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defining days

the biggest moments in penrith history HEARTBREAK AND TRIUMPH: THE STORIES THAT MADE US PAGES 25-31

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Friday, May 15, 2020 « the western weekender • extra time

9. Gus Returns

PANTHERS SIGN PETERO: HUGE RECRUITMENT MOVE IN 2007

GOULD THE SAVIOUR: PANTHERS SURPRISE BY LURING BACK GUS

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Petero Civoniceva. Photo: Melinda Jane.

2010 NRL Finals. Civoniceva would leave Penrith at the end of the 2011 season, but his 74 games for the club left a mark on the Panthers’ history and the community itself.

– Troy Dodds

fter he walked out as coach in controversial circumstances during the 1994 season, Phil Gould’s return to Penrith nearly a decade ago was a huge surprise.

With the club going through a period of struggle both on and off the field, Gould returned to Panthers in a ‘free rein’ capacity in 2011 after then Chairman Don Feltis convinced him to come on board to help resurrect the club’s fortunes.

It was initially believed Gould would be joining Penrith as Coaching Director, instead his role would end up being much larger and he would eventually gain the title of Executive General Manager Rugby League.

During his lengthy tenure in charge, Gould would oversee enormous change.

In his first month in the top job, Gould gave recently sacked coach Matt Elliott his marching orders early; appointed caretaker coach Steve Georgallis; terminated the playing contract of bad boy Daine Laurie; stood down five- eighth Arana Taumata due to a police investigation; and fined star centre Michael Jennings $10,000 for consuming alcohol while injured.

Like a politician, Gould was both praised and criticised during his eight year run.

Phil Gould during his time with Penrith.

He helped arrest the club’s massive debt, attracted major corporate partners like OAK and was the driving force behind building the Rugby League Academy.

But Gould also had some missteps, including the bizarre hiring of Corey Payne as CEO and sacking Ivan Cleary in 2015 because he felt the coach was “tired”.

In 2019, Gould’s third stint at the Panthers came to an abrupt end after he and the club parted ways.

– Nathan Taylor

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ajor recruitment has never been a mantra of the Penrith club, with a ‘build from within’ model preferred. It is no surprise therefore that local juniors dominated Penrith’s premiership teams in 1991 and 2003.

However, every now and again, an outsider can’t hurt, as we’ve recently seen with the likes of James Maloney and James Tamou.

In mid-2007, Penrith announced one of the club’s biggest ever signings – securing the services of Broncos prop Petero Civoniceva ahead of the 2008 season.

It was a critical signing at a difficult time for Penrith. Times had become lean following the premiership success of 2003, and captain Craig Gower became a high profile departure in 2007, announcing a plan to leave the NRL to play rugby union in France.

Civoniceva was a major name in the game – officials knew he would not only bring talent and much- needed experience, but an off-field persona that would be lapped up by locals.

They were right – Civoniceva quickly became a fan favourite and would lead the Panthers through a re-building phase that ultimately saw them qualify for the

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, May 15, 2020

10. Signing Coup

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Friday, May 15, 2020 « the western weekender • extra time

8. Penrith Park Opens

7. First Grand Final

HISTORY MAKERS: THEATRE OF DREAMS OPENS ITS DOORS

THE TEARS ARE REAL: PENRITH FALLS AT THE BIGGEST DANCE

The 1967 team: Bill McCall, Russ Johnstone, Geoff Waldie, Bob Landers, Barry Harris, Grahame Moran, Leo Trevena, Dave Applebee, Maurie Raper, Ron Workman, Wayne Peckham, Laurie Fagan, Ernie Gillon and Tom Wilson.

Alan McIndoe and Royce Simmons share in Grand Final heartbreak.

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enrith have won premierships, produced superstars of the game and had great success over the years, but one of the most significant days in the club’s history was way back on April 23, 1967.

It was on this day that Penrith Park was officially opened – the venue that would go on to be the hallowed turf that so many memories were made on.

With the Panthers granted a place in the 1967 competition, work was feverish in late 1966 to get the ground ready. When it opened on April 23, 1967 it looked nothing like it does now – many upgrades over the years have taken away the bulk of the

1960s heritage that existed at the venue.

The official opening game was against the ferocious Dragons, a side that had won 11 straight premierships.

The Dragons were obviously the favourites, but Penrith had emotion and celebration on their side and ran out 24- 12 winners. The day will be remembered sadly for St George fans, with the legendary Reg Gasnier suffering a broken leg early in the contest.

