Extra Time September 14

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WARRIORS SENT PACKING no w cl e a ry a nd co ta k e on sh a r ks at a l l i a nz s ta dium MASKED PANTHER > P32 Season ticket prices rise, plus MG calls for Panthers to re-sign Ciraldo for 2019

JAMIE SOWARD > P35 Exclusive column from former Panther and 2010 NRL premiership winner

MAY’S MISSION > P39 The quietly spoken Tyrone May is having a huge impact at Penrith

Friday, September 14, 2018 « the western weekender • extra time

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THE FINAL WORD

v

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 • 7.40PM | ALLIANZ STADIUM | REFEREES: ASHLEY KLEIN & ADAM GEE

PANTHERS 1

Dallin Watene-Zelezniak

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

Josh Mansour Waqa Blake Tyrone Peachey Christian Crichton James Maloney (c) Nathan Cleary Trent Merrin Sione Katoa Reagan Campbell-Gillard Viliame Kikau Isaah Yeo James Fisher-Harris Tyrone May Moses Leota Corey Harawira-Naera James Tamou Wayde Egan

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, September 14, 2018

MATCH PREVIEW

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SHARKS

CHANNEL 9 FOX LEAGUE

Christian Crichton dives over to score last weekend. Photo: Melinda Jane

TROY DODDS @troydodds

I

f you had tasked a Hollywood scriptwriter with penning the tales of the 2018 NRL Finals, they almost certainly would have included a clash between Penrith and Cronulla.

Not only is it the first time these two clubs, who both entered the competition in 1967, have met in a Finals game, but the sub-plots here are mouth-watering, headed up by the much-hyped battle between five-eighths James Maloney and Matt Moylan.

All year fans and commentators have talked about who got the better of the ‘swap deal’, now we have a legitimate test to answer the question.

And what about the Luke Lewis twist

to the story? Once a proud Panther, now a Shark, facing what could be his final 80 minutes on a rugby league field. The club that gave him his start in the NRL will either end his career on Friday, or be left in his wake as he books a seat to Melbourne for a Preliminary Final.

And predictably there’s been shots fired in the lead-up too, with both James Segeyaro and Paul Gallen throwing a little bit of extra heat into the contest.

This is a Finals match with a Grand Final anticipation about it. There will be more feeling in this game than perhaps either side has faced all season, and the intensity will be epic – both on the ground and in the stands.

Penrith were superb for the majority of the game against the Warriors last Saturday, again falling behind early but managing some course correction before half-time. They never looked like losing

2GB 873 TRIPLE M

in the second half, with James Maloney and Nathan Cleary combining superbly to guide the Panthers into week two of the Finals.

As for Cronulla, they put in an almighty effort against the Roosters but just came up short. Had a few more passes stuck at crucial times the result may have been very different.

While the Sharks are deserved favourites for this match, there is an obvious advantage to Penrith coming off a victory. The Sharks have to pick themselves up off a loss and rediscover their confidence and form, while the Panthers simply need to carry on after a second half last week in which they didn’t concede a point.

Cronulla will also be without Wade Graham due to a serious knee injury – another twist in the Hollywood-style plot as he would have liked nothing more than to secure victory against his old team.

1

Valentine Holmes

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

Sosaia Feki Josh Dugan Ricky Leutele Edrick Lee Matt Moylan Chad Townsend Andrew Fifita Jayden Brailey Matt Prior Luke Lewis Scott Sorensen Paul Gallen (c) Kurt Capewell James Segeyaro Aaron Woods Jayson Bukuya

If Penrith are to win on Friday night they’ll need to produce a completion rate similar to what they achieved against the Warriors (87 per cent) and play a gritty style of game, with Penrith’s starting props in Trent Merrin and Reagan CampbellGillard crucial in dominating the forward battle in the early stages of the contest.

While Cameron Ciraldo is unlikely to change his winning team, I would have liked to have seen Jack Hetherington named somewhere in the 17 – this game is calling out for his style of aggression.

Cronulla are dangerous all over the park but if Penrith can shut down Moylan and Chad Townsend as easily as they did Blake Green and Shaun Johnson last week, they’ll go a long way to winning this one.

Bring your defibrillator – like all good Hollywood flicks, this one won’t be resolved until the final scene.

