Extra Time August 13 2026

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BILLY SMITH

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PAUL ALAMOTI

3

HUGO SAVALA

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IZACK TAGO

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ROBERT TOIA

5

BRIAN TO’O

5

MARK NAWAQANITAWASE

6

JACK COGGER

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DALY CHERRY-EVANS

7

NATHAN CLEARY (c)

8

MOSES LEOTA

7

SAM WALKER

9

FREDDY LUSSICK

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NAUFAHU WHYTE

10

LIAM HENRY

9

REECE ROBSON

11

ISAIAH PAPALI’I

10

SPENCER LENIU

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SALESI FOKETI

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SIUA WONG

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BILLY SCOTT

13

VICTOR RADLEY

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CONNOR WATSON

16

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15

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17

BILLY PHILLIPS

16

NAT BUTCHER

18

JACK COLE

17

EGAN BUTCHER

19

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the western weekender • extra time » Thursday, August 13, 2026

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an the Panthers still win the competition if they lose to the Roosters on Thursday night?

Of course they can.

Can Eastern Suburbs still win the competition if they lose to the Panthers on Thursday night?

Silly question – yes, they can.

Despite that reality, there is a significant advantage that goes to the winner of this CommBank Stadium showdown a month out from the Finals.

And it’s not just the Minor Premiership, which this match could well decide.

There is a big mental benefit to winning this one.

For Penrith, it would prove they can win big games without Isaah Yeo, with the Blues and

Broadcast

Kangaroos captain now in a race against time to be fit for September after suffering a pectoral injury against the Warriors last week.

It would also wash away any fears that the Panthers have slipped a little – losing to both your main top four competitors in back-toback weeks would not be ideal.

For the Roosters, it would be a monkey off the back. Trent Robinson’s side has struggled to beat Penrith in recent years, defeating them only once during the dynasty era including in Finals matches. For Easts to claim Penrith’s scalp so close to the Finals would give them the confidence they could do it when it matters in a few weeks’ time. Lattes all round.

So for a game that actually doesn’t have that much on the line given both these sides are bound for the top four, there’s actually plenty to play for.

In reality this is Penrith’s final huge test before

NINE | FOX LEAGUE

the Finals. Matches against the Storm, Bulldogs and Tigers follow and with all due respect to those three sides, all of them will likely have their passport stamped and be sunning themselves by the pool by the time the first Sunday in October rolls around.

I can’t wait for the battle of the halfbacks in this one. The experienced Nathan Cleary, at the top of his game and with four Premiership rings in the top drawer of his bedside table, up against the dynamic Sam Walker who has proven all of his doubters wrong this year and has the world at his feet – domination of a Finals series could be just around the corner.

And what about the fullbacks? James Tedesco and Dylan Edwards, who battled for the Blues Origin jersey earlier this year, both back from injury and ready to prove they’re the best number one on the field.

Can’t forget about the forwards. Victor Radley

TRIPLE M | SEN 1170

will rip in. Moses Leota will storm in from the back fence. Lindsay Smith will be out to prove a point replacing Yeo at lock.

Penrith missed the start again last week and as I feared in this very preview, if that happened they were always going to find it difficult to take the crowd and emotion out of the game. By the time they got all of that out of their heads and found their groove, it was too late.

But this experienced Panthers team can only benefit and learn from losses.

I have a feeling Penrith are going to win this game comfortably. They have a point to prove, that despite all the talk suddenly about the Roosters and Warriors, we should not forget about these old heads at the foot of the Mountains.

Just remember: question a champion team at your peril.

Tip: Penrith by 18.

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the western weekender » Thursday, August 13, 2026

FE ATURE

Plot twist as fave character exits NATHAN TAYLOR

P

anthers coach Ivan Cleary says it’s hard to imagine Brian To’o wearing any other NRL jersey but that will be the reality in 2028 after the popular winger signed a three-year deal to join new franchise the PNG Chiefs.

The rich contract will see To’o link up with best mate and formers Panthers premiership winner Jarome Luai when the Chiefs enter the competition in less than two years’ time.

