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OPINION

UNDER PRESSURE: COACH IVAN CLEARY PHOTO: MELINDA JANE

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STORY BY TROY DODDS

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HE BELIEVERS WILL TELL you that there’s a light at the end of the tunnel that will bring much success and make the last few years of pain worth it. The critics will tell you that the light is actually a steam train. For some time now, the problems at the Penrith Panthers have been soothed by the knowledge that the club is in a re-building phase, or is overcoming financial woes, or is working to a “long term plan”. Problem is that whilst this has all been happening, the patience of the club’s longsuffering supporter base has been wearing very, very thin. So much so that Penrith faces an enormous task to win back the supporters that are seemingly starting to desert a club that should be the pride of western Sydney. As a growing area, and one that has been the focus of significant private and public investment over many years, the Panthers should be the biggest show in town. Unfortunately, they are becoming a sideshow and the problems need to be fixed. The enormous success of the Western Sydney Wanderers in the A-League is also impacting on the situation as soccer has been a sleeping giant in the western suburbs for some time. It has now been awoken. Poor results from the Giants and an extreme lack of media interest will keep the

AFL quiet for some time, but that doesn’t mean people will simply stick with league. To ﬁ gure out the best way forward you have to step back into the past for a quick history lesson. The Panthers really started to emerge from their slumber in the late 1980’s. Many thousands of fans stood on the hill at Penrith Park and fell in love with the spectacle of rugby league and with players like Greg Alexander, Brad Fittler, Steve Carter, Royce Simmons and John Cartwright, who would go on to become some of the most famous names to ever wear a Penrith jumper. The club had success with their ﬁrst premiership in 1991 and for many, it seemed right. It was the culmination of many years of watching players emerge through the ranks, and of supporters standing on those hills cheering the underdogs home. Wins were few and far between through the mid to late 1990’s but you always felt that Penrith would try hard and put on a good spectacle when playing at home. Perhaps that belief came from players like Ryan Girdler, a shining light and a player that you wanted to pay money to watch every weekend. Players like Matt Adamson, Robbie Beckett and Morvin Edwards made the footy exciting again, and whilst the results weren’t always there, it ensured many fans

OPINION

LEWIS BROWN IN ACTION, WITH EMPTY SEATS IN THE EASTERN TERRACE IN THE BACKGROUND

crossroads as reality sets in still turned out each and every weekend or at least still had a strong love of the Panthers. Things were starting to get a little shaky at Penrith, however, and there’s no doubt that the 2003 premiership success came at just the right time. Being at ANZ Stadium that night, in the pouring rain, watching Craig Gower lift that trophy was a moment many fans will never, ever forget. At the time, players like Gower, Tony Puletua, Joe Galuvao, Rhys Wesser, Joel Clinton and Preston Campbell became household names and were synonymous with what many believed would be a new empire at Penrith. It wasn’t to be, and in a few short years, everything seemed to crumble around us. A new generation of loyal and dedicated fans had been locked in, however. Up in the western grandstand at Penrith Stadium, you’ll ﬁnd many of them. They pay $350.00 a year for their seat, and they turn up each and every week not because of what the critics say will happen, but because of what might happen. They come because they know the spirit that has existed at Penrith in the past means that surely, it’ll turn around, one day. The few thousand people who sit up there every year aren’t going anywhere. They’ve been through all of the phases, and they’ve stuck solid. They are the fans

who will never disappear and never stop supporting this footy club. The problem lies in the fans outside of this core, long-term supporter base area. Right now, why would you go to the footy? I mean no disrespect to the current playing squad given many of them try their hearts out every single week, but would you pay $25 to stand on the hill and watch Luke Walsh, Wes Naiqama, Brad Tighe and David Simmons go around? Yes, $25 to stand on the hill. Gone is the fun rush of the 90’s to ﬁnd the best seats in the terrace, because that’s now reserved seating that as the picture above shows, is embarrassingly empty most weeks. No commercial food, no real pre-match or half-time entertainment. Whilst I have every faith that the Board and Phil Gould’s intentions for longterm success are certainly genuine and meaningful, we need to look at realities. For perhaps legitimate reasons, we let our biggest stars in Michael Jennings and Luke Lewis walk out the door despite being under contract. Both had played for Australia. In the place of Jennings and Lewis this year are Wes Naiqama and Cameron Ciraldo. We talk about ensuring we promote and utilise our junior talent, yet Lewis and Jennings were perhaps two of the best ever