The crowd on that day was 12,201 and each one of them witnessed something very special in the history of Penrith.

– Troy Dodds

enrith would start their 1990 campaign with Phil Gould, who had already enjoyed Premiership success with Canterbury two years prior, in charge as coach.

Despite some teething issues throughout the season, the club’s acquisition of Gould was deemed a masterstroke after the Panthers won 10 of their last 13 matches leading into the Finals.

In the Qualifying Final, Penrith disposed of Brisbane with ease to set up a Semi Final berth with defending Premiers Canberra, for a place in the 1990 Grand Final. They won the game 30-12 in extra time.

Gould tried to restrict the celebrations in the sheds post- match, wanting to ensure that the players understood the job was far from done. However, back at the licenced club later that evening, the Penrith district partied long and hard.

When Grand Final Day rolled around on September 23, it didn’t exactly go to script for the Panthers who would faceoff against the Raiders once again.

A delay in kick-off rattled the Panthers, who went down 12-0 early.

In the end, the tight contest finished with Canberra winning 18-14.

– Nathan Taylor

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6. Roosters Plucked MIRACLE AT THE SFS: SOWARD KICKS PENRITH TO VICTORY

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5. BREAKTHROUGH FINALLY, THE FINALS: 1985 BECOMES DEFINING SEASON

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he first week of the Finals in 2014 delivered one of Penrith’s most famous victories.

Taking on a star-studded Roosters side at the Sydney Football Stadium, the fourth placed Panthers were outsiders against the minor premiers and very few had tipped an upset.

While Penrith opened the scoring, the game went largely to script, with the Roosters leading 18- 12 heading into the final four minutes of the contest. But the Panthers weren’t dead yet.

With three and a half minutes on the clock, Jamie Soward sent a light kick towards the touchline, in search of an unlikely try out wide. It looked too deep – but Dallin Watene-Zelezniak never gave up on it. In an amazing feat of athleticism, Watene-Zelezniak managed to stay in the field of play while tossing the ball back inside. Dean Whare forced the loose ball, and the Panthers had scored. “Aliens can’t do that,� Fox commentator Andrew Voss screamed as replays showed the incredible nature of WateneZelezniak’s work to keep the ball alive.

Soward then landed the sideline conversion to lock the game up at 18-all.

With extra time looking likely, the Panthers marched up field and with 11

The 1985 Penrith Panthers had a roller coaster season, that finished with Finals footy.

A Jamie Soward. Photo: NRL Photos. seconds on the clock, Soward slotted a 32 metre field goal to give his side a stunning 19-18 win.

The victory over the Roosters remains one of the greatest Finals wins of all-time. – Troy Dodds

fter missing out on the Finals by a single premiership point the year prior, Penrith were primed for a big season in 1985.

Not only did they boast the reigning Coach of the Year in Tim Sheens and Captain of the Year in Royce Simmons, but they also possessed the 1984 Rookie of the Year in Greg Alexander.

The Panthers got their 1985 campaign off to great start with a 26- 14 win over Manly. However consecutive losses to Balmain, St George and Illawarra set Penrith back on their heels.

Fortunately a season defining 38- 8 win over Canberra in Round 5 put the

Panthers back on track and they would go on to win their next four matches.

With one preliminary round remaining, Penrith needed to beat Easts away from home to secure a playoff for fifth place.

The Panthers cooked the Chooks 38- 6, which would set up a date against the Sea Eagles for a place in the Finals.

The playoff match against Manly at the SCG was a tough battle, with scores level at 6- all at full- time. Following 20 gruelling minutes of extra time, Penrith came out on top 10-7.

Finally, Penrith had made the Finals. – Nathan Taylor

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4. Defection

3. Second Premiership

OUR FIGHT FOR SURVIVAL: SUPER LEAGUE, HERE WE COME

CHAMPIONS AGAIN: PANTHERS CLAIM EPIC 2003 DECIDER

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hile Coronavirus has the unenviable honour of shutting down rugby league entirely, history will still show that the biggest threat to the game’s survival came in 1995 when the Super League war engulfed the code.

While clubs had pledged loyalty to the ARL competition in February of that year, News Limited’s rival competition was gaining momentum.

As court battles continued and loyalty began to strain, May 12 would prove a significant day in the game’s history, and in the story of the Penrith Panthers.