Penrith announced To’o’s impending departure on Monday morning, sending shockwaves through the community and the rugby league world.

While To’o leaving after his current contract with the Panthers was certainly on the cards, no one expected it to be completed so soon, with NRL free agency not officially open until November 1.

Speaking with the media on Wednesday morning, Cleary said the club allowed To’o to negotiate with the Chiefs – and the Chiefs only – for one week to

Brian To’o with his friends and family in Mudgee recently. Photo: NRL Photos.

Fan favourite Brian To’o is leaving Penrith. Photo: NRL Photos.

avoid anymore distractions leading into the all-important Finals period.

“We had enough evidence that that was a possibility, so we just wanted to get it done,” Cleary said of To’o’s interest in the Chiefs.

“This year there’s been a lot of guys off-contract and the sooner we can sort that out the better, and I guess this was one of those instances.”

To’o has played 151 games for the Panthers during his decorated eight-year NRL career, which started back in 2019. Cleary said the club would have loved to have re-signed the former Origin winger but that they could never compete with the amount of tax-free dollars the Chiefs were offering.

“Of course we wanted him to stay but I think everyone knows with the Chiefs that it’s hard to match that stuff. It’s not your average club but if players want to go there you can’t compete,” he said.

“We think we run a pretty good program here [at Panthers] and the boys all know that. But the evidence is there… there’s been enough players that have had to leave or have chosen to leave for bigger and better things and that’s the tax you have to pay for success, and we have to pay it.”

Cleary said To’o, who is now a father of two, was emotional when

footy club

telling his coach and teammates of his decision to leave his junior club at the end of 2027.

“It was a hard one for him to tell all his mates and even his family. He’s had a fair bit on his plate lately and he probably feels a bit lighter now,” Cleary said.

“It’s hard to imagine Bizza playing in any other jersey but there’s a few guys out there where I thought the same.

“It’s hard to imagine Bizza playing in any other jersey” “It’s part of the deal and we’ve had a lot of success over the last seven years and what comes with that is that you can’t keep everyone.”

Speaking with Extra Time on Tuesday, fellow Panthers winger Thomas Jenkins, who recently re-signed with the club until the end of 2029, said he is proud of his mentor and teammate for putting his family first.

“As much as it’s emotional and it’s

sad to see him go, he’s got a job to do here this year and next year but I could probably speak for everyone here and say that we’re just so stoked for him and his lovely family. They deserve what’s to come and I’m excited for him,” he said.

Jenkins said To’o, who has scored 99 tries for the Panthers and counting, has been pivotal in his development at Penrith.

“Bizza’s been massive for me,” he said.

“He’s someone I look up to and continue to look up to now and I learn so much from him and so much of my journey is a credit to him.

“He’s been massive for me, so influential. I love him!”

PNG Chiefs General Manager – Football Michael Chammas said securing a player of To’o’s calibre was another important step in building the club’s inaugural squad.

“Brian has performed at the highest level of rugby league for many years and knows exactly what is required to create and sustain a winning environment,” he said.

“He brings competitiveness, consistency, and an enormous work ethic, but equally important for us is what he brings culturally. To secure a player of Brian’s quality, character and cultural strength is a huge moment for the Chiefs.”

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FE ATURE

We can do it without him NATHAN TAYLOR

“

No Isaah Yeo, no worries” says the NRL’s leading try scorer, Penrith winger Thomas Jenkins, who is still confident the Panthers can win this year’s competition without their inspirational skipper.

On Monday it was revealed that Yeo had suffered a pectoral injury during Penrith’s big loss to the New Zealand Warriors in Auckland last Friday night.

Reports at the time suggested that Yeo could be sidelined for the remainder of the NRL season, however a medical update provided

by Panthers on Monday morning said Yeo would not require immediate surgery and would commence a rehabilitation program in a bid to return to the field this season.

Speaking with Extra Time on Tuesday, Jenkins said the loss of the four-time Premiership winner was a major blow but backed his skipper to return in the coming weeks.

