Extra Time March 19 2021 by Western Sydney Publishing Group

MASKED PANTHER Fish set for long term deal, and Footy Doubles return!

PAGE 32

STUNNING STAINES Try scoring machine opens up about his first full year in the top grade

PAGE 33

JOEL CAINE Awkward reunions highlight this weekend’s NRL matches

PAGE 34

CELEBRITY TIPSTERS Not sure who to tip this round? Follow the selections of our local Penrith celebrities

PAGES 40-41

POINT TO PROVE NEW CHAPTER IN RIVALRY BEGINS AS PANTHERS TAKE ON BULLDOGS MATCH PREVIEW: PAGE 31

Friday, March 19, 2021 « the western weekender • extra time

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the final word

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, March 19, 2021

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Brian To’o scores a great try. Photo: Megan Dunn.

TROY DODDS

ou don’t win Grand Finals in March but you do get a pretty good idea of how your footy team has prepared over the off-season. And while Penrith were a little rusty in their 24-0 win over the Cowboys in the opening round of the season last weekend, one word that was evident out of the 80 minutes was ‘energy’. Ivan Cleary has the batteries charged on this team of youth, and they look fighting fit for the long campaign ahead. Much like what we saw from this team last year during its incredible record-breaking winning streak, the Panthers always looked in control against the Cowboys – ensuring the blood pressure of the fans back in the stands remained stable. The defence was a particular highlight, and keeping any team to zero – let alone in the first round – is something to celebrate.

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SATURDAY, MARCH 20 | 3.00PM | ANZ STADIUM | REFEREE: PETER GOUGH This weekend Cleary’s men hit the M4 for a short road trip to Bankwest Stadium where they take on a Bulldogs side that will be looking to bounce back from last week’s opening round loss to Newcastle. And after a few years of vanilla-like clashes between these two teams, there’s now some substance back into the rivalry, with Trent Barrett defecting from Penrith at the end of last season and the club luring talented youngster Matt Burton to Belmore from 2022 onwards. Tensions are rising even more now that the Dogs are desperate for Burton to be released early, a request the Panthers have continued to slam the door on. So if you can tell in March how your footy team has prepared, how did the Bulldogs look? The short answer is they looked marginally better than their second-last place

finish in season 2020, but still appear to have a long way to go before they can be considered a serious Finals contender. Their defence remains the biggest concern, especially against a team like Penrith that will continue to knock on the door whenever given the opportunity and consistently made teams pay for their mistakes last season. The points should flow in this one, but first the Panthers must win the battle of the forwards. While Jack Hetherington will likely rip and tear for the Bulldogs against his former club, and Ofahiki Ogden offers plenty of aggression, Moses Leota and James Fisher-Harris should have their measure. So too should Apisai Koroisau against another former Panther in Sione Katoa, especially given Koroisau got plenty of rest last weekend, playing just 48 minutes. And when it gets closer to the line, it’s just

PANTHERS

hard to see the Bulldogs stopping Penrith’s mouth-watering left-side attack, full of that word I noted earlier – energy. Seriously, forget drinking a Red Bull – just watch these guys go around and you’ll feel 10 years younger. Go right and Charlie Staines is waiting, it won’t be long before he gets back on the try scorer’s list. Penrith will come into this one full of confidence, but far from cocky given last week’s performance wasn’t perfect. And while the side may have one eye on next week’s Grand Final re-match against Melbourne, there’s little doubt coach Cleary will have them focused on the job at hand – something he seemed to perfect during 2020, where distraction was replaced with drive and enthusiasm. The team may not be cocky heading into this one, but I am – I honestly can’t see the Bulldogs competing. Tip: Panthers by 44.

BULLDOGS

1 Dylan Edwards

10 James Fisher-Harris

1 Corey Allan

2 Charlie Staines

11 Viliame Kikau

2 Nick Meaney

10 Jack Hetherington 11 Adam Elliott

3 Paul Momirovski

12 Kurt Capewell

3 Will Hopoate

12 Raymond Faitala-Mariner

4 Stephen Crichton

13 Isaah Yeo (c)

4 Nick Cotric

13 Josh Jackson (c)

5 Brian To’o

14 Tyrone May

5 Dallin Watene-Zelezniak

14 Jeremy Marshall-King

6 Jarome Luai

15 Spencer Leniu

6 Jake Averillo

15 Renouf Atoni

7 Nathan Cleary (c)

16 Matthew Eisenhuth

7 Kyle Flanagan

16 Corey Waddell

8 Moses Leota

17 Liam Martin

8 Ofahiki Ogden

17 Dylan Napa

9 Apisai Koroisau

18 Scott Sorensen 19 Matt Burton

9 Sione Katoa

19 Tuipulotu Katoa 20 Chris Smith

Friday, March 19, 2021 « the western weekender • extra time

panther rumblings

WITH THE MASKED PANTHER

CHEERS TO THE GIRLS! because he was too busy being swamped with requests for photos and autographs. He’s quickly become a fan favourite.