products of Penrith’s junior system. Crowd numbers are slipping, and the biggest show in town struggles to get 10,000 people through the gates. The fan base is being slogged with increased ticket prices, yet is being delivered sub-standard performances by players who appear directionless and uninspired. Penrith has become a boring and frustrating team to watch. We all appreciate the long term vision that exists within the management of Panthers. But a winning football team will solve many of the problems that face the club in the short term. Pressure will automatically fall on Phil Gould given his proﬁle in rugby league, but the truth is that the pressure is on big time at all levels, including on coach Ivan Cleary who must start proving his abilities. It is unfair to criticise Gould, as some have, for his work outside of Penrith given the Board knew of those commitments when they hired him. Pressure seems to have also evaded Ivan Cleary, perhaps out of sympathy given the playing squad he has on his hands, but it’s time for serious questions to be asked of him about where he feels this team is headed. The simple back and forth of the post-match media conference will no longer cut it. Cleary has won just nine of 30 matches

since joining Penrith. It is an unacceptable record and whilst Cleary may well be a capable coach, a lingering question remains: is he the right man for this job. Some inside Panthers may want us to write off 2013, because they believe that 2014 and 2015 will be better. And whilst we’re all patiently waiting, we’re still expected to pay through the nose to go to the footy. And when we do pay to get in, we’re told you can’t sit there, or there, or there, either. On ﬁeld performances, no star players, high ticket prices and restrictions inside the ground itself are impacting on crowd numbers, and support overall. I can tell you now that the Panthers brand is in awful trouble and the club is becoming the embarrassment of the league, not the icon it should be after the last few years of overhauling the structures and processes. As much as the long-term stuff, including the big developments and getting over the ﬁnancial hurdles, is crucial, so is developing a winning culture now, not later. And if we’re all expected to cop that this is going to take time, then reward the fans who are being loyal during this time. Not with increased ticket prices and pleas to “wait it out”, but with something much more tangible and real. They deserve that much. EXTRATIME | 3

TEST MATCH & ORIGIN DOUBLE HEADER V

Centrebet Stadium comes alive tomorrow with a feast of Rugby League action. Four big games for just $15, headlined by the Holden U20’s State of Origin at 5:35pm where New South Wales will be defending their title against Queensland. At 7:35pm fierce rivals Tonga and Samoa take centre stage in a World Cup preview featuring some of the biggest names in the NRL like Brent Kite, Sika Manu, Fui Fui Moi Moi, Jeff Lima, Daniel Vito, Eddy Pettybourne and Junior Sa’u. Book today.

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F E AT U R E S T O R Y

PHIL GOULD TALKS TO THE PANTHERS COACHING STAFF [FILE PHOTO, 2012]

STORY BY NATHAN TAYLOR

Back to the good old days P

ENRITH PANTHERS BOSS PHIL Gould is hopeful that in 2014 three grades of football will be played at every Panthers home game. Gould this week outlined the new restructure of the Panthers system which will see the club take full control of NSW Cup side, Windsor Wolves, effective immediately, and by 2014 they will play under the ‘Penrith Panthers’ name.

“It was our decision that in 2014 we enter our own team, Penrith Panthers, in the NSW Cup and it will be played like we used to play with all three grades here,” he said. “Next year I’ll speak with the NSWRL about playing games at Centrebet Stadium where it coincides with an NRL match. If it doesn’t coincide with a home NRL match and they have a home game, then they’ll play at Windsor but in Penrith colours.”

