Extra Time 17 April

FRI 17 APR 2015 Issue 007 PROUDLY INDEPENDENT

MOYLAN MAGIC Is a switch to the halves on the cards for one of the game’s best fullbacks?

WIN TICKETS TO PANTHERS V SHARKS

STEVE HART Tackling the game’s biggest issues every week

Injuries hit Panthers hard

Printed on 100% recycled paper

PANTHERS V TITANS

WW16181

Friday 17 April 2015 « the western weekender • extra time

34

WW16991

35 Brought to you by…

PANTHERS 1

Matt Moylan

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

Josh Mansour Waqa Blake Robert Jennings Dallin Watene-Zelezniak Apisai Koroisau Isaac John Jeremy Latimore James Segeyaro Brent Kite Sika Manu Elijah Taylor (c) Nigel Plum Tyrone Peachey Sam McKendry Reagan Campbell-Gillard Issah Yeo

TITANS

FACT CHECK Ê Penrith and Gold Coast met in round two this year, with the Panthers winning 40-0 Ê Robert Jennings makes his first grade debut this weekend Ê Penrith have a better winning percentage over the Titans than any other club in the NRL

Nigel Plum will need to step up if Elijah Taylor is ruled out. Photo: Melinda Jane

1

Josh Hoffman

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

Anthony Don James Roberts William Zillman David Mead Aidan Sezer Kane Elgey Luke Douglas Beau Falloon Nate Myles (c) Ryan James Dave Taylor Greg Bird Matt White Lachlan Burr Ryan Simpkins Kierran Moseley

Big test for injury-hit Penrith TROY DODDS @troydodds

I

f you want proof that a month is a long time in rugby league, you only need to look at the differences between the Penrith and Gold Coast teams that met in round two and the sides that will come up against each other this Saturday at Cbus Super Stadium.

Back on March 14, Penrith thrashed the Titans 40-0.

Jamie Soward and Peter Wallace led the side around the park that day but on Saturday, neither of the dynamic duo will be there. Instead, both will continue to recover from unplanned early season surgery.

Penrith also boasted the experienced centre pairing of Dean Whare and Jamal Idris that day, but will this week line-up with probably the most inexperienced centre pairing in history: Waqa Blake and debutant Robert Jennings.

The Titans were without their biggest

stars, Greg Bird and Dave Taylor, for the game in Bathurst but both will line-up against the Panthers on the weekend.

A strange quirk may see the Panthers and the Titans meeting twice in five weeks but the games will barely resemble each other.

The Panthers got their early season form back on track last Saturday night by defeating lowly Manly 22-12. Regardless of the sloppy performance at times, the win was incredibly important as it avoided a potential fourth straight loss.

The more games Penrith can win with Soward and Wallace off the field, the better. When the pair are reunited before the mid-way point of the season, you would think things would really start to click into gear for the team. Until then, fans will have to put up with a slightly clunky attack, particularly given Api Koroisau and Isaac John wouldn’t have thought in their wildest dreams that they’d be the Panthers first grade halves combination just six or seven weeks into the season.

Combinations take months, if not seasons to develop – Koroisau and John will continue to be a work in progress.

PANTHERS V TITANS SATURDAY, APRIL 18 • 3PM CBUS SUPER STADIUM REFEREES: JARED MAXWELL AND CHRIS JAMES TV: FOX SPORTS LIVE 3PM RADIO: TRIPLE M LIVE 3PM That said, both had solid games against the Sea Eagles last weekend. It should not be forgotten that they came up against a quality halves pairing in Daly CherryEvans and Kieran Foran, but continued to outplay them as the game went on.

Unlike in previous weeks, Penrith did enough to stay in the game against Manly even when things weren’t going their way. It ensured that when the Panthers forward pack did start to dominate in the second half, the side was close enough

on the scoreboard to make it matter. It’ll be a similar story against the Titans on Saturday. Apart from the 40-0 thrashing at the hands of Penrith, the Titans haven’t been embarrassed in any of the games they’ve played. In each and every match they’ve played for the 80 minutes, often going down by just a couple of points – the difference in wining or losing literally coming down to the bounce of a ball or a missed tackle here and there.

The biggest challenge confronting Penrith could be in defence. He may not attract headlines, but Elijah Taylor is so critical to Penrith’s success each week – losing him to a knee injury is a massive blow. He has been named to play but there would have to be severe doubt over him taking the field.

This is a dangerous road trip for the Panthers particularly given how good the Titans played last weekend, but a win would be a huge bonus considering the massive injury toll the side is dealing with.

It’s a flip of the coin type match.

TIP: PANTHERS BY 6

the western weekender • extra time » Friday 17 April 2015

MATCH PREVIEW

PANTHER RUMBLINGS

SEND YOUR PANTHERS GOSSIP AT NEWS@WESTERNWEEKENDER.COM.AU

with the

Masked Panther

» When I visited the Weekender office

this week to file my column, I managed to raid the prize cupboard! I’ve got my hands on a double pass to the game between Penrith and Cronulla at Pepper Stadium on April 26. Want to win it?

