(AT LEAST WE THINK HE DOES) PANTHERS V DOLPHINS PREVIEW: SEE PAGE 35
MASKED PANTHER SEE PAGE 37
SEE PAGE 43
WARREN
SEE PAGE 44
Nathan Cleary. Photo: NRL Images.
Alittle bit of history will be made in Redcliffe this Sunday afternoon when the Panthers and Dolphins play for the first time in history.
A lot of fans have had their eye on this Round 20 clash for some time, keen to see a new rugby league match-up at a venue that has actually been kind to Penrith in the past.
Yes, that’s right – the Panthers are no strangers to Kayo Stadium. They may not have played the Dolphins before but during the COVID-impacted 2021 and 2022 seasons, they took on both the Tigers and Warriors at the venue –recording big wins on both occasions.
Things will be a little different this time, however, and there’s no doubt 10,000 screaming Dolphins fans will dominate the crowd. The match has been a sellout for some time, such is the interest in seeing the NRL’s newest franchise play the defending champions.
Penrith come into this game fresh off a bye but with question marks surrounding several players who took part in State of Origin on Wednesday night. Whether Ivan Cleary opts to rest some of his big names one final time before the charge towards September is unlikely to be known fully until 24 hours before kick-off.
One thing we can expect is a reunion in the halves, with Jarome Luai being left out of Origin III on Wednesday night and Nathan Cleary set to make his return from a hamstring injury.
Cleary’s return (if it happens, given he’s been named on the extended bench) will be a welcome one, though it can’t be denied Jack Cogger has done a sensational job filling in over the last little while. However, with some big matches coming up, Penrith need solid game management and a dominant kicking game and Cleary’s return will ensure that as the Finals approach.
The Dolphins continue to impress this year, and the while the wheels fell off mid-season and a Finals appearance now appears unlikely, you can’t deny that Wayne Bennett’s side has been more competitive than most expected.
Last week’s golden point win over the Titans was an example of the grit and determination they play with, coming from 14-6 down at the break to hang on for an impressive win that will give them an extra ounce of confidence heading into Sunday’s clash with Penrith.
One thing is for sure: the Dolphins will not be daunted by the prospect of playing the two-time Premiers. They haven’t taken a backwards step in big matches this year, refusing to play canon fodder and never giving up.
In the end I think Penrith will be too fit for the Dolphins, however, especially when you consider they had to go for 85 minutes last Sunday while the Panthers haven’t played since
June 30 – a decent turnaround that would have given the bulk of the team named for Sunday afternoon a much-needed rest.
And that June 30 game proved that a Panther three-peat is definitely a prospect this year – after going down early, Penrith ultimately produced their toughest and arguably most impressive performance of the season.
If the Dolphins can jag some early tries, they may make the game competitive, but if Cleary and co take the game by the scruff of the neck, they should be able to control the momentum and eventually run away with the game.
Don’t be surprised if some emerging players, like Lindsay Smith and Zac Hosking, get plenty of minutes this weekend – especially if the Origin boys do back up.
With dry conditions expected, a truckload of points wouldn’t be a surprise.
Tip: Panthers by 18.
NAME: ERIN-LOUISE AGE: 26
SUBURB: PENRITH
Seasons as a Pantherette? Nine. Favourite food? Anything that involves pasta.
Favourite TV show? ‘Friends’
Favourite Panthers player? Brian To’o for his dance moves.
Must-follow social media account?
@jayshetty. Go to pump up song? ‘Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom!!’, The Vengaboys . What do you love about being a Pantherette? I grew up dancing six days a
week and growing up in Penrith, I also grew up going to games and supporting the club with my family. Being a Pantherette brings those two worlds together and being able to perform in front of such a large crowd is always the biggest adrenaline rush!
If you were stranded on a desert island, which other Pantherette are you bringing with you and why? Kaylee Burns because she’s my partner in crime and we would probably get ourselves into that type of situation anyway!
! It’s a Sydney decider: Sydney’s Accor Stadium will host the 2023 NRL Grand Final. I can reveal that an announcement that an agreement has been reached between the NRL and the State Government will be made in the coming weeks. In a repeat of last year, footy fans have been in limbo this season with no venue locked in for the season decider. Despite interest from interstate and Peter V’landys suggesting a Super Bowl style concept could be on the cards in the future, I’m told all parties are confident the Grand Final is staying in Sydney. The question is if it’s a one-year deal or a long-term arrangement.
