Extra Time September 7

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THIS IS WHY pa n t he rs a nd wa r r iors me e t in e l imin at ion sho w d o w n MASKED PANTHER > P40 The double header that wasn’t plus Corey Harawira-Naera departs Penrith

DWZ OPENS UP > P42 Watene-Zelezniak on what it’ll take to bring down the Warriors

YOUNGSTERS SHINE > P51 ISP and Jersey Flegg sides just one win away from Grand Final berths

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Friday, September 7, 2018 « the western weekender • extra time

THE FINAL WORD

v

SAT, SEPTEMBER 8 • 5.30PM | ANZ STADIUM | REFEREES: MATT CECCHIN & HENRY PERENARA

PANTHERS 1

Dallin Watene-Zelezniak

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 16 17 18 19

Josh Mansour Waqa Blake Tyrone Peachey Christian Crichton James Maloney (c) Nathan Cleary Trent Merrin Sione Katoa Reagan Campbell-Gillard Viliame Kikau Isaah Yeo James Fisher-Harris Tyrone May 15 Moses Leota Corey Harawira-Naera James Tamou Wayde Egan Jack Hetherington

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, September 7, 2018

MATCH PREVIEW

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Josh Mansour in action against Melbourne last week. Photo: Penrith Panthers

TROY DODDS @troydodds

T

he best time of the year has arrived and the Panthers are pouncing into September with a newfound confidence after last Friday’s dismantling of Melbourne at AAMI Park.

Make no mistake, the 22-16 victory was the shot in the arm Penrith needed to revive their title hopes and give them the self-belief required that they can beat anyone in this competition.

The Panthers come up against the Warriors at ANZ Stadium on Saturday evening and while the recent defeat over at Mount Smart Stadium is fresh in all of our minds, it should not be forgotten that Penrith spanked the Kiwi side at Panthers Stadium back in July.

James Maloney was also missing from that round 24 defeat and his return against the Storm had instant results, taking the pressure off Nathan Cleary’s shoulders and providing decent game management and leadership. It allowed Cleary the freedom to simply play footy and he had one of his better games of this second half of the season as a result (except for his goal kicking, of course).

Penrith should be overjoyed with last week’s win, not only because they broke their AAMI Park hoodoo, but there wasn’t much that didn’t go against Cameron Ciraldo’s men through the contest.

The Panthers had just 39 per cent of possession, completed at 76 per cent, conceded 12 penalties to six, copped two sin-binnings and had Cleary miss an uncharacteristic five goals. They really had no right to win, but like so many other times this season, they found a way.

2GB 873 ABC 702

With a lightning quick average playthe-ball speed of 2.82 seconds, Penrith won the little ‘one percenters’ against the Storm – and they’ll need to do the same against the Warriors on Saturday.

Every tackle will matter, every kick will be critical, every pass needs to stick.

The Warriors will almost certainly target Maloney who has missed 149 tackles this season, and with David Fusitu’a bagging a hat trick the last time these sides met, Stephen Kearney’s side will be very dangerous on the edges – especially with Shaun Johnson directing traffic.

The Warriors will try to go around the Panthers, while Penrith will most likely try to do their damage through the middle, which should make for an interesting momentum battle as the game wares on.

Canberra almost managed to get over the top of the Warriors last Friday night and they did it with a far superior kicking

1

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (c)

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 18

David Fusitu’a Peta Hiku Solomone Kata Ken Maumalo Blake Green Shaun Johnson James Gavet Issac Luke Agnatius Paasi Adam Blair Tohu Harris Simon Mannering Jazz Tevaga Isaiah Papali’i Bunty Afoa 17 Gerard Beale Leivaha Puli 20 Mason Lino

game; it is a lesson the Panthers should learn heading into this one.

Talking of lessons, they say you learn more from a loss than a victory; so perhaps the loss to the Warriors just a fortnight ago is exactly what Penrith needed to know how to handle this daunting side from across the Tasman.

The Warriors welcome back five-eighth Blake Green from injury for this do-or-die battle.

I’m not necessarily expecting the highest quality game, but I do think it’ll be entertaining. The side that does manage to show more patience and restraint should eventually win, but if one side manages to skip away early it could be over in the blink of an eye. Penrith’s first 15 minutes will be critical to their chances, particularly given their belief seems to grow as the 80 minutes ticks away.

