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HIGH FIVE PANTHERS AIM FOR FIFTH STR AIGHT VICTORY
PANTHERS V WARRIORS > P39 Troy Dodds previews Sunday afternoon’s blockbuster NRL clash
CELEBRITY TIPSTERS > P44-45 Not sure who to back this weekend? See who our celebrities are tipping
CLINTON MAYNARD > P47 Why the NRL must expand to Perth after State of Origin success
Friday, June 28, 2019 « the western weekender
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SUNDAY, JUNE 30 • 2.00PM | MT SMART STADIUM | REFEREES: GERARD SUTTON & ADAM CASSIDY
PANTHERS 1
Dylan Edwards
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
Josh Mansour Isaah Yeo Brent Naden Brian To’o Jarome Luai James Maloney James Tamou (c) Mitchell Kenny James Fisher-Harris Viliame Kikau Frank Winterstein Liam Martin Wayde Egan Reagan Campbell-Gillard Moses Leota Hame Sele Kaide Ellis
the western weekender • extra time » Friday, June 28, 2019
MATCH PREVIEW
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WARRIORS
FOX LEAGUE
The Panthers and Warriors in action earlier this season. Photo: Megan Dunn
TROY
DODDS It may have only been six weeks ago but a lot has changed since the Panthers and Warriors last met. On that Friday night in May at Panthers Stadium, Penrith were comprehensively outplayed, losing 30-10 to a Warriors side that seemingly ended the home team’s season. But just six days after that crushing defeat, the Panthers surprised Parramatta with a 16-10 victory at Bankwest Stadium and haven’t been beaten since, collecting victories over Manly, the Roosters and Rabbitohs on their way to four straight wins. Now, the Panthers head across the ditch to Mount Smart Stadium to seek revenge on Stephen Kearney’s side and attempt to
keep their slim, albeit growingly realistic, Finals hopes alive. Penrith will have to do it without halfback Nathan Cleary, who suffered an ankle injury in the first half of New South Wales’ crushing victory over Queensland in Origin II on Sunday night. While losing Cleary is a blow, the Panthers have a ready-made replacement in the shape of Jarome Luai, who for some time now has been patiently waiting for a permanent spot in the halves to open up. While Cleary will return this year, Luai will get the chance to partner James Maloney for the next few weeks and show fans what he can offer when he’s given a full 80 minutes to impress. Luai has not let the team down when given opportunities previously and will likely relish the chance to show his flair, especially after grabbing some confidence from representing Samoa last weekend.
2GB 873 ABC 702 Luai’s involvement in the try scored by Brian To’o against Souths a fortnight ago showed exactly what he can do with the footy and perhaps his biggest challenge will be taking a back seat to Maloney, who is in sensational form at present and should be allowed to lead the side around the park on Sunday. If Penrith are to make the Finals from an almost impossible position this year, they need to be winning games like this one. The Warriors sit two points above Ivan Cleary’s men on the competition ladder and a victory here would propel Penrith deep into that battle for a spot in the bottom half of the eight. Despite the daunting nature of the trip to Auckland, Penrith have a reasonable record across the Tasman, winning about half of their games at Mount Smart Stadium. The Panthers also have a pretty good record over the Warriors, winning 22
1
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (c)
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
David Fusitu’a Peta Hiku Patrick Herbert Ken Maumalo Kodi Nikorima Blake Green Agnatius Paasi Karl Lawton Leeson Ah Mau Adam Blair Isaiah Papali’i Jazz Tevaga Nathaniel Roache Bunty Afoa Sam Lisone Leivaha Pulu
of their last 39 meetings including a Finals match at ANZ Stadium last September. The Warriors should not be taken lightly and certainly have plenty of points in them when things are clicking, but they’ve been incredibly inconsistent this year and with the change to representative scheduling, don’t quite get the leg- up during the Origin period that they used to. Dean Whare has been named on an extended bench for Penrith and if he happens to return, it will certainly bolster the side’s defensive stocks. While the loss of Cleary will prove a disruption for Penrith, I’m confident they can get the job done here. This side has changed dramatically in its intent and execution since these sides met six weeks ago, so I think it’s a safe bet to brush aside the form line and back the Panthers for a fifth straight win. Tip: Panthers by 8.
