IN THE DUMPS
AT A LOSS: FOUR STRAIGHT DEFEATS HAS PENRITH PLAYERS AND FANS FEELING NERVOUS 16 PAGES OF PANTHERS COVERAGE INSIDE
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A frustrated Lindsay Smith.
Photo: NRL Photos. MITCH KENNY POSTER INSIDE
the finalword
Penrith travel to Suncorp Stadium on Thursday night with an enormous amount of pressure on their backs as they face a Dolphins side that finally got their first win of the season last weekend, and would feel the defending Premiers are ripe for the picking.
As much as last week’s 22-18 loss to the Cowboys at CommBank Stadium was disappointing, there was at least a feeling that Penrith is getting closer to their second win of the season.
But of concern again was Penrith’s inability to control the momentum of the game. It’s an art they’ve been able to perfect over the past five seasons, otherwise known as the ‘system’ that just keeps rolling along.
Right now though Penrith appears consistently vulnerable – whether it be poor defensive decisions (even from some of the side’s better players), poor reads in attack or errors at crucial periods.
This is simply not the same Penrith side that
has won four straight Premierships. And while we know that’s the case on paper, what has surprised all of us is that the mindset appears different to previous years. Something just isn’t right between the ears, and Ivan Cleary needs to fix it before the season starts to get away.
It is still early in the competition, but the Panthers will be heavily impacted during the Origin period so banking wins now is critical. Going into the sixth round of the competition in third last spot is not what anyone would have predicted, but the side must come out of this weekend in a better position – or things could start to get really concerning.
Penrith welcome back Dylan Edwards for this clash with the Dolphins, and it’ll be a welcome return – his organisational skills at the back are first class and his reliability under the high ball valuable.
The other big change this week sees Blaize Talagi handed the number six number for the first time to partner Nathan Cleary in the halves.
The Panthers have been loathed to make such a move but their hand was forced when Jack Cole was deemed a category one concussion last week – opening the door for what most feel is a much-needed switch.
Not that Cole was going all that terribly, though he’s had some moments he’d rather forget over the opening month of the competition. But Talagi will hopefully provide that spark that is missing at the moment – that boost of energy that the side so desperately needs.
The Dolphins will aim to keep it simple in this one. Run hard, tackle well, kick long. Penrith’s recent form suggests if you stick to a simple game plan long enough, you will beat them.
The danger in that of course is that if the Penrith of old suddenly rises from the ashes, you’re in trouble pretty quickly.
I’d suggest Ivan Cleary knows most of what he needs to fix moving forward.
There is no way that the Panthers are training and preparing the same way they have for the past five years and are dishing out
performances like they have in recent times. Something isn’t right. Something is out of place. Cleary may not necessarily say he has all the answers when speaking with the media, but he most likely does – it’s just how quickly he can implement the required solutions.
The Dolphins got the win they deserved against the Titans last weekend after a tough first month that hasn’t been without its disruptions. They are a decent footy side that will probably finish middle of the road this season. I think after three weeks of giving Penrith the benefit of the doubt, critics are now convinced the side can’t win the Premiership this year; and some have even suggested a Finals berth is unlikely. Sounds like the perfect time to prove some people wrong.
And you know what? When you prove people wrong, it’s best to do it in style. Watch the boys fire this week – you’ve been waiting for it, and it’s going to happen. I’ve just got one of those feelings...
Tip: Panthers by 18.
Graphic: Zoe Merrick.
panther rumblings
TRUTH BEHIND JERSEY BLUNDER
! Real story behind Yeo stuff-up: A simple post-it note blunder was the reason behind the now infamous Isaah Yeo commemorative jersey mishap last Friday. Yeo wore a specially embroided jersey acknowledging his 250th NRL game, but keen-eyed fans noticed the wording included the wrong date – March 4 instead of April 4. I can reveal that the error stems back to a club official, who wrote the wrong date on a post-it note when it was handed to an embroider, who simply followed the instructions provided. The club has taken full responsibility for the mishap, which certainly left a few red faces.
! Captain could jump ship: Talking of Isaah Yeo, I’m hearing more and more that he’s eyeing an overseas move at the end of his current contract. Yeo will be 33 when his deal expires at the end of the 2027 season and by then will likely have become the first man to play 300 games for Penrith. It’ll be an ideal time for his young family to explore the world, and there’s constant strong whispers that it’s his current desire to view opportunities in England when the time comes. It’s a long way off, but if you were planning your 2028 Penrith squad, there’s big doubts Yeo would be in it.
! Talagi not looking for exit: Despite a few rumours doing the rounds, I’m told Blaize Talagi is not looking for any sort of release from his Penrith contract. We spotted Talagi at Panthers training on Tuesday and he looked happy and content.