Tip: Panthers by 1

31

Friday, September 14, 2018 « the western weekender • extra time

PANTHER RUMBLINGS

with the Masked Panther

MG: GIVE CIRO THE JOB » Panthers legend Mark Geyer has called

on the club to hand the head coaching role to Cameron Ciraldo full-time next year. “I think the auditions are over for Penrith, he’s their coach for the next two years,” Geyer said on Triple M. “If I was Penrith, I’d be signing Cameron Ciraldo as the first grade coach.” Two big questions remain, however. Does Ciraldo actually want the job and is the possibility of Ivan Cleary returning to the foot of the Mountains still on?

Cameron Ciraldo.

Photo: Melinda Jane

» Members are set to pay more for their

season tickets next year. For example, Diamond memberships were $330 last season but have jumped to $355 for adults for the 2019 season. The club has already sent out renewal notices to existing members.

» Exciting fullback Caleb Aekins was

named the ISP NSW Player of the Year at the Brad Fittler Medal night earlier this week. Meanwhile, Shawn Blore was named U18 NSW State Player of the Year.

» The Panthers are keeping to a similar

pre-match routine in an effort to keep their nerves and preparation in check during the Finals series. Despite playing at ANZ Stadium last week the team still stayed in a hotel the night before, and have done so again heading into tonight’s clash with Cronulla. Penrith have opted for hotel stays instead of match day travel for a lot of their Sydney-based away games this season.

» Penrith were privately fuming that they were not able to train at ANZ Stadium prior to last weekend’s ‘home’ final against the Warriors. Bad weather forced the captain’s run to be moved to the Panthers Academy on Friday with the club not allowed to train on the ANZ turf.

However, the Warriors’ captain’s run on ANZ went ahead.

night ago. The course correction worked well, with Cleary missing just one goal from six attempts against the Warriors last week.

» Spotted: A number of Panthers Direc-

tors on the ANZ Stadium turf celebrating last week’s win over the Warriors.

» Former champion goal kicker Daryl

Halligan was at Panthers training last week working with Nathan Cleary after his rare off night against the Storm a fort-

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» Sharks hooker James Segeyaro has fired a shot at western Sydney ahead of tonight’s do-or-die Finals clash. “It’s a good lifestyle here in Cronulla, the people are so lovely. I’d rather be here than sitting somewhere out west,” he said.

» Not surprisingly a big TV audience

tuned in to watch Penrith’s win over the Warriors last Saturday. An average of 386,000 metro viewers watched on Channel Nine, while 303,000 watched Fox League’s coverage of the match.

» It’s been revealed that big forward Vil-

iame Kikau defied medical advice to play against the Warriors. Kikau is struggling with an elbow problem, with two torn ligaments causing him a lot of discomfort.

Doctors said he should rest the injury, but

the 23-year-old fought on through the pain and had a solid game.

» How fantastic has it been to see local

businesses getting behind Penrith’s Finals campaign? Thanks to the Penrith CBD Corporation, a number of shops in the Penrith area are displaying Panthers posters, getting into the Finals spirit.

» The rumours about Trent Merrin

departing the Panthers at the end of the season simply won’t go away. Expect some movement in October.

» Have you got any Panthers news you’d

like to share? Spotted a player out and about? Let me know via email at maskedpanther@westernweekender.com.au.

Your confidentiality is assured!

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the western weekender • extra time » Friday, September 14, 2018

FEATURE

SAUCE’S LOVE FOR THE WEST NATHAN TAYLOR @natetaylor87

P

opular Panthers winger Josh Mansour said he and his teammates will use recent jabs by Sharks players as motivation heading into tonight’s monster Semi Final at Allianz Stadium.

Earlier this week, former Penrith hooker turned Shark James Segeyaro offended the entire Panthers supporter base – the same set of fans that once cheered his name – when he said: “It’s a good lifestyle in Cronulla, the people are so lovely. I’d rather be here than sitting somewhere out west”.

When Extra Time revealed to Mansour exactly what Segeyaro told reporters this week, the former Origin star chose to hit back with some shots of his own.

“I’m pretty sure they breed them tough out here, so they obviously couldn’t handle the heat,” Mansour said.

“In saying that, I’m not surprised Chicko (Segeyaro) likes the nice and relaxing Shire… he obviously doesn’t like hard work,” he added with a smile.

After living in the inner west for his entire NRL career, Extra Time can confirm

that Mansour is now strongly considering moving to the Penrith area in the near future to be closer to training and his teammates. The news is welcoming and refreshing, especially off the back of Segeyaro’s comments.

“I love it out here, I love our fans and I love the community. If anything, Chicko’s comments shouldn’t just fire the fans up but us boys as well,” Mansour said.

