Extra Time August 14 2020

“It was never my intention to question the integrity of the referees”

Ivan Under Fire COACH HIT WITH $20,000 FINE FOR POST-MATCH COMMENTS DETAILS: P30, P31, P40

Friday, August 14, 2020 « the western weekender • extra time

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the western weekender • extra time » Friday, August 14, 2020

match preview

Brent Naden scores. Photo: NRL Images.

TROY DODDS

P

enrith make a rare trip to Central Coast Stadium on Friday to take on a Warriors side that has posted back to back victories for the first time this season and, against all the odds, is within reach of playing Finals football.

The Panthers are on a winning run of their own, securing an eighth straight victory last Saturday night over Canberra and putting themselves 80 minutes away from a club record ninth straight win.

This Penrith side just doesn’t look like losing at the moment, and while the Warriors’ efforts over the past fortnight cannot be denied, it’s hard to see them stopping this runaway train being driven

by Ivan Cleary.

Penrith’s impenetrable first quarter defence was on display again against Canberra and probably experienced its

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It has been such a key component of Penrith’s success – shut sides out early, frustrate them into making errors and grab a few tries of your own. From there, defend the lead. Rinse and repeat.

Anyone who doubted Penrith’s capability to win this premiership has been silenced in recent weeks, but the fear of peaking too early still remains. There’s seven games left in the regular season and Cleary’s challenge now is how he guides this side through a reasonably good draw without complacency settling in, and how he gets the side to respond when that loss inevitably does come.

The Warriors are a side that can beat anybody on their day and they don’t

need an invitation to throw plenty at you if they’re switched on, but history would suggest three wins in a row may be beyond them.

With enforcer Jack Hetherington out of this game (first by choice, then by suspension), they’ve lost one of their most potent weapons from their recent run of good form. With plenty to prove, Hetherington has added some spark to the Warriors’ go- forward and it’ll be significantly missed on Friday night.

For Penrith, very little needs to change given how well the formula is working at present. Nathan Cleary is in tremendous form leading this Penrith orchestra, but there’s hardly a player not impressing in a Penrith jumper at present. This is a side playing more cohesively than any Penrith side has in the past 15 years, and they’re

PANTHERS

doing it with some key outs – fullback Dylan Edwards included, although he is a chance of being a late inclusion for this one after being named on an extended bench.

While a few predicted showers may limit opportunities in some cases, I’m still expecting a high scoring game here.

The Warriors can easily score 20 points in a match, which means the Panthers will need at least four or five tries to ensure they grab the two competition points and that club record.

I’m very confident of victory here – there’s a chance for these 2020 Panthers, now being compared to the premiership side of 2003, to write their own slice of history with nine straight wins, and I doubt they’ll let the opportunity slide.

Tip: Panthers by 12.

WARRIORS

1 Caleb Aekins

10 James FIsher-Harris

1 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (c)

2 Josh Mansour

11 Viliame Kikau

2 Patrick Herbert

11 Eliesa Katoa

3 Tyrone May

12 Liam Martin

3 Adam Pompey

12 Tohu Harris

4 Stephen Crichton

13 Isaah Yeo

4 Peta Hiku

13 Jazz Tevaga

5 Brent Naden

14 Daine Laurie

5 George Jennings

14 Wayde Egan

6 Jarome Luai

15 Spencer Leniu

6 Kodi Nikorima

15 Adam Blair

7 Nathan Cleary

16 Moses Leota

7 Chanel Harris-Tavita

16 Daniel Alvaro

10 Lachlan Burr

8 James Tamou (c)

17 Zane Tetevano

8 Jamayne Taunoa-Brown

17 Isaiah Papali’i

9 Apisai Koroisau

18 Mitch Kenny 19 Dylan Edwards

9 Karl Lawton

18 Jack Murchie 20 Gerard Beale

29

Friday, August 14, 2020 « the western weekender • extra time

panther rumblings

WITH THE MASKED PANTHER

NEW DEAL FOR BURTON? !

