this is our house BATTLE OF THE WEST TROY DODDS PREVIEWS THE BIGGEST EVER MATCH AT BLUEBET STADIUM PAGE 31 CRAIG GOWER POSTER OUR LEGENDS SERIES CONTINUES WITH A FEATUREDPREMIERSHIP-WINNERPAGES36-37 THE MASKED PANTHER TAYLAN MAY’S FINALS REPRIEVE, NRL TICKETING FIASCO AND SO MUCH MORE PAGE 32 PENRITH SUPPORTERS ARE READY TO DEFEND THEIR HOME TURF IN AN EPIC FINALS SHOWDOWN WITH ARCH RIVALS PARRAMATTA. FULL COVERAGE INSIDE. Brought to you by Photo: Megan Dunn. PANTHERS FANS’ MESSAGE TO SLIMY EELS INVADERS…
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the western weekender • extra time »30 Friday, September 9, 2022 WW49185
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TROY DODDS FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 | 7.50PM | BLUEBET STADIUM | REFEREE: GERARD SUTTON | BUNKER: ADAM GEE the final wordv PANTHERS 1 Dylan Edwards 10 James Fisher-Harris 2 Taylan May 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 Apisai Koroisau 18 Charlie Staines 19 Matt Eisenhuth EELS 1 Clint Gutherson (c) 10 Junior Paulo 2 Maika Sivo 11 Shaun Lane 3 Will Penisini 12 Isaiah Papali’i 4 Tom Opacic 13 Ryan Matterson 5 Waqa Blake 14 Makahesi Makatoa 6 Dylan Brown 15 Jake Arthur 7 Mitchell Moses 16 Oregon Kaufusi 8 Reagan Campbell-Gillard 17 Marata Niukore 9 Reed Mahoney 18 Nathan Brown 19 BaileyBroughtSimonssontoyouby2GB 873 ABC CHANNEL702 9 FOX BROADCASTLEAGUE « the western weekender • extra time 31Friday, September 9, 2022
T here has been plenty of talk about which team can win this year's Premiership, with many suggesting this is the year that a side from outside of the top four could make a charge and win the title for the first time in the NRL era.
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This game will be different because there is so much on the line. And while last year's Finals match between these two sides was absolutely epic, the fact this game is at BlueBet Stadium takes it up another level. I'm confident Penrith can win this game purely based on their defensive efforts. The Panthers conceded just 330 points this season, an average of 13 points per game. Compare that to the Eels, who conceded an average of 20 points per game. Both sides have similar attacking averages but defence wins games at this time of the year and with a full complement of players back on deck, Penrith will aim to strangle the Eels out of the game early; aware that this Parramatta side doesn’t like playing from behind. I wouldn’t expect points to flow in the first half and I wouldn't be surprised if we went into the break with only two or three tries being scored. Both sides will turn up, and it’ll likely be an aggressive opening to the game. The forwards will absolutely rip and tear. As the game goes on, it’s hard to see Nathan Cleary – in his first game back – not taking complete control of the contest and guiding his team home. That left edge is just too lethal, and Cleary often bounces back from disappointing situations with first class performances. I can’t see that being any different here. The big question here is how the Eels handle a game of this magnitude. We’ve seen Penrith's Finals run last year and how they just found a way to win, regardless of the circumstance. Penrith go up another level in big games, and when it really matters.
Penrith has, as much as the Minor Premiers can, almost flown under the radar in the past month – helped along by the fact that Ivan Cleary hasn't fielded a full-strength team since before Round 20. All that changes on Friday night when Cleary sends his best possible 17 out onto BlueBet Stadium to take on a Parramatta side that is also garnering plenty of talk, given they managed to finish inside the critical top four. The Eels have beaten Penrith twice this season – three times if you count a pre-season trial – but even coach Brad Arthur admitted after last week’s win over Melbourne that it matters little now. And it’s hard to take much from the Round 20 win, albeit comprehensive, given Nathan Cleary was sent from the field early in the first half, changing the landscape of the match.
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I'm not sure Parramatta have that fight in them, and they need things to go their way before they can pounce on that momentum to start to take control of games. This Penrith team, with a Premiership behind them and a heap of representative experience this year, will not be overwhelmed by the occasion in the slightest. If anything, they will embrace it. The side is well rested, putting them in a much better position to win this opening Finals game than they were last year when they faced Souths. Mark it down as a Penrith win – but it’ll be wild and ferocious out there, no question. Tip: Panthers by 8. Brian To’o.
match preview
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Photo: NRL Images.
