ISAIAH PAPALI’I POSTER INSIDE
RISE OF CASEY
SOME CALLED FOR CASEY MCLEAN TO BE DROPPED. HE’S ANSWERED THEM IN THE BEST WAY POSSIBLE LANG ON LEAGUE: PAGE 49
Casey McLean.
Photo: NRL Photos.
Tthe finalword
wo clubs in the midst of two very different revivals meet in a western Sydney showdown on Sunday afternoon.
Penrith’s revival is very much confined to the 2025 season – a campaign that seemed dead and buried at one stage, now back on track and bound for a Finals finish and a defence of their title.
Parramatta’s revival is more long-term, and while they sit in 15th spot on the ladder and a Finals finish in 2025 is probably beyond them, there’s been some definite green shoots under Jason Ryles and a vision for what the future looks like.
The Eels have looked a far better side this year than their five wins suggests, and they’ve certainly come a long way from the opening month of the competition when they were pounded by the likes of Melbourne, Wests Tigers and Manly.
Penrith and Parramatta met back in early June, with the Panthers prevailing 18-10. For Ivan Cleary’s side, it was the start of what has now become a four-match winning streak. With two byes thrown in, Penrith haven’t lost since that diabolical performance against Newcastle in Bathurst in late May.
After their final bye last weekend, Penrith now commence their Finals quest with a packed schedule ahead of them. How Ivan Cleary manages his team’s workload, particularly those who have just come off a State of Origin series, will be a key part of the strategy for the back end of the season.
While Cleary does not have the same luxury to rest players as he has in previous years, he may find the opportunity to give key players a breather in this period that includes a host of matches against the bottom eight. It may well be a week-to-week proposition depending on
how his side is going and where the rest of the competition is falling.
It’s worth noting Cleary didn’t name any of his Origin players in the starting side when the teams were named on Tuesday, but that will certainly change.
Ryles has Parramatta on a course correction and can easily spring upset results, so this game is far closer than the betting odds and predictions may suggest.
Despite some of their injury woes through the season, the Eels still have plenty to offer in attack and Penrith’s defence will need to be on point from the word go.
Parramatta’s best performances this year have come when they’ve been able to set the tempo from the early stages, so Penrith will be keen to get a good start and then hopefully rely on Nathan Cleary’s kicking game to guide them home.
Both sides have made just as many errors as each other this season (Penrith 174, Parramatta 172) so discipline will play a factor here too –give the opposition too much ball and you’ve opened the door to have the momentum shifted on you, and you may not get it back.
I’d have some doubts Brian To’o will play in this one given his recent injury woes.
Given Penrith have plenty of adequate replacements, don’t be surprised if Paul Alamoti plays on Sunday.
On a fast track on a sunny Sunday afternoon, I’m expecting plenty of points to be scored in this one. I think a repeat of the 18-10 scoreline we saw when the sides last met is unlikely. Penrith should be too good here – but it’s these type of games that the Panthers dropped earlier in the season, much to their detriment. We may just see what they’ve learned since then in this one. Tip: Panthers by 12.
panther rumblings
MITCH’S POWER RANKINGS
! Kenny’s Shapes power rankings: I was lurking around Panthers HQ on Wednesday and spotted Panthers hooker Mitch Kenny filming some content for Shapes, and road testing the new Shapes Spicy Fried Chicken. So I asked him what flavours he enjoyed most. “You can’t go past the Big 3 – BBQ, Pizza and Chicken Crimpy,” he said. “Chicken Crimpy is first – it’s the best palate cleanser out of all of them. It depends on the season which one comes next out of BBQ and Pizza.” He also said he does enjoy dipping his Chicken Crimpy in French Onion dip… but wouldn’t do it for the others as “there’s too much going on if you do that”. Fascinating, I know.
! Politis in enemy territory: Roosters supremo Nick Politis was spotted in Penrith last week. But don’t worry – he wasn’t recruiting on behalf of his Bondi-based club. Politis was at Penrith City Automotive in Kingswood for the launch of the new Kia Tasman.
! Palmer’s regret: Legendary strength and conditioning coach Ron Palmer came within an inch of being part of Penrith’s incredible four-time Premiership run. Palmer has revealed he was asked by Panthers coach Ivan Cleary to re-join the club mid-way through the 2021 season, but opted to stay with the Wests Tigers – out of loyalty and integrity.
