MASKED PANTHER BUZZ BLOCKS THE WEEKENDER, LUAI BANS TELEGRAPH AND NINE’S NSW CUP SNUB PAGE 28 CLEARY PHOTO SPECIAL NATHAN CLEARY’S STUNNING SEASON IN PICTURES PAGES 38-39 CRITTER’S BIG MOMENTS CRICHTON READY TO GIVE THE RABBITOHS NIGHTMARES AGAIN PAGE 29 Brought to you by POSTERMARKGEYERINSIDE destiny in our hands A THIRD STRAIGHT GRAND FINAL BECKONS FOR PENRITH MATCH PREVIEW PAGE 27
With Penrith almost full-strength and the Bunnies suffering a few injury and suspension setbacks, it’s just all lined up for the Panthers to march into their third straight Grand Final.
play. He is, without question, the competition’s most under-rated fullback.
The loss of Tom Burgess and now Siliva Havili will hurt their forward rotation significantly.
Tip: Panthers by 18.
And sure, there’s a lot to like about Latrell. But would you have him over Dylan Edwards?
I’m far from convinced that the seventh placed Rabbitohs are going as good as it seems. They ran into a Roosters side that finally ran out of puff and lost inspirational skipper James Tedesco in the first half, and a Sharks team that attacked more like a wooden spoon side than an outfit that finished second.
T
Souths are banking on the in-form Latrell Mitchell to do something special on Saturday night to help push the Rabbitohs into the Grand Final.
But Preliminary Finals are notoriously tough and as Penrith proved in this corresponding game against Melbourne last year, anything can happen.
Edwards has scored nine tries this year, Mitchell has bagged seven. Edwards has 103 tackle breaks, and 10 line breaks. Mitchell has 88 and nine respectively. Edwards’ average running metres per game is 217, Mitchell’s is
The second was on the stroke of full-time.
Powerhouse Parramatta winger Maika Sivo had the ball and, as he often does when so close to the line, looked certain to score. But Penrith, despite having an unassailable lead and with the siren about to sound, produced some stun ning defence to keep him out. It showcased the effort plays this Penrith side has become renowned for.
Dylan
The first came just before half-time, when Eels halfback Mitchell Moses attempted to break a 6-all deadlock with a field goal. His shot missed, and Penrith marched down field where Nathan Cleary attempted a shot of his own, which went through. It was a significant ‘mind game’ moment and Cleary won the battle.
101.Nobody is saying Latrell Mitchell is not a game-breaking player but Dylan Edwards has emerged as a player Penrith simply can’t do without – he just does it without the chest pumping and mid-game push-ups.
Those two moments are all the proof I need to be convinced that Penrith will get the job done on Saturday night against South Sydney. Partly because they’re moments that win football games, partly because I don’t think the Rabb itohs do the same in similar circumstances. Penrith are just on another level.
wo key moments stick in the memory bank from Penrith’s 27-8 defeat of Parramatta in the opening weekend of the Finals.
The occasion calls for a tight first half, maybe even a tight start to the second half, but Penrith has been too good this year not to run away with this in the end.
match preview
South Sydney’s effort to reach the Preliminary Final from seventh spot can not be ignored. There’s no doubt they can produce a try out of nothing almost better than any other team in theButcomp.Preliminary Finals require a few key things: a calm and measured playmaker, a strong bench and a quality kicking game. Penrith wins all three of those battles with ease.
