FRI 22 MAY 2015 Issue 012 PROUDLY INDEPENDENT
KEVIN KINGSTON MASKED PANTHER CELEBRITY TIPS
STEVE HART Exclusive column tackling the game’s biggest issues every week
Support your team, Penrith
Printed on 100% recycled paper
PLEA FROM TWO CLUB LEGENDS
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Friday 22 May 2015 « the western weekender • extra time
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31 the western weekender • extra time » Friday 22 May 2015
FEATURE STORY
Royce Simmons and Greg Alexander Photo: Melinda Jane
Legends issue big challenge They helped secure Penrith’s maiden premiership in 1991, and now club legends Royce Simmons and Greg Alexander are on a mission to restore the community pride that existed in those glory days NATHAN TAYLOR @natetaylor87
P
enrith fans, where have you been? Panthers legends Royce Simmons and Greg Alexander have issued a simple but effective challenge to supporters from past and present to return to the footy. The decorated pair, who were key members of Penrith’s first premiership win in 1991, want Pepper Stadium to feel like the good old days again when the Panthers return home to face archenemies Parramatta next Friday night. Speaking exclusively with Extra Time, Simmons said he couldn’t think of anything better when he was playing than running out in front of a packed house at Penrith Stadium. “Back when I was playing the hills were chockas and the grandstand was full – it just made me feel proud,” he said.
“If you run out as a player and you see spare seats, you certainly don’t get the same buzz. Obviously you still play your best but it’s a major bonus to have the crowd behind you with a good noise level and people chanting.” Alexander, who played 238 games for the Panthers, also encouraged fans young and old to return in their droves. “Our numbers are too low, it’s as simple as that. We had a fantastic season last year and while our membership is growing, it’s growing slowly,” he said. “We need a bigger core group of supporters, we always have. We need more people at the game, not just for the team, but for the football club to survive.” Both legends are hoping fans return in numbers starting with next Friday night’s blockbuster against Parramatta. While the game is historically a sell-out or close to it, the pair want to see more black jerseys there than blue and gold. “Parramatta has a very good fan base, and I would hate to see the next home game with just as many Parramatta fans there,” Simmons demanded.
“We’ve got a team that’s great to watch and since Ivan Cleary’s been here, there’s one thing that stands out about our team and that’s we’ve always been in the game,” Alexander added. “This group bust themselves every week and they never give up – that’s what you want from your team. You want them to give absolutely everything and we’ve had that since Ivan’s been coaching.” So far this year, Penrith have averaged a crowd of 11,476 people – which is on track to be the highest crowd figure since the 2011 season. In 2003, when Penrith won their second premiership, the club averaged 17,771 fans – which was and is still an all-time Panthers record. Alexander, who is no stranger to playing on the game’s biggest stages, said a large crowd can make all the difference in a team winning and losing. “Crowds can sometimes influence decisions, and it certainly does have an impact on the players and their ability to lift – whether they are behind or in front,” he said.
“It’s just a far more enjoyable experience – the bigger the crowd, the more chance you have of winning the game.” But Simmons and Alexander just don’t want fans to show up to next Friday’s local derby, they want them to become committed by buying a membership and attending as many games as possible. “I would love for us to fill the Melbourne game too, the week after, because we’re playing against a side that features some of the greatest players of all time,” Simmons said. “When we play at Pepper Stadium, we want to win every game. Having a big crowd is a pretty important ingredient to achieving that.” Rugby league has never been more popular on television and attracting big crowds to games, particularly during winter, is a growing challenge for the code. But Simmons and Alexander say no excuses will be accepted. So, Penrith, challenge accepted? The Panthers take on the Parramatta Eels next Friday night, May 29 at Pepper Stadium. Kick off is at 7.45pm.
Friday 22 May 2015 « the western weekender • extra time
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PANTHER RUMBLINGS
SEND YOUR PANTHERS GOSSIP AT NEWS@WESTERNWEEKENDER.COM.AU
with the
Masked Panther
» The Panthers have announced the re-
signings of Jeremy Latimore and James Fisher-Harris. Latimore, a key member of the Panthers NRL squad for the last two seasons, has extended his stay at the club for a further two years, seeing him at the Panthers until 2017. Junior Kiwi James Fisher-Harris has also been re-signed for a further three seasons. He’s yet to make his NRL debut.