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Spotted: News Corp journalist Brent Read labelling BlueBet Stadium “archaic” in his ar ticle on home Finals, weeks after telling fellow journalists at a media opportunity in Penrith that there was nothing wrong with the venue and there was no need for a new stadium.
Spotted: Panthers media manager Mi chael Blok catching up with Cowboys forward Luciano Leilua on the field post-game after last Saturday’s match in Townsville. The pair know each other from their time at the Tigers.
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Ticketing trouble: Not even Panthers know the logic that goes into the NRL’s ticket ing process around the Finals. Fans were left bewildered by the decision to hold back West ern Grandstand tickets from the initial stages of the members’ pre-sale, despite this area be ing dominated by season ticket holders. They were slowly fed into the system as Monday progressed. More laughable was the ‘secret’ code that the NRL issued to members – about as simple to crack and share as the word of the day on ‘Sesame Street’. Panthers officials were left just as puzzled and had no control over the ticketing process.
! Charity’s ticketing coup: Talking of tickets to the Final, I’m told the final two seats in the stadium were expected to fetch a solid amount at the WestCare charity dinner in Penrith on Thursday night. The Chairman’s Lounge tickets were put up as a live auction item.
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! Stadium uncertainty rolls on: Stuart Ayres may no longer be in Cabinet but he continues to push for the new Penrith Stadium to be built on the site of the Showground and is being a loud voice in the ear of anyone who will listen. The Penrith MP is adamant it’s where the new stadium needs to be to ensure the best possible outcome, and is keeping a keen eye on the situation.
Jersey memories: A new Instagram account is detailing the history of Panthers jerseys through the years. It’s a fascinating look back through the history of the club. Check it out at @everypanthersjersey. !
! May free to play in Finals: The NRL is struggling to answer confused clubs who are raising concerns over the penalty handed down to Panthers winger Taylan May after he was found guilty of assault in Queensland last week. Along with fines and other require ments, May was suspended for two matches but will be able to serve his time next season, meaning he’s free to play in the NRL Finals. I’m told the phones haven’t stopped ringing at NRL HQ after the somewhat unprecedented move. Truth is, the NRL has generally had some sympathy for May over the issue, believ ing the CCTV now widely shown only tells part of the story. Still, it’s left a bitter taste in the mouths of Penrith’s NRL rivals.
! Yeo on duty: The Panthers sent Isaah Yeo to the official NRL Finals launch on Monday (pictured below), meaning Nathan Cleary could stay out of the spotlight early in the week he’s returning to the field from suspension. Cleary was put up for interview at Penrith’s media session on Wednesday and not surpris ingly was an extremely popular choice from attending journalists.
! Hadley heads west: 2GB is pulling out the big guns for the Finals, with Ray Hadley to call the Panthers v Eels Finals match on Friday.
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Top tipsters: Congratulations to Hans Bor and Leigh Hartog who finished equal first in the Western Weekender Extra Time Celebrity Tipping competition. Both are off to the NRL Grand Final next month. ! Drew set for Panthers return: Former Panthers hooker Brad Drew could be returning to the club next season. He’s the frontrunner to coach the NSW Cup side next year, with Peter Wallace moving into an NRL assistant role.
panther rumblings
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Taylan May. Photo: NRL Images.
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! Peachey’s return to Penrith: It’s now being widely reported that Tyrone Peachey (pictured) could return to the foot of the Mountains next year, in a swap deal of sorts involving Charlie Staines and the Wests Tigers. Peachey is 31 and still has plenty to offer but hasn’t set the world on fire at the Tigers. He played his best footy at the Panthers during his stint between 2014 and 2018. I’m told it’s more than just paper talk and could certainly be pulled off in the off-season. A sticking point could be how much Penrith have to pay of Staines’ contract.