Tip: Panthers by 4

39

Friday, September 7, 2018 « the western weekender • extra time

PANTHER RUMBLINGS

with the Masked Panther

DOUBLE TROUBLE » The NRL was keen to have Penrith play

Reagan CampbellGillard with fans on Monday afternoon

this Saturday’s Elimination Final against the Warriors as part of a double header at Allianz Stadium alongside Roosters v Sharks, but the Panthers very quickly knocked the concept on the head. Penrith were concerned about the chaos around the Moore Park precinct given there’s a sold out AFL Finals match being played at the same time, and felt their match was being treated as second fiddle to the later game. There was also issues surrounding dressing room access. Penrith requested the game be moved to Panthers Stadium but eventually settled on ANZ Stadium.

While not playing at Penrith is understandable, you can accept why fans find the whole thing confusing given the Panthers are the only ‘home’ team not playing at their regular stadium this weekend.

» The Panthers have granted Corey

Harawira-Naera an early release from his contract to join Canterbury in 2019. Panthers General Manager Phil Gould said while the club would have liked to have kept the 23-year-old, salary cap pressures came to the fore. “The decision to allow Corey a release from his contract was a difficult one. Firstly it’s a matter of future salary cap management for our club. Secondly it is such a wonderful opportunity for Corey with his new club,” he said.

» Congratulations to James Fisher-Harris, Corey Harawira-Naera, Dallin WateneZelezniak and Dean Whare who have all been named in the New Zealand ‘wider squad’ for the upcoming Trans-Tasman Test. Meanwhile, youngster Dean Blore was named in the Junior Kiwis ‘wider squad’.

» Penrith coach Cameron Ciraldo has

been in regular communication with referees boss Bernard Sutton in recent weeks, raising several concerns about penalties being awarded against his side. Unfortunately it doesn’t appear to be doing Ciraldo any good with Penrith again on the back of a horror penalty count against the Storm last Friday. While Penrith do need to improve their disci-

pline, there’s little doubt that a number of crucial penalties in recent weeks have huge question marks over them. Sutton has apparently admitted this to Ciraldo.

» The wet weather didn’t stop plenty of

Panthers fans turning out on Monday for an open training session and an opportunity to meet the players.

» This year’s Merv Cartwright Medal presentation night will be held on Wednesday, October 3.

» Panthers General Manager Phil Gould

raised a few eyebrows this week when he asked Penrith fans on Twitter how they’d feel about playing some home games at the new Western Sydney Stadium in Parramatta. Here’s my answer: No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no.

» Spotted: Panthers General Manager

Phil Gould and Penrith MP Stuart Ayres in deep discussion at the club’s open training session on Monday afternoon. Could they have been discussing plans for a new Outer Western Sydney Stadium, which after falling from the agenda is now starting to get a few whispers behind it again?

» Congratulations to Ian Garton from

Garton Group McDonald’s and Troy Dodds from the Weekender who finished joint champions of the Western Weekender Celebrity Tipping Competition this year.

» The drums are beating louder and louder about Ivan Cleary’s potential return to the Panthers next year. Cleary was again less than convincing when discussing the issue at his post-match press conference

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Corey Harawira-Naera is leaving the Panthers

following the Tigers’ loss to Souths last week. The most likely scenario would be Penrith signing Cleary for the 2021 season and beyond, hoping it triggers a domino effect with the Tigers moving Cleary on immediately and finding a new bus driver.

» Penrith officials will monitor ‘Mad

Monday’ plans to ensure there’s no negative headlines out of this year’s end-ofseason celebration, whenever that may be. While this week’s story in the Daily Telegraph about the Bulldogs’ ‘Mad Monday’ celebrations was one of the beat-ups of the year, Penrith knows optics are everything and will put measures in place to ensure nothing gets out of hand.

» News to share? Email maskedpanther@ westernweekender.com.au.

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, September 7, 2018

FEATURE

PANTHERS WILL ROAR IN FINALS NATHAN TAYLOR @natetaylor87

P

anthers captain and two-time Premiership winner James Maloney is confident his side can go deep into the Finals, if they play to their potential.

Penrith’s first assignment is an Elimination Final against the New Zealand Warriors this Saturday evening at ANZ Stadium.