! Peachey recognised: Panthers utility Tyrone Peachey (pictured below) has been nominated for the 2023 Ken Stephen Medal for his efforts off the field in the community. The honour recognises the efforts of an NRL player who has not only achieved on the field, but has committed time off the field to community projects. A player is nominated by their NRL club for going above and beyond in their involvement in charity work, youth development or community support. Vote for Peachey on the NRL website.
! Panthers puts off Vegas push: The Panthers have backed away from their initial desire to help open the 2024 NRL season in Las Vegas. The club has confirmed it would prefer to be part of the venture in 2025, given it will potentially be managing a stadium upgrade during this period. “The club has submitted an expression of interest to the NRL to be considered to play in Las Vegas in future years to help manage stadium transition,” Panthers said
in a statement last week. “Contrary to media reports, Penrith Panthers sees the NRL’s initiative to take premiership matches to Las Vegas as a great opportunity to grow rugby league on an international stage.” ! RLPA chaos: The Rugby League Player’s Association’s action that sees media interviews with players banned on game days has thrown Penrith’s weekly schedule into chaos. The Panthers would have usually held a media session on Wednesday to allow journalists to chat to players ahead of Sunday’s game against the Dolphins. But with State of Origin on Wednesday, no session was scheduled as it was a designated game day. The current action is frustrating for clubs and media managers given some of the most positive stories come out of game day interviews and mid-week media sessions, which are currently difficult to schedule. I’m told Panthers contacted the RLPA directly this week to try and organise a media session, but were told bluntly to not hold interviews – despite club’s obligations.
! Players in the dark: Nathan Cleary has been actively sharing posts from the Rugby League Players Association on his Instagram
story, suggesting he’s well across the issues at the centre of the dispute with the NRL. But if you asked other players what’s going on, they’d probably look at you blankly. I’m told most have no idea of what’s at the core of the current media ban.
! Spotted: Panthers legend Royce Simmons at Happy Inn on Monday with a large group celebrating the birthday of local business identity Vic Shipley.
! Fans turn out: Around 3,500 fans turned out at the Panthers’ open fan day on Tuesday. Supporters were able to watch the players, including Nathan Cleary, go through their paces ahead of Sunday’s game against the Dolphins. Panthers coach Ivan Cleary was first to embrace fans, signing plenty of autographs before the players joined him.
! Presser’s strange twist: Penrith coach Ivan Cleary is used to answering questions about attack, defence, player selections and opposition threats. But he’s rarely been asked about police investigations. That changed on Wednesday when a Channel Nine crime reporter chimed into his weekly press
conference via phone, to ask about the arrest of a local accountant who was a previous Panthers sponsor. Cleary was caught off guard by the random question, and not surprisingly, had no comment.
! Spotted: Hooker Damien Cook and Panthers winger Brian To’o deep in discussion at Blues training.
Panthers co-captain Nathan Cleary is on track to make his return from a lengthy hamstring injury this Sunday afternoon against the Dolphins in Redcliffe.
The 25-year-old hasn’t played since suffering the injury on June 4 against the Dragons, but is expected to be promoted from the extended bench and into the starting side for Penrith’s first ever game against Wayne Bennett’s new side.
On Wednesday morning, Panthers coach Ivan Cleary confirmed his son was likely to play this weekend pending he gets through training.
“There a pretty good chance, I reckon,” Ivan said of Nathan’s probability of playing.
“He’s got a few things to get through throughout the week. We have another three training sessions. He’s tracking really well, so hopefully.”
If Nathan does suit up this Sunday, it will be a momentous occasion in more ways than one. Not only will it be a sight
for sore eyes for Panthers fans desperate to see the ‘Prince’ back in action, but the match will also be Nathan’s 150th NRL game.
With his halves partner Jarome Luai celebrating his 100th first grade game this Sunday as well, it shapes up to be a cool moment for the two-time Premiership-winning duo.
“That’s kind of cool, isn’t it? It’s funny how it works out,” Ivan told Extra Time
“I was just thinking, they are only just getting started really. They’ve been playing together for so long as kids and in junior reps.
“They’ve already done a fair bit together. Hopefully there’s a long-standing partnership here at Panthers.”
Sitting on top of the table, Penrith will go into Sunday’s clash against the Dolphins as raging hot favourites –that’s despite their availability of their Origin contingent still up in the air.
Ivan said he’s been impressed with what the Dolphins have achieved in their debut year and revealed he even paid a visit to the Redcliffe area himself last week.