Edwards runs more than any fullback in the competition, tops the NRL in kick return metres and is second in the comp in support
Edwards will be a key for Penrith. Photo: NRL Images. TROY DODDS SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 | 7.50PM | ACCOR STADIUM | REFEREE: ASHLEY KLEIN | BUNKER: GERARD SUTTON the final wordv PANTHERS 1 Dylan Edwards 10 James Fisher-Harris 2 Charlie Staines 11 Viliame Kikau 3 Izack Tago 12 Liam Martin 4 Stephen Crichton 13 Isaah Yeo (c) 5 Brian To’o 14 Mitch Kenny 6 Jarome Luai 15 Scott Sorensen 7 Nathan Cleary (c) 16 Spencer Leniu 8 Moses Leota 17 Jaeman Salmon 9 Api Koroisau 18 Sean O’Sullivan 19 Matt Eisenhuth RABBITOHS 1 Latrell Mitchell 10 Mark Nicholls 2 Alex Johnston 11 Keaon Koloamatangi 3 Isaiah Tass 12 Jai Arrow 4 Campbell Graham 13 Cameron Murray (c) 5 Taane Milne 14 Kodi Nikorima 6 Cody Walker 15 Hame Sele 7 Lachlan Ilias 16 Michael Chee Kam 8 Tevita Tatola 17 Jed Cartwright 9 Damien Cook 18 Davvy Moale 19 BlakeBroughtTaaffeto you by 2GB 873 ABC CHANNEL702 9 FOX BROADCASTLEAGUE « the western weekender • extra time 27Friday, September 23, 2022
website or Facebook page. I’m not sure who’s to blame here, but we should not have ended up in a position where the main state-based competition gets no TV broadcast and it’s clear scheduling conflicts could have been avoided with a bit of forethought. Radio 2GB will broadcast live from CommBank Stadium on Sunday but won’t actually call the Grand Finals, offering a score update service only. We asked ABC if they’d be calling the games but didn’t hear back.
! TV blackout: It’s nothing short of ridicu lous that the NSW Cup Grand Final isn’t being screened on TV this weekend. Channel Nine has the rights to broadcast the game on Sun day afternoon but will instead show the two NRLW Semi Finals, which are already being shown at the same time by Fox League. Over on GEM, Nine will show the UCI Road World Cycling Championships. Anyone wanting to watch Penrith in the Jersey Flegg or NSW Cup deciders will have to stream it on the NSWRL
! In his father’s footsteps: Max Jorgensen, the son of former Panthers flyer Peter Jor gensen, has signed a lucrative deal with the NSW Waratahs. Jorgensen is currently in Year 12 at St Joseph’s College and has spent three years in the NSW system representing the Waratahs Academy at U15, U16, and U18 age levels. Waratahs Head Coach, Darren Coleman said: “Securing Max is a positive outcome, not only for the Waratahs but for Australian Rugby, as he is one of the elite schoolboys from the class of 2022 and highly sought after.” Peter Jorgensen (pictured) played 69 games for the Panthers between 1997 and 2001, scoring 32 tries for the club.
! Shirts on! The Panthers will release orders for a Grand Final t-shirt very soon after full-time on Saturday night should the team topple the Rabbitohs and qualify for the decider. The shirts will land during Grand Final week, making them must-wear attire if the Panthers are back at Accor Stadium on October 2.
! On the buses: The club is preparing for a cavalcade of buses to run between Panthers and Accor Stadium on Grand Final Day should Ivan Cleary’s side make the de cider. Given the 2021 Grand Final was in Brisbane and the 2020 game faced COVID restrictions, 2022 offers many fans the first chance to attend a season decider for some time. A record number of buses is expected to be needed.
! Hadley on deck: Ray Hadley will contin ue his foray back into the broadcast box for big matches this weekend. He’ll be at Accor Stadium on Saturday night to call the Panthers v Rabbitohs blockbuster for 2GB.
! Spotted: Panthers enforcer Liam Martin enjoying breakfast at High Street Depot in Penrith over the weekend.
! Lunch stays on: Panthers will push ahead with a planned Grand Final Lunch for spon sors next Friday even if the side doesn’t make the decider. In fact, the club is following the lead of several other NRL teams and is making the Grand Final Lunch a permanent fixture on the calendar for sponsors and corporate partners, regardless of if Penrith are in the big dance or not.
! Buzz blocks Weekender: Veteran News Corp journalist Phil ‘Buzz’ Rothfield has blocked the Weekender, as well as some of our writers, on Twitter. On a podcast last week, ‘Buzz’ said the Weekender was too much of a cheer squad for the Panthers. Given Penrith has lost 10 NRL games in three seasons, are on the verge of making their third straight Grand Final, won the SG Ball title earlier this year and will contest the Jersey Flegg and NSW Cup deciders this weekend, all while the Leagues Club has made a strong recovery from COVID, we reckon there’s plenty to cheer about.
panther rumblings
! Luai’s media ban: Panthers five-eighth Jarome Luai is understood to have declared The Daily Telegraph a no-go zone as far as interviews are concerned for the rest of the season. Luai was unhappy with a piece written by Paul Kent in last Saturday’s paper and won’t talk to the Telegraph again this year.
