PANTHERS WARRIORS COWBOYS STORM ROOSTERS BRONCOS

PANTHERS WARRIORS COWBOYS STORM ROOSTERS BRONCOS

PANTHERS DRAGONS COWBOYS TITANS TIGERS BRONCOS

PANTHERS WARRIORS COWBOYS STORM ROOSTERS BRONCOS

PANTHERS WARRIORS COWBOYS STORM ROOSTERS BRONCOS

PANTHERS WARRIORS COWBOYS STORM ROOSTERS BRONCOS

PANTHERS WARRIORS COWBOYS STORM ROOSTERS BRONCOS

SEA EAGLES KNIGHTS

BULLDOGS KNIGHTS

SEA EAGLES SHARKS

SEA EAGLES SHARKS

SEA EAGLES SHARKS

SEA EAGLES KNIGHTS

SEA EAGLES KNIGHTS

SEA EAGLES SHARKS

PANTHERS WARRIORS COWBOYS STORM ROOSTERS RAIDERS

PANTHERS DRAGONS COWBOYS TITANS TIGERS BRONCOS

PANTHERS WARRIORS COWBOYS STORM ROOSTERS RAIDERS

STORM ROOSTERS BRONCOS

BULLDOGS SHARKS

SEA EAGLES SHARKS

SEA EAGLES KNIGHTS

BULLDOGS KNIGHTS

2GB CONTINUOUS CALL TEAM | 131 873 mark levy 233 MCDONALD’S GARTON GROUP | 4721 2992 ian garton 233 ROSS FOWLER & CO | 0419 738 484 ross fowler 233 PRD REAL ESTATE | 0414 620 532 darren latty 235 KEN HALE PLUMBING | 4773 9275 ken hale 237 RAINE & HORNE COMMERCIAL | 0417 228 530 philip habib 259 THE WESTERN WEEKENDER | 4722 2998 nathan taylor 257 PARRAMATTA MOTOR GROUP | 0447 517 711 john veitch 235 HIX GROUP | 4721 7500 kane davis 235 KHP CIVIL | 4773 9275 jeff lemon 233 KELLY PARTNERS | 4726 9666 charbel geagea 239 LAKESIDE RESTAURANT | 0419 491 125 vince capalupo 239 JK WILLIAMS | 4725 3400 leigh hartog 257 BIG SWING GOLF - PENRITH | 4721 1296 stacey mccartney 243 YORK JEWELLERS | 4721 0780 douglas ely 251 TRESAMI COMPUTER ENGINEERING | 1300 318 444 lee banister 249 AMPED UP AIR CONDITIONING | 4789 2268 brett nicholson 251 PENRITH TOYOTA | 8805 9500 garth butler 245 MCGARITY PROPERTY GROUP | 0447 228 504 keiran mcgarity 259 THE WESTERN WEEKENDER | 4722 2998 troy dodds 259 IRRESISTIBLE POOLS & SPAS | 4776 1118 keith wilson 263
PANTHERS WARRIORS COWBOYS STORM ROOSTERS BRONCOS SEA EAGLES KNIGHTS PANTHERS WARRIORS COWBOYS STORM ROOSTERS BRONCOS SEA EAGLES KNIGHTS PANTHERS WARRIORS DOLPHINS STORM ROOSTERS BRONCOS SEA EAGLES SHARKS PANTHERS WARRIORS COWBOYS STORM ROOSTERS BRONCOS SEA EAGLES KNIGHTS PANTHERS WARRIORS COWBOYS STORM ROOSTERS BRONCOS SEA EAGLES KNIGHTS PANTHERS WARRIORS COWBOYS STORM ROOSTERS BRONCOS SEA EAGLES KNIGHTS PANTHERS WARRIORS COWBOYS STORM ROOSTERS BRONCOS SEA EAGLES KNIGHTS PANTHERS WARRIORS COWBOYS
celebrity tipsters
the western weekender • extra time » 46 Friday, August 25, 2023

