Extra Time June 30 2023 (Round 18 - Panthers v Storm)

The two best defensive teams in the competition face-off in a Friday night blockbuster that will no doubt provide an early preview of September football. Both sides have played 15 games this season, won 10 matches and lost five. Their attacking records are strikingly similar, but there’s one statistic that splits them considerably: defence. Penrith have conceded just 188 points this season, while Melbourne has leaked 273 points. In some ways, Craig Bellamy’s side has gone under the radar this year. Some early inconsistencies, injuries and blowout scorelines had people thinking their time had finally come. After all, this is a side that lost games to the Bulldogs, Titans and Sea Eagles in the first two months of the competition.

Fast forward to Round 18 and here they are, sitting equal first on the competition table and getting plenty right at the perfect time of the year.

Perhaps the 45-20 loss to the Cowboys in

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Townsville earlier this month was the circuit breaker for the Storm. The season could have spiralled out of control from there, but it has instead got perfectly back on track with big wins over the Sharks, Tigers and Sea Eagles.

Meantime, the Panthers continue to go about their business, defying the critics to sit on top of the ladder after 17 rounds, a spot they’ve occupied more often than not over the past three years.

The next man up mentality the club has focused on over the past few seasons, and the systems Ivan Cleary has put in place, are definitely delivering – exemplified perfectly against the Knights last weekend.

Penrith completed at a remarkable 90 per cent, barely giving the Knights a chance as they dominated possession and every important statistic. Sure, they lacked a little bit of polish at times, but that’s to be expected with the amount of talent on the sidelines.

While Cleary had always had it in the back

of his mind to rest his Origin players for the Knights game, the decision was locked in when his replacement troops went down in Golden Point to the Cowboys in Townsville. He believed those players deserved the opportunity to right the wrongs of that night – putting extraordinary faith in them at a crucial time of the season. It’s the squad mentality the Panthers have and it’s why no matter who wears a Penrith jersey, you can expect a professional performance and for them to do everything they can to repay the faith put in them.

There is no question that both Melbourne and Penrith have great finishers, from Xavier Coates and Will Warbrick to Brian To’o and Izack Tago. But the real work is done up front, and it is the forward battle that not surprisingly will dominate all the talk heading into this one.

The power games of Moses Leota and James Fisher-Harris up against the brute strength of Christian Welch and Nelson Asofa-Solomona, who would run through a brick wall with ease if

it was in his way. His try against the Sea Eagles last Saturday night was evidence of that. It doesn’t matter what number he wears on his back, he delivers a demolition derby.

I really like Penrith’s bench over Melbourne’s, especially with Spencer Leniu coming on at some stage to inject some extra grunt into the contest, but there’s no doubt it’s evened out by Melbourne’s halves combination of a returning Cameron Munster and Jahrome Hughes, who has been in great form.

Jarome Luai is back in the team for Penrith but with Nathan Cleary still out injured, it’ll be up to Jack Cogger to step up a gear and guide Penrith around in enemy territory – there’s no question it is his biggest task to date in a Penrith jersey.

I’m expecting a low-scoring, tight tussle that might not be decided until the final minutes of play.

Hard to see more than one try in it.

Tip: Panthers by 4.

v STORM 1 Nick Meaney 10 Christian Welch 2 Will Warbrick 11 Trent Loiero 3 Reimis Smith 12 Nelson Asofa-Solomona 4 Justin Olam 13 Josh King 5 Xavier Coates 14 Bronson Garlick 6 Cameron Munster 15 Alec MacDonald 7 Jahrome Hughes 16 Tui Kamikamica 8 Tariq Sims 17 Kane Bradley 9 Harry Grant 18 Tyran Wishart 19 Tom Eisenhuth

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Spencer Leniu in action against the Knights.

Photo: NRL Images.

nrl ladder & fixtures

here ’ s cheers

NAME: SUMMER AGE: 18

SUBURB: MT DRUITT

Seasons as a Pantherette? One. Favourite food? Burritos. Favourite Panthers player? Dylan Edwards.

Must-follow social media account?

@thegoodquote. Go to pump up song? ‘Midnight Sky’, Miley Cyrus.

What do you love about being a Pantherette? The thing I love about being

a Pantherette is the understanding and connection between all the girls. New or old to the squad, you feel welcomed. You’re able to come in, do the thing you love, with people you love, for the team you love.