39
Friday, June 28, 2019 « the western weekender • extra time
PANTHER RUMBLINGS
with the Masked Panther
WAQA GONE As expected, the Panthers granted centre Waqa Blake an immediate release on Wednesday, with the 24-year-old to join Parramatta. “Ultimately it was a difficult decision to grant Waqa’s release but it will assist the management of our salary cap moving forward,” said Panthers CEO Brian Fletcher. “We extend our sincere thanks to Waqa for his contribution at Panthers and wish him the best of luck for the future.”
Jim Wilson with Mitch Kenny.
Waqa Blake’s departure will of course
spark further speculation that his place in Penrith’s top 30 will be taken by Tyrone Peachey. Peachey wants out of the Gold Coast Titans and has a desire to return to the Panthers. With Blake and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak recently released, Penrith have the money available to make it happen. The player transfer deadline of June 30 is fast approaching, however.
Halfback Nathan Cleary is out of State
of Origin III after scans confirmed he’ll most likely miss a month of football due to an ankle injury. Cleary went down in the first half of the Blues’ trouncing of Queensland in Perth on Sunday night and didn’t return after half-time. The 21-yearold has been diagnosed with a high grade lateral ankle injury and is currently dealing with a large amount of swelling. Fortunately the scans showed the syndesmosis in Cleary’s right ankle remains intact. He’s targeting a return for Penrith against the Raiders at the end of July.
7NEWS Sports Editor Jim Wilson has
praised the Panthers after hosting last week’s Andrew Johns and Laurie Daley Cup presentation night. “There is no doubt the Panthers have invested more than any other club in developing talent through their junior programs and links to country rugby league,” Wilson said. “I’m so excited Penrith is about investing in grassroots and talent from the city but also the country. They walk their talk and putting back into the game’s true heartland in the bush is fantastic.”
I’m hearing plenty of whispers at the
moment surrounding Penrith’s partner-
ship with major sponsor OAK. Various people around the club tell me the deal is all good moving forward, but I’ve heard the club has been shopping the sponsorship around in some quarters. Watch this space.
The daughter of Panthers legend Mark
Geyer has avoided conviction after being caught with cocaine at a race day earlier this year. Montana Geyer fronted court last week where she pleaded guilty to possessing 0.3 grams of the drug. Geyer was sentenced to a 12 month conditional release order, with no conviction recorded due to the small quantity of cocaine and her otherwise clean record.
CC TYRES FAMILY-OWNED & OPERATED, WITH OVER 60 YEARS SERVICING THE PENRITH REGION.
I can reveal the truth behind Corey Thompson’s reported potential deal with the Panthers. It appears the Wests Tigers, who panicked last week and re-signed Thompson soon after word of the Penrith deal leaked, were played by the 29-yearold’s manager. Penrith never made an offer to Thompson. His manager made contact with the Panthers and suggested a deal, which the club declined. There’s nothing more to it. Any suggestion the Panthers chased Thompson’s signature is way off the mark.
2003 Penrith premiership winner Luke Lewis is increasing his profile on social media. He’s already got more than
55,000 Instagram followers but Lewis has recently re-launched his Facebook page, sharing a behind the scenes look at his work with Fox Sports and the ABC, as well as his family life. Check him out at www.facebook.com/lukelewis011.
Spotted: Panthers legend Mark Geyer
wearing a Panthers shirt in Perth ahead of State of Origin II last weekend.
There’s speculation that Penrith will
promote one of their development players into the top 30 squad next week.
Heard a rumour? Tell me: maskedpanther@westernweekender.com.au.
