HOW FORWARD LIAM MARTIN IS EMBRACING HIS LARRIKIN REPUTATION AT THE PENRITH PANTHERS SEE PAGE 34
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There is no doubt not all went to plan for Penrith against Brisbane last weekend, and the unusual feeling of losing at home remains hard to shake nearly a week later. But hitting the panic button would be foolish, given we know what this team is capable of. Even more foolish when you consider a 50/50 call going the other way or Nathan Cleary landing that two-point field goal would have changed the result and conversation entirely.
Penrith get the opportunity to bounce back in prime time as they kick-off Round 2 of the NRL against a South Sydney side they have dominated for the past few seasons.
Whether it was the 2021 Grand Final, the Preliminary Final last year or in 2020, or the key regular season games that have gone Penrith's
way, the Rabbitohs have really struggled to contain Ivan Cleary's side for some time. In fact, the Panthers have won nine of their last 10 encounters.
Souths would consider themselves a solid chance of knocking off Penrith here, especially in the wake of their generally impressive 27-18 season opening win against Cronulla last Saturday night. And if Lachlan Ilias plays as well as he did against Cronulla, there's no question we'll have one hell of a game on our hands on Thursday.
But as good as Souths were, and as much as Penrith clearly have plenty to work on, back-toback losses at home in this current Penrith era are exceptionally rare. In fact, you have to go back to 2019 to find the last time it happened.
For Penrith, victory here will simply be about brushing off the cobwebs that are clearly still hanging around after their limited pre-season. I mentioned last week that Premiers can often have difficult starts to new seasons and while Penrith overcame that in 2021-22, perhaps it'll be a little tougher this year.
All the elements were still there last weekend. Brian To'o's post-contact metres were sensational, Nathan Cleary's line engagement was strong and Dylan Edwards ran more than anyone in the entire competition last weekend.
The reality is Brisbane came fired up, ready to play and with a point to prove. It was one of the best victories the club has had under Kevin Walters and Penrith often had little answer to their relentless defence.
The question marks over Mitch Kenny at hooker remain, but that's not to suggest Soni Luke should automatically get more minutes. Kenny wasn't the reason Penrith lost last weekend. He made 53 tackles and was solid in the middle; and let's not forget he started some pretty big games for the Panthers at the back end of last season. Luke came into the game at the right time, but whether he’s used earlier in the weeks ahead is very much a ‘wait and see’ proposition.
I’m expecting a strong forward showing from Souths here, but the Panthers should be able to wear them down. They come into the contest fitter, more experienced in big games and with plenty of fire in the belly.
Tip: Panthers by 12.
Is
PRODUCED
WRITERS
NAME:
Seasons
Favourite Panthers player? James Fisher-Harris.
Must-follow social media account?
@mesciatwinsoffical.
What do you love about being a
Pantherette? I love everything about being a Pantherette, the girls, the dancing, the atmosphere, the field and the Panthers fans.
Go-to pump up song? ‘Pump It Up’, Endor.
If you were stranded on a desert island, who are you bringing with you and why?
My dog Molly because I honestly don’t think I could live without her.
! Nothing in heated exchange: The much-publicised ‘conversation’ between Jarome Luai and Jaeman Salmon after fulltime last Friday night was not the first time the pair clashed. Eagle-eyed supporters at the ground spotted the duo having words after Adam Reynolds kicked a field goal to put the Broncos 13-6 up. Regardless, everyone around the club is very keen to play this down – and it appears it’s legitimate to say it was simply a disagreement that all colleagues in such an environment would have from time to time. It’s nothing to be overly concerned about. Luai and Salmon have always gotten on well – and were mucking around at training together on Tuesday.
! Panthers go Shark hunting: I’m told Penrith are interested in a Cronulla forward to bolster their squad for 2024. Watch this space.
! Negotiation challenge: One of the more complex situations when it comes to negotiating new deals at Penrith is that a number of players involve not only their parents, but their church. It makes the ins and outs of various deals a little more complicated – and there’s at least one player whose father was way too involved in contract negotiations for the club’s liking.