WITH THE MASKED PANTHER Brought to you by the western weekender • extra time »28 Friday, September 23, 2022 OFFICIAL PARTNER WW47204
LUAI OFFERS SILENT TREATMENT
! Sad loss of Panther #110. Former Penrith centre Terry Quinn, credited as Panther 110, has passed away. Quinn formed a strong partnership with Ross Gigg at the Panthers in the mid-1970s. He played 60 first grade games for the club. After making two appearances in the 1974 season, Quinn became a consistent first grader in the following three years, playing 15 games in 1975, 18 in 1976 and a further 21 in 1977. He played four games in his final year with the club in 1978. Quinn was battling a long illness and died aged 68.
! 2GB’s Sunday switch: While there was some confusion about the 2022 season sched ule, I’m told 2GB will definitely call the 4pm Sunday game from next year. They’ve called the 2pm game for some years now, which is often the poorer of the Sunday matches.
CALMfeature APPROACH TO FINALS SHOWDOWN
The rivalry between the two clubs may only be a few years old, but it’s still charged up with plenty of emotion and spice with the two sides having played against each other in three big Finals games over the past two seasons.
rand Final hero Stephen Crichton knows exactly what it takes to beat the Bunnies, in fact he’s had a hand in a few big moments when the two sides have clashed in the past.
The NSW Origin centre will play in his third straight Preliminary Final tomorrow evening when the Panthers travel to Sydney Olympic Park to battle old foes South Sydney.
Crichton admitted to not watch ing the Sharks v Rabbitohs clash live due to a family gathering.
“It just shows what a quality side South Sydney are. I’m just really excited to match up with them again, really excited,” Crichton emphasised.“We’renot intimidated by them but every team, especially this time of year, have all made it for a reason and they’ve got threats across the park. We’ll be prepping hard this week and hopefully see how it goes onUnlikeSaturday.”South Sydney, who had to face a rather disappointing Cronulla side in an Elimination Final, Penrith enjoyed last weekend off to prepare for Saturday’s massive Grand Final Qualifier.
“I had my older brothers sitting there watching the game, so I was getting some updates off them, but I wasn’t watching theDespitegame.”not catching the live broadcast, Crichton and his teammates will be more than ready for what South Sydney throw at them come Saturday evening.“Wehad our fun over the weekend, getting away from footy and now that we are back at training, we’re all switched on and it’s all eyes for this week,” Crichton“Personally,said. I just try and prepare myself the best that I can for it. I remember my first Finals Series [in 2020], everything was just happen ing so fast and since then, I’ve learned to stay calm in big games.”
“I actually didn’t watch it. I was out with family, we had a BBQ and bonfire and just sat around each other,” he said.
His premiership-winning inter cept in last year’s Grand Final will never be forgotten by Panthers fans, and he even managed to pick up a stray ball and streak away and score when the sides last went to war at Accor Stadium back in Round 23.
When asked by Extra Time on Monday afternoon if he had another spectacular intercept or play left in him, Crichton responded with a grin: “I’ll see what happens, hey.”
G
NATHAN TAYLOR
Penrith centre Stephen Crichton on Monday. Photo: Melinda Jane.
« the western weekender • extra time 29Friday, September 23, 2022 Contact Taylah on 0416 867 858 for a confidential chat to discuss how we can help you Your Goals are our Goals 4728 4000 Visit: propertymanagementpenrith.com.au We are focused on looking after your investment property like it is our own WW47020
While no one can confidently predict if the 21-year-old has another pivotal moment up his sleeve this Saturday evening, he is the man most likely to pull a rabbit out of the hat (no pun intended) if Penrith need some magic to get them across the line.