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VETERANS BACK YOUTH NATHAN
TAYLOR Penrith’s injection of youth in recent weeks has been the catalyst to the side’s good run of form, according the club’s most senior players. 32- year- old backrower Frank Winterstein and 30-year-old prop James Tamou believe the energy and enthusiasm being dished out by Penrith’s latest batch of rookies has turned the side’s fortunes around. Just 14 rounds into the competition, Penrith have already debuted four new players: Liam Martin, Brian To’o, Mitch Kenny and Brent Naden. Speaking with Extra Time on Tuesday, Winterstein said he’s been blown away by the sheer quality of Penrith’s rookie players. “They are full of youth and have no fear, they are really backing themselves,” he said. “Each of them know their role and the signs are great. They are just going to get better and better as their NRL careers roll on.” The former Manly Sea Eagles forward, who switched to the Panthers in March,
said he’s enjoyed seeing so many youngsters live out their NRL dream this season. “As an older bloke you really cherish these moments, where you are a part of someone’s debut,” Winterstein said. “When I sit down and have a beer in five to 10 years’ time, I’ll be able to tell my family and kids that I played with this bloke when he debuted.” Panthers skipper James Tamou, who has seen countless youngsters make their first grade debut in his decade- long career, also spoke about the feeling he gets when a rookie takes the field. “I remember when Brian [To’o] made his debut, he did a speech and was in tears. Being around the game for so long you sometimes forget what it’s about and your first time,” he said. “That’s one thing I’ll miss when I finish playing, young kids coming through and making their debut. I love seeing their dreams come true.” With Penrith staring down the barrel of five wins on the trot, Tamou is grateful for what his rookies have brought to the side in recent weeks. “It has certainly picked everyone up and brought some real enthusiasm into the club which, at the time, was muchneeded,” he said.
the western weekender • extra time » Friday, June 28, 2019
FEATURE
Panthers captain James Tamou speaking with the media. Photo: Melinda Jane
'Ğƚ LJŽƵƌ &ŽƌŬůŝŌ ůŝĐĞŶĐĞ ǁŝƚŚ ASTAR Work Skills Ž LJŽƵ ǁĂŶƚ ƚŽ ƵƉƐŬŝůů͍ /Ɛ ŝƚ ƟŵĞ ƚŽ ƌĞĨƌĞƐŚ LJŽƵƌ &ŽƌŬůŝŌ ůŝĐĞŶĐĞ͍ Kƌ ƌĞ LJŽƵ ƌĞĂĚLJ ƚŽ ƐƚĂƌƚ LJŽƵƌ ŵĂŶƵĂů ŚĂŶĚůŝŶŐ ĐŽƵƌƐĞ͍ ^d Z tŽƌŬ ^ŬŝůůƐ ŽīĞƌ Ă ǀĂƌŝĞƚLJ ŽĨ ƐŚŽƌƚ ĐŽƵƌƐĞƐ ƚŚĂƚ ĂƌĞ ƐƉĞĐŝĂůŝƐĞĚ ƚŽ ƵƉƐŬŝůů ƚŚĞ ƚƌĂŶƐƉŽƌƚ͕ ůŽŐŝƐƟĐƐ͕ &D ' ĂŶĚ ǁĂƌĞŚŽƵƐŝŶŐ͕ ĂŶĚ ϯW> ŝŶĚƵƐƚƌŝĞƐ͘ ^ŽŵĞ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ĐŽƵƌƐĞƐ ŽīĞƌĞĚ͗ dƌĂŝŶĞĞƐŚŝƉƐ ĞƌƟĮĐĂƚĞ /// Θ/s tĂƌĞŚŽƵƐĞ ^ŚŽƌƚ ŽƵƌƐĞ WĂƌƚ YƵĂůŝĮĞĚ &ŽƌŬůŝŌ >ŝĐĞŶĐĞ &ŽƌŬůŝŌ ZĞĨƌĞƐŚĞƌ dƌĂŝŶŝŶŐ DĂŶƵĂů ,ĂŶĚůŝŶŐ ŽƵƌƐĞ KŶƐŝƚĞ ,ŝŐŚ ZĞĂĐŚ
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Friday, June 28, 2019 « the western weekender • extra time
FEATURE
CLEARY GROUNDED PENRITH’S STAR HALF SET TO MISS ORIGIN DECIDER
Nathan Cleary grabs a bite to eat at training this week. Photo: Melinda Jane
Nathan Cleary is set to miss around a month of football. Photo: Megan Dunn
NATHAN
TAYLOR
42
