Extra Time May 21 2021 by Western Sydney Publishing Group

Brian To’o. Photo: NRL Photos.

JOEL CAINE Is Nines Football the key to junior footy’s future?

PAGE 34

API KOROISAU POSTER Add to your collection of Panthers posters with our latest keepsake pin-up

PAGES 36-37

FACE IN THE CROWD Did our photographer spot you at a Panthers game?

PAGE 39

LANG ON LEAGUE Peter Lang looks at the incredible rise of Panthers superstar Nathan Cleary

PAGE 43

TOP FOUR showdown PANTHERS AND RABBITOHS HEAD TO DUBBO FOR SUNDAY BLOCKBUSTER MATCH PREVIEW: PAGE 31

Friday, May 21, 2021 « the western weekender • extra time

Crunch the numbers on your next property investment Gain access to the same insights used by real estate agents and the big banks with PropertyValue.com.au 3URSHUW\ 9DOXH KHOSV \RX WR LQYHVW ZLWK FRQȴGHQFH • Research the estimated value, rent and yield of properties* • Identify the properties and suburbs which could match your investment strategy by viewing capital growth, SRVWLYH FDVK ȵRZ DQG ORZHU ULVN VFRUHV • View local market trends though searches at property, street and suburb levels All insights are powered by CoreLogic, a world leader in property analytics *where available

([FOXVLYH R΍HU IRU :HVWHUQ 3URSHUW\ UHDGHUV

OFF

the standard price of a Property Value Premium subscription until 27 May 2021

7R DFFHVV WKLV H[FOXVLYH R΍HU JR WR propertyvalue.com.au, follow the links to purchase a

Propertyvalue.com.au

WW44943

Premium subscription and enter code WESTSYD20 at checkout, before 27 May 2021. T&C’s apply.

the final word

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, May 21, 2021

match preview

Brought to you by

Moses Leota scored his second try of the year on Sunday. Photo: NRL Photos.

TROY DODDS

ext stop for the Penrith magic act after a successful visit to Suncorp Stadium is regional NSW and a clash with fellow premiership contenders South Sydney. Dubbo is the venue for what has turned out to be the match of the round, with the Panthers chasing 11 straight wins to start the season and the Rabbitohs welcoming back Latrell Mitchell from suspension. It is probably Penrith’s toughest match since the round three clash with Melbourne at Panthers Stadium and comes at the perfect time after two comfortable victories over Cronulla and the Gold Coast respectively. While piling on close to 50 points against opponents is plenty of fun and a relaxing ride for fans, it’s not the best preparation for the business end of the season, hence why Ivan Cleary and co would be relishing

KAYO FOX LEAGUE ABC 702 2GB 873

SUNDAY, MAY 23 | 2.00PM | APEX OVAL | REFEREE: GRANT ATKINS the opportunity to tackle Wayne Bennett’s Rabbitohs on Sunday. Whether Souths are looking forward to tackling the incredible football machine that is Penrith is another matter. The Panthers look unbeatable at present, ably led by Nathan Cleary who is in careerbest form and producing moments of magic that no other halfback in the competition can deliver. And he’s being helped by one of the most dangerous forward packs in the competition too, with James Fisher-Harris in particular in beast mode at present and Moses Leota not far behind. It’s pretty good when you consider that Penrith’s potentially most potent forward weapon, Viliame Kikau, has been relatively quiet in recent games, though he did have a try robbed from him last week in the most ridiculous of circumstances.

The Rabbitohs are certainly no slouches and will offer Penrith plenty of competition on Sunday. With his future now settled, halfback Adam Reynolds can concentrate on what’s happening on the field and there’s no doubt his mind will be on delivering another trophy to Redfern before his time at the club comes to an end. Meantime Cody Walker is in try-scoring form and his battle with Jarome Luai – probably better suited to a dance floor than a footy field – will be entertaining and enthralling to watch. But the real focus is likely to be on Mitchell, the one-time favourite for the Dally M Award who most predicted was on track for a stunning season this year. He’s certainly shown signs of his best but whether or not he needs another game or two to find his legs is a question that will

PANTHERS

only be answered a few minutes before four o’clock on Sunday. Mitchell should at least return some rhythm to the Rabbitohs’ backline, which has been somewhat hit and miss over the last fortnight. It’s worth noting that Cronulla managed to put 22 points on Souths last weekend but couldn’t cross the line once against Penrith’s fortress-like defence the week prior. If you’re into form lines, that’s a pretty good one to follow. This will be a much closer game than Penrith fans have become used to in recent times, but the side’s form shows no sign of slipping here. The cardiac unit at Nepean Hospital may be back on stand by, but the Panthers should get home, even they’re given a little scare along the way. Tip: Panthers by 8.