It’s not surprising that Penrith coach Ivan Cleary will submit a formal response to the breach notice handed to him by the NRL on Monday. Accepting the $20,000 fine for his post-match comments would be admitting that he questioned the integrity of the match officials, and Cleary legitimately believes that was not the intent of his comments. Cleary wants to make that clear before handing over any cash.

things under wraps. In the end Laurie (below) only ended up playing the last six minutes of the game against Canberra.

Josh Mansour pays tribute to the people of Lebanon.

Photo: NRL Images.

!

Suggestions that Penrith had ‘blocked’ Jack Hetherington from playing for the Warriors against the Panthers in Gosford on Friday night were way off the mark. While suspension will see Hetherington miss the game anyway, it was the aggressive forward himself who wanted to sit out the clash given the obvious conflict of interest. With the 24- year- old to miss the next month of football, it’s likely his loan deal with the Warriors is now done, and he’ll return to the Panthers.

!

Panthers Stadium remains on the agenda for a potential overhaul or even a complete re- build. Deputy Premier John Barilaro is leading the push within the State Government for more boutique stadiums to be built around the State, similar to Bankwest Stadium in Parramatta. ARLC Chairman Peter V’landys is also pushing the plan, especially given the Government pulled out of the ANZ Stadium upgrade.

With Penrith now a tight state seat, I’ll make an early prediction that the issue of a new stadium may emerge as part of the 2023 State Election campaign.

!

An emotional Josh Mansour donned the flag of Lebanon after Penrith’s clash against Canberra on Saturday night, showing his support after the terrible explosion in Beirut last week. A moment’s silence was also held at Panthers Stadium before the match.

!

There’s plenty of people out there suggesting Matt Burton will head elsewhere sooner rather than later, given he can’t find his way into the top 17 at the Panthers. But I’m told Burton is actually on the verge of extending his stay with the club, keen to remain in the system and bide his time waiting for an opportunity in Ivan Cleary’s side. It’ll certainly shock some ‘experts’ when it happens, but don’t be surprised if the Panthers announce a new deal for Burton in the coming weeks.

!

The 2020 premiership is a four horse race according to the betting agencies. The Roosters, Storm, Panthers and Eels are the only teams with a realistic shot of lifting the trophy in October according to punters. The Roosters are $3.50 favourites with Sportsbet, with the Storm and Panthers equal at $4.50 and the Eels at $5.00. Canberra is next best in the betting at $15.00.

!

Are you missing grabbing a couple of Footy Doubles on the way into Panthers home games? Like everything during the COVID-19 pandemic, Nepean Rotary Club has found an interactive way to keep their fundraising efforts alive. You can now download a Footy Doubles app, which will allow you to grab some tickets for each Panthers game. Just search Footy Doubles on either the App Store or Google

!

Play Store, and you’ll be cheering on first try scorers in no time!

!

The Panthers did their best to keep Daine Laurie’s first grade debut last weekend a secret, but several eagle- eyed fans knew something was up. A video posted on the club’s website in tribute to James

Fisher-Harris’ 100th first grade game featured Laurie sitting in the background, with a jersey in his lap. That suggested a presentation had taken place and Laurie was poised to become Panther 596. I’m not sure why the club is so desperate to keep first grade debuts a secret, but they often go to extraordinary lengths to keep

Viliame Kikau’s try against the Raiders last weekend was Penrith’s 4000th try in top flight rugby league.

!

Heard something I should know about? I’m not good at keeping secrets but I do protect sources. Email me at maskedpanther@westernweekender.com.au and let me know what piece of news you’ve stumbled across.

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CLEARY FINED OVER REF COMMENTS NATHAN TAYLOR

P

Panthers coach Ivan Cleary has copped a $20,000 fine. Photo: NRL Images. game. Comments like this will not be tolerated. The foundation of our competition is its integrity and Ivan’s comments undermined that,” he said.

