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FRI 5 SEP 2014 • Issue 027

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BIG HITTERS Luke Priddis Erin Molan Masked Panther + DALLIN’S MISSION + SAM’S SURPRISE + LOWER GRADES + JUNIOR FOOTY

Let the four be with you Epic 80 minute battle will decide top four hopes 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 Josh Mansour Dean Whare Jamal Idris Dallin Watene-Zelezniak Will Smith Jamie Soward (c) Nigel Plum James Segeyaro Sam McKendry Lewis Brown Matt Robinson Sika Manu Kierran Moseley Ben Murdoch-Masila Sam Anderson Tim Grant

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

Sam Tomkins Ngani Laumape Konrad Hurrell Dominique Peyroux Manu Vatuvei Thomas Leuluai Shaun Johnson Jacob Lillyman Nathan Friend Ben Matulino Ben Henry Simon Mannering (c) Sione Lousi Sam Rapira Suaia Matagi Sebastine Ikahihifo Jayson Bukuya

James Segeyaro will return to the Penrith line-up on Sunday night. Photo: Melinda Jane

It’s all in our hands now TROY DODDS

@troydodds

Penrith Panthers v New Zealand Warriors KICK-OFF: SUN 7/9 • 6.30PM Sportingbet Stadium Referees: Shayne Hayne and Alan Shortall

Friday 5 September 2014 the western weekender

TV: Fox Sports Live 6.30pm Radio: Triple M Live 6.30pm

hether you were sitting on the edge of your seat in the lounge room, or among the sea of maroon at Brookvale Oval, there is no questioning that the cruel ending to last Sunday’s clash between Penrith and Manly was heartbreaking. To lead for 79 minutes and have defeat snatched from the jaws of victory is the most horrible feeling any rugby league supporter or player can endure. But when the dust settled following the result, coach Ivan Cleary must have been

pleased. Sure, the two competition points went begging, but he found out a lot about his side last Sunday. He found out that his injury-ravaged team can compete with, and even dominate, high quality oppositions like Manly. He would have had some doubts over this following big losses to the Roosters and Rabbitohs earlier in the season, but can now feel confident that his side can match anyone on their day. He also found out that a couple of his rising stars in the shape of Dallin WateneZelezniak and Will Smith are up for semi final football – they both played probably their best games in the top grade so far on Sunday. But most of all, he found out just how much heart and soul his football team has. I suspect he already knew that, anyway. The equation this Sunday night is painfully simple. Beat the Warriors in the very last game of the NRL’s regular season, and Penrith finish in the top four. Lose, and it’s straight to an elimination game in week one of the finals. The Warriors too may have plenty to play for – by the time the game kicks off at 6.30pm on Sunday, they’ll know exactly

what the scenario is. Most likely, they’ll have to win to make the top eight. All of that results in what is one of the most anticipated matches of the season and one with so many variables, that it’s hard to predict how it will flow. The Warriors are coming off the back of giving the Titans a hammering in Auckland last Sunday, and their first half was nothing short of superb. Much like their game-to-game attitude though, they seemed disinterested in the second half, only adding two tries to their tally. They will certainly need to be switched on for the full 80 minutes against Penrith. The home ground advantage is huge in this game, and with a big crowd expected at Sportingbet Stadium despite the awkward scheduling on Father’s Day, I’m expecting the Panthers to produce one of their best performances of the season. For 25 weeks, the Panthers have been written off, laughed at and labelled pretenders. On Sunday night, with the eyes of the rugby league world watching, they have an opportunity to make a big announcement before the finals commence next weekend.

The spine of Matt Moylan, Jamie Soward and the returning James Segeyaro is enough to ensure a platform is laid for Penrith to have more than enough chances to score points. And while the Warriors may boast a ferocious and powerful side, Penrith has shown on more than a few occasions this year that they can muscle up when they need to. That said, I certainly don’t expect this to be a low-scoring game. I’m expecting both sides to score plenty of points, and in fact I’d be surprised if the loser didn’t finish somewhere in the 20’s as far as points are concerned. In a blow to Penrith’s already dwindling player ranks, Adam Docker was suspended for two matches earlier this week for a dangerous throw. The Panthers have enough injuries and the like to say “what if” for the entire off season, but you can only control the here and now, and to that end, I don’t believe that Penrith has run out of puff, or run their race as far as 2014 is concerned. The NRL’s most resilient team still has something left to give – and I’m confident they’ll prove it on Sunday. Tip: Panthers by 13