» Panthers fullback Matt Moylan pro-
LATIMORE SIGNS NEW DEAL WITH PANTHERS
duced another match-winning moment on Monday night against Manly, but it wasn’t enough to earn him NSW Origin selection. However, rugby league Immortal Andrew Johns believes it won’t be long before Moylan is wearing a sky blue jumper. On Triple M on Monday evening, Johns said he believes that Moylan will eventually be in the Blues squad long-term. The Masked Panther’s crystal ball suggests that eventually, Moylan and Luke Brooks will be the long-term, permanent NSW halves.
» Unfortunately George Jennings was the latest player added to Penrith’s injury list on Monday night after suffering a broken leg against the Sea Eagles. He’s likely to miss the next six weeks. On the positive side, the Panthers are very hopeful that Peter Wallace, Dean Whare and Josh Mansour will all be back for next weekend’s clash against Parramatta at Pepper Stadium.
» Penrith youngster Rocky Togatiki has
been named in the NSW Under 16s Player Pathway Squad for their annual interstate clash against Queensland next week. The Player Pathway Squad will be coached by Danny Buderus and features the best upand-coming players developing through the young ranks in NSW Rugby League.
» As the 2015 State of Origin is about to
kick off, a new book celebrates the history of the beloved game, reflecting on the triumphs, pain, controversies and incidents that shape rugby league’s greatest spectacle. Written by long-term Origin fan Liam Hauser, State of Origin: 35 Years 1980-2014 (Rockpool Publishing $29.99) is a fascinating celebration of rugby league and the legendary State of Origin series. Every game of each series is explored in detail, with a blow by-blow account of all of the key incidents that determine its complexity and outcome. The colourful field reports illuminate how the games
Jeremy Latimore has re-signed with the Panthers ebb and flow and how fine the line is between success and failure. Now available at all good book stores and online at www.rockpoolpublishing.com.au.
» Penrith’s game against Manly on Mon-
day night attracted huge ratings for Fox Sports. 236,000 were watching the live broadcast, easily beating its rivals including ‘Game of Thrones’. Only 8,000 or so were at the ground, but Monday Night Football is simply made for television.
» The Panthers wanted to wear their pink
jersey to celebrate the Women in League round at Brookvale Oval on Monday night, but there were fears that the jersey would clash with Manly’s strip so the plan was quashed.
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England not in Simmo’s plans He’s not sure what his future holds, but for now, David Simmons is just happy playing in Penrith’s first grade side
NATHAN TAYLOR natetaylor87
P
enrith Panthers winger David Simmons would have to be regarded as one of the most selfless players in rugby league. Each week the 30-year-old continuously offers invaluable advice to younger teammates to make them better – even though those same teammates could soon force him out of the game. Recently, fellow Panthers winger George Jennings spoke highly of Simmons and how his incredible mentorship was making a difference in his game. Simmons, who’s a veteran of 190 first grade games, said he relishes helping players like Jennings and others in the team. “George is such a good player naturally that he doesn’t need much advice,” Simmons told Extra Time. “I just help with little things that he might not see in his game but most of the time it’s letting them know they’re in the team because they’re good players and just to do what they do best.” Simmons returned to Penrith’s first grade line-up late last month after spending a number of weeks in the NSW Cup
David Simmons is not sure what his future holds. Photo: Melinda Jane regaining his fitness from a pre-season quad injury. While Simmons said he would’ve been quite content to play out the rest of the year in reserve grade, he’s very pleased to be back in the top squad. “I thought I would’ve started the year in first grade, if I was healthy, but then when I got injured and missed a few games, I knew it would be hard to return because the players here are so good,” he said.
Simmons is currently in his final season at Penrith, with a decision on his future at the club or in the game, for that matter, still up in the air. “I’m just taking it week to week, seeing how the body feels and the form goes,” Simmons said. “I don’t want to go overseas, I’m going to stay in footy whether it’s playing or some other role. I want to stay in the game, it’s just a matter of how.”
