BIG CAT BATTLE
THE PANTHERS MEET THE TIGERS TO DECIDE WHO IS KING OF THE JUNGLE MATCH PREVIEW: PAGES 34-35
Brian To’o.
Photo: NRL Photos.
the finalword
I’m not exactly sure how Jarome Luai will be feeling heading into Sunday afternoon’s clash between the Wests Tigers and his former club, the Penrith Panthers.
Some will bill it as Luai’s chance to prove a point – that he is capable of running a football team, doesn’t have to play second fiddle to anyone and is worth the price tag that comes with such a skillset.
But Luai’s departure from Penrith was not one of animosity or anger. He took an opportunity, and aside from a couple of speed bumps along the way he generally left with the best wishes of coach Ivan Cleary and the senior players. He’s still friends with plenty of them.
So the hype around his first meeting against his former club is likely just that, hype. Doesn’t make him want to win any less, however.
The Tigers have been up and down this year and have had to deal with plenty of off-field drama, but by and large their fans must at least be pleased to be seeing a few green shoots coming out of Concord.
They probably could have beaten the Cowboys in Townsville last weekend had ill-discipline not cost them 20 minutes with 12 men; and their comeback late in the game certainly showed they can score points quickly when they get on a roll.
The Tigers’ ability to throw the ball around and Luai’s unstructured play should be a chief concern for Penrith, whose usually stoic defence has been rattled often this season.
That said, we did start to see a little bit of the Penrith of old against Parramatta last Sunday. The Panthers kept inviting the Eels into the contest but then responded with some really impressive goal-line defence. Still, 33 missed tackles is way too many – and the Panthers will need to tighten that up against the Tigers on Sunday.
Yet again we saw the importance of Nathan Cleary against the Eels. With the game somewhat evenly poised late in the second half, he produces a perfectly timed 40/20 that ultimately helped Penrith build enough of a buffer
to secure the two critical competition points. Not only that, but he landed three difficult conversions just a few days after his boot went a little wayward for NSW in State of Origin.
Much of Penrith’s success of the last four years has been built on those little Cleary moments. He steps up when he’s needed most and he did it again against Parramatta – and it was great to see him running the ball too.
A few times this season we’ve convinced ourselves that Penrith were back following impressive wins only for it to be a false dawn. But with time now running out, the room for error is getting smaller. Penrith can’t miss the opportunity of securing another two competition points before the bye – a fortnight that could see them knocking on the door of the top eight given how close the competition is this year.
The return of Isaiah Papali’i and Luke Garner will provide a big boost for the Panthers, who have struggled to field a full-stength side all year thanks to injuries, suspensions and unfor-
tunate mishaps – such as Garner, who suffered a concussion at training that saw him miss two matches.
We’ve always talked about State of Origin being a curse for the Panthers, but this year it may be a blessing – especially with the Blues doing well. Does it play some of Penrith’s key men back into form, or at least get them used to winning big games again – an enthusiasm that could be infectious around the rest of the Penrith camp?
It’s still impossible to tip Penrith with any certainty, but they should be too good for the Tigers here. I think Benji Marshall’s side will try hard, especially Luai under the circumstances, but in the end if Penrith can remain calm, complete well and control the momentum of the game, they should get home.
Invite the Tigers in like they did against the Eels last week though, and things could turn real quick. A danger game, but one Penrith must rise to the occasion for.
Tip: Panthers by 8.
Graphic by Zoe Merrick.
panther rumblings
ICONIC SIGN HAS NEW HOME
! Iconic Panther moved: The huge Panthers sign that has adorned the top of the Western Grandstand at Penrith Park for the last decade or so has been carefully removed from the construction site. As part of the stadium redevelopment, the sign was craned out and has been taken to Accor Stadium. So why is it at Accor? Is it about to be on display to recognise Penrith’s incredible run of titles at the venue? Perhaps a permanent tribute alongside a mural of the Matildas that commemorates them coming fourth in the 2023 World Cup? No such luck – it’s got a new home in a storage shed, for safe keeping. At least this piece of history is legitimately in storage. When Phil Gould said the iconic Panther scoreboard was in storage, what he meant was a skip bin.
! Preserving history: The Panthers sign (which in reality was a relatively new addition to Penrith Park) isn’t the only piece of history being preserved. A concrete slab from the main tunnel was cut out and transported over to the Panthers Academy. It’s nice to see these touches of history being acknowledged as part of the project.
! 1967 Panther passes: Penrith’s first ever local junior to play top grade rugby league for the Panthers has passed away. John Stapley, who made his first grade debut with Penrith in 1967, died aged 80 last week. He will be farewelled at a funeral service today. The St Marys junior made his first grade debut in Penrith’s Round 9 loss to Souths in 1967, coming off the bench. He played a handful of games in 1971. In a quirky stat, Stapley never experienced a victory in his six matches wearing Penrith colours. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. Stapley is credited as Panther #24.
