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THE FINAL WORD
In the 34th minute of Penrith’s win over Melbourne last Friday, a stock standard left side play on the last tackle appeared to go awry when Blaize Talagi was caught with the ball and didn’t have time to get a kick away.
He somehow got the ball free, rushed it to Isaiah Papali’i and then stayed alive, regrouped and got the ball again – getting things moving on the left again and nearly setting up a Dylan Edwards try.
It ensured Penrith maintained possession and pressure at a time the Storm would have been desperate to claw some field position back.
It is plays like this that are all the difference at the moment for Penrith. Up 20-6 at the time
and with half-time not too far away, Talagi had every excuse to just put it down to an unlucky moment and move on.
But he refused to do so – he squeezed the lemon dry on the play and refused to let it fizzle.
As much as we’ll look at Brian To’o’s spectacular leap or Scott Sorensen’s wild flick pass as some of the highlights of the trouncing of Melbourne, it was moments like that from Talagi that are actually putting Penrith head and shoulders above every other team in the competition at the moment.
Talagi has been one of the quiet achievers for Penrith this year. In a team that Nathan Cleary steers around the park, Talagi has not necessarily been talked about as one of the key cogs in the wheel but after a settling in period last year has well and truly found his place in the team now.
After five rounds, there is no question the
Panthers are the best team in the competition.
There is a long way to go, no doubt, and nobody would be counting their chickens before they’re hatched just yet.
But there is every indication this 2026 Penrith side has the chance to be the best of the bunch in terms of the last half dozen or so years – and that’s saying something given there is four Premierships in the mix there.
And the scary thing is, the Panthers don’t believe they have hit their ceiling yet.
Ivan Cleary said as much in his post-match press conference last Friday night, convinced the side can still get better.
Isaah Yeo mentioned in an interview that the side was still chasing a complete 80 minute performance.
It really does put the rest of the competition on notice if Penrith’s blistering start to the season still hasn’t satisfied them.
And it certainly makes Thursday night’s clash between Canterbury and Penrith one that the Bulldogs probably aren’t looking forward to.
With Stephen Crichton injured and a couple of losses in recent weeks, the last thing the Bulldogs need at the moment is to come up against a rampant Penrith that is conquering everything before it.
If Penrith put 50 on a Melbourne side that completed at over 90 per cent last Friday, imagine what they would do if Canterbury repeated the 61 per cent completion rate they produced against the Rabbitohs?
I’m not necessarily expecting the Panthers to put on another cricket score here. Often when scorelines like that are anticipated, they fail to eventuate. But this should be another comfortable win for the top-of-the-table Panthers –they just have too much in-form class. Tip: Panthers by 20.
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FEATURE Plaudits aplenty for star skipper
Former Penrith Panthers five-eighth Jarome Luai has paid tribute to his ex-halves partner and good friend Nathan Cleary ahead of his 200th NRL game.
In an exclusive interview with Extra Time this week, the current Wests Tigers skipper said playing with Cleary for seven NRL seasons, as well as many years at junior level, is a period in his life that he still cherishes.
“It’s been a blessing for me to have played so many games alongside Clez,” Luai said on Tuesday evening.
“Everyone will remember the games on the big stage but, for me, the ones that I’ll really remember are the ones that came before.”
Across all senior levels of the game, Cleary and Luai played 128 games together for a win percentage of 80 per cent. And when they teamed up in first grade and went on a mesmerising four-title run, the duo were statistically the greatest halves pairing in rugby league history, with a staggering win percentage of 87.6 per cent.
Luai said Cleary’s success in the game, which sees him currently lead the race for this year’s Dally M Medal, can be put down to both his “character and work ethic”.
“His commitment to his team and the game is contagious and his success has been a byproduct of his character and work ethic,” Luai said.
“It’s been an awesome start to the year for the Panthers and I’m sure they’ll get the job done for their skipper. Happy 200th, always love to my bro.”
Fellow four-time Premiership winner Moses Leota also spoke very highly of his superstar
halfback at the Panthers Academy on Tuesday afternoon.
Leota and Cleary have quite a unique connection, with the pair making their NRL debuts in 2016 just one week apart from each other.
“I don’t really remember too much from back then, but I do know that I debuted a week after him,” Leota told Extra Time
“Clez has been part of my journey since the start, so it’s been good to have him on this ride.”
