kennycaptainMASKEDPANTHER NEWS FROM THE MASKED MAN HIMSELF, PLUS THE LATEST NRL FINALS INFORMATION PAGE 32 MATT RUSSELL FOX LEAGUE EXPERT SAYS FINAL ROUND STRUCTURE IS FINE THE WAY IT IS PAGE 40 LOVE OF PENRITH STADIUM STAR HALF JAROME LUAI REVEALS HIS PASSION FOR THE VENUE HE CALLS HOME PAGE 34 Brought to you by UNLIKELY SKIPPER TO LEAD PENRITH SATURDAY MATCH PREVIEW PAGE 31 LEGENDSERIESPOSTERINSIDE
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I f you’ve woken from a six month slumber and just taken a look at Penrith’s team list for Saturday night’s clash against the Cowboys at QLD Country Bank Stadium, get yourself back off the floor.
Ivan Cleary has appointed himself insurance assessor and taken the injury and suspension risk out of this Round 25 clash by resting almost his entire top team and fielding what resembles a NSW Cup side for the trip to Townsville. Nobody can blame Cleary for the move. With the Minor Premiership wrapped up and the Finals starting next weekend, you’d be mad not to freshen up in the most sensible way possible ahead of the big September matches. Cleary knows how close his bruised and battered side came to not winning the Premier ship last October and he plans to make it a smoother ride this year; as much as anyone can at this time of the season. There is no doubt most of the players being rested this weekend would have wanted to play; perhaps they even begged the coach to let them take the trip to Townsville. But that will only make them hungrier for the opening Finals match when it comes along next week. So, the question is, can this reserve grade team topple the Cowboys? I’m not convinced it can’t be done. There is plenty of enthusiasm in this team and players who’ve been given an opportunity to prove themselves for next season. The forward pack isn’t too bad. Matt Eisenhuth and Scott Sorensen offer plenty of toughness, while Mitch Kenny – despite his critics – has actually played some pretty good footy over the last month, especially against the Rabbitohs a fortnight ago. The big question is perhaps where the points come from. The backline doesn’t scream tries and you’d think the Cowboys would be able to defend a downgraded version of Penrith’s usually lethal left edge. But in what will likely be their final first grade game of the year, you would think Kurt Falls and Sean O’Sullivan would be keen to produce something special –and desire can get you a long way in footy. Stranger things have happened than a Penrith win here but the Cowboys have plenty to play for.While they’ve most likely given up the prospect of a home Final now, the possibility remains in play if they do get past the Panthers – with Cronulla not playing until Sunday in their mission to wrap up second spot and a match at PointsBet Stadium next weekend. Todd Payten’s side would also be keen to right the ship heading into the Finals after a couple of disappointing performances of late, and despite the players Penrith have out, a big win over the defending champions would certainly be a significant confidence-booster. I think the Cowboys will probably get up here, and I’ll tip them too – because I doubt Ivan Cleary is really going into this match with the intention of winning. But I reckon these young Panther cubs will give this game a real shake. It’ll be fun and exciting to watch – and a far more relaxing 80 minutes than worrying about any big names getting injured. Tip: Cowboys by 6. Kurt Falls. NRL
Images. TROY DODDS SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3 | 7.35PM | QLD COUNTRY BANK STADIUM | REFEREE: TODD SMITH | BUNKER: CHRIS BUTLER thewordfinalv PANTHERS 1 Charlie Staines 10 Matthew Eisenhuth 2 Sunia Turuva 11 Chris Smith 3 Robert Jennings 12 Scott Sorensen 4 Thomas Jenkins 13 J’Maine Hopgood 5 Christian Crichton 14 Soni Luke 6 Kurt Falls 15 Eddie Blacker 7 Sean O’Sullivan 16 Liam Henry 8 Lindsay Smith 17 Jack Cole 9 Mitch Kenny (c) 18 Mavrik Geyer 19 Preston Riki COWBOYS 1 Scott Drinkwater 10 Reuben Cotter 2 Kyle Feldt 11 Luciano Leilua 3 Valentine Holmes 12 Jeremiah Nanai 4 Peta Hiku 13 Jason Taumalolo 5 Murray Taulagi 14 Jake Granville 6 Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow 15 Tom Gilbert 7 Chad Townsend 16 Jamayne Taunoa-Brown 8 Jordan McLean 17 Griffin Neame 9 Reece Robson 18 Brendan Elliot 19 Riley BroughtPriceto you by ABC 702 2GB CHANNEL873 9 FOX BROADCASTLEAGUE « the western weekender • extra time 31Friday, September 2, 2022
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! Early start: You can almost guarantee that the 2023 NRL season will begin on Thursday, March 2 – with Head of Elite Competitions Graham Annesley all but confirming an earlier start to the new season earlier this week. The NRL is currently working on next year’s schedule, which incorporates more byes due to the inclusion of the Dolphins and must work around the ridiculous decision to dump the hugely popular rep round. The earlier start to the season, combined with the World Cup, is likely to kill off any talk of the World Club Challenge returning.
