Extra Time May 27 2022 (Round 12)

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Photo: NRL Images

BRIAN TO’O R E T S O P IN SIDE

the party rolls on THE PANTHERS RETURN HOME AFTER RESOUNDING ON-THE-ROAD VICTORIES AGAINST POWERHOUSE NRL RIVALS PANTHERS V COWBOYS MATCH PREVIEW: PAGE 31

MASKED PANTHER

FACE IN THE CROWD

LOWER GRADE REPORT

THE LATEST ON ROYCE’S BIG WALK PLUS CRICHTON’S ORIGIN DREAM ABOUT TO COME TRUE PAGE 32

DID OUR CAMERAS SPOT YOU AT A RECENT PANTHERS HOME GAME? PAGE 39

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE NSW CUP AND JERSEY FLEGG COMPS? PAGE 41

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the western weekender • extra time » Friday, May 27, 2022

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$

match preview

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the final word

v

Nathan Cleary in action against the Roosters. Photo: NRL Images.

TROY DODDS

G

o back to the pre-season and only the bravest of North Queensland fans would have had their side sitting in the top four approaching the mid-way point of the season, especially in the wake of their 2021 campaign.

At one stage the drums were even starting to beat around the future of coach Todd Payten, as the club struggled to recapture the form and consistency that it had just a few short years ago under previous coach Paul Green.

Now Payten has the Cowboys flying, coming into Friday night’s clash with Penrith with eight wins and sitting in third spot, fresh off dismantling Melbourne last Saturday night.

A few weeks ago Payten was asked on ‘NRL 360’ whether he thought his team was at the standard of Penrith and Melbourne, and he clearly was unwilling to say things were going

BROADCAST KAYO FOX LEAGUE TRIPLE M NRL NATION

FRIDAY, MAY 27 | 6.00PM | BLUEBET STADIUM | REFEREE: ASHLEY KLEIN that well – but if they manage to topple the Panthers on Friday night then Premiership aspirations will certainly start being talked about.

The Panthers went about their business at the SCG last Saturday night, with a devastating period close to half-time putting the game out of reach for the Roosters.

There is just so much to like about Penrith at the moment, and there’s a host of players – headed by Jarome Luai and Stephen Crichton – who are really starting to hit their straps in this middle part of the season.

What comes now for Penrith is this difficult representative period, and you can bet that Ivan Cleary and his coaching staff have been preparing for these next few months since before a ball was kicked this season.

It’s not just about the game players will

miss against Canterbury next Friday night, but moreso how Cleary manages backing up players, an upcoming bye and ensuring things stay on track for the run home at the back end of the season.

Working in Penrith’s favour is a four point lead at the top of the competition – Cleary doesn’t so much have to worry about dropping competition points at different times and can focus on the long goal, which is an excellent luxury to have.

But back to this game.

All of a sudden the 6pm Friday game becomes the match of the round, but it’s been robbed of a couple of superstars in the shape of Jason Taumalolo and Kyle Feldt, who both suffered knee injuries against the Storm last weekend.

Penrith meanwhile remain full strength for this one, and I’d again expect them to go up

PANTHERS

the middle against this Cowboys pack in an attempt to dominate field position and frustrate their opponent, much like they did against the Roosters last weekend.

The best part of Penrith’s game last week was their patience; they had to wait 29 minutes for their first try but it didn’t worry them and they didn’t panic.

I’m expecting an enthralling game of footy, and I don’t think the scoreline will blow out as much as it did against the Storm and Roosters over the last fortnight.

The Cowboys are playing with plenty of confidence and won’t be daunted by the task.

But this Penrith team is in-form, full of positivity and has Origin knocking on the door for so many of the playing group. They’ll get the job done, but the Cowboys will offer plenty of fight.

Tip: Panthers by 8.

