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Friday, May 19, 2017 « the western weekender • extra time

PANTHER RUMBLINGS

CLOUDED FUTURE » The mystery surrounding Te Maire

Martin’s future at Penrith continues to deepen, and you have to feel for coach Anthony Griffin who constantly has to deny that there’s anything happening behind the scenes when in reality, plenty of discussions are being had about the 21-year-old’s future. Last Friday, Griffin denied that Martin was on the outer. “Part of being a first grader in everyone’s career is learning how to go back to second grade in the early part of your career and get things right,” he said. “He’s a really good kid, he’s got a really good attitude. There’s no agenda to try to squeeze him out or anything like that.” Hook was again asked about Martin in the postmatch press conference following Saturday’s game against the Warriors, where he was a little less convincing. “We’ll see,” Griffin said when asked if Martin had a future at the club, before confirming that at this stage the boom five-eighth had not asked for a release. Watch this space – Martin is at long odds to ever play first grade for Penrith again and could be gone within the next few weeks.

» Linking in with the rumours surround-

ing Martin’s future is speculation that the Panthers may chase Melbourne Storm halfback Cooper Cronk, who is moving to Sydney next year. With so many Sydney clubs locking up their halves combinations for the short and medium term future already, it is no surprise that the logical connection is being made between the Storm superstar and Penrith, who have uncertainty about at least one spot in the halves. However, I can’t find anyone at Penrith who will even confirm off the record that Cronk is a legitimate target, while Phil Gould has ruled out chasing the 33-year-old. The whole thing does pose an interesting question though. If Penrith isn’t chasing Cronk, and if Martin is leaving, and if we all accept Bryce Cartwright is not a five-eighth, then who will wear the number six jumper at Penrith next year?

» Further to the talk surrounding Pen-

with the Masked Panther

Narrandera officials present the Panthers with three didgeridoos. Photo: Melinda Jane rith’s halves, The Sun Herald revealed last weekend that the Panthers showed interest in signing Broncos star Ben Hunt for the 2018 season, before the Dragons came in with an offer that blew everybody out of the water. If it’s true, it shows the Panthers have been uncomfortable about the Martin / Cleary halves combination for some time and identified that some experience was needed. Out of interest, The Masked Panther received an anonymous tip last year that suggested the Panthers had shopped Te Maire Martin around to the Dragons. It made little sense at the time, but perhaps there was some truth to it after all.

» Players and officials from the Narrand-

era Lizards Junior Rugby League Club had an amazing time in Penrith last weekend, witnessing one of the most incredible comebacks ever seen at Pepper Stadium. In celebration of the Indigenous Round, officials from the club located in the Riverina region of southern New South Wales presented three didgeridoos to the Panthers. One was presented to Panthers Chairman Dave O’Neill, another to club legend Mark Geyer and the third to Glen Liddiard, who designed the club’s Indigenous jersey this year.

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» The long-awaited return of power-

house winger Josh Mansour is now only a fortnight away. Panthers coach Anthony Griffin has confirmed that Mansour, who was injured while training with Australia late last year, will return against the Bulldogs in Round 13.

» The Panthers are hoping to secure Co-

rey Harawira-Naera to a new deal in the coming weeks. The exciting second rower is off contract at the end of the season and has attracted the interest of several rival NRL clubs, but his preference is to remain with the Panthers. The 22-yearold, who celebrated a birthday on Thursday, made his NRL debut earlier this year. The Panthers have tabled him an offer, which is currently being weighed up by the youngster and his management.

» It felt like a long time coming but

Penrith’s win over the Warriors was the club’s 500th in first grade. It was certainly a milestone victory we won’t forget in a hurry!

» The sense of relief when the full-time

siren went last Saturday afternoon could be felt right around Pepper Stadium. From the players right through to the

fans and officials, it felt like an enormous burden had been lifted. One of the great sights was seeing Chairman Dave O’Neill embrace captain Matt Moylan with a hug on the field. The players enjoyed the win well into the night – a few were still celebrating long after the Masked Panther’s bed time.

» This weekend is Beanies for Brain Can-

cer round in the NRL and there’s some great stories already emerging from this tremendous concept. Penrith’s Holden Cup skipper Wayde Egan (who scored four tries against the Warriors last week) has urged his entire team to buy a beanie as part of the initiative. He’s collected the money from everyone in the squad and the players will pick up their beanies at the Newcastle game on Sunday.

» If your neighbour suddenly unfurls a

‘Panther Pride’ banner in his front yard, the club would love to hear from you. Apparently a large banner was stolen from a fence along Mulgoa Road, near Pepper Stadium, earlier this week.