Royce Simmons with students on Monday.
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Spotted: The entire Panthers first grade team enjoying lunch at Tins and Wood in Penrith last Thursday.
Going private: The Panthers are taking the Finals so seriously that they’ve paid for a charter flight in and out of Townsville this weekend. While plenty of the first grade side is being rested and won’t head north for the Cowboys game, coach Ivan Cleary wants to avoid all possible delays and long flight sched ules. It’ll be a smash-and-grab trip to Towns ville with the focus to very quickly switch to the Finals.
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panther rumblings
Grand Final Luncheon: The Panthers will be hosting a Grand Final Luncheon for corpo rate partners in the lead-up to the Grand Final. The event will be held on Friday, September 30 and the club is aiming to make it a regular part of their corporate offerings for sponsors each year, regardless of if Penrith is in the decider or not. A similar lunch was held in 2020.
ROYCE INSPIRES NEXT GENERATION WITH THE MASKED PANTHER Brought to you by the western weekender • extra time »32 Friday, September 2, 2022
! More Masked: Some huge news for followers of this column – Panther Rumblings with yours truly will continue across the off-season. With a World Cup to come this year, plus a busy pre-season, the powers that be have asked the masked man to do overtime this year. My column will appear in the sports section of the Weekender every Friday from October 14, all the way through to the first round of the 2023 NRL season. It’ll move into the sports section earlier if the Panthers don’t end up making the Grand Final.
! Shield on show: The J.J. Giltinan Shield is on display in the foyer of Panthers Leagues Club after it was presented to the Panthers at BlueBet Stadium last Friday night (pictured).
Live Merv: The 2022 Merv Cartwright Medal will be livestreamed for fans to watch on Monday, September 12. The event will be held at the EVAN Theatre with corporate part ners, players and special guests in attendance. The livestream will be available on the official Panthers website. ! Staines set to exit: I told you back in June that Charlie Staines (pictured) was set to leave Penrith at the end of the season with the 21-year-old unlikely to find a permanent first grade spot in Ivan Cleary’s side. There’s been more talk around this in the past week, as Staines looks for a club that will fit him into their regular starting 13. He’s at long odds to be at the foot of the Mountains next year. It’s just about finding the right club from here, and determining what Penrith may have to pay towards the deal. ! Finals footy: Penrith’s home Final is likely to be played on Friday, September 9. The NRL will officially confirm the week one schedule on Sunday night but with Cronulla and Canberra both playing on Sunday, and the Raiders set to make the top eight, neither side will be forced to back-up on Friday night. That means Penrith’s match is firming to be the opening game of the Finals, particularly given the NRL usually favours a top four game in this slot. Tickets will go on sale to members at 10am on Monday, and to the general public 24 hours later.
Backing the Panthers: Penrith City Council will launch a significant backing of the Panthers’ push for another Premiership, deter mined to avoid some of the criticism that sur rounded its support back in 2020. Council was quick to issue a media release with an official congratulations from the Mayor minutes after the presentation of the J.J. Giltinan Shield last Friday night. Council has promised a “range of highly visible activations” through Penrith as the tilt for back-to-back titles rolls on. While Penrith was in lockdown in 2021, some were critical of Council’s lack of activations in the lead-up to the 2020 Grand Final.