COWBOYS

1 Dylan Edwards

10 James Fisher-Harris

1 Scott Drinkwater

2 Taylan May

11 Viliame Kikau

2 Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow

10 Reuben Cotter 11 Tom Gilbert

3 Izack Tago

12 Liam Martin

3 Valentine Holmes

12 Jeremiah Nanai

4 Stephen Crichton

13 Isaah Yeo (c)

4 Peta Hiku

13 Coen Hess 14 Jake Granville

5 Brian To’o

14 Mitch Kenny

5 Murray Taulagi

6 Jarome Luai

15 Scott Sorensen

6 Tom Deardon

15 Heilum Luki

7 Nathan Cleary (c)

16 Spencer Leniu

7 Chad Townsend (c)

16 Jamayne Taunoa-Brown

8 Moses Leota

17 Jaeman Salmon

8 Jordan McLean

17 Griffin Neame

9 Apisai Koroisau

18 Robert Jennings 19 Chris Smith

9 Reece Robson

18 Taniela Sadrugu 19 Ben Hampton

Friday, May 27, 2022 « the western weekender • extra time

31

panther rumblings

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WITH THE MASKED PANTHER

CRITTER SET FOR ORIGIN DEBUT !

Feeling the Blues: Stephen Crichton will make his State of Origin debut for New South Wales next month at Accor Stadium. The season-ending shoulder injury to Tom Trbojevic has opened the door for the 21-year-old, who will be named in Brad Fittler’s team when it’s revealed this weekend. ‘Critter’ was already a chance of being selected given the injury to Latrell Mitchell, but it’s a gold-plated guarantee he’ll be there now.

!

Spotted: Three-time Paralympic gold medallist Kurt Fearnley supporting Royce Simmons on Royce’s Big Walk last week.

and Trevor Gillmeister – after appearing as a guest speaker at Katoomba RSL on Wednesday night. He watched Alzheimer’s disease slowly grind his father Tom from a strong, independent man to his death in July last year, so Royce’s Big Walk is personal for him.

“It is a terrible thing. And dementia doesn’t get enough publicity. When you’re personally affected by it, you get to understand what a terrible disease it is,” Miles said. Simmons will finish Royce’s Big Walk at BlueBet Stadium on Friday night.

Stephen Crichton scores an intercept try against the Roosters. Photo: NRL Images.

!

Showground bites back: “We’ll go when we’re ready” was the brash messaging from the Penrith District AH&I Society last week as speculation continues to mount over the future site of a new Penrith Stadium. “It is no secret we have been contemplating our future for the past four years. But we are not in a hurry,” a letter to the community and Showground supporters said in response to speculation the Penrith Paceway site could house the new stadium, allowing the Panthers to continue to play out of BlueBet Stadium while it is constructed. “Like many clubs and community-based organisations, we are assessing our future needs, and our landholding is the long-held asset that will help take us into the future.” The Society made the point that it is not against the idea, but it would have to be “the right deal”. This is all very much a matter of timing. If the State Government wants to push on with a timeline to build the new stadium from later this year, the Paceway may not be the option it had initially hoped. There’s plenty to play out behind the scenes here, so stand by!

!

Magic COVID: A number of Penrith Directors and officials have been struck down with COVID this month. Thankfully it hasn’t impacted the playing group. There’s a suspicion Magic Round was the culprit for the mini-outbreak.

!

!

Miles joins Big Walk: Gene Miles, who developed a strong bond with Royce Simmons when they were Australian teammates in 1986, has a two-sided affinity with Royce’s dementia diagnosis and fundraising campaign. Big ‘Geno’ was scheduled to complete day 10 on the road with his mate ‘Simmo’ on Thursday – with fellow border hoppers Wally Lewis

Commentator calls Penrith title: Fox League commentator Andrew Voss has seen plenty of footy over the years, and he’s confident that the Panthers can go back-to-back in 2022. “Penrith just have more gears than any other side,” Voss declared on his SEN Radio breakfast show this week. “I will not be tipping against Penrith again this season.” He had some lofty support too, with former Australian captain Cameron Smith (who played his final NRL game against Penrith in the 2020 Grand Final), accepting the Panthers are the team to beat. “I’ve seen Penrith half a dozen times live this year and they are super impressive,” Smith

said. “The game against Melbourne in particular, I don’t think I’ve seen such a dominant performance all year from any side.”

night. The Cowboys v Storm clash topped the night, while the Panthers’ win over the Roosters attracted an average audience of 204,000.

!

!

Double act: Talking of Voss, he produced a rare NRL double act last Saturday – calling the Dragons v Warriors clash in the afternoon before racing across town to call Penrith’s win over the Roosters at the SCG.

!

Footy tops politics: Saturday’s three NRL games all finished on top of the ratings against Sky News’ election coverage last Saturday

Falls to debut: Kurt Falls is set to make his long-awaited NRL debut when he plays for Penrith against the Bulldogs next weekend.

!