Email competitions@westernweekender. com.au with PANTHERS in the subject line. A winner will be picked at random.

Entries close Wednesday, April 22.

» Panthers coach Ivan Cleary dropped

WIN TICKETS TO PANTHERS V SHARKS!

a bombshell on Panthers fans when he revealed after the win against Manly that Peter Wallace was facing more than a month on the sidelines. The Panthers skipper underwent surgery this week. I have to shake my head at some fans who have been questioning why both Wallace and Jamie Soward didn’t undergo surgery in the off-season. Obviously, Penrith’s medical team is far more experienced and informed than the Facebook keyboard warriors – I’d rather trust those in the know any day.

» The season-ending injury to Jamal Idris

is a big blow for the Panthers but it’s also a significant hit for Idris personally. It has been obvious in recent television interviews, including one with Nine News on Monday night in the wake of the injury, that Idris is dealing with some demons off the field. The Panthers know that Idris can be a worry when he’s away from football so I’d tip they’ll be keeping a close eye on him during his recovery.

» The Panthers seem to have moved

their pre-match entertainment focus to the precinct areas rather than on the field at home games, but it leaves those in the grandstands (many of whom have watched earlier grades) twiddling their thumbs for about half an hour. Cheerleaders, little cheerleaders, a few ads and the team lists – that’s pretty much the constant schedule of pre-match entertainment. At half-time, it’s not all that much better – though the ‘Drumstruck’ performance at the Cowboys game was a welcome shake-up. Last weekend against Manly, part of the half-time fun was Coca Cola giving away eight gift bags. Yes, eight. The Panthers will make up for lost ground at the next home game against the Sharks – I’m told the ANZAC service will be something very special.

» High drama – the western grandstand canteen ran out of strawberry OAK last

Peter Wallace is facing a stint on the sideline after surgery Saturday night. It’s better than running out of beer, I guess! Talking of drinks, it’s not often that an alcoholic beverage is cheaper at a sports ground than a club or pub, but there’s a strange quirk when it comes to Penrith and a popular pre-mixed drink – Canadian Club & Dry. At Panthers Leagues Club, a bottle of Canadian Club & Dry will set you back more than $11 – probably the most expensive price for this drink in Sydney. At Pepper Stadium, a can of the same drink is only $8.00.

» A quick wrap for Brent Kite – last Sat-

urday night he was about to walk off the field and into the tunnel for a well-deserved shower, when a father asked if he wouldn’t mind getting a couple of photos

more than just homebrew

PH: 4731 5444 • 218 Great Western Hwy Kingswood

• Bacon Kits • Spirit and Liqueur Essences • Chocolate Making Kits

with his kids. Kite obliged – walking 30 metres up the sideline to take the photos and sign autographs.

» 233,000 people watched Penrith’s win

over Manly on Saturday night on Fox Sports – the highest rating NRL match on Saturday.

» The Australian Combined Armed

Services and NZ Defence Force will meet as part of the curtain raiser to the 2015 ANZAC Test next month. It will be the first time these two sides have met since the 2013 Defence Force World Cup final.

The Australians took out the World Cup title 32-22 and will have six members of that victorious side once again coming up against the Kiwis.

Country Brewer Epicurean Roberts Confectionery Wyeast Fowlers Vacola A Taste of the Bush Andale Coopers Weyermann Joe White

WW16973

• Cheese Kits • Beer Making Kits • Jerky Making Kits • Smoker Boxes

POPULAR BRANDS

Friday 17 April 2015 « the western weekender • extra time

36

www.countrybrewer.com.au

WW15949

37 the western weekender • extra time » Friday 17 April 2015

FEATURE STORY

Matt’s staying where he is Matt Moylan says he won’t be moving into the halves just yet

NATHAN TAYLOR @natetaylor87

P

enrith fullback Matt Moylan has praised the club’s makeshift halves in Isaac John and Apisai Koroisau for getting the Panthers back on track during last Saturday’s muchneeded win over Manly.

John and Koroisau played together in the halves for the first time last weekend following the shock news that halfback Peter Wallace would join regular fiveeighth Jamie Soward on the sidelines with an ongoing knee injury.

Speaking with Extra Time on Tuesday, Moylan said the usual NSW Cup pair in John and Koroisau were the difference against the Sea Eagles and will only get better with time.

“I think we got back to basics last Saturday. We prepared well throughout the week and played simple footy. We played the kind of style we’re comfortable with and we know we can win playing it,” he said.

“It has been different playing with a new halves pairing each week but the two boys who have stepped up in that position have

been doing an outstanding job. I think they were two of our better players on the weekend and they’re probably going to take a lot of confidence out of it going forward.

“I don’t think they’ve played too many games together, so their combination will get better each week.”

Penrith have been crippled with injuries, once again, over the course of the first six weeks of the season with many fans worried they wouldn’t win a game until the most crucial player of the injured bunch, Jamie Soward, returns in a few weeks.

