Extra Time July 12

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FRIDAY FEELING

PANTHERS AND TITANS DO BAT TLE IN T WILIGHT GA ME

FUTURE IN WAITING > P38 Jarome Luai says he’s ready to go to the next level at the Panthers

MASKED PANTHER > P39 Classic Sportswear and Panthers to part ways at end of 2019 season

CLINTON MAYNARD > P43 Origin scheduling continues to dominate NRL discussions

Friday, July 12, 2019 « the western weekender • extra time

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Will Bryce Cartwright return to haunt the Panthers?

ANDY RAYMOND A

t face value this weekend’s game between the Panthers and Titans looks like a run of the mill Round 17 fixture, but dig a little deeper and it’s so much more than that.

The Panthers come into the match off the back of five consecutive wins, a run which has them sitting in 10th spot on the ladder on for and against.

But on Friday night they come up against a resurgent Bryce Cartwright who’ll be looking to inspire the Titans to a win against his former club.

Cartwright arrived on the Gold Coast in 2018 with plenty of expectation on his shoulders, but failed to deliver in a frustrating year for the then 23-year-old.

When announcing his departure from the Panthers, Cartwright told reporters that he was heading to the Gold Coast Titans because he wanted more minutes on the paddock.

Cartwright started the year at lock for the Titans, but injury and inconsistency saw him unceremoniously dropped to reserve grade in Round 13.

After a disappointing 2018 many experts were wondering how Cartwright would

bounce back in 2019, but if his numbers are anything to go by, he’s certainty re-finding his mojo.

Cartwright has run for more metres, made more tackles, has five times as many line-breaks and has scored two tries compared to the duck egg he registered in 2018.

When his confidence is up there are few more exciting backrowers in the competition than Cartwright.

He’s got great footwork, a tremendous offload and can break a game open from anywhere.

The battle between Cartwright and Viliame Kikau is worth the price of admission alone.

Like Cartwright, Kikau is a constant threat with the ball in hand, he can get an offload away and can find his way to the try-line with six tries in 11 games this season.

It’s do- or- die time for the Titans who will be absolutely desperate to get a win to climb off the bottom of the ladder.

And you can guarantee that Bryce Cartwright will be desperate to get a win against his former club.

Bryce Cartwright up against Penrith last year. Photo: Melinda Jane

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WW36933

THE FINAL WORD

v

FRIDAY, JULY 12 • 6.00PM | PANTHERS STADIUM | REFEREES: HENRY PERENARA & JON STONE

PANTHERS 1

Dylan Edwards

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

Josh Mansour Dean Whare Brent Naden Brian To’o Jarome Luai James Maloney James Tamou (c) Mitchell Kenny James Fisher-Harris Viliame Kikau Isaah Yeo Liam Martin Wayde Egan Frank Winterstein Moses Leota Reagan Campbell-Gillard Kaide Ellis 19 Jed Cartwright

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, July 12, 2019

MATCH PREVIEW

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TITANS

FOX LEAGUE

TRIPLE M Dylan Edwards scores a try for Penrith. Photo: Megan Dunn

TROY

DODDS From the depths of the NRL cesspit where Penrith spent the first 10 weeks of the competition, Ivan Cleary’s side has somehow risen to be equal eighth and with a legitimate shot of reaching the Finals.

If the Panthers do end up playing footy beyond Round 25, it will require a re-writing of the history books – no club has lost eight of their first 10 games and gone on to make the Finals.

But let’s not get ahead of ourselves.

While it requires a lot more than dumb luck to win five games in a row, there is no question that Penrith’s form has been far from brilliant in their run of victories over Parramatta, Manly, the Roosters, Souths and the Warriors.

A number of those games went down to the wire and tries are still few and far between.

That said, there is no question this side is playing with plenty of confidence at the moment, something that can only be a good thing for the likes of Brent Naden and Mitch Kenny, who are riding the wave of success at present and growing in first grade maturity every time they run out.

We saw that with Naden’s incredible run to score the match- winning try against the Warriors a fortnight ago – it was an effort full of intent, confidence and attitude – proving that no matter how many big name players look for opportunities elsewhere, there is always someone coming through who will show pride in the Penrith jumper.