FEATURE STORY

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NATHAN TAYLOR

@natetaylor87

He’s back in first grade and keen to make a big impact during the finals, but Sam Anderson remains without a club for the 2015 season

Sam Anderson has returned to the NRL with a bang. Photo: Melinda Jane

Anderson keen to stay P anthers prop Sam Anderson returned to first grade last weekend and was almost involved in one of the club’s greatest victories. The 23-year-old made his well-deserved return to the NRL following the two game suspension of fellow prop Jeremy Latimore. Anderson, who was on the field during Manly’s miraculous comeback last Sunday afternoon, admitted while he and his teammates were gutted at full-time, they took a lot out of the result. “It did hurt… to be leading for 79 minutes in a game at Brookvale against a team like Manly and then lose it, it was disappoint-

ing but we took a lot of positives out of it,” he told Extra Time. “I don’t think we switched off. They were definitely coming hard at us and they’re tough to handle. When Stewart, Lyon and Cherry-Evans combine they are hard for anyone to contain. It was unlucky but we’ll be the better for it.” Having played three first grade games last year, Anderson’s return to the NRL arena had been a long time coming. He finished the 2013 season as Penrith’s NSW Cup Player of the Year, and this season has been an important member of Garth Brennan’s minor premiershipwinning reserve grade side.

Anderson admitted it was tough being somewhat down the pecking order in terms of props but always believed his opportunity in first grade would eventually come again. “I just focus on playing consistent week in, week out football and I love being part of a club that’s on the rise,” he said. “To have the opportunity to work with experienced blokes like Brent Kite, McKendry, Grant and Plum, you learn a lot. The coaches definitely give you pretty good feedback and let you know what you’re doing wrong and that your opportunity is right around the corner if you’re playing consistently good footy.”

With the Panthers losing experienced prop Tim Grant at season’s end and unlikely to be over-active in the player market, Anderson revealed the club is already in talks with him about extending his stay beyond this year. “We’d love to stay here and hopefully that’s the case,” he said. “My girlfriend and I love it down here especially being originally from Newcastle. We’ve settled well here in the last two years and hopefully we can have my future sorted in the next week or two.” Anderson has been named in Penrith’s side to take on the Warriors at Sportingbet Stadium on Sunday.

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FEATURE STORY

NATHAN TAYLOR

@natetaylor87

A possible Mormon Mission, a contract year and cementing his first grade spot are all things on the mind of Dallin WateneZelezniak as he continues to make his name in the NRL

anthers winger Dallin WateneZelezniak was famously told of his impending first grade debut on April Fool’s Day earlier this year. At the time the then 18-year-old assumed it was just a cruel schoolyard prank from the first grade coach but he quickly caught-on that Ivan Cleary wasn’t joking and his career in the NRL was just about to begin. Since his first game back in April against the Canberra Raiders in atrocious conditions at Sportingbet Stadium, WateneZelezniak has made seven appearances in the NRL scoring four tries with two of those coming on debut. “That feeling of playing my first game was one of the best feelings I’ve ever had,” Watene-Zelezniak told Extra Time. “My plan was to start stringing some games together and that’s what I’ve been doing. It allows me to get some consistency and form, so hopefully I keep my spot there.” Watene-Zelezniak burst onto the rugby league scene in a big way during last year’s Holden Cup competition. The former St Clair Comet played a huge role in Penrith’s run to NYC glory last season and is predicted by many to become one of the game’s biggest talents

Dallin Watene-Zelezniak has been a star for Penrith this year. Photo: Melinda Jane in the not too distant future. WateneZelezniak said remaining grounded and playing with a smile on his face has helped him enjoy his football more. “There’s no ‘I’ in team and I can’t be the player I am without the team around me. Keeping humble is the main thing and not getting ahead of myself,” he said.

“My manager always says this quote to me: ‘Today’s newspaper is tomorrow’s fish and chips paper’ – so that helps keep me grounded.” However, Watene-Zelezniak admitted he struggled with the pressures of NRL at first. “At the start of the year, after a few games, there was a lot pressure but I just realised I’ve got to have fun out there,” he said. “There was so much pressure that I wasn’t thinking about my game. I was just thinking that if I don’t play good I won’t be playing next week. Then the last couple of weeks I’ve been thinking this is my opportunity so I’ve just got to take it.” Watene-Zelezniak is signed with the Panthers until the end of the 2015 season but the 19-year-old admits he still isn’t sure whether he’ll undertake a proposed two-year Mormon Mission following the completion of his current contract. “I’m not sure yet… it’s my decision but it’s not forced upon you to serve your mission, it’s your choice,” he affirmed. “Will Hopoate had a choice, he wasn’t forced to go and he made a massive sacrifice doing it. When the time comes I will know. I’d love to stay at Penrith, I’ve been here since U12’s development.”