! Give us a fifth: The Panthers are still leaning into their Hall of Fame, with temporary signage honouring Grahame Moran, Royce Simmons, Greg Alexander and Craig Gower at CommBank Stadium home games. But the fact remains that the concept has been ignored for almost a decade. Surely the time has come for a fifth inductee?
Photo: NRL Images.
! Camo in demand: After playing such a critical role in Penrith’s success both on and off the field in recent years, it’s no surprise that Panthers Rugby League CEO Matt Cameron is becoming in hot demand on the public speaking circuit. Last week, he spoke at a business
leaders luncheon presented by the Western Sydney Business Connection at Sydney Zoo. Cameron’s presentations are always impressive – so it’s no surprise the invitations keep coming.
! Spotted: Mitch Kenny joining Nathan Cleary in Newcastle to watch Mary Fowler go around for the Matildas on Monday night.
! Spotted: Forgotten hooker Soni Luke doing a spot of grocery shopping at Westfield Penrith over the weekend.
! Brohman’s big call: Former Panther Darryl Brohman shocked listeners when he made the bold call on 2GB over the weekend that Penrith can’t win the Premiership this year. After the Panthers slumped to a fourth straight
loss on Friday night, Brohman took his big call to the airwaves on the Continuous Call Team on Saturday. He even suggested the Panthers may struggle to make the eight. Most league experts have erred on the side of caution in writing Penrith off, knowing what this champion team has done in the past. Brohman has gone hard early – he’ll either look like a genius or will have to wipe plenty of egg off his face come October.
! MG’s new podcast: Mark Geyer’s media career continues to expand. He’s now launched a new podcast, MG Life in 5ive. Joining the long list of rugby league podcasts, it’s available wherever you listen to podcasts and on YouTube. MG’s first guest on the new concept is Bryan Fletcher.
! NRL’s embarrassing Tago gaffe: The sin-binning of Izack Tago last Friday night against the Cowboys has left the NRL redfaced. The game was stopped so Tago could be sin-binned for high contact for an incident several plays earlier. When the charge sheet came out on Saturday, Tago wasn’t on it – proving it was ridiculous call from The Bunker and the referee. The NRL is desperate to avoid criticism of referees this year. If they didn’t produce howlers like this, the criticism wouldn’t exist.
! Uni partnership: The Panthers have formed a new partnership with Western Sydney University. The partnership will enhance grassroots sport, create new educational pathways, and drive initiatives that benefit the region. It will encompass key programs focused on community engagement, career development, media collaboration, and research into the broader impact of sport. It will also include strategic efforts to enhance facilities and support programs, reinforcing a shared commitment to growth and inclusion. Importantly, the deal will also see Penrith’s female pathway teams engaging with WSU’s Kingswood campus in terms of training and accommodation facilities.
KENNY CONFIDENT TIDE WILL
Penrith’s quest for a fifth straight Premiership may appear to be on life support, but injured hooker Mitch Kenny has warned against writing off the fourtime champions.
Despite four losses in a row, Kenny said it is not panic stations over at Panthers HQ, and the team are trusting in their system and know it will get them results.
“Every season is different and it’s a different story and this is the story so far that we’re going through a bit of teething,” Kenny said.
“At the moment, it feels like we’re not far away but every little mistake we’re making in game is hurting us and we are having to learn some lessons a pretty tough way.
“We just have to get back to training and trust in our processes and be confident that it’ll turn around if we keep training together.”
Kenny will sit out tonight’s clash with the Dolphins after picking up a shoulder injury against the Cowboys last week. He was originally ruled out of the game before returning to the field in a brave effort to try to get the Panthers home.
Despite topping the tackle count
each week, Kenny said the team’s defensive line has lacked some of its past resilience, letting in points they
normally would have defended.
“I feel like in times gone by we’d make a mistake and be that an error
or a penalty we’d defend that but at the moment we’re just having too many defensive lapses,” he said.
“Every time we turn the ball over or give away a penalty it seems to lead to points which is obviously something we’re not proud of and it’s something to work on for us.”
After losing fullback Dylan Edwards to a groin injury and halfback Nathan Cleary to concussion protocols in recent games, Kenny took the opportunity to step up his leadership within the team.
“It’s been a good thing for me [to get] a bit of growth in terms of my own leadership but at the moment it is just not coming back with results.” Kenny said.
“It’s been frustrating being one of the senior guys in the team and still not being able to get a win, but I think ultimately it will pay me back.”
Last Friday, the team celebrated co-captain Isaah Yeo’s 250th game for the club, something Kenny said was a major milestone for the Panther’s beloved lock.
“To play one NRL game is a feat in itself but to play 250 games for one club it’s an enormous feat,” Kenny said.
“He’s the man and we all love him dearly.”