Like Panthers fans, the Australian star would love nothing more than to send the Sharks and their supporters back to the Shire with a loss on Friday night. However, Penrith haven’t beaten Cronulla since 2015 and their record in week two Finals games has been diabolical of late.

Mansour said tonight’s game will be an almighty test against an experienced, premiership-winning squad.

“Cronulla has a lot of Finals experience and a lot of quality players but many people have written us off in the past, so hopefully we can get the win and progress to the next stage,” he said.

“It’s definitely frustrating getting knocked out in week two because it’s such a long season and every team’s ambition is to win a premiership, especially when you get this far and you feel it’s just there.”

After getting knocked out in the Semi

Panthers winger Josh Mansour on Wednesday. Photo: Melinda Jane Final stage in back to back years, Mansour believes his side has learned plenty of lessons from those heartbreaking experiences.

“We just need to play simpler and hold the ball – it’s what matters most,” he said.

“The last couple of seasons we’ve overplayed our hand too much and forced the pass too early in games.

“We just have to be controlled, calm and, at the end of the day, pretend it’s just another footy game.”

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Friday, September 14, 2018 « the western weekender • extra time

There’s no second chances

JAMIE SOWARD T

here are plenty of mouth-watering storylines heading into tonight’s all or nothing Semi Final between arch rivals Penrith and Cronulla.

James Maloney coming up against his old club; Matt Moylan and James Segeyaro coming up against their former team; and don’t forget Luke Lewis, who could have his illustrious NRL career ended by the very club he debuted and won a premiership with some 15 years ago.

Along with those juicy narratives, there are also some unbelievable match-ups that I just can’t wait to watch.

The first one is Andrew Fifita up against Reagan Campbell-Gillard. We could see a real statement game from both these superstar props in tonight’s match. At times this year Fifita has been the most dominant big man in the game and, conversely, so has RCG. Who will come out on top tonight? It’s anyone guess!

The next match-up I’m itching to see is that of Luke Lewis and Viliame Kikau.

As I mentioned earlier, this is potentially Lewis’ last game and I expect him to be right up in Kikau’s face putting him under plenty of pressure.

Will the raw power of Kikau be too much for the 2016 Clive Churchill Medallist?

We’ll just have to wait and see!

The third match-up is the battle of the speedmen – Valentine Holmes and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak. If Penrith are going to win this one, DWZ will have to be on-song defensively, much like James Tedesco was last week. He’ll have to defuse kicks and be in the right position to stop any potential threat Holmes poses.

For the third straight year, the Panthers have made week two of the Finals but it remains to be seen whether they can get over the second week hump. The sacking of Anthony Griffin six weeks ago has shown it was rightly done because the side have managed to get to the same position that they did when underneath him.

Hopefully the Panthers have learned something from previous Finals campaigns and, judging by last week, I think they may have. I’m already seeing the fruits of Cameron Ciraldo’s labour, with the boys seemingly enjoying their footy a lot more and when they get it right, they look very dangerous.

While Penrith certainly have the edge

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, September 14, 2018

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Will Viliame Kikau come out on top? Photo: Megan Dunn over the Sharks in the halves, Cronulla’s forward pack is hardened and experienced. They don’t give away cheap points and make you earn them.

The loss of Wade Graham is huge for the Sharks, but he’s been in and out all season.

Without Graham there, Penrith should run plenty of traffic at Matt Moylan, to try and tire him. Moylan will have to organise a bit more and everyone’s going to have to rise to another level because this is it, there are no second chances.

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Friday, September 14, 2018 « the western weekender • extra time

IN PICTURES Photos: Melinda Jane

making a statement 08/09/ 18 : The Panthers kicke kicked d the Warriors out of the title race

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Friday, September 14, 2018 « the western weekender • extra time

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the western weekender • extra time » Friday, September 14, 2018

FEATURE

MAY THE FORCE BE WITH TYRONE NATHAN TAYLOR @natetaylor87

I

t’s almost 12 months to the day that Panthers utility Tyrone May suffered the worst injury of his young career, when he tore his ACL during a week two Finals match against the Brisbane Broncos.

At the time May thought his world was crashing down around him, but as the old saying goes ‘time heals all wounds’ and now the 22-year-old is preparing to play in week two of the NRL Finals yet again.

Speaking with Extra Time ahead of tonight’s do-or-die clash with old foes Cronulla, May reflected on his injury and how the past 12 months had flown by.

“It was a tough recovery, I think it was more mental than physical,” he admitted.

“When it first happened, it felt long but when you start playing again the year goes so fast.