Friday night’s game against the Titans offers a headache to coach Cleary – halfback Nathan Cleary is only a 50/50 chance

of playing, while James Maloney is surely in doubt given he’ll need to back up from the State of Origin decider.

Jarome Luai will obviously be there to help steer the ship, but Penrith need either Maloney or Cleary to play to ensure someone is there to run the show.

Regardless, a few more experienced heads need to lift to help Penrith get over the line on Friday night. I’m hoping for a big game from Dylan Edwards, who has rediscovered his confidence after a shocking start to the year but still needs to provide some breakout moments in games and some more energy from the back.

Reagan Campbell- Gillard should be hungry to prove his doubters wrong after watching the Origin series from the sidelines, and needs to have a big game against a Titans side that showed Penrith up earlier in the season.

1

Alexander Brimson

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

Anthony Don Dale Copley Brian Kelly Phillip Sami Tyrone Roberts Ryley Jacks Jack Stockwell Nathan Peats Moeaki Fotuaika Kevin Proctor Bryce Cartwright Jarrod Wallace Mitch Rein Shannon Boyd Jai Whitbread Will Matthews

The danger in the Gold Coast Titans is obvious – they have nothing to lose.

Sitting second last on the competition ladder and with the Finals an unrealistic dream, all that’s left now is pride, and perhaps an effort to save coach Garth Brennan’s job.

Sides in that predicament very rarely go through the back half of the season without causing a few upsets along the way, and the Titans would love nothing better than to do the double on Penrith this season especially given the many Panthers connections Brennan’s team boasts.

Dale Copley’s return from injury is a good boost for the visitors.

I’m expecting this to be a lot tighter than many are suggesting, but the home ground advantage should get Penrith home.

Tip: Panthers by 8.

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Friday, July 12, 2019 « the western weekender • extra time

FEATURE Photo: Megan Dunn

STAR IN WAITING JAROME LUAI IS READY TO GO TO THE NEXT LEVEL NATHAN

TAYLOR

38

He’s been the heir apparent at Penrith for quite some time, but now exciting young Panthers half Jarome Luai has declared he’s ready to take over from premiershipwinning five-eighth James Maloney, if he departs at season’s end.

Maloney’s tipped to leave the Panthers at the conclusion of the 2019 season and finish his illustrious career in the Super League. Despite having a year remaining on his contract with Penrith, the 33-yearold has been quite open about his intentions to see out his career in the UK. If that all transpires, enter 22- year- old phenom Jarome Luai.

Since debuting last season, the St Marys junior has slowly been groomed to take over from Maloney and partner up with old friend Nathan Cleary in the halves.

After some standout performances already this season, Luai said he’s more than ready to assume the throne left behind by King Jimmy.

“I’ll be ready if that opportunity does come,” he told Extra Time.

“I feel like I’m ready and I’ve learned a lot this season so far. Jimmy’s been awesome for me and if he does leave, I’ll be sweet to put my hand up for that role.”

Luai’s featured in nine first grade games for Penrith this season, including the club’s recent five-game winning streak.

Luai said he is grateful for every learning experience he’s been given.

“I’VE LEARNED A LOT THIS YEAR”

“I’ve learned a lot throughout the whole year, I’ve been playing positions I’ve never played before and it’s really helped my game when I do go back to five- eighth,” Luai said.

Sitting on the cusp of the top eight, Penrith will be aiming for six straight victories tonight when they take on the Gold Coast Titans at Panthers Stadium.

Penrith’s Round 17 clash against Garth Brennan’s men will be the first of three consecutive games at the Mulgoa Road venue. Luai said he’s looking forward to the lengthy home stand.

“We have three games in a row at home and we are really looking forward to building something,” he said.

“We’ve got ourselves back on track and we are really confident now.”

While Penrith’s confidence is rising with every win, they are wary of the embattled Titans who beat them earlier this year at home.

“The Titans can turn it on when they want to,” Luai said.

“We have to keep building on the last five games we’ve been playing.”

Luai is enjoying playing with some of Penrith’s fellow young stars, including Brent Naden.

