FOOTY!
Mitch Barnett and Nathan Cleary.
Photo: NRL Photos.
match preview
the finalword
At one stage during the year it looked like the only chance Penrith had of using a passport in September was for some well-deserved rest in Bali or Fiji.
But an incredible resurgence in the back end of the year means the Panthers are headed to Auckland this Saturday for a showdown with the Warriors.
The Greg Alexander Cup, if you’ll allow it.
The Warriors were on track to be one of the great stories of the season for much of the year, but the loss of halfback Luke Metcalf – at one stage seemingly on track for the Dally M Medal – proved too much.
As a result the Warriors lost their hold on the top four and now face a sudden death clash, with question marks over their depth and an overall feeling they’ve run out of puff.
But this has been a weird and whacky season and the Finals will almost certainly deliver us some unexpected results.
Ivan Cleary got what he wanted to get out of last week’s match against the Dragons. It wasn’t clinical but Penrith never looked like losing and at least they got a fair fight from St George-Illawarra who were up for the contest and refused to go away.
Meanwhile, Andrew Webster would have preferred a victory over Manly but he wouldn’t be too disappointed with the end result. The Sea Eagles always felt in control but the Warriors still found points and fought to the 80th minute – something you need to do if you’re any chance of toppling Penrith.
There is a lot of talk about the Panthers and winning the competition from outside the top four. There is no doubt it’ll be an entirely different situation for Penrith, who have been used to playing week one Finals at their beloved Penrith Park in front of a sellout home crowd, and have been granted a rest in the second week during this Premiership run (except for 2021).
In the end Ivan Cleary’s option to rest 16 players against the Bulldogs likely did cost his side a home Final – if you presume Penrith would have won that night.
Whether that was a genius move or a fatal error will somewhat be decided this week.
Once Penrith is through this weekend, it’d be the same situation regardless in terms of venues and opponents.
I expect the Warriors to come out hard. As much as James Fisher-Harris’ departure from Penrith was amicable and there was no bad blood, he’d still like nothing more than to prove a point against his old mates.
The Warriors finished the regular season with the highest average completion rate of any team in the NRL. That shows you that under Webster, their discipline has improved significantly – silly errors was a Warriors trait for years.
Penrith is only just behind though in a share
of second spot – which means you should expect a high quality game of football with very few errors on Saturday.
It will make every dropped ball, every forward pass, every set restart and every penalty so much more critical.
As much as I think Penrith have New Zealand’s measure on paper, there is a real intimidation factor there. The Warriors crowd will be as vocal and as loud as it has ever been.
Ivan Cleary knows a little bit about that, and the preparation may need some of his wisdom from his Warriors days this week.
Get on the edge of your seat Panthers fans –we’re back where we belong, at the time of year we dominate.
The hurdle this year is bigger, but this is a footy side that has jumped them when others wouldn’t even attempt to. It’ll be close, but I think Penrith find themselves still alive after the 80 minutes. Tip: Panthers by 8.
Graphic by Kacey Wilson.
panther rumblings
COACH WINS BEST DRESSED
! Coach srubs up well: Ivan Cleary took home The Masked Panther’s unofficial Best Dressed award at the Merv Cartwright Medal, in the men’s category anyway. Cleary was looking very schmick in a tux at the event, matched only by his beautiful wife Bec. They both shone on the black carpet.
! Touching honour for Merv’s son: Merv Cartwright’s son Michael made the trip down from Queensland to present the award named in his father’s honour to Nathan Cleary on Tuesday night. Michael, who played one game for Penrith in 1994, spoke glowingly about his father’s legacy at the Panthers before presenting the big award of the night.
! Penrith’s NRLW push: The Panthers have confirmed they’re pushing for inclusion in the NRLW competition in 2027. The Board made their position clear to ARLC Chairman Peter V’landys and CEO Andrew Abdo last week.
! Early start for Finals launch: The NRL again held its Finals Launch in the city this week, choosing the Pier Pavilion at Barangaroo to hold its major media event in the very early hours of Monday morning. The Panthers sent co-captain Nathan Cleary bright and early for the event. As much as we understand there’s a lot of media based in the city, it still baffles
me why the NRL never hold season launches, Finals media calls and Grand Final events in western Sydney – the lifeblood of the game.
! No late Laurie deal: Any chance of Daine Laurie signing a deal with Penrith for next year appears to have gone out the window. Laurie was included in the departing players presentation video at the Merv Cartwright Medal
on Tuesday night. Laurie wants to stay at the club and there was the odd whisper around that a late deal could emerge, but that’s all gone quiet now.