Spotted: Former Panthers Chairman Dave O’Neill in the sheds joining in the cel ebrations of Penrith’s win over the Warriors last Friday night. O’Neill remains very close to many at Panthers despite his exit from the Board earlier this year, including his good friend, head coach Ivan Cleary.
Legend inspires: None of the Year 10 kids at St Dominic’s College were alive when Royce Simmons scored two tries to help Penrith to the 1991 Premiership, but that doesn’t lessen the impact of the club legend’s words. Simmons spoke with students at the school on Monday, delivering an engaging conversation about his life and career. The former hooker had the boys hooked on his every word.
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“But any game we play we expect to win. That was the same during the Origin period when we had players out, we expect to win and whoever comes in does their job. Saturday will be no different.” No matter what happens north of the border this weekend, the Panthers will still be in an incredible position the following week to defend their 2021 title.
hile most of Penrith’s top squad will miss this Saturday night’s final regular season match against the Cowboys in Townsville, the good news is most – if not all – of them will be back for the club’s home semi-final next week at BlueBetPanthersStadium.lockIsaah
YEO CAN’T WAIT FOR FINAL AT HOME NATHAN TAYLOR
“I’m looking forward to it because you’re playing the best teams. I’m not quite sure who we are going to have, but I’m excited whoever we verse,” the 27-year-old said. “To be the best you’ve got to beat the best. You’re going to have at least three really tough games to get the Premiership. Last year we had four. We understand you’ve got to be at your best and you need a bit of luck along the way too. I’m just glad we’ll be here at home in front of the Penrith fans.”
Yeo will hand over the captaincy reins this weekend to fan favourite Mitch Kenny, who will skipper the NRL team for the very first time. Despite the Panthers jetting up a NSW Cup team to take on the in-form Cowboys, the club is still determined to win its 21st match of the season.“Weare still going [up there] to win,” Yeo, who will miss the match due to rest, told Extra Time on“TheMonday.Cowboys have been a really good side all year. The way they’ve turned it around from last year and how hard they work for one another and, up in North Queensland, it’s going to be a really tough challenge.
Isaah Yeo celebrates a try last weekend against the Warriors. Photo: NRL Images.
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Next week’s match at BlueBet Stadium is expected to sell-out in record time, with both players and supporters eager to play and witness some Finals footy at home. “When you look back on last year, that was a little blip I reckon, up there away from the fans,” Yeo said. “I think it’s showed all year this year, we’ve packed out every game. It will be nice to have a full house here. Hopefully start the Finals Series off on the Friday night with a packed house. I feel like that’s probably the thing we missed last year.”Asfor who Penrith will play in next week’s Qualifying Final at BlueBet, that will be deter mined soon with the Storm, Eels and even the Cowboys all in the frame to finish in fourth place.Yeosaid he has no feeling as to who he wants to battle in the opening round of the playoffs, despite the club having strong rivalries with both Melbourne and Parramatta.
“I’m keen, man! I’m feeling really fresh compared to previous years after missing so much footy recently,” he said.
“I probably took it as a blessing in disguise because mentally, after Origin, it was a bit exhausting,” the five-eighth admitted. “So I think just to get away from the game a bit and just focus on myself just helped the recov ery process. It definitely felt good to be back.”
front of their adoring fans. Luai said it was one of the highlights of the year so far getting to celebrate their historic regular“We’reseason.ahome-grown team and we feel pretty connected to our fans and just this place in general,” he said. “Friday night was pretty special, just to be here and accept that shield in front of our home crowd.“They were probably more excited than we were, but just to have our kids run out with us and take a photo was pretty awesome.”
Luai revealed he isn’t a good spectator and was determined to do everything in his power to get back on the park in quick time. “I was a bit itchy after four weeks sitting on the sideline and I’m not a good watcher either, so it probably just all built up,” he said. “The leg is sweet, I’m a bit of a quick healer, I think. Just the mentality around it. If you get injured, not rush it back but do as much as you can to make it better than what it was. That was my mentality around it, and I was pretty eager toWithreturn.”Luai back fit and firing on the field just in time for Finals footy, attention turns to his halves partner Nathan Cleary who has one match left to serve on his five-game suspension.