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KIKAU PREPARES FOR GOODBYE GAME NATHAN TAYLOR Viliame
an favourite Viliame Kikau will play his final home game in Penrith colours this Friday night, and he’s hoping to go out on a Whilehigh.the 27-year-old admits he’s not thinking too much about his next chapter at the Bulldogs just yet, the 195cm powerhouse backrower is in the mood to reflect on his time at the foot of the Mountains and the impact the club has had on both his life and career. “I haven’t really been thinking too much about me leaving yet to be honest. I’m just focused on what I have to do at Penrith first and foremost,” Kikau told Extra Time on Wednesday. “It’s been incredible the last seven years here. I played my first NRL game for this club and have played many home games in front of these fans.“Friday is going to be my last one playing at BlueBet [Stadium] wearing the Panthers colours. I’m just hoping when I come around in different colours next year, I still get a good reception from the Panthers fans.” While that remains to be seen, one thing that is certain is that Kikau will get an almighty roar on Friday if he and his Panthers teammates manage to knock off the Parramatta Eels and advance to the Preliminary Finals. Penrith are yet to beat their arch rivals in 2022 – and that includes a trial game back in February and two home and away fixtures. However, despite respecting their recent form and talented squad, the Panthers are not one bit afraid of the Eels and will be out for some sweet revenge come Friday night. “They are a good team, they always turn up and they’ve beaten us twice this year – once at their home ground and once at ours,” Kikau said.“They lift their game whenever we play them, and they’ve been really good in both of those games this year and deserve those wins. It’s going to be a challenge again on Friday.” While Penrith will go into tonight’s Qual ifying Final as favourites with the bookies, many pundits are tipping the Eels to upset the defending Premiers and advance one step closer to their first Grand Final since 2009. Kikau is more than happy for his team to be flying under the radar. “I think the boys know what it takes at this time of year, just from the experiences we’ve had over the last two years,” the big Fijian said while sipping his oat latte from Krispy Kreme. “Parramatta have been playing really well of late and have been scoring heaps of points as well. We enjoy being under the radar, it’s good for us. It’s going to be a big challenge on Friday and I’m looking forward to it.” Kikau will run onto BlueBet Stadium for the final time on Friday night. Photo: NRL Images.
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Ffeature
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Koroisau said the team were more than happy to skip the trip to North Queensland to focus on the bigger task “Ivan knew the boys needed a freshen up leading into a big Finals Series and we were more than happy to get that week “It just allowed everyone to freshen up leading into a Finals Series that looks really competitive from teams one through to
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Api Koroisau in action for the Panthers. Photo: NRL Images. Api Koroisau has been reflecting on his time as a Panther. Photo: NRL Images. weekender time
“Just the quality of Nathan, coming back into this side will pick us up – I have no Along with Cleary, most of Penrith’s team for Friday night’s third Battle of the West will be well-rested after a large majority missed the final game of the regular season
NATHAN TAYLOR the western
W hether he leaves with another NRL Premiership ring or not, Penrith hooker Api Koroisau can hold his head up high knowing that he did everything he could during his most recent stint with the Panthers. Koroisau’s signature back in 2019 was argua bly one of the most important in club history. This young Penrith team had just about all the pieces required to be a genuine force except one – an experienced and talented hooker. Manly’s loss was the Panthers’ gain and in those three years since, Koroisau has helped guide the club to two Minor Premierships, two Grand Finals and one NRL Premiership. It’s a safe bet that without Koroisau’s supreme ability and influence, Penrith may not be in the strong position that they are today. Speaking with Extra Time on Wednesday, the 29-year-old Fijian said he’s left no stone unturned since becoming a Panther again in 2020.“Icame here knowing that I had a role to play and Ivan brought me here for that reason,” Koroisau said. “I think I did as good a job as I could. I’m proud of what I did do here and I’m glad to leave this place in the position that it is, know ing that I did play a role.” Not every player gets that fairytale ending when they retire or depart a club, but Panthers fans far and wide will be hoping that Koroisau is one of the lucky ones. Asked whether another Premiership would be the ultimate parting gift? The NSW Blues hooker took a deep breath before responding. “Yeah… that’s probably as good as it gets for anyone,” Koroisau said. “That would be awesome to get but, at the same time, there’s still four weeks to go before we get there and it’s a good thing this team likes playing week to week.” Unlike other clubs playing this weekend, Penrith will go into the opening round of the NRL Finals at full-strength, with not one injury or suspension on their roster. After weeks of preparation in readiness for this point of the season, Koroisau is confident that everything and everyone should click come kick-off on Friday night. “One of the good things is the combinations we have, we’ve held from previous years as well,” he said. “Guys like Nathan (Cleary) just know how to play their role so well… and it makes the cohe sion a lot easier.” All eyes will be on the 2021 Clive Churchill Medallist on Friday night when he returns after serving a five-week suspension.Koroisau said after watching him train virtually non-stop since his suspension, Cleary’s inclusion in the side is going to be a massive boost. “He was pretty much out there every day, “It was good that he was suspended and not injured because it allowed him to do
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KOROISAUfeature DREAMS OF FAIRYTALE FINISH
»34 Friday, September 9, 2022
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Game 3 – Cronulla Sharks (2nd) v North Queensland Cowboys (3rd). Saturday, September 10 – PointsBet Stadium, Sydney. Kick-off: 7.50pm. The Sharks are the real deal and so are the Cowboys, so with very little between the two sides, I’m going to go with home ground advan tage.North Queensland are yet to prove they play as well on the road as they do at home. They’ll never get a better chance than this. My tip: Sharks by 4.