RABBITOHS

1 Dylan Edwards

10 James Fisher-Harris

1 Latrell Mitchell

2 Charlie Staines

11 Viliame Kikau

2 Alex Johnston

10 Tevita Tatola 11 Keaon Koloamatangi

3 Stephen Crichton

12 Kurt Capewell

3 Dane Gagai

12 Jaydn Su’a

4 Matt Burton

13 Isaah Yeo

4 Braidon Burns

13 Liam Knight

5 Brian To’o

14 Tyrone May

5 Josh Mansour

14 Benji Marshall

6 Jarome Luai

15 Scott Sorensen

6 Cody Walker

15 Mark Nicholls

7 Nathan Cleary (c)

16 Matt Eisenhuth

7 Adam Reynolds (c)

16 Jacob Host

8 Moses Leota

17 Liam Martin

8 Thomas Burgess

17 Jai Arrow

9 Api Koroisau

18 Spencer Leniu 19. Mitch Kenny

9 Damien Cook

18 Dean Hawkins 19 Hame Sele

Friday, May 21, 2021 « the western weekender • extra time

panther rumblings

WITH THE MASKED PANTHER

TO’O KEEPS WINNING FANS !

Brian To’o is quickly becoming one of the most liked players in the game. Not only is he playing above his weight on the field but he shows maturity beyond his years off it. Last weekend at Magic Round he took off his boots, signed them and handed them over to a proud Panthers fan in the crowd, and it’s not the first time he’s done it. The young supporter was totally overwhelmed by the gesture, and I’m sure she’ll remember it forever.

The NRL is defending its crackdown on high contact during Magic Round, saying it told clubs weeks ago that officials would be clamping down on the issue. But perhaps the reason coaches and players were so vocal last weekend is that the crackdown wasn’t enforced the week before, despite the league telling clubs it would be. Referees were told in the lead-up to Magic Round that they weren’t following the edict handed down by the Commission, hence the debacle last weekend. Clearly the NRL needs to recalibrate its approach – what happened last weekend simply wasn’t good enough, and it’s disappointing the NRL is showing no understanding of the major frustrations that exist across the game.

! Moses Leota and Dylan Edwards were both hit with charges by the Match Review Committee after Penrith’s win over Gold Coast, but neither will face time on the sidelines. Both will cop a monetary fine only, while Liam Martin – who was placed on report for a fend that went a tad high – escaped charge. !

“Has everybody gone home?”. Panthers coach Ivan Cleary was the last of 16 press conferences at Magic Round and despite the game’s media all being in town, not many stuck around to chat to the man who’s in charge of the Premiership favourites. Only a few journos were left by the time Cleary fronted the media conference, and he made a note of thanking them for sticking around.

Latrell Mitchell returns to the Rabbitohs and they have firmed as the team to end the Panthers’ unbeaten run on Sun-

Photo: NRL Photos.

day. Sportsbet has turned Souths in from $3.50 to $3.10 to stop the Panthers from winning their 11th straight match. If the Panthers, $3.00 favourites to win the Grand Final, take the points against Souths they are $21 to lose their next match against the Bulldogs. They have also tightened from $15 into $13 to go through the season unbeaten.

Spotted: Panthers superstar Nathan Cleary taking photos with adoring fans after full-time at Suncorp Stadium last Sunday night.

Just how will Panthers coach Ivan Cleary manage halfback Nathan Cleary’s workload during the Origin period? There’s technically only one game Cleary has to miss under the rules – and that’s the clash against the Wests Tigers in the lead-up to Origin I. But Penrith play just 48 hours after that first Origin in Melbourne, and despite the temptation to play their star halfback there’s every likelihood he’ll be rested with the long game in mind. After Origin III, there’s a longer turnaround but a possible trip to New Zealand with the Panthers playing the Warriors on Sunday. July 18. It’ll be intriguing to watch how Penrith handle the Origin period, but the fact they’ve already banked 20 competition points has made the task slightly easier.

Panthers co-captain Isaah Yeo has no doubt that Josh Mansour will have his

old club on his mind in the lead-up to the Penrith v Souths game on Sunday. “He’s an overthinker, so I’m sure it will be rolling around in his head. There probably won’t be too much talking until after the game I don’t think, he gets pretty serious,” Yeo said.