The Panthers were thrashed a matter of weeks ago by the Warriors in Auckland but the stakes are a lot higher now according to Maloney.

“It’s a different competition… I have no doubt with the team we’ve got, that if we play our best, we’ll beat anyone,” he told the media at the NRL Finals launch on Monday.

“We’ll have a good week at training, prepare well and, if we play our best footy, then the result will take care of itself.”

Despite a rocky final few weeks of the regular season, the Panthers were back to

their best last Friday night, defeating the Storm in Melbourne for the first time since 2005.

Maloney said the 22-16 win over the Storm was a huge confidence builder heading into the opening week of the Finals.

“It’s a good platform to go into a semifinal, that was the aim of going down to Melbourne,” he said.

“The aim was to make sure we come out of that game with the confidence we needed to play our best game this week.

“I think that was a good springboard for that… there’s no excuses for us not to be playing our best on Saturday.”

Penrith’s opponents, New Zealand, finished the year in eighth spot and haven’t played Finals footy since finishing runners-up in the 2011 NRL Grand Final.

With the Panthers appearing in four of the last five Finals series’, Maloney said that should give his side the advantage this weekend.

“I think guys that have been there and played a few times, all that experience

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Maloney said he’s feeling refreshed and as healthy as can be after a short spell on the sideline in recent weeks.

“The two weeks off was really good for me,” he said.

“It just settled everything down and freshened me up for this time of year. I’m feeling really good.”

The last time Penrith and the Warriors met in a Finals match was 2003.

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helps. They’ll know what’s coming and know what to expect,” he said.

“It takes the edge off the uncertainty of not being there, and we’ll go into the game full of confidence.”

In terms of Finals experience, there’s not many as credentialed as James Maloney.

The 32-year-old has played in eight of the last nine Finals Series’ with four different clubs.

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Friday, September 7, 2018 « the western weekender • extra time

FEATURE

DWZ: OUR BEST IS NEEDED NATHAN TAYLOR @natetaylor87

P

enrith fullback Dallin WateneZelezniak has plenty of big game experience as a Panther and Kiwi international, so he knows exactly what his side needs to do to overcome the New Zealand Warriors in this Saturday’s must-win Final at ANZ Stadium.

“Everyone has to have their best game… it’s do or die for us and we have to empty the tank,” he told Extra Time.

With both the Panthers and Warriors on the brink of elimination, WateneZelezniak knows Penrith need to be switched on from the opening minute.

“Finals are a completely different game.

You only get one chance in the bottom four and you must be at your best,” he said.

“The last time we played the Warriors a couple of weeks ago, we did a lot of good stuff in that game and a lot of bad stuff.

We need to remove the bad stuff and be on our best game this weekend.”

Penrith have played this Saturday night’s opponents twice in 2018, with the Panthers getting the chocolates in Round 17 36-4, while the Warriors hit back

in Round 24 with a 36-16 win at a chilly Mount Smart Stadium.

Watene-Zelezniak believes having ‘home city’ advantage this weekend will give the Panthers an edge over the Warriors.

“It’ll be great because a lot of our fans will be able to come and get behind us,” he said.

“I remember playing them at Mount Smart and when we scored, it was just pure silence… it was pretty funny.

“It will be good to have our fans at ANZ cheering us on, hopefully we do a good job for them.”

Penrith will head into this Saturday’s Elimination Final full of confidence after knocking off the Storm in Melbourne for the first time since 2005.

For Watene-Zelezniak, it was his first win over Craig Bellamy’s men in his fiveyear NRL career.

“They were at the top of the table and we didn’t have a good record there, but we knew it was going to be a tough slog with some of their players out,” the 23-year-old said.

“We’d seen how well those fill-in players play without their big stars and we were prepared for it. We didn’t go into the game complacent and that was a big reason we got the two points.”

Dallin Watene-Zelezniak is preparing for a big game on Saturday. Photo: Megan Dunn One player who will be fine tuning his skills ahead of Saturday’s game is halfback Nathan Cleary. The 20-year-old, who is often near perfect with the boot, missed five goals during the win over Melbourne.

Watene-Zelezniak expects his superstar

teammate to be on-song against the Warriors.

“Nath’s a player who knows when to be hard on himself and pick himself up.

Nath’s a professional and everyone has those days,” he said.

