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FRI 9 MAY 2014 • Issue 010

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PLAYING ON Kevin Kingston talks about his future in the NRL + PANTHER RUMBLINGS + LUKE PRIDDIS + LOWER GRADES + JUNIOR FOOTY

Avoiding a Knightmare Panthers fight for their spot in the NRL’s top eight p.2

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PREVIEW

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

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PENRITH PANTHERS Matt Moylan David Simmons Dean Whare Jamal Idris Josh Mansour Jamie Soward Peter Wallace (c) Nigel Plum Kevin Kingston (c) Brent Kite Tyrone Peachey Sika Manu Adam Docker James Segeyaro Sam McKendry Matt Robinson Jeremy Latimore

NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 17 18

Darius Boyd James McManus Dane Gagai Joey Leilua Akuila Uate Jarrod Mullen Tyrone Roberts David Fa’alogo Kurt Gidley (c) Kade Snowden Beau Scott Robbie Rochow Adam Cuthbertson Adam Clydsdale Korbin Sims Chris Houstin Matt Hilder

Matt Moylan in action for Penrith against Newcastle in round one. Photo: Melinda Jane

Horror road trips continue TROY DODDS

@troydodds

Penrith Panthers v Newcastle Knights Kick off: SUN 11/5 • 2pm Hunter Stadium Refs: Jared Maxwell and Brett Suttor

Friday 9 May 2014 the western weekender

TV: Fox Sports Live 2pm Radio: 2GB Live 2pm

fter what has seemed like an eternity, the Penrith Panthers will return to the park this weekend to take on Newcastle at Hunter Stadium in a game that will play a part in determining the side’s fate this season. The Panthers find themselves in the middle of a run of away matches and after losing a game they should have won against Cronulla a fortnight ago, the importance of picking up at least two points during this time on the road is extremely high.

Penrith are clinging to eighth spot by the slimmest of margins and will almost certainly fall outside of the top eight if the Knights emerge victorious on Sunday. Whether or not having such a long break between matches is a good or bad thing for the Panthers is a big unanswered question this weekend – though coach Ivan Cleary will already know the answer. He’ll know if his side has responded in a positive fashion and cleared the pain of the loss to Cronulla, or if his squad is still hanging onto the bitter taste of that defeat – the hardest to take of the season so far. The break certainly didn’t hinder players like Jamal Idris and Matt Moylan, who played exceptionally well for Country and City respectively last Sunday, producing arguably their best games of the year. If they can bring that form into their club football this weekend, the Panthers will certainly prove a handful for the Knights. And Dean Whare was awesome in defence for New Zealand – on his day he can be one of the best defensive centres in the game and in fact Greg Inglis said on television this week that Whare was among the toughest players he’s had to face off against.

The opposition this weekend is no different to what the Panthers faced in the Shire two weeks ago – a team that is desperate, looking at this as a defining moment of their season. You can be assured that Wayne Bennett would have used last weekend to draw a line in the sand. The side needs a fresh start after some poor results to start the season and the Alex McKinnon injury, which has understandably taken the focus away from week-to-week football. The Knights have won just two matches this season and sit in second last position – wins at home against an inconsistent entity like Penrith are seen as crucial. Penrith has already beaten Newcastle this season but the closeness of the NRL competition and the injuries suffered by the Knights on that day mean you can read little into such history, even it was only written a couple of months ago. If the Panthers are to start winning, and start winning consistently, some small things have to change and improve. James Segeyaro needs to provide the same sort of spark he was producing last season when he comes off the bench – he hasn’t been quite as effective this year.