There’s been high level negotiations at the Panthers Academy this week as some of the squad’s country-born players tried to secure more tickets to Sunday’s game against Souths in Dubbo. “I’ve got 32 tickets at the minute,” co-captain Isaah Yeo boasted. Matt Burton added: “I got a fair few tickets. I’ve got 32 because I’ve been asking all the boys for theirs.”

Former Panthers Director Barry Hubbard has passed away. Mr Hubbard is a Life Member of the club.

OFFICIAL PARTNER

WW43481

LIAM REFLECTS ON TRY THAT WASN’T NATHAN TAYLOR

ough as nails backrower Liam Martin thought he was part of one of the great team tries of Magic Round last Sunday evening before it was sensationally disallowed due to foul play. “It was a stitch up,” Martin said of the decision to rule no try. “I can’t believe they (NRL Bunker) took it off us,” he continued. Penrith’s entire fan base thought one of the best team tries of the weekend was scored when Viliame Kikau crossed the line in the 52nd minute, however the Bunker overruled the on-field referee’s decision when it deemed Martin’s fend on the Titans defender, earlier in the play, was too high. “I knew as soon as the referee blew the whistle that he was going back to me,” Martin said. As a result of the NRL’s crackdown on high shots during Magic Round weekend, the 24-year-old from country NSW was put on report by referee Adam Gee, but was ultimately not sin binned or charged by the Match Review Committee the following day. With the Panthers smashing the Titans 48-12 to remain on top of the ladder, Martin

said his first Magic Round experience was an enjoyable one, even though it was largely overshadowed by the NRL’s controversial crackdown on high shots. With Penrith’s match against the Titans the final fixture of the round, it allowed the competition leaders to approach the game in a much smart manner – which ultimately paid off when prop Moses Leota was sent to the bin for 10 minutes in the first half. “We knew at some stage we’d go down to 12 men for something, so we sort of prepared for it by defending with 12 men at training,” Martin revealed. “It did eventuate with Moses going to the bin, so it was lucky we did train for that.” A record 14 players were sent to the bin, while three players were sent off during a wild and wacky weekend at Suncorp. Martin said the sudden crackdown didn’t affect the playing group’s mindset too much in the lead-up to the match and that he, personally, won’t be changing the hardnosed style he plays as a result. “I can’t really change my game too much, I’m not one to go out and take heads off, so I’m alright in that department,” he said. “As a group, we talked this morning and decided that there’s no point whinging about it (crackdown), we just have to adapt our game if this is how it’s going to be refereed from now on.”

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, May 21, 2021

feature

Liam Martin was put on report for a high contact fend last week. Photo: NRL Photos.

d r o ff a n a c If you u o y , l l i b r e your pow d r o ff a n a c solar. Proud Panthers Partner! Instyle Solar is an Australian, family owned and operated solar company servicing QLD, NSW, VIC, SA and WA. As official partner of the Penrith Panthers, we are helping the club go solar, and you can too!

Go solar and save! WW44386

Visit us at instylesolar.com or call: 1300 133 556 33

Friday, May 21, 2021 « the western weekender • extra time

Brought to you by

How a focus on Nines could revive the game at a junior level

joel caine T

he game of rugby league may have changed forever after Magic Round, such were the new rulings implemented by the Commission regarding foul play. Referees sin-binned 14 players and sent off three in a round which saw sweeping change to how head-high hits were officiated, and one of the main reasons behind the new stance is to make life easier for local participation. Ultimately, parents want to know kids are playing a safe game, and the NRL has a duty to ensure player safety is paramount in a high-collision sport. That’s even a concern for me, I have four kids that love the game, they all play a form of football. In fact, my son, who’s 38kg, played against a kid on the weekend that would have been near enough to 90kg, a scary sight for any parent concerned for their kid playing league. Even my daughters would love to play league, but having grown up without tackling, it is a recipe for disaster and a simple no from me. Perhaps my biggest concern for my daughters is the densely populated field, hence why one of them plays Rugby Sevens where there’s more room to operate. That got me thinking, with the way the sport’s played now, I don’t think I ever

would have made it to first grade. The playing field is more densely populated than ever, and the rise of Polynesian players who, in many cases, are superior athletes, probably would mean I wouldn’t get a shot at the top level today. The Polynesian rise is a great thing for our game, we want to see it played by the best, but for players coming through like myself that may not be able to physically compete in today’s game, an NRL Nines competition makes sense for the lighter, agile players, who aren’t as gifted as Sam Walker or Ryan Papenhuyzen. In particular, I think a further focus on Nines football could increase participation at the grassroots. Yes, we have things like touch footy, but kids want to tackle … just not against the world’s biggest humans. Nines would promote a more agile sport, there wouldn’t be two or three pile into a tackle, it’s simply more one on one. If it grew at the grassroots, who knows, it could become a semi-pro competition that’s played on Wednesday nights and broadcasted on Fox League. I think the game needs to jump onto the opportunity of Nines football. It’s a way for rugby league to boost its influence at and help remedy the issue of player safety at the local level. Hear Joel Caine on SEN 1170AM.