! Roberts cleared: Former Panthers winger James Roberts has been cleared of possessing drugs and suspected stolen cash after police withdrew charges against him at the last minute. The 32-year-old, who played for five clubs including Penrith across his 160-game NRL
career, was facing charges after being pulled over by police back in July 2024. On Monday, the charges were withdrawn.
! Go behind the scenes: The Western Weekender and Nectr are giving a local legend the chance to attend a Penrith Panthers training session, including an exclusive tour of the Panthers Rugby League Academy. Do you know someone who goes above and beyond? Nominate them, or yourself, for a chance to attend a Panthers training session, including an exclusive tour of the training academy. Head to https://nectr.com.au/meet-the-panthers to nominate.
! Spotted: Panthers forward Liam Henry enjoying a round at Leonay Golf Club.
! Can’t keep Levy down: There is no question 2GB’s Mark Levy is following the work ethic of his predecessor in Ray Hadley. Levy is on holidays from his Mornings program this week, but came off leave to call State of Origin III at Accor Stadium on Wednesday night.
! Rare book pops up: Back in 1992, Greg Prichard and Gary Lester released Bound For Glory, the first detailed book looking at the history of the Penrith Panthers. At the time, 400 leather bound limited editions signed by
the Panthers 1991 Premiership team were released. Most of them are probably sitting in the collection of die-hard fans, or collecting dust on book shelves. One of them – number 370 – popped up on eBay this week. The seller is looking for $800.
! Message menace: Which young Panther should probably be careful of who he is obsessively messaging on Instagram? Time to move on, young fella.
! Game time: We’re only a week away from the release of ‘Rugby League 26’ on PlayStation and Xbox. Gamers can expect a range of different modes including Career Mode and Pro Team. You can also create, train and evolve your own player across various seasons. The early signs are good – and of course, the one and only Nathan Cleary is on the cover.
! Stadium on track: It may feel like slow progress but NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey told a business gathering last week that the new Penrith Stadium is on track and will open as planned in 2027. Let’s hope the weather Gods are kind in the coming year or so.
Mitch Kenny. Photo: NRL Photos.
footy
BREAKOUT STAR SIGNS NEW DEAL
One of the breakout players of the NRL competition this year will be remaining a Panther until at least the end of the 2026 season.
Penrith’s leading try scorer after 18 rounds, Thomas Jenkins, has confirmed he’s sticking around next year after being upgraded from a development player to the Top 30 squad.
It’s been a remarkable and well-documented rise for the 24-year-old winger, who began the year in Ron Massey Cup with St Marys after coach Ivan Cleary gave him a lifeline following his early exit from the Newcastle Knights.
Returning to his hometown of Boorawa in country NSW during the recent bye round, the humble Panther said he was welcomed back home with open arms.
“I went back home to the country to see family and a few mates. I try and get back there a few times a year, but it’s hard when you have a life and a partner back here,” Jenkins told Extra Time
“My family are super proud of me and the town rallies around me, which is good. There’re not many people back home that get to have this opportunity in the NRL, so it’s cool to just go back and give other kids an insight into what it’s like.”
Another opportunity that Jenkins was afforded recently was the chance of training with the NSW Blues team prior to Origin II in Perth. The youngster was called into Blues camp in the Blue Mountains as a training partner and loved every minute of it.
“That was definitely a surprise,” Jenkins admitted.
“I didn’t find out until after the Tigers game when ‘Spud’ (Shane Elford) asked me how I was feeling and if I wanted to go in and train with the Blues that week. I said, ‘of course’, and so I headed up to Leura for a few days.
“It was such a cool experience! Laurie (Daley) and the team up there were all welcoming and looked after me. It was sick!”
Jenkins returned from his time with the Blues with an extra spring in his step and that was evident during Penrith’s most recent wins against the highly fancied Bulldogs and Warriors.
Jenkins said he can’t stop pinching himself at how his 2025 season is panning out.
“I’m definitely enjoying my footy. This year has been one of my favourite years so far,” he said.
“The goal is to be a regular first grader and I’ve strived for that as such. I spoke earlier in the year that getting the opportunity was so good and I’ve enjoyed it so much, but now it’s more about playing consistent footy – selections will take care of itself.”
Tom Jenkins is having a year dreams are made of. Photo: Melinda Jane.
NATHAN TAYLOR
DOGS WIN A CATALYST FOR FINALS PUSH
Penrith will return to CommBank Stadium this Sunday afternoon for the first time since their memorable 8-6 win over the then competition leading Canterbury Bulldogs.
After a roller coaster season so far, it was victory that Panthers supporters and the players themselves will look back on as one of the club’s most pivotal regular season victories in years.
