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FRI 28 MAR 2014 • Issue 004

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PROUDLY INDEPENDENT

BIG HITTERS Erin Molan Luke Priddis Masked Panther + DEAN WHARE + JAMIE SOWARD + LOWER GRADES + PANTHERS FLASHBACK

Battle of the west Danger game looms as Panthers tackle Eels p.3

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PENRITH PANTHERS

PREVIEW

Matt Moylan Kevin Naiqama Dean Whare Jamal Idris Dave Simmons Jamie Soward Peter Wallace (c) Nigel Plum Kevin Kingston (c) Sam McKendry Lewis Brown Elijah Taylor Adam Docker James Segeyaro Jeremy Latimore Tyrone Peachey Tim Grant

PARRAMATTA EELS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

Jarryd Hayne (c) Semi Radradra Will Hopoate Willie Tonga Ken Sio Corey Norman Chris Sandow Tim Mannah (c) Nathan Peats Fuifui Moimoi Kenny Edwards Manu Ma’u Joseph Paulo Kelepi Tanginoa Peni Terepo Mitch Allgood David Gower

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1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

Lewis Brown is wrapped up by the Bulldogs defence last weekend. Photo: Melinda Jane

Danger game in golden west TROY DODDS

@troydodds

Penrith Panthers v Parramatta Eels Kick off: Sat 29/3 • 5.30pm Pirtek Stadium Refs: Shayne Hayne and Henry Perenara TV: Fox Sports Live 5.30pm Radio: 2GB Live 5.30pm

for – he knows his side is better than just being in the mid-table pack but to prove it, early wins are vital. The Panthers go on a really tough run mid-season when they’ll be on the road for weeks at a time and potentially without some players due to Origin duty, and doing the hard work now will be much better than chasing “what ifs” come the end of the season. Tim Grant and Sam McKendry must lay the platform in this game – both ran over 100 metres last weekend and McKendry had his best game for some time. Grant was good too and his fantastic line break, although ending poorly, showed what a damaging player he can be when in the right frame of mind and fully fit. Jamie Soward and Peter Wallace should resume their partnership this weekend after Wallace was a late withdrawal against the Bulldogs, but I’m most looking forward to watching Matt Moylan play this weekend. Moylan was a real standout when he debuted last season, but his form started to wilt towards the end of the year. He’s had a steady start to the 2014 season but the sideline conversion to win the

game last weekend will without doubt put him in the right headspace to step up a gear. And there’s that word again – headspace. This is a local derby, a fierce rivalry, a battle for pride in western Sydney. If your headspace isn’t right for such a game, there’s something wrong. But players aren’t robots and games aren’t won on paper, so the respective coaches have plenty to do this weekend to ensure the mental side is as ready to go as the physical. The danger men for Penrith’s defence, which hasn’t conceded more than three tries in a game all season, will be out wide with Semi Radradra and Will Hopoate the obvious key players. Parramatta pulled off a selection surprise on Tuesday when naming Chris Sandow to return to first grade at halfback. He will also give the Eels some much-needed assistance when it comes to goal kicking, which hurt them last weekend. There’s nothing quite like playing Parramatta, and nothing quite like beating them – let’s hope the latter occurs on Saturday at Pirtek Stadium. Tip: Panthers by 6

Friday 28 March 2014 the western weekender

he difference between ecstasy and agony was no better exemplified than by Penrith and Parramatta in their respective NRL matches last weekend (round three). For the Panthers, Jamie Soward’s incredible cut out pass gave Matt Moylan the opportunity to win the game and send the strong home crowd into raptures. It was a special moment. For the Eels, they looked like they’d pulled off the most remarkable of upsets until Steve Matai spoiled the party in the

dying moments to secure Manly victory at Brookvale Oval. This weekend, the headspace of both teams will be vitally important when determining the result. I truly believe this is a danger game for the Panthers and should the side not be right mentally for this one, I fear what the result could be. Parramatta were reasonably impressive in their opening round encounter against the Warriors, were unlucky last week against the Sea Eagles and were simply outclassed against the Roosters in round two. Their coach, senior players and fans are eagerly awaiting some consistency given the three varied results so far, and there’s little doubt that the Eels will be switched on for this. Penrith would have pushed aside any nasty taste still lingering from their late round two loss to Melbourne with the last gasp victory over the Bulldogs last weekend. They now need to string wins together and there’s a real opportunity to pick up this match and next weekend’s game at home against Canberra. Win, loss, win, loss is not the type of form coach Ivan Cleary would be looking