Brian To’o was the victim of a high shot on Sunday. Photo: NRL Photos.

Keen Air Solutions

HIGH PERFORMANCE SPECIALISTS

MID SEASON SALE!

• Servicing/rego inspections by our experienced Motorsport mechanic

Lic. No. AU43786

WHILE STOCKS LAST!

Toshiba 3.5kW Inverter split system supplied and installed

• Specialising in performance upgrades for Holden/HSV LS engines as well Jeep/Chrysler/ Dodge

1595

Toshiba 5kW Inverter split system supplied and installed

1895

• Cam upgrades/Engine rebuilds

Toshiba 7.1kW Inverter split system supplied and installed

• On Special - VE-VF OTR cold air intake and Tune from $1150

2395 TOSHIBA 7 YEARS MANUFACTURERS WARRANTY

WW WW44829

• On Special – VE-VF V8 340 & 380kW packages from $4350 which include full performance exhaust, OTR and tune

FREE QUOTE

8002 1822 sales@keenair.com.au WW44597

oztrack.com.au or message us at Facebook.com/Oztrack Contact us on 9119 3895 MVRL No: 49635 WW44597

While stocks last. This pricing is including GST. Prices are based on a back-to-back installation. Site inspection required to ensure power supply adequate. Outdoor units can be installed on a bracket included in costings if required. Three years installation warranty.

HOMECOMING FOR YEO, BURTON NATHAN TAYLOR

espite being considered a Rabbitohs home game, there will still be a huge contingent of Panthers supporters in Dubbo this weekend largely thanks to hometown heroes Isaah Yeo and Matt Burton. At the time of print, the pair have managed to secure more than 60 tickets between them for this Sunday afternoon’s showdown against South Sydney at Apex Oval. With the popular duo hailing from the region before moving to Penrith to pursue their footy careers, both Burton and Yeo said they can’t wait return to where it all started. “I’m really excited to get back home. You always dream as a kid of playing NRL but then to do it in your home town will be pretty special,” Burton told Extra Time. “The last time I played there was in 2018, it was in a Grand Final with Dubbo CYMS. I’ll have a lot of family and friends out there on Sunday, I can’t wait.” While Burton last played in Dubbo fairly recently, 26-year-old Yeo hasn’t played a competitive game there in nearly 10 years. The Panthers co-captain thought his

Isaah Yeo is excited about returning to Dubbo this weekend.

chances of playing in Dubbo as an NRL player were over when the league cancelled the annual City v Country fixture. “When the plug was pulled on City Country, I never thought I’d get back there particularly while I was playing NRL,” Yeo told Extra Time. “I was hoping maybe one day we’d play a trial game or something out there, but to get an NRL game is pretty special. “The facilities out there are really good, and I know they’ve been aiming to get an NRL game for a while.” Penrith’s match against the Bunnies this Sunday afternoon will be the first time the two sides have faced each other since the Preliminary Final last October. While Wayne Bennett’s troops will be out for some sweet revenge, the Panthers will be armed and ready for whatever South Sydney decide to throw at them. “Both teams are a little bit different from then and I don’t think either team has played the perfect 80 minutes of football yet – we are both still learning each week,” Yeo said. If Penrith do manage to knock off the Rabbitohs in Dubbo and record their 11th straight victory, they’ll equal the 1966 Balmain Tigers and 1934 Western Suburbs Magpies for most consecutive wins to start a season.

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, May 21, 2021

feature

POSTER PARTNER We’re proud of our ongoing association with the Penrith Panthers and are excited for the rest of this unbelievable season. Casella Express is excited to have Apisai Koroisau as our 2021 Player Partner and we are all looking for him to bring his previous premiership-winning experience to the field and bring home the trophy for Penrith in season 2021. Casella Express is a family-owned transport company that prides ourselves on being on time every time. Our fleet of large prime movers, pantecs and even local vans with the added advantage of 19 depots across NSW means Casella Express can deliver for you.

