Extra Time September 10 2026 by Western Sydney Publishing Group

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the western weekender • extra time » Thursday, September 10, 2026

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enrith and Eastern Suburbs have met five times at the pointy end of the season, and the record is telling. Four wins for the Panthers, just one for the Roosters. They’d never met in a Finals game before the 2003 Grand Final, and we know how that turned out. And while the Roosters got the chocolates in the 2010 Finals, the Panthers have won the three games since then – in 2014, 2020 and 2024. It’s why the Roosters got so much out of beating Penrith 12-6 back in mid-August. Proof, perhaps, that despite Penrith’s dominance of these east versus west rivalries in recent times, Ivan Cleary’s side is beatable. That win at CommBank Stadium in Round 24 must feel like an age ago for Trent Robinson. The side has lost three straight games since

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then – including to the lowly Wests Tigers – and halfback Sam Walker suffered a serious injury that will see Robinson’s side relying on veteran halfback Dally Cherry-Evans to guide the team through the Finals in his farewell year in the NRL. Penrith meanwhile has kicked since then. Wins over Melbourne, Canterbury and the Tigers saw the Panthers claim the Minor Premiership and hit winning form at the right time of the season. As I suggested at the time, losing that game against the Roosters was a godsend. Penrith will have learned the lessons required in the defeats to both the Roosters and the Warriors during that period and will be better for it during the Finals. Sometimes things just land in your favour and I think that’s certainly the case for Penrith this weekend. Last weekend saw Mitch Kenny and Isaah Yeo return, both with managed workloads, and it means Penrith goes into this Finals showdown

with a few cobwebs cleared and their best side on the park. The 4pm timeslot in warmer conditions would have also helped last week. It’ll be a rinse and repeat scenario for this Sunday’s game and Penrith will be well prepared for the conditions. The Roosters of course rested a huge chunk of their top players against Souths, so there’s very little to take out of the lop-sided scoreline. Robinson was clearly aiming for a reset once the Minor Premiership was out of reach and he’d be very much leaning into the mantra of the Finals being an all-new competition. I’m expecting a high quality game on Sunday. You don’t finish in the top four without ticking a lot of boxes and both these sides have been consistent enough this season to comfortably finish inside the four. For me, the biggest weakness in the Roosters is their error rate. They actually topped the competition in errors this year with 300 – more than the likes of the Eels and Titans.

And their average completion rate sits at 78 per cent, the ninth best in the competition. On paper, Penrith will therefore be given more than enough chances to turn opportunities into points at CommBank Stadium on Sunday afternoon. It’ll just be a matter of converting those moments. And moments is indeed what games like this often come down to. I have no idea what Ivan Cleary and his coaching staff have settled on as their theme for this year’s Finals (something they’ve done during this era of success). But I suspect it has a lot to do with reclaiming what is theirs, after the run of Premierships was broken last year. With that mindset, and with the strong form leading into this one, I can’t see the Panthers getting beaten on Sunday. The Roosters will give a fair show, but the class and big game DNA of the Panthers should be enough to book them a Preliminary Final spot. Tip: Panthers by 8.

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FE ATURE

What a difference a year makes NATHAN TAYLOR

2 months ago, Tom Jenkins had to lie to reporters. On the eve of the NRL Finals last year, the winger was delivered the disappointing news by Panthers coach Ivan Cleary that he would not be selected in Penrith’s team for their Elimination Final against the New Zealand Warriors in Auckland. Paul Alamoti would get the gig for the do-or-die clash and for Penrith’s next two Finals matches, with Cleary declaring Jenkins not ready to play on the big stage. Moments after Jenkins was told the news by coach Cleary, he had to front reporters at the Panthers Academy to talk about the upcoming Finals Series. Only Jenkins and a small group of people knew he wouldn’t be named in the team that afternoon, but the man everyone calls “Milky”

had to lie to journalists and pretend he was suiting up on the weekend as the team hadn’t been officially announced to the public yet. Speaking to the media on Tuesday morning, Jenkins said it’s incredible to think how much his fortunes have changed in the space of a year. “Looking back to this time last year, it was naturally tough but it’s just part of footy and everyone understands that,” he said. “As players, you understand tough conversations are things you have to have. It was more what’s best for the team at the time. “Obviously, it takes some time to understand that but, after two days, I understood why Ivan made that decision and even more now I can reflect and know that I wasn’t at my best and Pauly [Alamoti] was so deserving to be there over me.” Since last year’s Finals setback, Jenkins has been one of Penrith’s best this season. Not only did the talented winger top