! Cogger’s return: While it hasn’t been formally announced, Jack Cogger (pictured) will return to Penrith next year on a three-year deal. It’s a surprisingly long-term arrangement for Cogger, who will play second fiddle to Nathan Cleary in the role occupied by Brad Schneider currently. There’s talk that Cogger didn’t quite fit in at Newcastle, but he was well liked during his previous tenure at Penrith.
! Spotted: Daine Laurie at Percy Plunkett doing a coffee run for the rest of the first grade squad last week.
! Members hit up: Members were sur-
prised to cop an email before the regular season had even ended about renewals of season tickets for next year. Surprisingly, the price has gone up. I say surprisingly because it’s been a tough slog for many fans to make the trek to Parramatta this year – there had been some hope the club would retain existing prices for next season to cushion the blow. Confirmed in the renewal email was that CommBank Stadium would host one extra game next year, with the Vegas match coming back into the local schedule.
! Spotted: The ‘Panthers Cup’ being run as a Trackside (electronic racing) event last Saturday before the Panthers v Dragons match. Flanno and Gutherino ran first and second –the only thing they ended up winning that day.
! Board interest: Which rugby league journalist, who has a long history with the Panthers, is considering a tilt at the club’s Board next year?
! Scoop confirmed: I told you a few months back that there was a push from some within Panthers for the team to wear their Las Vegas jersey for the Finals. And it turns out the club had every intention to do just that, until they drew the Warriors this weekend. The jersey clash means the Panthers will wear their pink jersey on Saturday afternoon.
! Council gets behind Panthers: Penrith City Council is getting behind the Panthers for the Finals with numerous banners up across the city. You’ll spot them everywhere from the Civic Centre to the Joan, Ripples at St Marys and Penrith and the Woodriff Gardens tennis courts.
! Spotted: Nathan Cleary doing his best to make a quick exit from the Merv Cartwright Medal on Tuesday. It was slow going however, with plenty of photo requests from sponsors.
Ivan and Bec Cleary.
CELEBRATING A STELLAR SEASON
Champion Panthers halfback
Nathan Cleary was the toast of Penrith on Tuesday night, winning the prestigious Merv Cartwright Medal for the third time.
The 27-year-old was named Penrith’s Player of the Year at a glittering ceremony held at the Western Sydney Conference Centre.
Cleary was presented the Medal – his first since 2021 – by Michael Cartwright, son of Penrith’s founding father Merv.
“I’m super grateful, and I’m super grateful for all my teammates – I definitely wouldn’t have won any of these or wouldn’t be the player I am today without those guys,” Cleary said.
Cleary also thanked his parents Ivan and Bec, and his partner Mary Fowler for their support.
“Thank you to my parents, I would not be the man I am today without them,” he said.
“My partner Mary, she’s in England at the moment, but her unwavering and unconditional support, I just love her for that.”
Cleary played in 19 games for the Panthers this season, scoring five tries and kicking 67 goals. He also
tallied 15 try assists and 15 line break assists to become Penrith’s MVP.
Earlier in the night, Cleary’s game-winning charge down try against the Canterbury Bulldogs in Round 17 was voted Try of the Year by the fans.
Other big winners during the evening included try-scoring machine and winger Tom Jenkins, who picked up two major awards within hours of being surprisingly dropped by coach Ivan Cleary for Saturday’s Elimination Final.
Jenkins was voted the Members Player of the Year, while he was also bestowed the John Farragher Award for Courage and Determination.
“Firstly, a massive thanks to John – this is such a big award and something that I don’t take lightly,” he said.
“It’s such an honour to receive this.”
Panthers CEO Matt Cameron awarded premiership-winning forward and all-round nice guy Scott Sorensen the Club Person of the Year Award for his strong work ethic and leadership over the past five seasons.
“I’m speechless at the moment,” Sorensen said.
“It’s very humbling to receive this. I’m a bit lost for words, to be honest. It means a whole lot.”
Promising forward Luron Patea was named the Ben Alexander Rookie of the Year after 13 NRL appearances across two seasons.
Jenson Tuaoi was awarded the Jersey Flegg Player of the Year, while Luke Sommerton was NSW Cup Player of the Year and Harmony Covacich won the inaugural NSW
Women’s Premiership Player of the Year.
Former Panthers skipper Kevin Kingston presented Junior and Senior Education Awards to Jirah Liddiard and Matt Eisenhuth.