Panthers players are backing excitement machine Jarome Luai to fill the huge void left by injured State of Origin half Nathan Cleary. The Penrith and NSW halfback was ruled out for up to four weeks on Tuesday after injuring his right ankle in the Blues’ huge win over Queensland last Sunday night in Perth. Following scans, Cleary was diagnosed with a high grade lateral ankle injury but he won’t require surgery due to his syndesmosis remaining intact. While Penrith will be missing one of their key players for the next month of the competition, Cleary’s absence does open up a spot for 22-year-old Luai to continue to show fans what he’s capable of. Speaking with the media this week, Panthers captain James Tamou said while Cleary’s injury is “disappointing” for Penrith and the state of NSW, it does give Luai a chance to shine on the big stage. “It’s one of those things that happen, it comes with rugby league but Nathan seems to be in pretty good spirits,” he said. “Jarome’s not quite the structured player but he can make something out of nothing and sometimes that’s what you need. “It will be good for him to get the experience and keep building to eventually become a full- time starter, and I know that’s not far off.” Fellow Panthers forward Frank Winterstein echoed Tamou’s sentiments, saying Luai’s recent performance for Samoa should instil him with plenty of confidence heading into this Sunday’s clash against the New Zealand Warriors. “Nathan being ruled out is a massive
loss for us but it’s also an opportunity for Jarome to slot in there,” Winterstein told Extra Time. “Jarome will handle it and coming off the back of a good rep round he’ll be full of confidence.” Fortunately young Luai won’t be running Penrith’s show on his own, he’ll be doing it alongside NSW Origin hero James Maloney. The veteran playmaker and two- time premiership winner is currently in seasonbest form, and that was more than evident in Origin II.
“NATHAN BEING RULED OUT IS A MASSIVE LOSS FOR US” After a lacklustre start to the year people were calling for the 33- year- old to move to the UK Super League with immediate effect, however Maloney has more than proved his doubters wrong in recent weeks. “Jimmy has been massive, we were so happy for him to be involved in the second Origin game and he had some big moments for NSW,” Winterstein said. “I don’t think you can ever write- off players like Jimmy Maloney, he’s been there, done that, and it was just a matter of time before he turned it around. “As a club we’ve turned the corner on the back of Jimmy’s great performances.”
James Maloney proves he’s a born winner
ANDY RAYMOND hand in the Sharks winning their first premiership. The same can be said for his performances in Origin last year when he and Nathan Cleary led the Blues to a 2-1 series win. To put it plain and simple, James Maloney is a winner. His form for the Panthers may have been a little off to start the year, but you got the feeling that as soon as his name was read out by Brad Fittler in Game 2 he was primed for a big performance. From the moment Maloney walked into the camp you could see the whole mood in the Blues team shift, he was his jovial and joyful self and that looked like it rubbed off on everyone else. On the field Maloney was a ball of energy and never once looked under pressure, not even when Maroons forwards Josh McGuire and Jarrod Wallace tried to take him out of the game. The challenge for Maloney now is to take that mojo back to the Panthers as they look to climb back into the eight. The Panthers go into this weekend’s game against the Warriors off the back
James Maloney is in sensational form. Photo: Megan Dunn of four straight wins and if Maloney can continue to bring the energy and enthu-
siasm that he’s shown recently, it will be smiles all round for NSW and Penrith.
