FRI 6 JUN 2014 • Issue 014
PROUDLY INDEPENDENT
Printed on 100% recycled paper
JOSH STAYS Mansour signs new two year deal with the Panthers + PANTHER RUMBLINGS + DVD COMPETITION + JUNIOR FOOTY + PANTHERS FLASHBACK
Climbing the table
Is something very special building at the Panthers? p.2
Western Sydney’s Top Marine Service Centre Experienced technicians Major & minor servicing Trailer parts & repairs
4/133 Coreen Avenue, Penrith
OPEN 5½ DAYS
Huge range of accessories Friendly & honest service
Ph: 4731 6250
sales@ penrithmarine.com.au
www.penrithmarine.com.au WW9837
PREVIEW
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
extra time
2
PENRITH PANTHERS Matt Moylan Josh Mansour Dean Whare Issah Yeo Dave Simmons Jamie Soward Peter Wallace (c) Sam McKendry James Segeyaro Brent Kite Sika Manu Tyrone Peachey Elijah Taylor Lewis Brown Jeremy Latimore Nigel Plum Bryce Cartwright
GOLD COAST TITANS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
William Zillman Kevin Gordon Brad Tighe Brad Takairangi David Mead Maurice Blair Albert Kelly Luke Douglas Matt Srama Nate Myles (c) Greg Bird (c) David Taylor Ben Ridge Matthew White Luke Bailey Mark Minichiello Paul Carter
Tyrone Peachey was brilliant against the Eels last weekend. Photo: Melinda Jane
We’re half way there TROY DODDS
@troydodds
Penrith Panthers v Gold Coast Titans Kick off: SAT 7/6 • 5.30pm Cbus Super Stadium Referees: Matt Cecchin and Grant Atkins
Friday 6 June 2014 the western weekender
TV: Fox Sports Live 5.30pm Radio: 2GB Live 5.30pm
A
fter producing one of their best performances of the season against Parramatta last Friday night, the Panthers head north on Saturday to take on the Gold Coast Titans at Cbus Super Stadium. The tables have certainly turned since these sides met back in April – on that Monday night at Sportingbet Stadium, the Titans were sitting in first place on the NRL ladder and the Panthers were struggling to find their feet. Fast forward to the half way point of the
season and Penrith sit in second position with the bubble well and truly bursting for the Titans, who sit in 10th spot. However, the congested nature of the competition ladder means that just one win separates second and 10th on the ladder, hence this Saturday’s game is vital – gaining four points on teams like the Gold Coast will be very handy when things get serious in the latter part of the year. Coach Ivan Cleary must have been so proud of the way his side performed last Friday night. Despite a disrupted preparation, the Panthers were almost clinical in getting rid of an Eels side that posed no real threat close to the line and couldn’t quite handle Penrith’s slickness in attack – something that hasn’t quite been there for other games this season. A backline movement in the 12th minute, that was close to morphing into a try for David Simmons, proved just how much Penrith’s attack has improved since the opening rounds. The confidence gained from putting almost 40 points on the in-form Eels would be enormous, particularly given it was done without Jamal Idris and Adam Docker.
The Titans enjoyed a week off last round and would have done some soul searching after a 24-16 loss to the Warriors in their last hit out, which forced them out of the top eight. Like many sides this season – namely Cronulla, Newcastle and Canberra – the Panthers face an opposition that is desperate to win because of circumstances in the weeks prior. Fans should never underestimate how impressive Penrith have been given this hurdle was put in front of them on so many occasions this year. With Jamal Idris out indefinitely, Cleary will continue to put his faith in Issah Yeo in the centres, and he’s certainly holding his own, enjoying the best game of his young career so far against the Eels. The secret of success at the Panthers at the moment appears to be that the right players are in form at the right time. Players like Josh Mansour, Tyrone Peachey and Jamie Soward can cost you big time when they’re not 100 per cent “on” for games, but this trio in particular was in fine form against the Eels and it’s no surprise that the points flowed as a result.
