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KICK-OFF! THE WEST WILL BE WON IN SEASON OPENER MASKED PANTHER > P32 Gus shattered by scandal, Tim Grant impresses and Frank Winterstein signs
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CLINTON MAYNARD > P39 Macquarie Sports Radio presenter joins the Extra Time team in 2019
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Friday, March 15, 2019 ÂŤ the western weekender
THE FINAL WORD
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SUNDAY, MARCH 17 • 4.05PM | PANTHERS STADIUM | REFEREES: ASHLEY KLEIN & CHRIS BUTLER
PANTHERS 1
Dylan Edwards
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
Josh Mansour Dean Whare Waqa Blake Dallin Watene-Zelezniak James Maloney Nathan Cleary James Tamou Sione Katoa Reagan Campbell-Gillard Jack Hetherington Isaah Yeo James Fisher-Harris Wayde Egan Tyrell Fuimaono Moses Leota Hame Sele Jarome Luai 19 Tim Grant
the western weekender • extra time » Friday, March 15, 2019
MATCH PREVIEW
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EELS
FOX LEAGUE CHANNEL 9
Dylan Edwards has been named at fullback for Penrith. Photo: Megan Dunn
TROY
DODDS Here we are again. The start of a new season, where hope and expectations are high – and every club’s dream of being at ANZ Stadium on the first weekend in October is still well and truly alive. Penrith kick off the season with what appears to have become a new NRL tradition – a battle with arch rivals Parramatta on Sunday afternoon at Panthers Stadium. Forget the fact that these two sides played in a trial just a fortnight ago and the Eels won 20- 0 – anyone who follows the form lines of trials should head to Randwick on Saturday and back 100/1 shots all day and see what they walk home with. There is of course something of a dark cloud hanging over this game given both sides have been rocked by negative head-
lines at the tail end of the pre-season, with Tyrone May and Peni Terepo the on-field casualties. Neither will line up for their respective sides this weekend for well publicised reasons. The Eels will overcome that easily enough given it’s an individual issue, but the sex tape scandal that hit the Panthers was widespread and it’ll be interesting to see if the team can brush it aside come 4.05pm on Sunday. All of that said, this promises to be an intriguing clash. You kind of know what you’re going to get with Penrith given there hasn’t been an enormous amount of recruitment over the off- season, though new faces Tyrell Fuimaono and Hame Sele both get a run off the bench; the latter apparently trained the house down during the off-season. Parramatta is an entirely different story, however. They parted ways with Corey
TRIPLE M ABC 702 Norman at the end of last season, with Brad Arthur putting his faith in youngster Dylan Brown to get the job done in the halves alongside Mitchell Moses, who himself is under enormous pressure to perform this season. Meanwhile former Panther Maika Sivo and 2018 premiership winner Blake Ferguson are the new look wingers for the Eels. The Eels are without Terepo, Manu Ma’u and most likely Junior Paulo for Sunday’s game due to injury, while the Panthers will be without Viliame Kikau. It’s a big blow for the home side as the Fijian powerhouse would have really caused some damage on that left side on Sunday. Parramatta would remember this corresponding fixture from last season, when after being up 14- 0 their entire season seemingly collapsed in the space of 50 minutes, with Penrith claiming their first
1
Clint Gutherson
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
Maika Sivo Michael Jennings Brad Takairangi Blake Ferguson Dylan Brown Mitchell Moses Daniel Alvaro Reed Mahoney Tepai Moeroa Shaun Lane Marata Niukore Nathan Brown Will Smith Tim Mannah Kane Evans David Gower
victim of the season. It is a reminder of how important opening round matches can be, especially when you are desperate for confidence as the Eels would be at the moment after such a disappointing 2018 season. For those who love a little bit of stats and history, Penrith haven’t lost an opening round encounter at home since 2012. I’m expecting Penrith to have a little bit too much class for Parramatta in the end, but I doubt this will be a blow-out result. I’m expecting a tight first half tussle with the Panthers to edge in front as the fulltime siren gets closer. The home side just has the better cattle. Tip: Panthers by 4. Panther Podcast: Make sure you check out the Weekender’s season preview podcast with Troy Dodds and Nathan Taylor. It’s on our website now!
