Western Weekender: Special NRL 2021 Grand Final Preview

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Friday, October 1, 2021 « the western weekender

the western weekender » Friday, October 1, 2021

grand final news

BRISBANE LIGHTS UP FOR DECIDER TROY DODDS

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he Penrith Panthers have a chance to prove that history repeats itself when they take on South Sydney in this Sunday’s historic Suncorp Stadium Grand Final.

The Panthers lost the 1990 Grand Final but returned to the big stage a year later to take out the trophy in 1991. 30 years later, they have a chance to wipe away the pain of 2020 and win the title in 2021.

If Penrith lift the trophy on Sunday night it will be a fitting conclusion to the most bizarre of rides over the past two seasons, dominated by the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns.

And while the majority of Penrith’s fan base will have to cheer from their lounge rooms, Queensland is lapping up the prestige of hosting the NRL’s biggest day.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said excitement for the NRL Grand Final has hit fever pitch.

“I have long said Queensland deserves a Grand Final,” she said.

“An NRL Grand Final is a dream come true for footy fans across the state. I encourage all Queenslanders to make the most of having the Grand Final here in rugby league heartland.”

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said renaming King George Square after ‘the King’ Wally Lewis and lighting up City Hall in NRL team colours were fitting ways to celebrate the Grand Final coming to Brisbane.

“Queensland football fans have long wanted the Grand Final to be held at Suncorp Stadium, which is still the best rugby league ground in the world,” Cr Schrinner said.

“Now that it’s finally happening, we want to ensure the city celebrates and embraces this incredible opportunity by creating a real festival feel.”

The Grand Final is officially a sell-out, with fans snapping up the remaining tickets to the historic event on Monday afternoon.

The Panthers light up King George Square in Brisbane. Photo: NRL Photos.

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the western weekender » Friday, October 1, 2021

match preview

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Nathan Cleary in action against the Storm. Photo: NRL Photos.

TROY DODDS

S

ome would say it’s advantage Souths after Wayne Bennett’s side upset Penrith in week one of the Finals.

Blueprint for victory sorted, they’ll argue.

But losing that match could well work in Penrith’s favour come 7.30pm Sunday night at Suncorp Stadium.

You can bet your bottom dollar that Ivan Cleary and the Penrith coaching staff have poured over the video of that game endlessly this week. Identify the problem, find a solution and implement the fix.

In a year in which attack and high scorelines dominated the rugby league landscape, everything is pointing to a lowscoring Grand Final on Sunday night.

Penrith boasted the best defence of the regular season and have conceded just two tries in their last two games, while Souths had the third best defence in the competition and showed in week one of the Finals that they can get in the arm wrestle if that’s what it takes.

Much has been made this week of the

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But while the headlines may not be as loud, the Panthers are farewelling a couple of their own who have formed such a close bond with the playing group that it’ll be just as important for their teammates to send them off in style as it will be for the Rabbitohs with Reynolds and Bennett.

Matt Burton and Kurt Capewell have played a crucial role in this incredible period for the club, while Brent Naden has also been an important part of the journey and will likely watch as 18th man on Sunday night.

So let’s not pretend the Rabbitohs have more to play for.

Regardless, those fairytale farewells and storylines fade into the background once the ball is kicked off in the big one. From that moment, it’s all about the 80 minutes ahead.

And what an 80 minutes it will be.

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The danger man for Souths is, without question, Cody Walker. With Latrell Mitchell gone and Reynolds not 100 per cent fit, it will fall on Walker to find the moments of magic to get Souths home. If the Rabbitohs win, I have almost no doubt he’ll take home the Clive Churchill Medal.

Walker boasts a competition-best 33 try assists this season, and 44 linebreak assists.

If the Panthers can shut down Walker, they have their path to victory.

Nathan Cleary’s kicking game will again be the key here. While Cleary was likely rattled in week one of the Finals as the ‘blocker’ controversy erupted, you should have no doubt he’ll target Blake Taaffe all night. The youngster has held his own since coming in for Mitchell, but he’s certainly vulnerable on this huge stage on Sunday night.

I’m also expecting things to click better for Penrith in attack on Sunday. The side threatened to score another two or three tries against the Storm last Saturday but just couldn’t get the finishing touches right.

There is no better time to get those things

UPDATES ON NRL.COM

right than now – and surely it is that fine tuning that has been the main part of the game plan and preparation this week. After two brutal games, field sessions would have been reasonably light on.

The Panthers will be without Tevita Pangai Junior but the return of Moses Leota is a major boost – he’s been one of the competition’s most under-rated forwards of the last two years and will be fresh.

If Penrith start well, I have no doubt they’ll be able to defend a lead yet again. If the Rabbitohs manage to grab the first couple of tries, it could well be problematic – but this Panthers side has also shown a 12-0 deficit can be easily overcome, having done it a couple of times this season already.

Anything can happen on Grand Final Day, but I have a feeling Penrith may just be able to run away with this in the end. The attacking spark is threatening to return, while their defence is at its peak.

We could well be celebrating long before the full-time whistle.

Tip: Panthers by 13.

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Friday, October 1, 2021 « the western weekender

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the western weekender » Friday, October 1, 2021

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Friday, October 1, 2021 « the western weekender

the road to the big dance ROUND 1

Penrith open their 2021 campaign with a convincing 24-0 win over the Cowboys at BlueBet Stadium. The Panthers score four tries to none in the victory.

ROUND 5

In a controversial and at times fiery affair at the foot of the Mountains, Penrith easily account for Ricky Stuart’s Canberra Raiders 30-10.

ROUND 9

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Penrith offer Cronulla a footballing lesson with a 48-0 demolition at BlueBet Stadium. Charlie Staines grabs a hat-trick in the huge win.

ROUND 2

In atrocious conditions at Bankwest Stadium, the Panthers keep their opposition scoreless for a second straight week, beating the Bulldogs 28-0.

ROUND 6

The Panthers are far from convincing against lowly Brisbane but still get the job done, leaving Suncorp Stadium with a 20-12 victory.

ROUND 10

The Panthers put on a show for Magic Round. Nathan Cleary scores three tries and kicks eight goals in a 48-12 thrashing of the Gold Coast.

ROUND 3

Kurt Capewell scores a late try and Viliame Kikau produces an incredible defensive moment on the bell, as Penrith prevail 12-10 over Melbourne.

ROUND 7

Stephen Crichton scores early but an arm wrestle ensues, with Penrith eventually proving too good for Newcastle, winning 24-6 at BlueBet Stadium.

ROUND 11

The Panthers smash a woeful South Sydney in Dubbo. Nathan Cleary scores after three minutes and the tries keep coming in a 56-12 demolition.

ROUND 4

The Panthers blow Manly away 46-6 at Brookvale, with Brian To’o and Viliame Kikau both grabbing doubles. The Panthers took a 22-6 lead into half-time.

ROUND 8

Manly show some fight but Penrith are never really not in control in Bathurst. The Panthers eventually run out 28-16 winners in front of 5,798 fans.

ROUND 12

The Panthers make it 12 wins in a row, with a 30-4 Indigenous Round victory over Canterbury at BlueBet Stadium. Charlie Staines grabs a double.

Tigers fans are delirious after they beat a second-string Penrith side 26-6 at Leichhardt Oval, as the State of Origin period begins to take hold.

ROUND 14

A late Shaun Johnson field goal breaks an 18-all deadlock and seals a one-point win for Cronulla, as the Panthers record back-to-back defeats.

ROUND 18

The NRL relocates to QLD, and Penrith start the period away from home with a 30-16 defeat of the Warriors at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.

Brent Naden and Dylan Edwards both score doubles as Penrith easily account for St GeorgeIllawarra, running out 34-16 winners.

After falling behind 12-0 early, Penrith click into gear and take a 22-12 lead into half-time against the Roosters. The Panthers eventually win 38-12.

ROUND 19

Brisbane pushes Penrith to the championship minutes, but in the end the Panthers get home 18-12 after leading 4-0 at the half-time break.

ROUND 22

FINALS WEEK 1

The Finals Series is turned on its head when Souths spring a major upset, beating Penrith 16-10 in Townsville. The Panthers have several chances to level the game late, but can’t get the job done.

ROUND 20

Chaos surrounds what should have been a blockbuster, as a Penrith side down on troops loses 37-10 to Melbourne in a rescheduled match-up.

ROUND 23

Penrith concede two early tries, but eventually change the momentum and beat South Sydney 25-12. Nathan Cleary and Isaah Yeo are outstanding.

ROUND 15

ROUND 24

Penrith’s forwards stand up to get the job done 30-16 over the Wests Tigers in an uninspiring match in Redcliffe in front of 5,351 fans.

FINALS WEEK 2

In one of the great Finals games of all-time, Penrith down arch rivals Parramatta 8-6. In a game ultimately rocked by controversy, Penrith’s defence proves the key in the low-scoring contest.

ROUND 16

Matt Burton kicks a late field goal to give Penrith a 13-12 win over Parramatta in front of an empty BlueBet Stadium, as the COVID lockdown begins.

the western weekender » Friday, October 1, 2021

ROUND 13

ROUND 21

Penrith bounce back into form with a hard-fought 20-14 win over the Roosters at Suncorp Stadium. Matt Burton has one of his best games of the year.