And the debut of young talent, like Bryce Cartwright, is helping to keep the squad fresh week in, week out – whilst injuries and the like were once a painful headache for Cleary, they’re now opportunities. Cartwright has kept his place in the 17 this weekend with Docker still not named to return from injury. The Titans will be tough to beat this weekend especially with Greg Bird talking it up, but the Panthers have proven the doubters wrong and should go into this game, in fact any game, with plenty of confidence. Bird returns from suspension for this game while the Titans also welcome back Nate Myles, Kevin Gordon, Albert Kelly and Brad Takairangi, adding plenty of strength to the side that was beaten by the Warriors. Titans centre Brad Tighe comes up against his former club, as does James Roberts who has been named on a five man interchange bench. At the half way point of the season, the Panthers can really solidify their finals credentials with another couple of wins heading into a bye in round 15. Tip: Panthers by 12
CHEERLEADER OF THE YEAR
The lucky girl crowned the Extra Time Cheerleader of the Year will be featured on the cover of our final edition of the year, and gets a $1,000 JB Hi-Fi voucher thanks to the Penrith Homemaker Centre. Plus, the winning cheerleader gets 10 Hoyts movie tickets and a professional photo shoot with the Weekender photographer SMS cost is a maximum of 55 cents. The winner of tickets to the next Penrith Panthers home game is selected at random from all entries. This competition is run under NSW Permit No LTPM/14/00047. Full terms and conditions are available from www.westernweekender. com.au or from Western Weekender reception.
Occupation: Teacher Favourite Panther: Matt Moylan If you could go on ANY reality show, which one would it be? ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ If you could take 3 things to a deserted island, what would you take and why? A carpenter, food and water Which celebrity would you like to take on a hot date? Hugh Jackman What’s your favourite pig-out spot? Sushi Bay What’s the most embarrassing thing that’s happened to you whilst cheering/ dancing? I was dancing in a show with a big swing band and I got my glove caught in my stocking. So for the rest of the dance the glove was hanging from my stocking! If you could morph into any animal, which would you chose and why? A swallow
Chelsea N, 24
VOTE FOR CHELSEA: SMS CHELSEA TO 19 19 18
Occupation: Student Favourite Panther: Matt Moylan If you could go on ANY reality show, which one would it be? ‘Keeping Up With The Kardashians’ If you could take 3 things to a deserted island, what would you take and why? Coconut oil, Pina Colada and a sun lounge Which celebrity would you like to take on a hot date? Adam Levine What’s your favourite pig-out spot? Nando’s What’s the most embarrassing thing that’s happened to you whilst cheering/ dancing? Costume malfunctions – they are the worst! If you could morph into any animal, which would you chose and why? A dolphin, they are just magical and beautiful animals
extra time
Each week, Extra Time profiles three cheerleaders from the Penrith Panthers cheer squad. Vote for your favourite for your chance to win two tickets to the next Panthers home game! Voting concludes at 11.59pm on Friday, June 13. The cheerleader with the most votes will progress through to the semi-finals later in the year, and have the chance to take out the ultimate prize!
3
VOTE FOR CASSIDY: SMS CASSIDY TO 19 19 18
Cassidy W, 19 Occupation: Waitress Favourite Panther: Dean Whare If you could go on ANY reality show, which one would it be? ‘Big Brother’ If you could take 3 things to a deserted island, what would you take and why? My pillow, phone and hammock Which celebrity would you like to take on a hot date? Channing Tatum What’s your favourite pig-out spot? McDonald’s What’s the most embarrassing thing that’s happened to you whilst cheering/ dancing? Forgetting the dance in front of hundreds of people If you could morph into any animal, which would you chose and why? A dog, so I can sleep all day!
VOTE FOR SHANNEN: SMS SHANNEN TO 19 19 18
Shannen F, 19
4735 7122 Small Business Advice S.M.S.F GST Training Bookkeeping
carrollaccountants.com.au enquiries@carrollaccountants.com.au
WW9582
Friday 6 June 2014 the western weekender
Individuals Partnerships Companies Trusts
Friday 6 June 2014 the western weekender
extra time 4
WW9658
FEATURE STORY
5
NATHAN TAYLOR
anthers second-rower Lewis Brown knew his side would eventually come good despite the rollercoaster season that was
@natetaylor87
The Panthers are sitting second on the NRL ladder and Lewis Brown believes a strong culture is behind the resurgence at the foot of the Mountains
2013. Brown joined the Panthers from the New Zealand Warriors last season and has been one of Penrith’s most consistent performers over the past two years. Speaking with Extra Time, Brown said the Panthers are finally making inroads in the competition, currently sitting second, because the entire squad believes in each another. “I joined the team last year because I believed we had a lot of potential,” he said. “We’re a playing group with no big heads or egos within our squad, everyone is humble and wants to work hard for each other. “A lot of people wrote us off because they didn’t believe in us but we believed in ourselves and it’s starting to show. It’s a long journey but we’re not getting too far ahead of ourselves.” With some fresh new faces on board, who have been living up to their potential, Brown said the Panthers were finally starting to find their own brand of footy. “We’re building a culture here that everyone loves to be in,” he said.