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FEATURE STORY

Soward wins it for Penrith P NATHAN TAYLOR

@natetaylor87

He’s been questioned and criticised, but Jamie Soward last weekend proved his worth by producing a match-winning effort against Canterbury at Sportingbet Stadium

anthers five-eighth Jamie Soward said he had to try “something different” when he threw the spectacular cut out ball to winger Kevin Naiqama for Penrith’s gamewinning try against the Bulldogs last weekend at Sportingbet Stadium. Soward, who returned to Penrith’s line-up following a week on the sidelines with back spasms, had a hand in every single one of Penrith’s three tries against the Bulldogs, but it was perhaps his final minute cut out ball to the Fijian flyer, Naiqama, that was his best assist of the afternoon. “We kicked in the first half and got a couple of results, so it was a matter of trying something a little bit different on that edge,” Soward told Extra Time. “It was nice to win a tight one especially after last week in Melbourne. To build your season it is important to get the close ones.” Even though it was only his second appearance in Panthers colours, the 29-year-old former Dragon had a ‘highlight reel game’ for his new club after putting on an excellent kicking display that led to two spectacular first half tries. But at a recovery session at Nepean Aquatic Centre on Monday, Soward was

remaining modest about his role in the 18-16 victory. “I didn’t really do too much, I just put kicks in and Dave (Simmons) did the rest,” Soward said of the two first half tries. “This team is about everyone doing their job and if you do your job you’re more than likely going to get the result.” With his halves partner, Peter Wallace, ruled out just hours before kick off, Soward and the Panthers had to rely on NSW Cup half Isaac John to take his place. John also filled in when Soward himself was injured the previous week. Despite the late changes, Soward said he was very confident going into the clash with the man they call “Ice” by his side. “Ice is a massive part of this team, the way he handles himself on and off the field,” he said. “I think having someone know the systems is important when one of your halves is out. He came in on the weekend, played really well and helped steer the team around. “I was very confident once I knew Wal was out that he was going to step in.” It was revealed this week that Soward offered to take the kick to win the match from the sideline, but Matt Moylan had confidence in himself to take it.

Jamie Soward in action against the Dogs

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FEATURE STORY

NATHAN TAYLOR

@natetaylor87

He’s signed a long-term deal with Penrith, but Dean Whare knows that means very little when it comes to his spot in the first grade side, given the young talent at the club

ven though Panthers and New Zealand international centre, Dean Whare, signed a long-term deal that will keep him at the club until the end of 2017, he still often looks over his shoulder in fear of the many young, hungry centres below him, gunning for his spot. Last November, the 24-year-old made such a huge impression in the Rugby League World Cup that when he landed back in the country, he almost instantly was rewarded with a contract extension. But despite his outstanding form and professionalism off the field, Whare is rather wary of rising Panthers centres George Jennings, Isaah Yeo and Waqa Blake, because not that long ago he was one of them. “I try and help the young guys as much as I can but at the same time they keep me on my toes because they are trying to take my position,” Whare admitted. “It was like that at Manly when I had Jamie Lyon and Steve Matai in front of me, I did the same to them. I kept them on their toes and made them more hungry to stay there, that’s where I’m at now.” Whare believes his spot in first grade is safe for the time being but all it takes is a few bad games for him to go from the

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Dean’s going nowhare E

Dean Whare. Photo: Melinda Jane penthouse to the doghouse. “I have to do the little extras to stay in front of them. If I play a couple of bad games I could be gone,” he said. “That’s my mentality going into every training session and game. It very well could be my last but if I do my best I know I’ll stay there for a long time.” One asset that will give Whare an edge

over his younger counterparts is the immense confidence he gained playing alongside some of the world’s best players in New Zealand’s World Cup team. “I had a great right edge in the World Cup with SBW, Shaun Johnson and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck… I think that helped me confidence-wise and mentally,” Whare said.