Peter Wallace and Jamie Soward are doing a great job of leading a steady ship, but one of them needs to become a risk taker, a danger man in attack. At times, it’s just too predictable and while it’s far from being a long-term problem, the side just needs somebody to take an exciting attacking lead and create more opportunities. One headache Ivan Cleary has this week is replacing Elijah Taylor – he’s a defensive machine, a quiet achiever and someone the Knights will be happy to know isn’t there on Sunday. Taylor will be missing the next four to six weeks so it’s important Cleary comes up with a workable, medium-term solution. Penrith has improved immensely as a football team this year compared to last, but the side needs to start stringing wins together if it is going to be a real threat at the back end of the season. With Newcastle’s season precariously placed, this Sunday’s game is worth a lot more than two competition points. The loser of this game, even so far out from September, could be facing a season without finals football. Tip: Panthers by 4

FEATURE STORY

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NATHAN TAYLOR

@natetaylor87

His future beyond this season is unknown, but co-captain Kevin Kingston is determined to still be in a Penrith jersey next season and will fight for his position for the rest of the year

I want to play again in 2015 P enrith Panthers co-captain Kevin Kingston has declared his desire to play on next year despite suggestions this would be his final season in the NRL. Kingston, who arrived at training in a ‘moon boot’ on Monday afternoon with a foot injury, said if he’s playing well enough he definitely wants to continue his career after this season. “I definitely want to play next year but it’s a week to week thing,” the soon to be 31-year-old told Extra Time. “I don’t want to start looking into the

future too much. I want to stay in the now and start winning some games and get us to the finals.” After a last minute change of heart by Panthers bosses last year to give the 10-year veteran a career lifeline, pressure is again back on club figureheads as to whether they give their inspirational captain another shot. Pressure is also starting to mount on Panthers coach Ivan Cleary as to whether Kingston still warrants a spot in Penrith’s run-on squad as the year progresses. Waiting in the wings is livewire hooker

James Segeyaro, who currently comes off the bench but has a long-term desire to be an 80 minute player. “It’s a pass mark,” Kingston admitted when asked about his form this year. “I’ve done some good things but I definitely want to play better – I’m going to have to if I want to stay on. “I think there’s pressure on everyone, not just myself. We’ve got such a strong NSW Cup side, a lot of first graders there, so there’s pressure on everyone to perform.” Unfortunately for Kingston, some fans may get their wish this Sunday against

Newcastle if he fails to pass a fitness test due to a footy injury suffered during the loss to Cronulla a fortnight ago. “I did it in the first half but I ended up finishing the game,” he said. “If I just rehab it well then it should be right. It’s up to me whether I can run on it or not.” Kingston was named co-captain this year alongside new recruit Peter Wallace, partly designed to build Wallace’s leadership credentials and partly to allow an easy transition should Kingston move on at the end of the season.

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FEATURE STORY

NATHAN TAYLOR

@natetaylor87

His brother Michael may have moved to the Roosters, but George Jennings is determined to make his first grade debut with Penrith and stay at the club long-term

ewly re-signed Panthers young gun George Jennings has revealed Penrith was his first and only choice when deciding his long-term future. Following the very public fallout between the Panthers and George’s brother Michael back in 2013, many fans predicted that Jennings would perhaps make his way to Bondi next year to link up with his older brother at the Roosters. Thankfully for Panthers fans that was extinguished last week when the 20-yearold signed a new deal to remain at the foot of the Mountains until the end of the 2016 season. Speaking with Extra Time, Jennings revealed he was worried a contract wouldn’t eventuate at the Panthers after he was sidelined with a season-ending elbow injury during the Auckland Nines competition. “After getting injured I was worried about where I’d end up, if I’d still be able to stay here,” he said. “But I’m happy to stay here. I’ve played all my juniors here and I’m happy to be at Penrith for another two years.” Also off contract at the Panthers at the end of the season is Jennings’ younger brother Robert, who spectacularly made

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George stays in our jungle N

George Jennings has re-signed with Penrith. Photo: Melinda Jane his NSW Cup debut earlier this year despite not playing a single game of Holden Cup (Under 20s). “Robert, he’ll be alright. I don’t think he’ll want to go anywhere either,” George said. The news of Jennings’ new deal also made his parents very happy. They have been passionate supporters of the club

ever since they moved to the area from Tonga many years ago. “My parents love Penrith. Ever since they moved to Australia and started watching footy they’ve gone for the Penrith Panthers,” Jennings said. “It was a big relief to get everything sorted. It’s good to be here and it’s good my family is happy like I am, also.”

