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enrith and Newcastle meet in a Finals match for the first time this Sunday and it is a game that leans heavily into rugby league’s fabric. Two working class cities. Two football teams that have experienced the lows of wooden spoons and lost seasons, as well as the feeling of elation when heartbreak becomes triumph. Two teams that often carry the mood of an entire city on their back week in, week out from March to October. Two of the world’s best players – Nathan Cleary and Kalyn Ponga – on show. And a Sunday afternoon timeslot, just to top it all off. There is an obvious narrative that Penrith have been handed the ‘easy’ task this Sunday – play a seventh placed Newcastle who have over-achieved this year instead of a rampant

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Warriors side with an entire nation behind them. But Preliminary Finals are never easy. Any team who reaches the second last weekend of the season deserves to be there, and Prelim Finals always make me nervous. On paper, the Panthers should win this comfortably. But there’s other factors at play – what’s the real story with Nathan Cleary’s foot problem and how much will it hamper him in the match? Will Isaah Yeo’s pec get through another game? Can this Newcastle fairytale extend by another 80 minutes, delivering the NRL one of the great underdog stories of recent times? If you’re not a Penrith supporter, you’re going for Newcastle this Sunday. That much is obvious. They are the sentimental favourites, and the crowd will be weighed heavily in their favour. And the Knights aren’t just making up the numbers. They are a decent side with a fair bit of speed about them and when they break

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tackles and find open space, they’re difficult to stop. They love scoring long-range tries. The likes of Ponga, Fletcher Sharpe, Bradman Best and Greg Marzhew are dangerous. But I’m less convinced by their forward pack and I think the Panthers can set up victory by winning the middle, and laying the platform for the likes of Cleary, Jack Cole and Jack Cogger to find points. The euphoria of the win overshadowed some elementary mistakes from Newcastle at times last Sunday and their defence has been a problem all season. Penrith’s big names must stand up. The likes of Moses Leota and Lindsay Smith need to get the job done up front, while another Dylan Edwards masterclass wouldn’t go astray. The battle of the fullbacks will be epic on Sunday. The other big factor here is experience. This is Penrith’s seventh straight Preliminary Final. And a team this experienced doesn’t forget the one misstep – at Suncorp Stadium

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last year. I have no doubt it would have been spoken about this week, with the time for redemption finally arriving. The Panthers also love Accor Stadium – it’s become something of a second home at this time of the year. Newcastle aren’t afraid of anything. They’ve proven that over the past fortnight – coming up against a heavily favoured South Sydney side at Allianz Stadium and then walking into the lion’s den at Eden Park to play the Warriors. The Knights talked up that experience all week – how excited they were to play there, how pumped they were that it was sold out. In other words, they didn’t blink once despite what was confronting them. I imagine the talk this week will be similar. They won’t show any sort of chink in the armour. Newcastle deserve praise for coming this far. But I think they may have run their race. Prelims are different gravy. Tip: Panthers by 14.

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Thursday, September 24, 2026 « the western weekender • extra time

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the western weekender » Thursday, September 24, 2026

FE ATURE

Not ready to say goodbye.... yet NATHAN TAYLOR

erth Bears-bound prop Liam Henry doesn’t want this Sunday’s Preliminary Final against the Newcastle Knights to be his last game for the club. The 25-year-old from Blayney wants the ultimate fairytale finish to his Panthers career and is determined to do everything in his power to make sure that happens. Henry is one of three Penrith stars set to join the Bears next year, with fellow forward Scott Sorensen and five-eighth Jack Cole also on the move to the Western Australian capital. Speaking with Extra Time on Tuesday afternoon, Henry said he’s well aware that his Panthers career could come to an end at 6pm on Sunday.

We’ve got a job to do this weekend and hopefully we’re there next week.” Penrith were up 14-0 at half-time against the Broncos last year before the eventual Premiers stormed home in the second half to break the Panthers’ hearts.