ROUND 25

The Panthers take advantage of a Parramatta side missing several key stars, running out 40-6 winners on the Gold Coast. Brian To’o scores a hat-trick.

FINALS WEEK 3

Penrith qualify for their second straight Grand Final after terrorising Melbourne with brutal defence. Ivan Cleary’s side survives a classic late Storm charge to win 10-6 in one of the games of the year.

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Friday, October 1, 2021 « the western weekender

GRAND FINAL NEWS

PANTHERS HAVE SIX OF THE BEST TROY DODDS

S

ix Penrith players have been named in the Dally M Team of the Year, but Nathan Cleary has missed out on the top gong.

Manly’s Tom Trbojevic’s stunning season was rewarded with the Dally M Medal for the game’s best player, with Cleary finishing second on the leaderboard.

The Sea Eagles star polled 35 points, ahead of Cleary (30), and Cody Walker (29). Trbojevic’s teammate Daly CherryEvans and Sydney Roosters fullback James Tedesco (both 23) rounded out the top five.

Brian To’o, Matt Burton, Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo, James Fisher-Harris and Viliame Kikau were all named in the Team of the Year.

It was an ironic win for Burton who is set to go from Dally M Centre of the Year to playing in the halves at Canterbury next season.

Ivan Cleary missed out on a second consecutive Coach of the Year award, with the gong taken out by Craig Bellamy.

The awards were presented in a low-key style in Brisbane, hosted remotely from Sydney by Fox Sports presenters Jess Yates and Braith Anasta.

The Dally M Team of the Year was announced on Monday night. Photo: NRL Photos.

“On behalf of the game, congratulations to Tom Trbojevic on winning rugby league’s highest individual honour,’’ NRL Chief Executive Andrew Abdo said.

“It’s a remarkable achievement in a

remarkable year to poll three points in 11 different games.

“Congratulations to every winner. Tonight we reflected on the people and moments of the season. The players. The coaches.

The teamwork. The deep tribalism. The unmatched athleticism. The unforgettable moments of brilliance.”

You can stream a replay of the Dally M Awards on Kayo or Foxtel.

Congratulations on an amazing season and good luck in the Grand Final

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the western weekender » Friday, October 1, 2021

grand final news

LOCAL ARTISTS TO LIGHT UP SUNCORP TROY DODDS

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rand Final Day entertainment will be headed by home grown Queensland star Kate Miller-Heidke who will sing the National Anthem and lead entertainment with Australian music legend Ian Moss.

Popular group The Stafford Brothers; DJ, producer and live instrumentalist Timmy Trumpet; Aboriginal didgeridoo player William Barton and a 40-piece orchestra will complete the Grand Final entertainment which will also include a spectacular light show at Suncorp Stadium.

“Performing at the 2015 Grand Final with Cold Chisel was one of those career moments that we all look to play, so to be asked back to perform at the 2021 Telstra Premiership Grand Final at Suncorp Stadium here in the beautiful Sunshine State is an honour,” Ian Moss said.

“And to share the stage with the immensely talented Kate Miller-Heidke and William Barton is such an added bonus and a true gift.

I can’t wait.”

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Kate Miller-Heidke added: “I’m absolutely thrilled and proud to get to sing at the Grand Final – it’s a huge honour.”

The pre-match festivities will also include a tribute to retiring players and elements of the game’s history.

During the week, images of NRL stars and fans have lit up iconic Brisbane landmarks, while King George Square has been transformed into a Fan Fest NRL Chief Executive Andrew Abdo said the Grand Final would be a week-long celebration of rugby league and a thank you to the region for supporting the Telstra Premiership in 2021.

“This is an historic week for rugby league in Queensland as we will light-up some of Brisbane’s best known landmarks with iconic images from our season. This is also an opportunity to say thank you to fans and Queenslanders for hosting us in 2021,” he said.

“The Grand Final is more than game day, it’s a week-long celebration of clubs, players and most importantly fans. We have a Fan Fest in King George Square which will be highlighted by the appearance of both Grand Final teams on Friday.”

Kate Miller-Heidke will perform at the NRL Grand Final on Sunday night.

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Friday, October 1, 2021 « the western weekender

game day guide

GET READY FOR THE BIG GAME: HERE I

t’ll be an epic Grand Final weekend, even though lockdown in Sydney means it’ll be a different kind of celebration this year.

Here’s everything you need to know about the big game...

Schedule of events The gates at Suncorp Stadium will open at 12pm Queensland time (1pm AEDT) with two Preliminary Finals of the Intrust Super Cup to kick off the day.

There will be a retiring players farewell at 5.30pm (AEDT) before the pre-game entertainment gets underway at 6.30pm (AEDT).

The NRL Grand Final between Penrith and South Sydney will kick off at 7.30pm (AEDT).

At the venue, NRL partners are delivering everything from food, face painting and the chance to meet some of your favourite players at this year’s fan fest.

Television coverage Channel Nine will commence its game day coverage at 10.00am on Sunday with ‘Sports Sunday’ followed by ‘The Sunday Footy Show’ at 11am. They’ll then show the two Intrust Super Cup Preliminary Finals live, before previewing the NRL decider from 5.30pm.

Ray Hadley will call the NRL Grand Final for 2GB. Photo: Melinda Jane.

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Nine will break for a shortened edition of its news service at 6pm before returning to Suncorp Stadium for full coverage of the big one, with Ray Warren to call the Grand Final.

Nine’s broadcast will feature all of the post-match presentation and interviews, with coverage due to conclude at 10.30pm.

Fox League will broadcast the Intrust Super Cup Preliminary Finals from 1pm, before a studio-based preview of the NRL Grand Final. Fox will have post-match analysis from 9.00pm but do not have the rights to broadcast the game live. A replay will be broadcast from 10pm.

Radio coverage 2GB’s Continuous Call Team will be on air from 1pm, with Ray Hadley to call the NRL Grand Final at 7.30pm.

Andrew Moore will call the game for ABC 702 while Triple M will also broadcast the match live and have coverage throughout the afternoon.

SEN will also call the game, with Panthers legend Scott Sattler part of the team.

Online coverage 9NOW will provide a streaming service of the game live within Australia.

Score updates will be available at www.

nrl.com or the NRL app, while the Western Weekender will also provide score updates on Facebook and Twitter, plus extensive coverage after the game.

Print coverage A special commemorative print edition of the Western Weekender is available now, with a digital replica available at www. westernweekender.com.au.

A special edition of Extra Time will be released next week in the Weekender, with a 2021 Premiers poster should the Panthers win the Grand Final.

Post-game presentation A post-game presentation will take place after the Grand Final where the Premiership rings and trophy will be presented to the winning team. The Clive Churchill Medal for the best player on ground will also be revealed and presented.

The presentation will be screened live on Channel Nine.

Penrith coach Ivan Cleary and Souths coach Wayne Bennett will both front postmatch press conferences after full-time, which will be streamed live on NRL.com.

Merchandise The Panthers released an official Grand

Final t-shirt this week, which was available for pre-order until Monday afternoon.

There may still be shirts available at www. penrithpanthers.com.au.

A second t-shirt has also been released and is available for $39.95 from Peter Wynn Score. Visit www.peterwynnnscore.com. au.

Premiership merchandise will be made available in the days following the Grand Final for the winning team.

Betting odds Sportsbet has Penrith as $1.65 favourites to win the Grand Final, with Souths outsiders at $2.25. The line has been set at 3.5.

Brian To’o is the favourite to score the first try at $8.00, ahead of Alex Johnston at $8.50.

Nathan Cleary is the favourite to win the Clive Churchill Medal ahead of Cody Walker.

the western weekender » Friday, October 1, 2021

IS EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW!

The ‘voice of rugby league’, Ray Warren, will call the game.

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Friday, October 1, 2021 « the western weekender

THE PLAYERS

PAST PAIN WILL DRIVE PANTHERS ON SUNDAY NATHAN TAYLOR

P

anthers Grand Final co-captain Isaah Yeo believes last year’s heartbreak and the experiences of the past season will give his side the edge they need to win Penrith its elusive third Premiership.

13 Panthers will play in their second consecutive NRL decider this Sunday evening in Brisbane, while the Rabbitohs will run out just four players – Adam Reynolds, Alex Johnston, Tom Burgess and Benji Marshall – who have experienced the thrill of a Grand Final before.

Speaking with the Weekender, Yeo said Penrith’s disappointing loss to Melbourne last October paved the way to where the group is today.

“I think overall the experience helps, not just the Grand Final itself, but getting to that point last year,” he said.

“As a group there’s players who have

played in bigger games since then like Origin and that sort of stuff, so I think that helps the experience too.

“It’s a fact that we’re such an inexperienced side still that I think even an extra year of first grade under our belts has helped us.”

While the Panthers went on an historic run to Grand Final Day last year, it all fell apart in the game that mattered most with an experienced Melbourne outfit tearing them to shreds in the first half and ultimately winning.

Yeo said while the result was painful at the time, it could be the fuel they need to get them through the second time around.

“The loss was obviously disappointing but you had to win big games to get to that Grand Final last year and, as much as we didn’t perform like we would have liked to, I think we’ve definitely got better with the experience we’ve had over the next nine or 10 months,” he said.