» The New South Wales team for State of Origin I will be revealed on Monday evening.

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MATCH PREVIEW

FINDING THEIR MOJO PANTHERS V KNIGHTS | SUNDAY, MAY 21 • 2.00PM | MCDONALD JONES STADIUM | REFEREES: DAVID MUNRO & CHRIS JAMES

PANTHERS 1

Matt Moylan (c)

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 17 18 20

Peta Hiku Dean Whare Waqa Blake Dallin Watene-Zelezniak Bryce Cartwright Nathan Cleary James Tamou Peter Wallace Reagan Campbell-Gillard Corey Narawira-Naera Isaah Yeo Trent Merrin Tyrone Peachey Leilani Latu 16 Tim Browne Viliame Kikau Moses Leota 19 S Akauola Mitch Rein 21 T Martin

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, May 19, 2017

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KNIGHTS

Isaah Yeo scoring his first of two tries last weekend against the Warriors. Photo: Melinda Jane

TROY DODDS @troydodds

own 28-6, coach Anthony Griffin would have had every right to read the riot act to his 17 players as they sat despondent in the dressing room at Pepper Stadium last Saturday afternoon. Instead, he took a different approach. He remained relatively calm, talked about the positives and spoke about what it would take to get themselves out of what was a very deep hole. Griffin had perhaps sensed that this was not the time for a rant and rave. He had done that against the Broncos a fortnight earlier, and you have to pick your moments.

As he said in the post-match press conference after his side’s remarkable comeback to win the game, the Panthers had managed to find some bizarre and ridiculous ways to be scored against in that first half. Fix up those errors, and perhaps they were a chance. A positive attitude was the key. As we have suspected for some weeks now, the Panthers only needed some confidence to kickstart their season and start to show glimpses of their potential. If Penrith do manage to go on to make the Finals this year, it may well all come back to that 12 minute period between the 47th and 59th minutes, when they scored four tries and suddenly found their mojo. The win last Saturday was important. Ensuring it is capitalised on is even more critical. The Panthers now start a long stint away from Pepper Stadium (they won’t be back

until July), but it is a period on the road that could garner plenty of competition points, starting this Sunday against last placed Newcastle at McDonald Jones Stadium. The Panthers thrashed the Knights earlier this year but it’s unlikely it’ll be as easy this time around. Apart from the advantage of playing on their home turf, Newcastle found some form and confidence last weekend with a 34-20 victory over Canberra, proving they aren’t the easybeats of the competition everyone considers them to be. For the Panthers from here, it’s all about finding consistency. They have some ground to make up and this match offers them the chance to win back to back games for the first time this year, and further boost the confidence levels that were given a significant lift in the second half against the Warriors. It was pleasing to see players like Matt

Dane Gagai

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 16 18 20

Ken Sio Joe Wardle Peter Mata’utia Nathan Ross Brock Lamb Jaelen Feeney Daniel Saifiti Danny Levi Josh Starling Sione Mata’utia Sam Stone Josh King Luke Yates 15 Anthony Tupou Mitch Barnett 17 J Saifiti B Elliot 19 Tyler Randell T Hodkinson 21 J Stockwell

Moylan and Trent Merrin produce their best performances of the season last weekend, but even better was watching Isaah Yeo being rewarded for what has been a great year so far (he’s been one of Penrith’s best in my opinion). With Reagan Campbell-Gillard and Bryce Cartwright also stepping up to the plate, the team certainly started to gel a lot more last weekend and it will surely only get better from here. James Fisher-Harris again finds himself on the sideline with injury, but otherwise Penrith’s side is relatively unchanged. Last weekend’s miracle comeback means nothing without a win this Sunday, making this one of the most critical games of the season so far. I’m expecting a tight first half but the Panthers should have too much for the re-building Knights as the game rolls on. Tip: Panthers by 12

Friday, May 19, 2017 « the western weekender • extra time

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Right mix of experience and youth can win Origin series for NSW

JAMIE SOWARD

he 2017 State of Origin series is just about upon us and, as always, mock teams are already starting to emerge of what Laurie Daley’s line-up could look like for Origin I. I’ve decided to put my hat in the ring and pick my best 17 players that should be selected for next Wednesday’s opener at Suncorp Stadium. While you may notice a few big names missing, my team is made up of experienced guys who have done the job before as well players that are in such good form, that I can’t possibly leave them out. 1. Jarryd Hayne I wanted to pick Hayne at five-eighth but Mitchell Pearce’s form has been too good to resist, so I’ve gone with Hayne at fullback because I want him to have the ball as much as possible. 2. Brett Morris With the recent injury to Tom Trbojevic, who would’ve been a lock at wing, I’ve got to go with experience and there’s no one more professional on the big stage than Brett Morris. 3. BJ Leilua We’ve got to start picking players