Lewis Brown back in action against the Eels last Friday. Photo: Melinda Jane “Definitely the new recruits have added enthusiasm and experience. They’re just good all-round blokes to have around the squad and that’s what Ivan is about. “He’s about building a good playing group that want to play for each other, making sure there are no egos and that we’re all on the same level. It’s certainly starting to show in our footy.”
extra time
No room for egos at Penrith P
Meanwhile, Brown revealed he tore his pectoral muscle not once but twice in consecutive weeks which saw him miss nearly two months of football. He returned against the Eels at Sportingbet Stadium last weekend. “It was good to come back and lace up the boots again in front of that big Penrith crowd,” he said.
Country Brewer Penrith, Penrith Leagues, Minchinbury, Glenmore Park, Penrith Westfield & St Mary’s Shopping Centre
more than just homebrew
JUNE 14 2014 PANTHERS TH
V
DRAGONS SPORTINGBET STADIUM PENRITH RAISING FUNDS FOR THE RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES ®
®
• Cheese Kits • Beer Making Kits • Jerky Making Kits • Smoker Boxes
• Bacon Kits • Spirit and Liqueur Essences • Chocolate Making Kits
218 Great Western Hwy Kingswood PH: 02 4731 5444 WW9846
WW7760
www.countrybrewer.com.au
Friday 6 June 2014 the western weekender
COME & MEET RONALD MCDONALD ! FREE GIVE-AWAYS & LOADS OF FAMILY FUN!
Friday 6 June 2014 the western weekender
extra time
6
FEATURE STORY
Panthers rally behind Jamal T TROY DODDS
@troydodds
The future of star recruit Jamal Idris is unknown after the Panthers confirmed the 23-year-old would take an immediate break from the game
he Penrith Panthers say they will work with the NRL to offer as much support to wayward star Jamal Idris as possible after it was confirmed late last week that the star recruit would take an indefinite break from football. Idris was a shock withdrawal from last Friday night’s win over the Eels after he failed to show up to training the Tuesday prior to the game, reportedly after a weekend away. “The club has been working closely with the NRL this week to put a support system in place to help Jamal deal with some personal issues,” the Panthers said in a statement issued last Thursday night. “The club stresses that this matter has nothing to do with disciplinary action. The Panthers and the NRL are fully supportive of Jamal and will be assisting him during this important period.” The club has asked for Idris’ privacy to be respected and he is yet to speak on the matter. But it is understood that it’s currently a fine line between whether or not this will become a rugby league redemption story or one with career-ending prospects. 23-year-old Idris came to the Panthers in the off-season after being granted a
Jamal Idris is taking a break from the NRL
release by the Gold Coast Titans. He told the Titans at the time he wanted to be closer to his family in Sydney. It was clear to most in rugby league that Idris was also struggling with issues away from the field and he was not settling in well to the Gold Coast lifestyle. The Panthers have not confirmed when or if Idris will return to the field, but he wasn’t named for Saturday’s clash against his old club at Cbus Super Stadium. Coach Ivan Cleary said football was not even part of the discussions with Idris at the moment. “As far as Jamal goes, that’s not really a football issue and I think in fairness to everybody we should give him his privacy and be sure that we as a club are absolutely committed to helping him in any way we can,” he said. Idris’ manager Sam Ayoub was confident that Idris would come out the other end of his current problems. “I’m very confident it’s something we’ll work through,” he told The Australian. “He’s been very receptive to what’s happening now and what the Panthers are keen to do.” In the meantime, the Panthers have looked to Issah Yeo to replace Idris in the centres.