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here’s few players in the game who have a record like Panthers fiveeighth James Maloney. Everywhere he goes he brings success. When Maloney left the Storm in 2009 to find greener pastures at the New Zealand Warriors he had just four first grade games to his name. It didn’t take long for Maloney to make his mark at the Warriors, in just his third game for the club he scored three tries and kicked eight goals in a 28-point haul against the Broncos. In just his second year in New Zealand, Maloney led the Warriors to their second Grand Final and although they came off second best against Manly, Maloney did enough to attract the attention of rival NRL clubs. When he landed at the Roosters in 2013 things went from strength-to-strength for the lovable larrikin. Maloney went on to make his State of Origin debut and had a starring role in the Roosters’ premiership win over Manly, setting up two tries and kicking five goals. So it was no surprise when Maloney arrived in the Shire in 2016, he had a major
the western weekender • extra time » Friday, June 28, 2019
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Friday, June 28, 2019 « the western weekender
Why the NRL must return to Perth
CLINTON MAYNARD M
ore than 59,000 people proved why the NRL needs to show some vision and create a Perth- based club now. Sunday’s Origin match attracted the biggest ever crowd at the stunning Optus Stadium, bigger than any West Coast or Fremantle match, even bigger than last year’s AFL semi final. Surely that is finally the proof the NRL needs to get on with the creation of WA’s own team. I should say re-creation. Perth of course had its own team in the mid ‘90s. The only reason the Western Reds closed was they fell victim to the Super League war. Had the game not split I’ve got no doubt the Reds would still be here. However I have real doubts the NRL will have the guts to expand to Perth. I’ve heard several commentators argue against the move. One claimed the West Coast Eagles are too strong, others say broadcasters won’t want an extra game per week while another report said an NRL Commissioner suggested Andrew Forrest would need to commit $200 million to make it happen. All these arguments are nonsense. Firstly an 18 team competition makes
sense. A second Brisbane team is a no brainer along with Perth. Broadcasters are under massive pressure and the NRL has little chance of attracting the same revenue in the next broadcast deal unless it offers more content. 18 teams means an extra game and given the time difference in Perth, every second week that could be a 6.30pm Sunday game on the East Coast. With growing competition of Netflix and other streaming services, surely an extra live game is attractive. Financially Perth has the corporate presence to support a team. Just because the West Coast Eagles are based there doesn’t mean there isn’t room for an NRL club. We have Sydney- based clubs based in suburbs! Cash Converters, the original sponsor of the Reds, has already indicated they’d help fund and take equity in the club to the tune of millions of dollars. Finally the obvious reason to revive the Western Reds is the fan base. The Western Force was expelled from the Super Rugby competition recently. The reality is outside of New South Wales and Queensland sports fans don’t understand the difference between league and union.
the western weekender • extra time » Friday, June 28, 2019
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Friday, June 28, 2019 « the western weekender • extra time
NRL LADDER AND FIXTURES PD
W
D
L
B
F
A
13
11
0
2
1
345
157
+188 24
2 Rabbitohs
14 10
0
4
0
326
230
+96 20
3 Roosters
13
9
0
4
1
323
232
+91
20
4 Raiders
14
9
0
5
0
287
200
+87
18
5 Knights
13
7
0
6
1
275
230
+45
16
6 Sea Eagles
14
8
0
6
0
281
255
+26
16
7 Sharks
13
7
0
6
1
272
252
+20
16
8 Eels
14
7
0
7
0
311
306
+5
14
9 W. Tigers
13
6
0
7
1
235
280
-45
14
CLUB
1
Storm
+/-
PTS
10 Warriors
13
5
0
8
1
240
278
-38
12
11 Cowboys
14
6
0
8
0
238
290
-52
12
12 Broncos
13
5
0
8
1
219
271
-52
12
13 Dragons
13
5
0
8
1
237
299
-62
12
14 Panthers
14
6
0
8
0
196
290
-94
12
15 Titans
14
4
0
10
0
252
305
-53
8
16 Bulldogs
14
3
0
11
0
176
338
-162
6
FACE IN THE CROWD
Round 15
/ / / / / / / /
Thursday, June 27 7.50pm Bankwest Stadium Friday, June 28 6pm WIN Stadium
Friday, June 28 7.55pm Adelaide Oval Saturday, June 29 3pm C Cbus Super Stadium
IS THIS YOU?