MC Alex Cullen was forced to let guests in the Chairman’s Lounge last weekend know that the meal service would be slightly delayed. The announcement wasn’t surprising given the loud crash of plates heard coming from the kitchen a few minutes before.

Footy Doubles are back at Panthers Stadium this year, but COVID-19 restrictions means that volunteers from Rotary can’t wander the stands selling tickets. You can still buy your Doubles from the sellers near each gate – look out for them next Thursday night before the game against the Storm.

The 2021 Pantherettes. Photo: Megan Dunn.

How good was it to see the Pantherettes back in action last Saturday night against the Cowboys? This year the squad is being choreographed by Kati Manning, who herself was a cheerleader with the Panthers and is back in town after spending some time working overseas. Check out the full story in this week’s Weekender.

Panthers legend Craig Gower is a step closer to being awarded the Dally M Medal he missed out on back in 2003. An investigation into whether Gower should be awarded the honour almost two decades on from the cancelled ceremony is nearly complete, with the Independent Commission to have the final say. A call could be made as soon as the next few weeks.

I noted last week that the Panthers would make James Fisher-Harris a priority now that the key re-signings of Stephen Crichton, Isaah Yeo and Jarome Luai have been locked away. Now there’s rumblings that not only will Fish re-sign, but the

club is set to tempt him with a whopping five-year deal. While long-term deals have come unstuck in the past, especially at Penrith, the club is confident they’ll build their forward pack around Fisher-Harris for many years to come.

It’s hardly the biggest deal in the world, but it’s certainly curious that Panthers ground announcer Zac Bailey is also working at Bankwest Stadium as the Eels’ ground announcer this season, alongside Katie Brown. Bailey is in his second season with the Panthers.

The Masked Panther hears two members of the Western Weekender news team spent too much time in the sun on Monday. Journalist Nathan Taylor and photographer Melinda Sanders both set off alarms after being temperature checked at the Panthers Academy as part of COVID-19 precautions. Thankfully both passed a second check after being given the opportunity to cool down.

Spotted: Panthers legend Mark Geyer filling up his Hyundai with petrol at the Budget service station on Smith Street in South Penrith.

Talking of big MG, he’s the latest guest on the Weekender’s Passion & Perspective podcast, which lands today. Geyer talks about growing up in Whalan, his controversial rugby league career and his achievements post-footy, including the recent opening of his own gym. You can listen to the podcast on Spotify, Apple Music and Podcast Addict – just search for Western Weekender. You can also stream or download the episode at www.westernweekender.com.au.

Spotted: Forward Liam Martin stocking up on the essentials at Woolworths at Southlands.

Spotted: Jarome Luai late to arrive back in the dressing room for the team song after the win over the Cowboys

Ever wanted a personalised message from one of Penrith’s biggest stars? Plenty of Penrith players are now on Swysh, a platform that allows you to book personalised videos for birthday messages, anniversaries and the like. If you’ve got some extra pocket money, $200 will get you a message from co-captain and halfback Nathan Cleary. Those on a budget may look at Spencer Leniu or Brent Naden, who cost just $40. But the best value for money could be former Panther turned commentator Daryl Brohman – the Big Marn will give you some of his best for just $60. Check out www.heyswysh.com and navigate your way to the Panthers section to check out who’s available.

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STAINES FOCUSED ON TEAM FIRST NATHAN TAYLOR

omething rather unusual happened in Charlie Staines’ third NRL game last Saturday night at Panthers Stadium… he didn’t score a try. Last season the then 19-year-old became famous for being the first player in 83 years to score six tries in his first two games of first grade rugby league. While many Panthers supporters last Saturday were disappointed not to see Staines’ unbelievable streak continue, the man himself was more pleased he got through the game unscathed in a monster Panthers win. “After coming off the hamstring injury last year, it was just good to get another game under my belt, get through the game without any issues, and be happy with how I played,” he told Extra Time. The 20-year-old from Forbes in the state’s Central West had a couple of chances to cross the line in Penrith’s 24-0 thrashing of North Queensland, but was unfortunately denied on each occasion. Asked whether he felt any pressure to score on a weekly basis, Staines said winning footy games was more important than individual success.

