Extra Time (Round 17) July 1 2022

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COOK THE CHOOKS FRESH FROM HIS ORIGIN HEROICS, NATHAN CLEARY RETURNS TO PENRITH TO TAKE ON THE ROOSTERS IN A FRIDAY NIGHT BLOCKBUSTER. PREVIEW PAGE 31.

L A I C E SP Y R A E CL R E T S PO IN SIDE

MASKED PANTHER

ROOKIE REVIEW

FACE IN THE CROWD

NEWS ON STADIUM LOOMS, AS CAMERON CIRALDO IS LINKED WITH THE EELS. PAGE 32.

PETER LANG LOOKS BACK ON THE HITS AND MISSES AT PENRITH OVER THE YEARS. PAGE 35.

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the western weekender » Friday, July 1, 2022

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Jarome Luai scores against the Roosters in May. Photo: NRL Images.

TROY DODDS

A

s fearsome as the Sydney Roosters have been under Trent Robinson’s coaching, most of the big games between the chooks and Panthers have gone the way of the west.

Think the 2014 Finals match at the SFS, won via some Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Jamie Soward moments of magic in the dying minutes.

Or the 2020 Finals series, where Nathan Cleary inspired a tremendous comeback to put Penrith just one win away from the decider.

The rivalry between these two clubs goes back further, of course. There’s the 2003 Grand Final, won by Penrith 18-6 and regarded by many as one of the greatest deciders of all-time.

Go back a little further and the rivalry moves to off the field, with the defection of Phil Gould and Brad Fittler creating a bitterness between the two sides that has never really dissipated.

BROADCAST CHANNEL 9 FOX LEAGUE 2GB 873 ABC 702

FRIDAY, JULY 1 | 7.55PM | BLUEBET STADIUM | REFEREE: GERARD SUTTON There has always been something about the latte sipping Roosters and the working class Panthers that has got people fired up.

Tonight’s chapter of Panthers v Roosters matches is an intriguing one.

To say Penrith would be rested after a week off would be fanciful given so many of the side’s players took part in representative football last weekend, thankfully coming through unscathed.

The Roosters too had a pretty big weekend of representative drain, so there’s certainly no advantage there.

Ivan Cleary probably could have rested a few players this weekend given the Origin boys in particular faced a short turnaround, but given there’s a bye waiting next weekend, they were all named on Tuesday and are expected to line-up at BlueBet Stadium on Friday night.

Trent Robinson does not quite have the

luxuries that surround the high flying Panthers at present. His Roosters sit outside the top eight – almost unthinkable at the start of the season – and things are starting to get scary now.

You just always expect the Roosters to eventually get going but when they show signs of the form we’re used to seeing, it’ll suddenly disappear via a poor performance or an injury-disrupted game. It’s just not clicking.

Despite the 32-12 scoreline, Robinson may like to look back at his side’s clash with Penrith back in Round 11 for some inspiration. The Roosters went with Penrith that night, and it wasn’t until Jarome Luai crossed in the 28th minute that the Panthers finally grabbed the momentum. Luai scored again soon after and in the space of about 10 minutes the game was gone.

But the Roosters certainly had something that night; a glimmer that they could match it with

PANTHERS

the competition’s best, but probably needed a bit of luck to go their way.

With Luke Keary out of this game, the Roosters will rely on the halves combination of Drew Hutchison and Sam Walker to guide them around the park. They’ll need to have the game of their lives.

For Penrith to win it’s the usual suspects who must fire. Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai, Viliame Kikau and Isaah Yeo... and the ever reliable Dylan Edwards.

Nobody has let Penrith down this season, which has been a key ingredient to what is looking likely to be a Minor Premiership season in the very least.

I can’t see the Panthers slipping here, but I do think the Roosters will turn up to play.

The home side should run away with it in the second half, however.

Tip: Panthers by 13.