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the western weekender • extra time » Friday 22 May 2015
FEATURE STORY
Friday 22 May 2015 « the western weekender • extra time
34
KEV’S KORNER
WITH KEVIN KINGSTON
I YOU CAN’T ALWAYS WIN PRETTY
t’s a long season and sometimes you simply have to dig deep, hold the line and grind out a tough result. The Panthers did just that against Manly on Monday night – showing desperation and determination to hold on for their vital one-point victory. Matt Moylan added another moment to his personal highlights reel with the winning field goal but you have to pay credit to Penrith’s defensive steel, which held the Sea Eagles scoreless in the second half. The Panthers will need to show that same character against the Eels at Pepper Stadium next Friday if they’re to charge their way back into the top eight. It’s definitely a good time to be a Panther with the club this week smashing its previous membership record. After setting an impressive benchmark last season, the Panthers are proud to have now surpassed 16,500 members for the first time in the club’s history. But there is already a new goal in sight. The club is laying down the challenge to its members, fans and the entire Penrith community to help the Panthers reach 20,000 members in 2015. There are great rewards on offer for those who assist the club to reach the historic milestone. Any Panthers member who recruits five new members will receive 20 per cent off the cost of their membership next season. Then there’s the ultimate prize for the lucky fan who recruits the most new members.
Matt Moylan won the game for Penrith yet again on Monday night With more details to be revealed, this is going to be a once-in-a-lifetime inner sanctum opportunity! Be sure to keep your eyes on Panthers
social media this week for more details about how to win. Have a great weekend and enjoy State of Origin on Wednesday.
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35 the western weekender • extra time » Friday 22 May 2015
FEATURE STORY
Still happy to be a Panther Despite a permanent first grade spot opening up at the club he left to join the Panthers, Api Koroisau says he remains content with his decision to head to Sydney’s west
NATHAN TAYLOR natetaylor87
A
pisai Koroisau has no ill feelings towards ex-teammate Isaac Luke after the Rabbitohs hooker surprisingly announced he was quitting the club for a move to the New Zealand Warriors. Koroisau famously filled in for Luke during last year’s Grand Final win over the Bulldogs and was always his understudy when the feisty hooker was sidelined through injury or suspension. One of the main reasons Koroisau left the Rabbitohs for the Panthers at the end of last season was the opportunity to earn more game time in first grade. Speaking with Extra Time, Koroisau said he wasn’t too fazed with Luke’s move despite the fact if he knew of the switch earlier, he could have potentially stayed at Redfern. “It didn’t bother me too much… I’m just really happy for him that he’s found something he’s wanted to do and that’s going back home to see his relatives and family,” he said. Koroisau is currently a part-time member of Penrith’s first grade squad having filled
Apisai Koroisau at training last week. Photo: Melinda Jane in for both James Segeyaro and Peter Wallace over the last few weeks. Koroisau said he was confident he wouldn’t be getting a call from the Rabbitohs anytime soon wanting him back to replace Luke in 2016. “Nah, I think they are pretty happy with young Cameron McInnes over there so hopefully he does really well this year and gets that starting spot next year,” he said. Koroisau is expected to be dumped to the
NSW Cup next week when Peter Wallace returns from injury for the match against Parramatta at Pepper Stadium. Koroisau had an indifferent game for Penrith against Manly on Monday night. He was active with the football but made two crucial errors when Penrith had attacking chances close to Manly’s line. If Koroisau does miss out on first grade next weekend, he’ll continue to press his claims in the lower grades.
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LOVERS OF RUGBY LEAGUE WILL BE TREATED TO UNPARALLELED COVERAGE WITH FOX SPORTS SHOWCASING EVERY MATCH, INCLUDING UP TO FIVE LIVE GAMES EACH ROUND PLUS A NEW EXTENDED LINE-UP OF ENTERTAINMENT SHOWS FROM MONDAY TO THURSDAY.