“Hopefully it’s not my last game” Henry said the side are determined to right the wrongs from last September. “It definitely lights a fire… it’s a feeling that isn’t great,” he admitted. “You take that with you, and you use it as a bit of motivation, but we also learned a lot from that game as well. “There’s blessings in every little thing that happens and there’s definitely plenty in there.” While the Knights went to war with the Warriors in Auckland last Sunday, the Panthers enjoyed the weekend off along with fellow Preliminary Finalists the Dolphins. Henry said the week off is hugely important in Finals, something the

7th-placed Panthers didn’t get last season. “I feel like it’s a mental freshen up as well as physical,” he said. “It’s a great chance to get some good training in without having to prep for a game. You

Liam Henry chatting with journalist Nathan Taylor. Photo: Melinda Jane.

can freshen up both the mind and body. It was great!” The Panthers go into Sunday’s clash as firm favourites, but anything can happen in rugby league and long-suffering Knights fans are confident of an upset. Henry said last year’s wooden spooners deserve to be there this Sunday and their form this season is no fluke. “I think they’re a great team! I don’t think they’re there by luck or anything,” he said. “I feel like they’ve been playing really well and a good brand of footy. They’ll be very tough on Sunday, and we have to be good.” But one thing Panthers players have over Knights players this Sunday is Finals experience. Penrith have 220 games of Finals experience compared to Newcastle’s 92, but Henry said the stats don’t necessarily matter. “At the end of the day, when you cross that white line, it’s the last thing you think about,” he admitted. “Finals intensity is the next level, and we must start well and keep that going throughout the game. Come the weekend we want to be putting our best foot forward, so we’ll be right.”

Liam Henry against the Roosters.

“It’s one of those things that crosses your mind here and there, but you try to bring yourself back and stay really present to what’s important,” he said. “Hopefully it’s not my last game. Hopefully we have another two weeks yet, but it makes every session, every time I walk into training that little bit more special. You try and squeeze the most out of every day.” This Sunday, Henry will play in his third straight Preliminary Final when the Panthers battle the Knights at Accor Stadium. Chasing his second NRL premiership, Henry said he’s very grateful to have another shot at a Grand Final after the devastating Preliminary Final loss to the Brisbane Broncos last year. “You set your goals at the start of every pre-season, and you want to be here at the end of the year, that’s for sure,” he said. “We’re not looking too far ahead at all. Liam Henry signing for young fans. Photo: NRL Images.

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opular Panthers winger Brian To’o will play in his seventh consecutive Preliminary Final this weekend. Yes, you read that correctly! When To’o runs out onto the beautiful Accor Stadium pitch this Sunday afternoon, he’ll be one of five Panthers players to play in a staggering seven straight Preliminary Finals. “Is it my 7th? Far out! That’s a lot!” To’o told Extra Time on Tuesday. “I’m pretty shocked... I wasn’t aware of the stats. It’s crazy to look back and think how lucky and fortunate I’ve been to play seven. “I’m just really grateful and I can’t wait to play in another one.” Minor Premiers Penrith will play seventh-placed Newcastle for the first time in a Finals match this Sunday when the two sides battle it out for a place in the 2026 NRL Grand Final. To’o, who has scored six tries across four Preliminary Finals matches, said he loves this time of year more than anything. “The whole build up to it is always pretty special, especially with our new faces every year,” he said. “We’ve sort of got a new crew this year and it’s been pretty cool to watch

Brian To’o chatting to Extra Time’s Nathan Taylor this week. Photo: Melinda Jane.

those boys play their best games throughout the whole year and at this time of year too, it’s pretty fun!” Newcastle have shocked the rugby league world over the past fortnight, winning both their Elimination Finals matches against Souths and the Warriors to advance to their first