The Panthers also revealed their Finals hype video at the ceremony, centred around the ‘Never Before’ concept, a nod to Penrith’s quest for a fifth straight title and their mission to do it from outside of the top four, which hasn’t never been achieve in the NRL era.
celebrity tipsters
TIPPING WINNERS CROWNED
Two local accountants have been crowned joint winners of the Western Weekender’s 2025 Celebrity Tipping Competition.
Ross Fowler from Ross Fowler & Co. and Juliet De Silva from Synergy Accounting couldn’t be separated after the 27 rounds of NRL action – finishing on 263 points apiece.
The final round of the regular season was full of tension and excitement with Fowler, De Silva and Donna Hildon from Supremacy Funerals level on 251 points heading into last Thursday night’s blockbuster between Brisbane and Melbourne.
While Hildon ultimately finished in third (259 points) after dropping four games last weekend, Fowler and De Silva only missed two tips, with the match between the Wests Tigers and Gold Coast Titans proving the most critical.
Had the Tigers held on to win, Fowler would have been crowned the sole winner of the competition, however the Titans fought back not only for outgoing coach Des Hasler and retiring halfback Kieran Foran but also for De Silva, who went against the odds and tipped them to victory.
“Great finish to the comp!” De Silva said.
the Tigers game – but like so many games this year, it went down to the wire!” Fowler, who has won the Weekend’s Celebrity Tipping Competition in the past, said to be a great tipster, you need to do your research and if in doubt, always pick Penrith.
“I thought Ross was home with
does it again.
“Always back the Panthers,” he said proudly.
“Also, wait until after 4pm when the teams are announced before choosing.
“Home and away considerations is very important too. Certain teams don’t travel well.”
As part of their prize, Fowler and De Silva won tickets to the 2025 NRL Grand Final on Sunday, October 5.
Glenn Hawke interviewing Nathan Cleary on Tuesday night. John Farragher presents Thomas Jenkins his award.
NATHAN TAYLOR
Local accountant Juliet De Sliva. Fowler
NATHAN TAYLOR
TALAGI’S SEASON HAS A CHERRY ON TOP
When he was weighing up whether to leave Parramatta last year, Blaize Talagi had a list of pros and cons to help make up his decision.
While playing in the halves alongside four-time premiership winner
Nathan Cleary was certainly on there, one of the other items on his ‘pro’ Panthers list was playing Finals footy.
In his first season at the club, the 20-year-old’s dream of playing in the NRL Finals will finally be realised on Saturday over in Auckland, New Zealand.
After 19 games with the Eels during his rookie year, Talagi will play his 20th game with the seventh-placed Panthers in a blockbuster Elimination Final against the sixth-placed Warriors.
Speaking with Extra Time ahead of the biggest game of his young career, Talagi said he can’t wait to experience Finals footy for the first time.
“It’s been a pretty big year for me… it’s come along so quick,” he said.
“This will be my first Finals Series, I’m looking forward to it!
“Finals is the pinnacle of club footy, and this was something I was looking at when I wanted to make a switch,
CONCRETE POOL BUILDER
so to be in this position now, I’m just grateful and I’m looking forward to it.”
While he’s never played this deep into September before, Talagi is well aware that Finals footy is a different beast. Thankfully, he’s got more than a dozen teammates on Saturday that know what playing at this time of the year is like.
“I know Finals is a different game, but I have a lot of faith in this squad, and I think we can do something really special,” Talagi said.
“I’m a pretty cruisy guy, I don’t really get too nervous but it will definitely be different out there. The atmosphere over there in New Zealand is pretty good and I can’t imagine what it will be like for a Finals game.
“I think having those senior boys around, who have been there and done that, will help us young guys. Being able to look at them and see how they just prepare and carry themselves on the field gives me a lot of confidence to do my own thing.”
When the Panthers fly out to Auckland on Thursday, it will be the second time this season they have stepped foot on New Zealand soil.
Earlier this year, minus five State of Origin stars, the then ninth-placed Panthers sprung one of the upsets of the season – defeating the then thirdplaced Warriors 28-16.
Talagi said he remembers that victory against all
odds like it was yesterday as it was the third game of their incredible nine-game winning streak.
“I do remember that game well without our Origin boys,” he said.
“It was ‘next man up’ mentality and everybody did their job that night. It was a big win for us, and I think that helped save our season.”
Unlike the last time they met, the Panthers will go into this weekend’s game as heavy favourites against Andrew Webster’s men.
The depleted Warriors have lost games to the Sea Eagles and Eels in consecutive weeks – both teams who this week celebrated Mad Monday.
Talagi said he’s not surprised all the money is being put on his team, but he’s not letting Penrith’s favouritism cloud his judgement of just how tough the game across the Tasman will be.