MY FEARLESS PREDICTIONS FOR WEEK ONE OF THE NRL FINALS lang leagueon « the western weekender • extra time 35Friday, September 9, 2022 OFFICIAL PARTNER WW47204 SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT EXPERIENCES THE UNIQUEPERFectEXPERIENCETOENJOY,SHAREORGIFT Earn 4 qantas points per $1 spent EARN QANTAS Getwww.fanplus.comthePOINTSperfectuniqueexperiencetoenjoy,shareorgiftentertainmentexperiencesaccesstosportinganDunprecedented “This was a dream come true thanks to FAN+” Alex, NSWWW43930
My tip: Storm by 10.
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PeterwithLang
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W ell it’s that time of the year where dreams become reality. This Friday, the 2022 NRL Finals Series kicks off with a bang and by the end of the weekend, two teams will be eliminated. So, here’s my preview of the four finals games...
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Game 4 – Sydney Roosters (6th) v South Sydney Rabbitohs (7th). Sunday, September 11 – Allianz Stadium, Sydney. Kick-off: 4.05pm. I hope this game lives up to the hype and deliv ers even more drama than last week’s encounter. Unfortunately for the Chooks, the absence of a few big names, will give the Bunnies the advantage. They won’t be so passive this time, they’ll take the game to the Roosters and come away with the win. My tip: Rabbitohs by 10. There you go rugby league fans, my thoughts and fearless predictions about what I think will happen in week one of the Finals. Remember, it’s sudden death for every team from next week. You’ve got to love rugby league in September! You can watch every NRL Finals game live on both the Nine Network and Fox League, as well as 9NOW and Kayo. Finals captains James Tedesco, Wade Graham, Jesse Bromwich and Isaah Yeo.
Game 2 – Melbourne Storm (5th) v Canberra Raiders (8th). Saturday, September 10 – AAMI Park, Melbourne Kick-off: 5.40pm. I’d be surprised if the Storm don’t take this game by the scruff of the neck and rip the Raid ers a new Canberraone.will give Melbourne a fright, they might even lead at some stage but in the end, the class of the Storm will be too much for the Raiders.
Game 1 – Penrith Panthers (1st) v Parramatta Eels (4th). Friday, September 9 –BlueBet Stadium, Penrith Kick-off: 7.50pm. The return of Nathan Cleary is the biggest news of this match, as a super-confident Eels side travel down the M4 looking to beat the Premiers for a third time in 2022. Only I don’t think they’ll find the task that easy this week, against 13 men and with their half back and fearless leader back. Back, refreshed, revitalised and looking for revenge. My tip: Panthers by 8.
posterpanthers legendsseries the western weekender • extra time »36 Friday, September 9, 2022
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The Cowboys have surprised most this season but will need to prove themselves in Sydney against the high flying Sharks this weekend, with a small but parochial crowd to be in the house at PointsBet Stadium.
Sharks v SaturdayCowboys7.50pm@ PointsBet Stadium
TROY DODDS
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6 ISSUE 15 | June 2022
Tip: Rabbitohs by 1.
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« the western weekender • extra time 39Friday, September 9, 2022
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TWO TEAMS WILL BE CUT IN WEEK 1
Education precinct future in doubt Busco Breakfastfor and DriveLindenwith WW48244
Melissa Wu headlines Wexpo event
Storm v SaturdayRaiders5.40pm @ AAMI Park
It’s do or die in Melbourne on Saturday evening when the fifth placed Storm take on the resurgent Raiders, who secured eighth spot thanks to Brisbane’s epic spiral out of the top eight.The Storm are already without their most potent attacking weapon in Ryan Papenhuyzen, which has hurt them significantly this year. They’re hoping to welcome back star halfback Jahrome Hughes against the Raiders. Canberra coach Ricky Stuart took the opportunity to rest Jack Wighton and Elliott Whitehead last weekend, so both will be raring to go in this match at AAMI Park. The Raiders have won at AAMI Park in week one of the Finals before, so the occasion certainly won’t bother them this Saturday. In fact, Canberra has won seven of the 12 matches they’ve played at the venue.