WW7352
? T S U R T U O Y N A C O WH
7
ARS TED PART OF PENRITH FOR OVER 10 YE US TR A EN BE S HA ES TIV MO TO AU K REDBAC
do it right the first time You can trust Redback Automotives to e is second to none You can trust our prices and our servic
Minor Service from $75.00 Major Service from $120.00 Dealer book services from $150.00
✓ Blue Slips and Pink Slips incl L.P.G ✓ Loan Cars Available ✓ Senior discounts apply ✓ All mechanical repairs incl Wheel Alignments ✓ Experienced in all local & European made vehicles
(warranty protected)
Redback Automotive your trusted family owned local mechanic
AUTOMOTIVES
extra time
E SIX THS FRlEy. N T app O M RESditions EAP con T IN T
CALL NOW for Bookings
We Don’t Bite! Cnr Castlereagh Road & Luggard Street PENRITH
www.redbackautomotives.com
Ph:
4731 1110
THE DEALS ON THE BUS GO ROUND AND ROUND
Friday 6 June 2014 the western weekender
WW9841
extra time
8
COMPETITION
The ultimate Origin prize S
A new DVD collection gives State of Origin fans the chance to relive some of the most magical moments in Australian sport
tate of Origin is the highlight of the rugby league year, and to celebrate this year’s series, Beyond Home Entertainment is releasing two specially-commissioned DVD collections celebrating Australia’s greatest sporting rivalry. The ‘State of Origin Ultimate Collection’ is a limited release 66-disc collection featuring every State of Origin game played from 1980 to 2013. It was released last month. Meanwhile, ‘State of Origin: 100 Memorable Moments’, a feature-length special showcasing the greatest moments in Origin history, will be released on June 18. Regarded by many commentators as the highest level of representative rugby league, State of Origin has provided Australian sporting folklore with some of its most iconic moments. Both of these DVDs are a must for any rugby league fan. Extra Time has one copy of the ‘State of Origin Ultimate Collection’ to give away. For your chance to win, it’s time to get your crystal ball out and prove your expertise in rugby league. To enter, write to Weekender Origin Competition, Suite 2, 42-44 Abel St Jamisontown 2750. Make sure you include
The ‘State of Origin Ultimate Collection’ has just been released your name and phone number on the back, along with your score prediction for State of Origin II. The first correct entry drawn will win the prize.
Entries close Friday, June 13. All entries from this same competition from Origin I already received will automatically be entered into the draw.
We transport anything up to 50 tonnes
Friday 6 June 2014 the western weekender
• General Trade • Machinery • Accident • Prestige Vehicles • Heavy Vehicle up to 12 Ton • Local • Containers
Penrith
4736 4400
• Interstate/Country • Fully Insured • Green Card
St Marys (Division)
• Accredited Drivers • Family Owned & Operated • Ticketed Operations
9623 2020
PENRITH TILT TRAY SPECIALISTS S T M A RY S - P E N R I T H - B L U E M O U N TA I N S
www.dickiestowing.com.au
WW7365
Mansour goes with his heart
with the Masked Panther
Send your Panthers gossip at news@westernweekender.com.au
The Tim Grant saga may yet have another twist to play out with speculation that he may leave the club before June 30. Grant played reserve grade last weekend and would obviously be unhappy at the current circumstances and won’t want to play out the rest of the season in the NSW Cup. There’s a few issues to work out but don’t be surprised if you see Grant headed for Redfern in the next couple of weeks.
in the Panthers. Two media identities who’ve well and truly jumped onto the Panthers’ bandwagon in the last couple of weeks are Brett Kimmorley and Phil ‘Buzz’ Rothfield. Yes, that’s right, Buzz now thinks the Panthers are a real title contender – it must have really pained him to write that. As for Kimmorley, he said the club could win the premiership “as early as this season”.
Can I make yet another passionate plea to the Panthers to stop warming up on the field prior to home games? It takes so much out of the moment the side runs onto the field, and I really doubt the players think it’s ideal. I’m told that it’s coach Ivan Cleary’s decision. Can you imagine going to a play and seeing the actors warm up on stage in front of you? Or going to a Pink concert and seeing her rehearse a few songs, then going off stage, and coming back again? The brilliant job done for the pre-match show at Origin last week shows how good the build-up can be and just how important anticipation is.
The Penrith Panthers have signed young South Sydney hooker Apisai Koroisau. The youngster, who made his first grade debut in round four, is a real star of the future and Rabbitohs fans are devastated to lose him. The Panthers have signed him for the 2015 and 2016 NRL seasons. He’ll join the club in the 2015 pre-season.
