Extra Time June 21 2024 (Round 16 - Panthers Bye)

LOVING LIAM

THE COUNTRY KID WITH A BIG FUTURE: HENRY OPENS UP ABOUT STELLAR NRL SEASON EXCLUSIVE CHAT: SEE PAGE 37

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Photo: NRL Photos.

panther rumblings

RETURN OF CHOCOLATE SOLDIERS

! Heritage jersey released: The Panthers have unveiled the 2024 Heritage Jersey to be worn in the club’s last home game of the regular season (pictured right). The jersey pays homage to that worn in 1967, the club’s inaugural season in the NSWRL, with the club’s foundation logo also featured on the sleeves of the jersey. It’s available to pre-order now. Meanwhile, BlueBet Stadium will be re-named Penrith Park in Round 27 as a tribute to the beloved venue before it’s knocked down.

! Flag removed: Remember last week I told you that a promotional flag featuring Taylan May was still flying proudly along Mulgoa Road? I suggested it wasn’t a good look, given the serious charges he’s currently facing and our city’s stance against domestic violence. This week, the flag was removed.

! Cleary on comeback trail? There’s plenty of rumours doing the rounds that Nathan Cleary could be back for Penrith’s next game against the Cowboys on June 30. That would even make him potentially available for State of Origin III on July 17. However, the Panthers won’t be pushing things when it comes to their co-captain, especially with the crucial run to the Finals ahead. I’d suggest a more likely return is after the club’s second bye – on July 21 against the Dolphins.

! Yeo’s presser cameo: You get the feeling captains are often only asked questions at post-match press conferences to make their presence worthwhile. Last weekend, Penrith skipper Isaah Yeo wasn’t asked a single question by a journalist in the press conference following the game against Newcastle. In a funny moment, the only question he was asked was by his coach – Ivan Cleary.

! Sideline secret: Which sideline reporter admits they sometimes make up the coach’s report at half-time for their radio crosses? Nobody actually believes every sideline eye speaks to the coach themselves, but there’s an

expectation there’s some element of truth in the reporting via either a trainer or official. In this case, certainly not.

! Fresh signing news: Expect the Panthers to announce the re-signing of NSW Under 19’s pair Casey and Jesse McLean within the next few days or weeks. A deal is close to ensure both remain at the club.

! Beanie success: The rugby league community has once again shown its extraordinary spirit in raising $3.1m for the Mark Hughes Foundation (MHF) in another hugely successful Beanie for Brain Cancer Round. Beanie-adorned fans flooded National Rugby League venues across Round 15 of the Telstra Premiership, which culminated with a full house at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle for the Knights’ clash with reigning premiers Penrith. MHF Founder Mark Hughes (pictured), who was on site at his former home ground for the final game of the round said rugby league fans, broadcasters and media all played a role in achieving the remarkable

fundraising result. “The rugby league community seems to find a way to lift every year, no matter what’s going on in the world,” he said.

! On your bike: While parking around Penrith Stadium isn’t too much of an issue compared to other suburban grounds, it may pay to bring your bike once the venue’s redevelopment is complete. 50 new bicycle parking spaces will be implemented as part of the new stadium, for use both during and outside of game days.

! New podcast: Don’t forget the Weekender’s brand new Panthers podcast, ‘Tension’s Running High’. The second episode will be out on Friday. It’s available at www.westernweekender.com.au/podcast or just search Western Weekender wherever you listen to podcasts.

! Blues stick with the plan: The New South Wales Origin team has returned to the Fairmont Resort in the Blue Mountains, maintaining it as their base ahead of the second game of the series next Wednesday night. The team has trained a number of times at the nearby Blue Mountains Grammar School this week. Penrith’s Dylan Edwards (pictured) will finally make his Origin debut after being chosen in the team for next Wednesday’s game at the MCG, alongside teammates Jarome Luai, Isaah Yeo, Liam Martin and Brian To’o. The Blues will head to Melbourne over the weekend.

