Extra Time September 1 2023 (Round 27 - Panthers v Cowboys)

IVAN CLEARY POSTER INSIDE

SEE PAGE 47

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“ Something would have to go horribly wrong for Penrith not to win their third straight Grand Final.”

That has been the collective thought of the rugby league world for most of the season, until that ‘something’ happened last Thursday night against Parramatta.

The shoulder injury to Jarome Luai is one thing. That’s a significant blow that will weaken Penrith’s left side attack significantly; and plenty of work will need to be put in across a relatively short period of time to even partly cover for it.

Concerning too was the way Penrith lost. It was an uncharacteristic performance, an outlier when you look at the club’s consistency over the past four seasons.

The Panthers were again rattled by a team willing to throw the ball around and that could

vthe final word

be problematic in the Finals. But let’s put the loss to one side. After all, it’s probably extremely difficult to remain ‘up’ and motivated to win every week when you’ve known for some time that a top four finish was secured.

This Penrith team has been waiting for the Finals for some time – and a performance like last Thursday was probably always coming. Even coach Ivan Cleary didn’t seem overly surprised by it.

The sub-plots to this Saturday’s game against North Queensland are intriguing and it’s difficult to know exactly what kind of game we’re going to get – or what each side will be playing for.

Will the Panthers still be in the fight for a Minor Premiership? If so, does Ivan Cleary go all-out and field the strongest side possible, to claim that piece of rugby league bragging

rights? If not, and if Penrith’s ladder position can’t change, does he opt to rest a few players?

Will things go North Queensland’s way on Friday night when the Roosters play the Rabbitohs, opening the door for a ‘win and you’re in’ scenario? Or will they be playing for nothing come 5.30pm Saturday?

No team goes out to lose but the scenarios do play a factor here – and it could ultimately determine the speed and ferocity of the game, and certainly the end scoreline.

The Cowboys were pretty impressive against the Dolphins last Friday night and they’d be keen to carry that form into Saturday’s game against Penrith. The problem with North Queensland this year is that they seem to drift in and out of games and only play their best football in patches; that doesn’t provide any confidence week-to-week.

Penrith won’t play as bad as they did last Thursday night but they will have to get the Nathan Cleary and Jack Cogger combination humming, which is why I think there’ll be no chance Cleary will be rested. That combination didn’t win anyone over when Luai missed the Manly game a few weeks ago and you can be assured it’s been a huge focus at training this week.

Penrith rarely lose two games in a row, and they rarely put in two consecutive bad performances.

No matter what is on the line, I can’t see the Panthers dropping this one – unless a late call is made to rest a host of stars. Regardless, I expect it to be reasonably close but Penrith to always be in control. One of those ‘never really looked like losing’ nights.

Tip: Panthers by 7.

Stephen Crichton. Photo: NRL Images.

nrl ladder & fixtures

ROUND 27

here’s cheers

NAME: TALEAH DONOGHUE AGE: 20 SUBURB: WERRINGTON

Seasons as a Pantherette? One.

Favourite food? Sweet potato fries.

Favourite TV show? ‘Friends’.

Favourite Panthers player? Izack Tago.

Must-follow social media account?

@penrithpantherettes.

Go-to pump up song? ‘Say My Name’, Destiny’s Child. What do you love about being a Pantherette? Getting to perform at each

home game with a live audience, and the safe, welcoming environment the other Pantherettes and Kati have provided.

If you were stranded on a desert island, who are you bringing with you and why?

I would bring my best friend Maddy, because we would more than likely end up lost on a deserted island one way or another, and she is the smart one that would get us out of that situation safely.

2024 MEMBER PACK SHAKE-UP

! New system for Membership packs: I can reveal the club is about to announce a major change to its Membership packs from next season. Instead of getting a ‘standard’ pack, members can design their own pack – using credit to select from over 40 merchandise items. Members can choose from a wide range of exclusive member items with the options to design or personalise their own pack – ensuring greater value to the membership. I’m told there’s a slight price increase for next season, but the pack shake-up will certainly add value. Ultimate Memberships are also in for an overhaul with an opportunity to be part of a team photo to be included. The club will release details in the coming days.