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It’s all come down to this. The final round of the NRL regular season is here and there’s so much at stake for a number of teams. It all kicks off Thursday night when the Sydney Roosters take on the South Sydney Rabbitohs. I think the Rabbitohs are an incredibly good side and the Roosters will struggle without hooker Jake Friend but I just think the defending premiers are hitting their straps at the right time. The belief within that Roosters camp right now is at a real high point and their performance last week against Melbourne was close to their best. On Friday night Brisbane travel to Melbourne to take on the Storm in a hugely importantly clash for both sides. I was talking to Storm captain Cameron Smith last Sunday when he was on ‘The Footy Show’ and he said if they lose by enough and other results don’t go their way there’s a chance they could miss the finals altogether. For Brisbane, Ben Hunt is playing phenomenally and Justin Hodges at fullback is fantastic for them as well. However, I think the Storm will wrap that one up. Another big game this weekend is my Raiders up against the Parramatta Eels. The Raiders won their first back to back games last week and I’m sure Ricky Stuart will want to end their season on a high. Parramatta aren’t guaranteed a top eight spot even if they do win but I know they’ll be playing plenty of free-flowing footy to ensure they win big to improve their for and against and grab a spot. In a game that could decide the minor premiership, Manly travel to North Queensland to meet the Cowboys. Manly coach Geoff Toovey has been the only coach that’s been very vocal about the importance of the minor premiership, he thinks there should be more emphasis placed on it. Lastly, in the final game of the season, Penrith are playing for a top four finish while the Warriors are playing for one of the remaining spots in the eight. Penrith will want to dominate early, and I really hope they win this one!

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Watching the loss against the Sea Eagles reminded me of a game that I was involved in at Brookvale where we had a 20-odd to nil lead at half-time only to have the Brookvale juggernaut blow us away in the second half. The Panthers had basically tackled themselves to a standstill with 10 minutes remaining through sheer grit and determination, which is why it was heartbreaking to watch what unfolded. What was also hard to watch was the outburst Jamie Soward gave the ref on the field, which then continued after the match and into his interview on MMM radio after the game. The few lost seconds after the timekeeper failed to stop the clock in the final minute of the game was not the reason for the result. I certainly believe that Jamie has matured as a player this year and it is clear he is now the leader of these young men. While a lot of things are said in the heat of the moment it would have been much better to just chalk it down as a learning experience for the young playing group, especially leading into the semis, of the need to concentrate for the full 80 minutes in these big games ahead. It was their own errors in the last four minutes that let the game slip from their grasp. Despite the disappointing result the Panthers’ position is exactly the same as last week in that their destiny is still in their own hands. They win this week against the Warriors and they remain in fourth position and gain two shots at the big prize. However, they are facing a side that also has their destiny in their own hands, as a win will get the Warriors into the semis with either the Broncos or the Storm to miss out. They have the weight of a nation on their shoulders and I am sure they know they can cause some problems if they can sneak into the semis. Enjoy the big game on Sunday.

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Daily Telegraph journalist Phil Rothfield loves making enemies in Penrith. His dispute with Panthers General Manager Phil Gould is well known, but

people in rugby league like Panthers boss Warren Wilson,” Rothfield wrote. You do indeed have to worry about some people in rugby league Phil, and you’re one of them. It now appears certain that the Panthers will play one home game in Christchurch next season, along with another match in Bathurst. It’ll mean there will be 10 home games at Penrith Stadium next year. Penrith fans will not get to see their record-breaking NSW Cup side play a finals match at home. The NSW Cup finals begin this weekend, and the NSWRL had the perfect opportunity to schedule the Panthers v Cutters match as a curtain raiser to the NRL fixture between Penrith and the Warriors at Sportingbet Stadium on Sunday night. Instead, the game will be played at Midday on the same day at Leichhardt Oval. Despite winning the minor premiership by the length of the straight, the Panthers are suddenly forced back with the pack with no home ground advantage. In fact, all four NSW Cup finals will be played at Leichhardt Oval next weekend. Three of them could have been scheduled alongside relevant NRL fixtures. Strangely enough, there’s been some talk around that the Panthers were actually offered the opportunity to host a home final, but declined. Centre Wes Naiqama has confirmed that he’s heading to England next year, where he will link up with the London Broncos.