2021 PLAYER PARTNER Photo of Andre and Isabella from Casella Express with Api Koroisau

PHONE 1300 263 732 | www.casellaexpress.com.au

WW44761

CASELLA EXPRESS 35

panthers poster

Friday, May 21, 2021 « the western weekender • extra time

WW44760

1300 263 732 www.casellaexpress.com.au

Express to all major Cities of NSW daily

19 Depots tee n a r a u g o t y a w 1 delivery

Apisai Koroisau

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, May 21, 2021

Friday, May 21, 2021 « the western weekender • extra time

Brought to you by

Sunday blockbusters are the perfect excuse to stay home

matt russell F

orget controversy, crackdowns, high shots, sin-binnings, send-offs and suspensions. Let’s talk up the best ‘Sunday Ticket’ on Fox League this season. Maybe the best DAY of footy on Fox League this season. This Sunday unbeaten Penrith play South Sydney in Dubbo, followed by Parramatta and Manly in western Sydney. If that’s not enough to get you going, rugby league isn’t your go. Let’s set the scene. The 2021 Panthers are the first team to be 10 and 0 since the Roosters of 1996. Along the way they have smashed a host of NRLera and club records. Two of my favourites, thanks to the Fox Sports Lab, relate simply to points scored and conceded. Their points differential of +236 is the second best ever through 10 rounds. So, since 1908! Their 72 points conceded through 10 rounds is the least since St George in 1972. In attack and defence, they are way out in front. But they play Souths for the first time this season. The Rabbitohs have only been beaten by one club this season – Melbourne twice. Admittedly, one of those results was 50-0, but Wayne has wiped that from the memory bank. The Rabbitohs’ 267 points scored is their most in club history through 10 rounds. What a stat for such a successful foundation club!

Nathan Cleary will be looking forward to his match-up with Adam Reynolds. Photo: NRL Photos.

Both teams will relish a dry, hard, fast surface at Apex Oval. A returning Latrell Mitchell will have a legion of fans in the sold-out crowd. Brian To’o will build on his NRL-high run metres, surely. Jarome Luai is in a mood to build on his NRL-high try assists. Then there are the league’s leading pointscorers – Nathan Cleary v Adam Reynolds. What a match-up. Cleary is fresh from a 28-point haul at Magic Round. Reynolds has kicked his last 21 consecutive goals.

Then it’s back to Sydney as Parramatta chase six straight wins – having scored at least 30 points in their past five games, a new club record. Parramatta have also used the first 10 rounds to build new club records for points scored and points differential to this point in the season. However they meet a Manly side that has won five of its last six and is off a 50-point haul against Brisbane. As for the players; there is Jake Trbojevic’s

150th, Jason Saab looking to score in seven straight games, and the fullbacks. In the five games since his return, Tom Trbojevic has scored seven tries and delivered 11 assists. His opposite also has seven tries and 10 assists. Clint Gutherson – a former Sea Eagle – is now the heart and soul of Parramatta. Committed Clint or King Gutho to the fans. Yep, Sundays don’t come any better than this one. Watch the ‘Sunday Ticket’ on Fox League this Sunday afternoon.

Kemps Creek Memorial Park has been part of the local community since 2008 The multi-denominational cemetery oﬀers Sydney’s only natural burial area, along with lawn + monumental graves and garden cremation niches.

For a free planning guide, call (02) 9826 2273 or visit www.kempscreekcemetery.com.au

WW41965

Panthers

10 10

308

+236 20

Eels

294

142

+152 18

Storm

336

126

+210 16

Rabbitohs

267

196

+71

Roosters

284

147

+137

Dragons

211

213

-2

Sea Eagles

227

240

-13

Raiders

193

227

-34

Titans

230

267

-37

10 Warriors

207

250

-43

179

256

-77

12 Cowboys

181

285

-104

13 W. Tigers

194

280

-86

Knights

+/-

PTS

14 Sharks

182

258

-76

15 Broncos

146

290

-144

16 Bulldogs

110

300

-190

4732 6007

ROUND 11 V

Thursday, May 20 7.50pm QLD Country Bank Stadium

Friday, May 21 6.00pm Central Coast Stadium

Friday, May 21 7.55pm Kogarah Oval

Saturday, May 22 3.00pm Cbus Super Stadium

Saturday, May 22 5.30pm SCG

Saturday, May 22 7.30pm GIO Stadium

Sunday, May 23 2.00pm Apex Oval

Sunday, May 23 4.05pm Bankwest 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 Hoyts Family Movie Pass to use at any Hoyts Cinema in Australia! To collect your prize, visit the Weekender office at 2/42-44 Abel Street, Jamisontown and ask for Nathan Taylor.