Queensland don’t want to come up against and Leilua will give the Maroons’ backs plenty of nightmares. 4. Josh Dugan Josh’s a big game player and played well in the Australian side recently. He combines really well with Blake Ferguson. 5. Blake Ferguson While Blake’s form has been mixed with the Roosters this season, he always shows up on the big occasions and will do so again alongside his old friend and former club teammate in Dugan. 6. James Maloney James has been there before and done it all. He now has a second premiership under his belt and this has to be the year he produces if the Blues are going to win. 7. Mitchell Pearce Everyone always bags Mitch’s Origin record but you have to pick him on form. He’s the best halfback NSW have got at the moment and he’s really matured over the last 18 months. 8. Aaron Woods Big Woodsy would’ve played for Australia recently had he not been injured. I’m looking forward to seeing how he returns from injury this weekend.

9. Peter Wallace Wal’s played Origin before and understands the game. He’s got great game management and won’t overplay his hand like some NSW hookers have in the past. 10. Shannon Boyd Shannon has been solid for Canberra and, whilst they haven’t been winning games, his statistics haven’t changed too much and he continues to go forward. 11. Boyd Cordner (pictured) Boyd’s in career-best form for the Roosters on that left-hand edge and will do well captaining the Blues through a new era. 12. Tyson Frizell Tyson is having an outstanding season for the Dragons and performed well on the Origin stage last year. 13. Trent Merrin Mez played for the Kangaroos recently and didn’t disappoint. He’ll give the forwards a real push up front. 14. Wade Graham Wade probably should be in the starting side but with Merrin at lock, he offers some spark off the bench and has playmaking ability. 15. Andrew Fifita Fifita is a Kangaroos and premiership

player, and will give NSW that real edge off the bench when he’s injected. 16. Jake Trbojevic This kid is one of Manly’s best every week and I think he’ll do a great job for NSW, just like he did for the Kangaroos a few weeks back. 17. Paul Vaughan Paul’s form has put the Dragons on the map this season and it’s hard not to give him a Blues jumper for that. He’s just about been the buy of the year 10 rounds in. Deserves his shot.

The Week - Podcast Now reading your favourite local newspaper is just the beginning. Join us every Saturday for ‘The Week’ - an engaging new podcast covering the week that was, and the week that will be, in Penrith. New edition available every Saturday from 9am at westernweekender.com.au. Also hear the show on Vintage FM from 8am Saturdays.

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WAQA SHOWS HIS STRENGTH NATHAN TAYLOR @natetaylor87

I Waqa Blake celebrates his try

t’s a try that will without doubt feature on the end-of-season NRL highlights reel, but Panthers centre Waqa Blake admits he was lucky he didn’t bomb the crucial four-pointer that ended up being one of the highlights of Penrith’s miracle comeback over the Warriors last weekend. With his side down by 10 points and his teammates following in support, the barnstorming Fijian brushed off the safe option and instead chose to charge straight through Kiwi Test international Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, leaving him behind in his wake. If Tuivasa-Sheck brought down Blake, he would have been crucified for not passing the ball but fortunately the ‘footy gods’ were finally on Penrith’s side. Blake jumped for joy in a moment of pure celebration after crossing the line.

“To be honest, it happened so quick, I didn’t mean to run over him like I did,” a humble Blake told Extra Time. “I just sort of panicked, it all happened so quickly. Roger is a tough, classy player and I was pretty lucky I didn’t bomb that try.” Blake’s incredible effort was just one of numerous highlights from the centre last Saturday afternoon, which also included two length of the field chases on Warriors winger David Fusitu’a. Despite being down 22 points at the break, the 22-year-old said he took plenty of confidence out of how coach Anthony Griffin reacted at half-time. “Hook was very calm. I knew he had a lot of faith in us and he knew that wasn’t us in the first half,” Blake said. “He usually does his rounds at half-time and tips up each player on what they are doing well or bad in, but he didn’t talk too much to the boys in this game. Hook just said there’s no better time to show how much we really want to win this game than by coming back from 22 points down.

“That really brought the boys together and it was awesome to hear.” Blake’s incredible try made up for an indiscretion in the first half that saw him sent to the sin bin for 10 minutes. If Penrith are serious about getting their season back on track, they need to overcome a confident Newcastle side, who notched up their second win of the season last Sunday against Canberra. Blake said the side can’t get too carried away with their first victory since March. “We can’t rely too much on that. We did have our faults in the first half and we’ve just got to regroup this week and sort out where we went wrong,” he said. “Newcastle are a class team and are going to be very tough up there.” Meanwhile, Blake opened up about his debut appearance with the Fijian national team in the recent representative round. He said it was a moment he’ll never forget. “It was awesome, it was probably one of the best experiences of my life,” Blake said.