Penrith Panthers Group CEO, Warren Wilson he’s now gone one step higher and essentially declared a war of words with CEO Warren Wilson. Rothfield wrote an article last week about Penrith’s long-term future at Penrith Stadium, which Mr Wilson later clarified. Rothfield wasn’t happy, having a shot at the Panthers boss on both Twitter and in Monday’s paper. “You’ve got to worry about some

Penrith has gone cold on the idea of signing jailed Newcastle forward Russell Packer. In fact, no club may end up with his signature once he’s released early next year, with the NRL giving no indication that they would agree to register his contract. Andy Saunders has been named in the Holden Cup Team of the Year. The young prop was the only Penrith player included in the team. The Panthers Shop at the Leagues club has moved near TC’s downstairs.

NATHAN TAYLOR

9 @natetaylor87

The Penrith Panthers have been waiting for the NSW Cup finals to roll around for the better part of a month, and this Sunday they finally begin with a clash against the fourth-placed Illawarra Cutters first up. The Panthers, despite losing players through first grade call ups and injuries each week, are well and truly still the

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PANTHER RUMBLINGS

Channel Nine has been left highly embarrassed and red-faced after leaving the Penrith Panthers out of their NRL finals commercial. Despite being finals bound all season and wrapping up their top eight spot a month ago, Penrith was invisible in the ads for the finals, which have been airing across the network and ironically, during the Panthers v Sea Eagles clash last Sunday. Nine did feature Jarryd Hayne in the commercial, despite the fact that Parramatta’s finals hopes were very touch and go when the ad would have been produced. We now know that it’s unlikely the Eels will make it, adding further embarrassment to Nine. The Cowboys were also left out of the ad despite boasting one of the game’s best known players in Johnathan Thurston. The NRL tells us that the ad is now being fixed by Nine.

Lower GRADES

Tom Humble team to beat after they rounded out the regular season with a huge 44-12 win over Wentworthville last Saturday afternoon. The Parramatta feeder team came into the game at Sportingbet Stadium sitting in second spot on the NSW Cup ladder but were totally outclassed by the minor premiers in every way possible. The Panthers hit the front in the opening few minutes with Eto Nabuli scoring his 16th try of the year. The home side then rolled in a further seven tries with fullback Kieran Moss scoring a double and half Tom Humble having a hand in a number of tries himself. Penrith will now take on Illawarra at Leichhardt Oval this Sunday at 12pm for a place in the preliminary finals. Meanwhile, Penrith’s Holden Cup side must beat the New Zealand Warriors this Sunday for a place in the NYC finals. The Panthers could’ve assured themselves a spot in the final eight last Sunday afternoon but fell over in the dying few minutes to Manly 28-24. Penrith were up by two points with two minutes remaining before Manly stole the game from their grasp. Sound familiar?

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2 Rabbitohs

567 339 +228 34

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3 Roosters

593 367 +226 34

Thursday 7.45pm Allianz Stadium

4 Panthers

484 420 +64 32

5 Cowboys

566 390 +176 30

6 Storm

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9 Warriors

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Knights v Dragons

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Titans v Bulldogs

Extra Time Issue Number 027 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

Big week for Plum

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Panthers v Warriors Sunday 6.30pm Sportingbet Stadium

Nigel Plum has been nominated for the Ken Stephen Medal It’s been a big week for Penrith Panthers prop Nigel Plum. Not only did he get over for his first try of the season against Manly last Sunday, but on Monday he was named as a finalist for the Ken Stephen Medal. This year’s nominees have been involved in everything from establishing programs supporting professional athletes studying at university to dedicating countless hours

to children’s literacy programs and striving to stamp out bullying in schools across the country. Nigel has been nominated for his fantastic work with the Panthers on the Prowl program. Members of the public can make a difference by voting for Nigel Plum to win the prestigious award at nrl.com/ kenstephenmedal.

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GRAND FINAL LUNCHEON Footy fever is spreading as the race to the finals heats up! Embodying the grass roots of Western Sydney’s Rugby League, this is your opportunity to join our MC - Tim Gilbert, Funny Man Sean Woodland, our very special guest Wayne Bennett and other current and former NRL identities along with dedicated fans to provide a unique insight into the NRL Grand Final. The Luke Priddis Foundation continues to offer enormous potential to companies and individuals to be associated with a charity making a real difference whilst enjoying the fruit of social connection and entertainment.