“I’m not too sure of the extent of his injury but what I do know is that all of us are backing him to return and we’re confident that he’ll be back,” Jenkins said.

“It’s hard to replace someone like Yeoy.

You’re always going to feel the void of him there but in saying that there’s a lot of leaders in this club and a lot of boys who can step into his role.”

On Tuesday afternoon, Panthers coach Ivan Cleary named prop Lindsay Smith as Yeo’s

replacement in the number 13 jumper for Thursday’s night battle with the Sydney Roosters. Already this year, the 26-year-old St Marys junior has filled in for Yeo at lock on several occasions primarily during the Origin period.

“I’m not sure the direction Iv’s going to go with in terms of who’s going to play there,” Jenkins said prior to the team announcement.

“But whoever does play, we know they’re going to do a role and do their job for the team and that’s the most important thing.”

While many rugby league experts, former players and punters have written Penrith off from winning this year’s premiership due to the Yeo injury, Jenkins simply replied “no” when asked if the Panthers need the NSW Blues and Kangaroos captain to go all the way.

Meanwhile, despite the distractions off the field this week, the Panthers are fully focused on bouncing back from last week’s disappointing loss to the Warriors.

Jenkins said he was very impressed with the performance of the New Zealanders last Friday.

“We obviously knew the kind of side they are and the ladder showed it as well. They’ve been phenomenal this year and it’s actually exciting for the comp when they’re playing well,” he said.

“As you would have seen, their home crowd is insane and they get around it. So, as much as it sucks to lose, the Warriors were good and we have to be better.”

And the Panthers need to be way better if

they want to beat an in-form Roosters side who have won their past seven matches on the trot. Jenkins said he’s “excited” for tonight’s home game at CommBank Stadium.

“You always want to finish the season off with good performances and I guess doing that against teams who are very competitive and who are in the Finals race is going to put you in good stead come September,” he said.

“I’m really keen to play them. We haven’t seen them since the start of the season.”

Tom Jenkins. Photo: Melinda Jane.

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the western weekender • extra time » Thursday, August 13, 2026

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PANTHER RUMBLINGS

with The Masked Panther

To’o quick to become a Chief Deal done in days: It took less than a week for Brian To’o to formalise his move to the PNG Chiefs from 2028. The Panthers have known for some time that it was unlikely To’o would remain at Penrith after 2027 and have been comfortable with letting him move on.

Recently, the Panthers agreed to give the Chiefs and To’o seven days to get a deal done. They didn’t want it to be an ongoing distraction heading into the Finals. With everything sorted, the Panthers and Chiefs put out press releases within minutes of each other on Monday morning. Not surprisingly, the story didn’t leak beforehand. To’o only told the playing group on Monday morning just before the official news came out. Also of note is that To’o didn’t visit Papua New Guinea as part of the process, instead meeting with Chiefs officials in Brisbane.

Brian To’o.

Spotted: Panthers legend Greg ‘Brandy’ Alexander looking very relaxed during a round of golf at Long Reef Golf Club on Wednesday.

Spotted: Some very passionate Nathan Cleary fans at Go Media Stadium last Friday night, cheering as hard as they could for the champion Panthers halfback and going to plenty of effort to show their love.

Panthers celebrate Indigenous Round: Penrith’s clash with the Roosters tonight will continue the Indigenous Round celebrations.

Before the game, Glen for Men and Women will deliver a special cultural performance, alongside a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony by Aunty Julie. Fans can also experience live Indigenous painting at Aisle 120, with everyone invited to join in and contribute.

Where’s Garner? The Panthers are determined to be secretive about what’s keeping forward Luke Garner out of the team, refusing to detail any specific reason as to why he hasn’t played in more than a month. Even going through all the right channels will get you greeted with a brick wall. I’ve been told this week by an insider at the club that it relates to ongoing challenges around a concussion suffered at training. He last played against the Cowboys on June 27. He is expected to return at some point before the Finals. Why the Panthers are determined to keep the details a State secret is anyone’s guess.