“I think they’ve been a really good addition to the competition,” he said.
“I was just up there last week actu ally, and the town is buzzing about their team. It’s a bit like down here, there’s a real community spirit around what they’re doing and they’re playing pretty well, so it’s a really good challenge for us.”
Despite numerous injuries and suspensions throughout the course of the year, the Dolphins find themselves in 12th spot with eight wins to their name. They’ve been the feel-good story of the year and the Panthers coach isn’t surprised one bit by their success.
“No, it didn’t surprise me,” Ivan said.
“Wayne [Bennett] is a big factor. They are obviously well coached and there’s a strong sense of purpose around their team.
“The team they have put together, they’ve got some really good young players, some excellent experienced players and, like I said, there’s a good vibe up there and they’re doing really well this season.”
Panthers five-eighth Jarome
Luai knows he’s made mistakes in the past but, on the eve of his 100th game in the NRL, the 26-year-old father of three says he grown not only as a player but as a person.
Following a challenging few weeks, which saw him unfairly cut from State of Origin duty, Luai was back at the place he holds close to his heart –Penrith Stadium – on Tuesday afternoon for an Open Training session, which saw thousands of Panthers members in attendance.
While the Samoan international gets hammered from pillar to post by anonymous trolls on social media on the regular, the scene was vastly different earlier this week with genuine rugby league fans of all ages chanting his name as they pursued an autograph and a selfie from the talented playmaker.
Speaking exclusively with Extra Time, Luai admitted he was in a good place mentally after a difficult month that saw him receive death threats following Origin II in Brisbane.
“I feel good, man. I’m in a good mindset with everything that’s happened,” he said.
“Obviously coming back here and seeing how much the fans love you puts it all into perspective and it makes me realise that what I have is pretty special and not to take it for granted.”
Following Penrith’s monster win over Melbourne in Round 18, Luai took some time away from footy –spending it with his little family in their new South Penrith home. It was the reset that Luai desperately needed to get his mind and body ready for the business end of the season.
“I had a week off, I didn’t go anywhere. I hadn’t really been home
much because it’s been full-on with Origin,” Luai said.
“Just to spend some time at home with my babies has been refreshing for myself and I definitely feel ready for the back end of the year.”
Luai’s quest for a third straight NRL Premiership will continue this Sunday afternoon when the Panthers travel to Redcliffe in Brisbane for their first ever match against the Dolphins.
A sold-out crowd will be in attendance for the historic clash, which will also double as Luai’s 100th game in first grade.
“100 games has come by really fast
At Innov8 we love to be active members in the local community.
We are proud to be associated with the mighty Penrith Panthers.
Seeing the young team at Panthers develop and grow over the last few years is an inspiration to us to do the same in our business.
We are excited to see what the rest of the season holds from this stellar crew of players.
Innov8 are proud Penrith locals providing quality equipment and vehicles to the civil, infrastructure and construction industries.
– it’s just how much I’m enjoying my footy right now,” he said.
“I didn’t realise it was my 100th until two days ago when one of the boys tipped me up, so the boys knew before I did. It’s special because I’ve played all my 100 games here at Penrith. It’s my home and I love the club and I love the boys I get to play with every week.”
Luai admits he’s come a long way since making his NRL debut against the Newcastle Knights back in 2018. Not only was his infamous hair a lot shorter back then but he also debuted off the interchange bench.
“I remember all my games pretty well, but I remember my debut especially,” he said.
“It’s been a rollercoaster journey for myself, reaching 100 games, but I’m grateful for how it’s gone and what I’ve been able to achieve in those 100 games.”
While the first century of games couldn’t have gone any better for the St Marys junior, it’s the next 100 that will likely be his most important yet.
After numerous lessons learned –some harshly – Luai’s said he’s ready to tackle the next stage of his career and life.
“I’ve definitely felt like I’ve grown as a man and as a player, but most importantly as a person,” he said.
“I’ve gone through some things but everyone.”
panthers poster
POSITION: PROP | NRL DEBUT: JUNE 2016 (V MANLY)
WEIGHT: 107KG |
HEIGHT: 182CM |
DOB: 20/07/95 |
Innov8 Equipment are specialists in the design and construction of quality equipment and vehicles to the civil, infrastructure and construction industries.
On the night of Friday, June 30 a new star was born.
Less than three years in first grade and in only his 44th appearance at the top level, Panthers centre Izack Tago put in a five-star performance against the Melbourne Storm, which had every Penrith supporter out of their seat and chanting his name.