Extra Time Issue Number 2020-011 PRODUCED BY The Western Weekender EDITOR Troy Dodds / 4722 2998 troy.dodds@westernweekender.com.au CONTRIBUTORS Nathan Taylor, Peter Lang, Joel Caine, Matt Russell SALES DIRECTOR Chris Pennisi / 4722 2998 chris.pennisi@westernweekender.com.au

WW43939

CLUB

NOBODY IN THE WORLD SELLS MORE REAL ESTATE THAN RE/MAX

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, May 21, 2021

nrl ladder & fixtures

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

GAI HAWTHORN

LEIGH HARTOG

ASHA DOOLEY

LEE BANISTER

MATT KEEN

HANS BOR

120

118

116

THE WESTERN WEEKENDER 4722 2998

VISION PAINTING & DECORATING 0404 459 600

KEEN AIR SOLUTIONS 02 8002 1822

TRESAMI COMPUTER ENGINEERING 1300 318 444

GRACE FUNERALS 4735 6900

JK WILLIAMS 4725 3400

PENRITH CBD CORPORATION 4722 5556

ROOSTERS STORM PANTHERS EELS

COWBOYS TIGERS DRAGONS TITANS

ROOSTERS STORM PANTHERS EELS

COWBOYS WARRIORS DRAGONS TITANS

ROOSTERS STORM PANTHERS EELS

COWBOYS WARRIORS DRAGONS TITANS

ROOSTERS STORM PANTHERS EELS

COWBOYS WARRIORS SHARKS TITANS

ROOSTERS STORM PANTHERS EELS

COWBOYS WARRIORS SHARKS TITANS

ROOSTERS STORM PANTHERS EELS

KEITH WILSON

COWBOYS WARRIORS SHARKS TITANS

DONNA HILDON

ROOSTERS STORM PANTHERS EELS

KEN HALE

COWBOYS TIGERS DRAGONS TITANS

DANIEL MCKINNON

NATHAN TAYLOR

the western

ROOSTERS STORM PANTHERS EELS

RICHARD EMERSON

weekender

COWBOYS WARRIORS SHARKS TITANS

IAN GARTON

SYNERGY ACCOUNTING 4732 6555

ROOSTERS STORM PANTHERS EELS

LUKE BELOTTI

120

COWBOYS TIGERS DRAGONS TITANS

SHANNON WOOD

122

ROSS FOWLER & CO 4722 3066

ROOSTERS STORM PANTHERS EELS

KIM RILEY

126

CC TYRES 4731 4822

COWBOYS WARRIORS SHARKS TITANS

BEN CARTER

MICHAEL ASHTON ROSS FOWLER SHANAKA DE SILVA

Friday, May 21, 2021 « the western weekender • extra time

celebrity tipsters

116

114

112

110

IRRESISTIBLE POOLS & SPAS 4776 1118

SUPREMACY FUNERALS 4721 2020

KEN HALE PLUMBING 0414 446 596

COMPLETE LEGAL & CONVEYANCING 1300 COMLAW

EMERSON’S ENVIROCARE 1800 600 760

MCDONALD’S GARTON GROUP 4721 2992

MACQUARIE COMMERCIAL 0402 896 906

WALLACIA COUNTRY CLUB 4773 8417

CATHOLIC CEMETARIES 9826 2273

CARTERS TAX ADVISORY 4708 3088

COWBOYS WARRIORS SHARKS TITANS

ROOSTERS STORM RABBITOHS EELS

COWBOYS WARRIORS SHARKS TITANS

ROOSTERS STORM PANTHERS EELS

COWBOYS TIGERS SHARKS TITANS

ROOSTERS STORM PANTHERS EELS

COWBOYS WARRIORS SHARKS BULLDOGS

ROOSTERS STORM PANTHERS EELS

KNIGHTS TIGERS DRAGONS BULLDOGS

BRONCOS STORM PANTHERS SEA EAGLES

COWBOYS WARRIORS DRAGONS TITANS

ROOSTERS STORM PANTHERS EELS

COWBOYS TIGERS SHARKS TITANS

ROOSTERS STORM PANTHERS EELS

COWBOYS WARRIORS DRAGONS TITANS

ROOSTERS STORM RABBITOHS EELS

COWBOYS WARRIORS SHARKS TITANS

ROOSTERS STORM PANTHERS EELS

KNIGHTS TIGERS DRAGONS BULLDOGS

BRONCOS STORM PANTHERS SEA EAGLES

FUTURE FINANCIAL SERVICES 4704 8585

weekender

NATHAN HOOKER

DEE BARLOW

JEFF LEMON

TROY DODDS

the western

104

102

THE WESTERN WEEKENDER 4722 2998

KHP CIVIL 0488 342 555

COUNTRY BREWER NEPEAN 4731 5444

DRUMMOND GOLF PENRITH 4721 1296

ROOSTERS STORM PANTHERS SEA EAGLES

COWBOYS WARRIORS DRAGONS TITANS

ROOSTERS STORM PANTHERS EELS

COWBOYS TIGERS DRAGONS TITANS

ROOSTERS STORM PANTHERS EELS

COWBOYS WARRIORS SHARKS BULLDOGS

ROOSTERS STORM PANTHERS SEA EAGLES

KNIGHTS TIGERS DRAGONS BULLDOGS