31
Friday, March 15, 2019 « the western weekender
PANTHER RUMBLINGS
with the Masked Panther
GUS ROCKED The fallout from the sex tape scandal
that rocked the final stages of Penrith’s pre-season is far from over. While it’s unlikely any further videos will be released, there’s no question others do exist, some of which involve high profile members of the playing group. In fact, when club officials hauled the entire playing group into Panthers HQ in the wake of the scandal, they were shocked at just how many players admitted they could be in videos. The scandal has shattered Panthers boss Phil Gould, who has worked hard to build a strong culture at the club. While reports that Gould is close to walking away over the crisis appear to be off the mark, he seems to have temporarily at least lost his swagger and aura. The scandal will eventually fade away, but it’s certainly left a few scars with plenty more bits and pieces to play out.
Meanwhile, Gould has shut down his
Twitter account yet again, with the Panthers’ woes and his controversial views on fantasy football competitions clearly taking their toll.
A few special guests have popped in at
Panthers training over the off-season, and not all with a rugby league background. Rising boxing star Bilal Akkaway was among those who visited the playing group over summer, sharing his advice and expertise.
The team’s pre-season training hasn’t
all been about field sessions in the scorching heat and tough gym workouts. In fact I’m told the playing group has been doing plenty of yoga and mind and body work at training.
Penrith officials have been extremely
impressed with Tim Grant over the offseason. Not only has he trained the house down, but he’s been attending plenty of meetings with corporate partners and working hard to increase his presence around the club. Grant was rewarded for his hard work with a spot in Ivan Cleary’s 21-man squad for Sunday’s match against the Eels. His first grade career is not over yet, he’ll surely get a crack at some stage.
Phil Gould
Life after football is still something
many young players don’t think about, which is where Penrith Welfare Officer Glen Liddiard steps in. Liddiard has secured work for Brent Naden, Brock Naden, Daine Laurie, Liam Coleman, Alan Fitzgibbon and Luke Geary with NBN Co. With work to continue on the NBN for several decades, the players will always have a strong job to fall back on once their footy careers are finished.
You’ll notice a little change to the
post-match press conferences across the NRL this year, with the captain no longer to appear. Coaches will ride solo at the media briefings this season.
Penrith legend and Director Greg Alex-
ander has joined Crocmedia’s NRL Nation this year as a commentator. NRL Nation is
CC TYRES FAMILY-OWNED & OPERATED, WITH OVER 60 YEARS SERVICING THE PENRITH REGION.
available on 160 frequencies, as well as on the official NRL app and website, and on the NRL Nation site. Meanwhile, former Panthers half Jamie Soward has left Triple M, and taken up an opportunity with Macquarie Sports Radio and 2GB.
Penrith’s sensational digital and mar-
keting team worked for months on the ‘Panther Anthem’ video that was released last week to pump fans up. It’s a great video but it needed a big tick of approval before being released. Head Coach Ivan Cleary had the final say on the video’s content, giving it the thumbs up before the go button was pushed.
One of rugby league’s genuine nice guys and former Panthers assistant coach Peter Mulholland is facing the battle of his life after being diagnosed with non-
Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. The 65-year-old, who was on the sidelines with John Lang when Penrith won the title in 2003, is undergoing treatment after being officially diagnosed in January.
The Panthers have secured the
services of Manly’s Frank Winterstein on a one-year deal. The 32-year-old has been granted an immediate release from the Sea Eagles to head to the foot of the Mountains. James Tamou was excited about the signing: “A player of Frank’s calibre is massive for us, he’s a big man. I remember taking it off the kick-off once and getting pumped by him. It’s one less person I have to worry about.”