“I feel like that’ll hold us in good

stead, obviously you still have to go out and perform on the weekend, but I feel like we’re in a better spot than we were last year in terms of that experience.”

Alongside fellow skipper Nathan Cleary, Yeo will have the privilege of captaining his first ever NRL Grand Final.

A natural-born leader since arriving from Dubbo as a teenager nearly a decade ago, the Dally M Lock of the Year said it’ll be an “honour” to lead out the Panthers on Sunday night at Suncorp Stadium.

“It’s something myself and Nathan are very proud of,” the 26-year-old said.

“We’re obviously very close with our families and I know it’s something both the Yeos and the Clearys are definitely proud of as well.

“It’s an absolute honour… I don’t think much changes with how we’ve performed throughout the season, you just try and lead by example and do your best. I’m sure we’ll be doing that this weekend.”

Penrith skipper Isaah Yeo. Photo: NRL Photos.

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the western weekender » Friday, October 1, 2021

THE PLAYERS

DREAMING OF A GRAND FAREWELL NATHAN TAYLOR

B

enji, Burto, Reno, Capes, Wayne – they all can’t get the ultimate farewell on Sunday night but rest assured they’ll be doing everything in their power to make it happen.

While much of the focus this week has been on Benji Marshall, Adam Reynolds and Wayne Bennett departing the Bunnies at season’s end, the Panthers also have several big names pulling on the black jersey for the final time.

Brisbane-bound Kurt Capewell and future Bulldog Matt Burton are two players determined to have a fairytale finish.

Interestingly, both players have run out for the Panthers 31 times, but their 32nd game this Sunday at Suncorp Stadium will be by far the biggest and most important game of their careers.

Speaking with the media on Monday, Capewell said it would be “awesome” to end his time as a Panther with a Premiership.

“I’ve created a lot of memories with these boys – not just these boys – but everyone at the club as well. To be able to finish on a high would be awesome,” he said.

“South Sydney’s a great team and Wayne’s a great coach also, so I’m sure they’ll be up for the challenge. It’ll be a tough one this weekend and a good game to watch for everyone that’s going.”

One player Panthers fans would be desperate to keep if given the opportunity, Matt Burton is also hoping his final game for Penrith is a fruitful one.

After missing out on last year’s decider against Melbourne, the Dubbo product took his game to a whole new level this season and was one of the first players picked for Sunday’s Grand Final.

“It was good to be part of the squad last year and see how it all was and get that little taste of it, but it’s obviously great to be in the squad this year and be a part of it,” Burton, who crossed the line 16 times this season, said.

“You dream of this as a kid… I’m still pinching myself that I’m here and I get the opportunity to play in a Grand Final this weekend.”

Matt Burton and the Panthers celebrate after beating Melbourne last weekend. Photo: NRL Photos.

If Canterbury got their way back in April and extracted Burton from his Panthers contract early, the 21-year-old wouldn’t been playing this weekend.

Burton, who was named Dally M Centre of the Year on Monday night, said staying at Penrith was the best decision for his development as a person and player.

“There was obviously a bit of uncertainty

of where I was going to be at the start of the year, but here I am now and I just can’t believe it,” he said.

“Ivan’s been massive for me – he’s helped my game and really helped me throughout the year also, so hopefully we can go out on a high this weekend.”

And while Burton knows fairytale finishes are earned and not deserved, he’ll be

hoping the stars do align on Sunday – not just for him personally but the entire city of Penrith.

“I love the club and the boys have been like brothers to me, but they are obviously doing it tough back there in Penrith and it would mean the world to us boys to take that Premiership back to Penrith and do it for them guys,” he said.

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Friday, October 1, 2021 « the western weekender

THE PLAYERS

FROM SCRAP HEAP TO SUNCORP NATHAN TAYLOR

B

ig matches are often decided by big moments, and Scott Sorensen’s heroic chase down of Melbourne’s Jahrome Hughes prior to half-time last Saturday afternoon was one of them.

With less than a minute on the clock and both sides out on their feet after a gruelling first half, Sorensen came from the other side of the field to run down the speedy number seven and stop a near certain try.

While it wasn’t quite as dramatic as Scott Sattler’s famous covering tackle in the 2003 Grand Final, it was certainly an act of desperation that the Panthers needed in order to keep the hungry Storm scoreless at half-time.

Speaking to the Weekender ahead of his first ever NRL Grand Final on Sunday, Sorensen was flattered his gutsy tackle was being compared to that of Sattler’s.

“It’s nice to be compared to but his tackle takes the cake, his one was outstanding especially in a Grand Final – it was awesome,” he said.

“I just turned my head and all I thought was just chase, just chase.

“To be honest, I wasn’t the only one chasing… Fish, Dylan Edwards and T-May were

there as well, I was just fortunate enough to get him.”

After making his Penrith debut in Round 9 against his former club Cronulla, Sorensen has been one of the shining lights for the Panthers this season.

Thrown on the NRL scrap heap after the Sharks opted not to re-sign him, the 28-year-old was weighing up offers to play in England before the Panthers, who were keen to boost their forward stocks, picked up the phone.

After an up and down first grade career which began in 2014, Sorensen said signing with Penrith this season changed his life.

“100 per cent it did… I’ve loved my time here and since day one the club’s been unbelievable in terms of welcoming me in – I’ve loved every single minute of it,” he admitted.

“The playing group have been unbelievable and so have the coaching staff for developing my game. They’ve given me confidence to back myself and the trust that the playing group have shown in me is why I’m in the position that I’m in.”

With Sunday’s decider against South Sydney just days away, Sorensen can’t help but pinch himself at the prospect of running out onto Suncorp Stadium in front of 50,000 fans because, less than a month ago, he was lying on a hospital bed in need of surgery.

Scott Sorensen in action against the Storm last weekend. Photo: NRL Photos.

Sorensen dislocated his wrist during Penrith’s Round 25 win over Parramatta and many feared his standout season was over at the worst possible time.

“There was no fracture or break in the

bone at all; it was really best case scenario.

The bone came out clean and went back in pretty clean as well, so I just had some bone bruising and a bit of swelling,” Sorensen explained.

Let’s Go Panthers!

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the western weekender » Friday, October 1, 2021

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Friday, October 1, 2021 « the western weekender

THE LEGENDS

FAMOUS FAMILY SPLIT ON DECIDER NATHAN TAYLOR

W

hen you hear the name Sattler, you immediately think Grand Finals.

Whether it’s John courageously playing with a broken jaw in 1970 or his son Scott making arguably the greatest try-saving tackle of all-time, the Sattler name will forever be a part of rugby league history.

When Penrith take on South Sydney in the 2021 NRL Grand Final this weekend, the Sattler name will undoubtedly get a mention a few times during the broadcast due to the allegiances both men share with the two clubs involved.

For Scott Sattler, he was born a Bunny but after his heroics in 2003 he’ll forever be a Panthers man and he’ll be cheering them home on Sunday night.

“Everyone in my family are South Sydney supporters, as I am as well, but I’ve got this part of me that wants Penrith to win the comp,” Sattler told the Weekender.

“Outside of me, my daughter and my son – who are mad Penrith fans – the rest of the family is against us.”

Now aged 49, Sattler enjoyed a more than memorable career with the Panthers that

Scott and John Sattler both have remarkable Grand Final stories.

spanned 118 games between 1999 and 2003. Despite some lean years at the foot of the Mountains, Sattler was able to end his time at Penrith with a Premiership – a

rare accomplishment not many players can achieve.

Sattler said it’s an exciting time to be a Panthers and Rabbitohs supporter, espe-

cially considering both clubs are currently based not too far from where he resides in south-east Queensland.

“It’s a little bit strange to think both of the teams I support – one as a child growing up in South Sydney and Penrith because I had my career there – are playing each other in a Grand Final,” he said.

“Knowing the club you love in Penrith is just up the road preparing for a Grand Final is surreal. You have to keep reminding yourself that all the players and teams are in QLD.” While there were calls from the public this week for both Sattler men to be part of Grand Final Day in an official capacity, that will now unlikely be happening with Scott set to commentate the game for SEN Radio and 79-year-old John preferring to watch the game from the comfort of his Gold Coast home.

“I went and saw Dad yesterday and he won’t be going to the game, but he used to always say he couldn’t believe that it took Souths so long to make another Grand Final after ’71 when they finally did in 2014,” Sattler said.

“He’s just so happy that Souths are able to possibly taste success again when it’s only been seven years since they last won the Premiership. The family… we’re split right down the middle at the moment.”

Put Our Winning g Team to Work

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COVID SCARE

FANS SHOW SUP SUPPORT OPEN TRAINING SESSION They’re a long way from home but that hasn’t stopped the Panthers feeling the love on the Sunshine Coast.

The team held an open training session at Sunshine Coast Stadium on Monday.

Plenty of young fans turned out to see their favourite players like Nathan Cleary, Viliame Kikau and Brian To’o be put through their paces by coach Ivan Cleary.

The fans also got to meet

the players, take photos and a few lucky supporters also scored some training gear from the team.