! Share your goss: I don’t keep secrets, but I do protect my sources. If you’ve seen a player out and about, or you have some great gossip, let me know: maskedpanther@westernweekender.com.au.

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 is crowned our Player of the Year.

HENRY MAKES HIS MARK ON THE NRL

Like a fine wine, Panthers prop Liam Henry is getting better and better with each and every game he plays.

After running out in Penrith’s season opener against the Storm down in Melbourne, the 22-year-old has now racked up a dozen appearances in the NRL this year – and he has no plans on stopping either.

“I’m loving this year, it’s been really good and I’m learning a lot,” Henry told Extra Time “I love this team and I love this club. I’m picking up what I can from week to week and just trying to improve – that’s the biggest thing.”

And improve Henry has.

The Blayney Bears junior is now playing more minutes, getting in more work, and he’s even scoring some tries too – not bad for a prop who played three games of first grade across two years coming into this season.

“I think it’s just my confidence,” Henry said of his recent form.

“I’m feeling more confident with the boys and feeling part of the team, I think is a big one.

“I’m really loving how we are going and it’s been really good.”

While it came in a loss, one of Henry’s standout performances in his first full season in the top grade was against the St George-Illawarra Dragons at BlueBet Stadium in Round 13.

Making his first start of the year – playing

in the second-row – Henry notched up 74 minutes and made a jaw-dropping 78 tackles, which was six tackles shy of the all-time NRL record.

Henry said he was “shocked” when he discovered he had tackled nearly 80 times in a game, only missing twice.

“It felt like we did a lot of defence in the second half. They had a lot of possession and that’s how the game went,” he said.

“I was pretty buggered out there. You could see that by the end of the game when I went to take a carry and clean dropped it. I didn’t have much left in me, but it was a good lesson.”

Penrith, who now sit in second place on the NRL ladder, will enjoy the bye this week with Henry returning to the state’s Central West to visit his friends and family before the Panthers prepare for their Sunday afternoon showdown against North Queensland at BlueBet Stadium on June 30.

Henry said he’s looking forward to a huge run home as he pushes to put his hat in the ring for James Fisher-Harris’ soon-to-be vacant spot in the front row.

“Firstly, Fish is going to be a massive loss. He’s a massive role model to me and all the middles at this club – we’re going to miss him a lot,” Henry said.

“I’m just taking it one week at a time, enjoying my time in first grade, enjoying the minutes I’m getting, but still trying to learn off Fish and Moses every week and soak in as much as I can.

“Whatever happens next year happens, I’m just trying to get better every week.”

Forward Liam Henry crosses the line for his second career try. Photo: NRL Photos.

NATHAN TAYLOR

MIGHTY PANTHERS

FOOTY CLUB

You

C addens

C addens News (C addens Corner)

Woolworths

C ambridge Gardens

Coles

McDonald's

Overlander Hotel

C ambridge Park

C ambridge Park Newsagency

Cellarbations

Friendly Grocer

C astlereagh

Ampol Ser vice Station

Claremont Meadows

Iga Claremont Meadows

Coly ton

Coly ton Centre Pharmacy

Coly ton Friendly Grocer

Coly ton Hotel

Coly ton Newsagency

Hewitt Street Takeaway

Cranebrook

Aldi Cranebrook

Cranebrook Community Health

Cranebrook Village

McDonald's

Mother Earth Nurser y Plus Pharmacy

Woolworths Cranebrook

Emu Plains

Chambers Cellars

Lennox Centre Newsagency

McDonald's

Penrith Regional Galler y Woolworths Lennox Village

7/ 11 Emu Plains (Gre at Western Highway)

7/ 11 Emu Plains (Old Bathurst Rd)

Emu Height s

Super Save Compounding Chemis t

Erskine Park

Ashcroft’s Iga

Erskine Park Ctc

G lenmore Park

Coles

Mags News

McDonald's

Medi Advice Pharmacy

Woolworths

J amisontown

Abcoe

Atmosphere Fitness Signature Gym

B att Street Take Away

Grey Gums Hotel

Har vey Norman

New On York Takeaway

Parrabey Gourmet Kitchen

(Penrith Homemaker)

