Apisai Koroisau. Photo: NRL Images.
MASKED PANTHER James Tamou to snub UK for new NRL contract
PAGE 30
LANG ON LEAGUE Peter Lang’s take on Brad Fittler’s wild merger plan
PAGE 33
BRENT NADEN POSTER Star centre in Penrith’s brilliant Indigenous jersey
PAGES 34-35
FULL NRL LADDER Soak up the glory of Penrith topping the table after Round 12
PAGE 36
make it eight! PANTHERS LOOK TO EQUAL LONGEST WINNING STREAK MATCH PREVIEW: PAGE 29
Friday, August 7, 2020 « the western weekender • extra time
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the western weekender • extra time » Friday, August 7, 2020
match preview Nathan Cleary is in spectacular form. Photo: NRL Images.
the final word
v TROY DODDS
I
f you still had some doubt about Penrith’s 2020 premiership credentials, it was surely washed away when the Panthers produced a near faultless display to beat Manly 42- 12 at Lottoland last Saturday night. Brookvale hasn’t always been the happiest of hunting grounds for Penrith teams over the last 55- odd years, but this 2020 outfit holds no fears – they play anywhere, they win anywhere. It wasn’t that the Sea Eagles didn’t turn up to play, but the Panthers simply suffocated them out of the contest with a terrific completion rate, a strong kicking game and a weight of possession that no side could have competed against. This Saturday night, Penrith returns to Panthers Stadium to take on a Raiders side that has learned how to play gritty football in the past three weeks, escaping
FOX LEAGUE KAYO 2GB 873 ABC 702
SATURDAY, AUGUST 8 | 7.35PM | PANTHERS STADIUM | REFEREE: GERARD SUTTON with narrow victories over the Roosters, Rabbitohs and Cowboys – all games that went down to the last few minutes. The poor green machine has to travel again this weekend – something CEO Don Furner seemed unhappy about this week, pointing out that sides like Penrith and Parramatta have an advantage due to their much easier travel schedules this season. Seems like Ricky’s rants have been rubbing off on the boss. Despite the Raiders’ difficult travel arrangements, some would say this is a danger game for Penrith. But they’ve brushed aside that same tag the past two weeks in accounting for the Titans and Sea Eagles. Ivan Cleary now has his side on a seven game winning streak and while you would think they have to lose eventually, at the moment it’s hard to see that defeat coming.
The Panthers are just playing so effortlessly, and their epic defence in the first 20 minutes of games – which has become virtually impossible for opposition sides to crack – is helping to set up strong leads that are difficult to peg back. Canberra, however, won’t simply surrender this Saturday night. With last year’s Grand Final defeat still giving them a bitter taste, the Raiders have defied a worrying injury toll and the COVID-19 disruptions to sit in fifth place on the ladder, perfectly poised for an assault on the top four in the back half of the season. The Raiders’ forward pack is where they can cause Penrith some trouble on Saturday. Josh Papalii is one of my favourite front rowers – he just never gives in and isn’t afraid of anything, not even a rampaging
PANTHERS
James Fisher- Harris. Dunamis Lui has stepped up and done the job asked of him by Ricky Stuart, while the likes of John Bateman and Elliott Whitehead offer plenty of ability on the edges. But Penrith have plenty of weapons themselves, headed by halfback Nathan Cleary who is in career- best form and lapping up every minute of the 2020 season – brushing aside the lockdown controversy that threatened to rock his year and producing mature, calm and classy performances week in, week out. Even if Penrith doesn’t produce the 90 per cent completion rate they managed to post against the Sea Eagles, I can’t see them losing this one. The confidence is just too high at the moment – the Panthers have moved past any lull and now appear on a minor premiership mission. Tip: Panthers by 10.