In fact, the 21-year-old felt massive pre-sea son vibes as Ivan Cleary and his coaching staff put the Minor Premiers through several gruelling training sessions.
hile he and his teammates still have to get through a huge game this Saturday night, Panthers prop Spen cer Leniu would love nothing more than to play a Grand Final in front of his family andAfterfriends.being left out of the Grand Final team that lost to Melbourne in 2020, Leniu did feature in last year’s Premier
W
Latrell play when I was younger, he thrives in games like these. South Sydney are a real different team with Latrell playing, but I’m sure our coaching staff will give us a plan to limit his impact.”Limiting Mitchell’s impact as well as that of five-eighth Cody Walker will be key in a Panthers victory tomorrow evening. As an impact forward off the bench, Leniu said his job is plain and simple.
“Like myself, I’m sure the rest of boys are itch ing to get back out there – I don’t think every one liked having the week off,” Leniu said.
ship-winning side that defeated South Sydney in Brisbane. However, due to lockdown in Sydney and border closures, the majority of his nearest and dearest were unable to witness the historic moment in the flesh at Suncorp Stadium.“Itwould mean so much to play a Grand Final in Sydney. Most of my family and friends missed out on it last year,” Leniu told Extra Time
Spencer Leniu at Panthers training on Monday. Photo: NRL Images.
“The coaching staff put plenty of work into us, so I’m sure we’ve put enough work in to feel good and ready for this week.”
The interchange prop, who has only played 24 minutes of football in a month, said he’s looking forward to getting back on the paddock and having a huge one against the Bunnies.
“It was good to have the week off last week, but I would have much preferred to play, but we’re here now and I’m keen.
MISSINGfeature PIECE OF 2021 DRIVES SPENCER
Spencer Leniu dreams of playing a Grand Final in front of his family.
“It’s going to be a big test for us too, they’ve got a really good team. The likes of Latrell and all them stars, it’s going to be a cracker,” Leniu said.
Spencer Leniu takes a photo with Panthers fans. Photo: NRL Images.
“Over the last two or three years,
the western weekender • extra time »30 Friday, September 23, 2022
“Obviously getting to play in a Prelim this weekend is a massive honour for my family as they weren’t there for that last year either.
While he may not have enjoyed getting torched at training last week, in the end it will probably do the Minchinbury Jets junior and his teammates the world of good as they face a South Sydney side in top notch form.
Penrith will go into this weekend’s Prelimi nary Final as heavy favourites with the book makers and public, however there are some pundits that believe South Sydney can cause an upset especially if superstar fullback Latrell Mitchell is at his brilliant best.
With the Panthers having last week off to refresh and recharge before tomorrow night’s blockbuster Grand Final Qualifier against Souths, Leniu confirmed the week’s rest was anything but a walk in the park.
“I’m not like Cleary and that. I just get directed around the park.
“It was definitely a really tough week, I haven’t really felt like that since the pre-season. It was pretty intense, but definitely something that we all needed,” Leniu admitted.
“Finals are a whole different beast and watching
“Tackle hard, run hard – that’s my job on the night!”
“Just having them there, watching me in those big games is going to be a thrill. It will be good to have them there on Saturday.”
“To be honest, I just get told the information and do my job,” he said.
NATHAN TAYLOR
we’ve definitely built a really good rivalry with South Sydney for everyone to watch, so it’ll be another classic game.”
PeterwithLang
Latrell Mitchell. Photo: NRL Images.
Finally, best of luck to the Penrith Panthers Jersey Flegg team on Sunday, who will play the Newcastle Knights in the Jersey Flegg Grand Final at CommBank Stadium with kick-off at
Game 2: Preliminary Final – Penrith Panthers v South Sydney Rabbitohs. Satur day, September 24 – Accor Stadium, Sydney Olympic Park. Kick-off: 7.50pm.
Once again, here are my fearless predic tions for this week’s NRL Finals games.