Spill the tea: Have you heard a rumour that I should look into? Spotted a Panther out and about? I don’t keep secrets but I do protect my sources. Email me at maskedpanther@ westernweekender.com.au.

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Indi Cleary 0439 547 367

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32

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, May 27, 2022

feature

COMMUNITY COMES FIRST AT PENRITH NATHAN TAYLOR

I

zack Tago’s life as a footballer has changed dramatically since making his NRL debut exactly one year ago.

Before May 29 last year, diehard Panthers fans were aware of his name and what he was doing to opposing teams in the lower grades, but the rugby league world as a whole had no idea the extraordinary talent that was about to emerge.

12 months on and the man known as “Tages” is now a household name, so much so that he’s even making young fans emotional upon meeting him.

Following last Saturday night’s big win over the Sydney Roosters at the SCG, Fox Sports cameras captured Tago meeting a young Panthers fan post-match.

The footage showed Tago getting a photo with a young girl before she hugged him and burst into tears in delight.

Speaking with Extra Time on Wednesday about the special moment, the 20-year-old centre said he had never experienced such admiration from a fan.

“That was the first time anything like that has happened to me… but I thought it was pretty special,” Tago said.

“I like having the ability to make someone’s day from seeing them. That aspect of being a footballer is pretty cool.”

But it isn’t just Tago giving his fans attention after a game, with the entire Panthers team

Izack Tago at Panthers training on Wednesday. Photo: Melinda Jane.

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widely regarded around the league as being the most gracious with their loyal supporter base.

Win or lose, Panthers players always make the time to meet and grab selfies with their adoring fans post-match.

“Community is a strong point for our culture,” Tago said.

“We know people come out to see us and we always try and get out there regardless of the end result.”

Tago will be hoping to win over some more supporters this Friday night when Penrith take on NRL surprise packets North Queensland at BlueBet Stadium.

The Cowboys are currently the hottest team in the competition, having knocked off Parramatta and Melbourne on their way to six straight victories.

“They’ve bounced back well from last year,” Tago said of the Cowboys’ form.

“They’re currently on a long win streak and it’s going to be a hard game this week.”

If Penrith are to keep their winning run going also, Tago and company are going to have to be at their very best to knock off the 2015 NRL Premiers.

The St Marys junior said “culture” is what’s driving the 2022 Panthers to be even better than they were last year, a mean feat given they won the title.

“I think it’s just buying into the culture and what our coaches are trying to get out of us,” he said.

“It goes a long way, and you can see that as a result of what the team is doing – everyone works together and is on the same page.”

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feature

PANTHERS WELL PREPARED FOR ORIGIN NATHAN TAYLOR

A

fter a disappointing State of Origin period last season, Premiership-winning halfback and co-captain Nathan Cleary has backed his side to keep the good times rolling when he and up to a dozen of his teammates are on NSW Blues duty from next week.

It’s no secret that Penrith didn’t handle being inundated with Origin selection last year, with plans well in place this season to make sure the club copes a little bit better this time around.

Whether it’s debuting players in first grade to get them accustomed, dropping others to get more minutes in NSW Cup, or resting them entirely this weekend so they can be fresh for NRL action next week – coach Ivan Cleary is leaving no stone unturned in his pursuit to remain on top.

Speaking with Extra Time on Wednesday, Nathan Cleary admitted the defending Premiers are in a much stronger place heading into this year’s Origin campaign than they were last season.

“I think we are better suited now,” the Clive Churchill Medallist said.

Penrith halfback Nathan Cleary chatting with journalist Nathan Taylor on Wednesday. Photo: Melinda Jane.

“This time last year Origin selection was new to everyone. But after that experience, the club has been working on ways to manage it better.

“I think the guys in the younger grades, especially in Cup, have actually played a fair bit of first grade now, so they’ve got that experience and know what it’s like. I think if they get an opportunity next week, they’ll do a really good job for us.”

With Penrith’s NSW Cup team not p l a y i n g until Sunday afternoon, coach Cleary is taking no chances with his back-up players, opting to rest a handful of them this weekend so they can be fit and firing for Penrith’s Round 13 N R L clash

Ready for Origin: Panthers co-captain Nathan Cleary. Photo: Melinda Jane.

34

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, May 27, 2022

against the Canterbury Bulldogs at BlueBet Stadium.

