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THE PANTHERS MAKE THEIR FINAL STOP OF A MARATHON STINT ON THE ROAD THIS WEEKEND WHEN THEY PLAY THE NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS IN CHRISTCHURCH

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Josh Mansour Waqa Blake Peta Hiku Dallin Watene-Zelezniak Jamie Soward Peter Wallace Sam McKendry James Segeyaro Reagan Campbell-Gillard Bryce Cartwright Isaah Yeo Trent Merrin Tyrone Peachey Jeremy Latimore Leilani Latu James Fisher-Harris

the western weekender • extra time » Thursday, May 12, 2016

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MATCH PREVIEW

WARRIORS

Penrith’s defence will be a key this weekend. Photo: Megan Dunn

TROY DODDS @troydodds

efore a ball was kicked this season, the period between rounds seven and 10 always looked dangerous for the Penrith Panthers. A marathon stint on the road, after an extremely tough draw in the first six weeks, was always going to be a huge test. As it turns out, the sojourn from Pepper Stadium hasn’t gone too badly at all – wins over the Roosters and Raiders, and a narrow loss to the high flying Cronulla Sharks, have put the Panthers into the top eight. Chalk up a win this Saturday over the Warriors and it has well and truly been a successful period away from home. Penrith’s last-start win over Canberra was far from impressive but securing

the two competition points was really all that mattered particularly after such an inconsistent, and at times unlucky, start to the season. Now it’s time to start winning consistently and to start winning well. As we approach the half-way mark of the season, the Panthers need to find their groove to be a real shot at a top four finish and a tilt at the premiership. And while the side’s close finishes and form late in games would have most of the experts ruling out a visit to ANZ Stadium in October, the Panthers aren’t far off where they need to be to threaten the best sides in the competition (namely the Broncos, Cowboys and Sharks). Penrith’s missed tackle rate is a concern that still hasn’t been fixed – 39 missed tackles against Canberra, 40 against the Sharks. Somehow, the Panthers are scrambling well enough to ensure that concerning statistic hasn’t been reflected on the scoreboard but it’s only a matter of time before the at times loose defence up

the middle comes back to haunt them. While Dean Whare and Te Maire Martin won’t be seen again this season, the Panthers are close to full-strength for this weekend’s game with Waqa Blake expected to return from injury. There is some speculation that Bryce Cartwright will move into the halves for the game but we’ll have to wait until kickoff to see if that eventuates. For the Warriors, Ben Matulino and Bodene Thompson have both been recalled while Tuimoala Lolohea and Thomas Leuluai return from injury. Shaun Johnson is the obvious danger man with his erratic play often very hard to handle, and shutting him down will be a real key in this contest. These words may well be used against me come 4.45pm on Saturday but I’ll say it anyway – I don’t love the look of the Warriors side on paper. The Panthers should dominate in every facet of the game, with the only real danger coming from the unpredictable

Tuimoala Lolohea

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

Jonathan Wright Blake Ayshford Solomone Kata David Fusitua Thomas Leuluai Shaun Johnson Jacob Lillyman Jazz Tevaga James Gavet Bodene Thompson Ryan Hoffman John Palavi Issac Luke Ben Matulino Charlie Gubb Shaun Lane

Johnson who could well show up Penrith’s defence if those missed tackles are again present. While Penrith fans have needed a doctor on standby for almost every single match this season, I have the feeling you’ll be able to give him the afternoon off on Saturday. This game presents the opportunity for the big win we’ve all been hoping for since the start of the season. Tip: Panthers by 18.

Panthers v Warriors Saturday, May 14, 3pm AMI Stadium Referees: Matt Cecchin and David Munro Tickets: At the gate

Thursday, May 12, 2016 « the western weekender • extra time

PANTHER RUMBLINGS with the Masked Panther

WALLACE SET TO STAY » I’m told Peter Wallace (pictured) has

gone from having no chance of securing a new deal with Penrith to being very close to being offered a one-year extension. With Wallace unlikely to be in huge demand from other clubs, the Panthers will most likely wait until their recruitment is finalised before seeing exactly what they can offer Wallace. If he does get a new deal, it’s an amazing turnaround for the 30-year-old who many predicted would be on the outer given his unsettled relationship with coach Anthony Griffin.