Do you have some news or gossip to
share? Send an email to maskedpanther@ westernweekender.com.au
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Tyrone May at training earlier this week. Photo: Melinda Jane
the western weekender • extra time » Friday, March 15, 2019
FEATURE
BACKING A MATE SENIOR PL AYERS MONITOR TYRONE MAY’S WELFARE NATHAN
TAYLOR Panthers leadership group members James Tamou and James Maloney have thrown their support behind suspended teammate Tyrone May. Last week the 22- year- old utility was stood down by the NRL and is now facing police charges after the release of several sex tapes featuring Penrith players. May is charged with two counts of ‘recording intimate image without consent’, and two counts of ‘disseminate image without consent’. While May can’t play during the standdown period, he is still able to train with his teammates. He cut a lonely figure earlier this week when he was spotted training on his own, away from the main playing group. Speaking with the media on Monday
afternoon, Maloney (pictured bottom right) said the Minchinbury junior is hanging in there despite his clouded future. “Tyrone’s obviously doing it tough like anyone would expect but he’s holding up alright. He wants to put it behind him but that can’t happen until he goes through the [court] process,” Maloney said. After experiencing two young players take their own lives during his time at the North Queensland Cowboys, James Tamou knows how important it is for fellow players to lend their support during a time of crisis. “As players, I think the only thing we can do is lend our support,” he said. “I’ve seen it personally happen with young guys coming up from North Queensland being in the wrong mind frame. Their personal wellbeing is important to us… they are around training but you never know what happens in those four walls in a room by yourself.
“You think to yourself, was there something I could have done? I don’t want to go through that again.” Following last week’s headlines, club bosses held several meetings with the Penrith playing group about the ramifications of bad off- field behaviour. It’s understood Panthers General Manager Phil Gould did it particularly tough during that week. “Gus stuck his neck out for this club, he single- handedly pulled it out from the bottom. He’s just trying his best to unravel everything and make it as clean as he can,” Tamou said. “We had countless hours in the meeting room and we all had to sit through it, I’m ready to move on from that. We’ve had all the head honchos come through, so my main focus is football.” Maloney said while last week’s events weren’t ideal on the eve of the 2019 season, all is still on track for a good year.
“I wouldn’t call it derailing by any means,” he said. “It’s not ideal but the club’s dealt with it and we move on.” May is due to front court again in May.
33
TAMOU: EELS POSE THREAT NATHAN
TAYLOR Panthers forward James Tamou said his side will have to be at their very best this Sunday if they are to knock off last year’s wooden spooners in the first game of the 2019 season. Parramatta and Penrith met in a preseason trial at Panthers Stadium just a fortnight ago, with a new- look Eels side running away emphatic winners 20-0. Speaking with the media this week, Tamou said he was taken aback with how determined Parramatta were that evening. “I was quite surprised by them… they were licking their lips. We were keen to play but not as keen as them,” the 30-yearold admitted. “Parramatta were clinical and we dug ourselves a hole. Coming off last year, they’ve recruited well.” While losing any game isn’t ideal, Tamou said his side took plenty of positives out of
the trial and will be a much different and focused team this Sunday, in front of an expected sellout crowd. “Coming off a loss there is always a silver lining and we definitely need to lift,” he said. “It’s a good thing because we know where we have to be to match them and it’s going to be a tough match.” Entering his 11th season in the top grade, the Cowboys premiership-winning forward said he’s looking forward to Sunday’s NRL opener after another long, hot pre-season. “You have 25 rounds but Round 1 is always special,” Tamou said. “It’s the opener, you’re meeting all the new fans over the pre- season, you’ve invested all the hard work, so you really want to get your season off to a good start. “Hopefully we get a sold out crowd on Sunday afternoon.” Meanwhile, James Maloney said he’s feeling like a youngster again after successful surgery on his neck in the offseason.
NEW MENU AVAILABLE
James Tamou was very honest with the media on Monday. Photo: Melinda Jane The 32-year-old can’t wait to rip into his second season with the Panthers. “I feel like I’m 22, I feel great,” Maloney said with a smile. “I’m looking forward to getting some
footy and getting into the good part of the season. “Pre- seasons aren’t fun no matter how many times you do them but they are necessary.”