“Cup is playing on Sunday this week and it’s a short turnaround to Friday night, so if you lost a couple of guys in that Cup game you’d be pretty short in the ranks,” Cleary said.

“It’s good for the guys being rested because they now get a big preparation heading into Friday’s game against the Dogs.”

One player set to make his long-awaited NRL debut against Canterbury next week is local junior Kurt Falls. The 25-year-old half is one of those players rested from Cup duties this weekend, meaning he’s in line to become Panther #608.

“I’d love to see Kurt get his debut next week,” Cleary said.

“I played school footy with him at Dommies and he’s been chipping away for so many years.

He’s been so patient… he did his time at Ron Massey Cup before being called into the top squad last year. He’s worked so hard, and I think he deserves it. It will be good to see.”

But before Cleary and his Blues brigade head off to battle the Maroons, they have one last mission ahead of them this Friday night against the Cowboys.

Since losing to Parramatta three weeks ago, Penrith have taken their game to another level – handsomely defeating the Storm and Roosters in back-to-back weeks.

Cleary said the side’s shock loss to the Eels at home is now seen by many at the club as a blessing in disguise.

“We’re always looking to get better and sometimes a loss can be a blessing in disguise, just to tighten a few things up and keep striving to be better,” the 24-year-old said.

“I think that’s the beauty of being part of this team – especially over the last few years – everyone just comes in each week and wants to get better no matter what the result on the weekend. Everyone is just striving to improve.”

Like the Panthers, one team that has improved out of sight this season is tonight’s opponents North Queensland. Currently sitting in third place, the boys from Townsville have won their last six matches. Cleary said he’s seen similarities between the Cowboys and the Panthers.

“They work really hard for each other and have an emphasis on a team-first mentality – similar to what we have – they are putting their defence first and their playing some really good attacking footy off the back of it. They’ve been the surprise packet this year, but it’s no surprise they are playing so well with the mentality they have,” he said.

PENRITH’S MISSION TO SURVIVE DAUNTING ORIGIN BURDEN I

f there’s one thing this couch coach thought Premiership-winning coach Ivan Cleary got wrong last year, it was the handling of the team during the 2021 State of Origin series.

Penrith lost both games during this period and one gets the feeling Ivan is determined that won’t happen again this year.

So, when asked about the upcoming series in the media conference after the win over the Roosters last Saturday, Ivan said confidently: “One of the things we did learn was that you

have to be careful when moving players into different roles they’re not accustomed to. It’s going to be a huge challenge for us but our NSW Cup team [keep winning] so we’ve got players in form but I’m looking forward to the challenge and seeing plenty of the Cup boys picked [in first grade] because they deserve it.”

Ivan admitted he put Jarome Luai in Nathan Cleary’s role last year when the Clive Churchill Medallist was out, and it simply didn’t work.

This means true half Sean O’Sullivan will fill

lang on

league with Peter Lang Expect to see Charlie Staines back in first grade next week. Photo: NRL Images.

NORMAN’S

SCRAP

that role when Cleary is out on Origin duties next week.

Ivan also believes the players showed the benefits of being involved in the Origin series during their tough Finals run last year.

“If your guys play well in the Origin arena, then it’s going to help you down the back end of the season. As a club it also tests your culture and your systems, so it’s a challenge we look forward to,” he said.

The challenge to cover for up to seven players will be tough. One can reasonably expect that Nathan Cleary, Jarome Luai, Isaah Yeo, Brian To’o, Stephen Crichton, Liam Martin and even possibly Api Koroisau will be picked during the duration of the series.

There is some protection for Penrith this year with a bye following one Origin game and the other being a stand alone Rep Round.

The one game where all seven could be out will be against the Bulldogs in Round 13 at BlueBet Stadium, just before the first Origin on June 8.

Here is my predicted Panthers team for the night: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Charlie Staines 3.

Robert Jennings 4. Izack Tago 5. Taylan May 6.

Kurt Falls 7. Sean O’Sullivan 8. Moses Leota 9.

Mitch Kenny 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Scott Sorensen 13. J’maine Hopgood.

Interchange: 14. Soni Luke 15. Jaeman Salmon 16. Matt Eisenhuth 17. Spencer Leniu.

It’s still a good-looking side with plenty of strike power and while the Bulldogs may be in a hole at the moment, nothing will fire them up more than getting a win against the Premiers on their home ground.

It won’t be a walk in the park but one gets the feeling these 17 Panthers will still get the job done.