FOUR MUST BECOME TWO: HOW BIG PRELIMS WILL PLAY OUT lang leagueon « the western weekender • extra time 31Friday, September 23, 2022 INTRODUCING THE EXCLUSIVE... penthouse collection*ARTIST’S IMPRESSION Visit our display suite today at the Oran Park Sales & Information Centre | Open 9am to 5pm daily – Corner Oran Park Drive & Peter Brock Drive, Oran Park NSW We are pleased to introduce Metro Central’s luxurious 3-bedroom penthouse Apartment 6.03, now selling by Expression of Interest Built in partnership with award-winning firm, Allen Jack + Cottier Architects and currently under construction with Richard Crookes Construction, the residence is completed to a high standard with generous living spaces, expansive private balconies with sunset views over the Blue Mountains and a communal rooftop garden. Superbly located in the heart of Oran Park, Metro Central is just moments away from lush parks, picnic spots, dining options and the rapidly growing Town Centre. Revel in the convenience of maintenance-free living at Metro Central in your brand new luxurious apartment. Visit the link below to learn more or submit your offer. metrocentral.oranparktown.com.au Price guide: Submissions$1,050,000+closeFriday 28th October WW49391
1pm. It’s a wonderful achievement and the side is packed full of promising young talent.
Mitch Moses. Photo: NRL Images.
My tip: Eels by 10.
measure for a few years now. On the flipside, the more times you beat a team, the closer you are to a loss to them. Whatever, this one is going to be an absolute ball-tearing beauty.
Game 1: Preliminary Final – North Queens land Cowboys v Parramatta Eels. Friday, September 23 – Queensland Country Bank Stadium. Kick-off: 7.50pm.
The Bunnies had barely finished their game against the Sharks when their fullback Latrell Mitchell fired the first verbal salvo proclaiming; “We’re on the right side of the draw”. Now, no one knows whether Mitchell had his tongue firmly in his cheek or whether he was starting to believe his own hype, but whatever the answer, neither the Rabbitohs or Panthers will find this game easy to win. Neither side’s supporters should also be too cocky going into this one, even though Penrith have had South Sydney’s
My tip: Panthers by 4.
Good luck also to the Penrith Panthers NSW Cup team, who will take on the Canter bury-Bankstown Bulldogs in The Knock-On Effect Grand Final also at CommBank Stadium. The action kicks-off at 3pm on Sunday after noon.Obviously, I’m tipping the Panthers in both Grand Final games this weekend.
If the Cowboys go into this one with any sense of complacency because they’ve had a rest and are playing at home, the Eels will pull their pants down and run away with the win. Sure, there are some advantages to playing at home, you play in conditions you are used to, with a vocal home crowd to support you but Parramatta have shown on more than one occasion this season, that they can beat the best, no matter what their form the previous week. The Eels have a habit of playing great one week and totally crap the next. So, using that logic, they’re due for a loss this week. Only I don’t think they’ll lose this one.
nd then, there were four.
A
posterpanthers legendsseries the western weekender • extra time »32 Friday, September 23, 2022
PENRITH:FORGAMES 135 |PENRITHCAREER: 1998-20001986-1992, |POSITION: ROWSECONDMARK GEYER « the western weekender • extra time 33Friday, September 23, 2022 SPA • SERVICES 9817000407Matt:needsservicespayourallFor platinumspaservice@gmail.comE: www.platinumspaservices.com.auFiltersSpa• Chemicals• HeatersSpa• Maintenance• AdviceFriendly• Repair&Service• PanelsControlElectronic• PumpsSpa• Blowers/JetsWater&Air•
arramatta has powered through to their first Preliminary Final since 2009 and are now one step away from the Grand Final and an opportunity to break a 36-year Premiership drought.
The Raiders were no match for a rampant Eels, who scored the opening try through Will Penisini after just six minutes and took a 22-4 lead into half-time.
Arthur admitted that the Eels put too much thought into the opening Finals clash against Penrith and would approach things differently against the Cowboys.
“We went out there tonight and backed ourselves,” he said.
When Mitchell Moses scored in the opening minutes of the second half, the match was all but out of Canberra’s reach.
“We probably built the game up too much against Penrith. That comes back to me.”
TROY DODDS the western weekender • extra time »34 Friday, September 23, 2022 WW49392 PATIOMAN Call Peter Dunn 0416 035 645 www.patioman.com.au Specialising in Carports, Awnings, Glass Rooms, Rumpus Rooms, Screened Rooms, Wooden Decks Lic No. 829 19C OTHER SERVICES AVAILABLE ~ No job too small ~ • Gutter cleaning • House painting • House maintenance • General repairs • Rubbish removal
cowboys v eels
And if things fall a certain way, they could be in line for a Grand Final showdown with arch rivals Penrith next weekend.