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Friday, March 15, 2019 « the western weekender • extra time
FEATURE
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Panthers boast premiership-winning potential
ANDY RAYMOND I
s there anything better in rugby league than the anticipation leading into Round 1 of the competition? Every player in every team in the NRL has been “training the house down”, and is “bigger, fitter and stronger” than they’ve ever been before. Every fan is filled with hope and optimism that it will be their side who’ll be holding the NRL trophy aloft on the first Sunday in October. And Penrith Panthers fans have every reason to be filled with hope and optimism heading into the 2019 season. With the likes of James Tamou, Reagan Campbell- Gillard, Isaah Yeo and Viliame Kikau, the Panthers have one of the best young forward packs in the competition. In Nathan Cleary and James Maloney they have the New South Wales State of Origin halves; and in Josh Mansour, Waqa Blake and Dallin Watene- Zelezniak they’ve got some of the best finishers in the game. Ivan Cleary’s return to the foot of the Mountains is also a reason for optimism for every Panthers fan. Cleary Senior has long been thought
of as one of the sharpest minds in rugby league and with the squad assembled at Penrith he’ll have his best crack of turning that potential into a premiership. It also can’t hurt that the general manager of the Panthers is two- time premiership winning coach, Phil Gould. The Great Gus knows a thing or two about near-misses and ultimate glory, and you imagine that he and the team will be able to take it in their stride if things aren’t going to plan at some stage during the season. The Panthers kick- off their season against their arch rivals the Parramatta Eels in what is shaping up as a mouthwatering Sunday afternoon clash. Most punters have the Eels slotted in as wooden spoon favourites in 2019, but with the addition of Blake Ferguson and Shaun Lane and the emergence of young guns Reed Mahoney and Dylan Brown, the Eels promise to be anything but easybeats this season. As last year proved every win during the regular season is crucial and with an away trip against Newcastle and a Round 3 clash against the Storm to follow their season
the western weekender • extra time » Friday, March 15, 2019
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There is excitement around Ivan Cleary’s return to Penrith. Photo: Melinda Jane opener against the Eels, the Panthers will be looking to start their season off with a
bang. I think they may just get the chocolates on Sunday afternoon.
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Friday, March 15, 2019 « the western weekender
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CLINTON MAYNARD L
et me preface this by saying I’m an independent observer of the Panthers. I do love the loaded fries at the Panthers bistro, but I’m a supporter of another club so I come to this with genuine objectivity. Phil Gould’s five- year plan might have been extended a few times, but 2019 will be the year. The Panthers spent much of 2018 in the top four and were only knocked out in the second week of the finals by a point. That’s a remarkable achievement given coach Anthony Griffin was sacked so late in the season. This year the team has a coach who can take them the extra step. Penrith were the comeback kings of 2018, on no fewer than eight occasions they came back from being 10 points down, many of those games deep in the second half. Had the semi- final against Cronulla run another five minutes they would’ve played in a Grand Final qualifier. Returning coach Ivan Cleary will tighten up their first half defence but the side will retain its attacking flair. The Panthers have a forward pack that is
the western weekender • extra time » Friday, March 15, 2019
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The Panthers at training earlier this week. Photo: Melinda Jane quite frankly frightening for other teams. While Trent Merrin has moved on, Viliame Kikau is only just warming up and, in 2019, could well be the most destructive forward in the game.
Nathan Cleary will be another year wiser but the key is James Maloney, he is an out and out winner. If rumours are correct that this could be his last year in the NRL before moving onto the UK Super League,
he’ll be wanting to ensure he does what he did at the Warriors, Roosters and Sharks, take his team to a Grand Final. Come Sunday, October 6, it will be the Panthers doing the lap of honour at ANZ.
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Friday, March 15, 2019 « the western weekender • extra time
NRL LADDER AND FIXTURES CLUB
PD
W
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A
+/-
PTS
Panthers
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0
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2 Bulldogs
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
00
00
3 Cowboys
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0
0
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0
0
0
00
00
4 Dragons
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
00
00
5 W. Tigers
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0
0
0
0
0
0
00
00
6 Knights
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
00
00
7 Broncos
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
00
00
8 Rabbitohs
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
00
00
9 Raiders
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
00
00
1
10 Roosters
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
00
00
11 Sea Eagles
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
00
00
12 Sharks
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
00
00
13 Storm
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
00
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14 Titans
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
00
00
15 Warriors
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
00
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16 Eels
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
00
00
FACE IN THE CROWD
Round 1
/ / / / / / / /
Thursday, March 14 T 7.50pm AAMI Park Friday, March 15 6.00pm McDonald Jones Stadium Friday, March 15 7.55pm SCG Saturday, March 16 3.00pm Mt Smart Stadium Saturday, March 16 5.30pm Leichhardt Oval
Saturday, March 16 7.30pm 1300SMILES Stadium Sunday, March 17 4.05pm Panthers Stadium
IS THIS YOU? Is this you at a recent Penrith Panthers game? If it is, you’ve won a double pass to the Panthers v Tigers match at Panthers Stadium in Round 5! To collect your prize, visit the Weekender office at 2/42-44 Abel Street, Jamisontown and ask for Nathan Taylor.