The Panthers have been based on the Sunshine Coast since the NRL was relocated to Queensland mid-season, but ironically never played at Sunshine Coast Stadium.

After two seasons of ‘bubble life’ and keeping their distance from fans, the players lapped up the opportunity to engage with

supporters ahead of the Grand Final.

Meanwhile, the Panthers have also been receiving plenty of support from home in Penrith.

Penrith Mayor Karen McKeown said the community was right behind the NRL team ahead of Sunday’s clash with South Sydney.

“It would be a fairytale for the ages if the team can go one better this year,” Cr McKeown said.

SUTTON APPOINTED

!

GRAND FINAL GOES GLOBAL Have you got friends who want to cheer on the Panthers from overseas?

Here’s the international broadcast details: • WatchNRL streaming globally except Aus, NZ, Pacific Islands.

• Africa: ESPN Africa • US: Fox Sports • Canada: Roger Sports Net • Asia: Fox Sports Asia, ECLAT, Mono.

• Europe: Sky UK, ESPN, Bein Sports.

• Pacific Islands: Fiji Broadcasting Corporation, TVWAN, Sky Pacific.

Encourage your overseas friends to tune in!

REFS ANNOUNCED

Alarm bells started ringing at the NRL this week when new COVID-19 cases were reported in Brisbane.

It sparked suggestions a fresh lockdown was imminent, which would have thrown the Grand Final into chaos.

However, the Queensland State Government and health officials have, at the time of going to print, opted to avoid a lockdown and instead re-introduced some minor restrictions.

It means a capacity crowd can pack into Suncorp Stadium on Sunday evening to watch Penrith and the Rabbitohs face off in the season decider.

Should a last minute drama erupt, the NRL’s Plan B is to play the Grand Final in Townsville.

LEGENDS BLAST FROM THE PAST Some NRL legends have been playing a part in Grand Final Week festivities in Brisbane.

On Wednesday, former Souths players Isaac Luke and Ethan Lowe joined Panthers legends Scott Sattler and Petero Civoniceva for a media opportunity ahead of Sunday’s big game.

Sattler is best remembered for his incredible try-saving tackle in Penrith’s 2003 Grand Final win.

TAMOU’S PRAISE

the western weekender » Friday, October 1, 2021

THE WEEK THAT WAS

Former Penrith captain James Tamou has thrown his support behind the Panthers ahead of Sunday night’s Grand Final.

The Wests Tigers skipper is hoping his old team can go one better this year and take out the title, after he captained the side to the 2020 decider.

“Congratulations to Ivan, Isaah, Nath and the Panther boys, been the best team all year,” Tamou wrote on Instagram.

“I know how hard they’ve worked for this opportunity and I know last year plays a part.”

“I think the Penrith Panthers will win quite comfortably” PHIL GOULD DECLARES A PENRITH VICTORY ON ‘100% FOOTY’

Experienced whistleblower Gerard Sutton will referee the Premiership decider between Penrith and Souths on Sunday night.

David Munro and Todd Smith will be touch judges for the Grand Final, while Grant Atkins will be the Bunker Review Official.

NRL Head of Football Graham Annesley said Sutton had earned his appointment through his consistent performances across the entire season.

“Gerard has enormous experience in the biggest matches in recent years and deserves to referee in the Grand Final,” Mr Annesley said.

“This will be his seventh Grand Final – and his fifth in a row – which is a phenomenal achievement.

“Gerard refereed all three of the Ampol State of Origin matches this year – and now has 22 interstate matches to his name – and that sort of big-match experience is invaluable.

“I also want to acknowledge every single match official who made sacrifices to relocate to Queensland this year in order to ensure the continuation of the Premiership.

“This has clearly been a season to remember – but it’s important to acknowledge there wouldn’t have been a season without the match officials.”

Ashley Klein is the standby referee.

FANS GO ALL OUT TO BACK THE BOYS Anthea Strathdee is one of many fans who have decked out their house in everything Panthers related ahead of this Sunday’s Grand Final.

While lockdown has prevented a major celebration throughout the city, that hasn’t stopped eager fans from showing off their Panther Pride.

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Friday, October 1, 2021 « the western weekender

FANS BACK THE w To the Mighty Panthers, we kno been you by number, by name. We’ve riding every run, tackle and kick theme chase with you. We’ve sung the . tory song with you after every vic ud You’ve made us all so proud, pro 1 202 ! rith Pen in d to be born and bre . now e tim r sure is our year. It’s you hy It’s your time to bring that trop tball that you deserve back home. Foo betisn’t a game. Out west we know . life is ll tba ter than anyone that foo e tiv Today is my Dad’s 225 consecu ll is day in Nepean Hospital. Footba are You ng. goi what is keeping him our in ll tba keeping him going. Foo , boys! family is life. Rip in on Sunday

We would like to thank our local Penrith boys for doing us proud this year. In a year where we’ve lost our jobs, lost our freedoms and ultimately lost our general way of life. They have been a beacon of light. Something to look forward to each and every week. We can’t thank them enough for uprooting themselves and their whole lives to another state just to keep this going for us. My son isn’t old enough yet to understand football, but he understands how excited his daddy gets watching it. C’mon boys.

Let’s go one more. Let’s make the year to forget, one to remember. Go the mighty Panthers!

The Plowright Family

Jason Vanderley, H arper Vanderley & Riya T regear

ers Penny Panth Wishing my Final r the Grand all the best fo and I had faith s. th u o S st again Storm e against the v ti si o p s a w ositive ain I have p and once ag or lose Sunday! Win is th r fo es am! vib ays be my te lw a l il w s Panther

Nathan Greentree

We are so prou d of you for mak ing back to back Gra nd Finals! Wha t an achievement. Y ou have been th ro ugh so much adversity this year. Whils t we, in Penrith have been stuck in lo ckdown for three month s you have prov ided the Penrith commun ity with hope, in spiration, joy and so mething to look fo rw ard to each weekend . 2021 is ‘our ye ar’ and I cannot wait to see you lift the tr ophy on Sunday nigh t. I’m so excited to share Grand Final da y, with my son Ja ck son who adores Bil ly Kikau. Wishi ng you all the best for th e big game. Do us proud Panthers; the entire comm unity is behind you. B ring the trophy ho me.

Go the Mighty Panthers!

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Well done on a great season, yo u have done the whole Penrith Panther s team and famil y proud. You ha ve shown everybod y that we are no t pretenders anym ore, you all show up for one another and it shows on th e field and you ha ve all turned P enrith Panthers into a premiership heav yweight. All the best for the big game on Sunday we al l know you wil l smash it and br ing the trophy ba ck to its rightful hom e.

GO THE MIG HTY PANTH ERS.

Bridgette Beard

It is our season boys! My family are cheering you on and win or lose this is your time, you have proved to be the best team now get out there and show them you deserve to be the 2021 champions!

Meagan & Jackson Mille

r

The Dicker Family

Way to go boys, you are in the Grand Final baby. Lessss GO! You guys have proven yourselves all year, full team, injured players, missing players and when the odds were against you, you showed up, got the job done and proved to everyone what you guys are capable of. You guys have transformed footy in a more modern day twist and the kids as well as adults love it, thanks for keeping up with the times. You are an amazing team, the best we’ve had in years, play your game your way and bring that trophy back to the west. Cheers to the Mt Druitt boys, you guys are great role models for our kids, thank you.

Congratulations boys and also the coaching staff behind the scenes as well on fantastic season s back to back and heading into the Gr and Final for the second year in a row . This year it was a privilege to witne ss this huge exciting roller coaster ride of wins and losses. No matter what the results are we are proud Panth ers fans.

To the boys…. remembe r to focus on for 80 minutes with th at excellent defence and attack you did against Storm. Going into the Grand Final we all will be cheering extra loud for you all from the comfor t of the lounge room.

the western weekender » Friday, October 1, 2021

PANTHERS My name is Bailey. I ’m 10 and I hope you win! My fa vourite player is K ikau. I saw h im one time at the shops but I was too scared to sa y hi. My m um loves the Panthe rs too. Her fa vourite players are Brian and Jarome. I really hop e you win th e Grand Final against my granda d’s team th Bunnies! I e want to w ear my jer every day sey but my mu m said it w smell. Go th ill e Panthers! !!!

Lesley Ellis

Bailey

on making the Congratulations e can see the pasGrand Final! W your eyes! Go sion and hunger in unnies! We’ll be demolish those B Penrith you’ll cheering so loud in orp! We’re so hear us from Sunc ng it home!!! proud of you! Bri TY PANGO THE MIGH HE WAY! THERS ALL T

Catherine Pirotta

Belynda and Ash

Big shout out to the whole P anthers organisat ion and the team for keeping us all entertained and sharing th e positive vibes in a year that’s be en testing at ti mes with the curren t climate!

Dear Panthers, Last year I went to the Grand Final with my Dad and when the siren sounded I had tears, as I felt so bad for you. This year we can’t be at the game, but you will hear us cheering you on from home.

Do us proud and bring home the trophy.

30 years on from our first Premiership let’s br ing it home again!! 2021 P ANTHERS!!!