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MOMENT WITH MOLAN ERIN MOLAN

@Erin_Molan

Don’t miss Erin Molan and the rest of ‘The Footy Show’ team every Thursday night from 8.30pm on Channel Nine

fter all the criticism from some sections of the media and public last week, the representative weekend turned out to be incredibly exciting and showcased many new electrifying talents. The Trans-Tasman Test match, Pacific Test and City versus Country were three of the most enjoyable games I’ve watched this year. I was watching the Australia versus New Zealand game with a group of people last Friday and none of them had any interest when it came on but when the Kiwis scored that first try, no one looked away for the rest of the game. This game was a really good example at how we can’t judge anything too quickly and I thought it really delivered. The same goes for the City versus Country clash which I was very impressed with. It was good to see most players got through unscathed and I thought we saw some really passionate performances. I thought Panthers centre Jamal Idris was amazing for Country. He played a really strong game and is about three or four games away from his best football. He’d certainly have to be getting the attention of Blues coach Laurie Daley now. Matt Moylan, another Panther, what an

Superstar in the making: Matt Moylan

absolute superstar in the making this kid is. I know there’s been some wraps on Moylan since last year but on Sunday, he looked like he belonged out there for City. I know some players during the week in the build-up were talking him up saying he didn’t come in shy, he knew his role and was confident. For a kid of that age to go into a team with players who he grew up watching and idolising, and to be able to go in and direct like he did from the back, he is an absolute superstar of the future. I can’t imagine it will be too much longer before we see him play more rep football. In the end, Penrith are the real winners from that City versus Country match. Jamal will come back a lot more confident about his ability and I think Moylan will return to Penrith twice as good from that experience. Well done to Gus Gould and the Panthers coaching staff for allowing all the Penrith players to represent last weekend when other clubs weren’t allowing their players to play. Don’t miss ‘The Footy Show’ every Thursday night on Channel Nine from 8.30pm. We’ve got all the footy covered plus we have a whole heap of fun with the league community.

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PRIDDO'S POINT LUKE PRIDDIS

Despite its critics, the rep weekend was a huge hit, says 2003 Clive Churchill Medal winner Luke Priddis

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Despite the critics of the rep weekend concept, a couple of great games were played over the weekend. The young Kiwis put the world champions to the test with the Greg Inglis factor getting them over the line. I honestly think that given the form he is showing, Inglis could excel in any position he was put at. It is this talent that allows coaches the luxury of having both he and Billy Slater in the same team given GI is the best player in the game at present. Whether the other big three from Melbourne will find top form before Origin comes around will have a big bearing on Queensland’s chances in adding to their record. It was a great surprise to see old man Petero running around again in the Pacific Test on his former home ground. While age has slowed him down he still proved he can match it with the up and coming youngsters with a solid performance. Congrats to old boy Frank Puletua who played a big role in staging this match. It was disappointing that the under 20’s match was marred by that specific comment and the fact that these young players couldn’t control their emotions in the heat of the battle. I applaud the league standing up and taking a strong hand to the young NSW player that spat out this comment as it cannot be tolerated. Whether you agree with the rules or not they are there and handing out suspensions to those that threw punches was also justified. These players are old enough to deal with the consequences of their actions and play within the rules. Penrith should be joyed with the form that Matt Moylan and big Jamal showed in the City v Country match. They both had a fantastic game in what was a great display by both sides. Like many, I thought my Country boys were going to notch another win on the belt but it was a fantastic finish to a game many have been questioning. Hopefully both these players can bring their form back to the club level against Newcastle this weekend.

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

Tim Grant is one of the most high profile players in the Penrith camp, but nine rounds into the NRL competition and he hasn’t once been put up for interview at the club’s weekly media sessions. The Rabbitohs-bound prop has spoken to media after matches but there’s been no official media opportunity, and perhaps won’t be any time soon.