“We’ve got nothing to lose – we just need to go after the game. That’s our strength,” he said.
The Cowboys will be looking to cap off a remarkable and somewhat unexpected season with their third Grand Final appearance in eightAfteryears.famously winning the 2015 title in extra time over Brisbane, North Queensland returned to the decider in 2017, where they were defeated by Melbourne.
The Eels bounced back from a disappointing loss to the Panthers in the opening weekend of the Finals to destroy Canberra 40-4 at CommBank Stadium last Friday night, relegat ing Ricky Stuart’s side to pretender status.
Arthur was impressed with the way his side turned things around after what was a disap pointing performance against the runaway Minor Premiers.
“Against Penrith I thought we were a bit tentative and didn’t play to our strengths. We’re a team that has to go after the game.”
Friday night’s game is expected to be a sellout, and marks the first time QLD Country Bank Stadium has hosted Finals football.
The game will kick off at 7.50pm Friday and will be live on Fox League, Kayo and Channel Nine, as well as Radio 2GB and ABC 702.
GRAND FINAL SPOT GOES ON THE LINE
Attention now turns to the Preliminary Final and a showdown with North Queensland in Townsville. The Cowboys are fresh after a week off, a much-needed break after an epic show down with Cronulla in the opening weekend of the“It’sFinals.agood opportunity for us,” Arthur said of the trip to Townsville.
“The club has done a great job for us. They’ve organised a charter flight for us so we fly in and we’ve got one job to do.”
P
“I was proud of the boys and I’m really happy for the boys and happy for the club but the job’s not finished,” Eels coach Brad Arthur said after the“We’vegame.got a big week ahead of us. We’re looking forward to it.”
Eels fans celebrate at CommBank Stadium on Friday night. Photo: NRL Images.
Face In The Crowd hidden pantherface in the crowd WHO AM I ? Supply & Installation 2.5kW Toshiba split system Supply$1595& Installation 5kW Toshiba split system $1900 Supply & Installation 7.1kW Toshiba split system $2495 TOSHIBA 7 WARRANTYMANUFACTURERSYEARS While stocks last. This pricing is including GST. Prices are based on back-to-back installation. Site inspection is required to enure power supply adequate. Outdoor units can be installed on a bracket at no extra cost. Three years installation warranty. 2.5kW unit sized for small to medium sized bedroom. 5kW unit sized for small to medium sized lounge room. 7.1kW unit sized for large lounge room.WW46386 8002 sales@keenair.com.au1822 WW49394
the western weekender • extra time »36 Friday, September 23, 2022 WW49297 SPLIT SYSTEMS Reverse Cycle Inverters FULLY INSTALLED 2.5kW $1890 3.5kW $2120 5kW $2600 7kW $3050 8.5kW $3590 ALL PRICES INCLUDE GST • 5 YEAR WARRANTY Based on a back-to-back install, single storey 2.5kW $1650 3.5kW $1770 5kW $2100 7kW $2370 8kW $3170 ALL PRICES INCLUDE GST • 5 YEAR WARRANTY Based on a back-to-back install, single storey SPLIT SYSTEMS Reverse Cycle Inverters FULLY INSTALLED SPLIT SYSTEMS Reverse Cycle Inverters FULLY INSTALLED 2.5kW $1730 3.5kW $1950 5kW $2370 7kW $2760 8kW $3330 ALL PRICES INCLUDE GST • 5 YEAR WARRANTY Based on a back-to-back install, single storey SPLIT SYSTEMS Reverse Cycle Inverters FULLY INSTALLED 2.5kW $1830 3.5kW $2040 5kW $2460 7kW $2860 8kW $3330 ALL PRICES INCLUDE GST • 5 YEAR WARRANTY Based on a back-to-back install, single storey DIAMOND DEALER WIFI INCLUDED Let’s Panthers!goLower Mountains AIR CONDITIONING 4735 6411 HEATING & COOLING SPECIALISTS Showroom: 2/129 Russell St, Emu Plains • www.Lmac.com.au CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE QUOTE or Lmas@tpg.com.au
Katoa then kicked the Panthers 13 clear with a field goal seven minutes before full-time, with the Panthers then awarded an additional penalty right in front of the posts for an illegal challenge on the kick.