Georgia Touzell

Ramesh Dhungye

l W21

Friday, October 1, 2021 « the western weekender

A week to remember in the Lang household

lang on league I

t’s going to be an interesting week in the Lang household when the Penrith Panthers take on the South Sydney Rabbitohs on Sunday in the big dance known as the 2021 NRL Grand Final.

For that opening sentence to make any sense I’ll have to put some context behind it.

You see in the Lang household, which consists of myself, my wife Sonia and my two daughters, Sierra and Ashley, Sierra and I both follow Penrith while Sonia and Ashley support South Sydney.

Believe it or not this is the first time in rugby league history that the Panthers will meet the Rabbitohs in a Grand Final.

It’s a Grand Final my wife says she has dreaded for 14 years, for that’s when we first met.

We’re both pretty passionate about our teams and over the years we’ve been involved in some of the worst sledging ever whenever the Panthers played the Bunnies in regular season games.

“South Sydney are going down,” I’d say.

“Oh yeah, Panthers are going down further, downtown!” Sonia once retorted.

We both agreed to keep the sledging down to a minimum throughout the week unless we can come up with better lines than the example above.

Let’s just say we both think our side is going to win but we’re also going to try and enjoy the week as well.

The Lang family are divided as Penrith and Souths prepare for the big one.

The mind games began early when Sonia bought home my favourite pizza following the Panthers’ win over the Storm last Saturday.

“Just thought I’d buy your favourite dinner

to celebrate,” she said, closely followed by, “So do you have any inside gossip? Will Fish and To’o play? I heard they’re pretty banged up.”

‘Oh no!’ I thought. “There’s no way I’m

telling you anything,” I laughed.

I’ve been wearing Panthers gear pretty much 24/7 since Penrith qualified for the Grand Final while Sonia has got her Rabbitohs jersey and scarf out of mothballs (kidding).

The girls have also got in on the act, wearing their supporters gear all week and playing ‘fight to the death’ with their Panthers and Rabbitohs mascots.

To keep the peace, I did have to check myself once when I verbalised a thought running through my mind when a story about Bunnies halfback Adam Reynolds was on TV. “He’s had it, he’s got nothing,” I said. “He’s past his best, we’re going to smash him.”

Then I stopped, turned around and saw Sonia frowning.

“I mean he’s a great player, we’re really going to have to watch him closely,” I grinned.

On the night to further try and keep the peace, Sonia and Ashley will watch the game upstairs while Sierra and I will watch it downstairs. Hopefully at some point we can all meet in the middle and celebrate the winning team (Penrith) as a family.

It’s going to be a tough, exhausting grind on Sunday night, heart rates will be elevated, and stress levels will be at an alltime high...and you can bet the players will be excited and nervous as well!

May the best team (Penrith) win!

Has all the gear you need to show your support this weekend!

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the western weekender » Friday, October 1, 2021

BY THE NUMBERS

IT’S A NUMBERS GAME 1

8

3

South Sydney have won a record 21 Premierships, including in their first season back in 1908. They last won the title in 2014 when an inspired Sam Burgess helped them to a convincing victory over the Bulldogs at ANZ Stadium.

This will be the first NRL Grand Final not played in Sydney, but it’s not the first time a season decider has taken place in Brisbane. The 1997 Super League Grand Final was decided in the Queensland capital, with the Broncos too good for the Sharks. The NRL would be formed the following year when Super League and the ARL united.

Penrith and Souths have faced off three times this year. In Round 11, the Panthers demolished the Rabbitohs 56-12 in Dubbo. Ivan Cleary’s side won 25-12 in Round 23, while the Bunnies beat Penrith 16-10 in the opening weekend of the Finals just a few weeks ago. Both sides’ last loss is to each other, adding an interesting side-pint to Sunday’s match.

5

This is Penrith’s fifth Grand Final.

The club first went to the ‘big dance’ in 1990, losing to Canberra.

They bounced back the next year, taking out the 1991 title and gaining revenge on the Raiders. 12 years later Craig Gower captained the Panthers to the 2003 title, while in 2020 Penrith reached the season decider, falling to Melbourne.

Wayne Bennett is searching for his eighth Grand Final victory on Sunday night. He’s taken the Raiders, Broncos and Dragons to season deciders, winning Premierships with the latter two.

21 98

This will be the 98th time Penrith and Souths have played against each other.

Penrith has won 44 of the clashes, the Rabbitohs 51 and there’s been two draws. Penrith have scored 1,769 points against South Sydney and conceded 1,807.

370

This will be Ivan Cleary’s 370th match in charge of a first grade side. He’s yet to win a Grand Final.

GO THE MIGHTY

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Friday, October 1, 2021 « the western weekender

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Winning has become a habit for these young Panthers

Brought to you by

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ormer world number one tennis star Billie Jean King probably said it best, “a champion is scared of losing, everyone else is afraid of winning”.

Well, I find that statement so true when it comes to rugby league.

Think about the champion playmakers we have had in the NRL, they’ve all won a competition at some point.

Nathan Cleary can join this champion list on Sunday night, and will probably never be as well placed as he is right now to do so.

Success brings salary cap pressure with everyone’s value going up, Matt Burton and Brent Naden are off to the Bulldogs next year, Kurt Capewell’s off to Brisbane and the noise that clubs are knocking on the doors of Viliame Kikau, Charlie Staines and Spencer Leniu hasn’t stopped.

It’s now or possibly never for this crop.

If there is a common denominator with this Panthers group, they are absolute winners. Most have done the victory lap at some point.

Dylan Edwards won in 2015 with the Panthers NYC team.

Brian To’o was a member of the 2016 Panthers SG Ball and 2021 NSW Origin successes.

Paul Momirovski won in 2016 with the Roosters in the NYC and was a part of the 2018 Roosters and 2020 Storm NRL premiership squads.

Matt Burton and Stephen Crichton were a

WW46316

part of the 2018 Panthers SG Ball side that won the comp.

Jarome Luai won this year’s Origin as well as the 2015 NYC and 2017 NSW Cup with the Panthers.

Nathan Cleary took his 2015 Panthers NYC and 2018, ’19 and ’21 Origin sides to the top.

Isaah Yeo was a member of the 2013 Panthers NYC, 2014 Panthers NSW Cup and 2021 Origin sides.

Viliame Kikau claimed the NSW Cup in 2017, Liam Martin was a Blues squad member this season and James FisherHarris won the NYC with Penrith in 2015.

Api Koroisau is already a premiership player with South Sydney.

Moses Leota, Tyrone May and Brent Naden won in 2015 with the Panthers NYC. Kurt Capwell was a member of the Sharks’ 2016 NRL squad and played a big hand in Queensland’s 2020 Origin success.

Spencer Leniu and Mitch Kenny were members of the 2016 Panthers SG Ball side.

Scott Sorensen won the 2019 NSW Cup with Newtown, and Charlie Staines is another Panther with an SG Ball title, this time in 2018.

In other words, these guys aren’t scared of winning!

My tip, Panthers by 16 and Isaah Yeo or Nathan Cleary to win the Clive Churchill Medal.

Enjoy the Grand Final.

Inside the Panthers’ huddle after beating Melbourne last week. Photo: NRL Photos.

the western weekender » Friday, October 1, 2021

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Friday, October 1, 2021 « the western weekender

IIn a season dominated by attack, Penrith’s defence has stood tall

troy dodds I

n a year where much of the discussion in rugby league has been about blowout scorelines, attacking football and more tries being scored, it was perhaps understandable that a bunch of experts wrote Penrith off a few weeks back, declaring their flamboyant attack had gone missing.

Those ‘experts’, however, failed to acknowledge that no matter how many rules you change to promote attacking football, defence will always win Premierships.

It is fitting that the best defensive side of the competition has made it to Grand Final day, and go into the game against South Sydney as favourites.

You see while everyone was focused on a Jarome Luai step, a Viliame Kikau break, Nathan Cleary setting point scoring records or a Brian To’o piece of magic, Ivan Cleary set about quietly building a brick wall that no rule change could penetrate.

For the last two seasons, Cleary has ignored the temptation to put everything into attack – given that’s where the game has planted itself – and forged ahead with the mantra that defence would win out in the end.

He’s been proven right in this Finals campaign so far.

Across three Finals matches Penrith have conceded just four tries. Against the Eels and Storm, they only conceded points off wayward, unlucky bounces from kicks – a mammoth effort, particularly against the Storm, who scored a runaway 815 points in the regular season.

This defensive prowess and attitude has dominated Penrith’s success over the past two seasons.

Three times this year they held a team scoreless. Rarely in the 2020 or 2021 seasons have they conceded more than two tries in a game.

None of this is to say Penrith’s attack doesn’t need to improve. But if Souths are to win this Grand Final, they’re going to have to defend like their lives depend on it – because the chances of Penrith letting in any more than their season average of two tries seems almost impossible on the biggest stage.

Games of footy are won on moments. Most of the time, those moments are a piece of attacking brilliance. I have little doubt that if Penrith do go on and win the trophy on Sunday, the big moments will come down to defence.

That’s just the Penrith way at present.

Penrith’s defence has been strong this season. Photo: NRL Photos.

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ou’re only as good as your last Grand Final. Or something like that.

Wayne Bennett and Ivan Cleary can no doubt recall the pain of the moments following the 2015 and 2020 Grand Finals respectively, but by fulltime on Sunday night one of them will be relieved to have put the heartache behind them while the other will be forced to relive it once again.