“To look back where I was last year, to do my ACL and come back, I’m grateful to

all the staff here for the help they’ve given me to get back on the field.”

During the first week of the Finals, two more serious knee injuries put a dampener on what was a sensational start to the post-season.

Warriors superstar Roger Tuivasa-Sheck limped off against Penrith, while Sharks backrower Wade Graham suffered an ACL injury against the Roosters.

“I don’t really think about my knee until I see other players go down with a similar injury like RTS and Wade Graham did,” he said.

“I feel really bad for them and I don’t wish that upon anyone.”

May will look to put his demons of a year ago well and truly behind him when he comes off the bench for tonight’s blockbuster against the 2016 Premiers at Allianz Stadium.

The Samoan international said he’s very grateful his former Holden Cup coach Cameron Ciraldo has given him a lifeline in the NRL side.

“I was lucky enough with a few injuries

Panthers interchange player Tyrone May. Photo: Melinda Jane to get a gig and then hold my spot,” he said.

“I think I’ve done my trade in a few positions, so if someone goes down I’ll be able to fill a spot there. Ciro had me playing everywhere in the U20s and likewise now.

It doesn’t bother me and I think he knows that.”

The pair’s relationship dates back five years, when Ciraldo was playing his final year in the NRL and May was just finding his feet in SG Ball.

May said it was “surreal” that he and Ciraldo are working together again.

“The first time I had something to do with him was when I was 17 playing SG Ball and Ciro came down to help our team, even though he was still playing,” he said.

“I always knew he’d handle the NRL coaching role but to see it happen so fast is amazing and a credit to him.

“After getting a taste of it, I think he wants the role full-time now… I don’t think he wants to let go of it.”

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Friday, September 14, 2018 « the western weekender • extra time

Brought to you by

It’s all about getting the timing right

ANDY RAYMOND I

’ve got a mate. Nathan. He’s a Western Weekender reader. That’s the positive.

He’s a Dragons fan though. There’s your negative right there.

OK fella I guess. Likes a chat about footy or offering up a tip or two for Saturday’s races. He’s good for a giggle too ... for about an hour or so, after that you’re best to find an excuse to walk away. You know that one mate we all have that’s just a punish?

Well, that’s him! He’s a joke teller too. A bad one, he never gets it right. Never! This poor peanut screws up punchlines, laughs early and at his own material too. No good.

It’s all in the timing right?

On timing, we were exchanging texts this week and he was again rambling about St George-Illawarra and as quickly as I dismissed him (again) I offered up the Panthers. Forget the last five weeks, off field headlines and ongoing rumours.

Premierships aren’t won in August... history tells us that September timing is the only thing that matters in rugby league’s history books.

In my humble opinion two men know the value of that timing better than anyone.

Craig Bellamy and Phil Gould.

Both are successes.

The Melbourne coach’s resume tells us that. His consistency and results are mind blowing. Love them, or hate them, the Storm are always there .... or thereabouts and nothing has changed in 2018.

For Gus, it’s a similar story of success.

Officially... and unofficially. While Cameron Ciraldo is the head coach it’d be very naive to think Phil isn’t playing a controlling role in this title tilt.

He needs to too as it was only a few weeks ago he took responsibility for moving on Anthony Griffin. Many thought the timing was odd, could it be in fact, the timing was perfect?

We won’t be able to judge that for a few weeks yet but I’ve just got this feeling the ol’ bloke knows exactly what he’s doing and may well have that timing perfect again. He’s done it before, more than once too.

Friday night is the first challenge.

Maloney vs Moylan. RCG vs Fifita. DWZ vs Holmes. Yes sir. Bring it on!

Who’s got their timing right? The Sharks or the Panthers? The punchline depends on it, but this is no joke.

Good luck to the Pennies.... oh, and Nathan, quit with this Red V talk!

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panthers on the prowl

The Primary Classroom Program at Panthers on the Prowl has been running continuously for 16 years. We serve local primary schools to assist in the development of social and emotional learning targeted at small groups. Each week, thanks to Hertz, we nominate a student of the week from a participating school to highlight their efforts. s.

s i k e e w e h t f o t n e d Stu

Kyran Coake-Henry This week’s student of the week is Kyran Coake-Henry. Kyran attends Cambridge Gardens Public School and has been making pleasing progress this term. This past week we have been covering the topic of engagement. Students have participated in a survey that outlines their character strengths. Reflecting on these, students are able to identify the types of activities that they will enjoy whether that be working in groups, alone, doing something active or a little more laid back.