ROOSTERS

1 Dylan Edwards

10 James Fisher-Harris

1 James Tedesco (c)

2 Taylan May

11 Viliame Kikau

2 Daniel Tupou

10 Siosiua Taukeiaho 11 Angus Crichton

3 Izack Tago

12 Liam Martin

3 Billy Smith

12 Sitili Tupouniua

4 Stephen Crichton

13 Isaah Yeo (c)

4 Joseph Manu

13 Victor Radley

5 Brian To’o

14 Mitch Kenny

5 Joseph Suaalii

14 Connor Watson

6 Jarome Luai

15 Scott Sorensen

6 Drew Hutchison

15 Egan Butcher

7 Nathan Cleary (c)

16 Spencer Leniu

7 Sam Walker

16 Nat Butcher

8 Moses Leota

17 Jaeman Salmon

8 Lindsay Collins

17 Fletcher Baker

9 Apisai Koroisau

18 Robert Jennings 19 Matt Eisenhuth

9 Sam Verrills

18 Paul Momirovski 19 D Suluka-Fifita

Friday, July 1, 2022 « the western weekender • extra time

31

panther rumblings

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WITH THE MASKED PANTHER

PHOTO FOR THE HISTORY BOOKS !

Photo for the ages: Right now it’s just a bloody great photo, but in years to come it’ll be a symbol of one of the great times in Penrith rugby league history. The fact the Panthers had seven players run out for New South Wales against Queensland on Sunday night was absolutely wild, and it’s recognition of just how dominant this current Penrith team is. If the Blues get the win in the decider in Brisbane on July 13, the 2022 series will be remembered as the year the Panthers stepped up and got the job done for their State. It’s stuff of rugby league legend.

The Magnificent Seven.

!

Ciraldo linked to Eels: It sounds like a wild rumour that couldn’t possibly have substance, but I’ve now been told by multiple people ‘in the know’ that Penrith assistant coach Cameron Ciraldo (pictured below) ending up at Parramatta is not out of the realms of possibility. Ciraldo has declined a massive offer to join the Tigers and won’t be heading to the Bulldogs either. He’s likely to sign an extension with Penrith, which will have a clause that he can leave should he wish to take up a head coach opportunity. The Eels are suddenly looming as a possible destination in 2023 or 2024. There’s a theory that the Eels’ Premiership window will be well and truly closed if they don’t get the job done this year, and Brad Arthur’s head could be on the chopping block if they don’t at least make a Prelim. Some have even suggested Arthur needs to make a Grand Final to keep his job. Watch this space, I have a feeling there’s plenty still to play out here. on that site, allowing Penrith to stay at the existing stadium for another two years. Expect big decisions and announcements very soon.

!

!

Stadium latest: Expect some major developments around the future of BlueBet Stadium in the next couple of weeks. As the NRL starts to prepare next season’s draw, it’s now adding to the pressure of a decision on exactly where Penrith will be playing. The State Government’s discussions with the Penrith Paceway continue about the new stadium being built

Nine’s commentary conundrum: He’s been thrust into the spotlight following Ray Warren’s departure but the truth is Penrith boy Mat Thompson has been carrying Channel Nine’s rugby league coverage for some time, with Warren making only rare appearances in the commentary box in recent years. Now Thompson is off-contract, and has a management agency negotiating his new deal with Nine. Thompson is in the box seat, you would have to think. With the likes of Warren Smith, Andrew Voss and Dan Ginnane seemingly glued to Fox Sports, Nine needs Thompson to stay on beyond the end of the season or it could find itself without a respected and experienced lead caller.

!

Garner locked in: The Panthers finally confirmed the signing of Wests Tigers forward Luke Garner last week, announcing he’s inked a two-year deal for the 2023 and 2024 seasons.

“I have a great relationship with him from the past and I think he is the kind of guy who can flourish in our environment,” said Panthers coach Ivan Cleary.

!

Spotted: Former Panthers Chairman Dave O’Neill celebrating the birthday of BOQ Penrith owner Anthony Walker at The Log Cabin in Penrith last Saturday night.

!

Spotted: Former Panthers Sam McKendry and Malakai Watene-Zelezniak doing their best to go viral on TikTok with some impressive dancing.

!