Moylan said his teammates were always confident they’d finally snag a win without their main man and that a switch to the halves for him was never on the cards.

“I’m not sure where that thought [from the fans] came from but we were always confident here [winning without Soward] and we knew we were capable of getting a win and proved that on the weekend,” he said.

“Ivan hasn’t said anything about moving me into the halves but I’m happy playing at fullback at the moment. I think the boys have stepped up in the halves, so there’s no need for me to move there anyway.”

This Saturday afternoon the Panthers

Matt Moylan will be aiming for back to back wins when they take on the Titans on the Gold Coast.

The Panthers hammered the Titans 40-0 in Bathurst just one month ago but Moylan’s expecting a much tougher encounter up north.

“They’ve got a different side and a few players back now,” he said.

“They’ll be confident after the game against Parra on the weekend and we know it’ll be a tough, physical game up there.”

We transport anything up to 50 tonnes

• General Trade • Machinery • Accident • Prestige Vehicles • Heavy Vehicle up to 12 Ton • Local • Containers

Penrith

4736 4400

• Interstate/Country • Fully Insured • Green Card

St Marys (Division)

• Accredited Drivers • Family Owned & Operated • Ticketed Operations

9623 2020

PENRITH TILT TRAY SPECIALISTS S T M A RY S - P E N R I T H - B L U E M O U N TA I N S

www.towingpenrith.com.au

WW15869

Friday 17 April 2015 « the western weekender • extra time

38

Cleary pleased with win over Manly Panthers coach Ivan Cleary says last weekend’s 22-12 victory over Manly was the best 80 minute performance his side has put in this season.

Penrith snapped a three game losing streak by overcoming an 8-6 half-time deficit to defeat the Sea Eagles by 10 points.

“It was a tough game, a really tough game. Both sides were really keen to push hard for a win tonight and we understood what we were up for,” Cleary said in the post-match press conference.

“We played our best 80 minutes so far in terms of defensive pressure and energy... in the end that’s the sort of win that’s required.”

Cleary said he was particularly pleased with the defensive effort.

Meanwhile, under pressure Manly coach Geoff Toovey said injuries caused his side plenty of problems during the game.

“I don’t think we’ve finished a game with the full 17 yet,” Toovey said.

“It was a really good effort, and that’s the disappointing thing. To be in front and then for some strange reason to have five penalties in a row go against you, the match swung around.

“A massive quantum of ball was given to the Panthers and they took the opportunity. We had to handle that better.”

Manly captain Matt Ballin said it was important that his side stuck together.

“As a playing group we are trying to pull together and work harder,” Ballin said.

“The club is a very strong club... we’ve had a lot of hard times in the past.”

New partnership for City Origin side The New South Wales Rugby League’s City Origin side has linked with one of Australia’s most important community service agencies in a major partnership agreement.

KARI Aboriginal Resources Incorporated (KARI), established in 1999, is an Aboriginal community service, one of the largest accredited Aboriginal Children’s Services in Australia – and now it has namingrights and front-of-jersey sponsorship for the KARI City Origin side.

KARI delivers a quality out-of-home care service model that delivers full case management of Aboriginal children and young people in foster care, allowing the

organisation to be more innovative and effective in assuring Aboriginal culture plays a significant part in the person’s upbringing.

Chief Executive of the NSWRL, David Trodden, labelled the partnership a win for the game as well as the KARI City Origin side.

“The KARI organisation does outstanding, life-changing work in the community and it is wonderful to have their logo on the front of one of our most prized possessions, the City Origin jersey,” Mr Trodden said.

This year’s City v Country clash is in Wagga Wagga on Sunday, May 3.

KEV’S KORNER

WITH KEVIN KINGSTON

THINKING ABOUT THE FUTURE here’s something new at the foot of the Mountains…

On the grounds of the Panthers Leagues Club there is a small white building that’s been specially modified and converted into a state-of-the-art gymnasium and training facility for a brand new education course that’s taking the local sporting world by storm.

The course is called the Diploma of Sport Development for Rugby League and it’s been designed and developed by the Penrith Panthers and FC 11, in consultation with industry experts and TAFE NSW – Sydney Institute.

It’s designed to meet the demands of modern day football and its associated career opportunities, merging sports science, coaching methodology, high performance training, professional and academic development, business theory, and mentoring by professional athletes and coaches.

This Diploma is the first of its kind in rugby league. Students get the opportunity to see firsthand what it takes not only to be a professional rugby league player but everything that goes on behind the scenes to make a successful team and

T

organisation. This is a huge opportunity for anyone who has a passion for rugby league and wants to pursue a career in the sport.

The 35-week program runs annually under the guidance of Campus Manager Renee Selby-Jones, Head Coach Ben Harden, strength and conditioner Nathan Mairleitner and Head Lecturer Ian Evans. The course was so popular that when applications opened, they had interest from over 150 people. A lucky 50 were chosen for the inaugural year.