Tago’s stats from that night were incredible. He scored two tries, the fifth double of his career and his third double this season. He also finished with a try assist, he ran over 120 metres and made 12 tackle busts.
The scary thing is, that while the stats are impressive, they only tell half the story.
Tago was everywhere that night, jinking, weaving, scheming and while no one likes to see a player knocked out, the way the Storm’s winger Will Warbrick was bumped off and left unconscious, pretty much put an exclamation point on Tago’s night of nights.
It was a little unfair of me to say earlier that a star was born that day, this ‘star’ was actually born on April 5 2002 in Australia, NSW to be exact, which makes him eligible to play Origin for the Blues, but more on that later.
Tago played his junior football for the St Marys Saints, over the years a wonderful breeding ground for
many Penrith first grade players. The coaches knew they had something special when in 2021 and at only 18 years of age, they played Tago in the second-row in NSW Cup. It didn’t take head coach
Ivan Cleary long before he handed Tago his first grade debut. The game was against the Wests Tigers in Round 13. His impact was immediate and even a boofhead like me could tell the kid was some-
thing special. He took the ball up in kamikaze-like fashion, running his 90kg frame into players with far more size and experience than him.
Tago didn’t take a backward step and every step he’s taken since then has been forward.
Now while his stay in the top grade was short lived in 2021, Cleary had seen enough. He knew he had a first grade player on his hands but not as a forward. Tago was moved into the centres for the start of the 2022 season and within a month, the position was his for as long as he wanted it.
As for Origin, NSW Blues Advisor Greg Alexander already admitted that Tago’s name was mentioned as a possible selection for game three in Sydney.
He narrowly missed out however one thing is certain, Tago will play State of Origin sooner rather than later.
Tago’s contract with the Panthers was recently extended until the end of 2025 but I can assure you, Tago will never play for any other team, such is the high regard he is held in by the Penrith coaching hierarchy. Bugger that I say, for a new King has risen out west, his name, King ‘Izack Tago’ from the mighty city of Penrith and he doesn’t plan to abdicate his throne for a long time to come.
Izack Tago in action against Melbourne. Photo: NRL Images.There was a time when you couldn’t walk into a pub without bumping into the former rugby league player-turned-licensee.
It was almost a rite of passage –play footy, end up running the local watering hole.
The late, great John Sattler might have been the most famous publican of them all, dividing his time between singing in the cellar, charming the female patrons and dispensing with the over-imbibed who had mixed up their ambition with their ability.
Fast forward to 2023 and the story of the week is of the player who was possibly offered a share in a pub, wasn’t offered a share in a pub, has never walked into a pub or couldn’t identify a pub if it was the only building in the Simpson Desert.
The only thing that’s certain is that all parties involved probably need a Plan B.
If they’re offering minority percentages of hotel ownership to front rowers I can’t imagine what a game-winning halfback could get.
A casino, maybe?
Then again, that probably wouldn’t fly with the salary cap auditor, either.
The other big story in this not-sodry July is the players taking the step of not talking to the media, as they try to coax the NRL back to the
negotiating table in search of a new Collective Bargaining Agreement. That’s great timing if you happen to have been offered a share in a pub. Or not.
Whether the move by the RLPA has the desired effect from their point of view or otherwise will be determined in the weeks ahead, but while it’s got everybody talking
– except the players, of course – they need to look back to the very recent past to be reminded how quickly media organisations and indeed the fans can adapt in extraordinary circumstances.
The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 forced the world to re-evaluate the way it went about its work, and in rather quick time what would have been unthinkable in the past became almost routine. Businesses adapted overnight, because they had to, much like the RLPA has forced this change on TV, radio, print and digital outlets. What happens in a month’s time if the impasse between the NRL and RLPA remains?
As the past week has shown, the news cycle rolls on despite players pulling down the shutters on access, with no shortage of talking points coming out of the previous weekend’s action.
I have no doubt there are many worthwhile points the players are fighting for in the current backand-forth with the NRL, but if the governing body continues to call their bluff, then what happens next? Would they down-tools and bring the competition to a halt? If that ever happens they’ll need to extend pub trading hours, because there’ll be a lot more people other than just front rowers looking for a seat at the bar.
The Penrith Panthers have survived a late comeback to claim an important 18-16 win over the Cronulla Sharks in Round 19 of Jersey Flegg.