Boosting the pack: Chris Smith (pictured) and Eddie Blacker have signed contract extensions with Penrith that will keep them at the club for the 2023 season. “As a player who developed through our system and returned to Panthers later in his career, it’s great to have Chris remain at the club for a further season,” said Panthers CEO Matt Cameron. “Eddie has been a great contributor to Panthers since joining the club last season, and his re-signing

adds to the depth of our front row stocks.”

!

First past the post: The Minor Premiership race is all over if you believe the bookies.

The TAB has Penrith at $1.03 to finish the regular season on top.

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the western weekender • extra time » Friday, July 1, 2022

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feature

IT’S BEANIE FOR BRAIN CANCER ROUND NATHAN TAYLOR

T

he annual Beanie for Brain Cancer Round returns to the NRL this week, with clubs, players and fans once again uniting to raise money for brain cancer research.

The Mark Hughes Foundation (MHF) hopes to raise $3 million and sell 175,000 beanies during this year’s Beanie for Brain Cancer Round, which will see players, clubs, supporters and broadcasters unite for an important cause.

NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said the Beanie for Brain Cancer Round grows every year thanks to the support of the rugby league community.

“Mark Hughes played rugby league with great spirit, but it has been his spirit in fighting and beating brain cancer and then setting up the Mark Hughes Foundation to help save lives that is inspiring,” he said.

“Every year everyone in the game gets behind this cause with passion.

“More than $15 million has been raised over five seasons of the Beanie for Brain Cancer Round.

“The sight of the thousands of supporters at games wearing the

Mavrik Geyer with Dylan Edwards with their MHF beanies.

Mark Hughes Foundation beanies has become a tradition and is symbolic of everyone’s support for the fight against brain cancer.”

In what has become an inspiring annual tradition, Panthers and Roosters players will each don their own MHF beanie when they run out of the BlueBet Stadium tunnel for tonight’s all-important clash.

“I think it’s a great initiative and it’s great the NRL has taken to it the way it has,” Panthers utility Mitch Kenny said.

“You see the great work the Mark Hughes Foundation is doing every year and we’re definitely happy to support that and be a part of it.

“I’m looking forward to Friday night and seeing everyone run out with their beanies and hopefully a few get sold around the stadium as well.”

To coincide with Beanie for Brain Cancer Round, a new Mark Hughes Foundation Centre for Brain Cancer Research at the University of Newcastle has been confirmed, building on the existing partnership between MHF and University of Newcastle. The MHF has now committed $15 million over five years to establish a dedicated research team and centre, while the University of Newcastle has contributed $10 million to the project.

“We will leave no stone unturned, we must get results as the clock is ticking for so many Australians,” Mark Hughes said.

“To every single person that has supported MHF and bought a beanie over the last eight years, I say thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

In Australia, Brain Cancer kills more children than any other disease and more people under 40 than any other cancer. Supporters are being urged to help raise muchneeded funds by buying a beanie or donating to the Foundation.

A limited number of beanies will be available at tonight’s game at BlueBet Stadium or you can secure one online at www.markhughesfoundation.com.au.

Get your beanie on Friday.

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feature

NEXT BIG THING HAPPY TO BE PATIENT NATHAN TAYLOR

H

is breakout performance while playing for Fiji last weekend got the whole rugby league world talking, now Sunia Turuva is ready to light up the NRL. Not many people knew the 19-year-old’s name one week ago, now he’s trending on Twitter as the next big thing to come out of the foot of the Mountains.

Turuva is yet to make his first grade debut, but his electric two-try performance while playing for the Bati will give Panthers coach Ivan Cleary plenty to consider in the coming months.

Speaking with Extra Time on Wednesday afternoon, the man affectionately known as ‘Tito’ was still on Cloud 9 following a memorable week with his Fijian teammates.

“It was good fun and a good week, to be honest,” Turuva said.

“The national anthem and the hymn were the highlights for me. Walking out onto the field, you really had to soak it all in – you can’t take that sort of stuff for granted.”

Playing his familiar role of fullback, Turuva was one of the standout players during the NRL’s representative weekend. The St Marys junior recorded seven tackle busts, 24 runs, 252 run metres, with 97 of those post-contact.

Turuva said he didn’t set out with a point to prove that evening in Campbelltown, instead he wanted to stick to the style of footy that got him selected to make his international debut.