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Tragic injury is a reminder to us all W

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e all witnessed the tragic scenes on Monday night when Newcastle Knights player Alex McKinnon was left with a fractured neck following his side’s loss to the Melbourne Storm. McKinnon’s horrific injury is a timely reminder about the risk our players go through every time they run out onto the field. While it’s always a great sight to watch them score tries and do amazing things on the field, they are also putting themselves through some very physical contests which can sometimes have very serious and career-ending consequences. McKinnon’s injury comes off the back of the recent criticism Cronulla players Michael Lichaa and Andrew Fifita have copped for signing with the Bulldogs for big money. If you only look at how quickly a rugby league player’s career can end, you cannot begrudge or blame a player for looking after themselves while they can. All they are doing is what any of us would do which is take the best job for themselves, their families and the best money. Looking at McKinnon on Monday night, who was apparently just days away from signing a new contract with Newcastle,

MOMENT WITH MOLAN @Erin_Molan

ERIN MOLAN

Catch Erin Molan and the boys on ‘The Footy Show’ every Thursday night on Channel Nine from 8.30pm

high risk job that doesn’t last very long at all in reality. Before we criticise and make judgments, I think people need to think about last Monday night as well as look at former Bronco Jharal Yow Yeh, who recently retired though injury at 24, and keep in mind how quickly it can all end. There’s been calls this week for the NRL to change some rules and tackling techniques after the McKinnon incident but where do you draw the line? They’ve already eliminated the shoulder charge and other serious tackling techniques, but there’s always things that are going to happen that we just can’t predict. People will say to change all the rules and ban everything but things will still happen that are out of anyone’s control and are part of rugby league. Players perhaps need to be punished more severely if they do the wrong thing but if it was an accident, like the McKinnon incident on Monday night, then it’s an accident. I wish Alex all the best for the long recovery ahead. Catch the boys and I on ‘The Footy Show’ this Thursday at 8.30pm for the latest news in rugby league as well as the mayhem and laughter that goes along with it.

Photo: Melinda Jane I think it’s just a really timely reminder that while it may be easy for us to sit back and look at footballers as very well paid athletes (which they are), it’s also a very

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The RED V is a part of me. That’s the catch cry of the St George-Illawarra Dragons who sit on top of the table with Melbourne as the only unbeaten teams of 2014. While most were tipping they would be down the bottom half of the table with their coach in the firing line they have started the season in superb form with Gareth Widdop clearly showing he has stepped out of the shadow of the big three at Melbourne. I was fortunate enough to be on the field while the sides were warming up for the local derby, having a trot around in a legends game of touch, when Brett Morris gave me a wink and a grin after I asked him to score a try for me. Not only did he cross for his 100th try but also his 101st, which will surely win try of the year. This is a massive effort as his father Steve also scored over 100 tries for the club and I am sure B Moz will pass his old man’s tally in the near future with efforts like that. Two from two at home for the Panthers and while it was a close shave it is looking like the boys are turning Sportingbet Stadium back into a ground for other sides to fear playing at. However they are on the road in the Battle of the West this week against a Parramatta side that was very unfortunate to not come away with the points against last year’s grand finalists Manly. The obvious question is which Parramatta side will turn up? This game is always a torrid affair so will require another team performance like those thus far to take two points. Coach Ivan Cleary must be emphasising the importance of starting to string a few wins together which given the topsy-turvy results thus far could allow the boys to move ahead of the pack that inevitably forms in the middle of the table. I would like to congratulate Brothers JRLC for bringing the TRY TIME initiative to Penrith. This provides kids with disabilities the opportunity to participate in league through coaching drills and a modified game.

