Extra Time April 5 2024 (Round 5 - Panthers v Sea Eagles)

the final word

The Panthers head to Brookvale Oval on Saturday evening knowing that a win is about more than just two competition points.

There’s always stakes in the ground as far as season progression is concerned and getting to their first bye in Round Six in pretty good shape would have been the first of many for the Panthers.

Penrith have a chance to enter that week off with a 4-1 record, pretty impressive given their shortened preparation and the loss of halfback Nathan Cleary to a hamstring strain after Round 3.

It also must be noted that the Panthers had an extremely tough draw, so the potential to go into the bye with such an impressive record is something to crow about, no doubt.

Standing in the way though is a Manly side desperate to get back into form after a diabolical 20-12 loss to St George-Illawarra last Saturday in Wollongong. How it wasn’t a bigger scoreline probably tells you how bad the Dragons are going too.

“We were out-played... that was really clear for everyone to see,” Sea Eagles coach Anthony Seibold said post-game.

“We were second by a fair distance to be fair.”

You would think Manly couldn’t be that bad again. Not on their home turf, and not staring down the barrel of a third consecutive loss.

Penrith though would be fairly confident making the trip to the northern beaches, even with Nathan Cleary not bringing his match-day kit.

Ivan Cleary’s side was impressive against the

Roosters last weekend, never really headed on their way to chalking up a 22-16 win at Allianz Stadium.

Sure, had Nathan Cleary been there the game probably would have been iced much earlier, but yet again Penrith’s systems won through and it was great to see Jarome Luai take a more active role in Penrith’s attack, while Dylan Edwards had his best game all season. Manly will be looking for their big guns to fire on Saturday. With both Tom Trbojevic and Daly Cherry-Evans particularly disappointing against the Dragons, both will have something to prove. Trbojevic, for the record, leads the NRL in individual errors this year with 13. Meantime, his fullback counterpart in Edwards continues to knock on the door of Blues Origin selectors. Not only did he produce

a standout effort last week including one of the tries of the season, but he leads the NRL in All Runs, Run Metres and Kick Return Metres.

Penrith identified issues on the Roosters’ left-side defence last weekend and continued to pepper that side, and they’ll no doubt look to exploit any shortcomings in the Manly side this weekend.

I’m expecting a high scoring encounter. On a crisp Brookvale evening, I expect there to be plenty of tries scored and the result to be pretty close before Penrith eventually pull away.

The return of James Fisher-Harris is a particularly big inclusion for Penrith.

And here’s a telling stat for you: Penrith have not lost the week before a bye since Round 11, 2016. Make of that what you will.

Tip: Panthers by 8.

panther rumblings

BROTHERHOOD REMAINS STRONG

! Always a Panther: Spencer Leniu has been in the headlines for all the wrong reasons lately but it was touching to see him catch up with a few recent former team mates on the sideline at Allianz Stadium last Thursday night. The suspended prop chatted with Sunia Turuva, Izack Tago and Brian To’o – proving the bond built at the Panthers over the last few years will never be broken, regardless of the jersey you’re wearing.

! Cleary’s bar buy: A new sports bar will open on High Street in Penrith later this year –and it has a high profile owner. Two-time Clive Churchill Medal winner Nathan Cleary is part of the ownership group of Freddy’s, which will open at the site of the now closed Duck Duck Goose bar and restaurant. The bar is named after Panthers 1991 Grand Final winner Brad Fittler. It’s an expansion of Cleary’s off-field business interests, with the Panthers co-captain also a part owner in Drink West, a growing beer brand and brewery. The bar will open in June.

! Cleary conflict: The opening of Freddy’s – and Cleary's involvement in Drink West – has raised a few eyebrows among some Penrith officials and Directors. There's always been an awkwardness around Drink West being in competition with some of Penrith’s major sponsors, while a new sports bar obviously competes with Panthers Leagues Club. It’d never be raised in any serious way and Cleary is free to do what he likes, but it’s never sat comfortably with some.

! Chase for Turuva: Sunia Turuva (pictured above) has technically been on the open market since last November but with negotiations at the Panthers stalling, his management is now testing the market – as has been widely reported over the last week. I’m told Turuva couldn’t be more keen to stay at Penrith and

it would have to take an extraordinary offer to get him away from the foot of the Mountains. But as we’ve seen in recent years, extraordinary offers to winning Penrith players aren’t out of the question. The Dragons are frontrunners for his signature should he leave Penrith.

! Spotted: Legendary Panthers halfback Greg Alexander on his way to Allianz Stadium to watch his nephew Mavrik make his first grade debut last Thursday night. Brandy wasn’t scheduled to work at Fox Sports so was clear to enjoy the night. We spotted him again after the game happily taking photos with fans.