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panthers poster 36

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, May 27, 2022

Friday, May 27, 2022 « the western weekender • extra time

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DOB: 18/08/98 | HEIGHT: 182CM | WEIGHT: 97KG | POSITION: WINGER | NRL DEBUT: 2019

BRIAN TO’O

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the western weekender • extra time » Friday, May 27, 2022

WW44338

nrl ladder & fixtures CLUB

PD

W

D

L

B

F

A

+/-

PTS

1

Panthers

11

10

0

1

0

322

128

+194

20

2

Storm

11

8

0

3

0

347

178

+169

16

3

Cowboys

11

8

0

3

0

287

131

+156

16

4

Sharks

11

7

0

4

0

244

186

+58

14

5

Broncos

11

7

0

4

0

233

181

+52

14

6

Eels

11

7

0

4

0

281

233

+48

14

7

Roosters

11

6

0

5

0

233

200

+33

12

8

Rabbitohs

11

5

0

6

0

236

235

+1

10

9

Raiders

11

5

0

6

0

190

223

-33

10

10 11

Sea Eagles Dragons

11 11

5 5

0 0

6 6

0 0

212 175

252 258

-40 -83

10

Warriors

11

4

0

7

0

198

287

-89

8

13

Titans

11

3

0

8

0

178

265

-87

6

14

W. Tigers

11

3

0

8

0

162

254

-92

6

15

Knights

11

3

0

8

0

136

284

-148

6

Bulldogs

11

2

0

9

0

118

257

-139

V

Thursday, May 26 7.50pm AAMI Park

V

Friday, May 27 6.00pm BlueBet Stadium

V

Friday, May 27 7.55pm Suncorp Stadium

V

Saturday, May 28 3.00pm Moreton Daily Stadium

V

Saturday, May 28 5.30pm Accor Stadium

10

12

16

ROUND 12

4

V

Saturday, May 28 7.35pm PointsBet Stadium

V

Sunday, May 29 2.00pm Belmore Sports Ground

V

Sunday, May 29 4.05pm GIO Stadium

Face In Th e Crowd

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Friday, May 27, 2022 « the western weekender • extra time

39

CAN ISAAH YEO JOIN RARE CLUB AS A DALLY M WINNING LOCK?

matt russell W

Isaah Yeo in action against Parramatta. Photo: NRL Images.

Brought to you by

e hit the halfway mark of the season this weekend, which means the final week of Dally M voting being made public.

The leaderboard is not exactly a comparison to the Lotto numbers. The top five lines include six halves and two fullbacks, but leading them all is a No.13 – Isaah Yeo. Locks hardly have a glorious history on the Dally M winners’ list. Jason Taumalolo shared the Medal with Cooper Cronk in 2016. Before that, you have to go back to Ray Price in 1982.

So, can Yeo hold on? Let’s come back to that.

Firstly, let’s look at Isaah’s career and the changing role of the No.13, lock, middle forward, call them what you will.

Yeo is in his ninth season of NRL, having barely missed a game since his debut in 2014.

At the risk of getting a bit technical, here is a picture of how his statistics have changed over the last few years. His ‘average possessions’ per game were about 13 for his first six seasons.

They’ve been above 20 for the last three. This year it’s 32. His ‘line engagement’ stat – that is

getting the defence to ‘bite’ on your run – has doubled this year compared to any year prior.

And he should easily have his best year in terms of ‘try assists’.

The above all points to the new role of the No.13. A ball-playing forward, working closely with the spine, playing out of the back of shape, what some people would label ‘a footy player’.

There are others too like Jake Trbojevic, Cam Murray and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui.

Yeo and the Penrith coaching staff – from Ivan Cleary down – deserve much credit for getting Yeo to play this way. Early in his career, if there was a criticism – and you had to look hard – it was that Isaah could be a bit one-dimensional, a bit straight up and down. We always knew he was tough and talented, but now he’s a trend-setter with skill. He had to believe in himself and the coaching staff had to believe in him.

So, can he hold on to that Dally M lead? History says you have to be a hooker, half or fullback to win. Maybe the evolving game will see that change in coming years as per above.

It could be said there are too many stars in the Penrith team who will spread the votes too thinly for one to emerge. It didn’t stop James Tedesco when the Roosters won the Premiership in 2019, or Cam Smith at Melbourne as a Grand Final winner in 2017, or Johnathan Thurston likewise in 2015. Hell, when Price won as a lock in 1982, the list of Parramatta stars was as long as the team sheet!