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Docker escapes suspension PANTHER RUMBLINGS with the Masked Panther

Send your Panthers gossip at news@westernweekender.com.au

Goal kicking legend Darryl Halligan had called Panthers coach Ivan Cleary in the days leading up to last weekend’s clash with Canterbury to let him know that Matt Moylan’s goal kicking was coming along well. As it turned out, Cleary needed to call on Moylan when Peter Wallace pulled out injured – and we all know the incredible result. What has got into Phil ‘Buzz’ Rothfield over at the Daily Telegraph? After his constant digs at Phil Gould and the Panthers, he Tweeted this last Saturday night: “Maybe Jamie Soward is a marquee player – absolutely sensational pass”. Rothfield has been critical of

Adam Docker won’t be suspended despite being charged with a dangerous throw Penrith’s five year plan, but given how his Sharks are travelling at the moment, such a plan doesn’t look so bad. I think many NRL fans had big concerns last year about the rise of the A-League and in particular, the Western Sydney Wanderers. We all want to exist in unity but there’s no doubt that last

year, everything was going up for the Wanderers and things were looking shaky at Penrith in the NRL. Things seem to have shifted a little this year. Just look at the TV ratings from last weekend, for example. The Panthers’ clash with the Bulldogs attracted 233,000 viewers on Fox Sports. The Wanderers’ clash with Perth attracted 51,000 viewers on Sunday afternoon.

NATHAN TAYLOR

9 @natetaylor87

The Penrith Panthers have overcome a tough Canterbury Bulldogs outfit to record their first win of the NSW Cup season, 22-12. With some late changes taking place which included the loss of Isaac John to first grade, the Panthers started the game understandably rusty with the Bulldogs

It was great to see the son of Panthers legend Steve Carter, Paul, score his first try for the Gold Coast Titans last weekend. As revealed by The Masked Panther in the lead-up to the game, ‘Go The Mighty Panthers’ returned as the club’s victory song following the win over the Bulldogs last weekend. How good was it to hear so many fans singing along with it at the end? It’s fair to say Jamie Soward and Matt Moylan are as thick of thieves when they are together, and now they are even doing interviews posing as each other. On Monday morning, another local journalist (not from this publication) got caught in the middle of their mischievous doings after she was conducting a phone interview with Matt Moylan. Problem was, she later found out it wasn’t Moylan answering the questions, but instead pesky little Soward. Fortunately, the journalist did end up speaking to Moylan once the trick was exposed. All in good fun I guess? There has been a key departure over at NRL HQ this week. The NRL’s Head of Strategy and Investment, Shane Mattiske, has announced his resignation. Mr Mattiske joined the NRL as Special Projects Manager in 2002. Shortly after the formation of the ARL Commission in 2012, Shane was appointed Interim CEO and helped to secure the most significant media rights deal that the game has seen. Mr Mattiske said that it was time to take the next step in his career. “Shane has managed the Strategy and Investment team since its inception and has been integral to our plans to grow the game,” CEO Dave Smith said.

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Adam Docker can feel relieved after escaping suspension over a dangerous throw during last weekend’s clash with Canterbury. Docker was charged with a grade one dangerous throw but his good record and the low rating of the charge meant he escaped suspension with an early guilty plea.

Lower GRADES

NSW Cup coach Garth Brennan posting first points. However, not long after, the Panthers finally kicked into gear when prop Shaun Spence barged his way over for his first try in Panthers colours. With the scores level at 6-all, Penrith’s next try came the way of Dallin WateneZelezniak who only just returned to the field following a concussion assessment for a head knock earlier in the game. With the home side up 12-6 at the break, it was interchange forward Mitch Clark who got the ball rolling with a try 15 minutes in before debutant Regan Haika sealed the victory with a try 90 seconds from full time. Meanwhile, Penrith’s Holden Cup season has gone from bad to worse after losing their third straight game, this time to the Bulldogs 34-14. With the scores level at 14-14 at the half, the Panthers had the chance to notch up their first win of the season, however the Bulldogs were also desperate for their first victory and got the job done, posting 20 unanswered points to blow the game apart and the Panthers away. Penrith play Parramatta on Saturday afternoon.