If you were stranded on a desert island, which other Pantherette are you bringing with you and why? I’d choose Annabelle. Since day one, when we met at auditions, we have naturally clicked!

panther rumblings

BEANIE ROUND IS BACK AGAIN

! Beanies for Brain Cancer: NRL clubs, players and fans will unite to raise money for brain cancer research for the seventh time when the annual Beanie for Brain Cancer Round takes place this weekend. The Mark Hughes Foundation hopes to raise $3.5 million during this year’s Beanie for Brain Cancer Round, which will see players, clubs, fans and broadcasters Channel Nine and Fox Sports come together for an important cause. Sportsbet is continuing its long running support of Beanie for Brain Cancer round by donating $1000 for every try scored in Round 18 NRL matches. NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said the Beanie for Brain Cancer Round grows every year thanks to the support of the rugby league community. “What Mark and his team have done over six Beanie for Brain Cancer Rounds is nothing short of inspirational,” Mr Abdo said. “Mark’s dedication continues to highlight what an extraordinary person he is, and the public’s support of his story and his foundation are also great examples of the rugby league community coming together for an important cause.”

! Coote calls it a day: Fullback Lachlan Coote (pictured below) was among Penrith’s most popular players from 2008 to 2013, with the Windsor Wolves junior playing 83 games for the club and scoring 193 points. He went on to have a successful career at the Cowboys before heading to England where he’s played for St Helens and Hull. This week, Coote announced his immediate retirement from the game on medical advice. The 33-year-old had suffered five concussions in three years, forcing him to make the difficult decision.

! Spotted: Co-captains Nathan Cleary and Isaah Yeo running a keen eye over Penrith’s preparations for last Saturday’s clash against Newcastle (pictured below).

! Cleary’s big call: Ivan Cleary had always pencilled in a plan to rest his Origin players for last week’s clash against Newcastle. But it was only cemented in when the Cowboys secured a Golden Point victory over his young fill-ins a fortnight ago. Cleary was desperate to give those players a shot at turning it around, particularly given the team has a bye before the next Origin encounter, and was confident they’d get the job done – especially at home. It would have given those youngsters, some of whom could be called upon later in the season in much bigger games, plenty of confidence.

Cleary was criticised in some corners for resting players but there’s no doubt he’s playing the long game as the potential for a three-peat becomes more real.

! Tim’s second retirement: A former Panther has called it a day. Tim Armistead has drawn his working life to a close and will now put his feet up and enjoy more time with his family. As a player, Armistead made 11 top grade appearances with the Panthers in the late 1970s.

! Beware the double standard: When Latrell Mitchell was allegedly racially abused at BlueBet Stadium by a fan earlier this year, the entire rugby league community and media rallied behind him. There were even calls for the young supporter to be banned for life. Jarome Luai was last week subjected to death threats, and it’s been intriguing to see the comparative response. Sure, Luai’s Instagram post in response was poorly thought out, but it shouldn’t be used to water down what sparked it. Veteran journalist Phil ‘Buzz’ Rothfield even suggested Luai should have simply responded by reporting the threats to “security”. What a

bizarre comment. Luai attracts plenty of haters and his style isn’t for everybody. It’ll even get him in trouble from time to time, as last week’s Instagram post proved. But the amount of hate he cops is extraordinary and unwarranted, and the media should call it out just as they did for Mitchell.

! Good Samaritan: Well done to the Panthers fan who paid for a teenager’s food at the kiosk at BlueBet Stadium last weekend. The teen’s payment app wouldn’t work and he was starting to panic – fortunately the fellow Panthers fan came to the rescue and paid for the food.

! Keeping it in the family: Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary has purchased the riverside home he spent much of his teenage years growing up in from his parents, Ivan and Bec. The Emu Plains property recently traded hands between the Clearys for $1.7 million.

! Share your goss: I don’t keep secrets, but I do protect my sources. If you’ve got some news to share, send an email to maskedpanther@westernweekender.com.au.

Mark Hughes with Andrew Abdo.

TO’O CRAVES COMFORTS OF HOME

returning to the comforts of home and spending time with family.

Popular Penrith and NSW winger Brian To’o says he’s looking forward to becoming a dad when his wife Moesha gives birth to their first child later this year.

The happy couple announced the heartwarming news on Instagram back in May before revealing the baby’s gender – a boy – earlier this month.