the western weekender • extra time » Friday 22 May 2015
HART TO HART
WITH STEVE HART
T BLUES WILL BE READY FOR GAME 1
here’s just something about State Of Origin that never gets old. I feel privileged to write this week’s column for you from deep inside the NSW camp at Coffs Harbour. There’s no doubt Camp Coffs played a huge part in why the Blues won last year. It’s quiet, it’s peaceful, it feels like the calm before the storm. From the moment the players arrive at the resort they are focused. Just behind the resort is the purpose built training facility with a full footy field. Coach Laurie Daley knows the secret to Origin is winning it in the mind. Most of what Daley does is aimed at getting the players to believe they belong here and they are ready. Nothing is left to chance in the preparation. Whether it’s sleep monitoring, diet monitoring, individual training and recovery schedules, group meetings or sessions with a psychologist there’s one main message, “you’re as prepared as you can be!” The debutants will know they are ready because they’ve been picked ahead of veterans like Luke Lewis and Anthony Watmough, who were such a big part of last year’s historic win. Josh Jackson and David Klemmer will run out on debut and feel 10 feet tall. They won’t suffer stage fright because they will know by the end of this week that this is their time to shine. There’s plenty we could discuss here
David Klemmer playing against the Panthers earlier this year about the gamble of playing two halves, the lack of experience with no Paul Gallen or Greg Bird and so on, but forget all that and trust in Laurie. This is one cool cat who has picked a side not only for now but for the future that lies ahead. Time will tell if it’s good enough to back up last year’s effort and topple the once almighty Queensland side, but as Laurie continually says, “if we work hard we give
ourselves the best chance of winning, if not, well Queensland won’t beat themselves”. The message coming out of NSW players already is that this challenge is even tougher than last year. The hunters will now be the hunted and by a team of champions and future immortals that won’t consider losing as an option. Bring on game one!
NOMINATE A LOCAL HERO AND HELP THEM win big THANKS TO If you know someone who has gone beyond for the sport, or a deserving footy lover who has done a kindness to others, then enter them in the prize draw. They could win a swag of Penrith Panthers gear including a signed jersey, signed football and Tooheys New merchandise. Prize is valued over $220. To enter, tell us in 50 words or less who you would like to nominate and why they deserve to win by emailing competitions@westernweekender.com.au Tooheys New is the official beer of the Penrith Panthers. http://www.tooheysnew.com.au/
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Entries into the Tooheys New Footy Fan competition close on 22/05/2015. Must be 18 to enter. For full T&Cs, visit http://www.thewesternweekender. com.au/
Friday 22 May 2015 « the western weekender • extra time
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NRL LADDER & FIXTURES CLUB
PD
W
D
L
B
F
A
+/-
PTS
Storm
10
7
0
3
0
202
138
+64
14
2 Dragons
10
7
0
3
0
154
120
+34
14
3 Broncos
10
7
0
3
0
198
174
+24
14
4 Cowboys
10
7
0
3
0
226
211
+15
14
5 Roosters
10
5
0
5
0
226
143
+83
10
6 Raiders
10
5
0
5
0
229
216
+13
10
7 Rabbitohs
10
5
0
5
0
196
188
+8
10
8 Warriors
10
5
0
5
0
212
211
+1
10
9 Panthers
10
5
0
5
0
170
174
-4
10
10 Knights
10
5
0
5
0
170
191
-21
10
11 Sharks
10
4
0
6
0
179
190
-11
8
12 W. Tigers
10
4
0
6
0
191
297
-16
8
13 Titans
10
4
0
6
0
216
256
-40
8
14 Bulldogs
10
4
0
6
0
182
222
-40
8
15 Sea Eagles
10
3
0
7
0
148
202
-54
6
16 Eels
10
3
0
7
0
148
244
-56
6
1
Extra Time Issue Number 012 PRINTED BY Spotpress Pty Ltd / PRODUCED BY The Western Weekender EDITOR Troy Dodds / 4722 2998 / troy.dodds@westernweekender.com.au CONTRIBUTORS Nathan Taylor / Kevin Kingston / Steve Hart / Stew Moses
ROUND 11 Rabbitohs v Eels Friday, May 22, 7.45pm ANZ Stadium Tigers v Cowboys Saturday, May 23, 7.30pm Campbelltown Stadium Raiders v Bulldogs Sunday, May 24, 4.00pm GIO Stadium Knights v Broncos Monday, May 25, 7.00pm Hunter Stadium NSW v QLD Wednesday, May 27, 8pm ANZ Stadium
FOR THE LATEST PANTHERS NEWS AND UPDATES, VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.WESTERNWEEKENDER.COM.AU
SALES MANAGER Simon Gould / 4722 2998 simon.gould@westernweekender.com.au
PERFORMI
FAN OF THE WEEK Years supporting the Panthers: 14 years. Favourite current Panther and exPanther? Lewis Brown and Preston Rockhampton, Campbell. Why do you support the Panthers? Queensland The Hair Brothers and Preston intrigued me plus I enjoyed watching the whole team play. What’s your best Panthers memory? The legendary Scott Sattler try saver in the 2003 Grand Final. What’s your prized piece of Panthers memorabilia that you’d never sell? The Wall of Fans plaque from 2014 and all seven jerseys. If the Panthers won the 2015 Grand Final, how would you react? I Brought to you by… would celebrate into the morning. Would you ever get a Panthers tattoo and where would you get it? Yes, across my back.