! Cleary union rumours: The crazy rumours that Penrith champion Nathan Cleary
is considering a switch to the 15-a-side game won’t go away. While most of the speculation is coming out of rugby union corners and journos desperate for a headline, I can’t find anyone who says there’s any sort of serious consideration that Cleary could switch codes. However, every month that goes by without Cleary extending his current deal with Penrith beyond 2027 will make both Panthers officials and those at the NRL nervous.
! Squeezing customers: We all accept these days that food and drink prices are high at sporting events. But can Venues NSW do something about the 60 cents they whack you for a tomato sauce? Especially given they’re now in terrible new packets they should be paying you to put up with, not the other way around.
! Girls get social: The Panthers have launched a separate Facebook account for their women’s program. Penrith Panthers Women launched last week, attracting 3,000 followers so far. It’ll follow the women’s program and current teams, ahead of a likely NRLW side entering the competition in the coming years.
! Ayres joins the punters: Former Penrith MP and Sports Minister Stuart Ayres’ pas sion for the Panthers was always genuine. He’s bought himself a membership for the
2025 season and is watching home games with the punters in the Eastern Grandstand at CommBank Stadium. He must constantly ponder what could have been – Ayres was of course pushing for the Panthers to stay in Penrith in 2025 and 2026 while a brand new stadium was built on the grounds of the Penrith Showground.
! Member check-in: The Panthers have been ringing 2025 members to get their take on the season so far in terms of the move to CommBank Stadium. It’s not a job for the faint-hearted – we know plenty are vocal about the CommBank experience so far. Credit to the club for getting on the front foot, but I’m not sure many of the issues being raised – from food prices to travel delays – can be solved.
are presented at stadiums. Nine was the final hold-out when it came to a consistent approach across the board, and finally made the switch quietly just before State of Origin.
! Spotted: Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary and Eels winger Zac Lomax catching up postgame last Sunday – having shared success together with the New South Wales Origin team only a few days earlier. Only one could be victorious this time around.
! Fox Origin push: I’m told that new Fox Sports owners DAZN are very keen to ensure Fox has the rights to State of Origin and the Grand Final in the next broadcast deal. Fox is the game’s biggest broadcaster in terms of matches shown but doesn’t have the opportunity to broadcast the four biggest games of the year live. That may change with the new deal,
BANTER, RESPECT AHEAD OF BIG CLASH
Panthers centre Izack Tago says he’s still in contact with ex-teammates Jarome Luai and Sunia Turuva – even catching up in person with the flying Fijian for coffee on a regular basis.
Luai and Turuva moved to the Wests Tigers this year on rich multi-year contracts. While the pair said privately they never wanted to leave the Panthers, the money on offer to switch clubs was far too good for them to pass up.
Speaking ahead of this Sunday’s Battle of the Cats at CommBank Stadium, Tago said it’ll be exciting to play against the duo for the first time.
“Romey is a big personality – he was like that here too, so it will be interesting to see what he’s like on the weekend,” Tago said.
Along with a big financial boost to his bank account, Luai was also keen on a new club so he could prove to himself, his former coaches and the rugby league world that he could lead a team to glory without the great Nathan Cleary as his halves partner.
So far, the Tigers are sitting above the Panthers on the premiership ladder with one more win to their name. Tago said Luai has nothing to prove to anyone as his resume speaks for itself.
“His career is polished… I don’t really think he has anything to prove,” Tago said.
“He’s a great player and he was that for us too. We’re all expecting him to be at his best.”
At Wests Tigers training on Wednesday morning, former Panther Sunia Turuva revealed that
fellow winger Brian To’o sledged him as soon as he exited the field following Penrith’s 18-10 win over the Eels last Sunday.
“He’s been messaging me each day,”
“He’s already trying to play mind games, trying to send photos from last year of me in the Panthers jersey. He’s trying to tell me not to forget where I came from.
“Yesterday, he said if they score on me, he’s going to bring me into their celebration. Hopefully Jeral (Skelton) can score on him, and I can bring him into ours.”
While it’s all just playful banter right now, on the field will be a very different story.
The Panthers are desperate to get on a roll to save their season, while the Tigers are equally as desperate to avoid a fourth straight wooden
“I think earlier this year we had a slow start, but the boys never really lost confidence… maybe on the field we did a bit, but there was still always that faith that we could come back and turn it around,” Tago said.
“I think little by little we are starting to do that. It’s just about finding consistency now.”
Izack Tago. Photo: Melinda Jane.
NATHAN TAYLOR
TIME TO EXTEND THAT WINNING FEELING
Penrith supporters had a spring in their step on their way home from CommBank Stadium last Sunday evening following their side’s first victory at their temporary home ground this season.