! Schneider steps up: The debut of Mavrik Geyer overshadowed what was a solid performance from Brad Schneider in his club debut last Thursday night. Presented his game day jersey by Nathan Cleary a couple of days earlier, Schneider followed in the footsteps of other Cleary understudies and got the job done against the Roosters. It meant coach Ivan Cleary had no doubts to rest his son for this weekend’s clash against Manly and bring him back against the Tigers in Bathurst on April 20.

! Vegas is a go: The NRL will announce within the next few weeks the four teams heading to Las Vegas in March next year to kick off the 2025 season. The Panthers are a certainty to be on the trip. The announcement will be made some 10 or 11 months in advance

in an effort to ensure fans can prepare and save for the trip. Travel package details will also be revealed.

! World Club Challenge in doubt: With Penrith being Premiership favourites and a certainty for Vegas, another Grand Final win this year would be put the 2025 World Club Challenge in serious limbo. I’m told there would be no appetite for Penrith to travel both to England and the US; it would simply be too much of a disruptive start to the year. The only window would be if the UK champions travelled to Australia – most of the Vegas teams fielded full strength sides for their opening trials, so there’s a chance the World Club Challenge could be played on that opening weekend of the pre-season challenge.

! Stadium work rolls on: I’m told Infrastructure NSW has used this lengthy break in Penrith's home draw to do some preliminary work at BlueBet Stadium ahead of the major redevelopment, which will kick off at the end of the year. It’s all very technical stuff apparently, moreso to do with the playing surface than anything else.

! Brothers in arms: Taylan and Terrell May were quick to spot each other and share a hug after competing for opposite sides at Allianz Stadium last Thursday night. The brothers still have a desire to play together – along with

! Podcast: Don't forget to listen to the latest edition of the ‘10 Minute Match Day’ podcast on Saturday, with your last chance to win Chairman’s Lounge tickets. All you need to do is send an email to competitions@ westernweekender.com.au with ‘Chairmans’ in the subject line and include the code word mentioned in the podcast. Entries close Saturday, April 6 and the winner will be notified by email. Remember, you must include the code word from the podcast in your email. To hear the podcast, search Western Weekender wherever you listen to podcasts or visit www. westernweekender.com.au/podcast.

Tyrone – in the NRL one day.

Photo: NRL Photos.

HARD SUMMER ALL WORTH IT FOR MAV

Everything that led to Mav Geyer’s emotional NRL debut last week began midway through last year when he was upgraded from a development player to the club’s top 30 roster.

From that moment on, it was Geyer’s mission to play in the NRL in 2024 and, in order to do that, he had to sacrifice and become the fittest and best trainer over the summer.

“When I was upgraded to the top 30, everything became more real – this was my chance to take this opportunity with both hands,” Geyer told Extra Time on Tuesday. A heart to heart chat with Panthers coach Ivan Cleary during the pre-season allowed Geyer to see a path where his dream of playing first grade footy could become a reality in the not too distant future.

“Ivan had a chat to me about Hosko (Zac Hosking) leaving and said there’s an opportunity here and I’d like to see you grab it with both hands and have a real crack at it,” Geyer recalled.

“Even Jaeman Salmon leaving, he played that bench utility position, so there was a couple of spots

opening up for me and it was up to me whether I really wanted it or not.”

The 23-year-old said playing in the NRL, like his famous father Mark, was always the ultimate dream, but he knew he would have to put in the extra work to make that happen.

“I always wanted it, but it was finding that extra bit of confidence within myself,” Geyer said.

“I think that all starts with fitness.

I was really big on doing extra training in the off-season, making sure I was fit coming in.

“I’ve had a couple of injuries in the past and missing out on a couple of weeks can set you back in the fitness department. Fitness is where it all started for me in the off-season and gaining more confidence for myself.”

Geyer’s mission to first grade became a reality last Thursday night when he made his long-awaited NRL debut in front of dozens and dozens of close friends and family.

From famous faces in the crowd like his father MG and his uncle Greg Alexander to his schoolmates from St Dominic’s College, Geyer’s ultimate dream came true at a stadium that holds so many special memories for the Penrith Panthers fraternity.

“Dad went to the opening of the new Allianz Stadium a couple of years ago, so I knew it was a special stadium,” Geyer said.

“After Dad was there, he told me how many memories it brought back even though it had obviously changed. It’s still the same destination, same sort of feeling, it certainly heightened the specialness of it all. Words can’t describe the emotion around it.”

Also heightening the emotion of the occasion was the fact the young backrower was the first member of the Geyer household to play in the NRL since 2000 when his father retired.

It was a debut for the ages, arguably the most anticipated in Panthers’ history.

“It didn’t really hit me until after the game and seeing everyone there and how happy everyone was. It’s been a while since a Geyer had played NRL at the Panthers and the last time was my dad,” Geyer said.