I sat in on a session a couple of weeks ago and observed as the class watched the Panthers NRL Captains run training session – which is an incredible experience – and then applied some of the skills to their classes that day. It’s an experience you wouldn’t get anywhere else and it’s something the FC 11 students will never forget.

It has been a tremendous hit so far and there’s already interest for next year’s course. I’m really looking forward to seeing the new generation of trainers, sports scientists, NRL players and football mangers walk through the FC 11 hallways!

For Weight Loss & Cellulite Reduction Mention this ad to receive

1 x FREE SESSION valued at $69

VIBROSAUN • Cellulite reduction • Centimetre reduction

• Pain / stress relief • Cellulite reduction • Muscle repair • Weight loss • Detoxing

FORMOSTAR FAR INFRARED WRAP • Detoxing • Weight loss • Pain relief • Centimetre reduction

HYPERBARIC OXYGEN CHAMBER • Healing for sports injuries & post-operative • Assists in treating disease • Aids in sleep WW17004

140 Henry Street, Penrith • p: 02 47324006 • e: body@rejuven8.com.au • www.rejuven8body.com.au

39

Penrith injury crisis 2.0 History is repeating itself with the Panthers facing a significant injury crisis, including Jamal Idris being ruled out for the season

NATHAN TAYLOR natetaylor87

N

o, this isn’t the same story you read about Penrith’s injury crisis from late last year. Unfortunately, it’s a brand new piece but all the parts are the same.

Just when Panthers fans thought their side’s bad luck had finally reached the end comes the news that another wave of players will spend extended stints on the sidelines.

Headlining Penrith’s injured brigade this season is their most recent and most serious patient, centre Jamal Idris.

24-year-old Idris, who was enjoying an outstanding start to the season, ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament (knee) during Penrith’s win over Manly last Saturday night.

The news was devastating for the personality player after he was told he had to undergo surgery and would likely miss the remainder of the season.

“It’s a massive loss losing Jamal, he’s been a big part of what we’ve been doing the last couple of years,” teammate Matt Moylan said.

Also injuring himself during Penrith’s

Out for the year: Jamal Idris win over the Sea Eagles was lock Elijah Taylor, who went down with a similar knee complaint early in the second half.

Fortunately for Taylor, who suffered an ACL injury before the finals last year, the news was positive and he has been named to lead Penrith this weekend against the Titans.

Another player Penrith will be without for the next six weeks is halfback and captain Peter Wallace, who underwent knee surgery on Tuesday to repair cartilage after taking a knock during Penrith’s

‘

Monday night loss to the Cowboys a fortnight ago.

Panthers coach Ivan Cleary said Wallace had been having problems with his knee since returning from a knee reconstruction in the off-season. “[Pete’s injury] is a cartilage thing he has been having trouble with for the whole season pretty much on the back of his reconstruction and he got another jam in it the other week,” he said.

“It has worn him down, it just got too bad, but the good news is that once he has that surgery he won’t have the ongoing troubles that he has had because he has pretty much been playing busted the whole year.”

Penrith’s halves were already in crisis mode following Jamie Soward’s back surgery last month and they’ll only continue to be under pressure until both Wallace and Soward return.

Also sitting on the sidelines for the Panthers is centre Dean Whare, who is still another week away after suffering a minor hamstring injury against the Cowboys.

Second rower and utility player Lewis Brown is also expected to return next week following rib cartilage damage, while big man Ben Murdoch-Masilia is also not far away.

Plan ahead with someone you can trust.

Fiona Boulous Funeral Director

Minchinbury 9625 8500 Pinegrove Memorial Park guardianfunerals.com.au

Proudly Australian | 24 Hours All Areas | Prearranged Funerals

9625 8066 GFWWN0313PG WW15879

the western weekender • extra time » Friday 17 April 2015

FEATURE STORY

PANTHERS POSTER

Friday 17 April 2015 « the western weekender • extra time

40

15 $

Personal Use (Emailed or on Supplied USB) .................. $7.50

Digital Version

Personal Use ..................................................................

Large Size Photo (8’X12’)

Personal Use .................................................................. $10

10 $

Take a look on our Facebook Page

Unframed Photos starting from

the western weekender • extra time » Friday 17 April 2015

Standard Size Photo (4’X6’)

...Why not buy the photographs

Have we taken a shot of your favourite player?

Josh Mansour WW16808

41

Friday 17 April 2015 « the western weekender • extra time

42

For all • Service & Repairs • Maintenance • Air & Water Jets/ Blowers • Spa Pumps • Spa Heater • Spa Filters • Electronic Control Panels • Chemicals • Friendly Advice

e e N d s a p S r u o Y

Mention this ad to receive 10% discount

0407 700 981

Call Matt on www.platinumspaservices.com.au

WW15739

WW16912

INSIDE STORY

LOVERS OF RUGBY LEAGUE WILL BE TREATED TO UNPARALLELED COVERAGE WITH FOX SPORTS SHOWCASING EVERY MATCH, INCLUDING UP TO FIVE LIVE GAMES EACH ROUND PLUS A NEW EXTENDED LINE-UP OF ENTERTAINMENT SHOWS FROM MONDAY TO THURSDAY.