“It was one we really wanted to celebrate because it had a real Finals-like feel about it… it felt like a Grand Final,” Panthers hooker Mitch Kenny told Extra Time
“The Dogs are at the top of the table for a reason, they’ve been the most consistent team all year. They have a great coach, who we know really well, and some star-studded players, some of which we know really well also.
“Whether that adds a little bit more fuel to the fire or not, I’m not sure but it was always going to be a massive game going up against a team that was coming first.”
But while the Panthers were close to their best against Cameron Ciraldo’s men a fortnight ago, Kenny knows there’s plenty more they need to work on if they are to face the Bulldogs again come September.
“We’re really happy that we went in there, dug
our heels in and were able to showcase some of the stuff that we’ve been working on,” Kenny
“We were heaps more resilient and heaps more steely than we have been at stages this year. We just can’t go backwards from there. We’ve got to keep chasing it.”
Bottom of the ladder six weeks ago, the Panthers have well and truly turned their fortunes around and are now back in the hunt for a fifth consecutive premiership.
Kenny said despite a shocking performance in Bathurst against the Knights, the Panthers have handled this year’s State of Origin period beautifully.
“We’ve learned some tough lessons especially out in Bathurst, but I’d like to think we’ve grown a lot in this period,” he said.
“I always had the belief – even when things were shaky for us at the start of the year – that we’d turn it around if we kept turning up and putting the work in. But it’s one thing to believe and another thing to go out and do it.
“I’m glad we’ve turned things around, but we’re definitely not getting ahead of ourselves. There’s plenty of improvement in this team and we have to get better. We have to get better, otherwise it’s not going to be enough.”
After losing five games on the trot earlier this season, the Panthers will chase a fifth straight win this Sunday when they take on the Eels for the second time this year.
Penrith are overwhelming favourites heading into Sunday afternoon’s clash, but Kenny says that means nothing when versing Parramatta.
“They are awesome clashes and have been since I’ve been playing for Penrith,” he said.
“They seem to turn up and give us their best every time we play them. They’ve enjoyed a few good wins over us in recent years.
“We love playing Parra – it’s a real Finals-like feel every time we do it and I’m sure this Sunday will be no different. They’ll be wanting to get one back on us and we know we’ve got to be better than we were last time.”
The Panthers wrapped up their third and final bye of the year last week and will now play every weekend until the Finals. Kenny said it’s exciting that the NRL season is so close this year and that he can’t wait to see where the Panthers end up come September.
“It’s anyone’s guess how the competition is going to finish and that’s exciting as a player and as a fan,” he said.
“But, to be honest, we’re not looking at the ladder too much. We’re of the opinion that we’ll finish wherever we deserve to finish and that’s going to be on us.”
Panthers hooker Mitch Kenny on Wednesday. Photo: Melinda Jane.
Mitch Kenny. Photo: NRL Photos. NATHAN TAYLOR
footy club
footy club
Know a tradie, café owner or small business operator who keeps Western Sydney buzzing, or maybe that’s
Nominate
Tries: H Hassett, L Sommerton, A Kepaoa, R Price, D Fale Goals: J Cole 5/6
D Casey 2, A Ward, S Mitchell, T
A Ward 3/5
J Liddiard 3, T Patea 3, H Bell, J Tuaoi Goals: Z Clarke 7/8
Tries: Y Ayache 2, D Wright Goals: C Poynton 3/3 Tries: T Ekepati 2, I Hei Goals: L Fletcher 1/3 Missed last week’s results? Here’s a rundown of what happened in key Penrith Panthers games...
Tries: V Masun-Feleti, C Bush, D Talitonu, A Sekitoga Goals: C Bush 3/4
Tries:
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Fakaosi
panther memories
The Pantherettes have been part of the game day experience at Penrith Park since 1978, when they were introduced by then promotions boss, Ian Maurice.
A number of officials had visited America in 1976, sparking a range of ideas for game day –the Pantherettes among them.
Penrith has had a cheer squad ever since –adding to the game day experience. This photograph shows the cheer squad in the 1980s.
The Pantherettes have had countless uniforms and changes over the years, but they remain
WHY I WAS WRONG ABOUT CASEY analysis
The Panthers had just held on to register a gripping 8-6 win over the then table-topping Bulldogs team when co-captain Nathan Cleary made a bee-line straight towards one player, 19-year-old Casey McLean.
The TV cameras captured the moment when Cleary wrapped his arms around the youngster’s shoulders and shouted some words of praise to McLean, who just had the game of his life.