The severity of Kenny’s shoulder injury hasn’t been revealed but it’s hoped he may be fit to play against the Roosters at Allianz Stadium next weekend.
Mitch Kenny believes Penrith need to fix up issues in defence. Photo: Melinda Jane.
PENRITH GAP YEAR? “THAT’S RUBBISH!”
Suggestions the four-peat reigning Premiers are having a ‘gap-year-type season’ have been labelled “rubbish” by one of their most popular and hardest working senior players.
Penrith’s slow start to the season has caught everyone by surprise, and it’s even resulted in pundits and supporters suggesting the side might be taking a year off both mentally and physically from the demanding weekly grind of NRL footy.
The Panthers have been nothing short of mind blowing since 2020, reaching five consecutive Grand Finals and winning four premierships along the way.
But being ‘up’ every single week for five straight seasons can take its toll, which has led to some people questioning whether the Panthers are taking things a little easy this year which has resulted in their sluggish 1-4 start.
Speaking with Extra Time Tuesday afternoon, Sorensen flat out refuted those claims and said a fifth straight title is very much on the club’s agenda.
“That’s rubbish! Very
much so. As blank as you can say it,” he said.
“Things are obviously not ideal at the moment. Everybody enjoys winning… it’s a lot more fun in the winner’s circle, but it’s just the roller coaster of rugby league.”
Sorensen, who missed last Friday’s narrow defeat to the Cowboys at CommBank Stadium, believes his side aren’t icing the oppor tunities when they are presented with them.
The 32-year-old said many lessons are being learned, which can only be a good thing moving forward.
“You can learn lessons when you’re winning and you obviously can learn lessons when you’re losing too,” Sorensen said.
“I feel we are not too far off. We could be in a lot worse of a position. We’re not getting pumped by 50 or anything like that.
“We just have to keep working hard and look to make those crucial plays. Hopefully that will help us put our best foot forward to turning the tide and getting back into the winner’s circle.”
While the Panthers have dropped four-in-arow, their average margin of defeat is only 6.5 points per game.
Sorensen, whose been there for all four of Penrith’s recent premierships, strongly believes a win isn’t too far away and it could come as early as Thursday night against the lowly Dolphins.
“Possibly… well I hope so,” he said.
“All this is a good test for everybody – the senior guys and the younger guys. We’re hoping this little bit of adversity can help us for the rest of the season.
“The big thing for us is we have to stay present. It’s really one game at a time. It’s not about losing seven-in-a-row or winning threein-a-row, it’s about what’s next. It might sound cliché but that’s our focus at the moment.”
Giving the Panthers a monumental boost towards victory tonight in Brisbane is not only the inclusion of Sorensen, who returns after week sidelined with concussion, but also the
return of Kangaroos and New South Wales Blues fullback Dylan Edwards.
The 29-year-old Clive Churchill Medallist is back in Ivan Cleary’s line-up following a nasty groin injury that he suffered in Penrith’s Round 2 loss to the Sydney Roosters.
Sorensen said Edwards wearing the number one jersey again is nothing short of “huge” for the Panthers.
“It just gives you confidence,” he said.
“Obviously, the work rate he shows. His consistency week in, week out. Being the leader in the team as well.
“I don’t know how many more wraps I need to give him.
“He’s just so hardworking, he’s so persistent, resilient. It will be nice to have him back.”
One of Edwards’ strengths is his communication skills, and his ability to get a defence in order – something Penrith’s been lacking with livewire Daine Laurie out the back.
“Dyl’s communication is another level, and that communication not only gives myself confidence but the whole team confidence,” Sorensen admitted.
“He’s also our safety net as well. If someone is breaking through, there’s no one better than Dylan back there. I’m sure he’s excited to be playing again.”
Scott Sorensen is confident Penrith can turn it around eventually. Photo: NRL Images.
Scott Sorensen chatting with journalist Nathan Taylor this week. Photo: Melinda Jane.
NATHAN TAYLOR
footy club
footy club
Missed last week’s results? Here’s a rundown of what happened in key Penrith Panthers games...
Tries: M Taulagi 2, M Vailea, J Purdue Goals: S Drinkwater 3/4
Tries: C McLean, I Tago, L Garner Goals: N Cleary 3/3
Tries: J Chan, A Tuilaepa, J Toby, S Vaivelata, T Brown Goals: H Wilson 2, M Stimson 1
Tries: A Kepaoa, S Lane, D Fale, Z Lamont Goals: Z Lamont 4/4
Tries: G Satrick, L Cesari, B Kehl, M Jenings, N Stonestreet, S Huen Goals: E Norris 3/6
Tries: S Faeamani, J Liddiard, B Moran, P Hotere-Papalii Goals: Z Clarke 1, J Liddiard 1
player of the year
BULLDOGS
WE’RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER!
with Peter Lang
If you had told me that after five rounds Penrith would be sitting in 15th position with one win and four consecutive losses, I would have laughed in your face.
