MARK
my words
30 Nepean News 6 February 2014 Issue 117
IN the last edition of the Nepean News, I touched upon the seven acquisitions the Penrith Panthers had made for the upcoming 2014 NRL season. This edition I will delve a little deeper and tell you exactly why chief executive Gus Gould and coach Ivan Cleary have hit pay-dirt with their new buys. Introducing your new Mountain Men. Jamal Idris Standing 194cm and weighing 117kg, Idris is a man-mountain in every sense. Playing 132 first grade games for both the Bulldogs and Titans, and also representing both NSW and Australia, he is definitely a marquee signing. As a junior schoolboy, Jamal was a national record holder in the javelin and while still being only 23 years of age he has untold potential and his signing is seen as a major coup for the Panthers. Tyrone Peachey At only 22 years of age, the nephew of the great David Peachey is seen as a future superstar. Whilst his frame might be seen as diminutive for a back-rower his ticker well and truly
makes up for any short comings, size wise. Coming to Penrith via the Sharks, Peachey is an 80-minute player whose first grade career is going to be a total joy to watch. Look for him to have a “Segyaro” type effect on the Panthers this season. Kevin Naiqama The 24 year old brother of Wes is one of the real up-and-coming stars of the NRL. Kevin has already represented Fiji after only 15 games in the top grade and was improving at the Knights under coach Bennett every game he played. His versatility will be his biggest asset at the Panthers being able to play basically anywhere in the backline. Like Tyrone Peachey, the younger Naiqama will quickly be a crowd favourite. Brent Kite The “Mr Experience” of the seven new signings. Kite has played 288 games for both the Dragons and the Sea Eagles. He has represented his state and country many times, and has been the Clive Churchill winner (man on the match in a grand final) in Manly’s 40-0 demolition of
Colyton/Mt Druitt Rugby League Football Club
REQUIRES HALF BACK OR FIVE EIGHTH
RIGHT MONEY FOR RIGHT PLAYER Contact Buck Rogers on 0417 255 394 or Peter Martin on 0411 278 746
www.colytonmtdruitt.leaguenet.com.au
PENRITH PANTHERS HOCKEY CLUB REGISTRATION
Sunday 23th February 10am-12pm At The Pioneer Tavern THE NORTHERN ROAD, PENRITH
New Players are welcome - we have Junior, Women and Men’s Teams
Sheree 0414 965 083 | Marnie 0402 447707 or email: penrithpanthershockey@hotmail.com
WITH MARK GEYER
Melbourne. In fact the comparisons to ex -Panther Peter Kelly are profound! At 32 years of age, Kite is obviously in the twilight of his illustrious career, but the lessons he can teach the current Penrith front row will be invaluable. Peter Wallace Welcome home Pete! A St Mary’s junior, Wallace made his debut for the Panthers before moving north to the Broncos whilst also representing his state four times. At only 28 years of age, Wallace has time well and truly on his side and a move back ‘home’ will be the perfect tonic to resurrect a blossoming career. With 171 first grade games under his belt, Wallace’s experience is a perfect mix with the rising Panther juniors coming through the ranks. Jamie Soward A Canberra junior, Soward made his name at the Roosters before moving to the Dragons where he became one of the competition’s most spoken about players. Soward definitely polarizes opinion and is one of the most enigmatic players to ever play the
game but his signing for the Mountain Men, in my opinion, is fantastic. His 171 first grade appearances, his speed, his goal-kicking coupled with his State of Origin foray are an ingredient to lap up. Elijah Taylor I must confess when the Panthers signed the young 23 year old from the Warriors I let out a little “yeh har”. Taylor is one of my favourite players in the NRL and is a backrower who can do it all. Already playing 10 tests for New Zealand in his relatively short career of 67 games, Taylor reunites with coach Cleary in what is another fantastic gain for the Panthers. I cannot wait to sit in the stands and watch him do his thing. There you have it ladies and gentleman, your seven “newbies” for season 2014. Based on last year’s signings, the under 20’s winning the comp and reserve grade making the 2014 grand final you can most definitely say that the future looks mighty bright for the boys who reside at the foot of the mountains. BRING IT ON!!
St Clair Junior Rugby League Club PLAYERS REQUIRED Under 6’s to A Grade.
2014 REGISTRATION DAYS
At Peppertree Reserve (Cnr Peppertree & Swallow Drive Erskine Park) Saturday 8th and 15th February Sunday 9th and 16th February 10.00am to 3.00pm Please note that these 4 Registration Days are for Saturday players only (4 years to 15 years old) Sunday player Registration will be advised at training. Training starts on Monday 10th February. All players welcome. See web page for times and details.
ALSO LOOKING TO FIELD A GIRLS SIDE – 15’S TO 17’S For Further Enquiries please contact: Secretary: Bill Borg : 9834 4083 Mob : 0425 226 683 Registrar: Michael Zammit Mob : 0412 531935 Email to: bill@stclairjrlc.org.au More details on the web page www.stclairjrlc.org.au All NEW players will require a Birth Certificate or Passport to be sighted. ALL PLAYERS WILL HAVE THER PHOTOS TAKEN AT THESE 4 REGISTRATION DAYS AT THE GROUND THIS YEAR AS REQUIRED BY THE JUNIOR LEAGUE FREE SHORTS, SOCKS & POLO SHIRT WHEN REGISTRATION FEES PAID IN FULL A Grade and C Grade training on Tuesday and Thursday 6.30pm at Cnr Cook & Banks Drive St Clair. A Grade Coach – Brad Liggins – Mob. 0418 204 957 MAJOR SPONSOR – ST MARYS RSL CLUB