Cleary pretty much revealed as much when asked about it in the post-match media conference.
“I thought Casey was outstanding tonight against a world-class player,” said Cleary.
“I was super proud of him.”
And so were we all.
Against arguably the best centre in the world in Stephen Crichton, McLean more than held his own.
He made 15 runs, four tackle breaks and ran for 133 metres.
The softly spoken teenager from Blacktown was so fired up that night that he even dared to ‘chirp’ at Crichton in an attempt to put the Bulldogs captain off his game. In fact he let him know on more than one occasion that he wasn’t going to best him, not this week anyway.
On that night, in his 19th first grade game, Casey McLean finally announced to the rugby league
His popularity with Penrith supporters went through the roof that night on social media. Posts praising the kid garnered thousands of ‘likes’ and the comments were flattering to say the least. However, this wasn’t always the case.
few games later the calls for dropping him became louder. He had gone from Wonder Boy to ‘Wonder why he’s still in first grade’.
I won’t speak for anyone else but personally, I was a bloody idiot for thinking McLean should have been dropped. I owe the kid an apology.
Only a few months earlier, McLean was bashed from pillar to post for not passing to an unmarked Thomas Jenkins in a game against the Cowboys in round five. And I admit, I was one of them. When he did something similar a
overall game. He knew what he needed to do to
oric his rise has been over the last 18 months.
The coaching staff at Panthers knew they had something special when at 18 years-of age, they made him play a NSW Cup trial game against the Roosters in oppressive conditions at the start of 2024.
McLean then played the first two games of the season in Jersey Flegg before being fast-tracked into NSW Cup for a few months.
He made his first-grade debut in round 17 against the Cowboys then for good measure, scored four tries for the New Zealand Kiwis in his International debut match.
We all forget sometimes that he’s still only 19 years-of-age.
I’ve heard that the Panthers coaching staff believe in terms of his physical development and rugby league skills, that he is already tracking ahead of where Stephen Crichton was at the same age.
Now he’s going to have some tough games, games where he does make mistakes or doesn’t always pass the ball to an unmarked player.
But I for one am not going to criticise or doubt this future champion again.
I’m also looking forward to the Panthers taking on the Bulldogs again in round 26.
McLean admitted in an interview with the Western Weekender only a few weeks ago that he was working on his passing and
Casey McLean and Nathan Cleary. Photo: NRL Photos.
with Peter Lang
DOLPHINS
DOLPHINS
DOLPHINS STORM ROOSTERS BULLDOGS WARRIORS PANTHERS BRONCOS
BULLDOGS WARRIORS PANTHERS BRONCOS
DOLPHINS STORM ROOSTERS BULLDOGS WARRIORS PANTHERS BRONCOS
DOLPHINS STORM ROOSTERS BULLDOGS TIGERS PANTHERS BRONCOS
SHARKS STORM DRAGONS BULLDOGS TIGERS PANTHERS BRONCOS
DOLPHINS STORM DRAGONS BULLDOGS WARRIORS PANTHERS BRONCOS
DOLPHINS STORM ROOSTERS BULLDOGS WARRIORS PANTHERS BRONCOS
DOLPHINS STORM ROOSTERS BULLDOGS WARRIORS PANTHERS BRONCOS
SHARKS STORM DRAGONS BULLDOGS WARRIORS EELS BRONCOS
SHARKS STORM ROOSTERS BULLDOGS WARRIORS PANTHERS BRONCOS
BULLDOGS
SHARKS STORM ROOSTERS BULLDOGS
DOLPHINS STORM ROOSTERS BULLDOGS TIGERS PANTHERS BRONCOS
DOLPHINS STORM ROOSTERS COWBOYS WARRIORS PANTHERS BRONCOS
SHARKS STORM ROOSTERS BULLDOGS
SHARKS STORM ROOSTERS BULLDOGS WARRIORS PANTHERS BRONCOS
DOLPHINS STORM ROOSTERS BULLDOGS TIGERS PANTHERS BRONCOS
SHARKS STORM ROOSTERS BULLDOGS WARRIORS PANTHERS BRONCOS
DOLPHINS STORM ROOSTERS BULLDOGS WARRIORS PANTHERS BRONCOS
DOLPHINS STORM ROOSTERS COWBOYS WARRIORS PANTHERS BRONCOS
DOLPHINS STORM ROOSTERS BULLDOGS TIGERS PANTHERS BRONCOS
DOLPHINS STORM ROOSTERS COWBOYS WARRIORS PANTHERS TITANS