E ight teams, one trophy. The race for the Premiership hots up this weekend with the opening matches of the Finals, highlighted by Friday night’s Panthers v Eels blockbuster. Here’s what the rest of the weekend has in store...
Tip: Storm by 12.
The captains of the eight teams chasing this year’s Premiership. Photo: NRL Images.
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“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 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. “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.” 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. 3
the other matches
While last Friday night’s game gave us a preview of this epic Finals showdown, things will be a little different come Sunday afternoon at Allianz Stadium. The Roosters will be without one of the game’s best centres in Joey Manu, who suffered a calf strain last week, while Souths welcome back Damien Cook, who will give them much more energy through the middle. Also back on deck for the Rabbitohs will be skipper Cameron Murray, who is expected to get through required concussion protocols after being ruled out of last Friday night’s game in the opening minutes. Day-time football offers the opportunity for Souths to turn it on in attack, and while the Roosters looked fitter and faster last Friday night, a week is a long time in football. The winner here stays alive, while the loser can start planning Mad Monday.
Melissa Wu participating in the recent SAS Challenge series.
The Cowboys are full strength heading into this one, while the Sharks have a couple of injury concerns including over Siosifa Talakai who suffered an ankle injury late in last week’s win over Newcastle.
Tip: Sharks by 6. Roosters v Rabbitohs Sunday 4.05pm @ Allianz Stadium
The Sharks beat the Cowboys in their only previous meeting this season, winning 26-12 back in mid-July. North Queensland has been somewhat inconsistent of late, losing two of their last five matches – both in Sydney. The Sharks mean while have been on a strong winning streak but haven’t played a top eight side since narrowly pipping the Rabbitohs 21-20 in Round 20.
BLACKTOWN 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 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. 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 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 MP Stephen Bali. foresight to discuss with Olympic sports such as diving and water polowhether they could work with the University in delivering pathway opportunities.” 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?”
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The girls have had many different looks over the years, but the one thing that hasn’t changed is their passion for the mighty Panthers. We’ve collected a selection of the best images from photographer Megan Dunn and NRL Images for this special cheerleader spread. THE PANTHERS THE
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CHEERING
WAY the western weekender • extra time »40 Friday, September 9, 2022 SCAN HERE BET NOW 47700
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photo special G ame day just wouldn’t be the same with out the Penrith Pantherettes, without question the best cheer squad in the NRL.
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ALL
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TO THE NRL FINALS SERIES « the western weekender • extra time 41Friday, September 9, 2022 WW44155
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Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Dessert we
& Darling Square. With
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Beverly
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PANTHERS ONE WIN AWAY FROM DECIDER AFTER UNLIKELY WIN lowergradesreport LachlanwithJeffery @LachlanJeffery 1. I was born in 1992. 2. I’ve played for three NRL clubs. 3. Penrith was my home in 2015. 4. I’ve been an
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The Panthers extended their lead to 12 with 23 minutes left when Sam Lane sliced through to score.Norths continued to press, but aside from an unconverted Adam Keighran try, the Panthers defence held solid. In Jersey Flegg, an inexperienced Panthers outfit fell to Newcastle, 22-16.
Photo: Henry Ward / Penrith Panthers. Indigenous All Star on two occasions.
Norths went close in the dying minutes, with Tom Carr dropping a pass with the line wide open, leaving the Panthers leading 16-6 at the break.The Bears started the second half stronger, with Keiran Hayman cutting the deficit to six in the 48th minute.
T he Penrith Panthers are one win away from the Knock-On Effect NSW Cup Grand Final after stunning the North Sydney Bears 22-14 at St Marys Leagues Stadium. The smile couldn’t be wiped from coach Peter Wallace’s face at full-time after he was forced to select mostly Jersey Flegg and Ron Massey Cup players.TheBears started the stronger of the two teams in cold, windy and wet conditions, going close on a couple of occasions, ultimately opening the scoring through Siua Wong in the 6th minute. Some dazzling footwork from Dolphins-bound halfback Isaiya Katoa in the 14th minute saw him score a try on debut. Quick hands from the Panthers out to Logan Dickson saw him score in the right-hand corner in the 23rd minute off the back of five straight sets.Dickson scored his second late in the half after a dropped bomb bounced straight to him.
Another try late in the half gave Newcastle a 16-4 lead at the break. The Panthers started the second half strong, scoring through Elone Taufa, before conceding again to trail 22-8. A Cody Lawson double gave them hope, but it was too little, too late. The Panthers will play Newtown in the KOE Cup major semi at Kogarah on Saturday, while they face the Dragons there in the Jersey Flegg minor semi.