“We love the atmosphere, we love the field itself and it helps with our preparation. I’m just grateful we’re able to stick it out here for one more year and see what happens.”
“But, I think, he’s the same. He’s coming back mentally refreshed as well. We just can’t wait to take the field together again and do what we do best.”
J arome Luai’s favourite ground in the world is Penrith Stadium. He loves training there, winning footy games there, and celebrating incredible career achievements with his loved ones there.
If plans regarding the new stadium played out how many expected early on, next week’s home semi-final at Penrith Stadium would’ve been the last game ever at the current venue. Bulldozers would’ve rolled in fairly quickly soon after and the Panthers would’ve played their next two seasons on the road, most likely at Parramatta’s CommBank Stadium. Luai said he fears what life would’ve been like for the team and their mindset if they would’ve had to move away for a couple of seasons.“Ithink maybe, mentally, it would’ve changed a lot for next year… this ground means a lot to us,” he said. “Like I said, it’s my favourite ground to play at, so you never know, it could have given us a bad start to our season [next year] or something like that… you sort of think ahead. “The preparation itself would’ve been differ ent, the captain’s run and stuff like that. It defi nitely would’ve been a different year, but I think the news about us being able to play here again next year is probably a massive ‘up’ for us.
NATHAN TAYLOR the western weekender • extra time »34 Friday, September 2, 2022
Penrith Stadium was the scene for one of those incredible career achievements last Friday night when the Panthers were presented with their fourth ever Minor Premiership in
After a month on the sidelines due to a knee injury, the 25-year-old made his triumphant return to the NRL in Penrith’s huge 46-12 win over the New Zealand Warriors.
“Nath probably had it a lot worse than I did – being fit to play and not being able to play would probably play with you a bit.
Luai said after a draining Origin period, his four-week injury was a “blessing in disguise”.
Luai said he’s never been more “keen” for an upcoming Finals Series, and he can’t wait to link up with his halfback again.
SWEET HOME: LUAI LOVES PENRITH
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So, when he heard that the Panthers would remain at the iconic Mulgoa Road facility for at least another year due to stadium redevelop ment delays, it was like sweet, sweet music to his ears. “I just love playing here, it’s my favourite ground,” Luai told Extra Time at Penrith Stadium on Monday. “I was pretty devastated when they initially said we weren’t going to be able to play here next year.”
Jarome Luai says he just can’t get enough of Penrith Stadium. Photo: NRL Images. It’s a family affair at Penrith. Jarome Luai is eager for the Finals. Photo: NRL Images.
PeterwithLang
J arome Luai was a first grade player long before he made his debut for Panthers in the top grade in Round 4 of the 2018 season. He had the confidence, swagger and fancy footwork when he played for Penrith’s NYC team from 2015-2017. Jarome probably could have played first grade at another club sooner but his loyalty to the club which gave him an opportunity was strong. How strong? Let me tell you a little story. It was during a lower grades game at Penrith Stadium in 2017, when I met the man behind the man. I arrived at my seat in the western grandstand to watch the Panthers NYC side when I noticed a man sitting in my seat. He was a big strong man, so I asked politely; “Excuse me sir I think you’re sitting in my seat.” He looked at his ticket, I looked at mine and he smiled before saying; “It is too, you can sit on my lap if you like,” then he laughed and moved a seat to the left. “Only kidding brother,” he added. “Are you a Penrith supporter?” I asked trying to make small talk. “Actually, I’m a Dragons supporter,” he answered. “I’m here to watch my son play.”
IF IT WAS UP TO HIS DAD, JAROME LUAI WOULD BE IN RED AND WHITE lang leagueon « the western weekender • extra time 35Friday, September 2, 2022 WW48102
“Great, who’s your son?” I asked. “Jarome Luai,” answered his father Martin Luai.“Really? He’s an excellent player,” I added. “He’s a first grader for sure.” You could tell instantly the pride in Martin’s eyes, they lit up as he smiled. For the next hour or so, I peppered poor Martin with as many questions as I could. I found out that if it was up to him, Jarome would have played for the Dragons, but he accepted that his son had been given an oppor tunity by Penrith and he didn’t think he could sway him towards playing for the ‘Red V’ once his current contract expired. Martin told me a lot of things that day and while I can’t remember it all, I remember how proud he was. You could see it in his eyes. You can see that same pride whenever Jarome steps out onto the field to play for the Panthers. You can see it in his eyes. I can’t see Jarome ever playing for anyone else.