“I didn’t want to change anything from what I do in NSW Cup. My plan the whole week was not to change anything,” he admitted.

“It was nice seeing all the attention and messages after the game, but I just had to try not buy into the hype too much.”

Turuva was receiving so much attention after the match that some NRL clubs were checking to see if he was still unsigned for next year.

Fortunately for Penrith fans, Turuva will be a Panther until at least the end of 2024 after re-signing with the defending Premiers back in June.

With clubs around the league promising him the world while he was testing the market, Turuva revealed it took him around three

Sunia Turuva was a star of rep round. Photo: NRL Images.

months to decide on his future – an experience he has mixed emotions about.

“It was a good and bad experience. It was good because I got to receive that recognition and attention, but it was bad because it was just getting to me – who to sign with, when to sign etc – I just didn’t want to let anyone down,” he admitted.

“It took me a while to decide. I remember sitting down with my manager and it took us a long time, like upwards of two to three months to make a decision.”

In the end, Turuva chose to remain loyal to Penrith and, even it means biding his time in NSW Cup a little longer, he’s very comfortable with the decision he’s made.

“I wanted to repay these guys. These guys have done a lot for me at Penrith, especially

Sunia Turuva at Panthers training on Wednesday. Photo: Melinda Jane.

34

with what I’ve been through (Turuva’s mother passed away last year),” he said.

“I know I’m stuck behind a bunch of guns here, but I just have to be patient and bide my time. I still feel like I’ve got a bit to learn here and luckily, I’ve got good coaching staff and players around me.”

Turuva has plenty of people at Penrith in his corner, who all want to see him succeed.

During this interview, two of the club’s biggest stars – Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai – showered him with love as he was finally getting the praise he deserved.

Turuva said a few players in particular have helped him on his journey so far.

“Dylan [Edwards] has been massive especially during the pre-season, I ask him a lot of questions,” he said.

“Also Stephen [Crichton] and Bizza have played a big part as well – not just on the field but off the field we’re really close.”

After getting a small taste of NRL footy earlier this season as an 18th man, you get the feeling a proper debut is not too far away for this excitement machine.

“Getting to be part of the warm-up and stuff as 18th man was a good moment,” Turuva said.

“If the debut comes later this year, it comes.

I’m just focused on playing some good consistent footy, which was something I lacked last year.”

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, July 1, 2022

Sunia Turuva was a star for Fiji last weekend. Photo: NRL Images.

HITS AND MISSES: TOP ROOKIES AND WHAT HAPPENED NEXT I

league with Peter Lang

Michael Jennings was Penrith’s Rookie of the Year in 2007.

resume doesn’t need to be highlighted here, we all know how good he is.

Dylan Edwards (2017): After his breakout season, Edwards almost lost it all following a bad patch of form in 2019. However not only did he survive, he thrived and is now recognised as one of the best fullbacks in our game.

I want to make one thing clear, the next list of rookies who didn’t quite make it, is not a slur on their ability but just the harsh reality of what can happen when you play in the toughest rugby league competition in the world.

Junior Tia-Kilifi (2009): After showing plenty of promise for Penrith and taking out the Rookie award in 2009, Tia-Kilifi joined the Bulldogs the following year and played only two first grade games. Injuries and poor form also cost him dearly.

Nafe Seluini (2011): Seluini came to Penrith after winning the Under 20 Toyota Cup with the Warriors in 2010.

He looked the goods with the Panthers in 2011 before his form dipped dramatically in his second year and he subsequently joined the Roosters in 2012.

Bryce Cartwright (2014): Of all the Rookie winners over the last 20 years, the fall from grace for Cartwright is the most puzzling. He had the rugby league world at his feet in 2014 and 2015 before his form slowly declined with each passing year. Sadly, at only 27 years of age, his best years are now behind him.

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lang on

t’s the award every young player wants to win and in Penrith, it’s named after Ben Alexander who was taken from us in 1992 at the age of 20.

The Ben Alexander Rookie of the Year Award winner is not guaranteed success in the tough world of rugby league but it’s recognition that you’ve shown ability to go all the way.