» Still on Penrith’s halves, and there’s

growing speculation that Jamie Soward won’t see out the final year of his contract with the club in 2017.

» It has been a busy week for the Pan-

thers in Christchurch ahead of this Saturday’s game against the Warriors. The team arrived on Tuesday night and held an open training session at Christchurch Boys High School yesterday morning. They also participated in a skills clinic with local juniors at Hornby Panthers yesterday afternoon. Today (Thursday), the Panthers will visit a number of schools around Christchurch.

» Is North Queensland star James Tamou

Penrith-bound for the 2017 season? The 27-year-old, who has played 11 Origin games for New South Wales, has been linked with the Panthers for some time but gave the strongest indication yet this week that he’s on the verge of leaving the defending premiers, failing to water down speculation that a move to a Sydney club was imminent. The Cowboys are struggling to retain all of their off contract stars and only loyalty would keep Tamou at the Cowboys as the money on the table

from Penrith is significantly higher than what’s been offered at North Queensland. If the Australian representative did move to Sydney’s west, it would ensure the Panthers had one of the best packs in the competition – especially with the talent that is coming through the junior ranks. I’m told Penrith officials are very confident that they’ll get the deal across the line before the end of the month.

» Penrith are poised to announce the

mid-season signing of Maroons Origin prospect Chris Grevsmuhl. South Sydney could release Grevsmuhl within days, allowing him to join the Panthers. The move has been on the cards for some time and Penrith recently made space in their salary cap by releasing Elijah Taylor to the Wests Tigers. Grevsmuhl has already signed with Penrith for next season and is struggling to get game time with the Rabbitohs.

» A number of young Panthers have

been named in the initial NSW Under 16’s and Under 18’s squads for the upcoming junior State of Origin games. Samuel Radovu, Sean O’Sullivan, Jesse Abbott and William Burns have all made the Under 18’s squad, while Lyndsay Smith, Zach Cini and Shawn Blore have made the Under 16’s squad. Blues and Penrith legend Brad Fittler will be coaching both teams.

» Panthers will celebrate the club’s proud history and launch the Panthers Hall of Fame at the 50th Season Gala Dinner next month. The special invite-only event will be held on Saturday, June 25, at the Panthers Exhibition Marquee next to Panthers Leagues Club. On the night four Panthers greats will be revealed as the inaugural inductees into the Pan-

thers Hall of Fame. An expert panel has already elected a shortlist of 12 nominees from amongst the 559 players to have represented the club. Over the next two months, through Pepper Money Magic Moments, the club will feature some memorable on-field moments for all 12 nominees. By voting for their favourite moment on the Panthers website, Panthers fans can go in the running for some great prizes.

» Speculation is mounting that Bryce

Cartwright will make his State of Origin debut this year, despite Blues coach Laurie Daley making it clear that loyalty will play a significant role in his team selection. The belief is that Cartwright has

done enough to warrant selection for the upcoming series given his great form for Penrith and his performance for City last weekend. He would be a dynamite addition to the Blues’ bench, that’s for sure.

» While I’ve never been a fan of stop-

ping the NRL competition’s momentum after just nine rounds for representative football, there is little doubt that the appetite is huge for both Test footy and the City-Country clash. The crowds were great for both games and the TV ratings were sensational – 767,000 viewers tuned in on Channel Nine to watch Australia down New Zealand in a dour game in Newcastle while 369,000 people watched City-Country.