Charlie Staines at the Panthers Academy on Monday. Photo: Melinda Jane.

“I think the commentators think I’m going to score four tries every game, but I don’t feel any of that pressure, I’m just trying to play my game,” he said.

“I think one of the biggest things to come out of that Cowboys game was holding them scoreless. Defence is what we pride ourselves on and once we execute our

attack a bit better, then we’ll be even stronger moving forward.” If Staines is going to resume his try scoring spree at some stage this season, it will most likely come off the back of his new partnership with centre Paul Momirovski. In an interview with Extra Time last week, Momirovski said he was looking forward to unlocking Staines’ potential. Staines said he’s building a close bond with Momirovski both on and off the field. “I don’t think it will take long to gel with him. We showed glimpses of what we can do on Saturday and if we keep building on that, we’ll be right for the season,” he said. “Paul hasn’t been here long, but he shares a locker next to me. He’s a very crafty player and I’m excited to play alongside him this year and build that combination with him both on and away from the field.” This Saturday afternoon Penrith will aim for back to back wins to start the season when they tackle the new-look Canterbury Bulldogs at Bankwest Stadium. Staines’ said he was looking forward to going up against the club that aggressively chased his signature, before he re-signed with Penrith, late last year. “It should just be like any other game but with Baz (Trent Barrett) being at the Dogs now, I know our boys will be fired up and ready to go,” he declared.

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, March 19, 2021

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joel caine E

veryone knows the first encounter after a bad-break up is fairly frosty, particularly for the one who initiated the split. Hell hath no fury like a scorned ex – and this rings particularly true in the NRL coaching world. Head coaches coming up against the club they formerly coached or assisted at have astonishingly poor records. Craig Bellamy lost to the Broncos 36-16 in his first meeting against his former club in 2003, and Ricky Stuart went down 18-10 in his first match as Raiders coach against the Eels. In fact, the only current coaches to notch a win in their first encounter against their former sides are Ivan Cleary, Des Hasler and Wayne Bennett. Even still, those three outliers have had meetings with an ex in which they’ve come off second best. Cleary was comfortably beaten by the Warriors in his first year at Penrith, Bennett lost to the Dragons by a point while in charge of the Knights, and Hasler lost to the Sea Eagles after originally moving to the Bulldogs. Shockingly, the only coaches who have yet to be outpointed by an ex are those without one or those who are yet to face them. Luckily for league fans, two coaches are set to face their exes first-up this weekend, as Trent Barrett’s Bulldogs take on the

Former Panthers assistant coach turned Bulldogs head coach Trent Barrett. Photo: NRL Images.

Panthers and Nathan Brown’s Warriors take on the Knights. Unfortunately for Barrett and Brown, I’m expecting both of them to struggle against their exes first-up. Barrett will be facing long odds to overcome the Panthers who remarkably shut out the Cowboys last week, and Brown will

need to knock off one of last year’s Finals sides in Newcastle who are looking solid again under Adam O’Brien. On top of Barrett and Brown, this week’s fixtures pit Brad Arthur against the Storm and Ricky Stuart against Parramatta – more fascinating examples of head coaches having to confront a former significant

other in this crazy world we call rugby league. While the NRL’s opening round produced countless storylines, week two’s awkward encounters should make this weekend one to remember. Listen to Joel Caine on Sydney’s sports station, SEN 1170.

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Awkward encounters highlight big round of NRL action

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, March 19, 2021

feature

ALWAYS DESTINED TO BE A PANTHER NATHAN TAYLOR

hen Matt Eisenhuth was informed late last season that he was no longer wanted by the Wests Tigers, the 28-year-old started to feel anxious. With the pandemic causing all sorts of dramas for unsigned players, Eisenhuth was concerned over his immediate future in the game. “It was a weird contract period with COVID… if you hadn’t signed a deal before COVID hit, it was taking a bit longer than what myself and my wife would’ve hoped,” he explained to Extra Time. “I wanted to stay at the Tigers but they told me towards the back end of the season that there wasn’t going to be a spot for me, so I had to look at other options.” After wrapping up his four seasons with Wests, Eisenhuth was contemplating his next move while watching Penrith enjoy a fairytale run in last year’s Finals Series.

Then, just when he thought all hope was lost, the phone rang. “My manager called me and said, ‘there could be a possibility of going to the Panthers, would you be interested?’. I said, ‘100 per cent’,” Eisenhuth recalled. “Watching them at the time playing Finals footy, I was feeling excited to be wanted by a club like that. A couple of weeks after the Grand Final it all worked out, I was stoked to come on board.” Last Saturday night at a packed Panthers Stadium, Eisenhuth made his long-awaited club debut with Penrith. Why is it long awaited do you ask? Well, Eisenhuth played some lower grades football with the Panthers eight years ago before joining the Wests Tigers in 2016. Eisenhuth said it was a thrill to finally play first grade for Penrith. “When I first came here as a young fella that was the goal, but it just didn’t eventuate,” he said. “But to come back and get that club debut was something pretty special. And to win on top of that was even better.”