It was on that day that the Panthers declared their loyalty to Super League, in a major blow to the traditional competition. The fallout was immediate. Brad Fittler and Matt Sing were in Queensland on State of Origin duties, and the ARL rushed to sign them to new contracts, ending their relationships with Penrith.

Both moved to the Roosters.

“We started out being loyal to the ARL, but then I developed a suspicion that they didn’t consider us part of their future,” then CEO Roger Cowan would later say.

Worried that Penrith would become collateral damage in the ongoing war,

Jody Gall playing for Penrith in 1997.

Cowan pursued Super League in an effort to secure the club’s rugby league presence.

While a court ruling prevented Super League running in 1996, rugby league was split down the middle in 1997 – with the ARL competition and the Super League competition, featuring the Panthers, running side by side. It lasted one year.

– Troy Dodds

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.

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 twotry performance, while eventual Clive Churchill Medallist Luke Priddis not only set up a try that evening but bagged one himself in an heroic effort.

Fan favourite Ryan Girdler, who limped off injured in the second half, summed up the enormity of the occasion.

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

Scott Sattler’s remarkable tackle.

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.

– Nathan Taylor

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1. SUCCESS AT LAST

PANTHERS TORN APART: BEN ALEXANDER KILLED IN CRASH

25 YEARS IN THE MAKING: PENRITH WINS FIRST TITLE

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, May 15, 2020

2. Tragedy Strikes

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Penrith celebrates the 1991 Grand Final win.

A Ben Alexander. farewell to Ben Alexander. Nearly 700 people crammed into St Nicholas for the Requiem Mass while 4000 others spilled out of the church grounds onto High St to listen to the mass by loud speakers”.

– Troy Dodds

fter going down to the Raiders in 1990, Penrith walked onto the SFS pitch a much more mature looking team a year later.

So many things went against Penrith in the 1991 decider – 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 restart, the Geyer run, the Simmons try – magic.

Alexander confirmed victory with a sideline conversion that gave the Panthers an unassailable 19-12 lead.

– Nathan Taylor

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he front page of the June 26, 1992 edition of The Western Weekender said it all: “Penrith mourns”.

Less than a year after the euphoria of the club’s first premiership, the Panthers were devastated when young star Ben Alexander was tragically killed in a car accident on June 21, 1992.

20- year- old Alexander may have been playing in the shadow of his brother Greg, but he showed plenty of talent in his own right.

On June 21, 1992 the Panthers defeated Easts 23-10 and a function was held at the club afterwards to present the players with their premiership blazers from the previous year.

Ben Alexander had been dropped to reserve grade a week prior to the Easts game, and was not keen to stay at the function. He and some mates decided to visit a nightclub in the area, but on the way, Ben was tragically killed at Colyton.

The death of Ben Alexander shattered the Alexander family, his teammates, the community and the Penrith club as a whole.

The Weekender’s June 26 edition reported: “Penrith came to a virtual standstill yesterday when thousands flocked to St Nicholas Church to bid

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Friday, May 15, 2020 « the western weekender • extra time

panther rumblings

WITH THE MASKED PANTHER

NETWORK IN FIRING LINE !

I can reveal the Panthers have lodged an official complaint with Channel Seven after the network essentially set up camp outside Nathan Cleary’s home for four days. Seven was persistent, desperately trying to interview him about his social distancing slip-up every time he opened his front door.

The 27-year-old Windsor Wolves junior said he was thrilled to have the opportunity to continue working towards his goal of an NRL debut. “I’ve played footy for a long time now but this is the best opportunity I’ve ever had and I want to make the most of it,” Hollis said.

Josh Mansour working out at his home.

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Talking of questionable media behaviour, The Daily Telegraph published an article by Paul Kent on Tuesday night that suggested the now infamous TikTok video was not filmed at Nathan Cleary’s house, and was the main lie that saw the star halfback suspended for two games and fined $30,000. It was a great twist to the story, but it wasn’t true. Kent’s story was quickly changed, but there was no mention of the previous glaring mistake.

When your very story is about lies and cover-ups, you’d think transparency would be a critical consideration.

Supporters were surprised last week to learn of Shawn Blore’s immediate departure from the club, with the rising teenage star signing a deal with the Wests Tigers. The 19-year-old was part of Penrith’s premiership-winning SG Ball side in 2018, before being sidelined with a serious ACL injury in 2019. “Given the current circumstances, we believe it is in the best interests of all parties to grant that request and we wish Shawn all the best with his future endeavours,” Panthers General Manager Matt Cameron said.