Preliminary Final since 2013. Despite being underdogs in both matches, To’o said he wasn’t surprised one bit to see the Knights do so well this year. “I’m not surprised at all,” he admitted. “Obviously every team is a good

team and the Knights have played through a fair bit of adversity. They lost a couple of players earlier in the year to injury and have still managed to perform well. “I’m really excited for this challenge this week. I can’t wait for it!” Like in all important matches,

experience is everything and the Panthers will be brimming with Preliminary Finals experience come Sunday. The Knights, however, have just two players that have played in a Preliminary Final before – Kalyn Ponga and Dane Gagai. To’o said Finals experience is key when trying to qualify for a decider. “I think experience definitely plays a part in it. But I also think any team that’s willing to win, whoever wants it more, will come out on top,” he said. “There’s a fair bit of excitement and nerves playing Prelim Finals. It’s a do-or-die game pretty much. Everything’s on the line.” As for who will come out on top is anyone’s guess, but one thing is certain: Penrith don’t want to feel the same pain they felt this time last year against the Broncos at Suncorp Stadium. To’o said last year’s Preliminary Final loss to eventual Premiers Brisbane hurt like hell and he doesn’t want that same feeling again. “It was a bit different last year having that feeling of not being in a Grand Final, which was definitely disappointing, but we wanted to come back this year and earn the right to be in that same place again and we have that opportunity right now, so I’m really excited and pumped for it,” he said.

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the western weekender • extra time » Thursday, September 24, 2026

PANTHER RUMBLINGS

with The Masked Panther

Ivan Cleary’s incredible act Ivan Cleary at the event.

Donation’s special twist: Panthers coach Ivan Cleary has always been a supporter of local charity WestCare, but he took it to another level last week. At its annual fundraising dinner, Cleary donated his 500th game commemorative jersey to be auctioned. Fully framed, the jersey is a one-off that was presented to him when he reached the rare coaching milestone earlier this year. The jersey went for $10,000, a huge win for WestCare. But here’s the twist – the prominent business couple who bought the jersey then donated it back to Cleary. A sensational story all-round. A number of other items, also donated by the Clearys, went for big money too.

Some of the items available for auction, including Ivan Cleary’s 500th game jersey.

Thain said. An Honoured Citizen is the highest and most prestigious recognition awarded by Council to an individual who has made exceptional contributions to the city. Simmons not only starred on the rugby league field, but

time. While many clubs (including the likes of Collingwood) retain a physical membership card, some who have gone digital have kept the physical card as a paid extra or an opt-in variable – understanding the importance of the momento. In some good news, I’m told a specific members’ cap will be available to purchase with the $30 voucher that comes with next year’s memberships. Patea’s future uncertain: Luron Patea is set to field offers from rival clubs in November, with the Panthers unlikely to retain him beyond next

Spotted: Try-scoring Panthers winger Thomas Jenkins watching the Roosters v Sharks semi-final with mates at the Peachtree Hotel. He stopped to take photos with some of his biggest, or smallest, fans. Council’s move to honour Royce: Penrith Councillors will soon consider bestowing the city’s highest honour on Panthers great Royce Simmons. Veteran Councillor Ross Fowler suggested the move at Council’s meeting on Monday night, with John Thain offering his support to making Simmons an Honoured Citizen. “I think it’s probably long overdue,”

his work raising money for dementia research in recent years has been superb. A report will come back to Councillors in coming months. Members’ tickets clarification: Last week I wrote about Penrith’s decision to axe physical membership cards from next season. I questioned who the Panthers asked or consulted with about this move. I’ve since been told a survey went out to members earlier this year, where questions about digital membership cards were asked, so that’s an important clarification. The results they received from that survey were clearly in contrast to the feedback I’ve been receiving in recent weeks. On this issue, it’s worth noting that the AFL – the kings of membership – have dealt with this for some

NORMAN’S

season. The Panthers extended Patea in the middle of the 2024 season, signing him until the end of 2027. I keep hearing the Panthers are in the market for a middle forward. Media man moves on: There’s a shake-up behind the scenes at the Panthers with media manager Michael Blok moving on at the end of the season. He’s landed a role outside of rugby league. The club is advertising for a replacement.