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NSW CUP
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PENRITH MAKE IT SIX IN A ROW WITH 42-16 THRASHING OF MANLY AT ST MARYS STADIUM
BEARS CLAW THEIR WAY TO VICTORY OVER DISAPPOINTING PANTHERS
The Penrith Panthers have extended their winning streak to six following a 42-16 carve up over the Manly Sea Eagles last Saturday afternoon. The game against the sixth-placed Sea Eagles was due to be played at Brookvale Oval on Monday afternoon but, due to the constant state of the fields at the Northern Beaches facility, the match was moved to St Marys Leagues Stadium. The Panthers opened the scoring first with Robert Jennings pouncing on a Dylan Edwards grubber kick near the left hand corner. The Sea Eagles didn’t wait long before they levelled the scores with Liam Knight scoring between the posts. But that’s where the scoring ended for the Sea Eagles with the rest of the half belonging to the Panthers. Penrith raced in a further five first half tries with Moses Leota, Christian Crichton, Maliko Filino, Brent Naden and Cameron Collins each picking up their own meat pies. Penrith led comfortably 28-6 at the break. The second half began where the first left off for the Panthers with Fuimanu Enese collecting a perfect cross-field
Last placed North Sydney overcame the late loss of key personnel to record a stunning 26-18 win over the defending premiers in what surely ranks as the upset of the season so far. For the past five games Penrith, despite their injury toll, have been a model of consistency built around a simple game plan of getting to their kick and relying on their defence to force teams into error. The opening 40 minutes against the Bears however, was one to forget for the Panthers given their low completion rate and a defensive line that leaked six linebreaks. The Bears’ win is even more meritorious considering not only did they lose influential skipper Matt Hyland, the experienced Scott Sorensen and the team’s top try scorer, Sam Manuleleua before kick-off but Penrith’s team was further bolstered when enforcer, Adam Docker, was passed fit to play his first game since his Round 3 send-off against the Jets. The opening minutes of the game were punctuated by errors, but North Sydney settled the quicker to score first in the 9th minute after an Evan Lee offload allowed Fred Junior Mauala to burrow his way over. The Bears soon doubled their lead in the 18th minute when replace-
The Panthers in action kick to score close to the posts. As was the case in the first half, Manly were next to hit back through young gun Tom Trbojevic, who closed the gap ever so slightly at 36-12. But the game belonged to the high flying Panthers who put on another scintillating attacking display which saw Maliko Filino race down the field to touch the ball down close to the posts. With Penrith up comfortably 42-12, Manly’s Tom Trbojevic got his second of the afternoon in the final five minutes to make the score a tad more respectable. Penrith will enjoy their first bye this weekend before taking on rivals Parramatta next Friday night at Pepper Stadium.
ment hooker Jackson Garlick, standing at dummy-half, sold a huge dummy before diving over to score. Penrith’s attack lacked direction and they were further punished in the 34th minute when Darryl Millard sliced through on an angled run to score out near the right corner, leaving Penrith stunned to be trailing by 16 points at half-time. It was North Sydney’s turn to repeatedly cough up possession in the second half, gifting Penrith the territorial advantage they lacked in the first half to score first in the 48th minute through Chris Smith, after some good lead-up work from John and Hollis. Penrith drew level with the Bears midway through the second half, through tries to Tom Eisenhuth and Aiono, but bombed another three certain try-scoring opportunities during that period. A simple Will Smith penalty goal from 20 metres out did give Penrith an 18-16 lead with eight minutes remaining but a late tackle penalty awarded by referee Liam Nicholls proved to be the gamechanging call, as North Sydney scored two tries in the last five minutes of the game through Cody Walker and Darren Nicholls to seal a deserved win.
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the western weekender • extra time » Friday 22 May 2015
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Friday 22 May 2015 « the western weekender • extra time
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the western weekender • extra time » Friday 22 May 2015
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