! Luai races the clock: Whether Jarome Luai returns for Penrith this season will come down to two factors: the Panthers advancing deep into September, and how much pain the five-eighth is willing to play through. The earliest the 26-year-old will return will be for the Preliminary Final, but Penrith would either need to win in week one of the Finals, or in week two should they lose, to get that far. By then, Luai should have enough strength in the shoulder to play – but it won’t be a comfortable experience. Behind the scenes, Penrith remain optimistic of Luai’s chances of returning but also know the realities of such an injury. If this had occurred mid-season, there’s no way he’d be back in such a short timeframe.

! Documenting the journey: In the moments after full-time against the Eels last Thursday night, Penrith’s media team came up with the idea to follow the progress of Jarome Luai’s shoulder injury journey. Luai agreed to have cameras follow him into his scans, with a fly-on-the-wall approach to documenting the roller coaster ride to come. Panthers provided the footage to Channel Nine, which aired on its 6pm news, but you can imagine there’s more to see should the story have a particularly positive ending. Luai was also fine with journalist Michael Chammas having rare access – proving not all journos are on his blacklist.

! Spotted: A number of Panthers players and staff, including coach Ivan Cleary and co-captain Isaah Yeo, enjoying the recently opened The Orchard near Tench Reserve.

! One to remember: Jesse McLean will certainly never forget his first grade debut. The youngster was remaining upbeat after the game, focusing on the realisation of a dream rather than a couple of negatives to come out of his inaugural top grade experience. Not only was McLean part of a disappointing loss

to bitter rivals Parramatta, but a high tackle led to a charge from the Match Review Committee. McLean took the early guilty plea and was subject to a monetary fine only.

! Girl power on Board: Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy CEO Belinda Leonard will join the Board of Panthers. Her appointment was confirmed yesterday at the club’s latest Board meeting. She becomes the first woman on the Board in the club’s history.

! Prize money questioned: It’s an honour to win the J.J, Giltinan Shield (pictured below) for being Minor Premiers, but it’s been clear this week that is far from a top priority for clubs. Perhaps the $200,000 prize money needs to be seriously looked at moving forward. I know Panthers CEO Brian Fletcher has long thought the prize for coming first is way too low.

! Spotted: Panthers players in their full kit filming promotions for Channel Nine on Monday afternoon ahead of the Finals.

! CCT in town: 2GB’s Continuous Call Team will be broadcasting live from Penrith this Saturday. Mark Levy, Darryl Brohman, Paul Gallen and Josh Morris will be live in The Basement from 1pm, ahead of the clash between the Panthers and Cowboys at 5.30pm.

! Brandy’s boost: SEN’s breakfast show hosted by Andrew Voss and Panthers legend Greg Alexander has enjoyed a slight ratings boost. The show had a 0.1 per cent bump to 0.8 per cent, still the worst performer on Sydney radio but starting to gain some traction.

! Sam’s still got it: Sam McKendry (pictured right) played 147 games for his beloved Penrith Panthers and while injuries played a significant part of his 10-year career, he’s still loving his footy. McKendry, now 34, was part of Emu Plains’ thrilling Grand Final win over Windsor in the local Penrith competition over

I’m told

the weekend.

McKendry tackled his heart out, proving the old boy has still got it.

Jarome Luai. Photo: NRL Images.

COGGER READY FOR BIGGEST CHALLENGE

He’s never played an NRL Finals game in his life, now back-up Panthers half Jack Cogger will get that chance next week filling in for one of the most unique and important players in Ivan Cleary’s line-up.

When Jarome Luai dislocated his shoulder during Penrith’s shock loss to Parramatta last week, attention immediately turned to who would replace the NSW Origin half on the eve of the NRL Finals.

Barring another catastrophe in the final round of the regular season, 26-year-old Cogger will get his opportunity to link up with halfback Nathan Cleary and help steer the Panthers to a third consecutive title.

Speaking with Extra Time on

Monday, Cogger said he’s excited to play in his first Finals game next week but felt a lot of sympathy for the injured Luai.

“It will be pretty exciting [to play Finals], but I haven’t thought too far ahead past this week,” he said.

“You never like to see a teammate get injured no matter what time of the year it is, but when it’s coming at such a pivotal time for the team and with important games coming up, it’s never good.