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Anthony Griffin is happy to be in Christchurch

NATHAN TAYLOR @natetaylor87

I Our new

‘home’

t may have been a bumpy ride but Panthers coach Anthony Griffin says he’s excited to be playing a ‘home’ game in Christchurch this Saturday against the New Zealand Warriors. Touching down at Christchurch airport after a rather turbulent two hour flight on Tuesday evening, Griffin said he couldn’t wait to kick off Penrith’s four year deal on New Zealand’s beautiful south island. “It’s an arrangement Phil Gould has done for the next four years, and we’re very happy to be able to give up a home game and come here and form a relationship with the region,” he said. “[The deal] is obviously going to benefit the club financially but it’ll also allow us to spread our brand and values into another area.” Penrith’s deal with Christchurch is similar to the one they have with Bathurst Council, where one Panthers home fixture every season for the next four years will be played out of Christchurch’s AMI Stadium. As part of the deal, the Panthers have visited local schools in the Christchurch area as well as run a number of juniors clinics with young kids. Griffin said his team were pumped to be playing in Christchurch and at the home stadium of Super Rugby’s Crusaders. “I know Christchurch more for the other code (rugby union) but I’m looking

forward to getting around as much as I can this weekend and getting to know many league followers,” he said. “It’ll also be good to get a handle on how the code operates here and I know the whole team were very excited for this trip away. “[AMI Stadium] looks like a really good field from what I’ve seen on telly. The match is going to be a sell-out too, so it’ll be great to be able to play in front of 18,000 people.” Penrith have travelled across the ditch with a 19-man squad which includes centre Waqa Blake, who is set to return from a hip injury and reserve grade prop Moses Leota, who is yet to make his first grade debut. With Junior Kiwi James Fisher-Harris in some doubt with his own hip injury, Leota could very well make his NRL debut in his home country. After a week off due to the NRL’s representative round, Griffin said he’s happy to have the team back together ahead of this weekend’s vital game. “We’ve been split up for a couple of weeks actually, so it’s timely we all get to come back together on this trip to Christchurch,” he said. “Since we played in Bathurst a couple of guys played in the Test match and half a dozen guys played in the City Country game. It’s been good to get everyone back together. “Christchurch is going to be a really good place to spend the week.” Kick-off is at 3pm on Saturday, May 14.

the western weekender • extra time » Thursday, May 12, 2016

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Thursday, May 12, 2016 « the western weekender • extra time

THE DREW REVIEW with Brad Drew

I LOVE REP FOOTY! I have to say I really enjoyed the rep round on the weekend, there was some great footy played particularly on Saturday night with the PNG v Fiji and the Somoa v Tonga tussle, it’s refreshing to see these talented footballers ditch the shackles of week to week NRL! There has been some criticism of the Aussie v Kiwi game on Friday, and true it was probably the least entertaining game of the weekend but I think the dour affair was probably the result of a Kiwi side well down on troops and particularly their more potent attacking weapons and an Aussie team coming off three straight defeats, knuckling down, not taking too many risks and professionally getting the job done. The Aussies have come in for some criticism but it’s a team full of proven champions and I would be reluctant to

write them off after this performance. It seems every year the traditional City v Country game comes in for the same old criticism with calls from all quarters questioning its relevance, but I for one really enjoyed the game. Again it gave some up and coming superstars a chance to impress on the rep stage without the shackles and it was very refreshing to see the Brad Fittler coached City, chock full of young Panthers put on an attacking master class to defy the odds and give it to the country boys! Bryce Cartwright (pictured) in particular was a standout and could be on the verge of Origin selection. A big congratulations to all the Panthers who represented on the weekend, including the young blokes in the Junior Kangaroos and Kiwis, you all made a great account of yourselves and certainly

did the club and its fans proud! Other standouts for mine were Tyrone Peachey and Leilani Latu for City, young Nathan Cleary for the Junior Kangaroos and I thought DWZ played very tough for the Kiwis on Friday night.

Big test for the Panthers this week, taking their home game across the ditch. I’m worried all this travel might take its toll this week, but I’m still tipping the Panthers in tight one. Enjoy the weekend of footy!