Penrith’s try scoring tally for 2026 but he topped the NRL’s too with a whopping 30 tries for the season. Heading into last Sunday’s game against the Tigers, Jenkins needed two tries in that game to tie Alex Johnston on 30 tries for the year. Fortunately for Jenkins he scored a spectacular double in the first half and will now share the Ken Irvine Medal for most tries scored in the regular season with the legendary Rabbitohs flyer. “At half-

Tom Jenkins chatting with Nathan Taylor this week. Photo: Melinda Jane.

time most people would be thinking I was going to get another try and get the record outright, but it’s so cool to be able to share it with AJ. He’s such a quality player, I enjoy watching him,” Jenkins told Extra Time. “The record wasn’t massively on my mind heading into the game. I more just wanted to put out a good performance.” It’s understood the NRL will produce two Ken Irvine Medals to hand out to both players on Dally M Medal night, however Jenkins wouldn’t be opposed to Johnston keeping it if only one is made. “He’s played less games than me this season, so he’s probably more deserving,” Jenkins admitted. “If it comes down to that then he can have it, if that’s what needs to happen. He’s such a quality player.” Most of Jenkins’ 30 tries this season were pure brilliance. While many wingers score by just falling over the tryline, Jenkins produced some scintillating tries that will be remembered for many years to come. Jenkins said he was never a fan of scoring “cheap tries” and was glad none of his teammates put him over for any easy ones to get him the record last Sunday.

Tom Jenkins scoring a spectacular try last Sunday. Photo: NRL Images.

“I didn’t want anyone to run away and pass it to me in the in-goal. I just wanted tries that I earned and if I got them, I got them, if I didn’t, I didn’t,” he said. Jenkins will be looking to add to his try scoring tally this Sunday afternoon when he lines up for the Panthers in their Qualifying Final against the Sydney Roosters at CommBank Stadium.

“It’s a big occasion and a really exciting time” In some exciting and relieving news, the 25-year-old has been named by Cleary to make his Finals debut, and he couldn’t be more pumped for the occasion. “It’s a big occasion and a really exciting time!” Jenkins said. “I guess this time of year is one that you look forward to the most and it’s going to be a really exciting challenge, a good challenge and I’m just happy to be a part of it.”

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FE ATURE

Garner’s late Father’s Day present NATHAN TAYLOR

the field after games or at training – it seems like a really cool moment to share with them,” Garner said. “To be able to do that

Soon to be Dad, Luke Garner. Photo: NRL Photos.

over the next couple of years will be special.” Season 2026 has been a rollercoaster one for Garner. While he’ll enjoy the highest

of highs in the coming days, he’s also experienced the lowest of lows through injury. In late June, Garner suffered a concussion at training that kept him sidelined for eight weeks. While the concussion wasn’t overly bad according to him, repeated head knocks over his career along with a pesky ankle issue saw him miss considerable playing time. “It wasn’t just the concussion… that wasn’t that bad. I had some other ankle stuff going on but everything’s sweet now and I’m back,” said Garner, who’s now wearing a headgear in games. “I didn’t want to miss any games, but I missed a few weeks. It’s always nice being back amongst it and playing in a good team.” There’s no better time to be back playing again than during the NRL Finals. Over the coming weeks, the former Tiger will be chasing his third premiership in four years – a huge feat for someone who played no Finals footy before arriving at Penrith. “I obviously wanted to be back for this end of the year stuff – it’s the best time of the year and it’s the Finals,” Garner said. “To be there in the big games, competing in the do-or-die games is what you want to play in.”

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remiership-winning Panthers star Luke Garner is gearing up for the biggest week of his life. Not only will the back-rower turned centre line-up in Penrith’s Qualifying Final against the Sydney Roosters this Sunday afternoon, but his wife Ash is due to deliver the couple’s first baby very soon. Speaking with the media on Tuesday morning, the 31-year-old said he’s got a lot on his mind right now. “My baby is due at any moment – it’s super exciting!” Garner revealed. “Obviously I’ve got a lot going on at the moment with football, Finals, baby, so I’m very occupied at football and away from football. It’s keeping me busy but it’s all good things.” Garner’s wife is officially due to give birth on Friday, with the soon-to-be dad confident he’ll be available to tackle the Roosters on Sunday at CommBank Stadium. “We’ve got some contingencies in place, so the baby will be coming before the game… I’m playing,” Garner declared. When Garner’s new bundle of joy is eventually born, he says his life will finally feel complete. After watching many of his Panthers