“Knowing Romey, he’ll turn a six-week injury into three or a fourweek injury into two. He flicks the switch pretty quick and, in his mind, he’s ready to play. He’ll be giving the physios plenty of

ready as quick as he can.”

The Panthers medical team are currently working around the clock on Luai’s shoulder to get the livewire ready for a potential Preliminary Final in late September.

Cogger said he’s more than ready to fill Luai’s boots until he’s healthy enough to return.

“That’s what I was brought here to do,” Cogger said.

“Whether that was to fill in mid-season during Origin, later in the year, or for semi-finals, that’s the job I was brought here to do and it’s time to step up and do that.”

For supporters concerned about Cogger’s credentials heading into his maiden Finals Series, he wants to reassure fans that he knows the Panthers systems inside and out, and

that he and Cleary – despite their lack of game time together this year – are ready to take on the challenge.

“What people don’t see each week is that not only have we trained together all year and during the pre-season, but we’re also in meetings together talking about footy, talking about how we’d play if it was just Nat and I or just Romey and I –it’s not like we are coming together this week and we’re trying to scramble and get things done,” Cogger said.

“There’s been a lot of work put in, in case something happens. It’s the next man up mentality. I’ve been in those meetings every week for every game, so it makes it a bit easier when something like this does come up.

“It’s still a big role for me to play but it makes it a lot easier when you’ve done the work during the year.”

With his time at the foot of the Mountains coming to an end at the conclusion of this season, the Knights-bound playmaker wants to do everything in his power in the coming weeks to repay the Panthers club for the faith they showed in him.

Cogger said he wouldn’t be heading up to Newcastle on a three-year deal next season if it wasn’t for his time at the defending Premiers.

“You become a better player here and that’s one thing that I can definitely say… for the short time I’ve been here in Penrith, I’m a better player for it,” he said.

Jack Cogger playing against the Knights in June. Photo: NRL Images.

Jack Cogger in action for Penrith. Photo: NRL Images.

NATHAN TAYLOR

Jack Cogger will play five-eighth for Penrith this week. Photo: NRL Images.

CLEARY CONFIDENT LUAI WILL BE BACK IN 2023

serious injury like Luai’s is that you’re fit and capable enough to play at your typical high standard.

If anyone knows how Jarome Luai is feeling this week it’s his halves partner and good mate Nathan Cleary, who suffered a similar shoulder injury himself during the 2021 State of Origin series. It took Cleary six weeks of intense rehab before he was able to play again and ultimately guide the Panthers to their first title since 2003.

Unfortunately for Luai time isn’t on his side with the business end of the season set to get underway next week. The 26-year-old is aiming to return for a potential Preliminary Final in four weeks’ time, which Cleary says is entirely possible.

“It’s doable. It’s probably a bit more risky but it’s doable,” Cleary told Extra Time on Monday.

“Romey’s always pretty positive. I saw him today and he said he’ll be back in one week. That would be nice, but we’ll see how it goes.”

Cleary said the most important thing about making a comeback from a

“You just want to get to a stage where you can feel like you can be yourself on the field and play up to what you expect of yourself,” he said.

“It’s one thing getting back on the field, but you still want to be able to play well when you do get back on.

“It’s obviously very disappointing. Romey’s a massive part of our team and one of my great mates, but then again, it’s a part of footy and it gives someone else, like Coggs, an opportunity.”

Jack Cogger will replace Luai in the halves for the foreseeable future, with Cleary looking forward to partnering with the 26-year-old this weekend for just the second time this season.

“Coggs is a great player and has played a lot of first grade this year and done really well too,” Cleary said.

“He’s partnered more with Romey than he has with me but that’s just about us working out each other strengths and how we can complement one another.

“No one is expecting him to come

in and play like Romey – we want him to play like Coggs and play to his strengths.”

Whether the pair play together this Saturday night in the last regular season game is anyone’s guess. The ‘rest’ debate has lit up the NRL this week, with numerous clubs choosing to put their biggest names on ice ahead of the Finals.

At the time of the interview, Cleary said he wasn’t too sure what was in store for him this Saturday evening, but his preference was to play and right the wrongs from last week’s defeat.

“I don’t want to stew on that loss for another week. You always want to be playing,” he said.

Best buds: Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai in happier times. Photo: NRL Images.

NATHAN TAYLOR

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If you listen to the outside voices, most of them are saying that Penrith can’t win the premiership this season.