“If I was just a regular player who didn’t have a father play in the NRL, it might’ve been more under wraps, but the whole experience has been humbling and it goes to show who my dad and my uncles were as people and it’s a credit to their careers and everything they did for this community.”

Mav Geyer this week. Photo: Melinda Jane.

NATHAN TAYLOR

CLEARY UNDERSTUDY SHOWS HIS CLASS

His club debut may have been slightly overshadowed by the son of a legend, but halfback Brad Schneider was seamless in filling in for the injured Nathan Cleary against the Roosters last week. Not expecting to get a call-up to fill the superstar’s big shoes so early on in the season, the 23-year-old was a pro guiding the Panthers around the Allianz Stadium pitch and onto a surprising victory.

“When you step into a team like this with quality players, it makes your job pretty easy,” Schneider told Extra Time

“I didn’t really feel any pressure. Obviously, you’re filling Nathan’s spot but, to be honest, he gave me a lot of confidence as did all the coaches, to be myself and that made it pretty simple for me. At the end of the day, it wasn’t too hard [to fit in].”

older brother watching from home in Townsville and his partner, aunty, uncle and cousins in the crowd, Schneider was solid in combing with Jarome Luai for Penrith’s third straight win.

The Adelaide-born playmaker said a lot of hard work and long nights of studying went into his Panthers debut.

“There’s a fair bit going on when you’re a half but having a good pre-season with the boys helps you a lot,” Schneider said.

“You’re always studying and doing video but, to be honest, the work you’ve done before helps a lot, so when you do get that call you’re ready to jump in.”

It’s been a whirlwind journey for Schneider since arriving at the foot of the Mountains in time for pre-season training.

Midway through last year, he was released from his contract with the Canberra Raiders to join Hull Kingston Rovers in the English Super League. In just

his short time in the UK, he was voted Super League Player of the Month, he played in the Challenge Cup Final, and he went up against eventual champions Wigan for a spot in the Super League Grand Final.

“If you told me I’d be playing in England this time last year I never would have believed you,” Schneider said.

“It was an awesome experience over there. I learned a lot about leadership. Coming into a new team and being the halfback; we played in some pretty big stadiums in the Challenge Cup Grand Final and made it to the semis as well.

“It was one hell of a ride and an experience that was definitely worth it.”

With the Panthers desperate for a back-up half for the 2024 season, they held numerous interviews with potential candidates to be Nathan Cleary’s fill-in and one of those was with the man in the headgear.

The Kirwan State High School skipper said he always wanted to return to Australia at some point in his career, but he didn’t think it would be with the back-to-back-toback NRL Premiers.

“When I first went over to England, I had no idea what I was going to do afterwards. I always wanted to come back home and have another crack at the NRL, but then I considered staying over there for another year – I didn’t know what I was doing to be honest,” Schneider admitted.

“But when the Panthers came knocking, it was a bit of a no-brainer to join the club after the success they’ve had. The culture, everything, it’s something you really want to be a part of.”

Having been in Penrith for the past six months, Schneider is starting to feel more and more at home as each day goes by.

He’s enjoying the local cafes and easy drive to work.

“To be honest, I’ve only ever been in Penrith once before and it’s not what I expected,” he said.

“It feels like a little country town, it’s pretty easy getting around here. There’s no big buildings and it’s not too busy, which is good.

“All the boys at the club love the

cafes, so I’m still getting my bearings as to what is where.”

Fortunately, Schneider will have plenty of time to get himself acquainted with Penrith life, signed to at least the end of the 2025 season.

And with Jarome Luai becoming a Tiger next year, a spot will open in the halves to no longer be Cleary’s

understudy but his partner in crime instead. That’s for further down the track, however.

“It’s always a goal to be in the 17 and playing every week,” Schneider said.

“But to be honest, I’m not looking that far ahead yet, we’ve still got this season to go.”

We caught up with Brad Schneider at training this week.

Brad Schneider in action against the Roosters. Photo: NRL Photos.

TROY DODDS

Penrith coach Ivan Cleary says James Fisher-Harris’ return from injury will be crucial against Manly this weekend.

The New Zealand international suffered a shoulder injury against the Eels in Round 2 and missed Penrith’s wins over Brisbane and the Roosters.

But Cleary has named him to start against Manly at 4 Pines Park on Saturday.

“He's our forward leader and has been for some time,” he said.

“It's more than the way he plays. He brings a level of leadership and confidence to the rest of the team.”

Cleary has been impressed with Fisher-Harris’ growth in recent seasons.

“He’s still very quiet, but it’s more than what he says. It’s how he projects it, his body language,” Cleary said.

“He has a lot of respect and when he talks people listen.