With Penrith Park out of action until 2027, the Panthers have played four home games at the Parramatta venue in 2025.
Prior to last weekend’s 18-10 victory over the Parramatta Eels, the Panthers had lost their three previous contests at CommBank Stadium.
Speaking with Extra Time on Wednesday, Penrith forward Lindsay Smith said it was good to get one up on the Eels on what is traditionally their home turf.
“It was definitely a good feeling to get the win. It was a big game obviously – Battle of the West – and their traditional home ground. It was a good win,” the 25-year-old said.
“It was a huge effort for our Origin guys to back up just days later. I can’t put into words how much it meant to the side. It was pretty cool to watch them back up and be some of the best players on the field.”
More than 21,000 fans piled into the stadium last Sunday afternoon, which would have been pleasing for Penrith officials who have been struggling to sell tickets to home games for much of the year.
“Obviously, there’s no real feeling like running out at Penrith Park in front of a full stadium, but it’s still been good,” Smith said.
“Especially on the weekend you could hear the Panthers supporters there. It’s a cool stadium, it’s very loud and when you get the fans to travel, it’s quite a good feeling.
“I can’t wait until the new stadium is built and
we can get back home, but it’s been cool [at CommBank].”
The eight-point victory saw the Panthers lift themselves from the bottom of the ladder and into 14th place heading into this Sunday’s clash against the Wests Tigers.
Smith said it’s hugely important to back up last weekend’s win with another victory this Sunday.
“It’s been a little bit disappointing that we haven’t been able to back up some good wins this year but there’s no time like the present to
do that,” he said.
“It’s about resetting now and focusing on this week. You can’t fall in love with yourself after last week, that’s for sure.
“It’s about getting back to training, doing the work and getting ready to go this weekend.”
This Sunday afternoon’s match against last year’s wooden spooners will have some added spice thanks to some former teammates.
For the first time in their careers, Tigers halfback Jarome Luai and winger Sunia Turuva will play against their old club.
Smith said after experiencing premiership success with both Luai and Turuva at the Panthers, he’s looking forward to going up against them on Sunday.
“I’m looking forward to it! I can’t wait and I’m sure they can’t either,” he said.
“When you see them around you speak to them – we did win a couple of comps together –so definitely off the field there’s that friendship there and that camaraderie, but on the field, it will be a different beast on the weekend for sure.”
Panthers prop Lindsay Smith had a strong performance against the Eels last weekend. Photo: NRL Images.
The Panthers crowd celebrates on Sunday. NATHAN TAYLOR
Tries: C McLean, T Jenkins, B To’o Goals: N Cleary 3/3 Tries: J Attard 2, B Phillips, T Toelau, R Price, D Fale, V Tapa’atoutai Goals: P Alamoti 7/7
S Russell, J Addo-Carr Goals: Z Lomax 1/2
A Nanva 2, J Tago, J Lussick, M Doorey Goals: R Volkman 4/5
M Alameddine 3, T Palu 2, W Lewis 2, A Faitala-Mariner Goals: J Lynn 2/8
H Armstrong, J Tuaoi, J Ruxton Goals: J Liddiard 2/3
player of the year
panther memories
This photograph shows former Penrith captain Craig Gower being clapped off the field by Warriors players after his final game for the Panthers in 2007.
The Warriors had won the match 24-20 at Penrith Park, with the Panthers left to finish with the wooden spoon. But the night was all about Gower, who after first pulling on a first grade jumper in 1996, ended his run with the Panthers at 238 appearances.
After some time overseas, Gower would return to the NRL in 2013 to play six matches with the Newcastle Knights.
While his departure from Penrith in 2007 was controversial, he remains remembered fondly as one of the club’s greatest ever players, and captain of its 2003 Premiership-winning team.
(Photo thanks to NRL Photos)
MID-SEASON REPORT CARD 2025 analysis
lang on league
with Peter Lang
Well, it’s report card time again. In my Quarter-Season report card the Panthers scored a ‘D’ overall and while there’s still loads of improvement left in the side, the last seven weeks have shown that the side is definitely on an upwards trajectory, but has the team improved enough to lift above the low-ranking it received last time?
Now in the spirit of full disclosure, the seven games the team is being judged on includes one bye. It covers games between Round 7 and 13.
OK that’s enough gibber-jabber, let’s get this report underway.
Attack: The Panthers’ attack continues to splutter at times mainly due to the constant change in personnel each week.
In saying that, it has also shown glimpses of brilliance like the scintillating sweeping backline movements which caused opposition sides plenty of problems over the last five years.
At times, the attack has racked up some pretty-big numbers, 40 points against the Roosters, 32 versus the Broncos and 30 was put on the Cowboys. However, the attack can also struggle with the team scoring as little as one try for the whole game.
GRADE: B-
Defence: When the Panthers get their defence right, they’re almost perfect. In three games they kept the opposition to 12 points or less (Roosters 12, Broncos 8 and Eels 10).