Ross Fowler and Warren Wilson want a new stadium developed in Penrith Penrith Mayor Ross Fowler and club boss Warren Wilson were in the Weekender last week again pushing for a new covered stadium to be developed in Penrith. Expect a lot of campaign-style press opportunities like this over the next few months. The race for the stadium is well and truly on and I can assure you this isn’t one

of those “pretend” campaigns with a guaranteed result that often happens in the world of politics. This is very much a tight thing with no clear indication of who is the favourite, but I’m told that for Penrith to be awarded the new stadium, a few things have to fall in place first – stumbling blocks that could prove insurmountable. One thing is for sure – with the current situation involving the Liberal Party, they’ll be looking to shore up support in key electorates before the next state election. Hence, I’d expect a decision prior to March 2015. Panthers captain Kevin Kingston has been nominated for this year’s Harvey Norman Favourite Son Award. The award recognises the contribution of an NRL player at premiership level, who embodies the values and qualities of a true rugby league ambassador both on and off the field. “It’s really nice to see more and more women taking on roles at footy clubs,” Kingston said. “We have a lot of female staff working at Panthers and in the NRL, which brings a good balance and a whole new perspective to the game.” Fans can vote for Kevin at www.nrl.com/favouriteson. Fox Sports will be over the moon by the television ratings from the games at Penrith Stadium last Saturday night. The test match between Fiji and Samoa – which some in the media claimed wasn’t worth watching – attracted 142,000 viewers and was the third most watched pay TV show of the day. The Under 20s Origin attracted 103,000 fans. The knockers of these events will probably be silenced as the broadcasters won’t be willing to give up the rep weekend with those sort of figures. Friday night’s Test figures were great – around 854,000 viewers nationally, which is pretty amazing considering it was only broadcast into the Sydney and Brisbane markets. Congratulations to Jamal Idris on a stunning performance for Country on Sunday. Could we see Idris make his way into the NSW State of Origin side this year? I’m told he is certainly on the list of contenders, though the fitness of Jarryd Hayne will be a big factor.

NATHAN TAYLOR

9 @natetaylor87

With a number of regular players missing due to rep duty, it was meant to be an uphill battle for the Penrith Panthers’ NSW Cup team against the New Zealand Warriors last Saturday afternoon at a freezing Sportingbet Stadium. But, thanks to some late call-ups and commitment in defence, that wasn’t the

Photo: Mark Matirez case with Panthers putting on a clinic in the second half to run away with the game 36-8. The contest was a tight affair in the first half with the Panthers heading into the half-time break only up 6-0. A Will Smith try thanks to a great scoop and offload by Bryce Cartwright, who was one of the surprise late inclusions, was the only difference between the two teams at the half. Also a surprise late inclusion for the Panthers was new recruit and ex-Tigers forward, Ben Murdoch-Masila, who made a decent impact in both attack and defence for his new club. The second half began slowly for the home side with the Warriors enjoying much of the possession, however, it just wasn’t New Zealand’s day with nothing but errors working for them. Cartwright and Smith carved up the Warriors later in the second half, having a hand in most of Penrith’s five tries. This Saturday the Panthers travel to Cessnock Sports Ground to take on the Newcastle Knights at 5.30pm. The Holden Cup Panthers return from their weekend off to take on the top-ofthe-table Knights on Sunday morning at 11.45am. Score updates will be online at www. facebook.com/westernweekender.

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PANTHER RUMBLINGS

The Panthers have confirmed that Ben Murdoch-Masila has signed on for the rest of the 2014 season as well as next year. He made his debut for the Panthers in the NSW Cup last weekend against the Warriors. Born in New Zealand, Ben moved to Queensland to take up a scholarship with the Tigers at Keebra Park High School, before joining the club’s NYC team. He made his first grade debut in the 2010 semi-finals and last year he was one of the most regular first grade players for them, missing only one game. The 23-year-old was also named in Tonga’s World Cup side, and the Tonga Test side in 2013.