Panthers add to forward stocks: The Panthers have reportedly signed South Sydney forward Liam Le Blanc from next season. The lock has played a couple of dozen games since debuting for Souths mid-way through the 2024 season.

Yeo hopeful of return: The news that Isaah Yeo won’t require immediate surgery on a pectoral injury suffered against the Warriors last week is terrific, but there’s no certainty he’ll be back on the field this year. The next few weeks will be critical, with Penrith’s medical team hoping that they can rehab the injury and nurse him through the Finals. Yeo was in good spirits arriving at training on Tuesday.

Spotted: Panthers legend Royce Simmons getting his steps in ahead of The Big Walk, completing the river walk in wet conditions on Sunday morning.

Always giving back: Well done to Nathan Cleary and the rest of the team, who gave plenty of their time to a young fella doing it tough when he was invited to attend training recently.

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he question was asked and answered by the rugby league media, could Penrith win the title without their inspirational co-captain Isaah Yeo? The answer which came back was a resounding ‘no’.

And that’s fine, everyone is entitled to their opinion and so am I. On Monday it was revealed that Yeo would not need immediate surgery after suffering a pectoral injury against the Warriors last Friday. He would instead rehabilitate the injury over the next four weeks and see if he could return for the first week of the Finals series.

There’s still no guarantee Yeo will be fit to suit up at all in 2026 but at least the immediate prognosis is not so dire.

The narrative going around after Yeo came off injured was so negative against Penrith as a team, that if I were the players, I would use it as motivation to prove each and every naysayer wrong.

I’m not minimising Yeo’s injury or impact on the club, as everyone knows how important he is to Penrith, but to rule a whole team out of premiership contention based on his absence is a slap in the face to every other player in the team.

the western weekender • extra time » Thursday, August 13, 2026

Players like Nathan Cleary, Dylan Edwards, Brian To’o, Liam Martin, in fact the whole lot of them.

It’s like saying, ‘Don’t worry about all the hard work, training and personal sacrifices you’ve made this year, you might as well just forfeit the rest of the season because there’s no point playing on, you can’t win the comp

anyway.’

The frightening thing is that a lot of the naysayers are former champion players themselves. I wonder if they would have the same opinion if it happened to them when they were playing and in pursuit of a championship ring.

I get that taking the ‘doom and gloom’ stance makes great headlines and it’s good clickbait but

Isaah Yeo is aiming to return for the Finals. Photo: NRL Photos.

at what point is it just unnecessary negative hyperbole?

Fortunately, there were a few in the media who still thought that Penrith could win the premiership but those comments did not follow the general consensus.

The Panthers however are no strangers to having key players carrying injury or being out at the business end of the season.

In 2021, Nathan Cleary suffered a right shoulder injury, fortunately scans cleared Cleary of severe structural damage, which allowed him to avoid immediate surgery and return for the Finals series.

In August 2024, Cleary again suffered a recurrence of a left shoulder injury during a match against the Melbourne Storm, about a month before the Finals.

He returned and the rest is history.

Finally, five-eighth Jarome Luai dislocated his left shoulder in a Round 26 match against the Parramatta Eels on August 24, 2023.

He also avoided immediate surgery and made an unexpected return four weeks later in the Preliminary Final.

It’s worth noting that each time there was a problem with a marquee player being out the Panthers went on to win the competition that year.

Food for thought hey!

BEHIND THE GAME

Ready to deliver when Emily Chate called on with

R

Tom Ale. Photo: Melinda Jane.

eserve grade P e n r i t h Panthers prop Tom Ale is a true student of the game.

The average Panthers fan may not know exactly who this writer is talking about but let me introduce you.

27-year-old Ale was born in Auckland and debuted in the NRL for his hometown club – the New Zealand Warriors – in 2020. He however grew up as a rugby union player before switching to league.

Ale made a mark on the NRL in the 2023 season when he played 19 games and helped his side into a top four finish. The Panthers ultimately took out the title that year.

The next year he played 16 games for the club.