“I guess that’s sort of what happens being at this club and the things that we’ve done this year, but I don’t think me or any of the boys will pay attention to that. We know what we’ve got to do,” he said.
“I think this week will be about looking – not necessarily at the opposition but – at ourselves and looking at the things that we need to work on.
“Last week against the Dragons was an overall good performance. There were a few periods where we let them back in, but we’ll learn from that and improve. I think it was a good game to have going into Finals.”
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Nathan Taylor chats with Blaize Talagi on Monday. Photo: Melinda Jane.
Blaize Talagi has enjoyed a strong first season at the Panthers. Photo: NRL Images.
NATHAN TAYLOR
Blaize Talagi is pumped.
Tries: P Alamoti 2, T Jenkins, C McLean, N Cleary, I Papali’i, L Smith. Goals: N Cleary 6/7
Tries: N Murphy 2, J Liddiard 2, J Edgar, T Patea
Tries: K Flanagan, C Allan, T Sloan, J Su’A Goals: K Flanagan 2/4
Tries: J Stevenson-Hala, M Hunter
player of the year
finals previews
TOSS A COIN: THRILLING BATTLES FOR
Storm v Bulldogs
AAMI Park
Friday, September 12, 7.50pm
The Finals kick-off with a real head-scratcher.
Despite sitting in the top four, neither Melbourne or Canterbury would be happy with their form heading into the Finals.
The Storm have lost two in a row, including that surprising thrashing at the hands of the Roosters a fortnight ago.
The Bulldogs meantime offered very little against the Sharks last Saturday and only stumbled their way to beating a reserve grade Penrith side a couple of weeks back.
Attack has been Canterbury’s problem all year and last week’s performance certainly sounded alarm bells. Lachlan Galvin may well emerge as the superstar Phil Gould has praised him to be, but there’s still so much more work to do on his game.
Both of these sides will likely look at their last battle against each other only a few weeks ago.
The Storm gritted out a victory, while the Bulldogs could have easily won and would look at that performance as the benchmark they need to reach on Friday night.
The big question is whether Melbourne can win the competition without Jahrome Hughes. Most sides who have lost their halfback would
Plus, with the creative Cameron Munster at five-eighth, there’s still plenty of upside to the Storm’s halves.
As much as I could see Melbourne turning it on and winning by a big margin, I think the most likely scenario is another tight win.
Tip: Storm by 6.
Sharks v Roosters
Shark Park
Saturday, September 13, 7.50pm
The Sharks only narrowly missed the top four yet it is the Roosters everyone is talking about.
And while nobody can deny the terrific form of Trent Robinson’s side at the back end of the season, I feel like Cronulla are flying perfectly under the radar and could give this competition a real shake.
Cronulla have been a consistent Finals team of late but always seem to limp out of the Finals, so nobody gives them a serious chance at winning the competition.
But they have a strong pack and can score points from anywhere. They were also boosted this week with Nicho Hynes cleared to play despite initially facing a suspension.
For Hynes, a real chance emerges for him to own a Finals series. There has been a feeling that he’s been unable to own big matches and big moments in his career so far.
But after a solid regular season he now has the opportunity to lead Cronulla deep into September.
The Roosters meanwhile just ooze class all over the field. James Tedesco has turned back the clock and is having one of his best seasons,
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TROY DODDS
OPENING WEEKEND OF FINALS FOOTY
while their pack is mobile and damaging.
Seriously, would anyone rule out the Roosters winning the whole thing from eighth? They are experienced campaigners, and Robinson knows his type of football better than anyone.
I honestly can’t split this one –but I’m going to back Tedesco to have a belter.
Tip: Roosters by 1
Raiders v Broncos
GIO Stadium
Sunday, September 14, 4.05pm
If GIO Stadium had a roof, it may not have existed after the Viking Clap this Sunday.
The atmosphere in the nation’s capital will be absolutely electric for this showdown, without doubt the game of the weekend.
Canberra has been the most consistent side all season, defying the critics to win the Minor Premiership on the back of a young side that is fitter than any other team in the comp.
Credit must go to Ricky Stuart for preparing this team so well before the season and throughout the year. Not only did the Raiders have to travel to Las Vegas but their schedule in the first place was tougher
than anyone in the NRL, and yet Stuart guided them through it without an issue.
But Stuart is not the only coach in this match who deserves applause.
Appointed at the end of last year in a shroud of controversy, Michael Maguire has guided Brisbane back to the top four and has them playing the right kind of football at the perfect time of year.