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NRL LADDER F

+/- Pts

Club

1 Bulldogs

171 106 +65 12

ROUND 9

2 Sea Eagles

188 130 +58 12

Roosters v Tigers

3 Titans

141 132 +9

4 W. Tigers

186 176 +10 10

5 Roosters

172 121 +51

6 Broncos

180 145 +35

7 Rabbitohs

160 126 +34

Warriors v Raiders

8 Panthers

129 134 -5

9 Dragons

173 182

-9

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10 Storm

167 191 -24

Titans v Rabbitohs

11 Eels

161 203 -42

Saturday 5.30pm Cbus Super Stadium

12 Cowboys

163 129 +34

13 Warriors

142 189 -47

14 Raiders

150 204 -54

Saturday 7.30pm AAMI Park

15 Knights

124 172 -48

Knights v Panthers

16 Sharks

111 178 -67

Sunday 2.00pm Hunter Stadium

Friday 7.30pm Allianz Stadium

Friday 7.30pm 1300 Smiles Stadium

Storm v Sea Eagles

Elijah Taylor He’s currently injured but Elijah Taylor has had a big season so far

Dragons v Bulldogs

Extra Time Issue Number 010

Sunday 3.00pm ANZ Stadium

PRINTED BY Spotpress Pty Ltd / PRODUCED BY The Western Weekender EDITOR Troy Dodds / 4722 2998 / troy.dodds@westernweekender.com.au

Best moment in the NRL: When my dad came to watch my NRL debut Worst moment in the NRL: When the Warriors lost the Grand Final to Manly Favourite team growing up: All Blacks Sporting idol: Sonny Bill Williams One player you wished you played with past or present: Ruben Wiki Favourite TV show: ‘Game of Thrones’ Favourite band/artist: Eminem

Eels v Sharks

CONTRIBUTORS Nathan Taylor / Luke Priddis / Yvonne Purtell / Erin Molan

Monday 7.00pm Pirtek Stadium

SALES MANAGER Simon Gould / 4722 2998 simon.gould@westernweekender.com.au

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Cowboys v Broncos

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215/60R16

.00 INC GST

FITTED & BALANCED

235/40R18

115.00 $110.00 $110.00

4732 5591

INC GST

FITTED & BALANCED

235/45R17

95.00

INC GST

FITTED & BALANCED

Mickey Thompson

TYRETECH

2/2 PEACHTREE RD. PENRITH

205/65R15

OPEN 6 DAYS

13 21 91

WW7525

Friday 9 May 2014 the western weekender

LATEST GERMAN EQUIPMENT

195/60R15

YVONNE PURTELL

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PANTHERS FLASHBACK

JUNIORS @penrith_juniors

Sad loss for Penrith The Junior League was saddened last week with the passing of board member, Jan Cameron. Jan started her life as a volunteer in rugby league in 1979 in the Penrith District and became a Vice President in 1989, a role she remained in until 2007 when she was elected to the Junior League board, and the first woman to be bestowed that honour. Jan also received Life Membership of the Junior League in 2003. With the Women in League round fast approaching, Jan will certainly be remembered for the active role she played in this area always encouraging females to take a more proactive role within their clubs. She will be sadly missed by the rugby league community. Well done to our Harold Matthews and SG Ball squads who have both reached the Grand Finals following their great wins on the weekend. The game times for this Saturday are: 12pm kick-off for Harold Matthews Penrith vs Newcastle and 2pm kick-off for SG Ball Penrith vs Roosters. These games will be played at Leichhardt Oval. Congratulations to all the players and officials involved with these squads, good luck for the weekend. Last weekend saw a first for our junior league with our Youth Girls competition kicking off. Whilst we had a couple of teams last year which were kept together by having a few games throughout the season, this year we have eight teams competing, including Eaglevale, a team from the Western Suburbs district. Our ladies teams also kicked off last weekend in the NSWRL Women’s Competition. This weekend sees Round 3 of the Junior League competitions, good luck to all teams.

FROM THE VAULT

Friday 9 May 2014 the western weekender

From the vault this week comes a jersey many people would rather forget because of the competition logo. Super League was certainly a controversial period for the game but because it only lasted one year, merchandise from the era is quite rare. This amazing 1997 Super League signed jersey is owned by a dedicated Panthers fan from the local region.