Patt y’s Place

S alt C afé (Penrith Homemaker)

S hell Ser vice Station

The Coffee Club Nepean River

Three Sugars C afé

We stern Weekender

York Takeaway

Zoo Fitness

7/ 11 Jamisontow n

Jordan Springs

Brooks Tavern

Jordan Springs Newsagency

Woolworths

Kemps Creek

C altex Ser vice Station

Kemps Creek Bowling Club

Kingswood

B arista Bar Coff ee Shop

(Nepean Private Hospital)

Countr y Brewer

Hallani’s

Kingswood Hotel

Kingswood Newsagency

Kingswood Smash Repairs

Kingswood Sports Club

Penrith Gaels Club

Volunteers Desk Nepean Hospital

7/ 11 Kingswood

Leonay

Emu Sports Club

Grow C afé (formerly Willow Tree C afé)

Llandilo

IGA

Londonderr y

Londonderr y Liquor Store

S hell X Roads

Luddenham

Au stralia Pos t IGA Luddenham

Minchinbur y McDonald's

Minchinbur y Fruit Market

Mulgoa

Glenmore Heritage Golf Club

Mulgoa Newsagency

Mulgoa Pharmacy

The Bunker

Nor th St Mar ys

Boronia House (Retirement Community)

MFC Food Stores

Orchard Hills

Flower Power

Oxley Park

Morris C are & Advice Pharmacy

Penrith

Aldi

Astina

Atmosphere Gym

Au stralian Arms

Brisket Boys

Ca fé Fre d

C altex Coreen Avenue

Coles Penrith (Nepean Village)

Coles ( We stfield Penrith)

Crescent Mini Mar t

High Street Pies

Hoyt s Westfield

Joan Sutherland Arts Centre

Liquor Stax Pe achtree

McDonald's High Street

McDonald's Panthers Le agues

McDonald's Pe achtree

Mercure Hotel

Museum Of Fire

Nepean Aquatic Centre

Nepean Motor Group C afé

Nepean Rowing Club

Nepean Village Coffee Club

Nepean Village Newsagency

Nextra Westfield

O ffice of Karen McKeown MP

One Point Health

Panthers Le agues Club

Pe achtree Hotel

Penrith Bowling Club

Penrith CBD Corporation

Penrith City Council

Penrith City Librar y

Penrith Golf Club

Penrith Hotel

Penrith Paceway

Penrith RSL

Penrith Senior Citizens’ Centre

Pioneer Tavern

RE/MAX

Sittano s Restaurant

Tattersalls Hotel

The Chicken Run

The Heritage Terrace C afé

The Log C abin

We stfield

World Gym

7/ 11 Henr y Street

Regentville

7/ 11 Regentville

Ropes Crossing

Coles

Ropes Crossing Newsagency

Silverdale

Mobil Ser vice Station

The Chemist Shop

S outh Penrith

Budget Ser vice Station

Fish Fish

Friendly Grocer

Grose’s Pharmacy

Southlands Newsagency

Borec Road Takeaway (Valley C afé)

Lemongrove Community Health Centre

South Penrith Neighbourhood Centre

Woolworths

St Clair Blue C attle Dog Hotel

Foodworks

St Clair Librar y

St Clair Shopping Centre

7/ 11 St Clair

St Mar ys Andrew ’s Corner Store

Ampol Foodar y Astley Pharmacy

C assand ra’s On Queen

Cr ystal C afé

Guido s Hair C are

Jayam Supermarket

Queen St Newsagency

St Mar ys Band Club

St Mar ys Fish Market

St Mar ys Le agues Club

St Mar ys Librar

McDonald's St Mar ys South Monfar ville Corner Store

TO SIGN CLEARY FOR LIFE

If Penrith want to stop other clubs from constantly poaching their best players and most promising juniors, it’s time to loosen the shackles when it comes to player retention and start offering both 10-year and five-year contracts to their best and most promising players.