It feels like that while Maguire has brought his own style to Brisbane, he’s also adapted to the Broncos way of doing things and found the perfect balance. The result is a side that is singing into September.
The most obvious x-factor here is Reece Walsh.
He’s having a run of form that is nothing short of brilliant at the moment, and if that continues this weekend it could spell trouble for the Raiders on Sunday arvo.
As much as I think Brisbane on a dry track is dangerous, I think Canberra can get the job done here on the back of a huge crowd, a terrific atmosphere and the confidence gained from the year that has been.
Tip: Raiders by 4.
The Broncos and Raiders will do battle on Sunday.
A thriller in the shire. Photo: NRL Photos.
panther memories
Brad Izzard was one of the toughest players to ever pull on a Penrith jersey, but the end of his career was somewhat sad – and tinged with controversy.
He made his debut back in 1982, toiling away and eventually being rewarded with Premiership success in 1991. He even scored a try in the season decider against Canberra.
A four-time New South Wales representative, a neck injury caused Izzard significant grief in the 1992 season. In the end, doctors discovered it was a degenerative condition, and he was forced to have surgery.
Doctors raised concerns to Penrith management that Izzard should not play on – that he risked paralysis if even the simplest of tackles went wrong.
Panthers boss Don Feltis made the tough call to bring the curtain down on Izzard’s career.
Izzard was angry, and the pair famously didn’t speak for several years.
Izzard unknowingly played his last game for Penrith on Saturday, July 11, 1992 in Darwin of all places. He scored a try in Penrith’s 24-20 win over South Sydney.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT SINGLES
Hakki Kazan Division 1
Hamish Nielson Division 2
Zain Merchant Division 3
Robert Mason Division 4
Arush Patravali Division 5
Joseph Mangaser Division 6
THURSDAY NIGHT DOUBLES
Courtney Cook Division 1
Justin Towell Division 2
Malakhai Tumia Division 3
THAT SEPTEMBER FEELING...
The journey to the 2025 NRL Finals has been a tumultuous one for the four-peat defending Premiers. At one stage during the year, it looked like their season was over when they found themselves in last place after 12 rounds.
How they even finished in seventh position at the end of 27 rounds is testimony to the team’s resilience, their inner belief and strong culture and work ethic.
All the values that the Panthers have built their incredible success on over the last six years.
In fact, Penrith’s form over the second half of the season has been nothing short of sensational.
The Panthers finished their last 13 games with 10 wins and three losses. This included two golden point losses and a loss when they rested 16 players from their first grade team.
It’s the type of momentum which gives Penrith more than just a good chance of making it through to the big dance once again.
For the preview of this week’s Elimination Final between the Warriors and Panthers
check out Troy Dodds’ match preview on page 31.
For my preview of the remaining Finals games, keep reading.
Qualifying Final – AAMI Park –Friday, September 12
Kick-off 7.50pm Melbourne Storm v Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
A month ago, this would have been the match of the round, however over the last few weeks both sides have fallen off their perch due to injuries and have lost form at the wrong end of the season.
The Storm will have to win without their Dally M halfback Jahrome Hughes and fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen, while the Dogs have been in all-sorts since changing their half and hooker eight weeks ago and mucking up what was until then, a winning formula.
I’m going to give the win to the Storm simply because they’re playing at home and they get their best player Harry Grant back. I’m expecting him to be the difference.
Tip: Melbourne Storm
Elimination Final – Sharks Stadium – Saturday, September 13
Kick-off 7.50pm
Cronulla Sharks v Sydney Roosters
This one should be one hell of an arm wrestle. Both teams are in good form with the Roosters being the more flamboyant with the ball. The Sharks received a massive boost when their star halfback Nicho Hynes was spared a trip to the judiciary, while the Chooks are also expected to be at full strength. I’m going with the Roosters in this one. They just have a bit more to offer in attack but I’m not expecting either side to blow the other one out of the water.
Tip: Sydney Roosters
Qualifying Final – GIO Stadium – Sunday, September 14
Kick-off 4.05pm Canberra Raiders v Brisbane Broncos
What an absolute ‘bobby dazzler’ this game should be. While both teams can defend, I’m expecting anything but a low scoring, grinding affair.
What I am expecting is plenty of speed and attacking flair right across the paddock. With both sides boosting fullback weapons like Reece Walsh and Kaeo Weekes, there are going to be plenty of breaks made from the back. The team which can capitalise on these breaks, will decide the winner. For me it’s the Green Machine all the way!
Tip: Canberra Raiders
The 2025 NRL Finals captains. Photo: NRL Images.
with Peter Lang