Picture tells a thousand words TROY DODDS

@troydodds

ith clubs fighting for survival in the NRL’s planned 14 team competition for the year 2000, there was plenty of focus on Penrith and its future. Merger talks with Parramatta took place, and it seemed that the Panthers’ chances of being included in the new competition were somewhat shaky. With the battle for survival on, the gloves were well and truly off – and during this period, a bitter war with the Sydney Roosters would erupt. Penrith believed that some clubs were claiming higher crowds than were actually at matches – a major issue given crowd numbers were part of the criteria that would help decide the 14 teams for 2000. During this period, Roosters boss Nick Politis called Penrith a “club in crisis”, words that would spark a major drama and scandal in the game. An angry Panthers boss Roger Cowan dispatched photographer Neil Billington to opposition grounds to photograph attendances. When Billington was sent to the Sydney Football Stadium to photograph a Roosters game, stunning revelations were made. Billington took photographs at specific times during the game and handed them over to a “counting cross-functional team” who, using magnifying glasses, counted every single person in every bay of the ground. The tally the team came up with was compared to the crowd figures submitted by the Roosters to the NRL, and there significant discrepancies. The Panthers leaked the findings to the major papers, and the story – even before the days of Twitter and Facebook – went viral. It became the biggest story in the game for days, if not weeks. Roosters marketing boss Richard Fisk fumbled and bumbled his way through an explanation – trying to claim that everyone must have been in corporate boxes when the photographer was snapping away. But then came the smoking gun – Billington had photographed a woman at the Roosters’ turnstile popping the same entry ticket in and out of the turnstile. The game was up.

The Telegraph covered the story

The episode of Billington’s photos and Penrith’s shrewd detective work proved how ﬁckle the criteria was

There’s many reasons why Penrith survived the 2000 cull and others didn’t – but the episode of Billington’s photos and Penrith’s shrewd detective work proved how fickle the criteria was and how it could be exploited. Had Penrith been excluded from the competition in 2000, they would not have enjoyed the same public support of the South Sydney Rabbitohs, which included street marches the like of which Sydney had never seen. But emotion means very little in a court room – who knows just how important Billington’s photos could have become.

WW7368

? T S U R T U O Y N A C O WH

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THE DEALS ON THE BUS GO ROUND AND ROUND

Friday 9 May 2014 the western weekender

WW8690

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PANTHERS IN PICTURES Docker takes the ball up in round 1 Photo: Melinda Jane

We think the Dock rocks!

Photo: Melinda Jane

He’s big, he’s tough and now he’s a representative player – Adam Docker is truly a star on the rise. Docker is becoming one of Penrith’s most feared forwards and is even being talked about as a possible Blues bolter in 2014 @wwpenrith

Mary Anne Lowery

Chiropractor

& Massage Therapy

Friday 9 May 2014 the western weekender

SPINAL HEALTH WEEK We are now living longer, do we want to live better? For many of us, a longer life is not enough. We want to be active, healthy and capable of enjoying those extra years. Statistics show 63% of Australians are obese and that figure is on the rise! Research shows that our major burden of disease is due to lifestyle health risks such as poor diet, obesity, physical inactivity and alcohol misuse. Improving our postural fitness and looking after our spine is an important part of designing a longer, healthier lifespan.

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WW7354

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1. Docker runs out for the Panthers 2. Docker on a collision course against the Knights 3. Docker suffered a nose injury in round one, but fought on 4. Docker at the end of a game last season Photos: Melinda Jane

4 Friday 9 May 2014 the western weekender

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d Re & e k m ac he Bl T

Masquerade Ball 2014 FUNDRAISING

Panthers Pavilion

Friday 13TH June, 6.30pm

GUEST SPEAKER

Dr Charles Teo

Master of Ceremonies

Sylvia Jefferys

Thanks to Channel Nine

Join us to raise funds for the Cure Brain Cancer Foundation & unlock the maze on brain tumors A fun night with entertainment, amazing 3 course dinner & auctions

GREAT MUSIC, GREAT CAUSE BOOK YOUR TABLE â€“ CALL NOW Media Partners

ENTERTAINMENT EN E NTE NTE ERT TAI AINM IN NM MEN NT BY

Enormus Horns + DJ Sax

Tickets only $140 per person or $1200 for a table of 10 Bookings essential, major cards accepted Please contact Ann - 4731 1876 or log on the website www.musicforlife.net.au to book tickets All donations over $2 are tax deductible WW9078