The Panthers’ first-half disaster in last year’s decider would have filled Ivan Cleary’s mind for much of last summer, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to learn he’s still trying to come to terms with the fact that his team saved their worst 40 minutes for the biggest game of the season.

He’d have gone through the preparation for the game, looking for clues of tightness or nerves in his young outfit, or wondering if there was a mis-step in the onfield sessions in the days prior.

Perhaps Cleary realises that the worst thing he and his team can do is overthink it, wasting mental energy on the past instead of being laser-focussed on what’s in front of them.

No matter which approach the Panthers adopt, and as calm and as poised as he may be, there’ll be nobody more nervous at Suncorp Stadium in the opening sets of six than the Penrith coach.

If they settle into the game without the early errors of last year, Cleary will be

Penrith coach Ivan Cleary. Photo: NRL Photos.

comfortable that he has the game-breakers in his line-up to make amends for an opportunity lost, and the anguish of 2020 will be blown away in the relief and redemption of 2021.

It’s a slightly different scenario for Wayne Bennett.

Given the way the world has been turned on its head over the past 18 months, anything that happened pre-pandemic

really does seem like a lifetime ago. Even so, having won his previous seven Grand Finals, and having walked in to the Broncos dressing room at half-time leading against the Cowboys, any mention of 2015 will bring a grimace to the face of coaching’s elder statesman.

Bennett’s Broncos led 14-12 at the break, and while his mantra over five decades of coaching has been uber-successful – play for each other, trust in the team, ball security and good defence – the decision to kick a penalty goal in the 42nd minute, pushing a two point lead into a four point lead, is one call that the supercoach would like over again.

The Broncos never got another sniff of scoring a try, Kyle Feldt scored untouched with the timekeepers about to blow the siren, and a fella called Thurston sent Townsville wild with a golden point field goal that will still haunt anybody in that Broncos camp from six years ago.

In the same situation on Sunday night, does Bennett instruct the Rabbitohs to take the two points against the Panthers and tempt fate again? In a season of record point-scoring, would either coach back his team to defend their way to a title?

If defence wins Premierships, it’s the Panthers who have set that standard for two straight seasons. It’s their time, and by full-time they may well be celebrating like it’s 1991.

WW46066

the western weekender » Friday, October 1, 2021

They may be experienced, but nerves will hit coaches on game day

W27

MARK GEYER

KAREN MCKEOWN

LUKE PRIDDIS

Panthers 1991 Premiership Winner

Mayor of Penrith

2003 Clive Churchill Medal Winner

TIP: Panthers by 13

TIP: Panthers by 6

TIP: Panthers by 6

Clive Churchill Medal winner: Isaah Yeo

Clive Churchill Medal winner: Nathan Cleary

Clive Churchill Medal winner: Isaah Yeo

TROY DODDS

PETER LANG

MATT RUSSELL

Western Weekender Editor

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Fox League Commentator

TIP: Panthers by 13

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Clive Churchill Medal winner: Isaah Yeo

Clive Churchill Medal winner: Nathan Cleary

TIP: Panthers by 14 Clive Churchill Medal winner: Dylan Edwards

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IAN GARTON

JOHN THAIN

Western Weekender Rugby League Writer

Garton Group McDonald’s

Penrith City Councillor

TIP: Panthers by 20

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Clive Churchill Medal winner: Isaah Yeo

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Friday, October 1, 2021 « the western weekender

W28

fearless predictions

MICHAEL ASHTON

SCOTT SATTLER

Lower Mountains Air Conditioning

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TIP: Panthers by 6

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Clive Churchill Medal winner: Jarome Luai

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PRUE CAR

Panthers 1991 Premiership Winner

Complete Legal & Conveyancing

State Member for Londonderry

TIP: Panthers by 8

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STUART AYRES

ZAC BAILEY

Former Panthers and NSW Player

State Member for Penrith

Penrith Panthers Ground Announcer

TIP: Panthers by 1

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Clive Churchill Medal winner: James Fisher-Harris

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the western weekender » Friday, October 1, 2021

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TIP: Panthers by 14 Clive Churchill Medal winner: Isaah Yeo

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Friday, October 1, 2021 « the western weekender

THE OPPOSITION

BUNNIES WANT TO SPOIL THE PARTY NATHAN TAYLOR

W

hile the mighty Panthers will be shooting for their third NRL Premiership this Sunday, incredibly their opponents, South Sydney, will be aiming for title 22.

The Rabbitohs haven’t appeared in a decider since 2014, with 20 of their premierships notched up between 1908 and 1971.

But, after several failed attempts to make the ‘big one’ in recent years, the Bunnies are finally back in a Grand Final looking to spoil Penrith’s party.

Several storylines have dominated Grand Final Week for South Sydney, with Wayne Bennett’s last game as Rabbitohs coach, Adam Reynolds’ last game in the cardinal and myrtle, and potentially Benji Marshall’s last game in rugby league ever garnering most of the attention.

For 36-year-old Marshall, he’ll play in just his second NRL Grand Final despite racking up nearly 350 first grade games.

The last time he tasted Premiership success was way back in 2005 with his beloved Wests Tigers, but this time around Marshall will act as Bennett’s super sub off the bench as he looks to end his decorated career on the highest of highs.

Benji Marshall at South Sydney training earlier this week. Photo: NRL Photos.

After being thrown a career lifeline by Bennett to join South Sydney in January, Marshall said he’s enjoyed every moment of his time at Redfern.

“It’s hard to comprehend, it’s been so long that I forgot what Grand Final Week was

like. I’m just grateful to be in this position and have this opportunity,” he said.

“There’s probably a couple of times in the last five years where it looked like my career was over but to be able to be here at this great club who have shown me a lot of

support, I’ve just felt the love and I’m really enjoying myself.”

Despite the Rabbitohs getting the better of Penrith in the opening week of the Finals, it’s Ivan Cleary’s men who will go into Sunday’s decider as favourites with the bookies.

While the Panthers have Grand Final experience after being there just last year, four Rabbitohs players know what it takes to win premierships as does their accomplished leader in Bennett.

Marshall said while part of the week has been about him and a possible fairytale finish to his career, it should be about the whole team who all have something to play for.

“It’s really special, not just for me, but all our team,” he said.

“We only have four guys who have played in a Grand Final before and then we’ve got guys that are leaving. I think it’s really special for a guy like Adam Reynolds, who has been at this club his whole career; Wayne Bennett is leaving; and on top of that, we have a whole bunch of members and supporters back in NSW who are not going to have the opportunity to watch us play in this Final.

“There’s a lot to play for this week. It’s not about how it makes me feel, it’s more about everyone at our great club.”

Congratulations Panthers The Retailers, Staff and Customers wish you all the best for the Grand Final!

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WW46302

the western weekender » Friday, October 1, 2021

THE COACHES

WAR OF WORDS PUT ON HOLD TROY DODDS

I

f Wayne Bennett took a psychological advantage over Ivan Cleary after they butted heads in week one of the Finals, you can be sure that the latter will not be fooled nor rattled again.

As two of the NRL’s most experienced coaches prepare to face off on Sunday, Cleary was going nowhere near the topic of Bennett when the issue was raised after last week’s win over Melbourne.

“I didn’t engage with Wayne,” a stonyfaced Cleary said.

Asked if he thought the drama last month was a distraction to the players during the Finals, Cleary was again short: “No, I don’t think so.”

Then, he took the ‘kill them with kindness’ approach.

“Wayne’s the best coach probably of all-time... certainly in my memory,” Cleary said.

“I’ll be doing what I’m good at and staying in the background this week.”

While the media and fans have lapped up the newfound Cleary / Bennett feud, neither coach was going to engage in a back and forth ahead of the biggest game of the season.

Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett. Photo: NRL Photos.

When asked if he was worried about the drama dominating the headlines this week, Bennett said: “No, not at all.”

“I won’t make any comments about

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Penrith coach Ivan Cleary. Photo: NRL Photos.

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Cleary is preparing for his third Grand Final, his second with the Panthers.

Meanwhile, this marks Premiership decider number 10 for Bennett.