RAIDERS
1 Caleb Aekins
10 James Fisher-Harris
1 Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad
2 Josh Mansour
11 Viliame Kikau
2 Jordan Rapana
11 John Bateman
3 Brent Naden
12 Liam Martin
3 Jarrod Croker (c)
12 Elliott Whitehead
4 Stephen Crichton
13 Isaah Yeo
4 Curtis Scott
13 Hudson Young
5 Malakai Watene-Zelezniak
14 Tyrone May
5 Nick Cotric
14 Tom Starling
6 Jarome Luai
15 Spencer Leniu
6 Jack Wighton
15 Joe Tapine
7 Nathan Cleary
16 Moses Leota
7 George Williams
16 Ryan Sutton
10 Dunamis Lui
8 James Tamou (c)
17 Zane Tetevano
8 Josh Papalii
17 Corey Harawira-Naera
9 Api Koroisau
18 Mitch Kenny 19 Matt Burton
9 Siliva Havili
18 Sam Williams
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Friday, August 7, 2020 « the western weekender • extra time
panther rumblings
WITH THE MASKED PANTHER
NO UK SWITCH FOR TAMOU !
Penrith captain James Tamou is desperate to stay at the foot of the Mountains next year and has privately ruled out a stint in England. Tamou isn’t keen to disrupt his young family and the ongoing COVID-19 situation is making the classic end-of-career move to the Super League more difficult. The 31-year-old is off-contract at the end of the season and will test his value on the open market, with several NRL clubs likely to be interested. It’s not that Penrith doesn’t want to keep Tamou – they know his experience is critical – but the salary cap may ultimately bite them. Tamou may find a deal elsewhere before the Panthers know exactly how much they can offer their in-form skipper.
next month of football due to a hamstring injury. The 19-year-old has scored six tries in just two appearances for Penrith so far, and will be fighting it out with Brian To’o for a starting spot come late August. To’o and Staines should return at around the same time – giving Ivan Cleary plenty of depth leading into the Finals.
James Tamou.
!
The NRL is keeping a close eye on community transmission rates of COVID-19 as it tentatively starts to plan the NRL Finals. Officials remain hopeful of playing in front of full or at least increased crowds, which means home finals could still be on the agenda. But should current restrictions stay in place, you’d have to think a Panthers Stadium final isn’t feasible when you could fit a bigger crowd into the likes of Bankwest Stadium or ANZ Stadium. Meanwhile negotiations with ANZ Stadium continue about hosting this year’s Grand Final, originally set for the SCG.
!
Also playing a part in the Tamou situation is Jack Hetherington, who remains on loan to the New Zealand Warriors. Hetherington couldn’t find his way into first grade at the Panthers but is on around $400,000 a season and is too expensive to be lingering in reserve grade next year. Tamou’s departure could open up a permanent bench spot for Hetherington, who has been in terrific form at the Warriors and is showing some of the potential that we know has been hidden away beneath his reckless exterior. However, should the opportunity rise for Hetherington to move on from Penrith, that could open the door – and cap space – for a new Tamou deal.
!
Nathan Cleary’s chances of winning the Dally M Medal this year have taken a huge hit after the leaderboard was corrected to strip him of six points as a result of his two game suspension earlier this year. The Panthers aren’t happy about the current rules and are advocating for change, given Cleary was already punished by not being able to accumulate points in the games he sat out. The Panthers have a point, but as it stands the rules are the rules – it’s another tough lesson for Cleary.
!
Talking of Hetherington, I’m told he won’t be allowed to line up for the Warriors against Penrith next week.
!
!
Punters are finally waking up to Penrith’s premiership potential with my sources at the TAB telling me the club has firmed in premiership betting in recent weeks with substantial support for Ivan Cleary’s side emerging. After their big win over Manly last Saturday night, the TAB slashed Penrith’s premiership odds from $6 to $5. The Panthers were $15 before Round 6 and now sit on the equal-third line of betting with Melbourne for this season’s title. Penrith were $21 before their current winning run commenced
to win this year’s minor premiership and are now $2.50 favourites at TAB ahead of Parramatta ($3), Melbourne ($3.50) and the Sydney Roosters ($6).
!
Spotted: One of the year’s great sights – Ivan Cleary and his son Nathan sharing a XXXX beer in the dressing room after Penrith’s 42-12 thumping of Manly.
!
Spotted: Charlie Staines’ poster that sat above his locker room seat at Lottoland fell off the wall during the game last Saturday night. Ever the perfectionist, Staines made sure he hung it back up.
!