While the two debuted in first grade at the same time under former coach Anthony Griffin, Cleary did it at just 18-years-old while Leota was nearly 21.
“His commitment to his team and the game is contagious”
“I always knew he was a talent coming through the grades. He’s two years younger than me but played in my age group, so that says a lot about his talent,” Leota said.
“He went on to play Australian Schoolboys and debuted at 18, which goes to show how much talent he had. The club knew what he was destined for.”
Leota said his favourite memory with Cleary across 199 NRL games was when the two-time Clive Churchill Medallist passed him the ball, which led to a try during the incredible 2023
he does in attack and defence.
“He’s a great leader and he gives us confidence when he’s playing,” Leota said.
“Everything comes off him and when we’re doing our job, it sort of gives him the freedom to do his. He always makes the right pass or the right kick – he’s a talent.”
The Panthers will be looking to give Cleary a win for his milestone match on Thursday night when they take on the struggling Canterbury Bulldogs at Accor Stadium.
The competition leaders
brimming with confidence heading into the clash after thrashing Melbourne 50-10 on Good Friday.
“I was talking to one of the boys and I was like, ‘Bro, whenever we do verse Melbourne it’s a tit-for-tat game’. They’ve won the last two against us and for us to then put 50 on them was a shock, but it was good at the same time,” Leota smiled.
“We’re all enjoying each other’s company and obviously we’re playing well.
“We restart every week and it’s always a new opponent, so we’ve just got to stay on top of our keep doing what we do best.”
And that’s winning…
Grand Final comeback. The representative prop said he could literally talk all day about how much he admires Cleary and everything that
“A blessing”: Jarome Luai has praised Nathan Cleary. Photo: NRL Photos.
Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai. Photo: NRL Photos.
Moses Leota has paid tribute to Nathan Cleary. Photo: Melinda Jane.
FEATURE
Talagi learns from the best
Panthers five-eighth Blaize Talagi still pinches himself every week that he gets to play alongside one of the best halves in the history of the game, Nathan Cleary.
On the eve of Cleary’s 200th NRL game this Thursday night, 21-year-old Talagi said getting the opportunity to play with the four-time premiership winner was one of the big reasons he decided to switch from the Eels to the Panthers last season.
“Yeah for sure! Him and the other leaders in the team were definitely one of the main reasons I made the switch,” he told Extra Time
“Knowing those boys can lead the way and sort of take pressure off myself was definitely a big factor.”
Talagi and Cleary haven’t even played 30 games together yet, but they are already one of the most formidable halves combinations in the NRL.
The Samoan international said playing with Cleary is always “such a cool experience”.
“Only a few years ago I was watching him on the big screen and now I play alongside him –it’s awesome!” Talagi said.
“Just watching him, seeing what he does, learning from him on and off the field. I’m just
really grateful to share the field with him.”
Cleary is famous for his meticulous preparation in the lead up to matches, with Talagi revealing that’s the one big lesson that he’s taken from being around the champion halfback these past 18 months.
“There’s not too many things people don’t know about him, but one thing that stands out for me being around him is the way he preps and how detailed he is,” Talagi said.
“I know everyone says it but he really does do it. He’s always the last one to come off the field and he’s just so detailed in everything he does.”
Cleary and Talagi will be hoping to combine for their sixth straight win of the season when the Panthers battle the Canterbury Bulldogs at Accor Stadium tonight.
Penrith currently lead the competition after five rounds, with their latest win coming against Melbourne last Friday night 50-10.
“It definitely wasn’t easy,” Talagi said of the 40-point blowout.
“I feel like everything we did was working out there and it was a really good feeling.
“The start of the season we were a bit scrappy, but I feel like each week we looked at things we needed to work on and have improved, so we want to keep that going.”
A win over the Bulldogs on Thursday will be another big scalp for Penrith, even with former Panthers Grand Final hero Stephen Crichton
missing for the home side due to a serious shoulder injury.
“The Doggies are a very good team no matter what situation they’re in,” Talagi said.
“It’s the NRL, you should never take any team lightly. So we’ll be resetting, not thinking about any of the previous games and taking them on
Five-eighth Blaize Talagi loves playing alongside Nathan Cleary. Photo: Melinda Jane.