In 2025, Ale was an important part of the Warriors’ NSW Cup Grand Final Victory over St George-Illawarra.

He then made the decision to uproot his life and sign with the Panthers on a one-year deal to see behind the curtain of a powerhouse NRL club.

While Ale has yet to lace up his boots for the Panthers first grade team, he said he takes his role very seriously so should he ever get the call up he is ready.

“I watch every weekend,” Ale said.

“I just love watching footy and watching how players play, especially in my position. I like to try and learn a few things from them.

“It’s more so just how people work and when they are on defence and the way they carry the ball. I just try to add a few things into my game.”

When asked about the responsibility of representing his family and country, Ale said hard work will always pay off.

“The harder you work the better the outcomes will be for yourself,” he said.

“I just try to be to be myself and not come in and be someone else.”

Quick Questions Coffee order: Large flat white with hazelnut Cheat meal: KFC Favourite movie: ‘Remember the Titans’ Favourite musician: Stallyano Who did you support growing up? North Queensland Cowboys Pet peeve: Being late

Thursday, August 13, 2026 « the western weekender • extra time

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THE Y S AID IT. . .

“Welcome Nathan... You know you want to.

Come to the Wahs pal... bring your dad.”

“The Panthers have been great during this process and they understand what this team will do for rugby league. We are really proud as a club to get him on board.”

Warriors fan Charles Clover on social media after seeing footage of Nathan and Jett Cleary together.

PNG Chiefs GM Michael Chammas on Brian To’o.

“Moses is certainly a quality player. Do I see him here? Most likely not. But we are in the market to bring in a few players to certainly complement the squad that we’ve got right now.”

“Brian has made a decision he believes is best for himself and his family.”

Broncos CEO Dave Donaghy on Moses Leota

Panthers GM Shane Elford on Brian To’o

“It’s no surprise to me.

We all know he was heading there.”

“I was proud of the way we fought back. It could have been easy to just roll over, but we stuck at it.

Unfortunately our best footy came with 20 minutes to go.”

Nathan Cleary

Paul Kent on the Brian To’o news

“We made a bit of a run at the end there but the start was definitely a factor.”

“This is a great challenge for Nathan Cleary. He has jumped every hurdle... right now it’s him.

Can he carry this side?”

Panthers coach Ivan Cleary on the loss to the Warriors last week.

Gorden Tallis on the Isaah Yeo injury

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SCOREBOARD Missed last week’s results?

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PANTHERS

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Tries: L Metcalf 2, E Clark, C Harris-Tavita, C Nicoll-Klokstad Goals: L Metcalf 4/5

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Tries: J Linnane 2, M Tafua 2, L Laulilii, J Ratcliffe Goals: J Cleary 6/7

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Tries: V Tapa’atoutai 2, J McLean 2 Goals: Z Clarke 4/4

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Tries: L Tima, R Wuruki-Hosea, M Bartlett Goals: L Kavapalu 1, T Hetaraka 1

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NRL L ADDER & FIX TURES CLUB

PD

W

D

L

B

F

A

+/-

PTS

1

Panthers

20 15

0

5

3

593

301

+292

36

2

Roosters

20 15

0

5

3

551

394

+157

36

3

Warriors

20 14

0

6

3

566

324

+242

34

4

Sharks

20 13

0

7

3

584

415

+169

32

5

Dolphins

20 13

0

7

3

556

458

+98

32

6

Knights

21

13

0

8

2

541

475

+66

30

7

Rabbitohs

20

11

0

9

3

554

488

+66

28

8

Cowboys

21

12

0

9

2

484

560

-76

28

9

Bulldogs

20 10

0

10

3

396

442

-46

26

10

Sea Eagles

20

9

0

11

3

505

437

+68

24

11

Storm

21

9

0

12

2

510

514

-4

22

12

Raiders

21

9

0

12

2

477

542

-65

22

13

Eels

20

7

0

13

3

389

572

-183

20

14

W. Tigers

20

7

0

13

3

378

589

-211

20

15

Titans

20

6

0

14

3

387

531

-144

18

16

Broncos

20

6

0

14

3

377

541

-164

18

Dragons

20

3

0

17

3

320

585

-265

12

BYE:

V

Friday, August 14 6.00pm 4 Pines Park

V

Friday, August 14 8.00pm Accor Stadium

V

Saturday, August 15 3.00pm Ocean Protect Stadium

V

Saturday, August 15 5.30pm CommBank Stadium

V

Saturday, August 15 7.35pm Suncorp Stadium

V

Sunday, August 16 2.00pm McDonald Jones Stadium

V

Sunday, August 16 4.05pm CommBank Stadium

IS THIS YOU? Is this you at a recent Panthers game?

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Extra Time Issue Number 2026-024

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PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT:

The Western Weekender Penrith Panthers Player of the Year competition runs throughout the season, with our four experts delivering a 3, 2, 1 rating for the best Panthers players from each Penrith game. The player with the most votes at the end of the season is crowned our Player of the Year.

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LAST WEEK’S POINTS: PANTHERS VS WARRIORS

NATHAN TAYLOR: 3 – NATHAN CLEARY | 2 – LIAM HENRY | 1 – LINDSAY SMITH TROY DODDS: 3 – NATHAN CLEARY | 2 – THOMAS JENKINS | 1 – JAXEN EDGAR PETER LANG: 3 – THOMAS JENKINS | 2 – NATHAN CLEARY | 1 – JAXEN EDGAR LUKE PRIDDIS: 3 – LINDSAY SMITH | 2 –FREDDY LUSSICK | 1 – THOMAS JENKINS

Current Ladder Nathan Cleary

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PL AYER OF THE YE AR

1st

V

Face in the C r

108 6th

Isaah Yeo

22

2nd Dylan Edwards

79

7th

Paul Alamoti

21

3rd

Thomas Jenkins

65

8th

Lindsay Smith

19

4th

Isaiah Papali'i

38

9th

Casey McLean

16

5th

Brian To'o

31 10th Liam Martin

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Round 24

Thursday, August 13, 2026 « the western weekender • extra time

49

CELEBRIT Y TIP S TER S K ANE TOWNS

PANTHERS

BULLDOGS

COWBOYS

KNIGHTS

TOWNS CRANES | 0487 272 819

DOLPHINS

SHARKS

WARRIORS

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ROOSTERS

RABBITOHS

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KNIGHTS

HERTZ | 4731 6344

DOLPHINS

SHARKS

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PANTHERS

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KNIGHTS

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ERIN VICARY

PANTHERS

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EELS

KNIGHTS

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SHARKS

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LEIGH HARTOG

PANTHERS

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EELS

KNIGHTS

JK WILLIAMS | 4725 3400

DOLPHINS

SHARKS

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DRAGONS

JULIET DESILVA

PANTHERS

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COWBOYS

KNIGHTS

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TROY DODDS

PANTHERS

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SEA EAGLES

SHARKS

BRONCOS

TIGERS

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RABBITOHS

COWBOYS

TITANS

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RAIDERS

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PANTHERS

RABBITOHS

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TITANS

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PANTHERS

BULLDOGS

COWBOYS

KNIGHTS

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TIGERS

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SHARKS

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DRAGONS

DOUGLAS ELY

ROOSTERS

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KNIGHTS

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DOLPHINS

SHARKS

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DRAGONS

JAMIE GOLDFINCH

PANTHERS

BULLDOGS

COWBOYS

KNIGHTS

DOLPHINS

SHARKS

WARRIORS

TIGERS

JAY JAY BUILDING SUPPLIES | 4731 1533

50

the western weekender • extra time » Thursday, August 13, 2026

238 226 226 224 222 216 216 216 216 214 214 212 212 210 210 206 204 204 204 204 204 202