“At times our officials, like players, will make errors during games. Everyone is entitled to their opinion on those individual decisions, but we will not accept the integrity of our officials being questioned.

TAX RETURNS? WE’VE BEEN DOING IT ALL DAY.

“Every Monday we live stream a football briefing explaining every contentious decision. Our officiating is as open and transparent as it can possibly be. Ivan’s comments were disappointing, not aligned to the standards we uphold and will not be tolerated.”

During Monday’s briefing, NRL Head of Football Graham Annesley said the award-

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anthers coach Ivan Cleary found himself in hot water this week after the NRL issued him with a whopping $20,000 breach notice following comments he made at a post- match media conference last Saturday night.

Following Penrith’s 28- 12 victory over Canberra at Panthers Stadium, Cleary told reporters he felt like the Raiders were “being managed back into the game” by the match officials.

Cleary’s comments were in reference to a number of suspect calls levelled against the Panthers during Canberra’s second half fightback.

On Monday morning, Cleary was issued a $20,000 fine by the NRL, which suggested his comments questioned the integrity of match officials.

Acting Chief Executive Andrew Abdo came down hard on Cleary, saying there was no place in the game for comments of that nature.

“I am disappointed that a person in a leadership position within our game has made comments that question the integrity of our officials. Our leaders should be professional and set the standard for our

ing of Charnze Nicoll- Klokstad’s controversial try was correct as was the decision to penalise Panthers forward Liam Martin for his tackle on Jordan Rapana.

Late Monday, Cleary released a statement to the media confirming he would formally respond to the breach notice.

“I will be submitting a formal response to the NRL breach notice I was issued earlier today,” he said.

“While that process runs its course, I wish to clarify it was never my intention to question the integrity of the referees.”

Meanwhile, Panthers Chairman Dave O’Neill also weighed in on the drama, calling for post-match media conferences involving coaches to be axed.

Speaking with News Corp this week, O’Neill suggested that coaches speak to the media the day after a game to avoid controversial ‘in the heat-of-the-moment’ comments like the ones Cleary had made.

“If you don’t want coaches to comment – and if you don’t like emotional responses – then don’t have the interviews,” he said.

“If you want to have after- game interviews that are more structured, then hold them a day after the game. The reality is they are done in the heat-of-the-moment.”

The game has been split this week on whether Cleary’s fine was justified.

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, August 14, 2020

feature

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Friday, August 14, 2020 « the western weekender • extra time

feature

LAURIE’S DREAM NOW A REALITY NATHAN TAYLOR

P

enrith’s latest debutant Daine Laurie has revealed the unique connection he has with Panthers teammate and try scoring machine Brent Naden.

Early last year the pair forged a strong bond while laying cables for the NBN together.

While Naden had to quit his day job when he made his NRL debut mid- last season, Laurie continued his work with the NBN all the through to November.

Little did they know at the time but the friendship the duo formed whilst laying cables across Sydney would prove beneficial out on the footy field.

21- year- old Laurie, who made his NRL debut in the dying stages of last Saturday night’s win against Canberra, credited Naden as one of the players that has helped him the most.

“Brent Naden, I was working with him all last year until he made his debut [in

May], so I’m pretty close with him,” he told Extra Time.

“I’m always asking him questions about how to play and he gives good advice. He also picks me up when I’m down and that kind of stuff. He’s a good bloke.”

With Penrith short on backs due to a number of injuries, Laurie’s dream of playing in the NRL became a reality last week when coach Ivan Cleary informed him he was making his debut in front of all of his teammates.

The emotional moment was captured on film and was later released on the club’s social media channels. Overcome with emotion at the time, Laurie said he was in disbelief.

“It was a big shock, I didn’t see it coming,” he said.

“In the past Ivan usually tells the boys beforehand if they’re debuting or not. But he just surprised me and said it all in front of the boys… it was a big shock.”