“I’m really proud of him. I came through the U20s system with Nado and he left and came back,” Luai said.

“It was unexpected for him to get the opportunity that he got but he’s taken it with both hands. I’m sure he’ll get better with the more experience he gets.”

Luai believes Penrith’s fightback this season has been partly built on the efforts of the club’s rookies.

“They’ve been awesome for us. They bring a lot of energy and you can see it out there on the field. Brian, Mitch, Nado have been awesome for the side and hopefully they can continue how they’re going,” he said.

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, July 12, 2019

PANTHER RUMBLINGS

with the Masked Panther

NEW SUPPLIER  I can reveal that Penrith will end its re-

lationship with Classic Sportswear at the end of the season. Classic has provided Penrith’s apparel, including on-field jerseys, for the past two years after the end of the club’s partnership with Asics in 2017. Sources tell me the relationship between Classic and Panthers has been somewhat rocky since the beginning, particularly over timely delivery of products. My understanding is that Panthers will enter into a partnership with O’Neills Sportswear from next season. On a side note, the company has nothing to do with Panthers Chairman Dave O’Neill.

Sione Katoa is looking for a new NRL club.

Photo: Megan Dunn

 While no official decision has been

made and circumstances often change, you can be pretty confident that Sione Katoa will not be at the Panthers next season. The 24-year-old hooker, who is off-contract at the end of the season, has been playing reserve grade recently after being dumped from first grade by Panthers coach Ivan Cleary. I’ve been told by several people around the club that Katoa, a Tongan international, is not in Penrith’s future plans.

 Spotted: Plenty of Penrith’s first grade

squad, along with Chairman Dave O’Neill and members of the club’s Board, watching on at St Marys Leagues Stadium as the club’s Canterbury Cup side took on the Bulldogs last Sunday.

 Spotted: Panthers forward Isaah Yeo

enjoying some time off last weekend in country NSW.

 Tyrone Peachey’s possible move to

Penrith at the end of the season will all come down to money. As I reported last week, his switch back to the foot of the Mountains before June 30 hit a snag when the Panthers and Titans couldn’t come to an arrangement financially. Talks are still ongoing, but the Peachey camp wants too much money. Panthers officials know what they want to pay for Peachey, who is a dynamic player but doesn’t have a permanent position and is likely to start from the bench if he does return next season. I’m still tipping it’ll happen.

 I’m told the Panthers are somewhat

uncomfortable with what is a mammoth back-ended deal for one-time NSW forward Reagan Campbell-Gillard. The 25-year-old’s contract has been a discussion point around the club for some time, especially given his form this season has been patchy. The Panthers are happy to keep Campbell-Gillard as long as he finds some of the form he showed in recent seasons. Either way, they’d likely take a bath if they tried to offload him – no club would pay the money that Phil Gould signed off on mid-way through last year.

 Panthers officials are worried about

what is likely to be a very small crowd for tonight’s clash against the Gold Coast at Panthers Stadium. While the school holidays may help a little, the 6pm timeslot is awful for those who travel outside of Penrith to work (which is more than half of the working population of the area).

CC TYRES FAMILY-OWNED & OPERATED, WITH OVER 60 YEARS SERVICING THE PENRITH REGION.

In addition, the Titans are towards the bottom of the ladder and there’s very little support for them locally. The club is much more confident of big crowds against the Dragons next Friday night (7.55pm) and the Raiders on Sunday, July 28 (4.05pm).

 What is going on with the scheduling

over at Fox League? After shifting ‘NRL 360’ away from the 6.30pm timeslot to a new time of 7.30pm, this week programmers randomly shifted it back to 6.30pm for Tuesday and Thursday night, but stuck with 7.30pm for Monday. We can only presume Fox is trying to get the timeslot of key shows perfect ahead of a likely re-shuffle of programming at the end of the season.

 Penrith winger Josh Mansour has

spoken out after 17 players, including himself, were banned by Lebanon as the

country’s rugby league future descends into a farce. “I can’t see the World Nines being successful for Lebanon with the way everything stands. I’m an ambassador for the tournament and have put my hand up to play. It’s made me question if I want to,” Mansour told The Daily Telegraph. “I keep telling myself I’m not playing for the board but I’m playing for my friends and family. If it means I have to send a big message and make a big sacrifice and not play, then I’m willing to do it.” The Nines are being played at Western Sydney Stadium in October. Unless Lebanon can get its house in order, it’s hard to see them participating.