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Friday, October 1, 2021 « the western weekender

year

winner

score

runner up

1908

Souths

14

Easts

1909

Souths

minor premiers

wooden spoon

year

winner

score

runner up

4000

Souths

Cumberland

1965

St George

12

Souths

Forfeit

Souths

Wests

1966

St George

23

Balmain

4

61,129

St George

Easts

Souths

12

Canterbury

10

56,368

St George

Cronulla

score attendance 12

Balmain

score attendance 8

78,056

minor premiers

wooden spoon

St George

Easts

1910

Newtown

4

Souths

4

14,000

Newtown

Wests

1967

1911

Easts

11

Glebe

8

20,000

Glebe

Balmain

1968

Souths

13

Manly

9

54,255

Souths

Newtown

1912

Easts

Glebe

No Final

Easts

Wests

1969

Balmain

11

Souths

2

58,825

Souths

Cronulla

1913

Easts

Newtown

No Final

Easts

Wests

1970

Souths

23

Manly

12

53,241

Souths

Parramatta

Souths

16

St George

10

62,828

Manly

Wests

Easts

14

54,357

Manly

Parramatta

1914

Souths

Newtown

No Final

Souths

Annandale

1971

1915

Balmain

Souths

No Final

Balmain

Norths

1972

Manly

19

1916

Balmain

7,000

Balmain

Wests

1973

Manly

10

Cronulla

7

52,044

Manly

Penrith

Easts

19

Canterbury

4

57,214

Easts

Balmain

Easts

38

St George

0

63,047

Easts

Souths

5

Souths

3

1917

Balmain

Souths

No Final

Balmain

Norths

1974

1918

Souths

Wests

No Final

Souths

Annandale

1975

1919

Balmain

Easts

No Final

Balmain

Norths

1976

Manly

13

Parramatta

10

57,343

Manly

Newtown

1977

St George

9

Parramatta

9

65,959

Parramatta

Newtown

1977+

St George

22

Parramatta

0

48,828 Wests

Newtown

1920

Balmain

Souths

No Final

Balmain

Annandale

1921

Norths

Glebe

No Final

Norths

University

1922

Norths

15,000

Norths

St George

35

Glebe

3

1923

Easts

15

Souths

12

12,180

Easts

University

1924

Balmain

3

Souths

0

15,000

Balmain

Newtown

1925

Souths

No Final

Souths

Newtown

1926

Souths

21,000

Souths

St George

Wests 11

University

5

1927

Souths

20

St George

11

12,000

Souths

University

1928

Souths

26

Easts

5

24,966

St George

Newtown

1929

Souths

30

Newtown

10

16,360

Souths

University

1930

Wests

27

St George

2

12,178

Wests

University

1931

Souths

12

Easts

7

27,104

Easts

University

1932

Souths

19

Wests

12

16,925

Souths

Norths

1933

Newtown

18

St George

5

18,080

Newtown

Wests

1934

Wests

15

Easts

12

25,174

Easts

University

1935

Easts

19

Souths

3

22,106

Easts

University

1936

Easts

1937

Easts

1938

Canterbury

1939

32

1978

Manly

11

Cronulla

11

51,510

1978+

Manly

16

Cronulla

0

33,552

1979

St George

17

Canterbury

13

50,991

St George

Norths

1980

Canterbury

18

Easts

4

52,881

Easts

Penrith

1981

Parramatta

20

Newtown

11

57,333

Easts

Balmain

1982

Parramatta

21

Manly

8

52,186

Parramatta

Canberra

1983

Parramatta

18

Manly

6

40,285

Manly

Wests

1984

Canterbury

6

Parramatta

4

47,076

Canterbury

Wests

1985

Canterbury

7

St George

6

44,569

St George

Illawarra

1986

Parramatta

4

Canterbury

2

45,843

Parramatta

Illawarra

1987

Manly

18

Canberra

8

50,201

Manly

Wests

1988

Canterbury

24

Balmain

12

40,000

Cronulla

Wests

1989

Canberra

19

Balmain

14

40,500

Souths

Illawarra

1990

Canberra

18

Penrith

14

41,535

Canberra

Souths

1991

Penrith

19

Canberra

12

41,815

Penrith

Gold Coast

1992

Brisbane

28

St George

8

41,560

Brisbane

Gold Coast

Balmain

12

14,395

Easts

University

Souths / St George

No Final

Easts

University

19

Easts

6

20,287

Canterbury

St George

Balmain

33

Souths

4

26,972

Balmain

Newtown

1940

Easts

24

Canterbury

14

24,167

Easts

Wests

1941

St George

31

Easts

14

39,957

Easts

Norths

1942

Canterbury

11

St George

9

26,171

Canterbury

Wests

1943

Newtown

34

Norths

7

60,992

Newtown

Canterbury

1944

Balmain

12

Newtown

8

24,186

Newtown

Canterbury

1945

Easts

22

Balmain

18

44,585

Easts

Souths

1946

Balmain

13

St George

12

32,296

St George

Souths

1947

Balmain

13

Canterbury

9

29,292

Canterbury

Parramatta

1948

Wests

8

Balmain

5

29,122

Wests

Norths

1949

St George

19

Souths

12

56,534

Souths

Easts

1950

Souths

21

Wests

15

32,373

Souths

Norths

1951

Souths

42

Manly

14

28,505

Souths

Norths

1952

Wests

22

Souths

12

41,060

Wests

Parramatta

1953

Souths

31

St George

12

44,581

Souths

Wests

1954

Souths

23

Newtown

15

45,759

Newtown

Parramatta

1955

Souths

12

Newtown

11

42,466

Newtown

Wests

1956

St George

18

Balmain

12

61,987

St George

Parramatta

1957

St George

31

Manly

9

54,399

St George

Parramatta

2012

1958

St George

20

Wests

9

62,283

St George

Parramatta

2013

1993

Brisbane

14

St George

6

42,329

Canterbury

Gold Coast

1994

Canberra

36

Canterbury

12

42,234

Canterbury

Balmain

1995

Bulldogs

17

Manly

4

41,127

Manly

North Queensland

1996

Manly

20

St George

8

40,985

Manly

South Queensland

1997

Newcastle

22

Manly

16

42,482

Manly

South Queensland

1997*

Brisbane

26

Cronulla

8

58,912

Brisbane

North Queensland

1998

Brisbane

38

Canterbury

12

40,857

Brisbane

Wests

1999

Melbourne

20

St George Illawarra

18

107,999

Cronulla

Wests

2000

Brisbane

14

Sydney Roosters

6

94,277

Brisbane

North Queensland

2001

Newcastle

30

Parramatta

24

90,414

Parramatta

Penrith

2002

Sydney Roosters

30

Warriors

8

80,130

Warriors

Canterbury

2003

Penrith

18

Sydney Roosters

6

81,166

Penrith

Souths

2004

Canterbury

16

Sydney Roosters

13

82,127

Sydney Roosters

Souths

2005

Wests Tigers

30

North Queensland

16

82,453

Parramatta

Newcastle

2006

Brisbane

15

Melbourne

8

79,609

Melbourne#

Souths

2007

Melbourne#

34

Manly

8

81,392

Melbourne#

Penrith

2008

Manly

40

Melbourne

0

80,388

Melbourne#

Canterbury

2009

Melbourne#

23

Parramatta

16

82,538

St George Illawarra

Roosters

2010 St George Illawarra

32

Sydney Roosters

8

82,334

St George Illawarra

Melbourne

2011

24

Warriors

10

81,988

Melbourne

Gold Coast

Melbourne

14

Canterbury

4

82,976

Canterbury

Parramatta

Sydney Roosters

26

Manly

18

81,491

Sydney Roosters

Parramatta

30

Canterbury

6

83,833

Sydney Roosters

Sharks

Manly

1959

St George

20

Manly

0

49,457

St George

Parramatta

2014

Souths

1960

St George

31

Easts

6

53,156

St George

Parramatta

2015

North Queensland

17

Brisbane

16

82,758

Sydney Roosters

Newcastle

1961

St George

22

Wests

0

61,196

Wests

Parramatta

2016

Cronulla

14

Melbourne

12

83,625

Melbourne

Newcastle

1962

St George

9

Wests

6

44,184

St George

Souths

2017

Melbourne

34

North Queensland

6

79,722

Melbourne

Newcastle

1963

St George

8

Wests

3

69,860

St George

Easts

2018

Sydney Roosters

21

Melbourne

6

82,688

Sydney Roosters

Parramatta

1964

St George

11

Balmain

6

61,369

St George

Canterbury

2019

Sydney Roosters

14

Canberra

8

82,922

Melbourne

Gold Coast

1965

St George

12

Souths

8

78,056

St George

Easts

2020

Melbourne

26

Penrith

20

37,303

Penrith

Brisbane

* Super League Grand Final #Melbourne Storm were stripped of 2007, 2009 premierships, 2006, 2007 and 2008 minor premierships, due salary cap breaches. + Grand Final replays.

the western weekender » Friday, October 1, 2021

premiership honour roll

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Friday, October 1, 2021 « the western weekender

1991 GRAND FINAL REMEMBERED

HISTORY MADE WITH FIRST TITLE T

he front page of the Weekender on Friday, September 20 1991 said it all – ‘bound for glory’. Inside, another headline read ‘Panthers to win’.

It was a Grand Final Penrith was always destined to claim.

After going down to the Raiders in 1990, Penrith walked onto the Sydney Football Stadium pitch a much more mature looking team than the one that tasted heartbreak on the very same turf 12 months earlier.

So many things went against Penrith in the big one – Mark Geyer was sent to the sin bin, the Raiders scored a try off a controversial refereeing decision, and Mal Meninga was having a stellar game.

At half-time, with his side down 12-6, Penrith coach Phil Gould delivered an almighty spray to his players. Rumour has it the speech finished with the words: “Are you going to be losers?”

The second half was terrific from Penrith, but with 10 minutes to go, the scores were locked at 12-all and it was anyone’s game.

Then, the man they call Brandy stepped in.

Greg Alexander potted a 38 metre field goal that would give Penrith a 13-12 lead and the advantage heading into the final stages of the game.