Played in breezy conditions at Henson Park in Newtown, the Panthers led 18-4 with 10 minutes remaining before the Sharks surged with two quick tries.
The Sharks had been first on the board in the 13th minute when they shifted left to Te Wehi Waitere, however the Panthers quickly brought it back to 4-all when Luke Philp stepped inside the Sharks’ defence in the 18th minute.
Some slick footwork from Blake Moore saw him step past the Sharks defence in the 28th
minute, giving the Panthers an 8-4 lead that they took to half-time.
The Panthers looked like they were going to run away with the game when Joseph Nohra scored a long-range try in the 48th minute, followed by a barnstorming charge from Peter Taateo for a four-pointer of his own three minutes later.
A penalty right in front of the posts allowed Nohra to finally land his first goal from five attempts in the 58th minute, extending the Panthers’ lead to beyond two converted tries.
The Sharks were quick to hit back, regaining possession from a short kick-off before Felix Faatili
scored a couple of tackles later, with former Panther Niwhai Puru converting.
They went the distance again in the following set with Tully Wilton scoring, cutting the Panthers lead to two with six minutes remaining.
The Sharks had further chances to score in the dying minutes but the Panthers defence held tight, claiming the win that sees them move three points ahead of the Sharks in third position on the ladder.
In Round 20, the Panthers make the trip down to Wollongong Collegians to face St George Illawarra on Saturday, with Jersey Flegg kicking off at 11.15am, followed by NSW Cup returning from the bye at 1pm.
KNIGHTS BRONCOS COWBOYS STORM WARRIORS PANTHERS
KNIGHTS BRONCOS SEA EAGLES STORM WARRIORS PANTHERS
KNIGHTS BRONCOS SEA EAGLES STORM WARRIORS PANTHERS
KNIGHTS BRONCOS SEA EAGLES STORM WARRIORS PANTHERS
KNIGHTS BRONCOS COWBOYS STORM WARRIORS PANTHERS
KNIGHTS BRONCOS COWBOYS STORM WARRIORS PANTHERS
KNIGHTS BULLDOGS COWBOYS STORM WARRIORS PANTHERS
KNIGHTS BRONCOS COWBOYS STORM WARRIORS PANTHERS
KNIGHTS BRONCOS COWBOYS STORM SHARKS PANTHERS
KNIGHTS BRONCOS COWBOYS STORM WARRIORS PANTHERS
KNIGHTS BULLDOGS SEA EAGLES ROOSTERS SHARKS PANTHERS
WARRIORS PENRITH
STORM WARRIORS PANTHERS
KNIGHTS BRONCOS SEA EAGLES STORM WARRIORS PANTHERS
KNIGHTS BULLDOGS
TIGERS BRONCOS
ROOSTERS WARRIORS PANTHERS
STORM SHARKS PANTHERS
KNIGHTS BRONCOS
KNIGHTS BRONCOS
ROOSTERS WARRIORS PANTHERS
STORM SHARKS PANTHERS
KNIGHTS BRONCOS SEA EAGLES STORM WARRIORS PANTHERS
TIGERS BRONCOS
STORM SHARKS PANTHERS
TIGERS BRONCOS
STORM SHARKS PANTHERS
KNIGHTS BRONCOS SEA EAGLES STORM SHARKS PANTHERS
KNIGHTS BRONCOS
STORM WARRIORS PANTHERS
The perfect opportunity for students, parents & job seekers to speak with potential employers & training providers with opportunities available now
FREE PUBLIC ENTRY - YOUR DREAM JOB AWAITS YOU
NEWCASTLE & HUNTER
Tuesday 8 August 3pm to 8pm
NEX - Newcastle Exhibition & Convention Centre
Newcastle West
CENTRAL COAST
Tuesday 15 August 3pm to 8pm
Mingara Recreation Club Tumbi Umbi
WESTERN SYDNEY
Tuesday 5 September 3pm to 8pm
Penrith Valley Regional Sports Centre Cambridge Park
ILLAWARRA
Tuesday 22 August 3pm to 8pm
Illawarra Sports Stadium Berkeley
SUTHERLAND SHIRE
Tuesday 12 September 3pm to 8pm
Tradies Gymea Gymea
MAJOR SPONSORS & PARTNERS
SOUTH WESTERN SYDNEY & MACARTHUR
Tuesday 29 August 3pm to 8pm
Liverpool Catholic Club Prestons
PROUDLY BROUGHT TO YOU BY