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, May 19, 2017

FEATURE

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Friday, May 19, 2017 « the western weekender • extra time

HOOK KEPT HIS COOL NATHAN TAYLOR @natetaylor87

anthers interchange forward Tim Browne believes coach Anthony Griffin’s calm demeanour at half-time was the catalyst for Penrith’s remarkable 30-point turnaround against the New Zealand Warriors last weekend. Down an appalling 28-6 at the break, Penrith returned from the sheds energised and enthused – scoring five unanswered tries to run out surprise 36-28 winners. The 22-point comeback was Penrith’s second biggest of all time and is only onepoint shy of their largest ever comeback (23 points) against the Wests Tigers back in 2000. Expecting an almighty blow-up at halftime, Browne said coach Griffin was a lot calmer than he anticipated. “I couldn’t believe how calm he was, I was expecting something very different but I think a lot of the boys took plenty of confidence from that,” Browne told Extra Time.

“Hook is just very calm and professional, and he doesn’t let it get to the players… it stops with him. “None of us felt panicked because of that. We felt we were in control. I was so excited for that second half and it played out the way we wanted it to.” While Penrith’s second half fightback will be remembered by fans for a very long time, questions were once again raised as to how the side ended up 22 points down in the first place. Browne said he can’t quite put his finger on why his side are enduring such slow starts. “If I was a magician, I’d fix that,” he quipped. “We’ll get in there again this week and keep working hard at what we are doing wrong. “I said to some of the boys at half-time that we were playing some of the best footy we had all year in that first half. I didn’t lose faith and I felt if we stuck to what we trained for, plus the individual talent we have in this team, we could turn this around.” Securing his first win in Panthers colours, the 29-year-old has been in and

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, May 19, 2017

FEATURE

Tim Browne following last Saturday’s win over the Warriors. Photo: Melinda Jane out of first grade since switching from the Bulldogs this season. While injury and suspension has kept him out of all but five first grade games, Browne believes he’s finally starting to find his place at his new club. The Raymond Terrace junior said he sympathises with fellow new recruit James Tamou, who has also struggled since his move from North Queensland.

“It’s hard… I came here and didn’t know anyone to begin with and that’s a big challenge in itself,” Browne said. “Just picking up the style of football the club likes to play, is a bit different to what I’m used to. “I’ve had some injuries and suspensions to start the year but I’m looking forward to putting some footy together because I feel I owe it to the boys and the fans.”

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Friday, May 19, 2017 « the western weekender • extra time

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Friday, May 19, 2017 « the western weekender • extra time

28 JULY – 12 AUGUST

SATURDAY 13 MAY AT 3PM

FRAME OF MIND SUNDAY 18 JUNE AT 4PM Western Sydney Opera

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+/-

PTS

Storm

224

159

+65

2 Sharks

200

132

+68

3 Roosters

212

152

+60

4 Broncos

215

161

+54

5 Dragons

239

169

+70

6 Cowboys

199

204

-5

7 Sea Eagles

230

193

+37

8 Bulldogs

152

174

-22

9 Eels

182

214

-32

CLUB

10 Raiders

230

193

+37

11 Titans

248

262

-14

12 Warriors

174

219

-45

13 Rabbitohs

182

233

-51

14 Panthers

192

213

-21

15 W. Tigers

152

254

-102

16 Knights

164

263

-99

Round 11

FACE IN THE CROWD

Thursday, May 18 7.50pm Southern Cross Group Stadium

/ / / / / / / /

Friday, May 19 6pm FMG Stadium

Friday, May 19 7.50pm Suncorp Stadium Saturday, May 20 5.30pm Cbus Super Stadium Saturday, May 20 7.30pm ANZ Stadium Sunday, May 21 2pm McDonald Jones Stadium Sunday, May 21 4pm ANZ Stadium

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, May 19, 2017

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Friday, May 19, 2017 « the western weekender • extra time