Gould said it was important for a number of reasons to bring back the reserve grade side in house. “Firstly it will improve our development pathways for youngsters coming through, so that they come through in Penrith colours and in the Penrith system,” he said. “The last couple of years have been about developing the strength of our junior representative teams, our NYC team, our second tier team – so that over the next few years we can start to produce a steady stream of players coming through. “Our aim over the next 10 years is to have Penrith at the stage where of its top 25 NRL

Autumn Special

players, 20 have come to us at the age of 15 or 16 and have come through the Panthers system.” The club’s coaching structure has also changed from this week with Panthers NYC coach Garth Brennan taking control of the Windsor Wolves; Windsor’s current coach up until now, Guy Missio, will become Brennan’s assistant; and former player and Panthers NYC assistant David Tangata-Toa has been promoted to coach of the Holden Cup side. “I promoted Garth because he’s the second best coach in the club,” Gould said. The Wolves play at Penrith Stadium tomorrow afternoon.

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PENRITH HAS REVEALED A PLAN TO BRING THREE GRADES OF FOOTBALL BACK TO PENRITH STADIUM AS MANY TIMES AS POSSIBLE FROM NEXT SEASON, AS PART OF A RAFT OF OTHER CHANGES...

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PRIDDO’S POINT WITH LUKE PRIDDIS

A mixed bag of topics 2003 Clive Churchill Medal winner Luke Priddis played more than 300 National Rugby League matches, including 162 for the Penrith Panthers

T IS FINE TO have individuals in decision making positions that are there to drive the development, growth and political positioning of the game, but the decision to implement a “dob in your mate” policy shows those now administrating the game know very little about the fabric of the players that have graced our ﬁelds for past 100+ years. It seems more a move to appease the public and those in higher powers but maybe I am wrong and the new generation of players will turn their nose at what the game has been built on. The rep season is now upon us and congratulations to all those picked. There are some questionable selections in the

Australian side as well as the City and Country Origin sides but rep footy has and will always be open to contentious selections. What about the City verses Country game, where does it sit? It is obviously not the NSW selection trial it once was and hasn’t been for many years. However I also don’t see the beneﬁt of just throwing in a bunch of young players either. What the answer is I am not sure but one thing for sure is that more needs to be done to promote the game in the bush and that is more than just taking a few trial games there. It means spending a vast amount of that new media deal on signiﬁcantly increasing

the number of development officers and providing them signiﬁcant resources to work on the grass roots of the game, not increasing administration expenditure and hiring more people to sit in at League Central. If ever there was a game there for the taking for Penrith it was last week but put simply there wasn’t anyone capable of that individual brilliance to get them over the line. However I do have to say that Sika Manu (pictured) unlike his counterpart Adam Blair who went to the Tigers and has struggled, has been a shining light for the Panthers in the opening six weeks and hopefully continues in this manner.

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F E AT U R E S T O R Y

KEVIN KINGSTON IN ACTION PHOTO: MELINDA JANE

STORY BY NATHAN TAYLOR

Getting through tough times P

ANTHERS CAPTAIN KEVIN KINGSTON believes none of his off-contract teammates, including himself, will get contracts next season unless they start winning games. Speaking with Extra Time, the 29-yearold said he’d love to stay at Penrith and remain captain but nothing was guaranteed especially with their poor record of late. “Contract-wise if you win games you get

contracted, if you don’t you don’t,” he said. “I’m captain at the moment and I would love to stay but we’ve got to focus on winning games ﬁrst and then contracts will come after that.” The tenacious hooker took over the club’s captaincy role in controversial circumstances midway through last year but even he admits captaining this year’s team through a tough run of losses has been even harder.

“It’s definitely tough when you’re losing and everything falls into place when you’re winning and things are a lot easier,” Kingston said. “You’ve got to work hard in these tough times because the good times are just around the corner, and when we get there we just have to stay there.” The former Parramatta and Cronulla star admitted his side had been lacking confidence for most of this year and believed ‘hard work’ was the only way out of the ugly mess when club footy returns next weekend. “We’re a bit down on confidence but we have faith in the process and our game plan

Autumn Special

and we move forward,” Kingston said. “We’re training well but we need to transfer that onto the ﬁeld. We’ve just got to have faith and keep going the way we want to go.” The 156-game veteran joined the Panthers in 2010 and has since become one of Penrith’s most likeable players. Fans continuously praise Kingston for his pleasant, down-to-earth nature and there’s little wonder why he’s become so close to his coach Ivan Cleary. Kingston said he and Cleary talk regularly about game plans and what to expect but said they did not discuss team selections.