Yet here we are, I say ‘we’ because as far as I’m concerned, we’re all in this together.
Supporters, players, coaching staff, the whole club. It’s just that as supporters we can’t actually do anything to help get the team out of this hole.
Except continue to support them that is.
That doesn’t mean we can’t have a constructive opinion on what’s going on, as long as it doesn’t become personal or destructive of course.
What I saw last Friday at CommBank Stadium was a team which appeared lost. They became frantic as time ticked away and scoreboard pressure was applied. At one point towards the end of the game they totally lost their composure and resembled a rabble.
Balls were being thrown behind players, over their heads, backwards, forwards, sideways.
Even the best player in the game looked rattled and bereft of ideas.
It was difficult to watch.
I think what hurt most was being scored on by a 12-man team and even worse, the Cowboys constantly found an overlap time-and-time again – with only 12 men.
So, the defence is poor, the attack has no flow and the forwards are being torn apart.
After the game coach Ivan Cleary was fairly relaxed about the whole thing, while his son looked about as cranky and disappointed as I’ve ever seen him.
That’s probably why the dynamics work.
Last thing we need is for the coach to lose his head.
There are so many things to fix, I don’t even
know where to start but I’ll make some suggestions.
For a start, Ivan needs to pick Blaize Talagi at five-eighth, there is simply no time to nurse him along anymore. The club bought him to play in that position and they have to give the kid the opportunity to do so.
It’s now or never. And it appears to be now, given Talagi was named in the number six jumper on Tuesday.
The coaching staff can’t be afraid to drop players who aren’t playing well, no matter how senior they are or how many first grade games they’ve played. No one’s position should be safe.
Anyway that’s it for me, I’m going to leave the rest of the job up to the professionals.
A lot of fans are saying they’re OK with how the season is going because the club has had a wonderful run over the last five years.
Not me, I’m not happy to give up and rest on what the team has achieved, I want more and I’m guessing the players do too.
To a man, they all want to win and keep winning. I’m sure none of them signed up for a ‘gap year’.
If you thought winning four titles in a row was hard, something tells me getting the season back on track after four-consecutive losses will be no picnic either.
But if anyone can do it, Ivan can. This club can. There’s a wonderful expression that really resonates with me and I applied it to the current Panthers plight.
‘Life begins when you get back up!’
Right now, Penrith are on their knees, but I know they’ll fight hard, rise and get back up again. Now as supporters, let’s be careful not to push them back down.
Nathan Cleary heads over to supporters at CommBank Stadium last week. Photo: NRL Photos.
PANTHERS DRAGONS BRONCOS SHARKS
PANTHERS TITANS
KNIGHTS
PANTHERS DRAGONS BRONCOS SHARKS RABBITOHS RAIDERS STORM KNIGHTS
PANTHERS DRAGONS BRONCOS SHARKS RABBITOHS RAIDERS STORM KNIGHTS
PANTHERS TITANS ROOSTERS SEA EAGLES COWBOYS RAIDERS WARRIORS TIGERS
PANTHERS DRAGONS BRONCOS SHARKS RABBITOHS RAIDERS STORM KNIGHTS
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DOLPHINS DRAGONS BRONCOS SEA EAGLES COWBOYS RAIDERS STORM TIGERS
PANTHERS TITANS ROOSTERS SEA EAGLES COWBOYS RAIDERS WARRIORS TIGERS
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SEA EAGLES RABBITOHS RAIDERS
TIGERS
PANTHERS DRAGONS BRONCOS SHARKS RABBITOHS RAIDERS STORM TIGERS
PANTHERS TITANS BRONCOS SHARKS RABBITOHS RAIDERS STORM TIGERS
PANTHERS DRAGONS BRONCOS SHARKS COWBOYS EELS STORM TIGERS
PANTHERS DRAGONS BRONCOS SHARKS RABBITOHS RAIDERS STORM KNIGHTS
PANTHERS TITANS ROOSTERS SEA EAGLES COWBOYS RAIDERS WARRIORS TIGERS
PANTHERS TITANS ROOSTERS SEA EAGLES COWBOYS RAIDERS WARRIORS TIGERS
PANTHERS DRAGONS BRONCOS SHARKS RABBITOHS RAIDERS STORM KNIGHTS
PANTHERS DRAGONS BRONCOS SHARKS RABBITOHS RAIDERS STORM KNIGHTS
PANTHERS TITANS BRONCOS SHARKS COWBOYS RAIDERS STORM TIGERS
PANTHERS TITANS ROOSTERS SEA EAGLES COWBOYS RAIDERS WARRIORS TIGERS
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