The Panthers surpassed a significant milestone last Friday night, recording their 20,000th first grade point. It wasn’t so long ago the Panthers could put on a media session and have nobody but a few local journalists turn up. Now, a media convoy regularly heads down the M4 such is the interest
@natetaylor87
The Penrith Panthers are currently sitting in first spot on the NSW Cup ladder after a thrilling one-point win over the Illawarra Cutters last Sunday. A Tom Humble field goal in the final five minutes sealed the 19-18 victory for the Panthers, which now sees them with five straight wins.
Penrith’s second Friday Night Football appearance of the year certainly worked wonders for Channel Nine, with an audience of 312,000 in Sydney.
One person I do want to see on the field though is Phil ‘Gus’ Gould. Bring back the last word!
Josh Mansour has re-signed with the Panthers
NATHAN TAYLOR
9
With Koroisau coming to the Panthers, it pretty much signals the end of the road for Kevin Kingston. With James Segeyaro already the club’s number one hooker, there’s certainly not enough room for both Kingston and Koroisau to be battling it out to be the back-up. Kingston may need to finish his career in England.
The Holden Cup side celebrate It was certainly a tough game for Penrith in what were atrocious conditions down south with the side making more errors than usual and not acting their usual self. Fortunately, they were boosted by the inclusion of prop Tim Grant, who made his second appearance in reserve grade this year. Grant was dumped from first grade a few nights earlier to make way for Nigel Plum when Penrith played the Eels. The Panthers will aim for six straight wins when they return to Sportingbet Stadium this Saturday to play the Wyong Roos at 3pm. A bizarre scheduling conflict means that the NSW Cup match is on at the same time as Penrith’s Holden Cup game against the Titans on the Gold Coast. The Holden Cup team are finally back on track with a confidence-boosting win over the in-form Parramatta Eels last Friday night. The Panthers, who were outside the top eight heading into the game, were huge underdogs against their second-placed cross-town rivals. However, in front of a big home crowd the Panthers managed to hang on and secure the 18-14 win. The Panthers will head up to the Gold Coast this Saturday to take on the Titans at 3.10pm. Penrith is now eighth on the ladder while the Titans sit in second last spot, having just two wins to their name.
extra time
PANTHER RUMBLINGS
Josh Mansour will be a Panther for the next two seasons after signing a new deal with the club on Tuesday. Just 24 hours after saying he was torn between Penrith and Canberra, the 23-year-old signed on to stay with the Panthers for the next two seasons. “Penrith is where my heart is, and it’s where I want my footy career to be right now,” Mansour said. It’s understood the Panthers made a late revised offer to Mansour that helped get him over the line, though the offer by Canberra remained higher. Mansour is being touted as a potential Origin player.
Lower GRADES
Now Open at Penrith Finally, an outdoor furniture store that caters for the sophisticated taste, at an affordable price! Stunning lounge settings, dining settings and umbrellas, all at factory direct prices. Be at home outside this winter, with Just Patio Furniture
100 OFF
Penrith Homemaker Centre (between Harvey Norman & Bunnings)
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
www.justpatiofurniture.com.au
OFFER ENDS 30TH JUNE 2014
4733 1444
Not Available With Any Other Offer - Must Present This Coupon To Redeem Discount Not Redeemable For Cash
WW9062
Friday 6 June 2014 the western weekender
$
Redeem this voucher in store and save $100 off any outdoor setting over $1,000.