Talking of Staines, his stop-start rookie season has suffered another blow with the try-scoring sensation to miss the
In what would have be the weirdest, or dumbest, take of the year, Nine’s The Mole this week tried to link Penrith’s loan of Jack Hetherington to the Warriors to the issues the Wests Tigers have with Ivan Cleary. Apparently Cleary’s decision to allow Hetherington to play for the Warriors played a role in the Tigers’ loss to the New Zealand side last Friday night, given Hetherington played so well. I doubt any Tigers fans had actually given it a second thought, but if they had, they’re worrying about the wrong things. As for The Mole, the bloke should probably hand back his pay cheque this week. Absolute dribble.
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hen Panthers backrower Kurt Capewell went down with a serious knee injury back in June, Liam Martin was determined to make the number 12 jersey his own. Two months on and the 23- year- old from country NSW won’t be giving back the jumper without a fight. Since the Temora product landed the starting second- row spot in Round 6 against Melbourne, the Panthers haven’t lost, and Martin has taken his game to soaring new heights. With Capewell due back from injury within the next month, Martin was diplomatic with his response when asked about relinquishing his position in the backrow. “We’ll see what happens… I’m happy to play any role on the team depending what the coaching staff wants,” he said. Martin’s rather polite answer could be due to the fact that Capewell – the man he’s technically filling in for – has been instrumental in turning him into the tearaway he is on the paddock. Martin said Capewell, along with James Fisher- Harris and Zane Tetevano, have helped take his game to another level.
“Capey’s been huge for me this year,” he admitted. “He’s always in my ear about various things and has been a big benefit to me. “Fish and Zane as well. When you’re doing defensive drills with them, they’re always going 100 per cent. If they’re not doing that at training, then you go into games not ready for it.” Martin and fellow backrower Viliame Kikau will have their hands full this Saturday when they mark up against Canberra powerhouses John Bateman and Elliott Whitehead as well as new recruit and former Panther Corey Harawira-Naera. Martin said while it’s going to be a tough battle against last year’s Grand Finalists, his side – currently sitting in first – don’t fear anyone right now. “This year that’s certainly the feeling around the club, when we play our footy to the best of our ability, we can match pretty much anyone,” he said. “It’s good leading the competition but we know that each week, teams are going to be coming after us because we have that number one spot. “Canberra will be tough; they always are when you play them. They’ve got Bateman back and Harawira- Naera is down there as well now. I think it should be a good match this weekend.”
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Liam Martin has been a revelation this season. Photo: NRL Images.
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the western weekender • extra time » Friday, August 7, 2020
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Friday, August 7, 2020 « the western weekender • extra time
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FRESH FOR PREMIERSHIP PUSH NATHAN TAYLOR
P
enrith are set to welcome back a host of familiar faces over the next month or so as the club’s injury crisis improves at just the right time. Last week against Manly the Panthers were boosted by the return of Viliame Kikau, Api Koroisau and Zane Tetevano, who were all missing from Penrith’s narrow win over the lowly Titans in Round 11. However, the trio’s inclusion last Saturday night was vital in the Panthers turning in their best performance of the season, completing 40/44 sets on their way to a 42-12 thrashing of Des Hasler’s men. With the Finals just eight weeks away, Penrith – barring any further injuries – will be flush with talent when they really need it. Centre Dean Whare (thigh), fullback Dylan Edwards (hamstring), winger Brian To’o (ankle) and second-rower Kurt Capewell (knee) will all be available in the coming weeks, as will the ‘human Ferrari’ Charlie Staines, who suffered a grade two hamstring injury against Manly last weekend. Tetevano, who returned to Penrith’s
Panthers prop Zane Tetevano returned from injury last week. Photo: NRL Images. line-up after a month with a back injury, said the club is slowly getting back to a clean bill of health. “Throughout the whole NRL everyone is having some niggling injuries but it’s good timing for us with eight weeks of the regular season left, an important part of the year,” he said.
“We’ve got a few niggles here and there but Kurt Capewell, for example, has been training really hard of late and it’s good to see the boys getting back and ready to roll.” If Penrith are going to challenge for their first title since 2003, they are going to need as many hands on deck as possible.