Speaking with Extra Time on Wednesday, To’o said he was

“I always look forward to coming home after a big game, whether I’m sore or whether we win or lose,” he said.

“I always look forward to coming back home to my wife and, with the baby on the way as well, I think it makes it 10 times more special.”

After missing the last two club games during Origin and rest, To’o will return to Penrith’s line-up this evening when they take on the third-placed Storm in Melbourne.

ever played in the Victorian capital and he’s looking forward to playing at Marvel Stadium, an AFL ground.

“This will be my first time down there. I didn’t even know we weren’t playing at AAMI Park,” To’o admit ted.

“I’m looking forward to playing with the Penrith brothers and hopefully putting on a good performance against the mighty Storm.

“It’ll be fun going down to Melbourne and putting on a good show for everyone.”

Seeing Penrith’s Origin contingent

Gender reveal: To’o and his wife are having a baby boy.

Brian To’o playing for the Blues. Photo: NRL Images.

Brian To’o is ready for his first trip to Melbourne.

Photo: Melinda Jane.

NATHAN TAYLOR

HOW SPENCE GOT PAST “THAT” INJURY

that made me think about it too much. I tried playing without the cup in my second game back [against the Roosters] and I didn’t think about it once.

Rupturing your testicle will always be an injury that makes everyone cringe, no matter if you have your own or not.

For Panthers prop Spencer Leniu, he’s still working his way back from the freak injury that cost him three games on the sideline.

The 22-year-old Samoan international required emergency surgery last month after rupturing his testicle following an accident at training. While everything ‘downstairs’ is all healed and working again, Leniu said it took some time for him to get his confidence back.

“Not to be funny, but a lot of my focus was to try and not get hit in the nut again,” he told Extra Time

“Especially during the first two games, I was just trying to get through each game without being hit down there.”

As it so happens, Panthers assistant coach and former captain Peter Wallace also suffered a ruptured testicle whilst playing a State of Origin match in 2008. Leniu said Wallace offered some insight into what he went through some 15 years ago.

“I was really fortunate Peter Wallace was here, he had the same thing, a ruptured testicle,” Leniu said.

“He was telling me a story that they tried to make him wear a cup when he played but he said, ‘stuff that’.

“I ended up wearing a cup during my first game back against the Dragons, but I think

“I’m feeling pretty confident about it now.”

While Leniu is doing his best to put the injury behind him, he’s still in the headlines when it comes to State of Origin.

While the big man is yet to make his debut for the NSW Blues, many are tipping his name might finally get called out when Brad Fittler selects his Origin side for the Game III dead rubber next week.

“It’s nice being in the conversation,” Leniu said.

“That would be the dream until it’s a reality. Up until that point I’m just going to keep performing for the brothers and keeping them at the forefront of my mind.”

Penrith has always had a healthy contingent in Origin in recent years and that hasn’t changed this series with a half a dozen players selected so far.

Leniu said it’s disappointing his Panthers teammates get unfairly targeted by the public when NSW fail to fire on game day, or lose the series.

“When you have so many boys in the team, it’s going to be a topic. But, in their defence, everyone gets picked on form,” Leniu said. “We are a top performing side, and these boys just play so good every single week and they deserve to be picked.

“I don’t think they are picking them just because they play for the Panthers, they are picking them on form and that’s all it is.”

Spencer Leniu chatting to the media on Wednesday.

Photo: Melinda Jane.

NATHAN TAYLOR

While back-up Panthers halfback Jack Cogger is tearing it up on the field filling in for Nathan Cleary while he’s injured, his good form also means he’s attracting the attention of other clubs.

Now my spies tell me he’s settled in nicely at the Panthers and would like to stay put but it will be hard for him to do so if another NRL club offers him a better opportunity to play halfback for them full-time.

Cogger is 25 years-old and in his prime as a half. He has fit seamlessly into the team and bought into the culture and systems Penrith have in place.

Playing for the Premiers may bring a lot of added pressure but it also provides you with a bigger platform, which can propel your career to greater heights.

FUTURE IS BRIGHT FOR COGGER lang on league

So far Cogger hasn’t put a foot wrong in his short four-game cameo for the Panthers this season, if anything, he seems to be getting better with every game.

Sean O’Sullivan used his time filling in for Cleary last season to showcase his talents and by season’s end was signed to a three-year contract as first-choice halfback with the Dolphins.