Mr Bali said the State Government had overseen trade and non-trade apprenticeships and traineeship commencements plummet by more than half in the past 10 years with dozens ofTAFE campuses across NSW being either sold off or“Whatrepurposed.isthefate of the Nirimba campus? Is the writing on the wall?”
foresight to discuss with Olympic sports such as diving and water polowhether they could work with the University in delivering pathway opportunities.”
Melissa Wu headlines Wexpo event
T
The Panthers sprung a surprise pre-match, bringing Isaiya Katoa into the side for the first time and the move proved a masterstroke, with the halfback playing a key role in the victory.
Two Roosters tries in the final four minutes
The Panthers celebrate.
The second half developed into a grind early, before the Roosters cut the margin back to six with an Ethan King try.
Isaiya Katoa was a late call up.
LachlanwithJeffery
« the western weekender • extra time 37Friday, September 23, 2022 6 ISSUE 15 | June 2022
From the next set, the Panthers forced a goal line drop out before scoring again, this time through Daeon Amituanai.
Melissa Wu participating in the recent SAS Challenge series.
Aquatics Championships, the 2006 Commonwealth Games and the 2008 Summer Olympics. She is an Australian Institute of Sport scholarship holder and recently competed on SAS Australia.
Busco Breakfastfor and DriveLindenwith WW48244
MP Stephen Bali.
lowergradesreport
Education precinct future in doubt
Continued from page 3
KATOA CALL-UP A WINNER AS PANTHERS MAKE FLEGG DECIDER
B
WEXPO Blacktown will also feature two unique round table sessions where up to 100 hand-picked guests will experience presentations about health and infrastructure.Theguestswill then submit their feedback to the presentations which will be formulated into formal summary documents by Australian Catholic University Blacktown.Charity partner for the event is
Penrith’s dominance continued when Ison got his name on the scoresheet, opening up a 16-0 lead after 16 minutes.
“The site would easily be worth a half a billion dollars in its raw form to property developers and it may be too much for the NSW Government and WSU to ignore.”
he Penrith Panthers have booked their ticket to the 2022 Jersey Flegg Cup Grand Final, courtesy of an upset 27-22 win over the Sydney Roosters at Leichhardt Oval.
In Sunday’s Grand Finals at CommBank
Defence proved as good as attack for the Panthers, only conceding a try shortly before half-time.Apenalty goal after the siren gave Penrith an 18-6 lead at the break.
LACKTOWN will have its own expo experiencewhen WEXPO comes to the Blacktown Workers Club in OcWEXPOtober. will showcase local businesses with more than 100 stalls and specialty workshops on subjects including: health, networking, property, networking, tourism, culture, charity, personal development, professional development andThemore.full day of events includes a breakfast and lunch with two high prole guest speakers. Melissa Paige Wu has been conrmed as the breakfast speaker. Melissa is an Australian diver and silver medal winner at the2007 World
Mr Bali is calling for transparent and community consultation on the future of Nirimba.Aspokesperson for WSU said Western Sydney University has a long and proud history at the Nirimba campus and the surrounding Nirimba Education Precinct.“Western Sydney University is committed to a strong educational presence in Blacktown – continuing to optimise its course offerings at Nirimba to ensure it best meets the current and future educational needs of the local western Sydney community,” the spokesperson said.
It was all Penrith early in the match, gaining great field position off a penalty on the opening tackle, before forcing errors off two attacking kicks. The pressure proved too much for the Roosters as a glorious cut-out pass from Liam Ison put Cody Lawson over for the opening try.
@LachlanJeffery
He claimed WSU failed to consult with anyone in 2007 prior to their degree closures, failed to consult with the pool closure, failed to consult with students when their diploma courses were relocated to other campuses.