Tetevano, who was part of two Premiership campaigns with the Sydney Roosters, said he likes what he sees in the young Panthers. “It all comes down to work ethic and sticking to our principles within the way we play,” he said. “It’s pretty cliché to say but we always take it week by week, but the boys want to improve and, obviously being a young team, they have really lifted with their energy around the place. I can see some good things coming.” The Panthers will be aiming for a recordequalling eighth straight win this Saturday night when they face old foes Canberra at Panthers Stadium. Penrith haven’t beaten the Raiders since 2018 but are favourites heading into tomorrow night’s clash. Tetevano said Canberra, who are currently sitting in fifth position, will be tough to take down. “They are a strong side, you can’t fall asleep on a side like the Raiders,” he said. “Their forward pack is strong and, if we’re not on our game, they can definitely rip you apart. “It’s going to be a big ask this weekend. They’re a great team and have pulled off some big wins against the Roosters and Melbourne, so we really have to aim up.”
WW40168
lang on league
with Peter Lang
R
ugby league legend Brad Fittler has got to be kidding suggesting last week that there are too many Sydney teams in the competition and that there needs to be amalgamations. For a start, that is not going to happen unless clubs die of natural attrition so you can forget that one Freddy, but it was his suggestion that the Panthers and the Wests Tigers should merge that made me laugh out loud the hardest. Both Penrith and Campbelltown are cities in their own right. “I don’t think we pay the Campbelltown area enough respect,” was his quote. Really? Well amalgamating it with Penrith is definitely not showing the city any respect either. He also suggested Western Suburbs, a team which has already amalgamated with Balmain, amalgamate again with a third team. What the hell was he thinking? You know what, I’ll play along and make an outrageously stupid suggestion of my own. Of the two teams that should amalgamate to reduce the number of teams in the Sydney metropolitan area, I nominate the Sydney Roosters and the South Sydney Rabbitohs. There that will solve the problem of having too many teams in the Sydney market. How do you like that suggestion Freddy? Don’t you just love it? No, I didn’t think so.
hard at times but never really looked like winning the game. What game I’m looking forward to... The Newcastle Knights against the Wests Tigers on Saturday shapes up as an absolute beauty. Two teams which are desperate to get their season back on track and a win here will go a long way to doing that. My tips for the week... Roosters, Sea Eagles, Rabbitohs, Storm, Tigers, Panthers, Titans, Eels.
Peter Lang slams Brad Fittler’s idea that the Tigers and Panthers should merge. What caught my eye last week... The form shown by both the Panthers and the Storm. I can’t believe I’m about to say this but Melbourne are somewhat
flying under the radar this season and they sit in second spot on the ladder. Meanwhile, the Panthers put the cleaners through a Sea Eagles side which tried
The final word... It’s been said that defence wins premierships and if that’s the case then more credit needs to go to Panthers assistant coach Cameron Ciraldo. While Bulldogs- bound Trent Barrett has received all the attention lately and deservedly so for revamping Penrith’s attack, Ciraldo deserves just as much credit for finally fixing the Panthers’ leaky defence. Ciraldo has been working hard to make sure Penrith can defend just as well as they attack, and the stats so far in 2020 show he has done a wonderful job. Ciraldo is just as important to Penrith’s premiership chances as Barrett and head coach Ivan Cleary. See you next week.
the western weekender • extra time » Friday, August 7, 2020
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the western weekender • extra time » Friday, August 7, 2020
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Friday, August 7, 2020 « the western weekender • extra time
nrl ladder & fixtures CLUB
PD
W
D
L
B
F
A
+/-
PTS
1
Panthers
12 10
1
1
0
304
170
+134
21
2
Storm
12 10
0
2
0
309
152
+157 20
3
Eels
12 10
0
2
0
272
150
+122 20
4
Roosters
12
8
0
4
0
324
158
+166 16
5
Raiders
12
8
0
4
0
220
177
+43
16
6
Sharks
12
7
0
5
0
320
274
+46
14
7
Knights
12
6
1
5
0
235
204
+31
13
8
Rabbitohs
12
6
0
6
0
250
216
+34
12
9
Sea Eagles
12
6
0
6
0
191
235
-44
12
10 W. Tigers
12
5
0
7
0
281
229
+52
10
11
Dragons
12
4
0
8
0
232
254
-22
8
12 Warriors
12
4
0
8
0
163
298
-135
8
13 Cowboys
12
3
0
9
0
229
313
-84
6
14 Titans
12
3
0
9
0
154
327
-173
6
15 Broncos
12
3
0
9
0
168
373
-205
6
16 Bulldogs
12
2
0
10
0
150
272
-122
4
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ROUND 13 V
Thursday, August 6 7.50pm WIN Stadium
V
Friday, August 7 6.00pm Lottoland
V
Friday, August 7 7.55pm ANZ Stadium
V
Saturday, August 8 3.00pm Sunshine Coast Stadium
V
Saturday, August 8 5.30pm McDonald Jones Stadium
V
Saturday, August 8 7.35pm Panthers Stadium
V
Sunday, August 9 2.00pm Cbus Super Stadium
V
Sunday, August 9 4.05pm Kogarah Oval
Face In Th e Crowd
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Extra Time Issue Number 2020-018 PRODUCED BY The Western Weekender EDITOR Troy Dodds / 4722 2998 troy.dodds@westernweekender.com.au WRITERS Nathan Taylor, Clinton Maynard, Peter Lang, Matt Russell SALES DIRECTOR Chris Pennisi / 4722 2998 chris.pennisi@westernweekender.com.au
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Penrith have that 2003 feeling about them. Photo: NRL Images.