BRONCOS STORM PANTHERS SEA EAGLES

KNIGHTS WARRIORS DRAGONS TITANS

ROOSTERS STORM PANTHERS EELS

KNIGHTS TIGERS DRAGONS BULLDOGS

BRONCOS STORM PANTHERS SEA EAGLES

DOUGLAS ELY

COREY PHILLIPS

NAT SINCLAIR

TERRY HANSEN

CAMERON FAICO

COWBOYS WARRIORS SHARKS TITANS

LEE WATERHOUSE

106

CLUB PACEWAY 4721 2375

ROOSTERS STORM PANTHERS EELS

ANTHEA STRATHDEE

108

COWBOYS WARRIORS SHARKS BULLDOGS

BEN FORDHAM

108

KELLY + PARTNERS 4721 7433

ROOSTERS STORM PANTHERS EELS

DERRY O’DONOVAN

108

ADENBROOK HOMES GREATER SYDNEY AND WOLLONGONG 1300 086 272

COWBOYS TIGERS DRAGONS TITANS

VICTOR GLANVILLE

KEIRAN MCGARITY SIMONNE THOMPSON DANIEL GALEA CHARBEL GEAGEA TASH GREENTREE ALEX MCKENZIE

108

HERTZ 4731 6344

ROOSTERS STORM PANTHERS SEA EAGLES

102

PROPERTY CENTRAL 0434 400 225

ST MARYS PROFESSIONALS 02 9673 4422

FORMER PANTHERS CHEERLEADER

102

100

LEISURE POOLS 1300 SPLASH

YORK JEWELLERS 4721 0780

PROPERTY CENTRAL 0410 338 040

LOWER MOUNTAINS AIR CONDITIONING 4735 6411

RADIO 2GB 131 873

EZRVEND 0414 254 074

VIC’S MAXI TRANSPORT 4732 2195

COWBOYS WARRIORS DRAGONS TITANS

ROOSTERS STORM PANTHERS SEA EAGLES

COWBOYS WARRIORS DRAGONS TITANS

ROOSTERS STORM PANTHERS EELS

KNIGHTS TIGERS DRAGONS BULLDOGS

BRONCOS STORM PANTHERS SEA EAGLES

KNIGHTS TIGERS DRAGONS BULLDOGS

BRONCOS STORM PANTHERS SEA EAGLES

COWBOYS WARRIORS DRAGONS TITANS

ROOSTERS STORM PANTHERS EELS

COWBOYS WARRIORS DRAGONS TITANS

ROOSTERS STORM PANTHERS EELS

COWBOYS WARRIORS DRAGONS TITANS

ROOSTERS RAIDERS PANTHERS SEA EAGLES

KNIGHTS TIGERS DRAGONS BULLDOGS

BRONCOS STORM PANTHERS SEA EAGLES

COWBOYS TIGERS SHARKS TITANS

ROOSTERS STORM PANTHERS EELS

COWBOYS WARRIORS DRAGONS BULLDOGS

BRONCOS RAIDERS PANTHERS EELS

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, May 21, 2021

108

RAINE & HORNE COMMERCIAL PENRITH 0417 228 504

COWBOYS WARRIORS SHARKS TITANS

WW43952

Your Macca’s® favourites now delivered straight to your door.

Friday, May 21, 2021 « the western weekender • extra time

lang on league I

t was a cold night at an empty suburban ground when 18-year-old Nathan Cleary played a reserve grade game against a gritty Bulldogs side. The then Panthers boss Phil Gould and coach Anthony Griffin watched Cleary that night guide a team of men around the paddock in what was essentially a nothing game. At the end of 80 minutes both men looked at each other and smiled. It was the first and last reserve grade game that Cleary would ever play. The following week, he was elevated to first grade to play halfback against the best side in the competition, Melbourne. The side was flogged and Cleary did more tackling than passing, he was so tired at the end of the game he could barely lift his arm to shake Cameron Smith’s hand. A few weeks later, Penrith played Manly at Brookvale Oval and, after falling behind early, the side would claw their way back to win the game largely on the ‘slightly-built’ shoulders of the 18 year-old ‘Wonderkid’. At one point the cameras caught the expression on demoted half Jamie Soward’s face, as he watched Cleary from the sideline. He knew his time at Penrith was over. And his father, Ivan, who sat on the hill that night, knew that his son was more than ready for first grade. Since his debut season in 2016, Nathan Cleary’s star has been on the rise. Apart from the now infamous TikTok incident,