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Friday, July 12, 2019 « the western weekender • extra time

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Friday, July 12, 2019 « the western weekender • extra time

Scheduling conundrum must come to a head

CLINTON MAYNARD

South Sydney coach Wayne Bennett

WW37426

The Brisbane Broncos fielded the youngest team in the club’s history making their win over Cronulla one of their most memorable. Is it fair on any of those clubs to field below standard sides? The results of the past six weeks distort the competition.

The stand alone weekend for Origin II was passable because of the scheduling of international games, however could the game sustain that over three weekends?

Probably not.

An idea proposed by a caller to my radio program on Macquarie Sports Radio has some merit. Why not for at least one of the rounds schedule more games on the Friday night or even the Thursday prior to Origin?

Blues and Maroons players would still turn out for their clubs and then have a five to six day turnaround until the Origin game.

In the age of brilliant sports science and high tech recovery methods, it would be worth considering.

In the end, denying clubs access to their key players at a crucial time of the year can no longer be considered fair.

WW37914

A

t the start of this year’s State of Origin series Souths coach and the man tipped to coach Queensland again Wayne Bennett called on the NRL to radically overhaul the way matches are scheduled around the game’s biggest drawcard.

Bennett went as far as to say the NRL has its head in the sand when it came to scheduling and after 40 years of clubs giving up their players and suffering as a result, it was time for change.

Bennett said he had a solution but wouldn’t outline what it was, but called on the NRL to be brave.

A few weeks ago I wrote about the prospect of stand alone Origin weekends, as was scheduled for the second game. Last weekend proved playing NRL and Origin at the same time isn’t viable.

Newcastle didn’t have a hope against the New Zealand Warriors, without both their playmakers and starting front rowers.

The Dragons were also missing both their playmakers and key forwards against the might of Melbourne, who’ve thrived through the rep season because Cameron Smith stepped down from Queensland.

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, July 12, 2019

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Friday, July 12, 2019 « the western weekender • extra time

NRL LADDER AND FIXTURES PD

W

D

L

B

F

A

15

13

0

2

1

375

183

+192 28

2 Roosters

15 10

0

5

1

359

262

+97

22

3 Rabbitohs

15 10

0

5

1

335

244

+91

22

4 Raiders

15

9

0

6

1

303

222

+81

20

5 Sea Eagles

15

9

0

6

1

311

267

+44 20

6 Knights

15

8

0

7

1

321

266

+55

18

7 Eels

15

8

0

7

1

333

322

+11

18

8 Sharks

15

7

0

8

1

306

290

+16

16

9 W. Tigers

15

7

0

8

1

265

313

-48

16

CLUB

1

Storm

+/-

PTS

10 Panthers

15

7

0

8

1

215

308

-93

16

11 Warriors

15

6

0

9

1

282

317

-35

14

12 Dragons

15

6

0

9

1

273

329

-56

14

13 Cowboys

15

6

0

9

1

252

312

-60

14

14 Broncos

15

6

0

9

1

255

319

-64

14

15 Titans

15

4

0

11

1

264

335

-71

10

16 Bulldogs

15

4

0

11

1

190

350 -160 10

Round 17

/ / / / / / / /

FACE IN THE CROWD

Friday, July 12 6pm Panthers Stadium Friday, July 12 7.55pm McDonald Jones Stadium Saturday, July 13 3pm ANZ Stadium Saturday, July 13 5.30pm Suncorp Stadium Saturday, July 13 7.30pm AAMI Park Sunday, July 14 2pm Central Coast Stadium Sunday, July 14 4.05pm Bankwest Stadium

IS THIS YOU? Is this you at a recent Penrith Panthers game?