WE’RE LIKE THE BUNKER OF TAX ADVICE ONLY WE GET IT RIGHT EVERY TIME.
For x- factor, look at Jarome Luai’s fast feet like Preston Campbell’s evasiveness. Then there’s the youth, speed and athleticism of Crichton, Naden and Staines to be discussed like Wesser, Lewis and Girdler were at the time. The modern day starting props James Tamou and James Fisher- Harris sit very comfortably in the company of Joel Clinton and Martin Lang. Hard-working, consistent, reliable Isaah Yeo. Sound like Scott Sattler at all? What would happen if forwards like Kikau, Leota, Tetevano and co ran at Galuvao, Puletua, Ross and Waterhouse. Good luck if you got stuck in the middle! In 2003, Penrith beat Manly 52- 26 at Brookvale. On Saturday it was 42-12, the Panthers’ biggest winning margin there since. In 2003, Penrith’s regular season differential was +132. This year it’s +134. So this year’s team does compare favourably with 2003, which means absolutely nothing until full- time on October 25, should Penrith get there. Some more gold from the Fox Sports Lab for Penrith fans. Your team hasn’t conceded a point in the first 20 minutes since Round 1. Yes, ridiculous! That’s 11 straight games without conceding in the first quarter. It hasn’t been done since 1980 at least, maybe longer. This is one impressive footy side.
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his column was born as I sat sideline for Fox League last Saturday night, watching Penrith run rampant against Manly. A common theme in the brilliant Fox Sports Lab match notes was “not since 2003”. For example, Penrith will chase an eighth straight win when they play Canberra this weekend. The club record is eight straight in 2003. The win against Manly gave them six straight wins away from Panthers Stadium (in the same season) for the first time since 2003. On it went. For those who need a wakeup, 2003 wasn’t a bad year for Penrith. It was their last Premiership season. They beat the Roosters 18-6 in the Grand Final. Justin Hodges played for the Roosters in that game and told ‘NRL Tonight’ this week he can see definite similarities between Penrith then and now. Here’s the John Lang team 1- 17: Rhys Wesser, Luke Lewis, Paul Whatuira, Ryan Girdler, Luke Rodney, Preston Campbell, Craig Gower, Joel Clinton, Luke Priddis, Martin Lang, Joe Galuvao, Tony Puletua, Scott Sattler, Ben Ross, Trent Waterhouse, Shane Rodney and Luke Swain. This season a young Nathan Cleary has the Craig Gower role. He’s in career- best form and might eventually go past the 2003 halfback’s 238 games at the club, second only to Steve Carter’s 242.