Jarome Luai in action last weekend. Photo: Megan Dunn.
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nrl ladder & fixtures CLUB PD W D L B F A +/- PTS 1 Panthers 23 20 0 3 1 628 292 +336 42 2 Sharks 23 17 0 6 1 535 348 +187 36 3 Cowboys 23 16 0 7 1 595 353 +242 34 4 Storm 23 15 0 8 1 643 388 +255 32 5 Eels 23 15 0 8 1 586 475 +111 32 6 Roosters 23 14 0 9 1 609 418 +191 30 7 Rabbitohs 23 14 0 9 1 588 448 +140 30 8 Raiders 23 13 0 10 1 468 451 +17 28 9 Broncos 23 13 0 10 1 502 528 -26 28 10 Dragons 23 11 0 12 1 447 557 -110 24 11 Sea Eagles 23 9 0 14 1 470 574 -104 20 12 Bulldogs 23 6 0 17 1 362 555 -193 14 13 Knights 23 6 0 17 1 356 624 -268 14 14 Warriors 23 6 0 17 1 382 673 -291 14 15 Titans 23 5 0 18 1 428 634 -206 12 16 W. Tigers 23 4 0 19 1 342 623 -281 10 Extra Time Issue Number 2022-026 PRODUCED BY The Western Weekender EDITOR Troy Dodds / 4722 troy.dodds@westernweekender.com.au2998 WRITERS Nathan Taylor, Peter Lang, Matt Russell, Lachlan Jeffery SALES DIRECTOR Chris Pennisi / 4722 Ischris.pennisi@westernweekender.com.au2998thisyouatarecentPenrithPanthers 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. IS THIS YOU? Face In The Crowd Sunday, September Thursday,Leichhardt4.05pm4OvalSeptember17.50pmCommBankStadiumFriday,September26.00pmAccorStadiumFriday,September27.55pmAllianzStadiumSaturday,September33.00pmMtSmartStadiumSaturday,September35.30pmNetstrataJubileeStadiumSaturday,September37.35pmQLDCountryBankStadiumSunday,September42.00pmMcDonaldJonesStadium ROUND 25 VVVVVVVV « the western weekender • extra time 39Friday, September 2, 2022 NORMAN’S SCRAP METALSNORMAN’S SCRAP METALS Free Call 1800 225 235 $$$$ buyers of all Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metals NEW & USED STEEL BOUGHT & SOLD PICK-UP SERVICE AVAILABLE MOST PUBLIC HOLIDAYS OPEN 7 DAYS SYDNEY - 9748 0611 FAX - 4721 7658 6 BLIGH STREET, AUBURN PENRITH - 4732 1683 34 PEACHTREE ROAD, PENRITH (Off Castlereagh Road) WW49084 OFFICIAL PARTNER WW47204
Photo: NRL Images.
Surely there aren’t too many Panthers fans or sponsors unhappy with Ivan Cleary’s ‘big picture’ approach. As the coach indicated this week, it’s a balancing act. For all the yin there is yang. Might it backfire in the first week of Finals? How will the debutants fare? What if Penrith’s second stringers actually beat the Cowboys? There still seem to be many points of interest. The fact Canberra may still need to win the final game of the regular season to make the Top 8 suggests the current format ain’t exactly broke. Even if St George-Illawarra beat Brisbane a day earlier to confirm the Raiders’ finals berth, would you tune out? Or will you want to see how James Tamou finishes his career, who Ricky Stuart might rest and how, what sort of form the Green Machine carries into the Finals, what injury concerns they pick up? Sometimes change isn’t needed. Sometimes the current system is actually best. And after the final round we head into a magic month of playoff footy, with the competition as open as it has been in years, in terms of possible challengers to the reigning Premiers and now Minor Premiers, Penrith. After tasting the Panthers’ might in a 46-12 defeat last Friday, Warriors captain Tohu Harris summed up what might set them apart from the rest through September and October.