The Panthers, who fielded 10 SG Ball players, gave a good account of themselves, but just lacked the polish of their more fancied oppo nents.The Panthers did well to hold on in defence early and were rewarded with the opening try through Zac Lipowicz. A Knights scrum win against the feed gave them momentum and they quickly scored backto-back tries to take a 12-4 lead.
The Panthers celebrate a NSW Cup try.
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5. I am now in the English Super League. hidden panther WHO AM I ? LAST WEEK’S ANSWER: Blake Austin. CAN YOU SEEK OUT THE WEEK’SPANTHERHIDDENINTHISQUIZ? the western weekender • extra time »42 Friday, September 9, 2022 WESTERN SYDNEY DENTURE CLINIC COME TALK TO OUR TEAM AT OUR ST MARYS CLINIC 9623 0100 PLEASE CALL FOR DENTURE ADVICE 3/343 GREAT WESTERN HIGHWAY, ST MARYS (FACING QUEEN STREET, PARKING AT THE BACK) NO REFERRALS NEEDED Full FreeSeniorsHealthMouthguardsFlexibleSoftUrgentSame-dayPartialDenturesDenturesRelinesRepairsLineDenturesDenturesFundRebatesCardsConsultation 10%FORALLOUROLDFRIENDS&CUSTOMERSOFF • Are your dentures loose? • Are your dentures collecting food? • Are your dentures rocking while eating? • Have you lost your smile line? • Are your dentures ill-fitting? • Not able to chew food properly? • Can’t see your teeth when you smile? If you have any of the above problems, call us now for a FREE consultation YOUR DENTURECOMMONPROBLEMS: WW49004
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nrl ladder & fixtures CLUB PD W D L B F A +/- PTS 1 Panthers 24 20 0 4 1 636 330 +306 42 2 Sharks 24 18 0 6 1 573 364 +209 38 3 Cowboys 24 17 0 7 1 633 361 +272 36 4 Eels 24 16 0 8 1 608 489 +119 34 5 Storm 24 15 0 9 1 657 410 +247 32 6 Roosters 24 15 0 9 1 635 434 +201 32 7 Rabbitohs 24 14 0 10 1 604 474 +130 30 8 Raiders 24 14 0 10 1 524 461 +63 30 9 Broncos 24 13 0 11 1 514 550 -36 28 10 Dragons 24 12 0 12 1 469 569 -100 26 11 Sea Eagles 24 9 0 15 1 490 595 -105 20 12 Bulldogs 24 7 0 17 1 383 575 -192 16 13 Titans 24 6 0 18 1 455 660 -205 14 14 Knights 24 6 0 18 1 372 662 -290 14 15 Warriors 24 6 0 18 1 408 700 -292 14 16 W. Tigers 24 4 0 20 1 352 679 -327 10 Extra Time Issue Number 2022-027 PRODUCED BY The Western Weekender EDITOR Troy Dodds / 4722 troy.dodds@westernweekender.com.au2998 WRITERS Nathan Taylor, Peter Lang, 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 Friday, September7.50pm9 BlueBet Stadium Saturday, SeptemberAAMI5.40pm10Park Saturday, September7.50pm10 PointsBet Stadium Sunday, September4.05pm11 Allianz Stadium FINALS WEEK ONE VVVV FOR THE @WWPENRITHTWITTERFOLLOWANDPANTHERSLATESTNEWSUPDATES,USON www.my88.com.au Wayne Tunks 7-10am Madeleine Jaine 2-4pm Tezza 4-6pm LISTEN LWEEKDAYS: ISTEN LWEEKDAYS: ISTEN WEEKDAYS: WW48139
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the western weekender • extra time »44 Friday, September 9, 2022 WW43949 Social media management without the stress Your social media profiles managed from just $160 per week EMAIL SOCIAL@MTMDIGITAL.COM.AU OR VISIT WWW.MTMDIGITAL.COM.AU F A C E B O O K M A N A G E M E N T Sit back and focus on your business, and let MTM Digital handle your Facebook page. We’ll arrange regular and consistent posts, plus manage your inbox communication and other elements of your page. O T H E R P L AT F O R M S Need help with Twitter, Instagram or LinkedIn? What about a regular newsletter to your valued clients and supporters? We can do it all. Talk to us about your social media and digital needs today. “MTM Digital has taken the pressure off our business when it comes to staying relevant on social media. They have done an exce llent job building our presence and generating interest ” Rod Matthew, KSR Autobody
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