NATHAN TAYLOR
Champion backs champions
Cleary cheers home Kings: Four-time Premiership-winning Penrith halfback Nathan Cleary was in the ‘Kingdome’ to watch the Sydney Kings claim the NBL championship at Qudos Bank Arena last Sunday. Adelaide looked to have the series-deciding match sewn up before the Kings launched a huge comeback and won the game in overtime.
Spotted: Former Panthers forward Sam McKendry with his family at the Sydney Royal Easter Show.
Special tribute: Well done to the family and friends of Panthers fan Leanne McMeniman, who sadly passed away aged 47 on February 21 following a medical episode. Leanne was an absolute Panthers tragic, so her support crew turned up at the Panthers v Eels game last month with cardboard cut-outs featuring her face. Our thoughts are with Leanne’s partner Steven Fitzgibbon and her children. We’re sure Leanne is still telling the ref to get ‘em on side.
Stadium. While Mansour was only a fill-in this time around, I believe he’s also locked in for the duties again later in the season.
PNG Panther raid? Reports last weekend suggested that both Liam Martin and Mitch Kenny may test the market after November 1, amid rumours that the PNG Chiefs will launch a huge bid to lure both of them to the new NRL franchise from 2028. Both Martin and Kenny are off-contract at the end of the 2027 season. While both Martin and Kenny have been sensational servants for the Panthers, don’t be surprised if the club doesn’t put up the greatest of fights to keep them. Both will be well into the second half of their careers at that point, and I’d be surprised if Penrith had plans for any huge offers – at least not the size of which they’ll attract from elsewhere.
Spotted: Former Panther Reagan Campbell-Gillard, who has picked up a contract at the London Broncos this year in the Super League, doing some sight-seeing in Paris.
Saying Hello: It was interesting to see advertising for Helloworld Stadium, the name for the new Penrith Stadium, being promoted heavily at the Good Friday clash between the Rabbitohs and Bulldogs at Accor Stadium last week. Venues NSW is clearly working very hard to make the new stadium feel like part of its wider network.
Gambling hit incoming: The Federal Govern
Music legend Marcia Hines watching the Panthers demolish the Storm last Friday night. She headed to the team sheds after the game, catching up with Panthers coach Ivan
Proud moment for Kikau: Panthers Premiership winner Viliame Kikau has become an Australian citizen. He attended a citizenship ceremony in Penrith last week.
Nathan Cleary cheers on the Kings.
PANTHERS POSTER
Let’s sign Casey McLean for life!
Casey McLean doesn’t turn 20 until April 24 but already he has shown enough to suggest he is a generational player who deserves to be signed to a 10-year contract to play for the Panthers.
He should never be allowed to play for any other NRL team – ever.
This kid is good. I mean he’s really good. The club knows it and I’ve heard are keen to extend his current contract beyond 2028.
Not a 10 year-contract like I’m suggesting but Penrith supporters can relax in the knowledge that the club has no plans to let Casey McLean go anytime soon.
In fact in the next few years he could well end up as the number one centre in the game.
This year McLean has gone up yet another level in class. He’s almost unstoppable and his footwork, balance and turn of speed makes him difficult to tackle.
The fact that he’s even being mentioned as a possible New South Wales Blues bolter for this year’s State of Origin series is mind-boggling and it’s mind-boggling only because it could actually happen if
Ball (Under 19) and went straight into Jersey Flegg (Under 21).
Then on May 2 just 10 days after he turned 18 he was elevated to NSW Cup to play with the big boys. 59 days after his NSW Cup debut he made his first
Cleary brings up a double century
What an absolute pleasure it’s been to watch one of the greatest halfbacks the rugby league world has ever seen play for Penrith over the last 10 years.
grade debut on June 30 against the North Queensland Cowboys.
I’ve heard for years now how McLean is tracking better than Stephen Crichton was in this early part of his career in terms of mass, speed, body size and skill.
This week he brings up his 200th first grade game for the Panthers. Nathan Cleary or ‘Clez’ as he’s also affectionately known, could have reached this milestone even quicker if it weren’t for a couple of serious injuries over the last couple
What more can I say about a player who is already being touted as a future immortal except that
this is Nathan Cleary’s world and we’re just lucky to be living in it. Who knows what is next for Nathan Cleary, but no matter what happens in the future, we can’t deny what he and his family have contributed to the Penrith Panthers already.
Panthers lower grades stand tall
It was amazing to not only see Penrith win in first grade but also all the grades under it last weekend.