teammates parent kids over the years, he’s also desperately wanted a piece of the action. “I’ve been so envious of the players getting their babies and children on

the western weekender • extra time » Thursday, September 10, 2026

PANTHER RUMBLINGS

with The Masked Panther

Western Sydney in the cold NRL ignoring the west? The Panthers may have finished on top of the competition, but the NRL still looks set to leave western Sydney out in the cold during the Finals. It held its Finals media launch in the city on Monday morning, and its Grand Final Lunch has also been locked in for the ICC Theatre in Sydney. Every indication is that the traditional Fan Fest will return, and will again be in the city. Given so much of rugby league’s fan base is in the west of Sydney, and with the Panthers and Warriors flying high, it’s time head office spread the love.

The Finals media launch in the city. Photo: NRL Photos.

of Nathan Cleary and Isaah Yeo were not available for interviews at Tuesday’s media session. Kayo on the rise: Foxtel and Kayo are reporting huge growth this year as the regular season reaches its conclusion. It comes as confirmation was received last week that Fox League will be re-branded as Kayo League next year. Panthers captain Isaah Yeo was among those attending Foxtel Media’s upfronts last week – pictured here with Yvonne Sampson.

Extra Time set for re-brand: The Western Weekender’s rugby league coverage will have an all-new look and feel next season. And it’s also got a new name, with the Extra Time brand to be retired at the end of the season. Panthers News will launch in 2027, and will remain a pull-out in the centre of the paper along with a stand-alone Digital Edition. To complement the new concept, a new website has also launched – www.panthersnews.com. au. The site is already up and running in Beta mode and draws on the Weekender’s Panthers content, plus will feature exclusive new content like a tipping competition. Get ready for Panthers News! Spotted: Daily Telegraph journalist Brent Read making a rare appearance at a Panthers media session this week.

Panthers honour Old Boys: It was great to see so many former Panthers players turn out for Sunday afternoon’s clash against the Wests Tigers. The club gifted them all a replica of the heritage jumper the side wore on the day, in tribute to the late John Farragher. Plenty of Old Boys turned up – reliving the glory days with a few beers, good conversation and a huge reception from the crowd. Lease your seat: The Panthers are set to allow ticketed members to re-sell their seat if they can’t make a game at Helloworld Stadium next year. It’s a good concept commonly employed around the world. But here’s a twist – I’m told the seller will not get the money for the ticket. Instead, they’ll get a merchandise voucher.

Standing room only: Here’s something interesting in regards to seating at Helloworld Stadium next year. The first seating map I’ve seen shows the hills as “North Standing” and “South Standing”. I’ve confirmed that Venues NSW is set to ban camp chairs from the hills. Picnic blankets are set to survive. Meantime, it appears all seats next year will be ticketed – there will be no General Admission area in either grandstand. But here’s a big win for General Admission members: season tickets will be cheaper per game in 2027 than the last two seasons. Accessible seating memberships are being increased in number. Lindsay the tradie: Could Lindsay Smith have already sorted his career after football? I’m told he’s quite handy on the tools and has taken the lead in his recent house renovation. Sorensen gets early wake-up call: Penrith sent departing

forward Scott Sorensen to Monday morning’s Finals launch, giving Nathan Cleary and Isaah Yeo a sleep-in after the side’s win over the Tigers on Sunday afternoon. I’m told the NRL was a little unhappy. Perhaps they should have held the media call in Penrith. Tradition remains: I’m told that John Farragher’s son Jake will present the John Farragher Award for Courage and Determination at this year’s Merv Cartwright Medal in October. John always took great pride in selecting the player to win the award each year.

Discounts gone: Members discounts at Penrith Stadium are officially a thing of the past. With Venues NSW now in charge of the venue, there is no sign of the long-standing food and beverage discounts returning. Table topper: Congratulations to Kane Towns from Towns Cranes, who topped the Western Weekender Celebrity Tipsters this year. Towns dominated the competition throughout, finishing six points clear of his nearest rival. Kane is off to the NRL Grand Final but has something even better – Penrith bragging rights.

Accor for Prelim: The Panthers will be headed to Accor Stadium for their Preliminary Final should they make it that far. The club has already indicated to the NRL they want to play at Sydney Olympic Park for a Grand Final Qualifier, regardless of the opposition. Big names out: The Panthers kept some of their biggest stars out of the media spotlight this week. The likes

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Forget the Logies, it’s the Langs! W ith the regular season now over and the Panthers finishing as Minor Premiers after 27 rounds, it’s time for the remaining eight teams to fight it out to determine who will ultimately win the 2026 NRL Premiership. Panthers will hold its 2026 Merv Cartwright Medal on Tuesday, October 6, but I thought I’d get in early with who I think will win the major categories this year.