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PANTHERS SKIPPER KEVIN KINGSTON KNOWS IT’S UP TO HIM TO INSPIRE HIS TEAM AND BREAK A FIVE MATCH LOSING STREAK WHEN THE SIDE MEETS PARRAMATTA AT PENRITH STADIUM NEXT WEEKEND...

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THE FOOTY SHOW INSIDER

The one and only ‘Big Marn’ EXCLUSIVE to Extra Time, our secret insider drops all the goss and information from behind the scenes of one of the most popular rugby league shows on television, Channel Nine’s ‘The Footy Show’

ARRYL ‘THE BIG MARN’ Brohman has been a long-time favourite on ‘The Footy Show’. His laid back persona, quick wit and unique commentary on the game of rugby league has seen him back on the panel full time and he could not be happier with the show’s success in its 20th season. “I’m very happy with the new 8.30 timeslot. We love it and more importantly the punters love it. I think Fatty has done a fantastic job for the last 20 years and Slats has stepped in and done very well,” Brohman said. Darryl is no stranger to ‘The Footy Show’; he has been a regular for over a decade and pioneered ‘Small Talk with The Big Marn’ for several years. The Big Marn believes it is the honesty of the kids that makes the segment such a hit with viewers. “While we tend to dance around

issues and try to say what is most politically correct, they say what they feel. I think that’s fantastic for everyone,” he said. The League of Their Own segment will be returning next week and The Big Marn urges parents to get involved as the competition is bigger and better in 2013. “This year there will deﬁnitely be some fantastic tries,” he said. “Clubs from all across Australia will get a crack. I think that it is imperative for parents to take videos of their children playing footy as you never know what can happen. This year there are both under 13 and 13-plus categories with $20,000 up for grabs in each, as well as prizes for weekly winners.” One of the most talked about moments from the show’s 20 years

has been that infamous scooter crash in the Channel Nine car park. The Insider ﬁnally drew a response from the dauntless Darryl Brohman. “It hurt,” he admitted. “I had never ridden a motorbike before and I still can’t tell you which side was the accelerator and which is the brake. I couldn’t work it out on the night and as I was speeding towards the fence I thought I’d just drive into the fence instead. The next day as I was reclining at home my mum called me and said that she could not stop laughing; I guess it was all worth it in the end.” For even more ‘Big Marn’ tune into ‘The Footy Show’ LIVE at 8.30pm on Channel Nine each Thursday. Catch up on anything you’ve missed online at http://wwos.ninemsn.com.au/ footyshow.

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HERE’S CHEERS

EACH week, Extra Time proﬁles three cheerleaders from the Penrith Panthers cheer squad. Vote for your favourite for your chance to win two tickets to the next Panthers home game! Voting concludes at 11.59pm on Friday, April 26. The cheerleader with the most votes will progress through to the semi-ﬁnals later in the year. Voting automatically enters you into the home game ticket competition!

Name: Suzie Age: 19 Occupation: Student/Teacher/Bartender My favourite thing about cheering for the Panthers is: Shaking my pom poms and front row seats at the footy Five words that describe me: Bubbly, creative, modest, passionate, loyal My dream job is: Travelling, while working in the sporting/ dance industry One thing most people would be surprised to learn about me is: I’m really artistic and love drawing My ideal ﬁrst date would be: Trip to a beach or theme park My biggest inﬂuence/role model is: Beyoncé

TO VOTE FOR SUZIE, SMS SUZIE TO 19 19 18

Name: Kati M Age: 21 Occupation: Dance Teacher/Choreographer My favourite thing about cheering for the Panthers is: That I get to be on the field with the players and pumping up the crowd. The atmosphere is always spine tingling Five words that describe me: Cheerful, bubbly, pink, bling, energy My dream job is: To be in the Moulin Rouge One thing most people would be surprised to learn about me is: I love V8 Supercars My ideal first date would be: Dinner and Ten Pin Bowling My biggest influence/role model is: My mum