While Laurie only entered the field for the final six minutes of the game, it was

Daine Laurie made his NRL debut for Penrith last weekend. Photo: NRL Images. six minutes that he’ll never forget. After four tough but rewarding years in the Panthers system, a lifelong dream was finally realised for Laurie, who hails from NSW’s North Coast.

“It was hard moving away from home and there were times that I did feel homesick, but I always wanted to be an NRL player and that’s what motivated me to stay down here,” Laurie admitted.

“I wanted to make my family proud and hopefully send a good message to the kids back home to follow their dreams.”

The nippy fullback was once again named on Penrith’s bench for tonight’s clash against the New Zealand Warriors in Gosford.

Laurie said whatever happens moving forward, he’s just grateful he’s been given a chance to shine.

“The end goal is to become a starting player, but you have the likes of Caleb Aekins and Dylan Edwards here,” he said.

“I just have to bide my time, I’m only a young fella and have plenty of time to be starting in first grade.”

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Friday, August 14, 2020 « the western weekender • extra time

nrl ladder & fixtures CLUB

PD

W

D

L

B

F

A

1

Panthers

13

11

1

1

0

332

182

+150 23

2

Storm

13

11

0

2

0

350

162

+188 22

3

Eels

13

11

0

2

0

286

162

+124 22

4

Roosters

13

9

0

4

0

348

174

+174

18

5

Raiders

13

8

0

5

0

232

205

+27

16

6

Knights

13

7

1

5

0

279

208

+71

15

7

Rabbitohs

13

7

0

6

0

278

226

+52

14

8

Sharks

13

7

0

6

0

332

288

+44

14

9

Sea Eagles

13

6

0

7

0

213

261

-48

12

10 W. Tigers

13

5

0

8

0

285

273

+12

10

11

Warriors

13

5

0

8

0

189

320

-131

10

12 Dragons

13

4

0

9

0

248

278

-30

8

13 Titans

13

4

0

9

0

184

337

-153

8

14 Cowboys

13

3

0

10

0

239

343

-104

6

15 Broncos

13

3

0

10

0

178

401

-223

6

16 Bulldogs

13

2

0

11

0

160

313

+/-

-153

PTS

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ROUND 14

4

V

Thursday, August 13 7.50pm SCG

V

Friday, August 14 6.00pm Central Coast Stadium

V

Friday, August 14 7.55pm Bankwest Stadium

V

Saturday, August 15 3.00pm Jubilee Oval

V

Saturday, August 15 5.30pm QLD Country Bank Stadium

V

Saturday, August 15 7.30pm GIO Stadium

V

Sunday, August 16 2.00pm McDonald Jones Stadium

V

Sunday, August 16 4.05pm Bankwest Stadium

Face In Th e Crowd

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warren smith B

efore Round 13, the most impressive 40 minutes I’d seen any team play this season was the Panthers’ first half demolition of the Sharks at Kogarah in Round 9.

Penrith shredded the Sharks that sunny afternoon with a five- try performance before half-time that will live long in the memory.

But while the Sharks look like a legitimate top eight team in 2020, it’s fair to say that they’re not at the same level as the Raiders, last year’s Grand Finalists and a team built on a resolve that has been drummed into them by Ricky Stuart.

Which makes the Panthers’ first half effort against them on Saturday night a standout example of why rugby league played at that level of execution is one of the great spectacles in the sporting world.

The skill, and the teamwork, was nothing short of clinical.

The passing and the timing of Nathan Cleary, Apisai Koroisau and Jarome Luai was obviously the result of many hours on the training paddock, but while the physical side of the performance is easy to admire, you can only wonder about the mental application and confidence required to play as if there’s absolutely nothing riding on the result.

It’s a rare state of performance and mindset that the Panthers were unable to reach in 2019, and speaking on Triple M Radio

The Panthers celebrate a try last weekend. Photo: NRL Images. this week, Nathan Cleary gave an insight into why he personally has seen his form reach the stratosphere this season. “At times last year I was just so worried about what other people were thinking, and just the fear of other people’s opinions

was holding me back,� said the 22-year-old halfback. “Moving past that, and taking into account whose opinions really mattered to me, that’s the big difference this year�.

