the finalword
There is no doubt that Brisbane will welcome Penrith to Suncorp Stadium this Friday night with revenge somewhere in their minds.
While last year’s Grand Finalists have already met once since that famous night at Accor Stadium last October, the Broncos would love nothing more than send Ivan Cleary’s side away with their tail between their legs this Friday.
That early season meeting saw Penrith easily walk away 34-12 winners, but plenty has happened since then. Injuries have torn through both sides, with their respective halfbacks sidelined for lengthy periods.
The ladder will tell you that the Panthers have handled the injury pressures better, with the three-time Premiers currently sitting second on the table, while the Broncos are outside the top eight.
A mixture of injuries, player losses and strug-
gling to come back from that Grand Final defeat has really hampered Brisbane’s campaign this year, to the point where they haven’t won since back in late May.
If the Broncos are to make a run and keep their Premiership hopes alive, they must snap their four-game losing streak and upset the Panthers on Friday night.
It would be the kind of confidence-boosting win that could really kickstart their Finals tilt.
Another loss would make it really tough for Kevin Walters’ side to make the top four, or even potentially the eight.
As for Penrith, last week’s loss to North Queensland at home was far from ideal. Another poor performance in the rain, and one that showed the side’s depth is not as strong as it has been in previous seasons.
As much as Brad Schneider has been a reasonable fill-in at times, he’s not a game
manager and Penrith really lacked someone taking control of the contest at crucial stages last Sunday. The Panthers were gifted a 12-man Cowboys side twice in the game and couldn’t take advantage, mainly because the halves simply didn’t distribute enough quality ball out wide and couldn’t identify where the opportunity was in the Cowboys’ stretched defence.
Penrith will be a different team when Nathan Cleary returns, and once the other Origin representatives are back in the side. It’s a short window but Cleary should get the Panthers firing for that run home towards the Finals and then from there, you’d have to back the experience of the side to be a serious Premiership threat.
The Panthers will have Jarome Luai back calling the shots in the number seven jumper against the Broncos on Friday night and that should provide the side a little more direction.
With Brian To’o also back, the side should be able to get a better start to sets than what they had against the Cowboys for most of the game last weekend.
This run against Queensland teams (three in a row) is an intriguing one for the Panthers at a difficult point of the season, where Origin has taken its toll.
They wouldn’t have wanted to drop that game against the Cowboys on Sunday, and would have thought it was probably an easier scalp to get than that of the Broncos.
But Penrith has typically bounced back well from disappointment this season and I think they’ll be able to get the job done here.
Brisbane still have quality players across the park but the stocks are now running a little thin. Penrith’s forward pack is far superior and the Broncos have players out of position.
Tip: Panthers by 13.
panther rumblings
SUPERCOACH TO RELEASE BOOK
! Cleary puts pen to paper: In a rather surprising announcement this week, it was confirmed that Ivan Cleary has penned an autobiography. The Panthers coach will release Not Everything Counts But Everything Matters via Harper Collins in October. The 368-page book will delve deep into his work with one of the most diverse teams in the league, the challenges he faces as leader, and how to inspire a team of individuals to hall-of-fame team greatness, including working with his son and co-captain, Nathan. With a foreword by former Wallabies coach John Hart and insights from Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo, Api Koroisau and former Panthers Head of Performance Hayden Knowles, this powerful book reveals how to create a champion team. It’ll be out on October 16 and is available for pre-order now.
! 10 submissions to stadium EIS: Despite all the community hype and talk around the Penrith Stadium redevelopment, the recently published Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) has only attracted 10 submissions. One of them was rather explosive, as reported by the Weekender and other media outlets this week. The other nine were rather mundane. Penrith City Council, Sydney Water and Endeavour Energy all submitted responses, with nothing of particular note. The six other submissions were from members of the public, raising ultimately minor concerns about the stadium’s design and various associated elements.
! Spotted: Emotional scenes at full-time of the Panthers v Cowboys game last Sunday, as both Luron Patea and Casey McLean (pictured) embraced their families following their NRL debuts.
! What a Gem: There was a special Penrith Panthers link to Australia’s win over China at the FIBA U18 Asian Cup final over the weekend. Saffron Shiels is the niece of Panthers legend Greg Alexander. And she rounded out an incredible tournament for the Gems in the final, producing 31 points and 15 rebounds in the 96-79 victory.