Name: Chelsea N Age: 23 Occupation: Student My favourite thing about cheering for the Panthers is: Meeting all the wonderful fans Five words that describe me: Passionate, sensitive, outgoing, fun, witty My dream job is: An education officer in a museum One thing most people would be surprised to learn about me is: I recently completed a thesis on the religious dimensions of contemporary dance My ideal ﬁrst date would be: Carefree and fun My biggest inﬂuence/role model is: My family and friends

TO VOTE FOR KATI, SMS KATIE TO 19 19 18

TO VOTE FOR CHELSEA, SMS CHELSEA TO 19 19 18

THE LUCKY GIRL CROWNED THE EXTRA TIME CHEERLEADER OF THE YEAR WILL BE FEATURED ON THE COVER OF OUR ROUND 26 EDITION, PLUS GET A PROFESSIONAL PHOTO SHOOT WITH THE WESTERN WEEKENDER PHOTOGRAPHER, INCLUDING PRINTS. THE WINNER WILL ALSO RECEIVE A $1,000 JB HIFI VOUCHER THANKS TO OUR FRIENDS AT THE PENRITH HOMEMAKER CENTRE. WEEKLY WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE. SMS cost is a maximum of 55 cents. The winner of tickets to the next Penrith Panthers home game is selected at random from all entries. This competition is run under NSW Permit No LTPM/12/01138. Full terms and conditions are available from www. westernweekender.com.au or from Western Weekender reception.

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Autumn Special

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L O W E R G R A D E S F E AT U R E S T O R Y

Young guns on ﬁre PENRITH’S HOLDEN CUP SIDE IS ON TOP OF THE LADDER AFTER ANOTHER IMPRESSIVE VICTORY LAST WEEKEND, AND NOW THREE OF THE SIDE’S STARS HAVE BEEN SELECTED FOR REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES...

STORY BY NATHAN TAYLOR

PHOTO: M. MARTIREZ/PANTHERS MEDIA

HE PENRITH PANTHERS HOLDEN Cup side have sent departing coach Garth Brennan out a winner with a comfortable 30-14 victory over Newcastle. Brennan, who joined the club in 2012, was this week promoted by Panthers management to become the new head coach of reserve grade side, Windsor Wolves. The win over Newcastle was the young Panthers’ sixth straight of the season, and they remain undefeated and on top of the Holden Cup ladder going into the NRL’s representative weekend. While the Panthers enjoyed most of the possession in the first half, it wasn’t until the second stanza before they really found their way. Try-scoring machine Dallin WateneZelezniak opened up the scoring in the second 40 before Penrith’s big men led the way, getting their side the ultimate of field position. The Panthers then ran in five second half tries to blow away their opposition and

remain the league’s most dangerous team. The Panthers have this weekend off before a showdown with the Parramatta Eels at Penrith Stadium on Monday, April 29. It’ll be the ﬁrst game for the Panthers under newly appointed coach David Tangata-Toa, who has been Brennan’s assistant in 2013. Meanwhile, three Panthers Holden Cup stars have been chosen to represent their states at this Saturday night’s Under 20’s State of Origin match at Penrith Stadium. Panthers centre George Jennings has been selected on the wing for the Blues, while Bryce Cartwright has been named as 18th man. For Queensland, Panthers hooker Kierran Moseley will again don the maroon jersey, having previously represented his home state at Under 18’s and Schoolboys Under 18’s level. Moseley said he couldn’t wait to play his ﬁrst Under 20’s Origin game at his home stadium.

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12 | EXTRATIME

HINGS HAVE GONE FROM bad to worse at the Panthers on the injury front with both Wes Naiqama and Josh Mansour ruled out for the next six weeks after being hurt in last weekend’s loss to Newcastle. With James Roberts still out, you can expect to see a couple of fresh, new faces in the Panthers side for the game against Parramatta next weekend. Congratulations to Tim Grant, who has been selected in the City side for Sunday’s City v Country clash. Dean Whare and Sam McKendry have both been selected to play for New Zealand against Australia on Friday night. Who would have thought going to New Zealand was so tough. After Etonia Nabuli missed out on a trip with Windsor to play the Vulcans in Auckland a few weeks ago because his Visa wasn’t valid, comes the story of another NSW Cup player who couldn’t make the trip because of a torn passport. Apparently immigration officials didn’t believe sticky-taping up the tear through the identifying photo was enough of a repair job to let the ﬁrst grade star of the future take the trip.