10
CELEBRITY TIPSTERS
extra time
BULLDOGS
BULLDOGS
BULLDOGS
SEA EAGLES
SEA EAGLES
COWBOYS
EELS
COWBOYS
COWBOYS
EELS
PANTHERS
PANTHERS
PANTHERS
PANTHERS
PANTHERS
SHARKS
DRAGONS
WARRIORS
Vic Shipley Akira Teppanyaki
TIGERS ROOSTERS
107
BRONCOS
RABBITOHS
117
ROOSTERS
KNIGHTS BRONCOS
DRAGONS
DRAGONS
Nathan Taylor Western Weekender
RABBITOHS
105
ROOSTERS
KNIGHTS RAIDERS
DRAGONS
Mary-Anne Lowery Mary-Anne Lowery Chiropractor
RABBITOHS
115
ROOSTERS
KNIGHTS BRONCOS
David Landrigan Redback Automotives
RABBITOHS
115
ROOSTERS
TIGERS BRONCOS
BULLDOGS
BULLDOGS
BULLDOGS
BULLDOGS
EELS
EELS
COWBOYS
EELS
COWBOYS
PANTHERS
PANTHERS
PANTHERS
PANTHERS
PANTHERS
SHARKS
DRAGONS
SHARKS
DRAGONS
DRAGONS
RABBITOHS
093
ROOSTERS
KNIGHTS
Simonne Thompson Hertz Penrith
119
BRONCOS
RABBITOHS KNIGHTS ROOSTERS BRONCOS
RABBITOHS
Darren Latty PRD Penrith
KNIGHTS ROOSTERS
105
BRONCOS
Rhys Davis ABL Tile and Bathroom Centre
RABBITOHS
109
STORM
KNIGHTS RAIDERS
Michael Taylor Stanton & Taylor Commercial
RABBITOHS
105
ROOSTERS
KNIGHTS BRONCOS
BULLDOGS
BULLDOGS
SEA EAGLES
SEA EAGLES
BULLDOGS
COWBOYS
COWBOYS
EELS
EELS
EELS
TITANS
PANTHERS
PANTHERS
PANTHERS
PANTHERS
DRAGONS
SHARKS
DRAGONS
DRAGONS
SHARKS
RABBITOHS
WARRIORS
TIGERS ROOSTERS
107
Ian Garton McDonald’s Penrith Leagues
SEA EAGLES
Deidre Barlow Country Brewer Nepean
Michael Ball Michael Ball Realty
Brought to you by THE FOOTY SHOW
Corey Tubie Dikies Towing
097
BRONCOS
TIGERS ROOSTERS BRONCOS
Fiona Scott Federal Member for Lindsay
RABBITOHS
109
ROOSTERS
KNIGHTS RAIDERS
Ross Fowler Ross Fowler & Co
RABBITOHS
099
ROOSTERS
RABBITOHS
Nathan Buhagiar Cassola Kitchens
TIGERS
TIGERS ROOSTERS
117
BRONCOS
BRONCOS
WW8287
SPECIALISED IN WHEEL ALIGNMENT ALL MAKES & MODELS
175/70R13
55
$
.00 INC GST
69
$
.00 INC GST
FITTED & BALANCED
FITTED & BALANCED
185/65R14
185/65R15
77
$
.00 INC GST
FITTED & BALANCED
Friday 6 June 2014 the western weekender
175/65R14
88
$
.00 INC GST
FITTED & BALANCED
BUY ANY 4 TYRES GET 1/2 PRICE WHEEL ALIGNMENT + FREE ROTATION & BALANCE EVERY 10,000K
LATEST GERMAN EQUIPMENT
195/60R15
88
$
.00 INC GST
FITTED & BALANCED
215/45R17
195/65R15
95
$
.00 INC GST
FITTED & BALANCED
205/55R16
.00 INC GST
FITTED & BALANCED
INC GST
FITTED & BALANCED
Agent for
INC GST
FITTED & BALANCED
&
215/60R16
90
$
.00 INC GST
FITTED & BALANCED
235/40R18
115.00 $110.00 $110.00
$
4732 5591
78
$
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
NRL LADDER F
A
11
+/- Pts
PD
W
D
L
B
1 Bulldogs
11
8
0
3
1
237 156 +81 18
ROUND 13
2 Panthers
11
7
0
4
1
225 176 +49 16
Sea Eagles v Bulldogs
3 Sea Eagles
11
7
0
4
1
232 202 +30 16
Friday 7.40pm Brookvale Oval
4 Rabbitohs
12
7
0
5
0
261 181 +80 14
5 Roosters
12
7
0
5
0
270 193 +77 14
6 Broncos
12
7
0
5
0
268 204 +64 14
7 Eels
11
6
0
5
1
251 265 -14
14
Titans v Panthers
8 W. Tigers
11
6
0
5
1
228 242 -14
14
9 Storm
11
6
0
5
1
216 246 -30 14
Saturday 5.30pm Cbus Super Stadium
10 Titans
11
6
0
5
1
183 218 -35
14
Dragons v Sharks
11 Cowboys
12
6
0
6
0
266 195 +71
12
Saturday 7.30pm WIN Stadium
12 Warriors
12
6
0
6
0
270 251 +19 12
13 Dragons
11
4
0
7
1
289 285 -96 10
14 Raiders
12
4
0
8
0
236 322 -86
8
Saturday 9.30pm NIB Stadium
15 Knights
11
2
0
9
1
166 257 -91
6
Knights v Tigers
16 Sharks
11
2
0
9
1
155 260 -105
6
Sunday 2.00pm Hunter Stadium
Eels v Cowboys Friday 7.40pm Pirtek Stadium
Rabbitohs v Warriors
Extra Time Issue Number 014 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
Josh Mansour
Storm v Roosters Sunday 3.00pm AAMI Park
Powerhouse winger Josh Mansour is a try scoring machine at the Panthers
Raiders v Broncos Monday 7.00pm GIO Stadium
Best moment in the NRL: Making my debut and scoring a try in that game Worst moment in the NRL: Any time I’ve been injured. It’s torture! Favourite team growing up: Bulldogs Closest teammate: Jeremy Latimore One player you wished you’d played with: Greg Alexander Favourite TV Show: ‘The Simpsons’ Favourite guilty pleasure: Maccas
extra time
Club
ADULT • Females & couples all welcome
Do you need a Will?