Lang on

League with Peter Lang

Merv Cartwright Medal: Nathan Cleary – There really is no other player you can give this accolade to. He already has one hand on the Dally M Player of the Year and after orchestrating many victories for Penrith this season during his 20 appearances, he finished the season with an impressive points 203 points tally made up of six tries, 89 goals and a solitary field goal. Cleary really is simply the best.

Jersey Flagg Player of the Year: Kye Raven – The lock forward was an important part of the Panthers Jersey Flegg side’s success this season as it storms its way towards a Grand Final qualifier. Raven played in 18 games and scored 122 points which includes six tries and 57 goals. A player with a bright future ahead of him.

Nathan Cleary is favourite to win the Merv Cartwright Medal.

Members Player of the Year: Thomas Jenkins – the man nicknamed ‘Milky’ has become a fan favourite. Not only did he tie for the highest number of tries scored with 30 but his aerial acrobatics, solid defence and unassuming nature has made him a household name. Ben Alexander Rookie of the Year: Billy Phillips – After playing only one first grade game in 2025, Phillips added 20 more first grade

matches in a break-out 2026 season. The talented 22 year-old second-rower showed that he wasn’t scared of the tough stuff often tearing into the opposition while adding some fine passing and off-loading skills to his game. NSW Cup Player of the Year: Jaxen Edgar – After being named the official NSW Cup Player of the Year, you could make no other choice really. The dynamic young

Peter Lang Player to watch in 2027: Zakauri Clarke – The second-rower has got first grade written all over him and he can kick goals. Personally I can’t wait to see him in the top-grade next year. The final word: While winning the Minor Premiership is a wonderful achievement, the job is not yet done because winning the 2026 NRL Premiership is the end goal. There’s no doubt Penrith has the players and experience to win its fifth title in six years but no one is going to just hand it to them. To be the best you’ve got to beat the best. It’s a challenge I think the team will rise to.

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John Farragher Award for Courage and Determination: Moses Leota – Leota was a mainstay in the engine room all season playing 23 matches and raking up an average 100 metres a game. Leota is the epitome of a tough, courageous and determined prop forward. Enough said.

fullback with speed to burn played 18 NSW Cup matches scoring 16 tries, 68 tackle breaks, six try assists and 11 line breaks. What a player.

the western weekender • extra time » Thursday, September 10, 2026

BEHIND THE GAME

Tago shows leadership qualities

Izack Tago. Photo: Melinda Jane.

fter suffering a knee injury in Round 26 against the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs Izack Tago remains sidelined but is determined to play his part in Penrith’s push to the big dance. Tago’s knee collided with winger Brian To’o and it is understood he is suffering a medial collateral ligament issue. Tago said this week he was healing well. “It’s been good to be honest,” he said. “I feel like it’s recovering way faster than I expected. I saw what happened, but it just feels way better.” Being in the Finals is no surprise to Tago but since being sidelined he has taken on a new role in the team. “I think it’s just about embracing it and enjoying the occasion,” Tago said. “It’s obviously special and having been there before you know what comes with it, so I think it is just about enjoying it and feeling it out with the boys who haven’t experienced it before and helping them enjoy it too.” Tago holds himself to a high standard

both on and off the field and said he tries to make sure he holds others to that standard as well. “My brothers both play footy too so I grew up within that culture of my house,” Tago said. “I grew up with a lot of boys that play NRL now and so training together and holding each other accountable as we were coming up. “I feel like you look around today and sometimes in some environments it feels like it is not as relevant. But in such a cutthroat environment where there is such a high standard you have to be accountable for what you do and I also hold others accountable which is a tough thing.” To get his mind away from the footy field while he mends his knee, Tago has been spending a lot of time with his nephews. “I live with a few of my nephews. Some of them are a bit older now so it’s nice to take them out,” Tago told Behind the Game. “They do like trains and stuff, so I take them to watch some trains near the tracks. There are some cool spots in the mountains.”