The Panthers built pressure and the rest is history – the forced line drop-out, the short

Paul Dunn and Mark Geyer with the 1991 NSWRL Grand Final trophy at the Sydney Football Stadium. Photo: NRL Photos.

restart, the Geyer run, the Simmons try – magic. Alexander confirmed victory with a sideline conversion that gave the Panthers an unassailable 19-12 lead.

“They worked really hard for that – right from the Grand Final day the previous year,” Gould told the Weekender years later.

“It was a wonderful day for the club, it was a wonderful day for the city and it really put Penrith on the map.”

Back at Panthers Leagues Club, the party was epic.

A huge blow-up Panther had guarded the club for much of the week, welcoming fans on Grand Final day who watched the match on 55 screens throughout the club. A Grand Final Disco was held at Reactor One. One of the big talking points out of the Grand Final was the awarding of the Clive Churchill Medal to Canberra’s Bradley

Clyde. Royce Simmons would tell the Weekender years later who he believed should have been handed the prestigious prize that day.

“Greg Alexander was the player of the match. His kicking game was outstanding and his leadership was fantastic,” Simmons said.

Can the Panthers of 2021 repeat the feats of the 1991 side, 30 years later?

Go the mighty

PANTHERS WE’RE PROUD TO BE WITH YOU EVERY STEP OF THE WAY

W34

WW46290

the western weekender » Friday, October 1, 2021

2003 GRAND FINAL REMEMBERED

A GRAND NIGHT IN PENRITH HISTORY P

enrith’s 18-6 Grand Final triumph over the Sydney Roosters on October 5, 2003 was one of the most magical days in club history.

Despite finishing the regular season as Minor Premiers, Penrith still went into the decider against the Roosters as underdogs.

It was no surprise, perhaps, given this Penrith side had finished last just two years earlier, and didn’t make the Finals in 2002. Many simply didn’t believe the Panthers had what it took.

But in front of a crowd of 81,166 at a very wet Telstra Stadium, the ‘men in black’ were simply superb and produced memories that will last a lifetime.

The game – which is regarded by many as one of the greatest rugby league Grand Finals in history – produced highlight after highlight, with Scott Sattler’s remarkable try-saving cover tackle on Roosters winger Todd Byrne still talked about to this day.

Penrith winger Luke Rooney won the hearts of many on the back of his two-try performance, while eventual Clive Churchill Medallist Luke Priddis not only set up two tries that evening but bagged one himself in an heroic effort in sluggish conditions.

Fan favourite Ryan Girdler, who limped off injured in the second half, summed up the enormity of the occasion on behalf of all Panthers players and supporters.

“We’ve been here through the bad times, and that’s what makes it so special,” he said.

Interviewed by Channel Nine’s Andrew Voss as the siren sounded in the background, coach John Lang declared: “I just hope I don’t wake up tomorrow and it’s still Sunday”.

Penrith partied for days following the club’s second Grand Final win, and thousands turned out on November 28 to celebrate one last time with a victory parade through the city’s streets, before the offseason officially began.

Penrith fans celebrate the 2003 Grand Final win. Photo: NRL Photos.

OF

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Wishing Penrith all the best in the Grand Final

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Friday, October 1, 2021 « the western weekender

2020 GRAND FINAL REMEMBERED

RATTLED, BUT FAR FROM BROKEN P

enrith coach Ivan Cleary conceded Premiership glory just “wasn’t meant to be” after his side fell 26-20 to Melbourne in the season decider at ANZ Stadium last year.

But after such an incredible season, it probably was meant to be – the Panthers had done everything right all year, losing just one match in a COVID-impacted season in the leadup to Grand Final day.

But the team’s 17-match winning streak came crashing down in the most important game of the year, setting up a path for redemption 12 months later.

“It’s very disappointing obviously.

It’s so hard to get here and the opportunities don’t come that often,” Cleary said after the Grand Final last year.

“I still can’t quite explain the game yet. I’ll need a bit of time for that.”

The game started in controversial circumstances when The Bunker awarded a penalty try to Melbourne’s Justin Olam. It was a 50/50 call at best but put Penrith on the back foot.

Two penalty goals saw Melbourne extend their lead to 10-0 and while Penrith seemed on top, the game was

Cameron Smith and Nathan Cleary after last year’s Grand Final. Photo: NRL Photos.

quickly taken from their grasp when Suliasi Vunivalu scored an intercept try that set up an unassailable 16-0 lead.

Cameron Smith dived over to score just before the break to give the Storm a 22-0 lead at half-time.

The Panthers had their chances in the first half but their error rate was too high, especially against a Melbourne team that loves playing from in front.

A Ryan Papenhuyzen try from a scrum five minutes into the second half appeared to put the game to bed, but the Panthers launched a spirited fightback.

They scored four tries in the final half hour and had one last shot at tying the game on full-time, but in the end the damage had already been done – the Storm weren’t going to lose.

In what turned out to be Cameron Smith’s final game, the Storm taught Penrith a major lesson as the path was set for a do-over a year on.

Fittingly, the Panthers had to knock out the Storm to get their chance at turning around last year’s result.

Now, just the Rabbitohs stand in their way.

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the western weekender » Friday, October 1, 2021

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Friday, October 1, 2021 « the western weekender

panther rumblings

WITH THE MASKED PANTHER

REIGNITING OLD MEMORIES ! Penrith 2003 Premiership hero Scott Sattler and former Souths forward Ethan Lowe this week gathered at King George Square in Brisbane to add to the rivalry of Grand Final Week. Lowe is best known for winning a Premiership at the Cowboys but with border restrictions in play it was slim pickings to find a Rabbitohs legend living in Queensland who was available. ! It’s been bizarre to watch South Sydney fans obsess over match officials in recent weeks. Instead of celebrating being in the Grand Final, so many of them have been fixated on Grant Atkins being a member of the Penrith Referees Association and last weekend’s blooper by Gerard Sutton to allow Nathan Cleary to take a kick from the wrong spot after a try. Even Souths owner Russell Crowe, with his 2.7 million Twitter followers, jumped on the bandwagon to have a whinge about the Cleary kick, which eventually missed anyway. I’m not sure what’s got Rabbitohs fans so salty, but it’s been very odd and as NRL Head of Football Graham Annesley said this week, it’s an unhealthy obsession. !

While it’s been disappointing to not have the same level of Grand Final celebrations we would have enjoyed had lockdown not been in place, there’s still plenty of Panther-themed fun happening around town. Not only have plenty of houses and cars been decorated, but there’s some tasty treats doing the rounds too. Percy Plunkett will have Panthers-themed donuts on offer across this weekend, while Mrs C’s Cupcakes has been pumping out Panthers cupcakes.

! If you thought COVID-19 caused drama across the 2020 and 2021 seasons, get ready for a whole new ride in 2022.

Vaccination rules are set to dominate the headlines, with a small percentage of players across all clubs refusing to get the jab. It’ll create headaches around interstate and international games, flights and more. NRL CEO Andrew Abdo has a huge off-season ahead of him to settle on what the code has to implement to ensure it can proceed with as little disruption as possible. A vaccine mandate is off the table.

Photo: NRL Photos.

! Talking of COVID, young Panthers rookie Taylan May should probably stick to football. The 20-year-old took to Instagram earlier this week, sharing a post labelled “Dear vaccinated”. The post speaks about the government “robbing people of freedoms” and questions the COVID-19 vaccines. “The government has lied to you,” the post says, in part. May is a talented young footballer but he’s clearly got some growing up to do. ! Panthers Leagues Club is set to reopen on October 11 and several weeks later even more restrictions will ease.

While they’ll have to work around player holidays, I’m told discussions have started about a way to hold a local celebration in the coming weeks should Penrith win the title on Sunday. ! The try scored by Stephen Crichton from a Nathan Cleary kick in the opening minutes against the Storm last Saturday was five months in the making. The Panthers noticed a 79th minute Matt Ikuvalu try in the Roosters’ loss to the Storm back

in Round 6, scored off a James Tedesco kick from dummy half to the right side of the field. They implemented the same play in the Preliminary Final and caught the Storm out. Genius coaching and even better vision from Nathan Cleary.

! There was some talk over the weekend about the long-term futures of Charlie Staines and Spencer Leniu (pictured).

Staines is signed until the end of the 2023 season but has certainly been a victim of second year syndrome this year. The Pan-

thers are still confident the 20-year-old has a strong career ahead of him, but I’m told if

a big offer came his way, the club wouldn’t stand in the way of him taking it up – and would benefit from the salary cap space it would free up. Leniu is also off-contract at the end of 2023 and is desperate for more game time, which he may get next year with the departure of Kurt Capewell. 2022 is likely a career-defining season for the 21-year-old.

! Discussions about a live site in Penrith definitely took place between Panthers CEO Brian Fletcher and Penrith State MP Stuart Ayres this week. It would be up to the Panthers to submit an exemption request to hold such an event. While Premier Gladys Berejiklian hosed down the likelihood of live sites on Monday, I’m told an exemption request was a chance of getting up. However, in the end the logistics around holding such an event at short notice just weren’t going to come together. ! Penrith City Council has installed Panthers flags across the city, proudly flying them ahead of Sunday night’s Grand Final at Suncorp Stadium.

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the western weekender » Friday, October 1, 2021

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