Stadium, the Jersey Flegg Panthers will take on the Newcastle Knights at 1pm, while the NSW Cup Panthers will face the Canterbury Bulldogs at 3pm. Both games will be streamed live via the NSWRL website and Facebook page.
the Better Foundation. The Blacktown News and Western Sydney Business Access (WSBA) are the official media partners.Event Patron, Stephen Bali MP, said Wexpo Blacktown is a unique opportunity for businesses and visitors to interact as we emerge from the impact of COVID.Eventpartner and gold sponsor Blacktown Workers Club has allocated the Diamond Room for stall holders plus three separate function rooms for workshops and seminars
WEXPO will be held on October 24 at Blacktown Workers Club. More at www.wexpo.com.au
An ugly lifting tackle by Sunita Lotoaniu saw him placed on report to put the Panthers under more pressure, however he made up for it with a try under the posts minutes later.
“This is a legacy educational asset for the people of Blacktown City. This is not a cash cow for the State or WSU to sell off to put money into ‘other’ projects outside Blacktown City.”
threatened to make the Panthers nervous, however time favoured the Panthers who held on for a five-point win, joining Penrith’s NSW Cup team in the Grand Final on Sunday.
N
POPULAR CLEARY ON VERGE OF TAKING
The reigning Clive Churchill Medal winner is favourite to win the gong again this year, but his first task is dismantling the Rabbitohs on Saturday night.
the western weekender • extra time »38 Friday, September 23, 2022
athan Cleary has again proved he’s one of the game’s best players this season, and he’s now on the verge of taking Penrith to a third straight decider.
photo special
Thanks to NRL Images, we’re showcasing some of Nathan Cleary’s greatest moments from the 2022 season, even though we suspect the best is yet to come...
PENRITH TO ANOTHER GRAND FINAL « the western weekender • extra time 39Friday, September 23, 2022
LEIGH SCHORAH-MCCARTHY Store PenrithFlowerManager,Power PENRITH PH 4736 5088 Cnr The Northern & Castle Rd DELIVERYFLOWERPOWER.COM.AU7DAYSOPEN 8AM - 5:30PM GARDEN CARE & SERVICES Franchises available. Maintenance, makeovers, pruning, turfing, irrigation & fencing. Garden design, landscape construction, tree services, architectural shade covers, synthetic grass. Offers valid until Sunday 25/9/2022. Some exclusions apply. Excludes all other offers. While stocks last. Limited stock. Discount off full priced items. Discount off single purchase price. Exclusive to Flower Power Penrith. FP301_WW.FPC_23.9.22 THE GARDEN PEOPLE
“The new-look Flower Power Penrith is the perfect place to stock up on all your spring gardening needs”, says Leigh, Store Manager at Flower Power Penrith, who has been with the business for over 17 years.
(no classes on Labour Day Mon 3 Oct). No booking required.
Free Kids’ Gardening Classes! Learn all about bees! PENRITH SPECIALS! Hurry! Offers end Sunday 25 September. All NATIVES20%OFF All 20POTS%OFF Spring into gardening at Flower Power Penrith 20%OFF All Excludes $1 Single Herbs & Vegies. Vegie, Herb & Seedlings.Flowering KIDS EAT FREE! Participants will also receive one FREE kids’ meal with the purchase of an adult meal at Verdurous Cafe. Come in and meet our long-standing team of friendly, local garden experts! Our horticulturiststrainedhave all the advice you need for a successful garden year-round. ‘‘ ‘‘ IN-STORE ONLY! WW49309 ADVERTISEMENT
explore the nursery, you’ll enjoy friendly service with a smile.
The nursery area has been expanded and now offers the largest and best quality range of plants in the Penrith area. You’ll find a new undercover section filled with plenty of spring herb and veggie seedlings, plus additional garden beds offering an extensive range of roses, native and exotic plants, and deciduous ornamental and fruiting trees.
Kids under 5 must be accompanied by an adult.
11am Mon 26 - Fri 30 Sept & Tues 4 - Fri 7 Oct at Flower Power Penrith.
In addition, the car park has been expanded, offering additional parking spots for your convenience.
the western weekender »40 Friday, September 23, 2022
Drop in to Flower Power Penrith this weekend and experience the difference!
Verdurous Café is also now open within the Garden Centre, serving breakfast, lunch, dessert and coffee every day of the week. Whether you’re sitting down for a meal or grabbing a coffee to keep you warm as you
