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PENRITH FACE THE ROOSTERS THIS WEEKEND IN WHAT’S BECOME A DO-OR-DIE CLASH MATCH PREVIEW: PAGES 28-29

Panthers coach Ivan Cleary.

match preview

In an ideal world, Panthers coach Ivan Cleary would send his players off for four or five days, get them to recharge the batteries and try to start the season all over again when they return.

But this year’s schedule doesn’t offer that opportunity. While the players would have been given a few days off following last Thursday’s loss to the Dolphins, they face consecutive Saturday night matches over the holiday period before a trip to Brisbane for Magic Round the following Sunday. Then it’s straight to Townsville before they finally get a Round 11 bye.

That bye probably can’t come quick enough. By then however we’ll have a pretty fair idea of how this season is going to pan out. While the prospect of raising the trophy on the first Sunday of October isn’t completely written off just yet, just making the Finals now would appear to be the mission.

The Panthers must recover from one of their

worst starts in a long time if they are to be playing football deep into September. Get there and you’d be very brave to suggest they couldn’t string quality performances together to get to the big dance. But let’s just focus on finding a win first.

Penrith’s performance against the Dolphins last Thursday night was comical at times, though not all that different to the way the side has played for the bulk of this season so far.

Passes going to ground that in previous years would have stuck. Quality experienced players with poor defensive reads. Rising stars without that Penrith headspace. The list goes on.

The Roosters have already beaten Penrith this year and are coming off a terrific win over the Broncos that has been overshadowed by the spat between Johnathan Thurston and Spencer Leniu.

Trent Robinson’s side was tipped to struggle this year and while they’re unlikely to be there

when the whips are cracking, there’s no question they have the firepower to score points and stay with sides for the full 80 minutes.

Penrith’s terrible defence at the moment leaves them vulnerable no matter who they are playing. In fact I doubt any side would have lost to the Panthers last Thursday, which says something about where they are at presently.

Often when sides lose five matches in a row you start to get the feeling the tide will turn and a win is just around the corner. It doesn’t feel like that for the Panthers at the moment.

There’s real question marks over exactly what Cleary should do with the five-eighth role moving forward, especially after Blaize Talagi’s less than impressive run in the six jumper last Thursday. Talagi has retained the spot for this Saturday, but needs a far better performance than what we saw last week.

The return of Mitch Kenny on Saturday night will be a welcome boost. Not only is he one of

the toughest hookers in the game, but we saw on the recent Fox Sports ‘mic’d up’ special from Las Vegas just how much talking he does and the leadership he brings to the team.

The major surprise this week was the dropping of Izack Tago to the interchange bench, with Luke Garner coming into the centres.

Exactly what role Tago ends up playing, if any at all, probably won’t be known until an hour before kick-off, but it was an interesting move by Cleary to show reputation doesn’t make you safe.

I have no idea how this one is going to unfold. Penrith have let me down every week after I’d argued that they couldn’t possibly be as bad as the week before. I do get the feeling there will be an improved effort this week, but defence will be critical against a Roosters side surprising many at the moment. Tighten that up and the Panthers may just get a crucial two points.

Tip: Panthers by 4.

TROY DODDS SATURDAY, APRIL 19 | 7.35PM | ALLIANZ STADIUM | REFEREE: GERARD SUTTON | BUNKER: WYATT RAYMOND

Brought

Graphic by Kacey Wilson.

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GALVIN LINK NOT FAR-FETCHED

! Panthers rule out Galvin poach: Penrith is little chance of getting one back on the Wests Tigers, with the club not even considering entering the race for Lachlan Galvin – at least not yet. The superstar teenager is leaving the Tigers at the end of 2026, sparking a frenzy over where he’ll land in 2027 and beyond. De spite Penrith’s uncertainty over the five-eighth position, coach Ivan Cleary categorically ruled out chasing Galvin. And that makes sense –however, while Penrith likely would struggle to find the cap space in 2027, things free up significantly in 2028 and beyond. I guess you never say never? And let’s not forget the salary cap is a moving beast, especially after a not-so-successful season...

! Cleary’s ‘I told you so moment’: Speak ing of Penrith’s five-eighth conundrum, Blaize Talagi’s less than impressive outing in the number six number against the Dolphins last week only reinforced why Ivan Cleary coaches the team, and not people sitting on the couch at home with an Internet connection. Cleary has been adamant for some time that Talagi is not ready to permanently play alongside Nathan Cleary just yet, and he was proven right last week. Talagi will get there, but there’s plenty of work to do. Cleary all but said ‘I told you so’ in the press conference last week but did his best to bite his tongue. Talagi has retained his position for Saturday’s clash with the Roosters, but we’ll need to see some pretty strong improvement

! Spotted: Cowboys legend Johnathan Thurston attempting to kick a goal from close to the sideline prior to kick-off in the Panthers v Dolphins clash last Thursday night. 24 hours later JT was involved in that now infamous blow-up with former Penrith forward Spencer Leniu.