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Extra Time Issue Number 2019-018 PRODUCED BY The Western Weekender EDITOR Troy Dodds / 4722 2998 / troy.dodds@westernweekender.com.au

Sunday, July 14 6.10pm WIN Stadium

CONTRIBUTORS Nathan Taylor / Clinton Maynard / Andy Raymond SALES DIRECTOR Chris Pennisi / 4722 2998 chris.pennisi@westernweekender.com.au

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Gould writes off Panthers Rugby league coaches and honesty don’t always go hand in hand. And who could blame them, with such media scrutiny on them, their teams and their clubs overall.

Coaches these days have learned the art of being media managers and PR specialists.

But back in 1991, Panthers coach Phil Gould produced the most open honesty you could imagine from a coach – declaring his team couldn’t win.

All of this came after Penrith had won the 1991 Grand Final, defeating Canberra 19- 12 and sparking immense celebrations among the playing group, coaching staff and supporters. The party lasted for weeks.

Despite the season ending in the best possible way, the victory meant Penrith would have to back up for the World Club Challenge, to be played less than two weeks after the Grand Final. The game against English champions Wigan was to be played at Anfield in Liverpool.

On Tuesday, September 24 1991, Gould declared his side couldn’t and wouldn’t win.

“I’d like to see the game postponed but I understand that is not possible,” he said.

“The way things are going we will be battling to get a side together.”

A combination of Grand Final celebrations and injuries meant that the Panthers were never going to be up for the flight to England in such a short space of time. Even the master coach Gus Gould was no chance of inspiring his troops against Wigan.

“I can’t imagine us doing much training this week,” Gould admitted in the lead-up to the game.

Despite initial reports that halfback and captain Greg Alexander wouldn’t make the trip, he did end up leading the side into the game.

The squad for the match was: Greg Barwick, Darren Willis, Graeme Bradley, Brad Izzard, Graham Mackay, Steve Carter, Greg Alexander, Brandon Lee, Royce Simmons, Paul Dunn, Paul Clarke, John Cartwright, Colin van der Voort, Ben Alexander, Grant Izzard, Tony Xuereb and Paul Smith.

It turns out Gould was right – the Panthers didn’t win that day, but they certainly weren’t as embarrassed as many predicted.

With Gould’s dire warning about his side’s preparation, many expected the Panthers to be thrashed by Wigan, but Penrith hung in there and were defeated 21-4. Darren Willis scored Penrith’s only try.

A crowd of 20,152 watched the game at Anfield, with thousands of Panthers

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, July 12, 2019

Panther Flashback

SCOREBOARD NRL

PANTHERS BYE

NSW CUP

PANTHERS 28 BULLDOGS 18

JERSEY FLEGG PANTHERS BYE

How the Telegraph covered the story fans eagerly following the game back home in the middle of the night.

Victory in the 1991 World Club Challenge wasn’t to be, but the match will be remembered for the incredible buildup, a coach writing off his team and a club voicing its opposition to the game even going ahead.

For the record, the Panthers have never won a World Club Challenge.

They were also defeated in the match following their 2003 title success against the Roosters.

BEHIND THE PANTHERS

Can order online

Among diners in the Penrith area, Panthers Pizza & Kebab is a legendary institution known for its Turkish flair. We have a reputation for keeping early and late hours and offering the finest food around. Favourite types of pizza include chicken or beef kebab, satay chicken, tandoori chicken and seafood. People also love our vegetarian or meat pide, falafel and golzeme. They rave about our charcoal kebabs, which can be ordered solo or as a plate with Turkish bread.

Kayla-Anne Forno Merchandise Coordinator

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$40.00

WHAT’S THE BEST THING ABOUT WORKING FOR PANTHERS? Interacting with the members and the atmosphere on game day at Panthers Stadium.

WHO IS YOUR FUNNIEST COLLEAGUE AT PANTHERS? Joseph Dunn.

363 High Street, Penrith | P: 4732 1767 www.pantherspizza.com.au

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HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED FOR PANTHERS? Two years.

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Friday, July 12, 2019 ÂŤ the western weekender

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Put Our Winning Team to Work

Phil Haley 0412 355 020

L Litsa Meleti 04 969 164 0466

Gizzelle Powell 0428 934 618

Paul Tanner 0410 587 553

Victor Borg 0439 755 081

Olivia Johnstone 0490 103 153

Louise Anger 0488 094 993