Yeo can poll points in Origin, given a chance in recent years, and history says he doesn’t get injured. Touch wood.

He might get run down. Or he might hold on.

Maybe he’ll pull away. Everyone at St Johns Dubbo and walking Mulgoa Road hopes so.

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40

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, May 27, 2022

MIXED RESULTS FOR PANTHERS IN WET WEEKEND OF FOOTBALL T

lower grades report with Lachlan Jeffery @LachlanJeffery

he Penrith Panthers have remained two points clear at the top of the Knock-On Effect NSW Cup ladder with a 17-12 victory over the North Sydney Bears.

In a tight encounter at North Sydney Oval, goal kicking ultimately proved to be the difference as the Panthers held on.

Penrith struck first in the 15th minute when Norths spilled a bomb, allowing Preston Riki to touch down.

Norths struck back minutes later when Adam Keighran ducked through a hole out wide.

A professional foul by Daniel Suluka-Fifita saw Norths reduced to 12 for 10 minutes late in the half, with the Panthers taking advantage of the extra man twice.

The first came from a simple line run by J’Maine Hopgood, followed immediately after by a good bit of eyes-up footy from Sean O’Sullivan, sighting a hole and putting a kick through for Thomas Jenkins to take the Panthers’ lead to 16-4.

O’Sullivan added a field goal on the siren to take the lead to 13.

Norths cut that margin back to nine as Kevin Naiqama evaded Sunia Turuva to the corner.

Another try to Keighran with 20 minutes to go cut the difference to five, but ultimately poor Bears goal kicking and strong Penrith defence meant the Panthers held on for the win.

The Jersey Flegg Panthers received a reality check against the high-flying Roosters at Leichhardt Oval on Saturday afternoon.

A win for the Panthers would have moved them to equal first with the Roosters, but ill-discipline hurt as they trailed 30-0 at half-time.

Penrith finally got on the board 10 minutes into the second half when Isaiah Iongi crossed

Penrith suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of the Roosters last week. Photo: Jake Hunter.

after a strong kick-chase by Zac Lipowicz forced an error.

An intercept by Addison Williams set up a runaway try for Cody Lawson, however a pair of late penalty goals to the Roosters pushed the

final scoreline out to 34-10.

In Round 12, the Panthers head to St Johns Oval in Newcastle to play the Knights in a Sunday afternoon double-header, with Jersey Flegg kicking off at 12.30pm and Cup at 2pm.

feature

PASS BACK. MOVE FORWARD. TROY DODDS

T

he NRL is celebrating Indigenous Round this weekend under the theme of ‘Pass Back.

Move Forward’.

The NRL’s Indigenous Round aims to recognise that greater understanding of Indigenous history and culture is essential in creating a more united future, and to encourage fans to be part of the change.

Throughout the week and across all eight Round 12 matches, the NRL is challenging fans to learn the land and learn the history, through knowledge and respect for the traditional custodians of the land on which they live and experience the game of rugby league.

Matches at each venue will be preceded by traditional welcome ceremonies, performances and celebrations of Indigenous culture, while the 16 NRL clubs will wear specially designed jerseys for the round, inspired by Indigenous art and storytelling.

NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said investing in strong pathways for Indigenous players,

coaches, referees and administrators is a strategic priority for rugby league.

“Indigenous representation in rugby league continues to be strong, but we need to create even more pathways and leadership opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities,” he said.

“Passionate and talented Indigenous athletes have helped shape the game for decades, we owe it to them to keep building our programs and pathways so that even more young Indigenous Australians can realise their dreams in the NRL and NRLW.” To help fans discover more about the land and the history, the NRL is hosting a range of stories and resources throughout the week on nrl.

com/indigenous. For the first time, this includes information on how fans can support Indigenous businesses.

This content also includes interactive maps to help fans discover which tribes the game’s Indigenous male and female stars are from, and information about Australia’s traditional Indigenous nations and the land they are on.

This year’s 2022 NRL Indigenous Round is delivered by DoorDash, who are donating $50,000 to the NRL’s School to Work program, which supports young Indigenous Australians with work experience, mentoring and leadership opportunities to help them successfully complete school and transition into further study, training or employment.

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the western weekender • extra time » Friday, May 27, 2022