Today I’ll nominate my Top Five Panthers Rookie of the Year winners over the last 20 years and a couple of players who didn’t quite make it.

Michael Jennings (2007): There’s no doubt ‘Jenko’ made it despite his unfortunate exit from the game a few years ago. Stellar careers for both Penrith and the Roosters included NSW and Australian representative selection.

Josh Mansour (2012): He was the original ‘metre-eater’. His tough carries from kick returns paved the way for other players like Brian To’o and Taylan May. Only injuries cost him more rep jumpers.

James Fisher-Harris (2016): From someone who played only limited minutes during the first year of his career, to a New Zealand representative player and the Panthers’ forward leader. Fish is arguably the best prop in the game today.

Nathan Cleary (2016): The Panthers knew what they had from an early age when Cleary took out the title in a jointwin with James Fisher-Harris. Cleary’s

Friday, July 1, 2022 « the western weekender • extra time

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panthers poster 36

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, July 1, 2022

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the western weekender » Friday, July 1, 2022

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nrl ladder & fixtures CLUB

PD

W

D

L

B

F

A

+/-

PTS

1

Panthers

15

14

0

1

0

456

158

+298

28

2

Storm

14

11

0

3

1

433

224

+209

24

3

Cowboys

15

11

0

4

0

378

197

+181

22

4

Sharks

14

9

0

5

1

316

248

+68

20

5

Broncos

14

9

0

5

1

312

255

+57

20

6

Eels

14

9

0

5

1

339

303

+36

20

7

Rabbitohs

14

7

0

7

1

322

301

+21

16

8

Dragons

14

7

0

7

1

253

325

-72

16

9

Roosters

15

7

0

8

0

319

290

+29

14

10

Sea Eagles

15

7

0

8

0

320

324

-4

14

11

Raiders

15

7

0

8

0

270

309

-39

Knights

14

4

0

10

1

184

362

-178

10

13

Bulldogs

15

4

0

11

0

230

337

-107

8

14

W. Tigers

14

3

0

11

1

196

364

-168

8

15

Warriors

15

4

0

11

0

248

433

-185

8

15

3

0

12

0

234

380

-146

Thursday, June 30 7.50pm 4 Pines Park

V

Friday, July 1 6.00pm McDonald Jones Stadium

V

Friday, July 1 7.55pm BlueBet Stadium

V

Saturday, July 2 3.00pm CommBank Stadium

V

Saturday, July 2 5.30pm QLD Country Bank Stadium

6

V

Saturday, July 2 7.35pm Accor Stadium

V

Sunday, July 3 2.00pm Mt Smart Stadium

V

Sunday, July 3 4.05pm WIN Stadium

Face In Th e Crowd

IS THIS YOU? Is this you at a recent Penrith Panthers game? If it is, you’ve won a Hoyts Family Movie Pass to use at any Hoyts Cinema in Australia! To collect your prize, visit the Weekender office at 2/42-44 Abel Street, Jamisontown and ask for Nathan Taylor.

Extra Time Issue Number 2022-017 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

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ROUND 16

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THE MT DRUITT HEROES MAKING MAGIC ON THE BIGGEST STAGE I

warren

smith Brought to you by

t’s two days after the New South Wales demolition of Queensland in Origin II and the Brisbane Convention Centre is still buzzing with the nature of the Blues victory.

Well, to be precise, it’s a select group that is keen to talk about the way NSW went about levelling the series, and who was responsible for inspiring the ‘PERTHQUAKE’.

This is no footy crowd either. It’s the scene of the weigh-in for the night of boxing that will feature live on Fox Sports some 30 hours later, and one of the main attractions on a seven-fight card knows a thing or two about footy and fighting.

Paulo Aokuso grew up in the same suburb as Jarome Luai, Stephen Crichton and Brian To’o, and if things had worked out differently he might have been their teammate and not one of Australia’s brightest boxing prospects in a scene that is bristling with world-class talent.

Before he swapped Steedens for sweatfilled bag gloves, Aokuso played Harold Matthews representative football for the Eels, before moving on to the Broncos when the family headed north to Goodna in the Brisbane suburbs.