Saturday, June 29 5.30pm McDonald Jones Stadium
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.
Saturday, June 29 7.35pm TIO Stadium
Sunday, June 30 2pm Mt Smart Stadium
Extra Time Issue Number 2019-016 PRODUCED BY The Western Weekender EDITOR Troy Dodds / 4722 2998 / troy.dodds@westernweekender.com.au
Sunday, June 30 4.05pm ANZ Stadium
CONTRIBUTORS Nathan Taylor / Clinton Maynard / Andy Raymond SALES DIRECTOR Chris Pennisi / 4722 2998 chris.pennisi@westernweekender.com.au
Every game of every round
LIVE with no ad-breaks during play
I want it all Every game No ad-breaks during play Dedicated channel Entertainment shows 4K Ultra HD*
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*Selected matches only. 4K Ultra HD requires iQ4, compatible 4K TV and Sports + HD packs. Foxtel marks used under licence by Foxtel Management Pty Ltd.
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A code divided, a legend returns 1997 was an intriguing year at the foot of the Mountains, where emotions collided, loyalties were tested, finals footy was played and a club legend returned. For rugby league fans, 1997 is a year few want to remember for obvious reasons. With the game torn apart and two competitions running, most of the action was off the field rather than on it, and if it wasn’t for Newcastle’s inspiring last gasp win over Manly in the ARL Grand Final, most probably would consider 1997 a year to forget. For Penrith, though, it was a reasonably happy time on the field. The club had joined the breakaway Super League competition, but for loyal fans, there was a bigger story than that. Greg Alexander, who had left the club to join the Auckland Warriors in 1995, was returning home. ‘Brandy’ Alexander, a local junior who led the club to premiership success in 1991, had faced a tumultuous time at Penrith after the death of his brother Ben in 1992, and went to the Warriors looking for a fresh start and a new challenge. His return to Penrith, however, was greeted with huge applause and praise from fans, who had missed seeing him run out for them every week.
Sporting a bizarre multi- coloured jersey that would somehow survive until the end of the 1999 season, the Panthers ran out onto the park on March 2, 1997 for the first match of the season. They easily accounted for the Western Reds, and would go on to win six of their first eight games. As if the script was written for him, Alexander capped off his return to Penrith with a 70 metre intercept try that had the small but vocal crowd on its feet. As the season rolled on, and as the rugby league world got murkier and murkier behind the scenes, Penrith kept performing reasonably well despite a big injury toll. Penrith made the finals, and on a wet and windy night at Belmore Sports Ground, accounted for Canterbury 15- 14. A Ryan Girdler field goal proved the difference on the night, but the game belonged to Tony Puletua and Matt Adamson who produced standout performances. The Panthers faced Canberra the following week in an elimination final, and the Raiders proved too strong, defeating Penrith 32-12. Raiders hooker Luke Priddis, who would go on to produce a man of the match performance for Penrith in the 2003 Grand Final some six years later, was the standout on the day.
the western weekender • extra time » Friday, June 28, 2019
Panther Flashback
SCOREBOARD NRL
PANTHERS WEEK OFF
NSW CUP
PANTHERS WEEK OFF
JERSEY FLEGG PANTHERS WEEK OFF Greg Alexander in 1997 Alexander only played six games in 1997 and certainly wasn’t the ticket-selling commodity officials had hoped for, but his cameo appearances throughout the season were certainly a highlight. The emergence of Craig Gower, Ryan Girdler and Matt Adamson were particular highlights of a season rugby league has now confined to history.
BEHIND THE PANTHERS
CAR O REG Car rego and insurance due?
SCHOOL FEES School fees looming?
REPAIRS
Fridge on the fritz?