! Spotted: Panthers CEO Matt Cameron and former Chairman Dave O’Neill deep in conversation at a lower grades match last weekend.

! Bentley honoured: 1991 Grand Final hero Col Bentley (pictured below) has been named as an Honorary Life Member of Panthers. Bentley played 114 games for the Panthers, and had a number of off-field roles in the years following his retirement.

! Spotted: Former Panther Viliame Kikau grabbing a bite to eat at El Jannah in Penrith last Thursday.

! Best foot forward: Oxen has joined Panthers as the club’s official footwear partner. The international company will provide boots for the club’s junior players, kicking off a new partnership.

! Panthers podcast: Just a reminder that The Western Weekender produces a weekly Penrith Panthers podcast. ‘Tension’s Running High’ hosted by Troy Dodds and Nathan Taylor lands with new episodes every Wednesday. Just search Western Weekender wherever you listen to podcasts, or visit www.westernweekender.com.au/podcast.

Spotted: Panthers legend Greg Alexander arriving at the Panthers Rugby League Academy on Tuesday afternoon.

Lachlan Galvin is leaving the Wests Tigers. Photo: NRL Photos.

footy club

GARNER CONFIDENT TIDE WILL TURN

In a bid to strengthen Penrith’s leaky edge defence, Ivan Cleary has called upon Luke Garner to replace the struggling Izack Tago ahead of the Panthers’ do-or-die clash with the Sydney Roosters this Saturday night.

Following some lacklustre performances in recent weeks, coach Cleary has promoted Garner to the centres, while Tago has been named in jumper 17 for the first time in his NRL career.

Whether Tago plays on Saturday or not is anyone’s guess, but it’s the first sign that Cleary is willing to bench – or even potentially dump –one of his premiership winners in order to find some success.

Garner said he’s confident the Panthers can turn around their embarrassing 1-5 start to the season.

“We will, of course! We can’t just win one game all year,” he declared.

“It’s fine, man. It is what it is. We haven’t been playing as well as we would like but there have been good moments in some games but we’re not stringing enough good moments together that will get us the win.

“It’s still early in the year, but we’re confident we can turn things around.”

The 29-year-old Queenslander hasn’t experienced a season like the four-time defending Premiers are currently having since he was a member of wooden spooners the Wests Tigers back in 2022.

Garner said it’s a little strange to be hovering at the bottom of the table again, but he stresses that it is still early days.

“It’s very different from my situation at the Tigers. Obviously here we’re expected to go a little bit better than we currently are, but everyone is still super confident that we’ve got the team [to do it],” he said.

“Obviously, we’ve had a few changes, and a few people have left, but that’s been the case over the last how many years? We’re confident in all our teammates that we can do a job and we’re working hard in the background to get those results.”

While many Panthers fans have been

struggling to cope with the sudden turn of events, the players are feeling the pressure as well.

Garner said he tries to do his best to move on from a loss as quickly as possible.

“When you win, you go home pretty happy and you get on with your life, but when you’re losing it can be a little bit different depending on how the loss goes – you’re thinking about it a little bit more,” he admitted.

“I try my best to not let it affect me too much because honestly I’d just be wasting my time. There’s nothing I can do on my days off to fix what has happened. You must move on as quickly as you can because it’s not going to

him the support he needs when he arrives home from a tough day at the office is his new wife Ashley, who has been with the 110-game veteran through thick and thin.

“My wife is unreal! She was with me when I was at the Tigers, so it’s a bit of déjà vu for her – me coming home not too happy after a game – but she’s super supportive and she’s always there after the games to say hello,” Garner said.

“Ash is the first one to pick me up after a loss and she definitely makes it easier for me. If I was going home to an empty house, I don’t even want to think of the type of head space I’d be in. I’m grateful I’ve got her by my side.”

Luke Garner (centre) during Penrith’s most recent loss to the Dolphins. Photo: NRL Photos.

NATHAN TAYLOR

FUN THE KEY TO PANTHER REVIVAL

NATHAN TAYLOR

Feeling refreshed after a few weeks off recovering from a niggling groin injury, superstar Panthers fullback Dylan Edwards is looking forward to hitting the field this weekend and having some fun with his teammates.

Despite their slow start to the 2025 season, senior players at Penrith, like Edwards, know that the simplest way to getting back on track is to strip it all back and discover that love for the game again.