SENDING A PLAYER FROM THE FIELD t’s time to re-think what is a send off and rejig the sin bin to give referees more options to deal with foul play.

There’s been a lot of hysteria lately about the lack of send offs after St George Illawarra forward Tyson Frizell knocked out Canterbury’s Tim Browne with a high shot.

Should Frizell have been sent off?

Plenty of fans and commentators were screaming for him to be marched. But as it turns out the match review panel deemed it a Grade 5 careless high tackle. In other words, seriously careless but not reckless or intentional. So essentially it was an accident.

Are we prepared to send players off for an accident?

Maybe we should if it causes an injury that leaves the opposition a player short for some or all of the game.

Send offs are a throw back to a violent past when a player was sent straight from the field for a deliberate and despicable act.

I

43

WITH JUSTIN PASCOE CEO, PENRITH DISTRICT RUGBY LEAGUE

ANZAC SPIRIT ALIVE AND WELL he spirit of the ANZAC, with its human qualities of courage, mateship, and sacrifice, endures in the hearts and minds of all Australians. This ANZAC Day, we reflect on these values, their influence on our national identity and the great sacrifice of our servicemen and women on the 100th anniversary of the ANZAC landings at Gallipoli.

Round 8 of the NRL season will commemorate all who served in the defence of our nation, as we mark the 100 year anniversary.

The Panthers are very honoured to have designed, in collaboration with DefenceCare a unique ANZAC Round Jersey.

In tribute OAK-Parmalat, along with HERTZ Australia, ASICS, HostPlus and Lion Nathan have all come off the jersey.

The Panthers face the Cronulla Sharks at Pepper Stadium, Penrith on Sunday, April 26 at 2pm. Any servicemen or women wearing their uniform or medals will be admitted FREE. The Panthers will be making a donation to DefenceCare of in excess of $50,000 on the day.

Following the NRL fixture there will be

T

Think back to 1983 when Les Boyd, with a viciously cocked right elbow, broke Daryl Brohman’s jaw during his Queensland State of Origin debut. Thank God we don’t see acts like that any more.

It’s a much cleaner and safer game today.

The last player sent off in the NRL was Newcastle prop Kade Snowden for a shoulder charge on North Queensland’s Ray Thompson back in Round 24, 2013. Even that one was probably more of an accident than anything intentional but it did cause a horrible facial injury and a broken jaw to Thompson.

So by old school standards Snowden’s shoulder charge wouldn’t have warranted a send off but his foul act did cause the Cowboys to lose a player.

It does seem that the current send off and sin bin rules aren’t adequate for the current game. The solution? Simple. Give referees the power to send off players for all or part of the game relative to the damage their careless act causes to their opponents.

The Panthers ANZAC jersey an exhibition game between the Defence Force Rugby League team and the Indigenous Defence Force team.

You can pre-purchase your tickets to the game via Ticketek.com.au or Panthers reception.

It’ll be a very special day.

THE DEALS ON THE BUS GO ROUND AND ROUND

WW16993

the western weekender • extra time » Friday 17 April 2015

HART TO HART

WITH STEVE HART

Friday 17 April 2015 « the western weekender • extra time

44

NRL LADDER & FIXTURES CLUB

PD

W

D

L

B

F

A

+/-

PTS

6

5

0

1

0

132

110

+22

10

2 Storm

6

4

0

2

0

131

88

+43

8

3 Dragons

6

4

0

2

0

86

64

+22

8

4 Rabbitohs

6

4

0

2

0

136

114

+22

8

5 Knights

6

4

0

2

0

92

95

-3

8

6 Roosters

6

3

0

3

0

138

98

+40

6

7 Panthers

6

3

0

3

0

122

106

+16

6

8 W. Tigers

6

3

0

3

0

115

105

+10

6

9 Warriors

6

3

0

3

0

123

122

+1

6

10 Bulldogs

6

3

0

3

0

114

121

-7

6

11 Cowboys

6

3

0

3

0

118

127

-9

6

12 Sharks

6

2

0

4

0

104

112

-8

4

13 Eels

6

2

0

4

0

121

149

-28

4

14 Titans

6

2

0

4

0

114

143

-29

4

15 Raiders

6

2

0

4

0

95

124

-29

4

16 Sea Eagles

6

1

0

5

0

80

143

-63

2

1

Broncos

Extra Time Issue Number 007 PRINTED BY Spotpress Pty Ltd / PRODUCED BY The Western Weekender EDITOR Troy Dodds / 4722 2998 / troy.dodds@westernweekender.com.au SALES MANAGER Simon Gould / 4722 2998 simon.gould@westernweekender.com.au