! Spotted: Former Panthers ground announcer Scott McRae (pictured below) at his new gig with the Manly Sea Eagles.
week. “Trent [Robinson] is a really good coach and the Roosters have been the pinnacle of the NRL for a number of years,” he told the Herald “There was an opportunity there for me and he explained what he sees in me and how I can impact that team.” The “pinnacle of the NRL” comment hasn’t gone down well with Penrith fans and some officials. After all, Leniu is currently at a club that has won the last two Premierships, played in three straight Grand Finals and has an extraordinary win percentage. If that’s not pinnacle, I’m not sure what is. It’s odd praise for a team that remains a strong competitor and opposition for the next six months. No matter how he explains it, it’s a bizarre comment to make.
back to full transparency in future weeks, with the full press conference available to view live and afterwards.
! Spotted: Another former ground announcer, Zac Bailey, a little closer to home –standing in the media box last Friday night at BlueBet Stadium.
! Leniu’s bizarre words: There is no doubt that an interview outgoing Panthers forward Spencer Leniu undertook with the Sydney Morning Herald raised some eyebrows this
! Transparency, please: The NRL usually live streams Head of Football Graham Annesley’s Monday press conference in full (pictured top right), so fans can get insight into any controversial decisions made over the weekend, as well as revealing statistics and other interesting information. On Monday, it only posted select videos from Annesley’s briefing – a two minute boast about weekend stats, and then a couple of HIA explainers. Let’s hope we get
! Penrith sets new TV record: Last week’s NRL game between Penrith and Brisbane was the highest rating Friday night match of alltime on Fox Sports. 313,000 people watched the game through Foxtel but when streaming and Kayo figures are added, a total viewership of 552,000 was recorded. Never before has a subscription game in the regular season rated that highly.
! Spotted: This passionate Panthers fan in a unique, and dare I say failed, attempt at staying dry last Friday night.
! Ciraldo hunted by Bennett: It turns out super coach Wayne Bennett tried to lure Panthers assistant coach Cameron Ciraldo to the Dolphins for their inaugural season this year. In the new Stan documentary ‘Dawn of the Dolphins’, Bennett reveals he called Ciraldo about joining the club as an assistant, with the path to eventually taking over as head coach. In the end, Ciraldo took on the job with Canterbury.
! Must-have for collectors: Trading cards might not be as big as they were in the 1990s, but die-hard footy fans can still get their hands on the collector’s items this season. 2023 footy cards are out now, and they include a range of special sets. A full box costs about $180.
Jarome Luai and Jaeman Salmon embrace after last year’s Grand Final. Photo: NRL Images.was famously known as ‘Iceman’ and Moses Leota appropriately named ‘Tank’, Martin’s call sign was rather humorous… ‘Rash’.
If you’ve seen the brilliant new Panthers documentary ‘All The Way’ on 9Now, you got an incredible behind the scenes insight into Penrith’s historic premiership defence, but viewers also got to witness the stars of the team from a very different angle. With cameras in their face and some hidden away, players were captured going about their business as they prepared for the biggest matches of their lives.
While some players got more air time than others, Panthers and Kangaroos forward Liam Martin was featured quite heavily because of his larrikin ways.
Unless you’re in the Panthers inner sanctum, not many people knew the country kid from Temora was such a character – a laugh a minute type guy when he’s not pummelling people into the ground on the footy field.
The 26-year-old explained to Extra Time just where that particular name came from.
“My ‘Top Gun’ name was ‘Rash’, thanks to Cirro,” Martin said.
“I pester everyone, but especially Cirro. I used to not leave him alone. I think I shook his hand 10 times a day because he was a massive germaphobe. I always went out of my way to seek him out.”
Earlier this week, Martin was also the subject of new Fox League interview series ‘Face to Face’ with reporter Jake Duke.
The 30-minute special delved into the life of the popular Penrith forward and it was very well received by fans.
Martin said it’s important for the public to get to know players away from footy and in a more relaxed setting.
“My Mum called me after it aired and she just said how much she loved it and she was full on crying over it,” Martin revealed.
“I haven’t watched it but I’m sure they did a good job with it.”
Debuting in 2019 on a chilly evening in Bathurst, Martin is expected to play his 100th NRL game for the Panthers during the midway point of the season.
After representing New South Wales on six occasions and enjoying a starring role in Australia’s World Cup victory in England late last year, Martin is well and truly in the ‘sweet spot’ of his career.
Just last month he re-signed with Penrith until the end of 2024, proving his loyalty to the club while others have opted to leave.
Martin hopes he can remain a Panther for the remainder of his career, as he pushes for his best season yet in 2023; and potentially a further contract extension.
“It was great to be able to re-sign for one more year,” he said.