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Dylan Edwards is more eager than most for the NRL to resume, given an ankle injury forced him out of the opening two games of the season. Edwards will be good to go for Penrith’s round three match later this month, and has been smashing goals at training. Meantime, Kurt Capewell has shrugged off his quad strain and should be good to go if required for the first game back.

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Panthers captain James Tamou is comfortable going into battle against players who haven’t received the flu vaccination. As the issue continues to play a role in the NRL’s path to resuming the season on May 28, Tamou was clear in his view. “I’m here to play footy, I’m not here to pass judgement on anyone,” he said.

“I would be comfortable to play against someone without the flu jab.”

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The great Gus Gould – who had three stints at Penrith as a player, coach and administrator – has been back on Twitter for some time now. While he has almost 14,000 followers, Gus only follows an exclusive club of 59 people. He follows a lightbulb called GavWav, the pesky Mole and an account full of George Costaza quotes. He only follows one NRL club (the Roosters) but is very politically inclined, following the likes of Marise Payne, Josh Frydenberg, Scott Morrison, Stuart Ayres and Donald Trump.

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His comments were echoed by Penrith winger Josh Mansour. “It’s a big talking point [in the media] but us players haven’t been talking about it, to be honest,” Mansour said. “There’s a lot of conversations going around in the media but personally, I’m not going to judge people that don’t want to get the jab. I’ve had the jab but it doesn’t really affect me.”

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Talking of Mansour, prior to returning to training last week, the veteran winger was training in isolation at home – and doing a mighty good job of it. Just take a look at those muscles – it’s almost like looking in the mirror. But not all of Mansour’s teammates were happy with seeing his shirtless workout posted on Instagram. Isaah Yeo commented:

“#nobodycaresworkharder. He can’t do a session without posting it FFS”. Goldlevel banter!

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Pat Hollis has been upgraded to Pen-

rith’s NRL development list. Previously on a train-and-trial contract, the promotion allows Hollis to keep training with the 32-man NRL squad in accordance with the current protocols.

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Fans are expected to have some insight soon into where they stand regarding their Memberships for 2020.

I’m hearing the club will make some announcements in the coming days impacting those with season tickets.

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never know how far he could have taken the team in 2018 as he was sacked just a few weeks out from the Finals in controversial circumstances.

ith only two weeks to go before the 2020 rugby league season kicks off again, I thought it might be interesting to list my Top 5 Panthers coaches of all-time.

How did I rank these coaches? Let’s go through each selection with a short explanation.

5. Ron Willey (1988- 89). While Willey’s stint with Penrith was short, it was certainly memorable. He bought a toughness to the team and a steely resolve which resulted in a Finals appearance in 1988 despite the side losing many of its star players at the wrong time of the season.

1. Phil Gould (1990- 94). Selecting Gus at number one is a no- brainer, he won Penrith its first premiership in 1991 and he also coached the team to a Grand Final appearance in 1990. It’s well documented that Gould’s following three seasons weren’t that successful but he did enough in those first two years to warrant top spot.

Honourable mentions: Ivan Cleary (2012- 2015, 2019- ). Cleary has already guided the Panthers to within one game of a Grand Final in 2014 and with a plethora of exciting young talent coming through, he has the potential to one day top the list of coaches listed above him.

3. Tim Sheens (1984- 87). The Dally M Coach of the Year in 1984, Sheens guided the Panthers to their first ever semi-final appearance in 1985. He promoted youngsters like Greg Alexander and Mark Geyer into first grade while Royce Simmons

Anthony Griffin is one of Penrith’s best coaches of all-time. Photo: Megan Dunn. flourished under his coaching. He also bought a professionalism to the football club never before seen.

4. Anthony Griffin (2016-18). Love him or

hate him, Anthony Griffin came in and the side made the Finals three years in a row under his guidance. Hook was perhaps a little more hard- nosed and old school than past coaches but he got results. We’ll

Royce Simmons (1994- 2001). Under difficult circumstances, which included taking over from Gus late in 1994 and the Super League War, Roycie was still able to guide the team to a semi-final appearance in 1997 (Super League competition) and later in a unified competition in 2000. Still our longest serving coach.

Until next week, cheers!

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2. John Lang (2002-2006). Lang guided the Panthers to a second premiership in 2003 a year after the team finished 12th, that in itself is no mean feat. The following season he got the Panthers to within one game of another Grand Final appearance and although things fell away after that, he deserves the number two spot.

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