Back to Cogger and you got the feeling he was going to do just fine the moment he stepped in to replace Cleary in Round 14

when he left the field with a serious hamstring injury against the Dragons.

However, rather than dump all

the responsibility on his halves

partner Jarome Luai, Cogger took control of the side within minutes, barking orders at his forwards and

organising the attack, which let Luai create the ‘off-the-cuff magic’ he is so good at.

Already Cogger has amassed a highlights reel to be proud of. In his first game he kicked a perfectly directed ball across field for a flying Brian To’o to catch and score in the corner.

A few weeks later he kicked a field goal with seconds left in regulation time to push the game against the Cowboys into extra time. Then last week he made a covering tackle on flying Knights winger Dominic Young, which pushed Young’s foot into touch thus killing the dangerous attacking movement instantly. Cogger is all about the team and the way his teammates rushed in from everywhere to congratulate him for his tackle on Young, shows they like and respect him as well. He still has at least one more game as starting halfback before Cleary is due back. Yet you sense he’s not using playing for Penrith as an opportunity to show off his skills just to join another club next season.

There are still plenty of opportunities for him at the Panthers and I know the club is also keen on retaining his services as well. Watch this space because the next

Panthers back-up halfback Jack Cogger.

Photo: NRL Images.

with Peter Lang

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hidden panther WHO AM I ?

Visit www.westernweekender.com.au/ pledge

1. I made my first grade debut with Parramatta.

2. I played 157 games for the Panthers.

3. I played for my state and country.

4. I coached Fiji in 2018.

5. I played fullback and second-row.

LAST WEEK’S ANSWER: Robbie Beckett.

CAN YOU SEEK OUT THE HIDDEN PANTHER IN THIS WEEK’S QUIZ?

lower grades

LOWER GRADES GO DOWN TO WIRE

An under-strength Penrith Panthers have suffered a surprise 19-18 loss to the Newcastle Knights in the Knock-On Effect NSW Cup at BlueBet Stadium.

The match was close from start to finish, with neither side leading by more than six points at any stage.

The Knights opened the scoring after 15 minutes when David Armstrong got a lucky bounce from a grubber.

With Kurt Falls off the field undergoing a HIA, Trent Toelau combined with Jack Cole in the halves to turn the game towards the Panthers with several smart attacking plays.

lower

Daeon Amituanai got the Panthers on the board four minutes from half-time when he dived over in the corner, before John Faiumu crashed over next to the posts on the siren. Cole converted both for a 12-6 lead.

A 30 metre rampage from David Fale to score on debut was sandwiched between a pair of Knights tries, leaving the scores at 18-all with 15 minutes left.

The Panthers suffered another injury blow late with Cole forced off and were left to rue not attempting a field goal when Adam Clune slotted one to snatch the win for the Knights with two minutes remaining.

It was a better result for the Jersey Flegg Panthers as they bounced back to beat the Knights 20-18 in a thriller.

The Panthers enjoyed a perfect start, forcing an error in the opening set before Luke Hanson scored from the ensuing scrum.

A lucky bounce for Fletcher Sharpe saw him score the Knights’ first under the posts in the ninth minute.

A 40/20 from Joseph Nohra turned momen-

tum back towards the Panthers and they took the lead back in the 20th minute when Timothy Sielaff-Burns scored in the corner.

Tries late in the half to Harrison Hassett and Peter Taateo gave the Panthers a 20-6 lead at the break.

Luck turned Newcastle’s way after half-time,

scoring the only two tries of the half despite losing Ryan Rivett to the sin bin. They continued to attack throughout the final 20 minutes, however the Panthers’ defence held firm to record the two-point win. In Round 18, both grades travel to Canberra to take on the Raiders.

THE LIFESAVING AIRWAY CLEARANCE DEVICE FOR PARENTS, CARERS AND PROFESSIONALS.

LifeVac is a unique device used to dislodge food or hazardous items from the airway through a one-way suction which removes the object in the event of choking. The negative pressure generated by the force of the suction is 3 times greater than the highest recorded first-aid measure.

LifeVac has been designed to be used on children and adults and the pushpull motion can be mastered by any user. You can even use it on yourself.

Penrith’s Jersey Flegg team beat the Knights in a thriller. Photo: NRL Images.

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