They say the loss of Jarome Luai is too great and the spanking the Eels gave them last Thursday night is too big an obstacle to overcome.

Forget the fact that the side has fought hard all season and put themselves in a position where they can’t finish lower than second on the NRL ladder.

Of course, a lot of these naysayers were the same ones kissing Penrith’s butt less than 10 days ago. How quickly they forget.

Now not that a loss is ever acceptable, but it can certainly be explainable.

Taking nothing away from the Eels who outplayed the Panthers in every department during their 32-18 win but with respect, it was against a side missing five key players who then lost a sixth 25 minutes into the contest.

Penrith had a centre playing fullback, a winger playing his sixth first grade game, an 18-year-old debutant centre and a makeshift hooker. The game also showed the tremendous value that both Scott Sorensen and Mitch Kenny bring to the team.

I mean what did we honestly expect?

The Eels were at full strength

apart from halfback Mitchell Moses and they came to play. They played with purpose and defended like their lives depended on it.

The Panthers did not.

Still, it was a wonderful wake-up call for the players, coaching staff and supporters. Some patchy wins over the last few weeks have probably covered over some cracks that needed to be exposed.

After the game Penrith coach Ivan Cleary virtually admitted that when he said; “It was a really short week but I must admit I was a little worried about tonight, it just felt like… this (performance) was coming. We’ve been drifting a little bit I reckon, playing OK but there have been parts of our game that

haven’t been up to scratch and we got found out tonight.”

Cleary went on to compliment the Parramatta team before again admitting his own side’s poor showing.

“Tonight, was an off night,” said Cleary.

“If anything (the loss) might just sharpen our focus a little bit for the coming weeks.

“We’ll learn some stuff from tonight and it’s probably a bit of a wake-up call in some respects and I don’t say that in any derogatory type fashion or anything. I think maybe we’ve just been a bit distracted.”

The distraction might have been knowing the team can’t finish

lower than second even if they lost both their last two home games. However with several injured players set to return over the next few weeks, there is far too much experience in the club and too strong a culture in place, to let such a loss define their season or stop them from achieving the ultimate goal.

HOW EELS DID PENRITH A FAVOUR lang on league

Now whether the team wins the premiership this year or not, one thing is certain. They will not play that badly again.

I personally believe the side can defy the naysayers and make it a three-peat.

And the irony is, we’ll have the Eels to thank for it.

See you next week.

Nathan Cleary and his concerned Panthers last Thursday night. Photo: NRL Images.

with Peter Lang

WHAT STORY WILL BE A WINNER?

For more than 30 years I’ve been fortunate enough to cover great rugby league stories, from the Cobar Roosters to the Bega Roosters to the Atherton Roosters to the Sydney Roosters.

This year, at NRL level, there is plenty to crow about again. Heading into the final round, 10 clubs can still win the competition. And no matter what happens over the next five weeks, a great headline is going to be written at full-time in the Grand Final. Let’s consider.

KEVIN HEAVEN

russell

Brisbane coach Kevvie Walters is already a winner as testified by his seven Grand Finals as a player, including five Premierships as a former Broncos player. After presiding over a late season slide last year, what a coaching correction it would be to win the title 12 months on, in charge of team that also includes his son.

PANTH3RS!

In the modern salary cap era, it’s been near impossible to win backto-back Premierships, let alone three in a row. It’s not meant to happen. Penrith have been forced to shed a list of stars, have fielded a big group to State of Origin, and have lost both halves to significant injuries during the campaign – yet

remain Premiership favourites. An extraordinary effort from a champion team.

SECOND COMING

Shaun Johnson played in a Grand Final in his first season 12 years ago – but has played only two Finals since then and lost both. He may well win this year’s Dally M Medal and any success the Warriors have from here will surely come off the back of SJ. It wasn’t long ago he was being urged to retire. Look at him go again!

BELLY LAUGH

Craig Bellamy’s coaching record is simply sensational. In his 21st NRL season, he’s taken the Storm to their 15th Top 4 finish under his control. He’s farewelled stars, created more, and repeatedly proven reports of Melbourne’s demise as greatly exaggerated. He’s the best!