ROUND 7 Bulldogs v Sea Eagles Friday, April 17, 7.30pm ANZ Stadium Dragons v Broncos Friday, April 17, 7.30pm Kogarah Oval Titans v Panthers Saturday, April 18, 3pm Cbus Super Stadium Cowboys v Warriors Saturday, April 18, 5.30pm 1300 Smiles Stadium Storm v Roosters Saturday, April 18, 7.30pm AAMI Park Tigers v Raiders Sunday, April 19, 2pm Leichhardt Oval Knights v Eels Sunday, April 19, 4pm Hunter Stadium Sharks v Rabbitohs Monday, April 20, 7pm Remondis Stadium

COVER SHOT Penrith captain Peter Wallace. Photo: Melinda Jane

FAN OF THE WEEK Years supporting the Panthers: Four years Favourite current Panther and exPanther? Josh Mansour and Tim Grant Central Coast Why do you support the Panthers?

I’ve never lived in the area and it’s not a family thing, I kind of just clicked my fingers and said “that’s my team” – it was love at first sight.

The Panthers are my world, not only the players but the fans and the community itself.

What’s your best Panthers memory? The qualifying final against the Roosters when Jamie Soward kicked the winning field goal.

What’s your prized piece of PanBrought to you by… thers memorabilia that you’d never sell? A pair of Josh Mansour signed boots and a Jamie Soward signed boot.

CHARLOTTE CLEARY

EE

FR Y ER

LIV

DE

SMITH PRODUCE

• 6 types of wood • 7 Days Credit Cards accepted

2073 Castlereagh Rd, Penrith (behind Action Autos) MOB: 0437 262 143

PH: 4730

6000 WW16996 WW16840 W W168

BY NATHAN TAYLOR

NSW CUP

@natetaylor87

BY STEW MOSES

@TheRiffMarn

PENRITH END MANLY’S UNBEATEN RUN IN STRONG COMEBACK WIN RUFFLES MANLY’S FEATHERS SECOND HALF DISPLAY AT PEPPER STADIUM AS TRANS-TASMAN BATTLE AWAITS The Penrith Panthers have handed Manly their first loss of the season, defeating the Sea Eagles 36-16 at Pepper Stadium last Saturday.

It was a remarkable performance by the home side who, just days earlier, played in a tough encounter against the North Queensland Cowboys on Monday night.

Despite the Sea Eagles entering the game with five straight wins under their belt and full of confidence, it was the Panthers who opened the scoring through Maliko Filino in the 13th minute to lead 4-0.

Not long after it was Manly’s turn to hit back with Sea Eagle James Parker charging over the line to score. Manly made the conversion and led midway through the first half 6-4.

10 minutes later the visitors were in again through Matt Douglas, who raced away to score and give Manly a 10-4 lead at the break.

Just like they did in the opening 40 minutes, Penrith were first to score in the second 40 with Filino bagging his second of the afternoon to level the scores.

Following Filino’s double, Penrith started to get a roll on with fullback

The Panthers cross for a try Brent Naden crossing next followed by Corey Hawawira-Naera a minute later.

Both conversions sailed through the uprights for Penrith to take a 22-10 lead.

It didn’t take long for Hawawira-Naera to get his second try of the afternoon after taking a brilliant pass to punch through the defence and score.

Panthers young guns Joshua Jay and Jack Nelson were in themselves moments later to put the icing on the cake, up 36-10. Manly scored a consolation try in the final seconds but the game was already well out of reach.

This Saturday afternoon the fifthplaced Panthers will hit the road to take on the Gold Coast Titans in Round 7 of the Holden Cup. Last week the Titans defeated Parramatta 40-22 to sit in eighth position.

Lifestyle $

199

Sealy PosturePremier ® ‘Stardust’ Single Mattress.

10 year guarantee.

Simmons try with Robert Jennings again instrumental in the lead-up.

Tempers started to flair midway through the second half and one such altercation saw referee Drew Oultram penalise Manly 32 metres out from goal, which Will Smith duly converted to give Penrith the lead for the first time, before Attwood’s late try sealed the win.

The third-placed Panthers now turn their attention to what promises to be an explosive clash at home this Saturday against the fifth-placed New Zealand Warriors. Having defeated the Tigers 28-16 at home last week, the Warriors will be looking to win their first away game having lost their previous three.

The Warriors have named a powerful side with the likes of Glen Fisiiahi, Ken Maumolo and David Fusitu’a in the backs.

In team news, Penrith have named Eddie Aiono and Tupou Sopoaga to start in place of Robert Jennings and Bryce Cartwright (both first grade), with George Jennings moving into the centres. Chris Smith will also start in the back-row in place of James Fisher-Harris (Holden Cup). Andy Saunders and Leilani Latu will also start in place of Brendan Attwood and Rodney Coates who both join an extended bench.

Penrith are firmly entrenched in the NSW Cup top four after a come-from-behind 24-16 win over a Manly side that played with plenty of character despite their lowly position on the ladder at Pepper Stadium.

The Panthers struggled for much of the game before a 65th minute penalty goal to Will Smith followed by a late try to Brendan Attwood with five minutes remaining sealed back-to-back wins for the defending premiers.