You don’t have to be a psychologist to

work out that the only opinion that should have ever counted for the Panthers playmaker is that of his coach, who is in the almost unique position of having to split his time between being a footy mentor and a father.

That, however, isn’t as clear- cut a situation as it would first appear in an age in which there is so much noise for players whose lives and careers are able to be dissected by anybody with a social media account.

The instant judgment on their form and careers is out of their control, and as Phil Jauncey, one of the country’s leading sports psychologists has noted in the past, it can have a serious effect on their state of mind, especially for young or inexperienced players. “They’re not judged by themselves but they’re judged by other people’s perceptions and they don’t get a chance to be in control about how people think about them,� he said.

Shutting out the noises, no matter where they come from, and being able to focus on the stuff that matters is key to any successful sportsperson or team, and for a group that seemed too easily distracted in the past, being stuck inside their own Panthers bubble might have been the best thing that could have possibly happened to them.

They could do anything in 2020.

the western weekender • extra time  Friday, August 14, 2020

How the NRL bubble has put Panthers in the right mindset

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ARLC boss crosses the line with Cleary criticism

lang on league

with Peter Lang

I

s ARLC Chairman Peter V’landys kidding? I thought his criticism of Panthers coach Ivan Cleary was a bit over-the-top!

Cleary felt the full fury of V’landys after he suggested in a post-match media conference last Saturday night that “… it felt like they (Raiders) were being managed back into the game”.

Not only do I agree with Cleary, which matters little I know, but for V’landys to label Cleary’s comments as “deplorable” is simply laughable. How Bunnies coach Wayne Bennett breaking ‘the bubble’ and putting the whole game at risk isn’t considered just as ‘deplorable’ is beyond me.

Yet Bennett got away with a virtual ‘slap on the wrist’ as far as a dressing down from V’landys goes while Cleary, who barely says anything, only verbalised what many supporters and even journos in the media were thinking.

This is what Sydney Morning Herald rugby league writer Christian Nicolussi wrote in his match report: “Not even some suspect refereeing decisions in the second half were going to deny Penrith an eighth straight win”.

Other journos like the Daily Telegraph’s Paul Kent and Phil Rothfield even came to the defence of Cleary on ‘NRL 360’ on Monday night.

The only person who needs a wake up

made. “Do you want to challenge it?” says the man in the middle. They must love it when the player looks dumbstruck and walks away. Refs 1 Players 0.

What game I’m looking forward to...

The Knights against the Sea Eagles shapes up as a season defining game for the boys from Brookie. They have no Tommy ‘Turbo’ and with half their starting team on the sidelines they’ll need a miracle to beat a resurgent Newcastle side.

But miracles do happen and coach Des Hasler is hoping Manly are the recipients of one this time around.

My tips for the week...

Roosters, Panthers, Eels, Sharks, Rabbitohs, Raiders, Knights, Tigers.

Peter V’landys was very critical of Ivan Cleary last week. Photo: NRL Images. call now is Peter V’landys. I mean if you’re going to act all high and mighty and talk tough then at least be consistent with your criticisms of those who do the ‘wrong thing’. Enough said!

What caught my eye last week...

I’ve got to say I love the way the referees are throwing the Captain’s Challenge back in the face of players who get into their face about a mistake they feel they have

The final word...

In the next few months the Penrith coaching staff have to make a decision on who they will keep for next season, either captain James Tamou or firebrand Jack Hetherington.

With upgrades scheduled for Stephen Crichton, Charlie Staines and Liam Martin there simply isn’t enough money in the kitty to keep both men.

If it were my decision, I would have to go with Hetherington. The upside is just too great.

See you next week.