I’m not going to go through the list of players the club has lost over the last four years, that’s been done to death and reported in the media ad nauseam.

Now there’s no way a club can keep every player it wants due to the salary cap but you can stem the bleeding by offering longer contracts.

Of the current squad the Panthers have done well to have marquee players like Nathan Cleary (2027), Dylan Edwards (2028), Isaah Yeo (2027), Izack Tago (2028) and Liam Martin (2027) tied up until at least 2027-28.

If it were me, I’d take it one-step further and sign Nathan Cleary to a 10-year contract and extend his current deal another six years until 2033 where he will turn 35 years-old.

Now before you all freak-out about that age, remember Daly Cherry-Evans is currently 35-years-old and playing some of the best football of his career. Cherry-Evans still has another year left on his deal and the Sea Eagles are already in negotiations to extend his stay until the end of 2026 – he will be 37-years-old.

Now let me make something perfectly clear, I wouldn’t offer just anyone such a long contract at 26 years of age, but Cleary is a once-in-a-lifetime generational player who needs to finish his career as a Panther.

Sure, Cleary has had a wretched run with injuries in recent years but with sports science and the treatment of injuries getting better, an injury

riddled career need not be in Cleary’s future. Also, by signing players to longer contracts you can pay less per year and offer them better job security as a result.

Last year Panthers CEO Brian Fletcher spoke of signing both Ivan and Nathan Cleary to ‘life-

he would only be 32-years-old, and that’s hardly over the hill by any stretch of the imagination. Meanwhile Cole, who is 20, would be a spritely 31-years-old and as a back, probably with another year-or-two of first grade football left in him.

As for five-year contracts, I wouldn’t hesitate in offering both Jesse McLean (19) and his younger brother Casey McLean (18) five-year deals right now. They have shown enough to suggest they are talented footballers with many years of first grade

Some of what I suggest may seem a little risky but with the players I’ve chosen, this risk is mitigated by the potential positive

Nathan Cleary deserves a 10-year deal at the Panthers, Peter Lang says. Photo: NRL Photos.

panther memories

Less than a year after the euphoria of the club’s first premiership, the Panthers were devastated when young star Ben Alexander was tragically killed in a car crash on June 21, 1992.

20-year-old Alexander may have been playing in the shadow of his brother Greg, but he showed plenty of talent in his own right –and had clocked up 36 games for the club by the time the mid-way point of the 1992 season had rolled around.

On June 21, 1992 the Panthers defeated Easts 23-10 and a function was held at the club afterwards to present the players with their premiership blazers from the previous year.

Ben had been dropped to reserve grade a week prior to the Easts game, and was not keen to stay at the function.

He and some mates decided to visit a nightclub in the area, but on the way, Ben was tragically killed at Colyton.

The death of Ben Alexander shattered the Alexander family, his teammates, the community and the Penrith club as a whole. Looking back through the eyes of history, it would take nearly a decade for the club to truly recover from the tragic events of June 21, 1992.

His name will never, ever be forgotten in the history of the Penrith Panthers.

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RABBITS

WesternSydney GigGuid e

Penrith Producers

5pm - 9pm

Pass the Mic

4:30pm - 8:30pm

Mayoral CHarity Fundraiser

5:30pm - 11pm ST Marys Leagues Club

Triangle Park, Penrith fri 21 Fri 21 fri 21

Parramatta Skate Park

Soloist Tony Sergei in the cafe

7pm - 10pm

The cafe, wenty leagues

The frocks 9pm penrith rsl club

japhaus universe auto show

5:30pm - 11pm manufactor, penrith

Best of the WestBattle of the bands

2pm - 6pm

Parramatta Square fri 21 sat 22

Redbull after dark party Happy Hour from 9pm Live DJ from 10pm

The Log Cabin

jimmy barnes

7pm

sydney coliseum

victor rodrigues @ the carlo

1pm - 4:30pm

Carlingford Sports Club