Shortly before kick-off, Penrith announced the shock inclusion of boom back-rower Bryce Cartwright, but lost Isaac John (NRL) and Tupou Sopoaga (injury), replaced by Adrian Davis and Wellington Albert (on debut).

It was Manly who dominated the first half and at one point led 16-6 through simple tries to Tyson Andrews, Michael Chee Kam and Dom Reardon that wouldn’t have pleased coach Garth Brennan, before some fine lead-up work from Robert Jennings allowed Chris Smith to finish off a smart play to reduce the gap to six at half-time.

Whatever was said in the sheds at half time worked as the Panthers lifted their intensity in the second half and soon levelled the scores through a David

ONLY AVAILABLE IN STORE AT PENRITH

$

$

699

‘Cooper’ King Single Bed. Also available to order: Tallboy . . . $899

Bedside Table . . . $349ea

EXCLUSIVE TO HARVEY NORMAN

799

‘

Metz’ Single Mini Sleeper.

Also available to order: Tallboy . . . $449

EXCLUSIVE TO HARVEY NORMAN

4 FEELS, 1 PRICE (SUPER FIRM, FIRM, MEDIUM OR PLUSH FEELS)

699ea

10 year guarantee.

$

$

1499

King Koil ‘Chiro Choice Super Firm, ‘Argo’ 4-Piece Queen Bedroom Suite.

Firm, Medium or Plush’ Suite consists of a queen bed, two bedside Queen Mattress. tables and a tallboy.

EXCLUSIVE TO HARVEY NORMAN

2199

‘Library’ Queen Bed. Also available to order: Tallboy. . . $1399

MADE IN AUSTRALIA

EXCLUSIVE TO HARVEY NORMAN

INTEREST FREE TERMS AVAILABLE - ASK IN STORE! SHOP with CONFIDENCE

297383_PEN

$

Ends 03/05/15. Harvey Norman® stores are operated by independent franchisees. Bed linen and accessories shown are not included.