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Finding

his feet

NATHAN TAYLOR @natetaylor87

enrith Panthers captain Matt Moylan has once again hosed down speculation over a possible State of Origin berth to concentrate on this weekend’s all-important match against the New Zealand Warriors. The Panthers fullback is neck and neck with fellow local junior Lachlan Coote to get the coveted Blues number 1 jersey, when teams are finally announced by selectors next weekend. Speaking in Christchurch on Wednesday morning, the 24-year-old said his focus is on winning more games for the Panthers and not a sky blue jumper. “I haven’t really thought about it to be honest,” Moylan said.

“After coming off a long lay-off from injury, I’m just trying to get back out there and focus on playing good footy for the club. “That sort of stuff (Origin selection) takes care of itself. If you’re playing well enough you’re going to be in the frame, I just have to do my job for the team.” Since returning from a back injury in Round 5, Moylan has slowly worked his way back into form and has helped guide the Panthers into a top eight position. Moylan said he’s feeling a lot stronger as the weeks roll on and is somewhat happy with how his side is travelling. “I’m feeling good, I’m just trying to get back into it and the body is starting to get used to the grind again of playing first grade week in, week out,” he said. “We (Penrith) are going along alright… we’ve just got to tidy up a few things in each match.

the western weekender • extra time » Thursday, May 12, 2016

FEATURE

Matt Moylan in Christchurch on Wednesday. Photo: Penrith Panthers

“The body is starting to get used to the grind again of playing first grade week in, week out”

“We’ve been in all our games this year, we just lost our way a bit in a couple of them and didn’t come away with the points. We’ve got to concentrate on trying to finish off the game well.” Penrith fans will hope Moylan and his teammates are in for huge performances this Saturday afternoon against an inconsistent Warriors outfit in Christchurch.

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Thursday, May 12, 2016 « the western weekender • extra time

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the western weekender • extra time » Thursday, May 12, 2016

GIVEAWAY

WIN TICKETS There’s nothing like watching the footy live at Pepper Stadium. The Panthers return home on Sunday, May 22 to take on the Gold Coast Titans. Whether you love the skill and attacking flair of Matt Moylan, or the grunt of Sam McKendry and Reagan Campbell-Gillard, you’ll have a great time seeing all the action live. While going to the football can be expensive, we’re here to help!

The Weekender has two family passes (four tickets per pass) to give away to the big Sunday afternoon footy clash on May 22. For your chance to win a family pass, send an email to competitions@westernweekender.com.au with the word ‘Panthers’ in the subject line, and include the answer to the following question: Who is the current coach of the Penrith Panthers? Entries close Wednesday, May 18.

NEWS

Big weekend of

recognition

ndigenous superstars including Johnathan Thurston, Greg Inglis and Sam Thaiday have leant their voice and support in a new commercial for more to be done to include and recognise all Indigenous peoples within communities. The commercial will air at a time when players, clubs and fans will celebrate Indigenous Round this weekend, with the game paying tribute to the many Indigenous players and communities that play a vital role within rugby league and wider society. The NRL will partner with RECOGNISE for the third year in a row, providing a united voice to the movement to

recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Australian Constitution and ensure there is no place for racial discrimination. All matches will feature recognition of the round and the importance of Indigenous players, coaches, staff and communities within the game. The RECOGNISE ‘R’ will be painted on all 40 metre lines, referees will wear Indigenous inspired jerseys, traditional dances and ceremonies will take place before matches and a host of teams will wear Indigenous Round jerseys. NRL Indigenous welfare and education manager Dean Widders has spent time with all NRL players and clubs over the past month.