“We need to take the lessons that we’ve learned over the last few weeks and just go out there and have fun! Enjoy playing together, getting around each other,” Edwards told Extra Time on Tuesday.

The 29-year-old’s words are exactly what you’d expect to hear from someone who’s seen it all in the game. From the highs of the last five years to the lows of devastating injuries and being dropped due to poor form, Edwards has well and truly ridden the rugby league rollercoaster.

But it’s how he picks himself up from adversity that’s really impressive.

Not one to go into too much detail about his

private life, Edwards was refreshingly open and honest when asked how he separates his struggles at work with his life at home.

“I’m a bit older now and I’m reasonably good at separating what goes on at training and trying not to take it home with me,” he said.

“I’m fortunate enough to be surrounded by a beautiful wife and beautiful kids, so that definitely helps take your mind away from rugby league.”

Edwards’ wife Nadine – who he married in Byron Bay late last year – has been with the representative fullback through all the glory and the misery that footy can bring.

The 2022 Clive Churchill Medallist said he’s lucky to have her by his side.

“She’s always open for a chat,” Edwards said.

“She always encourages me to talk to her about things because I’m pretty reserved and I don’t mind keeping it to myself.”

But it’s his two daughters that also help put things in perspective for the man known as “King Dyl”.

When he’s not winning premierships for the Panthers or scoring tries for the Blues, you’ll often find him being a typical Penrith Dad –taking his kids to sport on weekends.

“I haven’t played golf for a while, so it’s just Dad life for me now,” he admitted.

“Wintertime is soccer and summertime is

athletics. I try and help out with their sports when I can, but ultimately, I’m there to support them and cheer them on.

“They’re both at school now, so I’ve got to find something to do during the day, but there’s always more than just footy in my life.”

Panthers coach Ivan Cleary said it’s important his players switch off from rugby league especially during the tough times.

“Every player has their own way of processing things,” he told Extra Time

“Certainly when you’re in this sort of position, it probably hangs a bit heavier than usual but we do a lot of work on their mental skills and it is important they enjoy their life outside of

footy whether it’s good or bad, really. Hopefully they’ve all been doing that.”

While Edwards certainly likes to switch off, sometimes he can’t help but get caught up in the fandom of rugby league and you’ll often find him watching games at home in his spare time.

“I enjoy watching the footy! I enjoy the game and watching other teams going around,” he revealed.

“Throughout the years, you see boys leave and go to other teams and I enjoy following them as well.

“I probably watch and try and pick up little things. I’m not just mindlessly watching.”

Dylan Edwards in his comeback game last week. Photo: NRL Images.

Tries: H Tabuai-Fidow 3, J Averillo, C Lemuelu Goals: J Isaako 5/5

Tries: C McLean, M Leota Goals: N Cleary 2/2

Tries: D Fale 3, A Kepaoa 2, D Laurie 2, L Patea, R Wake, J McLean Goals: Z Lamont 6, T Toelau 2

Tries: H Armstrong 2, H Lemoto 2, A Leilua, J Liddiard, N Murphy, J Tuaoi Goals: J Liddiard 7/8

1/3

COWBOYS

panther memories

The Penrith Pantherettes have had many different looks over the years. As one of the game’s longest serving and surviving cheer squads, the Pantherettes have shaken up their uniforms many times.

These photos are from the 2004 season – 21 years ago.

The look has changed but one thing hasn’t: a passion for the mighty Panthers.

The Pantherettes remain a mainstay of Penrith Panthers home games, both at Penrith Stadium and now CommBank Stadium.

QUARTER SEASON REPORT CARD analysis

lang on league

with Peter Lang

Unfortunately, this report card is going to be difficult to read for Penrith supporters. Let me tell you it was no fun writing it either. While I’m going to be as fair as I possibly can the Panthers haven’t given me much to work with so far in 2025.

I can only hope that future report cards improve in every area.

Alright here we go.

Attack: Incredibly this is the best statistic despite the side’s lacklustre start to the season. Even with five-different halves combinations and a spine which has only been full strength once, somehow Penrith have managed to score 132 points and have the ninth best attack. It looked good in round one and at times has really clicked.

Close to the opposition line however it is woeful. There’s too much sideways ball movement, frantic attack, bad passes but from long range it looks dangerous at times.

GRADE: C

Defence: This year Penrith has leaked 170 points which is the 16th worst in the competition. Averaging 24.2 points a game you’re not going to win too many matches when your attack averages only 18.8. The idea is to score more than you let in. It regularly gets torn apart on the

edges, players are shooting out of the line leaving holes while there is simply no resilience on the goal line when an opposition side is attacking 20 metres out. It’s honestly sad to watch this defence crumble like tissue paper every time it’s tested for more than five tackles.