“I want to stay here for as long as possible and to get that one-year extension was great and hopefully I can go back in and start re-negotiating a bit longer as well.”
the nature of professional sport.
“It’s pretty cliché but honestly, it is what it is,” he said bluntly.
As far as Penrith players of the current era goes, there’s not too many more loyal than Clive Churchill Medal-winning fullback Dylan Edwards. While some of his teammates are choosing to move on for more money or opportunity, the 27-year-old has remained solid and committed to the club that awarded him his NRL debut as a skinny winger back in 2016.
As he enters his eighth season in the top grade, Edwards is well aware what the price of success looks like.
As teams, like the Panthers, win multiple premierships, the players (and sometimes coaches) that make up those teams become hot property.
In the past six weeks, Edwards has heard two of his teammates – Stephen Crichton and Spencer Leniu – deliver the news that they’ll be departing at the conclusion of 2023.
Speaking with Extra Time on Tuesday, Edwards said while it’s sad to see those players depart, he understands that’s
“Credit to them for securing nice contracts for their family, but it’s just the price of success.
“The club’s value goes up as you succeed, and other clubs want to get their hands on you – not so much me – but it’s definitely sad to see them go.”
Crichton will link up with some former Panthers at the Bulldogs in 2024, while fellow local junior Leniu has agreed to terms with the Sydney Roosters for next year and beyond.
Edwards said it hurts to see teammates, that he’s enjoyed so many good times with, leave for new colours.
“You build a bond with them over how many years you’ve trained and played with them, but you just hope they do really well wherever they go,” he said.
“I’m not sure how they think when they make their decisions for leaving, but I’m sure they wouldn’t go to a club they didn’t think they could have success at.
“A lot of them have young families or we have grown up together, so it’s definitely sad to see people leave.”
Following his best season of his career last year, Edwards played his first game last Friday night since last October’s Grand Final victory over Parramatta.
After a niggling hamstring injury cost him the opportunity to play in the World Club Challenge last month, Edwards said it was good to return to the paddock after an off-season of celebrating, relaxing and even proposing to his long-time partner, Nadine.
“I’ve been with Nadine since I was playing in the Under 20s and we have a couple of kids together, so the proposal was well overdue,” he admitted.
“Nadine was wrapped with it! I just proposed up on the Central Coast, up at Magenta there on the beach.”
Edwards is expecting to tie the knot at the end of the year.
POSITION: FULLBACK | NRL DEBUT: V SHARKS, JULY 2016
WEIGHT: 94KG |
HEIGHT: 183CM |
DOB: 10/01/96 |
You could see the difference straight away.
The Broncos defence that was once moving up quickly and getting into the face of the Panthers during last Friday’s match, all-of-a sudden were running backwards and not getting their defensive line set as quickly. It was the 54th minute and the man causing all this chaos was 27-year-old Soni Luke.
By darting from dummy half and finding space up the middle, Brisbane were for the first time in
the game, back-peddling. However it wasn’t just Luke’s running game which had the Broncos bamboozled, some slick, sharp passing to his attacking playmakers was beginning to have an effect on the opposition as well.
Then when Luke barged over to score a try beside the posts with four minutes left in the match, the Panthers were back and Soni Luke… had finally arrived.
Actually that statement is not completely fair.
In rugby league there’s no such thing as an overnight sensation. It’s just that we don’t always know the back-story of every player’s journey to first grade.
Luke’s journey began in the lower grades at the St Marys Saints before he became a part of and eventually co-captained the Panthers Premiership-winning NYC side in 2015.
Everyone was taking notice of Luke back then as he was also in the same side as his now illustrious teammates James Fisher-Harris, Jarome Luai and Dylan Edwards.
Now while they might’ve made their first-grade debuts years ahead of him, Luke unfortunately picked up some serious injuries, which severely stunted his development.
First a shoulder reconstruction on his right arm was followed by a torn left pectoral muscle soon after in 2020.
Nobody would have blamed him if he had walked away from the game there and then. Fortunately, Luke doesn’t know the meaning of the words ‘giving up’.
He did his rehab, kept plugging away and on Sunday, April 24 2022, against the Raiders at BlueBet Stadium, the 26-year-old finally made his first grade debut.
I remember the crowd gave a loud cheer that day when Luke ran on. They knew that someone special had just taken the field.
There’s an anonymous sports quote which best sums up Soni Luke’s incredible journey over the last 10 years.