Kyran has demonstrated this term that he is willing to try new things and in particular, that taking risks often leads to a sense of fulfilment and achievement.

Congratulations Kyran.

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Phil Gould. Photo: Melinda Jane

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the western weekender • extra time » Friday, September 14, 2018

FEATURE

MALONEY THE KEY TO TILT AT TROPHY NATHAN TAYLOR @natetaylor87

P

anthers five-eighth James Maloney is arguably the most important player in this year’s NRL Finals Series. Not only is he one of the most experienced and successful campaigners out there, but he’s the man that could help deliver Penrith their first NRL Premiership in 15 years.

Despite battling every niggling injury under the sun this season, the 32-yearold winning NSW Origin half was at his brilliant best last Saturday night at ANZ Stadium, successfully guiding the Panthers to a 27-12 victory over the New Zealand Warriors.

Even being crunched by Warriors hooker Issac Luke early in the second half didn’t deter the two-time Premiership winner from managing the game to perfection, and giving his young side the belief and confidence to finish off the task at hand.

Speaking with the media post-game,

Panthers caretaker coach Cameron Ciraldo was glowing in his praise for the veteran skipper.

“Jimmy’s really valuable, his experience out there… you just know that he knows what to do in each moment – it’s like having another coach out there,” he said.

“I thought throughout the whole week that he’d shown some really good leadership qualities and I’m really happy with how he’s going.”

Of course, Maloney is no stranger to the post-season. He’s played in eight of the last nine Finals Series’ with four different clubs. Ciraldo said Maloney is “born” for Finals footy.

“I felt that a couple of weeks ago, you could see his intensity goes up and he really rallies the troops,” he said.

“Jimmy’s just born for this time of year and we’re really lucky we’ve got him on our side.”

After knocking out one of his former clubs last week in the Warriors, Maloney will be looking to do the same when he battles the Sharks at Allianz Stadium.

Penrith skipper James Maloney waves to fans at ANZ Stadium. Photo: Melinda Jane In 2016, Maloney steered the Sharks to their first ever NRL Premiership, now he’s been tasked to put their season on ice.

Panthers teammate Isaah Yeo said Maloney, along with his halves partner Nathan Cleary, were brilliant during last Saturday’s win and would be crucial against Cronulla.

“Jimmy’s the orchestrator out there… he’s vocal, knows how to steer the team around and kicks at the right time,” Yeo said after the match.

“I thought Nathan was exceptional as well and controlled it when he had to. I thought his kicking was really good. Both halves did a good job.”

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Friday, September 14, 2018 « the western weekender • extra time

EXTRA MINUTES

NRL ADDS SOME ROCK TO GRAND FINAL DAY

FACE IN THE CROWD

» Multiple ARIA Award-winning

Australian rock band Gang of Youths will headline this year’s NRL Grand Final pre-game show. The band, considered the next great Australian alternative rock outfit, will perform as part of the pre-game entertainment before embarking on a tour of the US as well as a completely sold out tour of Australia later this year. “Gang of Youths are relevant, they’re home grown, they’re contemporary, and they are renowned for producing one of the best live shows going around,” NRL Chief Commercial Officer Andrew Abdo said.

» The NRL Women’s Premiership

had a strong debut last weekend.

Apart from support at the grounds, the TV ratings were also excellent.

In fact, the games on Fox League out-rated what most A-League matches achieve throughout the season. The first year of the competition continues this weekend.

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.

Gang of Youths will perform at the NRL Grand Final on September 30

» The official NRL.com Fans’ Poll has declared Andrew Voss as the game’s best commentator. It’s a double win for the Fox League caller who also topped The Daily Telegraph’s fan poll a few weeks ago.

» James Tedesco was crowned the 2018 Brad Fittler Medal winner earlier this week as the best Blues player of the State of Origin series.

» Latrell Mitchell will miss the

Roosters’ Preliminary Final next weekend after failing to have his dangerous contact charge thrown out at the judiciary on Tuesday night.

» Boom Newcastle fullback Kalyn

Extra Time Issue Number 028 PRINTED BY Spotpress Pty Ltd / PRODUCED BY The Western Weekender EDITOR Troy Dodds / 4722 2998 / troy.dodds@westernweekender.com.au

Ponga was named the RLPA Players’ Champion this week. At just 20, Ponga is the youngest player ever to win the award.

CONTRIBUTORS Nathan Taylor / Jamie Soward SALES DIRECTOR Chris Pennisi/ 4722 2998 chris.pennisi@westernweekender.com.au

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