Extra Time Issue Number 2019-001 PRODUCED BY The Western Weekender EDITOR Troy Dodds / 4722 2998 / troy.dodds@westernweekender.com.au
Sunday, March 17 6.00pm C Cbus Super Stadium
CONTRIBUTORS Nathan Taylor / Clinton Maynard / Andy Raymond SALES DIRECTOR Chris Pennisi / 4722 2998 chris.pennisi@westernweekender.com.au
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We are looking forward to a great year for our beloved Panthers football team. We believe there is no i in team and if Panthers operate with this in mind then success will be assured. When you meet and deal with my team, the goal is for everyone to be a winner.
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T
here used to be a video played at Penrith Stadium as part of the pregame build- up that featured Steve Carter saying the words “never give up, never give up”. The video was used during a tough time at the Panthers and epitomised not only where Penrith was placed during that period in the late 1990s but Steve Carter himself as a player. He was a dedicated, passionate player who wore his heart on his sleeve and was Penrith to the core. To this day, nobody has played more first grade games for Penrith than Steve Carter. He clocked up 244 appearances for the
Panthers, a record that won’t be broken for many seasons to come, with nobody in the current squad even close to that number of games for the men in black. He made his debut for the Panthers in 1988, and was part of a wonderful era for the club that included the 1991 premiership. The image of Carter pointing under the posts as Brad Izzard flew towards the tryline is one of the endearing memories from the 1991 decider. Carter stuck solid with the Panthers even during the tough times, eventually retiring in 2001. He probably should have retired a year earlier, but with the club
record for matches played on the line, he opted to stick around for the 2001 season despite injuries plaguing his later years. Carter’s long career at Penrith came during perhaps the most up and down time in the club’s long history. He was there for that first premiership, but he was also there when his teammate Ben Alexander was tragically killed in a car crash a year later. He was also there during the Super League years and witnessed first hand the club’s fight for survival, and he was there when a new era began in 2000 – the Panthers were back in black and on the cusp of an exciting new period.
the western weekender • extra time » Friday, March 15, 2019
Panther Flashback
During his 14 years with the Panthers, Carter scored 65 tries and even managed to kick three goals – two in 1998 and another in his final year at the club. Carter was never a glamour player of the game, and he only made one appearance for New South Wales – in 1992 – but he will forever be remembered as part of Penrith folklore. In an era where Greg Alexander, Brad Fittler and Mark Geyer were the a-list stars at the Panthers, Carter let his work on the field do the talking. He even inspired the club’s unofficial supporter group, at one stage called ‘Scarter’s Army’.
BEHIND THE PANTHERS
Mariah Broadbridge
HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED FOR PANTHERS? Almost five years. WHAT’S THE BEST THING ABOUT WORKING FOR PANTHERS? The pride I have in the club. I grew up going to games and now I get to help create the game day experience for others. WHO IS YOUR FUNNIEST COLLEAGUE? Jeff Lambert.
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Game Day and Community Manager
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Friday, March 15, 2019 « the western weekender • extra time
EXTRA MINUTES The NRL has been assured that the
Sydney Cricket Ground surface will be in an acceptable condition for tonight’s big game between the Roosters and Rabbitohs. Extensive work was undertaken this week to get the ground up to scratch after it copped a hammering during a Super Rugby game last weekend. There’s fears that the SCG may struggle to handle a very busy schedule now that Allianz Stadium is unavailable.