Matt Eisenhuth had a strong debut for Penrith last week. Photo: Megan Dunn.

Eisenhuth was immense in Penrith’s 24-0 drubbing of North Queensland. Despite coming off the bench and playing 38 minutes, the 197cm lock topped his side’s tackle count with 32 and ran for impressive 129 metres, which was more than any other Cowboys player that night. “I was happy with how I played, but stats aren’t everything,” Eisenhuth said.

“For me, the best way to build relationships – other than at training and away from the field – is by playing games together, that’s when your teammates really get to know you. “Then, when you get that trust from the playing group, everything rolls off the back of that. It’s a big thing for me to work hard for my teammates.”

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the western weekender • extra time » Friday, March 19, 2021

Friday, March 19, 2021 « the western weekender • extra time

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Lose a Grand Final to win one? Panthers fans hope so.

warren smith Y

ou’ve got to lose a Grand Final to win one, or so the saying goes. Whoever came up with that line must never have met Steve Roach. I work with Blocker most weekends and we get plenty of time to kill in commentary boxes around the country, but not once in those hours before kick-off have I ever been silly enough to offer up anything resembling the idea that losing a Grand Final enhances your chances of winning the next one. Balmain boys may not cry, but they know how to throw a very good right hand. Maybe the person who first suggested that losing a Grand Final would bring wisdom and resolve to a football team was a Penrith Panther. After Blocker’s Balmain Tigers lost backto-back deciders in 1988 and 1989, the Panthers of Royce, Brandy, MG and Freddy were next to step up and get a shot at making amends in a Grand Final just one year after they, too, lost to the Canberra Raiders. Well, we know what happened in that rematch of 1991. Roycey scored the try that gave Penrith its first title and he’s still making good on his promise to have a beer with every Panthers fan in the golden west. Perhaps it was coach Phil Gould who coined the phrase in the first place? The Panthers lose in 1990, then they win in 1991. But Gus had already won a Grand Final at the first attempt with the

Panthers co-captain Isaah Yeo before the game. Photo: Megan Dunn.

Bulldogs in 1988 – I promise I’ll never bring it up, Blocker – so the answer to that is a

definite no, no, no, no, no. Which brings us to the present-day Panthers.

Can they do what Phil Gould’s 1991 team did and use the disappointment of a lost opportunity to fire them towards a premiership in the following season? They’re only one game in, but the calm nature of the post-game comments from co-captain Isaah Yeo after the 24-nil win over the Cowboys should put Penrith fans at ease. In a game where the Panthers first half dominance wasn’t reflected on the scoreboard, Yeo knew the groundwork was being laid for a season-opening victory at home. “I thought the way we were able to camp our way down there, and as much as we weren’t scoring tries we were putting repeat sets on them. I thought they’d be pretty tired and that would help us at the backend of the game,” Yeo said. “There was no panic at half-time”. No panic. Pressure would produce points. They’re the sort of words that would be music to Ivan Cleary’s ears. He has a young and evolving team that put together a remarkable winning streak last season. His son and co-captain, Nathan, has already spoken of the missed opportunity in the Grand Final and how there will be very few days go by where he doesn’t think of the loss to the Storm. But it doesn’t need to define him or the team, just as the 1990 loss isn’t the legacy of that fabulous team three decades ago. Lose a Grand Final to win one? Doesn’t seem like such a bad trade-off.

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ROUND 2 V

Thursday, March 18 7.50pm Bankwest Stadium

Friday, March 19 6.00pm Central Coast Stadium

Friday, March 19 8.05pm Cbus Super Stadium

Saturday, March 20 3.00pm Bankwest Stadium

Saturday, March 20 5.30pm Lottoland

Saturday, March 20 7.35pm Queensland Country Bank Stadium

Sunday, March 21 4.05pm Campbelltown Sports Ground

Sunday, March 21 6.15pm Netstrata Jubilee Stadium

Face In Th e Crowd

IS THIS YOU? ? Is this you at a recent Penrith Panthers game? If it is, you’ve won a $150 Fan+ voucher to use on an amazing and unique sporting experience! To collect your prize, visit the Weekender office at 2/42-44 Abel Street, Jamisontown and ask for Nathan Taylor.