SCRAP

Huge Grand Final coverage: If the Panthers get past the Knights on Sunday, the Weekender will offer unrivalled local coverage of Grand Final Week. There will be a massive wraparound feature in the paper next week, while the Weekender website and app will be flooded with news. I’m hearing there may even be two episodes of the ‘Tension’s Running High’ podcast released. I’ll be back next week regardless, in fact I’m hanging around until the end of October. Roosters miffed: Apparently the Roosters were a little unhappy at having two consecutive six-day turnarounds during the Finals. The problem could have been solved by winning in week one. And if they beat the Dolphins on Friday, I don’t think they’ll be complaining about having an extra two days to prepare for the Grand Final. Get your tickets: How would you like to own a unique piece of Nathan Cleary memorabilia? A footy hand-signed by Nathan Cleary is up for grabs as part of a raffle at the Pittwater Retirement Village Social Club. And there’s no need for any doubts over its authenticity – the link back to Nathan is that his grandmother lives at Pittwater Village. The raffle is raising funds for resident activities and community life. Go to https://www. raffletix.com.au/ nathancleary2026 to get your raffle tickets.

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the western weekender • extra time » Thursday, September 24, 2026

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Thursday, September 24, 2026 « the western weekender • extra time

LOWER GR ADES

Cup, Flegg provide the entrée moments and I’m not expecting anything different this year with only a few rounds remaining before the finals series starts and plenty of teams still in contention for premiership honours. “It has already been a successful season for NSWRL, after record participation numbers for the fourth consecutive season and our men’s and women’s State of Origin teams capturing their respective Shields, and holding our firstever night Grand Final seems a fitting way to end it.” With the NRL hosting its Preliminary Finals on Friday and Sunday, the NSWRL has been given clear air for its Grand Final Day and the Panthers will take centre stage. Tickets are only $15 for adults, $10 for concession card holders, $5 for juniors (4-15) and $30 for a family of four. Tickets are on sale through Ticketmaster.

TROY DODDS

hile all eyes are on Sunday’s Preliminary Final, the Panthers will be hunting for silverware 24 hours earlier at CommBank Stadium. The Panthers are involved in both the Jersey Flegg and NSW Cup Grand Finals. A massive NSWRL Grand Final Day will kick-off at 2.45pm with the NSW Women’s Premiership Grand Final between Newcastle and Mounties at 2.45pm. The Jersey Flegg Grand Final between Penrith and Canterbury will kick-off at 5pm before the NSW Cup Grand Final between Penrith and Newtown at 7pm. “NSWRL is proud to announce the 2026 NSWRL Grand Final Day will kick off in the afternoon before culminating with our first ever nighttime Grand Final,” NSWRL Chief Executive David Trodden said. “It is an innovative approach to our showpiece event, and the decision ensures there will be three first-class Rugby League Grand Finals held in Sydney that weekend for fans to attend. “Our Grand Finals have always produced plenty of memorable

Penrith’s NSW Cup side is chasing Grand Final triumph.

Can Jersey Flegg win the title?

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the western weekender • extra time » Thursday, September 24, 2026

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ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS:

MATCH PRE VIE W

Experience takes on excitement TROY DODDS Dolphins v Roosters Friday, September 25, 7.50pm Suncorp Stadium In a Finals series that has delivered upsets and surprises, it’s almost impossible to be confident about finding a winner in Friday night’s Preliminary Final between the Dolphins and Roosters. They are two completely different sides. The toughened Roosters, experienced at this time of year with just the right amount of flair to finish opportunities but largely reliant on getting the job done in the middle. The free-flowing Dolphins, all about throwing the ball around and lighting up the field with long-range tries. What result you get when you throw those two things together is anyone’s guess. Experience is obviously a big factor here. The Roosters have plenty of it, and it’s in games like this where you expect the likes of James Tedesco, Daly Cherry-Evans and Lindsay Collins to step up. But the Dolphins’ big game experience shouldn’t be completely discarded here.