:: ::

Thursday, May 12, 2016 « the western weekender • extra time

NRL LADDER AND FIXTURES CLUB

265

125

+140 14

2 Broncos

246

111

+135 14

3 Storm

208

110

+98

4 Sharks

219

158

+61

5 Eels

164

119

+45

6 Bulldogs

173

152

+21

7 Raiders

217

199

+18

8 Panthers

168

179

-11

9 Sea Eagles

172

196

-24

10 Warriors

190

232

-42

11 Dragons

186

-97

12 Rabbitohs

182

199

-17

13 Titans

170

211

-41

14 W. Tigers

184

239

-55

15 Roosters

167

207

-40

16 Knights

102

293

-191

Cowboys

+/-

PTS

Round 10 Dragons v Raiders Thursday, May 12, 7.50pm Jubilee Oval Eels v Rabbitohs Friday, May 13, 7.50pm Pirtek Stadium Panthers v Warriors Saturday, May 14, 3pm AMI Stadium Storm v Cowboys Saturday, May 14, 5.30pm Suncorp Stadium Sea Eagles v Broncos Saturday, May 14, 7.55pm Suncorp Stadium Knights v Sharks Sunday, May 15, 2pm Hunter Stadium Tigers v Bulldogs Sunday, May 15, 4pm ANZ Stadium

Extra Time Issue Number 2016-11 PRODUCED BY The Western Weekender EDITOR Troy Dodds / 4722 2998 / troy.dodds@westernweekender.com.au CONTRIBUTORS Nathan Taylor / Brad Drew / Mark Hughes / Masked Panther SALES MANAGER Simon Gould / 4722 2998 simon.gould@westernweekender.com.au

FACE IN THE CROWD

Titans v Roosters Monday, May 16, 7pm Cbus Super Stadium

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A MOMENT WE WILL NEVER TROY DODDS @troydodds

he headline on the Monday, October 6, 2003 edition of the Daily Telegraph summed it up: “Perfect”. Penrith’s 18-6 Grand Final win over the Sydney Roosters on October 5, 2003 was one of the most magical days in the club’s history. Despite finishing minor premiers, the Panthers still went into the season decider against the Roosters as underdogs, but defied all expectations by winning by 12 points in wet conditions at ANZ Stadium. The Telegraph’s front page declared: “This is what joy looks like. 21-year-old Luke Rooney scores one of his two tries in the game no one said the Panthers could win. For Penrith, fairytales do come true”. Inside, under the headline “Tears, cheers and league’s greatest fairytale in years”, the praise continued: “The Grand Final of October 5, 2003, will forever be remembered as one of the greatest games of rugby league”.

“Penrith’s victory in last night’s momentous grand final provedthat nothing is impossible in the game of rugby league”

In front of a crowd of 81,166, the Panthers were simply superb. “The ferocity and intensity was greater than some State of Origin matches,” the Telegraph declared in its match report. “The opening set of six tackles alone was as fierce as anyone could remember.” After the game, Scott Sattler – who produced one of the most

2 AY D N U

P Y, 2 MA

H T N

The late Peter Frilingos, one of the most revered journalists in the game at the time, couldn’t stop raving about Penrith’s effort in the game. “There’s no question the game ranked up there as one of the great

Sattler’s tackle or simply that this team played with such inspiring spirit, the memories of 2003 will live on forever. It was a special game by a special team, but moreso, a very special season that embodied what Penrith is all about: local juniors, great spirit and defying the toughest of challenges. The faces of 2003 will be T E remembered forever, E M YERS from Ryan Girdler to A PL ’s Luke Rooney, Craig THE m 6pm in TCrith Gower, Rhys Wesser n e Fro P rs nthe and a host of other ter n i a at Pa p face t players who became E s i E t r FR on a overnight sensaballo E E FR tions in the world of rugby league. The Weekender’s front page following the Grand Final victory screamed: “Been there, won that”.

V S ER

0AM 1.3 1 N OPE ADIUM S E T GAT PER S PEP

rema rkable grand final tackles of all time in the second half to save a certain try – spoke about being written off by the critics. “All that matters is that we believed in ourselves,” he said. “We knew we could beat them. We were always going to try to frustrate them”.

forget

S N A TIT

A RCH

TIC

C AT ETS

LU B

EP REC

season deciders,” he GA wrote. “Penrith’s victory in last night’s momentous grand final proved that nothing is impossible in the game of rugby league”. The very fact that Penrith had surprised one of the game’s great thinkers, and so many other critics, is what made the win so special. Whether it was that Penrith had come from last to first in the space of two years,