“He's definitely grown with his leadership. He doesn’t have to make the grand speeches, he leads with his actions and leads with his words when it’s needed.”

Cleary also confirmed forward Scott Sorensen is set to return against the Tigers in Round 7, along with halfback and co-captain Nathan Cleary.

Had it been later in the season or a more crucial game, Cleary would have played.

“He was 50-50 but we’ve decided to err on the side of caution. He’s not quite ready,” he said.

“We would have played him if we thought he was right.”

James Fisher-Harris was injured against the Eels in Round 2.

lang on league analysis

BOLTS FROM THE BLUE

Is it too early to feel ‘Blue’?

Probably not and while we’re only up to round five, already rugby league commentators are talking about possible New South Wales and Queensland line-ups for this year’s state-vs-state, mate-vs-mate Origin series.

Allowing for injury there will be up to eight Penrith players considered to play for NSW including Nathan Cleary, Jarome Luai, Brian To’o, Isaah Yeo and Liam Martin.

However, I’m not going to talk about the credentials of the players named above, their resumes already speak for themselves.

I’d like to instead highlight two Panthers, who I believe will push hard over the next seven weeks, to earn a place in the 19-man Blues squad. I truly believe these two players have a legitimate shot at making the cut.

Of course, I’m talking about Izack Tago and Sunia Turuva, whose scintillating form is already catching the eye, of not only rugby league supporters but NSW selectors and coach Michael ‘Madge’ Maguire as well.

If even one of the two players can make it, they really will be an Origin bolter or a ‘Bolt from the Blue’ if you will, as neither player was even selected in Madge’s 36-man Blues camp earlier this year.

It doesn’t matter that both Tago (Samoa) and Turuva (Fiji) have played for their respective nations as this does not rule them out of NSW Origin contention. For the record Tago played his junior footy for St Marys while Turuva turned out for the Berala Bears in NSW.

With their eligibility established, form will be the next criteria which will determine their selection. So far, even after only four rounds, both players have put their hand-up!

Turuva is coming off a stunning three-try performance against the Roosters last week and currently leads the NRL try scorers list with six tries, while Tago has been the form centre of the competition putting up crazy numbers while scoring three tries of his own. For good measure Tago also leads the league with eight line breaks.

Now while both Tago and Turuva look like being at least in the conversation for the Blues, the other Penrith player which deserves to be selected and picked at fullback is Dylan Edwards.

There’s no doubt current NSW captain James Tedesco is far from a spent force but his numbers just don’t stack up when put up against Edwards. Currently Edwards leads the NRL in the follow-

ing stats. He is number one in ‘All Runs’ with 100, number one in ‘Run Metres’ with 1,013 and number one in ‘Kick Return Metres’ with 461.

He’s also second on the Dally M Player of the Year Leaderboard after four rounds with 11 points.

Now I know statistics don’t tell the whole story but in the Edwards case, they don’t have to. Blind Freddy (not you Brad) could see he deserves to take the custodian position.

Yes, I know there’s still seven weeks to go before the side is even selected and anything can happen but you’ve got to start talking about these sort of selections now.

Waiting until later may be too late.

Which Panthers will make it? Email news@ westernweekender.com.au.

player of the year

The Western Weekender Penrith Panthers Player of the Year competition runs throughout the season, with our four experts delivering a 3, 2, 1 rating for the best Panthers players from each Penrith game. The player with the most votes at the end of the season is crowned our Player of the Year.

LAST WEEK’S POINTS: PANTHERS VS ROOSTERS

NATHAN TAYLOR: 3 – DYLAN EDWARDS | 2 – SUNIA TURUVA | 1 – BRAD SCHNEIDER

TROY DODDS: 3 – DYLAN EDWARDS | 2 – JAROME LUAI | 1 – SUNIA TURUVA

PETER LANG: 3 – DYLAN EDWARDS | 2 – SUNIA TURUVA | 1 – ISAAH YEO

LUKE PRIDDIS: 3 – DYLAN EDWARDS | 2 – SUNIA TURUVA | 1 – JAROME

CURRENT LADDER

1st Dylan Edwards 15 6th Sunia Turuva

2nd Izack Tago 14 7th Mitch Kenny

3rd Isaah Yeo 14 8th Brian To’o

4th Nathan Cleary 13 9th Lindsay Smith

5th Taylan May 10 10th Jarome Luai

Sunia Turuva and Izack Tago are surely being considered for Origin. Photo: NRL Photos.

with Peter Lang

STORM ROOSTERS KNIGHTS WARRIORS PANTHERS DOLPHINS COWBOYS RAIDERS

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BRONCOS ROOSTERS DRAGONS WARRIORS PANTHERS TIGERS TITANS EELS

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COWBOYS EELS

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