The likes of Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Thomas Flegler, Selwyn Cobbo and Kodi Nikorima have plenty of big-game

experience under their belt. And can anyone deny that Herbie Farnworth has been one of the best backs in the competition this year?

Sam Walker. Photo: NRL Photos.

Face in the C r

owd

The Roosters look set to welcome back Sam Walker – an extraordinary recovery and one that will see him go up

Isaiya Katoa. Photo: NRL Photos.

against the exciting Isaiya Katoa, who is without doubt the next big halfback we’ll talk about over the next decade. These two sides have met seven times since the Dolphins entered the competition, and the Roosters hold the advantage at 4-3. But it’s this year’s matches that catch the eye. The Dolphins won both – thumping Trent Robinson’s side 48-10 in June and then getting past them comfortable 26-12 only a few weeks ago. Since getting thumped by the Sharks 66-0 in the middle of July, the Dolphins have not lost. They come into this game on an eight-game winning streak, which has gone somewhat under the radar in the build-up to this one. The Roosters meantime broke through to win their first game in a month against the Sharks last weekend, but it’s really difficult to get a form line on that game given Cronulla lost halfback Nicho Hynes in the opening minutes. Still, they were far better than they have been. As much as I’ve been thinking the Roosters are deserved favourites, I’ve convinced myself that the Dolphins have a real shot here – in fact, I’m going to back them to reach their first Grand Final. Tip: Dolphins by 4.

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Thursday, September 24, 2026 « the western weekender • extra time

THE Y S AID IT. . . “For the NRL, it’s an embarrassing development. The pre-game show is one of the Grand Final’s lasting memories.”

“While I’ve missed all of the 2026 season, the signs are extremely positive for a return to calling footy in the 2027 pre-season.”

SMH opinion columnist Robert Moran

Commentator Warren Smith from Fox Sports

“We’ve got a lot of confidence in our side and a lot of self-belief. We have a huge task ahead.” Knights coach Justin Holbrook

“We don’t get to collide too much or have too much to say about each other’s games. You just try to put plans in place around their key individuals and Kalyn is one of them for Newcastle.” Dylan Edwards talks about Kalyn Ponga on SEN Breakfast.

“Accor is a massive stadium. It’s always a mad place to play at as well.” Panthers winger Brian To’o

“If the incomparable Nathan Cleary carries Penrith to a fifth premiership in six years, he should be made an Immortal.”

“Rather than giving a performer $90,000 a minute, we would prefer to give it to grassroots.”

Journalist Dean Ritchie

Peter V’landys on the NRL Grand Final pre-match entertainment.

“If I’m playing well enough form-wise, and I get the green light from the club that I can delay the op, that would be in their hands because it might affect the start of next year.” Isaah Yeo on the World Cup

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the western weekender • extra time » Thursday, September 24, 2026

BEHIND THE GAME

Little things make the Keely Marsh difference with

Isaah Yeo. Photo: NRL Photos.

or Panthers co-captain Isaah Yeo, family is at the centre of everything. Admitting he’s got his hands full with his three young ones, the lock doesn’t have much time to watch other games, but when he does he enjoys watching the game as a fan. “I try to, but I’ve got three kids, so I don’t really,” Yeo said. “Bigger games I get more excited for, just watching it and being a fan.” To get away from the game Yeo prefers to keep it simple and focuses on quality time with his wife and kids, whether that be at a local café or park. “If there’s a park or a café we try to go there on days off, but not too much,

more just family stuff,” he said. The co-captain told Behind The Game, his dad has been his biggest supporter throughout his journey to the NRL, having played for Balmain Tigers and North Sydney Bears himself. “My dad, he played 11 NRL games, and he had me really young, so I’ve been able to follow him along and was always at his footy training,” Yeo said. “He influenced me to get into football and the NRL, that was hopefully a dream down the track.” After 13 seasons in the Panthers first grade side, Yeo has learnt to be present and enjoy the moment, applying this to his duties of being a dad. “I did that a bit more when I was younger and coming into first grade, but since I’ve had kids, I make sure I’m enjoying the little things,” he said. Collecting four premierships with the Panthers, family man Yeo has been grateful to have his kids by his side. “I’ve been really lucky, I’ve had them along for the ride the last four or five years, so it’s been good,” he said.