CELEBRIT Y TIP S TER S CHRIS AYLING

PANTHERS

RABBITOHS

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EELS

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SHARKS

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TIGERS

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PANTHERS

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RAIDERS

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DRAGONS

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DOLPHINS

SHARKS

WARRIORS

DRAGONS

IAN GARTON

PANTHERS

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SHARKS

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NATHAN TAYLOR

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COWBOYS

KNIGHTS

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SHARKS

WARRIORS

DRAGONS

BILL McDEED

PANTHERS

BULLDOGS

EELS

KNIGHTS

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SEA EAGLES

SHARKS

WARRIORS

TIGERS

JIM HILL

PANTHERS

BULLDOGS

COWBOYS

KNIGHTS

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DOLPHINS

SHARKS

WARRIORS

DRAGONS

DEE BARLOW

PANTHERS

RABBITOHS

EELS

KNIGHTS

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SEA EAGLES

SHARKS

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DRAGONS

DARREN LATTY

PANTHERS

RABBITOHS

COWBOYS

TITANS

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DOLPHINS

RAIDERS

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DRAGONS

KEN HALE

PANTHERS

RABBITOHS

COWBOYS

TITANS

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RAIDERS

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DRAGONS

BRENT JONES

ROOSTERS

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COWBOYS

KNIGHTS

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DOLPHINS

SHARKS

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EELS

KNIGHTS

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DOLPHINS

SHARKS

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DRAGONS

DONNA HILDON

ROOSTERS

BULLDOGS

COWBOYS

TITANS

SUPREMACY FUNERALS | 4721 2020

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DRAGONS

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TITANS

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RAIDERS

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DRAGONS

JACOB BENNETT

PANTHERS

RABBITOHS

COWBOYS

TITANS

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DOLPHINS

RAIDERS

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DRAGONS

JEFF LEMON

PANTHERS

RABBITOHS

COWBOYS

TITANS

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DOLPHINS

RAIDERS

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DRAGONS

LIZ PRASAD

PANTHERS

RABBITOHS

COWBOYS

TITANS

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DOLPHINS

RAIDERS

WARRIORS

DRAGONS

COREY PHILLIPS

PANTHERS

RABBITOHS

COWBOYS

TITANS

DOLPHINS

RAIDERS

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DRAGONS

LEISURE POOLS | 0415 699 086

Thursday, August 13, 2026 « the western weekender • extra time

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PENRITH’S #1 NEWSPA PER

TROY DODDS

P

enrith’s greatest ever period of success has delivered the once struggling club a second straight Premiership and confirmed the Panthers rugby league juggernaut.are an unstoppable It is impossible to argue with James Fisher-Harris’ cheeky claim that this is Penrith team of all-time. They are the best an unpreceden delivering ted sustained period of success and have lost just 10 games three seasons, in the past breaking countless along the way. records Coach Ivan Cleary Nathan have also and his co-captain son entered Panthers tality, creating immorall sorts of history in what one of the greatest Premiership defences was game has ever seen. the Ivan is now the only won dual Premiership Penrith coach to have s with the club, just 24 Nathan while at is on club’s greatest ever his way to becoming the player.

But Cleary was overshadowed Final night by on Grand a stunning performanc fullback Dylan e from Edwards, who claimed the Clive Churchill Medal as player of the match.

Penrith players and fans partied and hard into long the night after Sunday’s 28-12 demolition of Parramatta.

It was a definitive game of this incredible Penrith era and proved the club’s dominance of over the past three the competition seasons.

It was billed as the the West in history greatest Battle of but kick-off it was obvious almost from the Parramatta were little chance of stopping a switched Penrith. on Eels fans were barely in their seats by time it was obvious the trophy was stayingthe the foot of the Mountains. at Penrith has emerged from an 18-year drought and near title collapse to now more Grand Final have two wins, and show slowing down. no sign of The scenes at Panthers Leagues Club after the game and at a fan Bet Stadium prove day on Monday at Bluethis over the community Penrith team has won .

From Bathurst to cially own the west Blacktown, Penrith offi– the result of hard taking a chance and a playing group work, taken the NRL by that has storm.

| SEE PAGE 62 GHTEN UP YOUR HOME

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