GRADE: F

Player performances: Senior players like Isaah Yeo, Nathan Cleary, Liam Martin and Moses Leota are all putting in and trying as hard as they can and at times, they look good. However, it’s obvious that they’re struggling to match their performances of the last five seasons and often look gassed by the end of the match.

Mitch Kenny is tough and tries

PENRITHNEWS.AU

hard while Paul Alamoti and Thomas Jenkins are punching above their weight from the back.

GRADE: C-

Who needs to lift: Basically, every player has to lift, even the ones who are playing well. If I must single out a couple of players then experienced campaigners like Izack Tago, Isaiah Papali’I and Lindsay Smith can all play better than they have. Tago in the centres has been particularly poor with his defensive reads while Papali’l is making little impact as a starting prop.

Players to watch: Jesse McLean and Luron Patea have to get a start in first grade and soon. They could provide the spark in the backs

and forwards the side desperately needs.

Coaching: If anyone can save the situation – Ivan Cleary can. Put simply, Ivan has to dive deep into his bag of tricks and call upon all his experience to lift the team from its current form slump.

Asked post-match after the loss to the Dolphins whether the side could salvage their season after such a poor start.

“Of course we can,” he said. “I have faith in the boys, faith in the team and the club.

“It looks like doom and gloom, but it can change quickly as well.” And it needs too.

OVERALL GRADE: D

The Panthers continue to struggle. Photo: NRL Photos.

EELS

SEA EAGLES BULLDOGS

DRAGONS RABBITOHS

SEA EAGLES BULLDOGS

BRONCOS

TIGERS

RAIDERS SHARKS TIGERS

SEA EAGLES BULLDOGS STORM WARRIORS ROOSTERS TITANS KNIGHTS TIGERS

SEA EAGLES BULLDOGS

TIGERS

SHARKS TIGERS

TIGERS

BULLDOGS

DRAGONS

SEA EAGLES BULLDOGS

DRAGONS RABBITOHS

SEA EAGLES BULLDOGS

DRAGONS RABBITOHS

SEA EAGLES BULLDOGS

TIGERS

MAGIC SHOW’S WOW FACTOR

Prepare to be amazed as illusionist Apollo Jackson steps forth to push the boundaries of reality and distort your senses as part of Anthony Street’s ‘Spellbound’.

This incredible night of magic and grand illusion was inadvertently born when Spellbound founder Anthony Street was eight-years-old at a carnival and saw a magician for the first time.

“I went there with my granddad because he was a performer, and he was setting up to do a performance,” Street reminisced.

“While he was setting up, I went walking around the carnival and came across the magician – and that was where my hook on magic began.

“Then Santa Claus bought me my first magic kit and I started performing magic for my friends and family.”

That magician left an impression on the young aspiring superhero, who now performs the very same trick as part of his show.

“He had this trick where he had three different lengths of rope – and this sounds so lame – but he magically stretched them to be the same length,” Street explained.

“Seeing him do this thing that appeared to be impossible is what grabbed me; having this ability to do something that wows people is what grabbed me.”

Now 41, the passion remains, and Street has toured professionally as an illusionist nationally and internationally for almost 12 years.

“When I see the looks on their faces or I hear the gasp, it’s unbelievable – that’s the magic to me,” Street stated.

HUNGRY?

“To the audience it’s the trick, for me it’s the effect it has on people. A sport can impress people, but magic, when someone’s brain can’t comprehend it, that is priceless.”

The illusionist remembered a time when an elderly man approached him after a show and said that he felt like a child again.

“You’re getting these unbelievable unique feelings that people are experiencing, and what other job does that? It’s incredible!” Street exclaimed.

The show involves comedy and a lot of audience participation.

“You’ve got small magic, grand illusion magic; there’s a magic trick that I do with the entire audience that happens in everyone’s hands,” Street explained.

“There’s such a huge variety in the show for old, young, male, female – there’s something for everyone.”

And he has faith that Apollo Jackson will fill his shoes perfectly at Panthers.

“I’m taking a step back from touring fulltime and I’ve got a new guy joining the show,” Street said.

“He’s known from ‘Australia’s Got Talent’ and ‘The Bachelor’.”

The Gold Coast local shares Street’s love for magic.

“This show is a whole brand-new experience for him because every magician wants to tour and perform in their own show,” Street said.

“He’s stepping into a production that exists, much like a musical performer stepping into Wicked or Moulin Rouge.”

The show is on April 25 at the EVAN Theatre and tickets range from $59.90 to $69.90. Find out more online at https://penrith. panthers.com.au/event/spellbound-anight-of-magic-grand-illusion.

ALLY HALL