• Come in to meet our friendly knowledgable staff. Always happy too help • Full range of dvds, toys & magazines
Have there been recent changes in your Life? Let us help you plan for the future. Are you an Executor of an estate and don’t know where to start? Probate forms confusing? No Will and you need to apply for Letters of Administration? We also offer Estate Administration including, Applying for Probate, Letters of Administration, calling in and disbursement of assets to beneficiaries. We offer fixed price Estate administration.
Please contact us for further information.
50off
Monday - Saturday 9-9 Sunday & Public holidays 10-6 437 High Street, Penrith 4731 2411 92 Queen Street, St Marys 9833 0033
WW9817
Wills & Power of Attorneys
Offer valid from 1st June 2014 ends 31st July 2014
Amanda Little Principal Solicitor 3/36 Woodriff Street Penrith NSW 2750 PO Box 662 Penrith NSW 2751 T: (02) 47 616 935 F: (02) 47 616 939 WW9585
Friday 6 June 2014 the western weekender
%
12
Panthers axe Cartwright’s John Lang NRL debut YVONNE PURTELL
extra time
PANTHERS FLASHBACK
JUNIORS @penrith_juniors
Firstly I would like to congratulate local junior Bryce Cartwright on making his debut with the NRL team on Friday night against Parramatta. The Cartwright family has been part of this district for as long as I can remember and I am sure there were some proud family members both at the ground and watching the Channel Nine broadcast. Friday night also saw Heat 2 of the McDonald’s Garton Group Relay which now sees Glenmore Park and Colyton-Mt Druitt move into the final with Minchinbury and St Marys. There will be one further heat before we have our final six teams decided. We would like to thank the McDonald’s Garton Group for their sponsorship and support of such a great event. We are coming up to the halfway point in the junior league competitions, with regradings taking place following Round 7. Regradings follow Round 7 as most of our competitions consist of eight teams which allows clubs to play one full round of competition and it also gives us a better perspective of how the teams have performed. Before we do the regrading all teams will have a weekend off for the June long weekend. Regradings are one of the most difficult tasks within the Junior League as there will always be people who perceive that the changes made are not always in the best interest to their teams. Our referees association are continuing with a program whereby graded referees from our district have involvement at the grassroots level. Last weekend saw this year’s State of Origin touch judge, Russell Turner, out at Emu Plains refereeing the U6s and Rickey McFarlane, NRL touch judge, out at Glenmore Park also refereeing the U6s.
FROM THE VAULT
Friday 6 June 2014 the western weekender
From the vault this week comes this amazing shirt from 1990, designed and printed for Grand Final Week. With the city of Penrith in a frenzy after the Panthers qualified for their first grand final, there was plenty of merchandise doing the rounds including this now rare shirt. You wouldn’t see too many people still walking around town with this shirt on!