The Harold Matthews (Under 17) side is currently sitting second on the ladder and has only lost one game, SG Ball (Under 19) has lost two games while Jersey Flegg (Under 21) is coming first and has also not lost a game while the NSW Cup side is fifth and has also lost only one game.
The Panthers did a complete overhaul of their ‘pathways system’ at the end of last season changing many of the coaching staff and going to market for the first time in years to bring in players from outside the system to help with the rebuild.
Well, take a bow everyone involved in that decision, because the restructuring of the Panthers pathways system has worked out perfectly.
Casey McLean is one of Penrith’s best prospects. Photo: NRL Photos.
with Peter Lang Lang on League
BEHIND THE GAME
Country kid never far from home
Achance to be a professional athlete is all Jack Cole dreamed of as a kid growing up in the country, now he is a top 30 player for the Penrith Panthers, and he vows to not throw away his shot.
Cole credits his parents – and partner – as the people who have supported him the most, saying they gave him every opportunity to make his dream come true.
“It’s definitely my mum and dad, they’ve helped me out a lot in driving down because I’m from Orange originally, so they’ve driven me down my whole junior career and helped me move down here and continue to come down and watch me play so I would definitely say them,” Cole said.
“But my partner as well, that’s who I live with at the moment, and she’s been massive as well.”
Even a rising Panthers star like Cole
isn’t immune to sibling rivalry with his parents having to, at times, choose between their two children’s games.
“They both try to come to all the games that they can, but my sister plays a bit of sport too so sometimes it gets a bit harder and maybe one of them will come,” Cole laughed.
“They both try to when they can.”
Cole is a country kid at heart, having grown up in Orange, and the privilege he has of being a professional athlete isn’t lost on him.
“That’s where I grew up, went to school, and all my mates are from there too and I know a few mates would have wanted to pursue footy, I probably wouldn’t say couldn’t, but didn’t,” he said.
“So, I think it’s cool to represent them as well. It’s good for some young kids coming through to see that kids from the country can make it up here as well – I like thinking of it that way.”
This writer is sure Cole’s friends and family are proud of the career he has carved out for himself.
with Emily Chate
Quick Questions
Coffee order: Iced butterscotch latte from High Street Depot
Cheat meal: Quarter pounder meal with a chocolate thick shake and nuggets on the side
Favourite movie: ‘Law Abiding Citizen’
Favourite musician: Olivia Dean and Sam Fender
Who did you support growing up: Roosters
Pet peeve: People who chew loudly
Favourite streaming service: Netflix
Jack Cole. Photo: Melinda Jane.
THEY SAID IT...
“I don’t think they will go undefeated. Somewhere along the line someone will beat them. But it’s going to be a hell of a game to beat the Panthers.”
“We’re actually getting better. Things are clicking for us at the moment.”
“It’s hard to see anyone coming close to Penrith.”
“It’s entirely possible that the closest NRL team to challenge Penrith this year is the one they put 50 points on the other night.”
ABC Sport’s Brett Sprigg
“If you’re picking a State of Origin team tomorrow, Penrith would have nine players in it. Casey McLean is the form centre of the comp. He’s in!”
“Liam Martin has real interest in playing for the Chiefs. Another big danger for Penrith could be the Roosters when it comes to Martin.”
Danny Weidler in The
“Nathan Cleary is only just getting into his best years as a half. He’s so comfortable and aware.”
“How they’ve started the year... they have been very impressive, especially in defence. They’re certainly an impressive bunch.”
Paul Kent
Mark Geyer on 2GB
Denan Kemp on SEN 1170
Sun-Herald
Luke Keary
Storm coach Craig Bellamy
Panthers coach Ivan Cleary
Tries: T Jenkins 2, L Martin, B To’o, N Cleary, F Lussick, C McLean, D Edwards, L Garner Goals: N Cleary 7/9
Tries: S Fonua 2, J Edgar, K Falls, J Lidiard, E El-Zakhem, J
Tries: H Wald, C Kanaan, H Loza, T Sangalang, J Debritt, J
Tries: M Waitere, S Faalogo Goals: N Meaney 1/2
Tries: M Jennings, E Morris Goals: T Toelau 1/1, Eli Morris 1/1
Tries: D Brettle, B Salesa, T Hopkins, J Hamlin, V Isaako Goals: V Isaako 3/5
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