! Spotted: Cowboys trainer James Maloney embracing some of his former Penrith teammates, including prop Moses Leota, at fulltime last Sunday afternoon.
! Lifetime deal a way off: Talk of a lifetime deal for Penrith duo Ivan and Nathan Cleary is very premature. Both already have long-term deals with the club. The Panthers want to open talks about an extension, but nothing over the top will happen. I’m told Ivan in particular isn’t convinced he’ll still be coaching in his 60s
(he’s currently 53). It’s all very exciting and it makes for great hype, but don’t expect much movement in this space for some time.
! Spotted: Former Panthers player and business powerhouse Lou Zivanovic at Sydney Airport boarding a flight for Spain for a special family holiday.
! Spotted: Security officers getting tough on Penrith fans carrying banners and flags supporting their team at BlueBet Stadium last Sunday. Some supporters who’d been bringing their banners for years had them checked for the first time in an apparent crackdown.
! Vegas, baby! It’s been the most drawn out storyline, but finally the NRL is set to confirm the Panthers will play the Sharks in Las Vegas to open next year’s NRL season. By the sounds of it, half of Penrith will be there!
! Spotted: The Penrith Pantherettes braving the rain to produce another strong performance at BlueBet Stadium on Sunday.
! Retro merch launched: The Panthers have dropped a bunch of new merchandise, including a retro 1991 Grand Final tee. Featuring custom graphics commemorating this historic inaugural Premiership, it’s a musthave for fans eager to show their panther pride and celebrate the Panthers success.
LEOTA KEEN FOR SHOWDOWN
NATHAN TAYLOR
xperienced Penrith prop Moses Leota says there’s no better game to bounce back from a loss than a Grand Final
The Panthers touched down in Brisbane on Thursday, ready to get stuck into a Broncos team who are staring down the barrel of five
With Penrith’s Origin brigade back on deck, they are hoping to give Brisbane a little reminder about what happened last October at Accor Stadium.
“I think everyone is looking forward to it,” Leota told Extra Time on Wednesday.
The Panthers will also be eager to turn their fortunes around after going down to the Cowboys last Sunday 16-6.
“We’re definitely up for the challenge, working hard and hopefully we’ll get the win.” Friday night’s clash at Suncorp Stadium will be the second time the two sides have met this season, with Penrith getting the chocolates in Round 3, 34-12.
The Panthers were missing their Origin contingent last week bar Isaah Yeo, but so were the Cowboys who rested six Origin representatives.
“It was a good game, the Cowboys played well,” Leota said.
Leota said Grand Final rematches are always extra spicy and the Broncos will be desperate for a victory after four consecutive defeats.
“They will be looking to prove a point after four losses and we want to be better than we were last week,” the 28-year-old said.
“The Broncos have a great team, they have heaps of young, powerful and skilful players. We just need to try and limit them and come away with the win.
“I’ve seen clips from last year’s Grand Final and it’s good to relive certain moments, but it’s a new year and there’s a new title to aim for.”
“We had some missed opportunities, but big ‘ups’ to them – they came prepared and ready to play.”
Thankfully, the 10-point loss didn’t hurt Penrith’s position on the ladder, remaining in second place after 17 rounds.
Leota said the side isn’t overly happy with its current form, however they are working hard to get back to their best for the run home.
“We’re definitely not happy… we can always get better every week,” he said.
“We’ve been doing our homework and just trying to build our game to get better every week.”
Moses Leota. Photo: NRL Images.
PANTHERS BRING SMILES TO SICK KIDS
Christmas came early for patients and staff at Nepean Hospital this week when they received a surprise visit from the Penrith Panthers.
On Tuesday morning, players donned their new Panthers-inspired Santa hats – available to purchase very soon – and visited the Children’s Ward at Nepean Hospital for a special Christmas in July celebration.
A Panthers Foundation initiative, the visit was led by hooker Mitch Kenny and also included Nathan Cleary, Dylan Edwards, Izack Tago, Mavrik Geyer and Riley Price.
The players hand delivered presents to kids – putting a smile on each of their faces – and posed for photos with the hardworking staff at the hospital.
This is the second major visit Panthers players have made to Nepean Hospital in the past year, having moved through the Children’s Ward corridors prior to Christmas 2023.
Thanks to Penrith Panthers for the images.
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Panthers players mingled with patients at Nepean Hospital.
Nepean Hospital staff were thrilled to have the Panthers visit.