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PANTHERS FLASHBACK

JUNIORS @penrith_juniors

Congratulations! The Under 8 Premiers for 2014 are: Division 1: St Marys, Division 2: Windsor (2), Division 3: Hawkesbury City, Division 4: St Patrick’s, Division 5: Western City Tigers (2), Division 6: Emu Plains (2) and Division 7: Brothers (5). This weekend sees the mod grand finals being played at Peppertree Sports Complex and the 2nd and 3rd Division grand finals at The Kingsway in St Marys. On this, I would like to thank the clubs for their understanding over the last couple of weekends with the closing of grounds and opening of others at short notice due to the wet weather. This has allowed all games to be played. We are one weekend behind with the Sunday 2nd and 3rd Division competitions, thus needing to move their grand finals away from Sportingbet Stadium due to an NRL home game this weekend. All other competitions are on schedule. Last weekend saw some interesting results in the Sunday first division semi-finals: • A Grade Brothers 22 def St Marys 14 • A Reserve Emu Plains 34 def St Marys 24 • U19s St Clair 22 def St Marys 16 • U17s St Marys 53 def Blacktown Workers 14 I have had the privilege of acting as Ground Manager for the Panthers NSW Cup at their home games this season and would like to wish them all the best as they move into final series games this weekend. I am sure they can go all the way – good luck boys! As the season comes to an end it is timely that I again thank our volunteers. These people work tirelessly throughout the season with our clubs and do a wonderful job.

FROM THE VAULT

Friday 5 September 2014 the western weekender

From the Vault this week comes this classic shot from 2009, when big Mark ‘MG’ Geyer returned to Penrith Stadium for a Legends Match. Big MG looked as good as ever, and was almost impossible to stop during the exhibition game. Other Panthers stars from the past including Greg Alexander, Brad Waugh and Mick Kelly all took part in the game, played before an NRL match against the Dragons. Let’s bring the concept back in 2015!

TROY DODDS

@troydodds

etero Civoniceva summed it up by simply saying that he “needed to go home”. One of rugby league’s true nice guys, Civoniceva didn’t hint at the other dramas behind the scenes that were part his decision to return to the Brisbane Broncos for his final year in the top grade. A new coach, a re-building phase and continuing drama had ensured that Civoniceva, a prized signing for the 2008 season, would leave the club at the end of 2011. As the Weekender reported on its front page on July 29, 2011: “The turbulent year at the Penrith Panthers took another bizarre twist on Tuesday when captain, Petero Civoniceva, sensationally quit the club just weeks after being told he had a ‘job for life’. The Panthers stunned the rugby league community with the announcement just after 9am on Tuesday.” At a press conference later that day, Civoniceva confirmed he’d been granted a release and had a signed a one-year deal with the Brisbane Broncos for the 2012 NRL season. “I’ve had four great seasons here and some great memories obviously and some great friends both on and off the football field,” Civoniceva said. “It’s been a real honour to play for the Panthers.” Civoniceva joined the Panthers in 2008 after a decade with the Broncos. At the press conference where he announced his departure, the former Queensland and Australian forward denied that a rumoured rift with new General Manager Phil Gould played a part in the decision to move on. “He’s been very supportive and we’ve talked all the way through this whole process,” he said. “It’s a decision purely based on wanting to take my family home.” But it was widely known that Civoniceva was unhappy with the way the coaching situation was handled at the Panthers, firstly with the sacking of Matthew Elliott and then the snubbing of Assistant Coach, Steve Georgallis, for the job. “I guess for us as a playing group we were hopeful that he [Georgallis] would get an opportunity,” Civoniceva said at the time. Civoniceva admitted he did not discuss his depar-

Petero Civoniceva in action for Penrith

“I’ve had four great seasons here... it’s been a real honour to play for the Panthers”

ture with incoming coach Ivan Cleary. Phil Gould said Civoniceva would always be remembered for his stint at Penrith. “His influence at Penrith will be evident long after he’s gone,” he said. Civoniceva may have only played 74 games for the Panthers, but he will always be remembered fondly by fans for his leadership both on and off the field. During what were often tough times for Penrith during the Matthew Elliott era, Civoniceva was always a highlight to watch, and always had the respect of the fans. He remains a Panthers legend.

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Thanks for the memories

Kingston in action for the Panthers

He has played more than 100 first grade games for the Panthers, and this weekend the club will farewell Kevin Kingston in style with a special celebration of his career after the big game against the New Zealand Warriors @wwpenrith

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1. Kingston gets a ball away from dummy half 2. Kingston at Panthers training 3. Kingston has done plenty of work off the field to promote the club 4. Pretty in pink Photos: Melinda Jane

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