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the western weekender • extra time » Friday, August 14, 2020

Why the Panthers are on track to win third premiership

clinton maynard T

The Ladder Predictor says the Panthers will be celebrating a Grand Final win later this year. Photo: NRL Images.

The Raiders, Knights, Rabbitohs and Sharks make up the rest of the top eight.

The greatest surprise is the Tigers finishing 10th and not their traditional place of ninth.

You’ll then be taken to the Finals Series and I’ll admit it’s a lot harder to predict that month of football. However, what-

extra minutes !

Ben Ikin is forming as the clear favourite to take over as CEO of the Brisbane Broncos when Paul White stands down at the end of the year. Ikin would be walking into a drama-riddled club that is in contention for the wooden spoon and has under-performing coach Anthony Seibold on a rich long-term deal. This week it was confirmed that Ikin, who currently hosts ‘NRL 360’ on Fox League, had submitted his formal interest in the position. Should Ikin take the gig, it will force some big changes at Fox League and at the show Ikin has been at the helm of since its inception.

Dan Ginnane is the current favourite to take over the hosting role on the show.

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The New Zealand Warriors have confirmed Nathan Brown as their new coach for the next three seasons, while former Panthers General Manager Phil Gould has joined the club as a consultant.

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Paul McGregor may be on his last legs at George-Illawarra with the coach’s performance on the agenda for the club’s board meeting next week.

McGregor survived rumours of his axing earlier in the season but with the Dragons still not performing well, his position is under even more scrutiny.

There’s talk this Friday’s game against the Eels could be his last in charge of the club.

!

The NRL has confirmed the Round

ever combination I come up with, the Ladder Predictor keeps spitting out the same Premiership winner... Penrith.

Now that’s a problem. I publicly tipped the Panthers to win the comp in 2018 and 2019 and we know how that turned out. This year I didn’t make the same mistake and Penrith’s flying (I hope you

don’t dig out the column where I predict Souths). I hope my time in front of the computer screen hasn’t put the mock on the Panthers.

There is one slight problem with predictions from Ladder Predictor. It does rely on you getting every single tip right, every single round, for the rest of the year.

Keen Air Solutions

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he NRL website has the greatest toy ever invented for rugby league nuts.

Obsessives about the game can waste so much more time on this you forget about Facebook and YouTube.

If Nathan Cleary discovers this one he can forget all about using TikTok, he’ll be busy with this for hours... it’s the NRL’s Ladder Predictor.

I’ve spent days and days on this over the past couple of weeks and using the best mathematical algorithms known to man I keep coming up with the same competition winner, more on that in a moment.

There are many variables to deal with.

Officially the venues for games in the final rounds of the competition are still T.B.C. and playing at home has an impact, but in this crazy year it’s not as big a deal.

You don’t have to pick margins, you can if you want, or you can just accept the default average of a 12- point win, that makes it easy.

There’s only seven regular rounds left and if you follow some basic rules it won’t be hard.

Never pick the Broncos (imagine saying that in the ‘90s). Never select the Bulldogs and only back the Titans if they are playing the other Queensland teams.

Have a go for yourself, you’ll end up with the Panthers as Minor Premiers with the Roosters, Storm and Eels rounding out the top four.

Lic. No. AU43786

Ben Ikin could be the next Brisbane CEO. 16 match between the Warriors and Knights will be played at Scully Park in Tamworth. It’s a move designed to thank the Tamworth community for hosting the Warriors when they first based themselves in Australia ahead of the NRL’s season resumption.

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Newcastle has signed exciting English outside back Dominic Young on a three-year-deal. Still a teenager, Young will join the first grade squad from Huddersfield at the commencement of the 2021 pre-season as part of the top 30. Knights Recruitment Manager, Alex McKinnon said the outside back is a highly rated prospect who will add much value to the backline. “Dominic is an exceptional athlete,” McKinnon said.

“He moves extremely well for his size, and is known for his footwork, physical presence and wonderful attitude to honing his craft.

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Friday, August 14, 2020 « the western weekender

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