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2 Storm

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58 +36

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4 Panthers

42 +23

5 W. Tigers

72 +19

6 Broncos

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7 Sea Eagles

Warriors v Tigers

8 Titans

-12

9 Bulldogs

40 +30

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-2

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-35

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94 -36

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15 Knights

84 -36

Rabbitohs v Raiders

16 Sharks

74 -46

Sunday 2.00pm ANZ Stadium

ROUND 4

Eels v Panthers Saturday 5.30pm Pirtek Stadium

Bulldogs v Storm

Knights v Sharks

Extra Time Issue Number 004 PRINTED BY Spotpress Pty Ltd / PRODUCED BY The Western Weekender EDITOR Troy Dodds / 4722 2998 / troy.dodds@westernweekender.com.au CONTRIBUTORS Nathan Taylor / Luke Priddis / Yvonne Purtell / Erin Molan SALES MANAGER Simon Gould / 4722 2998 simon.gould@westernweekender.com.au

Sunday 3.00pm Hunter Stadium

Titans v Cowboys

Jamie Soward Five-eighth Jamie Soward is already making his mark at Penrith

Monday 7.30pm Cbus Super Stadium

Best moment in the NRL: Check out my tatt… 2010! Worst moment in the NRL: When Dave Simmons ran over me once Favourite team growing up: Whoever was winning Closest teammate: Kev Kingston and Pete Wallace Favourite TV show: MKR Favourite band or artist: Eminem

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PANTHERS FLASHBACK

JUNIORS @penrith_juniors

On top of the world What a great effort by our rep teams on the weekend with the Harold Matthews securing a 50-0 win over North Sydney which keeps them on top of the competition after round 6. SG Ball also remains on the top of the competition after their 18-16 win over North Sydney. The boys take on another western Sydney team this Saturday in Western Suburbs with the Harold Matthews kicking off at 12pm and SG Ball at 1.30pm at Sportingbet Stadium. This game will be followed by Windsor vs Wests in the Ron Massey Cup at 3pm. Whilst on Rep football, how about the boys from the Western Sydney Academy of Sport – Harold Matthews defeated Illawarra 32-18 and SG Ball defeated Illawarra 36-18. Well done boys on a great season so far. As I have previously mentioned, the Brothers club hosted a Come and Try day under the Try Time banner, a program for special needs and intellectually disabled persons. The program was a great success. Congratulations to the club, in particular Matt McLean and Bill Buckley for their work in this area. There will be another Come and Try day on Sunday, March 30 at Hickey’s Lane. Our CUBs programs have wound up for the 2013/2014 season with the Merit Squads being announced. Good luck to all the participants from this program as you return to your junior league clubs for the season. Ladies/Girls – don’t forget to register for the 2014 season now to be ready for round 1. If you don’t have a club and would like to play, contact the office for details. See you next week.

News In Brief Halfback Peter Wallace’s shock withdrawal from Penrith’s clash with Canterbury last weekend came after he was injured in the final training session of the week.

Peter Wallace

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“He literally did it in the last kick after training yesterday.

He was half a chance today,” Cleary said in the post-match press conference following the 18-16 win over the Bulldogs. “Hats off to Isaac John. He didn’t know about this until yesterday... he’s done a great job and that’s what you want back-ups to do.” Cleary said having John as back-up half was already proving its worth given both Wallace and Jamie Soward have missed games in the opening three rounds of the 2014 season.