TROY DODDS
@troydodds
I
t’s never easy to give a coach his marching orders, but even more difficult when that coach has brought your club a premiership. This was the problem facing CEO Glenn Matthews in 2006, as he pondered the future of 2003 premiership-winning mentor John Lang. Lang’s Panthers had gone from the heights of that premiership in 2003 and a finals appearance in 2004 to falling off the radar in 2005 – finishing outside of the top eight despite winning their final five games of the season. During the 2005-2006 off-season, things weren’t looking good for the Panthers. The Board had been forced to strip Craig Gower of the captaincy and fine him $30,000 over an off-field issue, disrupting preparations for the season ahead. With things looking a little shaky at the Panthers, Mr Matthews sprung into action and before a ball had been kicked in the competition proper, he sacked John Lang. Lang remained in charge for the 2006 season to warm the chair for Matthew Elliott, who would take over in 2007. “We all learned a lot from John but it’s time for our organisation to change,” Mr Matthews said. The situation turned somewhat sour with the manner in which Lang was sacked becoming the major issue. Lang had always believed he would be the first to know if there was an issue regarding his future at the Panthers, but media reports suggested that Mr Matthews was already negotiating with Elliott in the weeks leading up to the Lang sacking. Despite the pre-season drama, Lang coached Penrith to wins over the Bulldogs and Dragons in their opening games of the season, but inconsistent form saw Penrith miss out on the top eight. Lang’s last win with the Panthers came in round 23 when they beat Cronulla 32-28 at Toyota Park, with losses to the Knights and Bulldogs to round out the season. Despite losing to Canterbury in the final home game of the season, Lang was given a fitting farewell by the fans he had brought so much joy, with a deserved lap of honour. In the Men in Black book, Lang talks about the difficulties he faced after the success of 2003.
John Lang celebrates the 2003 premiership
“We all learned a lot from John but it’s time for our organisation to change”
“In 2003 we had a great year, in 2004 a good one. You go through highs and lows. We started ‘05 not believing it was going to happen for us, but hoping it would,” he said. “Then when it wasn’t happening for us we weren’t able to put things right. We were feeling that pressure from day one.” While John Lang’s departure from the Panthers could have been handled better, he will forever be remembered as the man that brought the club its second premiership and for that, he will forever be a club legend. Thank you, John.
WW7368
END OF FINANCIAL YEAR
13
DEALS FOR THE LOCALS!
• Unique Single Passenger Cab Design • Independent Front & Adjustable Rear Suspension • Certified Roll-Over Protection Structure (ROPS) • Adjustable Seat and Steering Wheel • 3-Point Seatbelt and Protective Netting • Rear Rack Capacity - 110kg
$4,995 RUN-OUT
SA L E
extra time
$9,495
RIDE AWAY
RIDE AWAY
• 2 Wheel Drive • Liquid-cooled 299cc 4-stroke engine • Independent Front and Rear Suspension • High Radiator Placement • Integrated Sealed Front Storage & Racks • Single Lever Braking • Digital Instrumentation
FANTASTIC DEALS ON SPORTSMAN ATV & RANGER UTV FULL RANGE ON DISPLAY AT
SUTTO’S MOTORCYCLE SUPPLY
141 BLAIKIE RD, JAMISONTOWN. PH: (02) 4737 9566.
www.polarisindustries.com.au WW9830
Friday 6 June 2014 the western weekender
*Offer ends 30/6/14 or earlier if stocks run out. Only available at participating Polaris dealers. Not valid with any other offer. Excludes fleet clients.
extra time
14
PANTHERS IN PICTURES
And the fans went wild!
Josh Mansour, Tyrone Peachey and Issah Yeo celebrate a try
The Panthers sent the Eels packing last Friday night with a 38-12 thumping in front of more than 19,000 fans at Sportingbet Stadium. Our photographer Melinda Jane captured the magic moments as the Panthers marched to victory
Friday 6 June 2014 the western weekender
@wwpenrith
WW7419
3
15
extra time
1. Elijah Taylor in action against the Eels 2. The Panthers warm-up before kick-off 3. Matt Moylan looks for a gap in the defence 4. Panthers fans celebrate the win Photos: Melinda Jane
1
2
4 Mary Anne Lowery
Chiropractor
& Massage Therapy
Winter Chill All joints can be affected by degeneration and cold weather speeds this up bringing on pain and stiffness to the joints. Pain is the body’s natural warning signal to alert you that part of your body is not 100% healthy so take notice listen to your body and schedule a check up with your Chiropractor who is an expert at checking all peripheral and spinal joints and detecting any problems.
44 Castlereagh Street, Penrith Tel: 4721 2143
WW7354
www.malchiro.com.au
Friday 6 June 2014 the western weekender
Have you noticed those aches and pains creeping into your joints since the cooler weather has arrived?
WW9842