Extra Time Issue Number 2021-002 PRODUCED BY The Western Weekender EDITOR Troy Dodds / 4722 2998 troy.dodds@westernweekender.com.au CONTRIBUTORS Nathan Taylor, Peter Lang, Joel Caine, Warren Smith SALES DIRECTOR Chris Pennisi / 4722 2998 chris.pennisi@westernweekender.com.au

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the western weekender • extra time » Friday, March 19, 2021

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Friday, March 19, 2021 « the western weekender • extra time

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the western weekender • extra time » Friday, March 19, 2021

No need to entertain early Burton departure

lang on league

with Peter Lang

f it were up to me, I wouldn’t release Matt Burton a year early, no wait, a day earlier than his contract stipulates. Why the hell should Penrith weaken its chances of winning a premiership, so the Bulldogs can have a better chance of making the Finals this season? The bottom line is if either Jarome Luai or Nathan Cleary go down, to have a player like Burton as a back-up is going to help the Panthers’ chances of winning enough games to make it to the big dance again. Now let’s get one thing straight, the Dogs want Burton for the same reason, so he can help them win games – nothing else. All the rest of the ‘BS’ that comes from the spin doctors in the media like, ‘oh Panthers are stagnating his development’ or ‘he’s a first grader playing reserve grade, what a waste’ is just crap designed to put pressure on Panthers HQ to release him early. I wonder how serious the Bulldogs are though. If what I’ve heard is true, their offers of a player swap have been underwhelming at best. I’m not going to name names because I don’t want to put down honest, hardworking players who are simply pawns in this little game being played. I sincerely hope the Panthers stick to their guns and keep Matt Burton in Penrith colours this season. He’s on a good wage, he’s training with a team which is going to contend for the title, and he might just

Cowboys coach Todd Payten gave Jason Taumalolo a spray last weekend. Photo: Megan Dunn.

learn a thing or two. Bugger that, the Bulldogs should be paying the Panthers this year for helping him become a better player than the one they signed last year! What caught my eye last week... The absolute brutal honesty of new Cowboys coach Todd Payten. He called out his best and highest paid player and made an example of him. It certainly ruffled some

feathers and I applaud him for doing it.

Rabbitohs, Cowboys, Roosters and Raiders.

What game I’m looking forward to... I’m tipping the Cowboys to bounce back big time against the Dragons this weekend. I’m going to go out on a limb early and say, whoever loses this one, might as well start planning for 2022.

The final word... I really hate the Bunker being able to over-rule the referee’s on-field decision after he awards a try. This new rule makes a complete mockery of the referee’s decision and, in the end, you don’t know when it’s safe to get up and cheer a try your team scores. I think it should go back to the way it was.

My tips for the week... Storm, Warriors, Broncos,

Panthers,

extra minutes !

The NRL has approved an application from the Sydney Roosters that could see Joseph Suaalii play top grade footy before his 18th birthday. NRL Chief Executive Andrew Abdo said the ARL Commission requested a range of assurances and independent expert advice prior to making a decision to grant the exemption. “This has been a rigorous process. Our decision is based on the independent advice of experts and information gathered from discussing Joseph’s school performance and discussions with the club and Joseph’s family,’’ he said. The Roosters are unlikely to rush Suaalii’s debut, but expect to see him in the NRL by mid-season.

Fox League is celebrating a new ratings record with last Thursday’s game between Souths and Melbourne becoming the highest rating opening round match in subscription TV history. The clash at AAMI Park had an average audience of 487,000. “This is a massive beginning for the 2021 NRL season. It continues a run of out-sized audience growth for league on subscription television in 2020 based on our growing number of sports subscribers, which is now at a high water mark in the company’s history,” said Fox Sports Executive Director Steve Crawley.

Talking of Fox League, it launched a brand new program on Wednesday night hosted by Matty Johns. ‘Face-to-Face’ is a new interview show featuring in-depth chats with some of the game’s biggest names. Wednesday’s episode featured ARLC Chairman Peter V’landys, with

Joseph Suaalii playing for Norths.

the guest list in future weeks including Anthony Mundine, Frank Ponissi, Danny Buderus and Karmichael Hunt.

Cronulla forward Toby Rudolf has been given a dressing down by the NRL, issued a warning over inappropriate comments he made in a TV interview after the win against the Dragons.

Ray Hadley is no longer part of the Continuous Call Team on 2GB, but he was back on air in the opening minutes of the program last Saturday. Hadley was on deck to pay tribute to radio legend John Brennan, who passed away the previous night.

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Friday, March 19, 2021 « the western weekender