Matt no longer welcome TROY DODDS

@troydodds

acking a coach is never, ever easy. For the Panthers, the dumping of Matt Elliott in 2011 seemed inevitable but it still came as a shock to many when the news broke in late April of that year. As the Weekender reported in its April 29 edition of 2011: “The Penrith Panthers will have a new coach next season after the NRL club sensationally dumped Matthew Elliott over the long weekend. There has been intense pressure on Elliott after Penrith’s horror start to the season, which has seen them win just two of seven matches.” Panthers Chairman Don Feltis and CEO Mick Leary delivered the news to Elliott just after the ANZAC Day long weekend. He was told he could see out the 2011 season. Penrith’s captain at the time, Petero Civoniceva, was unhappy with the decision and was a known supporter of Elliott. “The Board have to make the decisions and as a playing group and as a senior playing group we weren’t part of those decisions,” Civoniceva said. “It’s been handed down to us... I’ve already spoken to the players. We know our responsibilities to this club and our responsibilities start on the weekend and for the rest of the season.” As it turned out, more drama would ensue in regards to the coaching situation at the Panthers, with Elliott eventually leaving before the end of the season. Steve Georgallis took over as interm coach, before Ivan Cleary was appointed for the 2012 season. Elliott, who would eventually join the Warriors as head coach in 2013, wasn’t overly emotional or angry at the decision to dump him from the Panthers – at least publicly. “It’s alright mate, nobody’s died,” Elliott said to a journalist before an awkward press conference began on April 26, 2011. “I’m obviously disappointed. While I acknowledge we’re not playing the sort of footy we’re capable of at the moment, my belief in the group and my belief in myself on how I can make the group respond remains solid.” Elliott joined the Panthers in 2007 and made the finals just once – in the 2010 season.

Matt Elliott on the day he was sacked

Elliott joined the Panthers in 2007 and made the ﬁnals just once in his tenure at the club

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PANTHERS IN PICTURES High five: Penrith score another try Photo: Melinda Jane

Penrithâ€™s thrilling victory

The Panthers celebrate a try against the Bulldogs

More than 13,000 fans watched as the Penrith Panthers downed the Bulldogs 18-16 last weekend to record their second win of the season. What a wonderful afternoon it was at Sportingbet Stadium and what about that finish! @wwpenrith

Mary Anne Lowery

Chiropractor

& Massage Therapy

Need Time Out-Book a Massage everything becomes a crazy rush, trying to get things done in the framework of our day. This rushing around and being constantly time poor creates a stress reaction in our muscles- causing pain and spasm. We are then left with feelings of beingOverwhelmed Anger Overworked No time for fun Overloaded Frustration No ME time or creativity These emotions can get locked in the fascia of our muscles making us feel pain and discomfort . A remedial massage is a great start to slowing down in a fast world. Chiropractic and exercise also relieve the accumulation of stress in our lives. Our therapeutic massages are $60 for 1 hr. Gift certificates available.

44 Castlereagh Street, Penrith Tel: 4721 2143

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Everyoneâ€™s been commenting on how fast this year is moving! This reflects in our own lives as

www.malchiro.com.au

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1. Jamal Idris takes the ball up against his former club 2. Dean Whare scores Penrithâ€™s first try 3. David Simmons takes a beautiful Jamie Soward bomb 4. The Panthers cheerleaders celebrate the win Photos: Melinda Jane

my passion MY PARRAMATTA

Saturday, March 29, 5.30pm @ Pirtek Stadium

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Get your tickets online today and save www.parraeels.com.au

BATTLE OF THE WEST

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Parramatta Eels vs Panthers

Cellarbrati ns @ KINGSWOOD PARK

2 for

$ Crown Lager

Corona

2 for

Carlton Dry

2 for

$ VB Stubbies

Johnnie Walker Red Label 700ml

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Jim Beam 700ml

Smirnoff Vodka 700ml

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Bundaberg Rum 700ml

$ 90

4 bottle buy

Rosemount Chardonnary

Jacob’s Creek Classic Range

Jacob’s Creek Sparkling Range

Valid until 6th April, 2014 or while stocks last

Shop 1, Penmar Centre, Caloola Avenue, KINGSWOOD PARK

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Jack Daniels 700ml

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Brancot Estate Sav Blanc

.99

Baileys 700ml

$ .99

Donelli Lambrusco

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Chivas Regal 700ml

19.99

Sparkling Chandon Brut

4731 5006

SOME SPECIALS ONLY AVAILABLE AT KINGSWOOD PARK STORE.

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2 bottles for

Tooheys Extra Dry