SOR

PON

S AY

D ME

TIO

the western weekender • extra time » Thursday, May 12, 2016

FLASHBACK

The front page of the Daily Telegraph

NEW REALITY SERIES TO DEBUT

Erin Molan

Australia’s first rugby league reality series begins when ‘The NRL Rookie’ premieres on Tuesday, May 31, at 7.30pm on 9GO! The winner of ‘The NRL Rookie’ will land the coveted prize of a contract with one of the 16 clubs in the National Rugby League. 28 finalists have been selected from thousands of applicants around the world – in Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, the United Kingdom and United States. They will be pushed to the absolute limits of physical and psychological endurance, with searching assessments of their rugby

league skills, in a quest to win the ultimate prize. Episode one introduces series host Erin Molan and the 28 candidates to Head Coach, Brad Fittler, who will mentor the Rookies throughout the competition. Fittler is one of Australia’s best-known rugby league talents. He was the youngest ever NSW State of Origin player (debuting in 1990 at the age of 18), captained 14 teams in Origin from 1990-2004, won two premierships (with the Panthers and the Roosters) and is currently an expert commentator for Channel Nine. Molan and Fittler will be joined by former

rugby league greats Mark “MG” Geyer and Adrian Lam, who will act as the forwards and backs coaches respectively. In each episode the coaching team will be joined by current and former NRL players to manage, educate and motivate the Rookies through their mountainous challenges. These guests include rugby league Immortal Wally Lewis, Billy Slater, Darren Lockyer, Paul Gallen, Anthony Minichiello, Adam “Mad Dog” MacDougall and Robbie Kearns. Boxing champ Danny Green will also be featured. The show premieres on Tuesday, May 31 at 7.30pm on 9GO!

Thursday, May 12, 2016 « the western weekender • extra time

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LOWER GRADES » SG Ball: The Penrith Panthers have

won their first SG Ball title since 2006 following a 25-10 win over the Illawarra Steelers last Saturday afternoon at Pepper Stadium. Panthers captain Sean O’Sullivan was named Man of the Match in what was an excellent performance that saw him involved in just about everything. The Steelers opened the scoring early in the first half before Penrith finally got their first try of the afternoon through William Burns in the 25th minute. Three minutes later the Panthers got their second by the way of fullback Marlon Ritchie, which saw the home side lead 12-4 at the break. Penrith quickly extended their lead after half-time with Jake Tago and Brian Too crossing for tries. The Steelers made the score a little more respectable with a late try before the calm and steady O’Sullivan slotted over a 79th minute field goal to seal the deal. The win was a welcome one for the Panthers club who were without an SG Ball premiership for 10 years despite fielding some unbeatable sides.

» Intrust Super Premiership NSW: After

some pretty lean weeks the Penrith Panthers will return to action this Saturday afternoon at Pepper Stadium. Penrith will be missing some experience with Elijah Taylor now at the Wests Tigers but will welcome back Zach Dockar-Clay, who performed very well with the NSW Residents team last weekend.

The Panthers will be looking to get their season back on track when they take on the New Zealand Warriors at 2pm.

» Holden Cup: The Penrith Panthers

will look to extend their lead at the top of the Holden Cup ladder when they battle the New Zealand Warriors this Saturday morning at Pepper Stadium. The Panthers NYC team had five players involved in last Saturday’s Junior Kangaroos v Junior Kiwis clash at Pirtek Stadium, with all players returning unscathed. Kick-off between the Warriors and Panthers is at 10am.

» Ron Massey Cup: St Marys have

continued their losing streak in the Ron Massey Cup competition, this time going down to the Hills District Bulls 24-20. Try scorers for St Marys included Brent Naden (2), Tom Eisenhuth and Luke Nadurutalo. Josh Butfield kicked two from four. St Marys will enjoy this weekend off before taking on the Concord Burwood Wolves in Round 12.

Penrith’s SG Ball team. Pic: Megan Dunn

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the western weekender • extra time » Thursday, May 12, 2016

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