PANTHERS WARRIORS

COWBOYS STORM ROOSTERS BRONCOS

PANTHERS WARRIORS DOLPHINS STORM ROOSTERS BRONCOS

SEA EAGLES SHARKS

SEA EAGLES SHARKS

SEA EAGLES SHARKS

PANTHERS WARRIORS COWBOYS STORM ROOSTERS RAIDERS

SEA EAGLES KNIGHTS

PANTHERS DRAGONS COWBOYS TITANS TIGERS BRONCOS

PANTHERS WARRIORS DOLPHINS STORM ROOSTERS BRONCOS

PANTHERS WARRIORS DOLPHINS STORM ROOSTERS BRONCOS

SEA EAGLES SHARKS

SEA EAGLES KNIGHTS

SEA EAGLES KNIGHTS

PANTHERS WARRIORS

COWBOYS STORM ROOSTERS BRONCOS

PANTHERS DRAGONS COWBOYS TITANS TIGERS BRONCOS

PANTHERS DRAGONS COWBOYS TITANS TIGERS BRONCOS

PANTHERS WARRIORS DOLPHINS STORM TIGERS RAIDERS

BULLDOGS KNIGHTS

SEA EAGLES SHARKS

SEA EAGLES SHARKS

SEA EAGLES SHARKS

PANTHERS DRAGONS COWBOYS TITANS TIGERS BRONCOS

PANTHERS WARRIORS COWBOYS STORM TIGERS BRONCOS

PANTHERS DRAGONS COWBOYS TITANS TIGERS BRONCOS

SEA EAGLES SHARKS

SEA EAGLES KNIGHTS

SEA EAGLES SHARKS

KENNO’S CRANES AND TRANSPORT | 0481 244 098 andrew kennedy 195 KELLY PARTNERS | 4726 9666 andrew berger 209 COUNTRY BREWER | 4731 5444 dee barlow 219 MACQUARIE COMMERCIAL | 0447 621 886 jacinda boyd 219 HERTZ | 47316 344 james shillito 225 PROFESSIONALS OUTER WESTERN SYDNEY | 0418 245 683 terry hansen 231 O’DONOVANS | 0414 254 074 derry o’donovan 231 THE WESTERN WEEKENDER | 4722 2998 masked panther 221 CATHOLIC CEMETERIES | 9826 2273 kim riley 225 VICS MAXI TRANSPORT | 4732 2195 victor glanville 229 COMPLETE LEGAL & CONVEYANCING | 1300 COMLAW daniel mckinnon 195 PRD REAL ESTATE | 0434 400 225 cameron faico 207 GOURMET MEAT CO | 4735 1400 bill mcdeed 219 BOQ PENRITH | 4723 7650 anthony walker 227 SUPREMACY FUNERALS | 4721 2020 donna hildon 227 PENRITH SOLAR CENTRE | 1800 202 930 jake warner 221 FUTURE FINANCIAL SERVICES | 0414 330 651 alex mckenzie 225 TOWNS CRANES | 0487 272 819 kane towns 201 VISION PAINTING | 0404 459 600 hans bor 189 SYDNEY HELICOPTERS | 9637 4455 mark harold 195 LEISURE POOLS | 0415 699 086 corey phillips 191 PANTHERS WARRIORS DOLPHINS STORM ROOSTERS BRONCOS BULLDOGS KNIGHTS PANTHERS DRAGONS COWBOYS TITANS TIGERS BRONCOS SEA EAGLES SHARKS PANTHERS WARRIORS COWBOYS STORM ROOSTERS BRONCOS SEA EAGLES SHARKS PANTHERS DRAGONS COWBOYS TITANS TIGERS BRONCOS SEA EAGLES SHARKS PANTHERS DRAGONS COWBOYS TITANS TIGERS BRONCOS SEA EAGLES SHARKS PANTHERS DRAGONS COWBOYS TITANS TIGERS BRONCOS SEA EAGLES SHARKS PANTHERS DRAGONS COWBOYS TITANS TIGERS BRONCOS SEA EAGLES SHARKS PANTHERS WARRIORS COWBOYS STORM ROOSTERS BRONCOS
« the western weekender • extra time 47 Friday, August 25, 2023
the western weekender » 48 Friday, August 25, 2023 On The PENRITH’S STORIES TOLD BY THE PEOPLE WHO MADE THEM! PENRITH’S STORIES – TOLD BY THE HOW TO LISTEN TO THE WEEKENDER’S PODCAST 1. Search ‘Western Weekender’ wherever you listen to podcasts and subscribe. We’re on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Podcast Addict and more! www.westernweekender.com.au/podcast and listen direct on our website. 3. Scan the QR code to listen now Stuart Ayres State Member for Penrith Ross Free First Federal Member for Lindsay Ben Feszczuk Penrith’s former top cop Mark Geyer Penrith Panthers legend and gym owner Bernard Zuel Popular music critic & former Penrith journalist Kevin Crameri Veteran Penrith City Councillor Tricia Hitchen Current Penrith City Mayor Peter Collins Chair of Nepean Blue Mtns Local Health District Ross
Entertainer John
CEO of Western Sydney Business Centre Belinda
Musical theatre performer Greg
Grand
Troy
Long-time Editor of The Western Weekender Jim
45-year Penrith Council veteran & local historian Peter
Respected Panthers rugby league writer Fiona
Former Member
Terry
Veteran journalist and broadcaster Record
Hutchison
Todd
Wollaston
Alexander Penrith Panthers 1991
Final captain
Dodds
Mason
Lang
Scott
for Lindsay
Gallaway

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.