One of the big off-field battles this year
will be between Channel Nine and Fox League, who again go head to head with their NRL coverage this season. Nine will welcome the likes of Johnathan Thurston and Billy Slater to their team this season, while new panel shows will follow live games on Thursday and Friday nights. Meanwhile, Fox League will continue to show every game live and have expanded their team to include the likes of Kalyn Ponga and Cooper Cronk. One legendary voice that will be missing from your screens for much of the year is Ray Warren. The veteran Nine commentator is cutting back significantly this year and will only call a handful of games.
The NRL has announced the confirmation of a new Enterprise Agreement with
the game’s match officials. The NRL and the Professional Rugby League Match Officials have agreed to a four-year partnership.
The NRL has chopped many photographers from grounds this season, implementing a new series of rules surrounding match day access. Even The Western Weekender, which has covered Penrith games for years, had its photographer accreditation dropped, before earning a late reprieve. It’s a strange move from the code given you would think media organisations willing to invest in original photography at games should be celebrated, not punished.
The Parramatta Eels have stood down
Peni Terepo after being alerted to an alcohol-related incident in New Zealand last weekend. The club is now working with the relevant authorities in New Zealand, the NRL Integrity Unit and the RLPA to investigate the incident thoroughly.
Billy Slater will be forever present at
Melbourne Storm matches at AAMI Park after the club announced the naming of the Northern Stand in his name. “Billy’s impact on the Storm has been enormous on and off the field,” Storm CEO, Dave
The FOX League team are back bigger and better in 2019 Donaghy said. “His on-field records speak volumes, but he has also helped rugby league become part of the morning chat in coffee shops, schools, board rooms and shop floors across the state.” The naming of the ‘Slater Stand’ follows the Victorian Government’s announcement of a statue of Slater to be permanently placed outside of AAMI Park alongside Storm captain, Cameron Smith.
Canberra is hoping to welcome back
injured winger Jordan Rapana from injury earlier than expected. His rehab from shoulder surgery is ahead of schedule and he’s likely to be back by round 8.
The NRL’s Head of Football Operations, Graham Annesley, will address the media every Monday afternoon during the season at Rugby League Central. It’s all part of a plan for the NRL to be more proactive and open when it comes to issues that emerge from weekend matches.
Traffic Notice Penrith CBD Road Closures Penrith CBD Festival & Street Parade Saturday 16th March, 2019
Road
Closure Time
Opening Time
High Street (between Castlereagh & Riley Sts) Station Street (between Union Rd & Henry St) Woodriff St (between High & Tindale Sts) Riley St (between High & Henry Sts) & Henry to Jane St -- Westfield area) Union Lane (between Station & Union Lane 100m west including first car Park behind Tattersall’s Hotel to the ramp) Masters Car park closed
3:00am
7:00pm
PCYC Car park (to form up parade)
8:00am
1:30pm
High Street (between Lawson & Castlereagh Sts & High & Tindale St)
12:30pm
1:30pm
Need more information contact Penrith CBD office 4722 5556 or www.penrithcbdcorp.com.au or our Facebook event page.
42
WW36893
This is to advise motorists that the following road closures will be in place in the Penrith CBD on Saturday 16th March, 2019 for the staging of the Penrith CBD Festival & Street parade with a 12:30pm start.
the western weekender » Friday, March 15, 2019
SATURDAY 16TH MARCH HIGH STREET, PENRITH 9AM – 3PM
DreamWorks Trolls © 2019 DreamWorks Animation LLC. All Rights Reserved.
© 2019 Spin Master PAW Productions Inc. All Rights Reserved. PAW Patrol and all related titles, logos and characters are trademarks of Spin Master Ltd. Nickelodeon and all related titles and logos are trademarks.
MEET AND GREETS
ALL DAY ENTERTAINMENT
FOOD TRUCKS & MARKET STALLS FREE FUN
STREET PARADE 12:30PM
ROAMING CHARACTERS
FREE KIDS ACTIVITIES
Lower Mountains AIR CONDITIONING
4735 6411
WW36885
FOR FESTIVAL ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT PENRITH CBD CORP 4722 5556 | admin@penrithcbdcorp.com.au
43
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