The Masked Panther overheard this week that some Panthers players weren’t too impressed by some of the comments made by Extra Time journalist, Nathan Taylor, in regards to their pending contract renewals. Last week Extra Time looked at every Panthers player off contract in 2013 and put forward an opinion as to whether the player should be re-signed or let go. The Masked Panther suggests players who weren’t happy with the story read all the positive pieces Nathan has run on each and every one of you over the past few years. Hopefully this will ﬁre every off-contract player up to perform better, win a new contract and prove Nathan wrong. I know people are going to slap the Masked Panther over the back of the head for this one, but I’m sick of the players’ kids running onto the ﬁeld after every game. Such scenes should be reserved for big moments or important matches, not just because the full time siren sounded. The Masked Panther’s kids don’t run into my

home office just because I’ve finished my column. The players have a job to do and it just doesn’t sit right with me watching them have fun with their kids on the field whilst we fans are walking away with our disappointed kids following another loss. The Penrith Panthers hosted their second Penrith District Junior League Clinics at Centrebet Stadium on Monday. Under 9 and 10 year old registered players from the Brothers, Colyton / Mt Druitt, Minchinbury and Riverstone clubs enjoyed a clinic with the players and NRL Development staff from 4-5pm, then got the chance to meet with their favourite stars during a signing session from 5-6pm. Aboriginal communities from across the state will team up with NSW Rugby League as part of a unique weight loss challenge designed to encourage Aboriginal people to lose weight and embrace a healthier lifestyle. Minister for Healthy Lifestyles Kevin Humphries and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Victor Dominello this week launched the 2013 NSW Knockout Health Challenge. “The Knockout Challenge is a unique event that sees 22 teams of up to 30 members each go head to head to see who can lose the most combined weight over a 16 week period, under the guidance of some of the biggest names in rugby league,” Mr Humphries said. Panthers star Brad Tighe is a acting as a mentor for the challenge. I notice my old mate Ricky Stuart was fined $10,000 for comments he made about the referees in the wake of the Eels’ loss to the Titans on Sunday night. Firstly, I do agree that the referees should be somewhat protected from attacks at post-match media conferences, because to just let coaches have free reign does open a Pandora’s Box. Secondly, Ricky needs to realise his team led 22-8 and no matter what the referees do to you, you shouldn’t let a lead like that disappear. BUT, in saying that, it is fair enough to wonder why the referees are immune from wider scrutiny after matches. Coaches and players are made to front press conferences after every game, is it time we did the same with referees? Why not have them answer for the calls they make during the contest?

NSW CUP

WINDSOR V WENTWORTHVILLE KICKOFF 1.00PM TV: NO COVERAGE

NSW CUP

NORTHS V MOUNTIES KICKOFF 3.10PM TV: FOX SPORTS LIVE 3.10PM

UNDER 20’S ORIGIN

NSW V QLD KICKOFF 5.35PM TV: FOX SPORTS LIVE 5.35PM

TEST MATCH

TONGA V SAMOA KICKOFF 7.35PM TV: FOX SPORTS LIVE 5.35PM

WEEKEND SCHEDULE Australia v NZ

FRIDAY 7.45PM @ CANBERRA STADIUM TV: CHANNEL NINE 7.45PM

Country v City

SUNDAY 3.00PM @ BCU STADIUM TV: CHANNEL NINE 4.00PM NOTE: THERE ARE NO NRL CLUB MATCHES THIS WEEKEND

JUNIOR RUGBY LEAGUE WITH YVONNE PURTELL

And we’re underway! YVONNE Purtell is the manager of the Penrith and Districtt Junior Rugby League, nurturing our young footy talent