WW16144

the western weekender • extra time » Friday 17 April 2015

HOLDEN CUP

45

Friday 17 April 2015 « the western weekender • extra time

46

CELEBRITY TIPSTERS SEA EAGLES

BULLDOGS

SEA EAGLES

SEA EAGLES

SEA EAGLES

BRONCOS

DRAGONS

BRONCOS

BRONCOS

DRAGONS

PANTHERS

TITANS

PANTHERS

TITANS

PANTHERS

WARRIORS

Fiona Boulous Guardian Funerals 9625 8500

52

COWBOYS

ROOSTERS

MBR Realty 0414 264 668

RAIDERS RABBITOHS

SHARKS

62

KNIGHTS RABBITOHS

BULLDOGS

BULLDOGS

BRONCOS

BRONCOS

PANTHERS

PANTHERS

PANTHERS

PANTHERS

PANTHERS

COWBOYS

Deidre Barlow Country Brewer 4731 5444

44

WARRIORS

ROOSTERS

STORM

Paul Newton Leisure Pools 1300splash

TIGERS

TIGERS

42

EELS RABBITOHS

KNIGHTS RABBITOHS

COWBOYS STORM

Simonne Thompson Hertz Penrith 4731 6344

TIGERS

58

KNIGHTS RABBITOHS

COWBOYS

Nathan Taylor Western Weekender 4722 2998

48

STORM TIGERS KNIGHTS RABBITOHS

SEA EAGLES

BULLDOGS

SEA EAGLES

BULLDOGS

BULLDOGS

BRONCOS

BRONCOS

DRAGONS

DRAGONS

DRAGONS

PANTHERS

PANTHERS

PANTHERS

PANTHERS

TITANS

COWBOYS

WARRIORS

COWBOYS

COWBOYS

COWBOYS

STORM

Ellen Landrigan Maxi Buses 4729 0666

RABBITOHS

ROOSTERS

Fiona Scott Federal Lindsay MP 4731 3700

RAIDERS

54

KNIGHTS

TIGERS

56

EELS RABBITOHS

KNIGHTS RABBITOHS

ROOSTERS

Ross Fowler Ross Fowler & CO 0419 738 484

TIGERS

48

EELS RABBITOHS

Peter Anderson Harvey Norman 4737 5111

58

STORM TIGERS KNIGHTS SHARKS

BULLDOGS

BULLDOGS

BULLDOGS

BULLDOGS

BULLDOGS

BRONCOS

DRAGONS

BRONCOS

BRONCOS

DRAGONS

PANTHERS

PANTHERS

PANTHERS

PANTHERS

TITANS

COWBOYS

WARRIORS

COWBOYS

COWBOYS

COWBOYS

STORM

Kaiden, Brodie, Nikki

ABL Tile & Bathroom TIGERS Centre 9623 0499

38

KNIGHTS

TIGERS

DRAGONS

TIGERS

Rhys and Aiden

62

STORM

Western Weekender 4722 2998

BULLDOGS

ROOSTERS

44

RABBITOHS

TIGERS

DRAGONS

RABBITOHS

Redback Auto 4731 1110

EELS

Stanton & Taylor 0414 993 777

COWBOYS

Troy Dodds

BULLDOGS

KNIGHTS

David Landrigan

38

RABBITOHS

STORM

BRONCOS

RAIDERS

58

RAIDERS

COWBOYS

Michael Taylor

BULLDOGS

STORM

PRD Nationwide 4732 3711

Auto Masters 4731 5888

EELS

COWBOYS

Darren Latty

ROOSTERS

Norm Hardy

TIGERS

40

EELS

WARRIORS

ROOSTERS

Michael Ball

Dickies Towing 4736 4400

RABBITOHS

ROOSTERS

John Todd Penrith BEC 4721 5011

TIGERS

52

KNIGHTS

ROOSTERS

TIGERS

48

EELS RABBITOHS

KNIGHTS RABBITOHS

ROOSTERS

Vic Shipley Power Smart 0415 982 093

TIGERS

46

KNIGHTS RABBITOHS

Erin Molan NRL Footy Show Channel Nine

42

ROOSTERS RAIDERS EELS RABBITOHS

As s ee Fes n at tiva l Sy dne y

PENRITH 103 Batt St L E AT H E R | S U N R O O F S | S A F E T Y | N AV I G AT I O N | E N T E R TA I N M E N T

Alpine p CD Head Units

B-25 LEATHER TRIM PACKAGE suit standard 5 seaters

fr

$

WAS $129

79

that’s cheap Reverse

PARKING SENSORS

fr

$

299 INSTALLED

save 291 $

fr

$

599 INSTALLED

WAS $990

save 309 $

103 Batt St, Penrith

DVD HEADREST

$

990 INSTALLED

WAS $1390

995

FITTED

Premium Includes New New ew P remi mium i foam underlay

Twin View

fr

$

save 400 $

save$598

7 seater vehicles from $1695 fitted LIMITED TIME ONLY

WW16554

WAS $590

SUNROOFS

save 50

$

fr

While stocks last

Call in Today

w w w . d o y l e s i n c a r. c o m . a u

ph: h 4721 9888

47 the western weekender • extra time » Friday 17 April 2015

WW16977

Chairman’s Lounge, Pepper Stadium Penrith

Sydney Pregnancy & Womens Ultrasound Services

ADVERTORIAL

Save on funeral costs with Simplicity Funerals A few years ago it seemed you couldn’t turn on the television or the radio without being told that, for the price of a cup of coffee a week, you could protect your family from funeral costs.

The frequency of these ads shown was intense and a lot of people, who were looking for a way to unburden their loved ones from having to pay for their funeral, signed up to funeral insurance policies that for some, proved costly in the long term.

Prepaying your funeral with Simplicity Funerals is not only one way to protect your family from having to find funds at a difficult time; in many cases it will also be the best way to achieve this.

When you prepay a funeral you are locking in today’s price, which means you are protected from inflation. Along with this protection, you will also have the added benefit of knowing the price up front and, when paid in full, there is no more to pay. Compare this with, say, a funeral insurance policy where you may face ongoing premiums that will add up over time – this means you can end up paying more for the funeral insurance policy than the value of the actual funeral.

That is why Simplicity Funerals has been so active in informing the community about the real differences between a prepaid funeral and a funeral insurance policy.

Simplicity Funerals is also able to offer you the financial benefit that only comes from dealing with the champion of the affordable funeral.

Simplicity Funerals specialises in providing respectful funeral services that won’t break the bank.

This becomes of greater importance when your funds are limited due to other financial commitments, or when you are on a fixed income.

When you prepay a funeral with Simplicity Funerals, you will also provide your family with some important emotional benefits. First, because you will have had the chance to sit down in a branch or in the comfort of your own home and, in your own time, make decisions about your own funeral service. Because of your forward thinking, you will leave a legacy for those who will be missing you as your wishes will be known.

Additionally, when the time comes, your family and loved ones will have a caring and experienced funeral director from Simplicity Funerals by their side, to help them in their time of need, and to respectfully conduct the funeral according to your wishes.

For all of the families we have the honour of serving, we also offer a free online memorial service through Heaven Address, a website where family and friends can write tributes, messages, light a candle or send virtual flowers regardless of where you are in the world.

Simplicity Funerals has more than 30 years’ experience in arranging prepaid funerals and for delivering those services with experience, care and respect. This makes a prepaid funeral from Simplicity the obvious choice for those looking to take care of those they leave behind.

FUNERAL INSURANCE COULD END UP COSTING YOU OVER $15,000* A PREPAID FUNERAL WITH AUSTRALIA’S LEADING PREPAID FUNERAL PLAN IS LOCKED IN WITH US FOR JUST $6,500

Call us anytime on 1300 566 222 or visit simplicityfunerals.com.au * Subject to variables, such as age, period of cover and policy conditions.

WW17002