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Don’t call a payday lender, call 1800 509 994 about a No Interest Loan.
Paula Fitzpatrick
The NILS program, provided by Good Shepherd Microfinance, provides an interest free loan up to $1,500 to Centrelink recipients and low income earners to assist them with essen al purchases.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED FOR PANTHERS? Six months.
It’s safe, affordable, and there’s no credit check required. With a wide range of essen al items covered, it’s a great op on for your next washing machine, television, dental needs, and more!
Receptionist/Administration WHAT’S THE BEST THING ABOUT WORKING FOR PANTHERS? The positive work environment and the opportunities I have been given to advance my career. WHO IS YOUR FUNNIEST COLLEAGUE AT PANTHERS? Kelly Lewandowski.
Call us today for more informa on and to find a local office to submit an applica on through. 1800 509 994 | www.nilsnswfindascheme.org.au
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Friday, June 28, 2019 « the western weekender • extra time
EXTRA MINUTES Almost two million people tuned in
to watch New South Wales demolish Queensland in State of Origin II on Sunday night. The figure would have been much higher had the game been closer, but plenty of people would have headed off to bed once the Blues started pulling away. While Sydney and Brisbane figures were strong, Channel Nine would also be happy with the 245,000 that tuned in down in Melbourne.
A cost-cutting measure by Channel
Nine that sees their commentators fly economy rather than business class has not filtered down to the legendary Ray ‘Rabbits’ Warren (pictured). While the likes of Wally Lewis and Phil Gould flew to Perth in cattle class last weekend, Rabs enjoyed the comforts of the front end of the plane. There’s no stopping his power.
If Nine is looking to cut costs, perhaps
they could buy a cheap watch and keep time themselves. Nine blamed a “provider” for a clock error during Origin II that added five minutes to the on-screen game clock. The match itself wasn’t affected. The fact that Nine has a “provider” for a clock is mind-boggling.
Bad news for North Queensland with hooker Kurt Baptiste to miss the rest of the 2019 season after scans confirmed he suffered a torn ACL while playing for Papua New Guinea last weekend. The 28-year-old was due to have surgery this week.
Rugby union should probably look elsewhere the way Kalyn Ponga is talking. The exciting Newcastle fullback seems committed to rugby league and is likely to sign a long-term deal. “It’s 100 per cent my goal to win a premiership with the Knights. That’s why you hammer yourself for four months,” he told The Courier Mail. “Rugby league has taught me a lot. It has shaped who I am. It has become a part of my life.”
Ash Taylor is back training with the Gold Coast but there’s no word yet on when he’ll return to playing. It’s understood Taylor is in a much better headspace after some time away.
Channel Nine’s Ray Warren is not giving up his business class air travel
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While Fox League didn’t have the
rights to broadcast State of Origin, their coverage of the three internationals on Saturday demolished their free-to-air counterparts in the ratings, with Nine’s decision to shift the matches to GEM proving a disaster.
Alena Higgins
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Nathan Taylor
Troy Dodds
Nicola Barton
Emily Feszczuk
Penrith’s most comprehensive coverage of local news – in print and online at westernweekender.com.au
the western weekender • extra time » Friday, June 28, 2019
experience!
WIN THE ULTIMATE
BLUES’ ORIGIN EXPERIENCE! Simply get a health check at your local, participating Aboriginal Medical Service and go in the draw to win a Deadly Blues’ experience!
The prize includes:
Penrith Clinic
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- Return flights to Sydney (includes accommodation and transfers to/from the airport and stadium) - Attend the Captain’s Run and tour the NSWRL Centre of Excellence on Tuesday, July 9 - 2 x tickets to State of Origin, game #3, on July 10 at ANZ Stadium - Watch the Blues warm-up from the Centre of Excellence on game day at ANZ Stadium
27-29 Lawson St, Penrith | Ph: 4729 7300 enquiries@gwahs.net.au | www.gwahs.net.au
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Friday, June 28, 2019 « the western weekender