Mt Druitt remains one of his bases as he pushes towards his current goal of becoming a world champion in the Light-Heavyweight division, and if you’ve ever seen the Tokyo Olympian throw them, you’re not betting against him doing it.

The 24-year-old relates to what the trio of Mt Druitt-raised Panthers have achieved, and when you throw in UFC cult hero Tai Tuivasa along with any number of music

Jarome Luai celebrates the Blues’ victory on Sunday.

streaming sensations from the area who work in beats per minute as opposed to metres per carry, it’s easy to see why a suburb that has made its share of headlines for the wrong reasons is being recognised as a place where the future of the young men who live there is anything but pre-determined.

What the trio of Luai, Crichton and To’o have done as Panthers and Blues is nothing short of remarkable.

Then you throw in the four other Penrith players – Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo, Liam Martin and Api Koroisau – who made up more than half of the NSW starting 13 at Optus Stadium against the Maroons, and you quickly realise what rarified air they’re occupying.

The last time a NSW team featured seven players from the same club in the run-on side it was 1983, and those Eels of that year were on their way to making it a hat-trick of premierships.

We know how hard it is to win two titles in-a-row let alone three, but if any team can turn back the clock by the best part of 40 years it might just be this Panthers group.

Just how fresh they’ll be off the back of a physically and mentally draining Origin series will be one of the question marks hanging over the push towards the finals, but if the workloads of the key players can be managed then they’ve already shown that nothing is beyond them.

To win the State of Origin series and the premiership in the same year for a second year in a row – now that really would be a knockout!

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WALLACE SEARCHES FOR BETTER CONSISTENCY IN RESERVE GRADE

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grades P report with Lachlan Jeffery @LachlanJeffery

The Panthers have been in a slight form slump in the NSW Cup recently.

enrith Panthers Knock-On Effect NSW Cup coach Peter Wallace is happy with how his side is placed heading into the back half of the season.

A run of three straight losses weren’t much cause for concern for Wallace, who acknowledged that losing players to first grade didn’t help the team’s cause, but he didn’t use that as an excuse.

“We just didn’t play well enough to be honest,” Wallace said.

“We probably should have won a couple of them. [Versus] the Dragons we got done at the last minute. Even against Newcastle we were in front after half-time.”

my panther memories

Wallace pointed to the Panthers’ 20-point win over Newtown before Rep Round as the turnaround in the team’s fortunes, giving a muchneeded boost to the team’s confidence.

As for the season as a whole. Wallace was happy with the way the team played together, but with room for improvement.

“Apart from the three weeks before Newtown, everyone’s been playing well, [they’ve] been playing as a team,” he said.

“Attack wise, we’re still finding our way.

“We’ve had a lot of changes in the halves, which makes it a little bit difficult.

“We’re looking for a bit more consistency in our attack and defensively we’re still giving

up a few soft tries. Just hoping to stiffen up the defence a little bit more.”

Wallace was preparing to give the same advice to the team ahead of their match against the North Sydney Bears at BlueBet Stadium on Friday.

“You need to start well [against North Sydney].

“You need to handle their big forwards and their halves.”

Friday’s game against the third-placed Bears kicks off at 5.20pm ahead of the first grade game between the Panthers and Sydney Roosters.

The Jersey Flegg Cup will also feature the Panthers taking on the Roosters and will kick off the afternoon at BlueBet Stadium at 3.50pm.

GLENMORE PARK we’ve got you covered Gl enm ore Pa r k l oc a l s c a n pi c k t he p a p er up at t he fo l l owi ng l oc at i ons

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NAME: TROY MCINTYRE | SUBURB: GREYSTANES What is your greatest Penrith Panthers memory?

The Ryan Purdler was a funny day. We were at that game also.

But, the photo I’m submitting is best atmosphere/feeling I’ve nearly ever had! I’m in bottom right with my flag. It’s the final regular game of the 2020 season.

Why was this memory so important to you?

Second minor premiership and led us into a Grand Final for the first time since 2003.

How long have you been supporting the Panthers?

All my life!

westernweekender.com.au/getapaper

SUBMIT YOUR MEMORY – EMAIL INFO@WESTERNWEEKENDER.COM.AU

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