UNIOR LEAGUE KICKS OFF this weekend…. hope you are all ready to play! For the ﬁrst time in the history of the junior league we will be running a Women’s Open competition, which will kick off this weekend and be played on a Saturday afternoon. If anyone is interested in being part of this or other competitions in our district contact your local club secretary or the junior league office on 4725 6401 for further details. This week saw the Colyton Mt Druitt, Minchinbury and Brothers clubs invited to Centrebet Stadium for an NRL Clinic. The players had the opportunity to participate in some skills and drills with the Panthers NRL squad followed by a signing session. At the end of the clinic all the players were treated to a BBQ hosted by Penrith Outback Steakhouse. The next clinic is scheduled for next month so keep an eye on Facebook for further details. Last Sunday saw the U20s come down to Peter Van Hasselt Fields to assist in a clinic following

their win over Newcastle the night before. The kids had a great time and the U20 players made their experience an enjoyable one. Our rep squads had a loss last weekend in both the Harold Matthews and SG Ball but have another opportunity this weekend to progress further through the ﬁnals. Harold Matthews will kick off at 10am against Cronulla and SG Ball at 11.30am against the Bulldogs. Both games will be at Campbelltown Sports Ground. This Saturday night the U20s State of Origin and Samoa v Tonga Test match will be played at Centrebet Stadium, and a number of junior league players will have the opportunity to be part of the night. There will be a junior league relay and mini games as part of the activities on the night. Our young ball boys from our representative squads have also been invited to be the ball boys for the U20s State of Origin. What a great night this will be for them and all involved.

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14 | EXTRATIME

RUGBY LEAGUE

YOU R WEEKLY GUID E

NRL LADDER POS

TEAM

Pts

Storm

159

+ 73

Sea Eagles

139

+ 85

Rabbitohs

137

105

+ 32

Roosters

144

+ 78

Knights

128

+ 43

Titans

130

+ 40

Broncos

106

+ 16

Dragons

122

- 32

Raiders

151

- 55

Sharks

Cowboys

110

- 12

Eels

109

145

- 36

Tigers

143

- 50

Panthers

148

- 50

Warriors

146

- 60

Bulldogs

137

- 69

LEGEND Pts Ladder points B Byes

W Wins F Points for

D Draws A Points against

L Losses PD Points differential

UPCOMING

MATCHES Panthers vs Parramatta Eels PENRITH STADIUM MONDAY, APRIL 29 @ 7.00PM

Sydney Roosters ALLIANZ STADIUM SUNDAY, MAY 5 @ 3.00PM 3

Melbourne Storm PENRITH STADIUM SUNDAY, MAY 12 @ 6.30PM

New Zealand Warriors PENRITH STADIUM SATURDAY, MAY 18 @ 7.30PM

St George-Illawarra WIN STADIUM SATURDAY, MAY 25 @ 5.30PM

LEAGUE NEWS

Walsh earns NRL reprieve The number on his back may have looked a little unusual, but Luke Walsh was back in the halfback spot last weekend against the Newcastle Knights at Hunter Stadium. Walsh was dropped to reserve grade the week before after consistent poor form and issues with his confidence. He played one match for Windsor against the Illawarra Cutters, with Blake Austin given the halfback duties against North Queensland in Townsville in round five. But word started spreading late on Friday that Walsh would be brought straight back into the NRL team, with Austin demoted back to the NSW Cup after just one performance. The news was confirmed on Saturday when Walsh ran out in the number 19

jumper in ﬁrst grade, with Austin playing earlier in the day for the Wolves. Walsh’s return wasn’t enough to spark a win, with Penrith going down 8-6, but coach Ivan Cleary said he made some positive steps forward on his NRL return. “We lost Lachlan Coote in round two and I think that had a really big affect on Luke,” he said. “They worked really hard in the preseason... he was one guy who we probably couldn’t afford to lose. “I thought he deﬁnitely made some steps forward tonight and obviously it’s important for him to keep doing that.” Coach Cleary was reasonably happy with the effort against Newcastle, labelling it his side’s toughest performance of the season. EXTRATIME | 15

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