“Remember the guy that gave up? Neither does anyone else.”
That’s why every player and coach in the NRL
Panthers hooker Soni Luke made an impact last week. Photo: NRL Images.
with Peter Lang
In an ever-evolving world, not everything or everybody will evolve at the same pace.
Evidence of that in the rugby league world came at us thick and fast over the course of the first weekend of competition, almost all of it from the usual suspects.
The topic that got them riled up was the NRL’s independent doctor advising various clubs that one of their players needed to be removed from the field for a Head Injury Assessment.
Those making the loudest noises in opposition to this process think that decisions to remove players from the field in the instance of a possible concussion should be left solely in the hands of teams and their staff.
You only have to watch a player pass an on-field concussion assessment, then minutes later be removed from the field for a fullblown HIA on the advice of the club doctor, to know that the 17 clubs need as much help as they can get when it comes to looking after the health of their players.
They should want it, if not demand it.
There’s more than a few people in positions of responsibility, however, who don’t like outsiders, no matter what expertise they bring to the table, interfering with the game they’ve played and
worked in for their entire adult lives. They see it as their game, and if you don’t like how it’s played that’s your problem, not theirs.
It’s not a phenomenon exclusive to rugby league, either.
Back in 2015, the head coach of Michigan University’s college football program, Jim Harbaugh, espoused the idea that football was the “last bastion of hope for toughness in America in men”.
Jim would have joined the chorus of protest that rung out over the NRL landscape over the weekend and he’d have been welcomed as a soul-brother.
The coaches and football department heads who are resistant to the concept of having an independent doctor adding another pair of eyes to the process of ensuring that players are cared for in the best way possible would say, like Jim
Harbaugh, that the fabric of the game and the toughness of the players participating in it is being changed in a way that diminishes the product.
The same noises were made when the NRL banned the shoulder charge.
The argument went that the shoulder charge should stay, and that players should only be suspended if they made contact with the head of an opponent, completely ignoring the fact that the more shoulder charges you have the more likely you are to have a life-changing incident as a result.
Lose the physicality, you’ll lose the fans was the cry.
The ball-carriers hit by Jake Trbojevic, Felise Kaufusi and company in Round 1 could tell you a different story.
So could the fans who watched the broadcasts of the games last weekend in record numbers on Fox Sports.
They haven’t been lost to the game after the removal of the shoulder charge, and they won’t be lost because a star player – who may or may not have a history of previous concussions – is removed from the field to be checked in what may ultimately be nothing more than a case of erring on the side of caution.
The Penrith Panthers have kicked off their Knock-On Effect NSW Cup premiership defence with an 18-12 victory over the North Sydney Bears at BlueBet Stadium last Friday evening.
It was a tight opening quarter of the match, but it was the visitors who eventually opened the scoring when they found space down Penrith’s right edge.
Two quick runaway tries to Tyrone Peachey and Isaiah Iongi gave the Panthers a 12-6 lead at half-time.
They scored again six minutes after the resumption when a huge hole opened in the defensive line, allowing new recruit Jack Cogger to stroll through and extend the lead to 18-6.
There were some nervous moments for the Panthers in the dying minutes when Zach Dockar-Clay scored under the posts, however Penrith’s defence held on to the six-point lead until full-time.
In Jersey Flegg, the Panthers kicked off their premiership defence with a thrilling comeback win over the Melbourne Storm on Saturday.
The Panthers got off to a strong start, scoring in the 8th minute through Cody Lawson.
Two quick tries for the Storm saw them take a 10-4 lead by the 22nd minute, before Aston Warwick crossed shortly after to reduce the deficit to two.
A penalty for dissent cost the Panthers possession immediately after the try and they were made to pay straight away by Matthew Hill.
Penrith were reduced to 12 shortly before half-time when Warwick was sin binned for his role in a fracas. The Storm capitalised by scoring through Sua Fa’alogo, moving to 22-8 at halftime.
Back-to-back tries for the Panthers through Blake Moore and Liam Ison cut the deficit back to two with 14 minutes to play.
A Storm error gave the Panthers perfect field position with six minutes left, with a penalty from the scrum allowing Ryley Smith to draw level at 22-all.
Another Storm error inside the final four minutes gifted Warwick an opportunity to score the match-winner, taking the result 28-22. Both sides take on South Sydney at BlueBet Stadium in Round 2, with NSW Cup prior to first grade on Thursday, and Jersey Flegg on Saturday.