the western weekender • extra time » Friday, August 7, 2020
Panthers start to party like it’s 2003 all over again
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Friday, August 7, 2020 « the western weekender • extra time
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Tigers Panthers Cowboys Eels
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HERTZ 4731 6344
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HARVEY NORMAN BEDDING 0401 505 140
Roosters Sea Eagles Rabbitohs Storm
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Roosters Warriors Broncos Bulldogs
Tigers Panthers Cowboys Eels
FUTURE FINANCIAL SERVICES 4704 8585
BELL PARTNERS 9249 7600
TOWNS CRANES 0487 272 819
REMAX 0428 934 618
the western weekender • extra time » Friday, August 7, 2020
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Roosters Sea Eagles Rabbitohs Storm
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Friday, August 7, 2020 « the western weekender • extra time
DUCTED PACKAGES FULLY INSTALLED ALL WITH 5 YEARS PARTS & LABOUR WARRANTY
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DUCTED PACKAGE 2 12.5kW COOLING & 14kW HEATING INVERTER NEW • 6 OUTLETS MODE WITH 2 ZONES L
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www.globalrez.com.au WE SELL ALL THE MAJOR BRANDS. COMMERCIAL QUOTES ARE WELCOMED.
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* Terms and Conditions apply. All prices are based on Single Story Homes and Back to Back installation on split systems or extra charges apply. Finance is subject to approval check with store for conditions and charges. Ducted Air conditioning pricing is based on single storey homes only or extra charges apply. Licence number 215189c. WW41644
clinton maynard W
hat’s the fastest way to become a millionaire? Buy a professional sports club when you are a billionaire! Very rich people don’t buy sporting clubs to make money, certainly not NRL clubs. Russell Crowe hasn’t made a profit by owning South Sydney, he bought in because he wanted to save the club. That’s why the idea to sell a percentage of the NRL to private investors is utter madness. There’s only one reason private investors would want a stake in the game, it isn’t because they love the sport, it’s because they want to make money and in sport where it is near impossible, that can only come at the expense of fans. This idea is being proposed because league, like all sports, is doing it tough during the Coronavirus pandemic. The reported offer from overseas based private equity investors is for a 20 per cent stake in the game. NRL headquarters would receive $300 million and each club $20 million. When you’ve had to make savage off-field cutbacks, have to balance the books with a reduction in broadcast revenue and generate no money from gate takings, it’s completely understandable a $20 million upfront payment is mouthwatering. However, the NRL must treat this with extreme caution. A private investor is not a private benefactor, they aren’t Russell
Crowe, they aren’t digging into their pockets out of the goodness of their hearts, they want a return. Almost all of the NRL clubs lose money every year, Brisbane being an exception because they are a ‘one town team’ and listed on the stock market. The pandemic has also proven the NRL itself is hardly flush with cash. So where will the private investors make their money? The aim of private equity is to buy an asset on the cheap during down times, strip it of costs and then on-sell it. Is that what we want for our sport? A corporate raider whose only interest and quite rightly, is to make money? Sure they would only have a 20 per cent stake and therefore a small say, but imagine the Commission meetings, their representatives would be agitating for costs to be ripped out and from where? Junior development? Club funding? Where is the profit they demand going to come from? For years many within the game sought independence from News Corp who owned a percentage of the sport as a result of the Super League war. What was the point of splitting with News and setting up an Independent Commission only to sell it off again? At the moment the game’s objective isn’t to make a profit, but as soon as private investors own the sport it will be and that will be to the detriment of rugby league.
South Sydney owner Russell Crowe. Photo: NRL Images.
extra minutes
the western weekender • extra time » Friday, August 7, 2020
NRL must avoid temptation of private equity investment
NOBODY IN THE WORLD SELLS MORE REAL ESTATE THAN RE/MAX.®
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Todd Payten has revealed he was offered the Warriors coaching position full- time for next season but has knocked back the opportunity. Payten is dealing with some family issues and is banking on the very real possibility of landing the vacant Cowboys job next season, which would allow him to be based back in Australia. The Warriors continue their search for a new coach with Nathan Brown and Anthony Griffin said to be among the favourites.
So Manly were crushed by the free-flowing football of our Panthers. Well done team.
!
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Unwanted Warriors playmaker Blake Green has joined the Newcastle Knights effective immediately. The Knights are in the midst of a horror injury run and hope Green’s signing will help reignite their push for a Finals berth.
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Newcastle forward Pasami Saulo will miss the next two NRL games after he submitted an early guilty plea to a dangerous contact charge. Saulo was charged after a dangerous tackle on Storm halfback Jahrome Hughes at Sunshine Coast Stadium last Sunday. He would have faced three weeks out if he fought the charge and lost.
Warriors interim coach Todd Payten.