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Emily Chate Quick Questions Go to coffee order: Doesn’t drink coffee

Cheat meal: T8ste Deez food truck

Favourite movie: ‘V for Vendetta’

Favourite musician: Lucky Dube

Who did you support growing up? Gold Coast Titans

Pet peeve: Messiness

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Thursday, September 10, 2026 « the western weekender • extra time

THE Y S AID IT. . . “I don’t want to put too much thought into it right now. I don’t want to drain that mental energy. I want to put it all into this Finals Series and hopefully make it a special one.” Nathan Cleary on his future, on ‘100% Footy’

“Nobody remembers who wins Minor Premierships, but it’s a hell of an achievement.” Rugby League Insider’s James Hooper

“Unless she was walking by Penrith Park, how did you find the time to meet her?” “It’s so cool to get a trophy and after a long season to be sitting at the top feels pretty good. It just confirms you’ve done a lot of things right.”

Phil Gould asking Nathan Cleary about Mary Fowler

“I’d love to be involved with Origin... I’m trying to chase that up.”

Panthers coach Ivan Cleary

Former Panther James Maloney on future coaching opportunities

“When this place is full it’s a great stadium. Hopefully we can fill it right up and put on a pretty good show.”

“It (rugby league) has never been more popular and our fans will be rewarded with a Finals Series filled with highlights from the best athletes on the planet.”

“Credit to Penrith’s medical team. They seem to get players back on the park so quickly. Whatever they are doing it’s working.”

ARLC Chair, Peter V’landys

Panthers co-captain Nathan Cleary

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Thursday, September 10, 2026 « the western weekender • extra time

FINAL S PRE VIE W S

Can you smell September footy? TROY DODDS

abbitohs v Knights – Friday 7.50pm @ Allianz Stadium South Sydney appear to be hitting form at the right time of the season, and will gain plenty of confidence out of last week’s thrashing of the Roosters, even though the opposition was under-strength. The Rabbitohs’ best chance of going deep into the Finals is if Latrell Mitchell catches fire and produces a series to remember. There is also plenty to be said for the Jai Arrow factor – his incredible fight has

inspired Souths at the back end of the season. Newcastle has produced a stunning turnaround after a disastrous 2025 campaign and coach Justin Holbrook should be commended for the way he’s got the side firing this year. Unfortunately, a horror injury run coupled with suspensions is likely going to prove too much for the Knights here. They’ll be brave, but it’s hard to see them toppling the in-form Rabbitohs. Troy’s Tip: Rabbitohs by 14. Warriors v Dolphins – Saturday 4.05pm @ Go Media Stadium

Cam Murray and Kalyn Ponga. Photo: NRL Photos.

Go Media Stadium will be absolutely pumping on Saturday with Warriors fans daring to dream that this is the year they win their first title. While the Warriors finished within a whisker of claiming the Minor Premiership, coach Andrew Webster would be concerned with the side’s defensive deficiencies this season. There’s definitely a path to an upset here for the Dolphins, who are playing in their first Finals series. Expect the Dolphins to target the Warriors’ shaky left-side defence. That likely means points for the likes of Jamayne Isaako and Jack Bostock.

I think this could end up being one of the highest scoring games of the weekend, but it’ll be the team that gets their defence in order and plays consistent football throughout the 80 minutes that will get the job done. Troy’s Tip: Dolphins by 2 Sharks v Cowboys – Saturday 7.50pm @ Allianz Stadium Cronulla fans are tasked with providing a Shark Park like atmosphere at Allianz Stadium, as the side moves from its traditional home ground for this one. You would expect the Sharks would win this game easily, but their form

Blayke Brailey and Tom Deardon. Photo: NRL Photos.

over the past month has been really concerning. They were flying at one point there and Nicho Hynes was in rare form, but things have fallen away. Both sides would be using the ‘R’ word this week: reset. Forget what’s happened at the back end of the season, the Finals are a new ball game. For me the Cowboys are just conceding too many points, but Cronulla’s form is a real concern – which makes this one hard to pick. I’m siding with the Sharks – they just seem the most likely side to get it together when it matters. Tip: Sharks by 10.

Tom Gilbert and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck. Photo: NRL Photos.

KOALA MOWERS IS COMING TO KINGSWOOD Koala Mowers is opening a brand-new store at 22 Copeland St, Kingswood this month, bringing even more affordable lawn and garden equipment to the Penrith community. As a stand-alone Victa dealership, the new store will stock Victa, Bushranger and Navimow products, giving locals more choice without the hefty price tag. After years of looking after local customers, Koala Mowers is expanding to make quality outdoor power equipment more accessible to the local community they cherish.

QUALITY EQUIPMENT, GREAT SERVICE, BETTER VALUE 02 7252 3713 | koalamowers.com.au 46

the western weekender • extra time » Thursday, September 10, 2026

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the western weekender » Thursday, September 10, 2026

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