N o, we don’t need a final round bye. No, we don’t need a final round RedZone, where every game is played at the same time. No, we don’t need the NRL to make clubs play their best athletes. Life is just fine, thank you, even with Penrith to rest 13 first graders against North Queensland on Saturday night. Life is just fine, even though Canberra might not need to beat Wests Tigers by the time the last game of the regular season kicks off on Sunday afternoon.
“Well, their defence. They’ve been the best defensive team for the last four or five years. History shows the best defensive sides have a good chance of winning the competition and they are right up there again. It’s noticeable out on the field how organised they are and how fast they move in defence… and their talk. So that’s certainly going to put them on a good footing going into the Finals.” It sure should. Especially after a rest.
Firstly, let’s attack some of the suggestions I’ve heard this week. Can you imagine the loss of momentum from a final round bye? Other codes have tried it and hated it! What would it be like having increasing anticipation and excitement but then stomping on the brakes with no footy to watch or talk about next weekend? And if every final round game kicked off at the same time, which one would you go to or tune in to? How could you get maximum revenue from broadcasters? What would you do for the rest of the weekend suddenly devoid of footy?
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Penrith have earnt the right to rest so many players because they’ve been so good all season.
Footy fans are not always looking for change.
The majority of players coming into the side have appeared before this season but have spent most of the year playing Jersey Flegg Cup or Ron Massey Cup.
The Panthers will be down on troops in the NSW Cup this weekend. Photo: Jake Hunter.
The Panthers will play the North Sydney Bears after finishing second on the ladder, only missing the Minor Premiership after Newtown kicked a penalty goal after the siren to salvage a draw in their final round match against Canterbury. The winner will face Newtown in the major semi final in week 2 of the Finals, with the loser facing the winner of the Canterbury v Parramatta match. The match against the Bears will be played at 3.10pm on Saturday afternoon at St Marys Leagues Stadium and will also be broadcast on Channel 9. The Panthers face a similar challenge in the Jersey Flegg qualifying final against Newcastle.
The team will feature six changes from the side that played Souths, and includes 10 members of the premiership winning SG Ball squad, many of whom have spent the majority of the second half of the season already playing in the Jersey Flegg.The Panthers finished the regular season in third place on the ladder after final round results favoured them and will face the Newcastle Knights in the qualifying final at St Marys prior to the KOE Cup at 12.45pm. The winner will face the Roosters in the major semi final, while the loser will play the minor semi final against the winner of Dragons v Tigers.
Wallace will be looking for improvements in discipline for the Finals, with periods of errors and penalties hurting them throughout the season, and arguably costing them victory in their final match against South Sydney.
P enrith Panthers Knock-On Effect NSW Cup coach Peter Wallace has been forced to make 15 changes to his side for their qualifying final this weekend, with the majority of the first grade team being rested.
WEAKENED SIDES PREPARE FOR LOWER GRADE FINALS MATCHES lowergradesreport LachlanwithJeffery @LachlanJeffery 5. I attended St Dominic’s College. hidden panther WHO AM I ? LAST WEEK’S ANSWER: Leilani Latu. IN THIS WEEK’S QUIZ? « the western weekender • extra time 41Friday, September 2, 2022 VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Call 4733 7200 Email: admin@nepeanfoodservices org au Web: nepeanfoodservices org au Become a part of your local Meals on Wheels community Meals on Wheels Delivery Drivers Needed Specialised 'Hot Run' Meal Service Volunteers Needed TRAINING PROVIDED Must have own vehicle with comprehensive car insurance and current driver's licence (travel costs reimbursed) WW48516 Keep local news free. Having a local news service is vital to a community such as Penrith. Making a pledge to The Western Weekender helps ensure our print and digital content continues to thrive. You’re supporting journalism at its most raw level, as we continue to tell Penrith’s stories. Visit www.westernweekender.com.au/pledge WW44883
The most notable inclusion for Wallace is Dolphins-bound Isaiya Katoa, who hasn’t worn a Panthers jersey in any grade since his playerof-the-match performance in the SG Ball Cup Grand Final earlier in the year.
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