Their scrambling defence against Parramatta was excellent and the players showed some real steel as they repelled repeat attacking sets.
However, against Manly the side conceded 26 points, 30 against the Cowboys and 24 points
were leaked in one half against the Knights. So, while there’s still work to be done, Penrith has shown enough to suggest their defence is improving.
GRADE: B-
Player performances: Overall the performance of most players has lifted over the last seven weeks especially the form of the five NSW Origin players in Nathan Cleary, Brian To’o, Isaah Yeo, Liam Martin and Dylan Edwards. I still think there’s another gear these guys can go to and the team can’t win without them, so they need to stay healthy if the side has any hope of making the Top 8.
Other players including Mitch Kenny, Scott Sorensen, Luke Garner and Isaiah Papali’i have not had the impact they should have due to injury and suspension. They just need to stay on the paddock more to make a difference.
GRADE: B+
Who needs to lift: Lindsay Smith continues to look like he’s struggling even though his numbers don’t always suggest that. He sometimes looks slow and cumbersome and is just not having the same impact he did last season. Meanwhile, Paul Alamoti also needs to find his form again but I’m not sure he’s going to do that if he’s continually picked on the wing in first grade.
Players to watch: This one is easy. Luron Patea had a whale of a game against the Eels last Sunday and will only improve the more first grade he plays. Thomas Jenkins must be in line for a contract extension, and Casey McLean, after a six-week horror stretch, is on the improve.
I also like the way
Coaching: Ivan has shown that when it comes to player management, he knows what he’s doing, despite what us punters may think. He knows when a player needs to be dropped and which ones to bring up. I’m still not convinced that he’s fully adapted his coaching to match the change in personnel, but time will tell.
GRADE: B+
OVERALL GRADE: B
Blaize Talagi is starting to play outside of Cleary.
Peter Lang is delivering his report card.
SEA EAGLES STORM DOLPHINS SHARKS
SEA EAGLES STORM DRAGONS SHARKS
SEA EAGLES STORM DOLPHINS SHARKS
SEA EAGLES STORM DOLPHINS SHARKS
SEA EAGLES STORM DOLPHINS SHARKS
BRONCOS RAIDERS PANTHERS BULLDOGS
BRONCOS RAIDERS PANTHERS BULLDOGS
BRONCOS RAIDERS PANTHERS BULLDOGS
BRONCOS RAIDERS PANTHERS BULLDOGS
BRONCOS RABBITOHS TIGERS BULLDOGS
SEA EAGLES COWBOYS DRAGONS WARRIORS TITANS RABBITOHS PANTHERS EELS
SEA EAGLES STORM DOLPHINS SHARKS
SEA EAGLES STORM DOLPHINS SHARKS
SEA EAGLES STORM DOLPHINS WARRIORS
SEA EAGLES STORM DOLPHINS WARRIORS
SEA EAGLES STORM DRAGONS WARRIORS
BRONCOS RAIDERS PANTHERS BULLDOGS
BRONCOS RAIDERS PANTHERS BULLDOGS
BRONCOS RAIDERS PANTHERS BULLDOGS
BRONCOS RAIDERS PANTHERS BULLDOGS
BRONCOS RAIDERS PANTHERS BULLDOGS
SEA EAGLES STORM DRAGONS WARRIORS BRONCOS RAIDERS PANTHERS BULLDOGS
SEA EAGLES STORM DRAGONS SHARKS
BRONCOS RAIDERS PANTHERS BULLDOGS
SEA
SEA EAGLES STORM DOLPHINS SHARKS
SEA EAGLES STORM DOLPHINS WARRIORS BRONCOS RAIDERS PANTHERS BULLDOGS
SEA EAGLES COWBOYS DRAGONS WARRIORS TITANS RABBITOHS PANTHERS EELS
DOLPHINS SHARKS
BRONCOS RAIDERS PANTHERS BULLDOGS
SEA EAGLES COWBOYS DRAGONS WARRIORS TITANS RABBITOHS PANTHERS EELS
SEA EAGLES COWBOYS DRAGONS WARRIORS TITANS RABBITOHS PANTHERS EELS
SEA EAGLES STORM DRAGONS WARRIORS BRONCOS RAIDERS PANTHERS BULLDOGS
SEA EAGLES STORM DOLPHINS SHARKS BRONCOS RAIDERS PANTHERS BULLDOGS
SEA EAGLES STORM DRAGONS SHARKS
BRONCOS RAIDERS PANTHERS BULLDOGS
SEA EAGLES STORM DOLPHINS SHARKS BRONCOS RAIDERS PANTHERS BULLDOGS
SEA EAGLES STORM DOLPHINS WARRIORS BRONCOS RABBITOHS PANTHERS BULLDOGS