with Peter Lang which will follow the youngster for the rest of his career, the only major criticism of Cleary has been that he still hasn’t dominated for NSW in a State of Origin series or won a premiership for Penrith. At 23, he has the world at his feet and one senses both victories could come in 2021. However his feet will remain firmly planted on the ground as long as his father is coach. When asked what he thought of his son’s man-of-the-match performance against the Titans last Sunday, Ivan simply grinned, “He will be disappointed he missed that tackle for a try,” before adding with a grin, “but yeah he was good, very good.”

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, May 21, 2021

The evolution of Nathan Cleary at the Panthers

What caught my eye last week... The gap between the top five sides and the remaining 11 is as wide as ever. What game I’m looking forward to... Eels v Sea Eagles. If Manly can beat Parramatta, I’ll start to believe the hype about Des Hasler’s men. My tips for the week... Cowboys, Warriors, Sharks, Titans, Roosters, Storm, Panthers, Eels.

Nathan Cleary is in a league of his own. Photo: Megan Dunn.

The final word... The NRL’s crackdown on high contact to the head is definitely a good move, however the interpretation needs more than a little fine-tuning. Hopefully they’ll get it right.

extra minutes !

Canberra has been a dealt another blow in their roller coaster season, with captain Jarrod Croker to remain sidelined indefinitely. Croker has recovered from a shoulder injury but is undergoing treatment on an ongoing knee issue, with no return date in sight at present.

LIONS CLUB OF CAMBRIDGE PARK INC. CAMBRIDGE PARK LIONS AT YOUR SERVICE SINCE 1979

Meanwhile Canberra’s problems extend to the judiciary with Josh Papalii, Jack Wighton and Josh Hodgson all taking early guilty pleas, following charges from the NRL Match Review Committee. Papalii will miss three matches, while Wighton and Hodgson will both miss one match each. Broncos second-rower Jordan Riki has accepted a two-match suspension for a crusher tackle on Manly’s Haumole Olakau’atu last weekend. Riki risked a three-match ban if he unsuccessfully challenged the charge at the judiciary. Riki also accepted a fine of $1600 for a separate offence over a charge of making dangerous contact to the head or neck over a tackle on Manly centre Morgan Harper.

TAB has tightened the odds on New South Wales to win both Origin I and the series. New South Wales are now $1.57 favourites having previously been $1.67 for the series opener. Despite Queensland’s heroics last year the Maroons are now $2.45 to retain the shield with the Blues at $1.53.

Wests Tigers have unveiled the club’s Indigenous jersey for 2021 to be

CHOCOLATE WHEEL Every Saturday @ Westfield Penrith 9am to 12.30pm Jarrod Croker is out. Photo: NRL Photos.

PLAY FOR PURPOSE LOTTERY

worn in Round 12 as part of the NRL’s Indigenous Round. The jersey was designed by School2Work student Breeanna Price, who explained her design and presented the jersey to the club’s NRL squad earlier this month. Utilising the primary colours of Wests Tigers, the jersey incorporates a number of unique patterns and symbols which represent several key aspects of life.

playforpurpose.com.au/Cambridge-Park-Lions

South Sydney will wear their Indigenous jersey against Penrith on Sunday after being granted a special exemption by the NRL. Indigenous Round is not until Round 12 but given the Rabbitohs are hosting this weekend’s match in Dubbo, the club thought it fitting that it wear the jersey a week early. They’ll also back-up and wear it in the official Indigenous Round next weekend.

OUR CLUB MEETS 2ND & 4TH TUESDAY EVENINGS EACH MONTH at the HENRY SPORTS CLUB 144 Henry Lawson Avenue, Werrington County Morning Coffee/Breakfast Meet - Last Sunday of the month

For further information P: 0408 530 531 E: cambridgepark@lions.sydney W: cambridgepark.nsw.lions.org.au

NEW MEMBERS WELCOME

WW44793

Join us in making our community and the world a better place to live by supporting our current projects for drought/fire/flood relief, medical equipment for Nepean Hospital, bursaries for school children, children’s cancer research and much more.

WW44011

Friday, May 21, 2021 « the western weekender