– Phil
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Kurt Baptiste has joined the Canberra Raiders on a short- term contract for the remainder of the 2020 season. Baptiste will join the squad once he’s followed the necessary protocols to join the club’s Apollo Group. He was due to play for the Easts Tigers in the Intrust Super Cup competition this year but is available due to the cancellation of the 2020 competition due to COVID-19.
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The desperate Dragons are set to bring Gareth Widdop back to the club just a year after his departure. Widdop has a long-term deal with English Super League club Warrington but contracts have rarely bothered him. He’s said to want to return to the NRL, and the Dragons are keen to make it happen.
WW40190
Melbourne skipper Cameron Smith will spend some rare time on the sidelines after picking up a shoulder injury in the side’s win over Newcastle last weekend. Smith is set to miss around two weeks of footy, but it could be a blessing in disguise – the break will allow the veteran hooker to freshen up ahead of the run to the Finals.
Always happy to chat Phil Haley 0412 355 020
PUT OUR WINNING TEAM TO WORK Litsa Meleti 0466 9 969 164
Gizzelle Powell 0428 934 618
Paul Tanner 0410 587 553
Victor Borg 0439 755 081
Kassandra Richards 0405 329 851
Alana Neville 0497 848 414
Manish Malik 0421 124 494
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Friday, August 7, 2020 « the western weekender
weekender the western
BONANZA
We're giving you the chance to win some fantastic prizes just by supporting some of our amazing local stores. Simply visit any of the below places, spend the nominated amount in store, submit your entry and you'll be in with a chance of winning some amazing prizes. All entries from participating stores will go into the draw, with the winners to be announced in the 14th August edition of the Western Weekender. Authorised under NSW Permit No LTPM/20/05506. Terms and conditions available at www.westernweekender.com.au or from Western Weekender’s office.
BUSINESSES
PARTICIPATING
HOW TO
Support Local
Daniel’s Kitchen
IGA & The Bottle-O Silverdale
Spend $15 in our café to enter the draw
Spend $50 in store to enter the draw
Shop 3 542 High St, Penrith 4789 0827 facebook.com/danielskitchenpenrith
Shop 3 & 4, 2320 Silverdale Rd, Silverdale 4774 1986 | iga.com.au
Cincotta Chemist
Spend $25 in store to go in the draw 473 High St, Penrith | 4721 2555 cincottachemist.com.au/penrith
St Marys Fish Market St Marys Fish Market
Love Beans
Sip ‘N’ Dip
365 High St, Penrith 8379 8200 | lovebeans.com.au indulge@lovebeans.com.au
Book two night stay to go into the draw
Spend $50 in store to enter the draw
Panthers Pl, Penrith |4721 7700 Mercurepenrith.com.au
60 Queen Street, St Marys 8630 2186
67 Queen Street, St Marys 9833 1000 st-marys-fish-market-seafoodmarket.business.site/
COUNTRY BREWER
St Marys Fish & Chips
Café Fred
V & CO HAIR BEAUTY BAR
Spend $50 in store to enter the draw
Spend $15 in store to enter the draw
Spend $20 in our café to enter the draw
Spend $50 in our salon to enter the draw
218 GW Highway, Kingswood 4731 5444 countrybrewer.com.au
St Marys Village Shopping Centre (next to Woolworths) 9833 4551
7/354 High Street, Penrith 4708 1248 cafefred.com.au
Level 1/407 High Street, Penrith 0404 493 333 _vandcohairbeautybar_
PRIZES
1
2
9
7 Captain Cook Long Lunch vouchers 2× Adults
Rashays Voucher Valued at $100
Valued at $100
11 Hoyts 4× Vouchers Valued at $80
Valued at $240
8 Al Aseel Voucher
Valued at $150
10
2× Merlin Annual Pass
Valued at $300
Valued at $400
6 Valued at $230
4 Flower Power Gift Voucher
Q-Station Hotel Stay
Valued at $470
Dingo Den Sanctuary Exp. 2× Adult, 2× Children
WW41227
3
Mini Kindifarm Party
5
42
Spend $30 in store to enter the draw
Mercure Penrith
Spend $10 in store to enter the draw
Flower Power Gift Voucher Valued at $100
12 Pizza Hut Voucher Valued at $50
Hoyts 2× Vouchers Valued at $40