KNIGHT TIME FANS

Newcastle loves its rugby league. Look at the sell-out crowds. This is a supporter base that even turned up in force when the club collected three straight wooden spoons. Imagine the Hunter if Kalyn Ponga carries the Knights to the Premiership. The convoy of Sid Foggs buses would stretch from Newcastle to Accor Stadium.

EXIT TO ECSTASY

12 months ago, the Sharks finished second on the back of brilliant defence, only to concede more than 30 points in both Finals and crash out in ‘straight sets’. What satisfaction if Cronulla corrects that by winning from outside the Top 4.

FAIRYTALE FINISH?

Canberra have risen or fallen to the standard of the team they are playing. They might just lift to the occasion September presents. Injuries and suspension have hit them hard but they want to send Jarrod Croker and Jack Wighton out of the club in style.

DELIVERANCE

Having been so close yet so far for the last five years – is this the season Souths throw away the banjos and start strumming the best Fender guitars?

hidden panther

JT THE SECOND

Johnathan Thurston kicked the Cowboys into history when his field goal delivered the 2015 Grand Final in Golden Point. Can Jason Taumololo carry the club to a second title in this his 14th season of NRL – still with four years to run on his monster 10-year contract?

TIMED TO A T, TRENT

All year the Roosters had us wondering – when will they click? After playing like headless chooks for most of the season there are signs it’s finally coming together. Too late?

Brisbane Broncos coach Kevin Walters.

IT’S FINALS TIME FOR FLEGG SIDE

The Penrith Panthers’ hopes of retaining their Knock-On Effect NSW Cup title are over following a stunning collapse against the Parramatta Eels at BlueBet Stadium.

Needing to win and have other results go their way to sneak into the top five, the Panthers led 24-4 with 22 minutes remaining, before conceding five unanswered tries to fall 34-24.

The Panthers dominated early, taking a 10-0 lead with tries to Sam Lane and Isaiah Iongi.

Daeon Amituanai crossed in the 23rd minute, advancing the Panthers’ lead to 14-0.

Zac Cini pegged one back for the Eels, however when Dan Keir was sin-binned in the seconds before half-time, the Panthers would have been confident leading 14-4.

lower grades report with

Another try to Amituanai, followed by one to Jack Cole quickly saw the Panthers extend their lead to 24-4 and seemingly have one foot in the Finals.

From there, it was a procession of tries to the Eels, with Lachlan Blackburn (58th minute), Brendan Hands (63rd) and Arthur Miller-Stephen (67th) getting the Eels back within two points.

Cini scored his second in the 70th minute, before a simple try to Makahesi Makatoa four minutes later put the final nail in the Panthers’ coffin.

The result wasn’t much better in Jersey Flegg as the Panthers suffered their third-straight loss to limp into the Finals in fourth spot on the ladder.

Multiple sets in the early minutes got the Panthers off to a good start, with Joseph Nohra touching down first.

Ethyn Martin crossed for the Eels in the 12th minute before Riley Wake struck back for the Panthers in the 19th.

Ethan Sanders evened the scores in the 24th minute, but the Panthers went to half-time leading 14-10 after Timothy Sielaff-Burns scored on the half hour.

In a 15-minute period midway through the

second half, Sanders and Martin both completed their doubles, while William Latu also crossed for the Eels to wrap up the win for the visitors. As a result, the Panthers and Eels will meet again in the Elimination Final on Saturday.

Jack Cole. Photo: NRL Images.

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TITANS SHARKS

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KNIGHTS

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STORM TIGERS

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ROOSTERS WARRIORS PANTHERS KNIGHTS

BULLDOGS RAIDERS

TITANS SHARKS

TITANS SHARKS

STORM SEA EAGLES

STORM TIGERS

STORM TIGERS

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ROOSTERS DOLPHINS PANTHERS DRAGONS

ROOSTERS WARRIORS PANTHERS KNIGHTS

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TITANS SHARKS

BULLDOGS RAIDERS

BULLDOGS RAIDERS

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STORM TIGERS

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BULLDOGS RAIDERS

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PRESENTS

Gotcha4Life Ball

Date: 18th November 2023

Time: 6:30 PM

Venue: Penrith Panthers Convention Centre 123 Mulgoa Rd, Penrith NSW 2750

Dress code: Formal

Ticket Prices

$275 each Or $2,500 for a table of 10

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