Brought to you by

Crazy round just proves how close the competition can be

ANDREW VOSS

ell folks, talk about a tough act to follow. What could possibly top the results, drama, and whopping tally of 400 points scored in Round 10 of the Telstra premiership? Plenty of fans probably needed a little bit of counselling after their side’s performance. Over at the Tigers, their loyal mob thought the world had crashed in after a listless effort against Souths on Friday. Melbourne fans, not used to disappointment, remain flabbergasted at how their team could score 36 points in a match and be beaten. But that was the case Saturday night at Suncorp Stadium. Manly supporters watched their team squander a 14-0 lead against Brisbane and not trouble the scorer again, as the Broncos piled on 24 unanswered points. Up at Newcastle, what happened to the Raiders? Facing a team that had lost 26 of its last 27 matches, how did Canberra concede 34 points and lose by 14? And I have no answers for the collapse of the Eels on Sunday against the Roosters. I actually tipped Parramatta to win only to see them

crushed by a Roosters outfit that registered eight tries. However, all of it takes a backseat really to the drama at Pepper Stadium. Just to ram home the numbers, the Panthers’ effort in fighting back from 28-6 down was the eighth biggest comeback in premiership history. It was the second biggest in 50 years of Penrith. For the Warriors, not adverse from the odd collapse, this was their biggest. How good is rugby league? How can it produce such sporting theatre? And all in the one round? In commentary over the years I have learned to never ‘give up’ on a game. To trail by 12-18 points early in a contest will often be overturned by half-time. There is no such thing in modern rugby league as defending a lead. So many teams swoop in the final 20 minutes these days. Feeling safe about tipping a winner is hard work! And as for the poor football punter, perhaps when the betting agencies trot out the line “Gamble Responsibly”, they should add an extra phrase.… “and have the Panadols handy”. Watch every game of the 2017 Telstra Premiership live and commercial free during play on Fox League.

The Panthers celebrate their comeback win over the Warriors. Photo: Melinda Jane

panthers on the prowl

WOMEN

The Primary Classroom Program at Panthers on the Prowl has been running continuously for 15 years. We serve local primary schools to assist in the development of social and emotional learning targeted at small groups. Each week we nominate a student of the week from a participating school to highlight their efforts. ts.

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s i k e e w e h t f o t n e d Stu Caleb Finn

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SCOREBOARD

Panthers AXE Lang

NRL PANTHERS 36 WARRIORS 28 John Lang celebrates the 2003 premiership at ANZ Stadium

TROY DODDS @troydodds

t’s never easy to give a coach his marching orders, but even more difficult when that coach has brought your club a premiership. This was the problem facing thenCEO Glenn Matthews in 2006, as he pondered the future of 2003 premiership-winning mentor John Lang. Lang’s Panthers had gone from the heights of that premiership in 2003 and a Finals appearance in 2004 to falling off the radar in 2005 – finishing outside of the top eight despite winning their final five games of the season. During the 2005-2006 off-season, things weren’t looking good for the Panthers. The Board had been forced to strip Craig Gower of the captaincy and

fine him $30,000 over an off-field issue, disrupting preparations for the season ahead. With things looking a little shaky at the Panthers, Mr Matthews sprung into action and before a ball had been kicked in the competition proper, he sacked John Lang. Lang remained in charge for the 2006 season to warm the chair for Matthew Elliott, who would take over in 2007. “We all learned a lot from John but it’s time for our organisation to change,” Mr Matthews said. The situation turned somewhat sour with the manner in which Lang was sacked becoming the major issue. Lang had always believed he would be the first to know if there was an issue regarding his future at the Panthers, but media reports suggested that Mr Matthews was already negotiating with Elliott in the weeks leading up to the Lang sacking.

Despite the pre-season drama, Lang coached Penrith to wins over the Bulldogs and Dragons in their opening games of the season, but inconsistent form saw Penrith miss out on the top eight. Lang’s last win with the Panthers came in round 23 when they beat Cronulla 32-28 at Toyota Park, with losses to the Knights and Bulldogs to round out the season. Despite losing to Canterbury in the final home game of the season, Lang was given a fitting farewell by the fans he had brought so much joy, with a deserved lap of honour around Penrith Stadium. While John Lang’s departure from the Panthers could have been handled better, he will forever be remembered as the man that brought the club its second premiership and for that, he will forever be a club legend. Thank you, John.

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the western weekender • extra time » Friday, May 19, 2017

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Friday, May 19, 2017 « the western weekender • extra time

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Raiders Panthers Roosters Storm

088

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the western weekender • extra time » Friday, May 19, 2017

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WEAR A B EAN I E ‘Beanie for Brain Cancer’ round will be held this weekend in the NRL. The round is the concept of ‘NRL Footy Show’ and Nine NRL Executive Producer Matt Callander, who was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2016.

All funds raised throughout the round will go to the Mark Hughes Foundation, with the aim to raise a minimum of $500,000 to fund a three-year research fellowship in brain cancer research. See www. markhughesfoundation.com.au.

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