Sick kids got to meet their Panthers heroes on Tuesday.
Nepean Hospital’s doctors, nurses and staff with the Panthers players on Tuesday.
Nathan Cleary and Mitch Kenny.
NATHAN TAYLOR
Tries: K Feldt, B Burns, J Purdue Goals: S Drinkwater 1/2, J Clifford 1/1
Tries: D Amituanai 3, A Kepaoa, N Murphy, Z Lamont, T Peachey Goals: B Scott 1/7
Tries: J Edgar 2, F Manuleleua 2, B Moran, J Cleary, S Lane, A Warwick, J Vailalo, P Hotere-Papalii, A Hotere-Papalii Goals: J Liddiard 9/11
Penrith Panthers games...
LET’S TURN BACK THE CLOCK!
ith the final Panthers home game at ‘Penrith Park’ getting ever closer, I thought I’d share some ideas on how I’d make the last day even more special for supporters and it starts with bringing Scott McRae back as the ground announcer one more
Scotty is the longest serving ground announcer in Panthers history. He started way back in 1998 and just kept on going until he finished up in 2019. His voice, personality and style are almost as iconic as the ground itself.
“100 per cent I would come back if asked,” McRae said.
“Actually it would be a nice way to close the chapter on 22 years of receiving nothing but love and affection from Panthers supporters.”
I believe he should be given at least one final swan song. Even if it’s a cameo role, but I think the majority of Penrith supporters would agree that he needs to be there when we say our final ‘farewell to Penrith Park’ on
Saturday, September 7.
Speaking of ground announcers, what about bringing back the booming voice of Rodney O, the ground announcer during the 1997 Super League season?
Even if it’s just in the form of a recording to sing out “EAST SIDE, WEST SIDE” one more time. Gives me goosebumps just thinking about it!
I’ve personally been going to Penrith Park for nearly 35 years, so I’d like to pitch a few more ideas for the club to consider for the final home game celebrations.
• First, let’s stop the clock with five minutes to go in the match like they used to in the early 1990s.
• Have the cheerleaders wear ‘Robertson’s Sleep Doctor’ uniforms, also from the 1990s. While we’re at it why not bring back a male cheerleader as well!
• I’d love to see the mascots Paws and Claws on the sideline helping warm up the crowd (not necessarily the original men who wore the suits though).
• Let’s get a ‘black cat’ to run across the field during the game.
• I’d also love to see the Panthermobile lead out former Penrith players for a walk around the ground at half-time.
• Why not play retro music stings all night, highlighting songs from 1967 right up to 2024?
• Reduce the cost of hot chips and drinks to 1967 prices – even if it’s just for one designated hour.
• Let’s hear the trumpet sound followed by a hearty “CHARGE” when the Panthers are attacking the opposition tryline.
• What about some fireworks at full-time after the Panthers win the match?
• We could also place the logos of some of the club’s most iconic sponsors in the in-goal area on either end. I’m talking DahDah Uniforms, Sanyo and of course OAK.
• Finally, let’s see the old Panthers scoreboard in action. It doesn’t have to be as large as the original, even a smaller replica will do or just have it as an AI visual on the video screen.
Look, there are probably at least another dozen or so ideas that can be done on that final evening that I haven’t even thought of. I also know not every suggestion can be used, but boy it was fun just listing the many special things that games at Penrith Park meant to me. I’m sure going to miss the place when it’s finally time to say goodbye.
The Western Weekender Penrith Panthers Player of the Year competition runs throughout the season, with our four experts delivering a 3, 2, 1 rating for the best Panthers players from each Penrith game. The player with the most votes at the end of the season
Scott McRae.
with Peter Lang
FOOTY CLUB
panther memories
A Stephen Crichton intercept 14 minutes from full-time will forever be remembered as the moment that decided the 2021 Grand Final and secured Penrith’s third Premiership.
The Panthers won 14-12 but not before a late scare with South Sydney halfback Adam Reynolds missing a sideline conversion four minutes from full-time that would have levelled the scores.
It was a Grand Final for the ages.
There were incredible scenes of emotion at full-time as the Panthers celebrated a hard fought victory over a newfound arch rival.
Nathan Cleary was awarded the Clive Churchill Medal.
The Grand Final was the only ever NRL decider to be played at Suncorp Stadium, with the entire back end of the 2021 season relocated to Queensland following COVID lockdowns in New South Wales.
(Photo thanks to NRL Photos)
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