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Who did you support growing up? Bulldogs and Roosters

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Thursday, September 24, 2026 « the western weekender • extra time

ANALYS IS

The next generation on show W Lang on

League with Peter Lang

ith the Panthers first grade side preparing to win a spot in the 2026 NRL Grand Final on Sunday, both the Penrith Jersey Flegg (Under 21) and NSW Cup teams will be playing in their Grand Finals on Saturday, September 26 at CommBank Stadium. So much for the dynasty being over. If anything, the future at the foot of the Mountains has never looked brighter. You build a dynasty from the ground up and that’s how you sustain it; by always having good juniors coming up through the system. So, while there will be plenty of media attention on the first grade side’s game against the Newcastle Knights, I thought I’d write a small preview of both the Panthers Jersey Flegg and NSW Cup Grand Finals. JERSEY FLEGG CUP GRAND FINAL Penrith Panthers v Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs Saturday, September 26 Kick-off: 5pm CommBank Stadium It’s second vs third as Penrith finished the regular season in second place, just behind the St George-Illawarra Dragons while their opponents the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs finished with the third best record after 26 rounds. The Panthers then went on to beat the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs (28-20 in the Qualifying Final) and the St George Illawarra Dragons (32-28 in the Major Semi-final) Penrith coach Scott Thompson has stuck

to mostly the same side he’s run with all year including the finals to keep consistency and connectivity. It’s good to see five-eighth Ellyjah Birve back in the starting side with halfback Haami Loza steering the team around the paddock. Centre Tua Patea is a real threat out wide while lock Kye Raven has also been a consistently high performer all year. The Dogs will bring their A game, but I don’t think it will be enough to topple the Panthers. My pick: Penrith by 6

Penrith’s Jersey Flegg side is in the big dance.

NSW CUP GRAND FINAL Penrith Panthers v Newtown Jets Saturday, September 26 Kick-off: 7pm CommBank Stadium It’s first vs fourth as Penrith finished the regular season Minor Premiers, while the Newtown Jets also had a good year finishing fourth after 26 rounds of the regular season. Finishing in first place the Panthers advanced directly to the Grand Final with a 44-20 Major Semi-Final win over the Newcastle Knights. While the Newtown Jets won through by playing elimination games, defeating the New Zealand Warriors 24-18 in the Elimination Final and overcoming the Newcastle Knights 30-14 in the Preliminary Final. Penrith have picked a very strong team including several players with recent first grade experience like Jaxen Edgar, Luron Patea and Kalani Leuluai-Going. There are also some talented first grade players of the future in Buster Hindmarsh and Zakauri Clarke. Add them to ‘hard heads’ like Kurt Falls and Tom Ale and it’s a side brimming with talent and experience. Rookie NSW Cup coach Matt Eisenhuth has stuck with the same spine which has played the majority of the season together and so therefore has a good synergy. The Jets have also named a strong side and this one should go right down to the wire. My pick: Penrith by 8 Both games will be broadcast live on BAR TV, which is a paid subscription app.

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PANTHER MEMORIES This photograph shows Penrith Park in 1967, as preparations begin to host first grade rugby league. Owned by Penrith City Council, it was agreed the land between Station Street and Mulgoa Road would be the home of the Panthers after their acceptance into the 1967 competition was confirmed. It would require significant upgrades and development to be ready to host first grade rugby league. The playing surface was originally oval shaped, with just the western grandstand (with no roof!). The first home game at Penrith Park was held on April 8, 1967 between Penrith and Newtown. In the lead-up to the game against Newtown, concerns had been raised about the standard of the surface, with talk that the sand-based field was not ready for play. It was officially opened on April 23, 1967. (Photo thanks to Penrith City Library)

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