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Go to www.entbook.com.au/948q083

This could be the best September ever

MATT RUSSELL A

nyone who tells you they know who’ll win the comp is lying or delusional.

How could they know?

Surely this shapes as one of the great Finals series because we just don’t know what’s going to happen.

How could we?

Just two points, or one win, separated the Sydney Roosters in first and the Warriors in eighth.

Last year there were 14 points between the Top 8 teams. The year before that, 15 points. Before that, 12. Then eight. On and on it goes. A 20-point spread in 2007. No year in the NRL era has had a Top 8 even nearly as close as this one.

Now let’s look at this week’s games.

Melbourne have won all 14 games against Souths in Melbourne but before you tip the Storm, remember how the Rabbitohs cut them to ribbons last month in Sydney, piling on 30 points to win by 10.

On Saturday evening, Penrith play the Warriors at ANZ Stadium. Both won last weekend. They are one-all head to head this season. The winning total in both lopsided meetings was 36 points. Johnson

v Cleary. Green v Maloney. Kikau v Harris.

The winner – less than obvious!

While pondering positional match-ups, how about Saturday night! Tedesco v Holmes. Try separating them on current form. Yes, the Roosters were pre-season favourites and are minor premiers but the hard-edged Sharks are on a four-game winning streak and have taken their last three against the Bondi boys at Allianz.

Finally to Sunday at Suncorp Stadium.

Finally a certainly, eh? The Broncos have won their last seven Finals at the Queensland rugby league mecca. And the Dragons have lost 10 straight games there since 2009. Can we really ignore their only meeting this season, when the Red V won 34-12, with Ben Hunt scoring a try and assisting another? Gareth Widdop is back and had two try-assists in that win against Bennett’s boys. The Dragons didn’t lead the comp after 16 rounds by accident? Yep, finally a certainty, eh?

Sit back and enjoy the Finals on Fox League, knowing anything can happen and probably will. The closest finish to an NRL season might just make for the best September ever.

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, September 7, 2018

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Friday, September 7, 2018 « the western weekender • extra time

IN PICTURES Photos: Melinda Jane

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Friday, September 7, 2018 « the western weekender • extra time

I’m tipping the Panthers in a tight one

JAMIE SOWARD A

s I sit here writing this week’s column, I find myself going back and forth as to who is going to come out on top between the Panthers and Warriors this Saturday.

When the match was announced on Sunday night, I instantly thought the Warriors would win. I don’t know whether it’s the fact that I’m getting a bit sentimental and emotional around this time of year, but as the game inches closer and closer, I find myself riding the Penny Panthers’ train.

The second half Penrith produced against the Storm last Friday in Melbourne is probably the biggest reason I’m going with my former club this weekend.

So much has happened these past couple of months and the Panthers probably have some valid excuses, but when you put on a second half performance like that in Melbourne, you come off the field thinking you can beat anyone.

Yes, the Storm were missing a few stars but the fact is you still have to go down to AAMI Park and win. I never won there in 12 years of playing in the NRL. Not once!

It’s certainly a feather in Penrith’s cap

and they now control their own destiny beginning this weekend.

I’m very much looking forward to the battle between James Maloney and Blake Green. The pair play very similar but Maloney is a proven winner and gets it done on the big stage continuously.

Also look for Nathan Cleary to stamp his authority on this game. He’s looking a bit tired as the season draws to an end but he needs to have a massive game this week.

All eyes will also be on Cleary’s goalkicking, he missed five from out wide last week. As a former goalkicker myself, I was actually concerned with the way he was striking the ball and the way he had the ball placed. I thought he had the ball placed a little too high and his motion seemed to be chopping at the ball instead of going through the ball like he normally does. Sometimes you have those days as goalkickers but Cleary will be fine, he’s a big game player.

If Penrith fans think this Saturday night’s Final is going to be a walk in the park… think again! This Warriors side is completely different to the one we’ve seen in seasons’ past. They know how

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, September 7, 2018

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Trent Merrin powering through the defence against the Warriors this year to win away from home these days and, thanks to the influence of Blake Green, they know how to prepare and get themselves organised for game day.

By no means will it be Penrith and

daylight. These sides are very similar in the way they play and I predict it’s going to be a very tight contest.

Score prediction: Panthers 28 Warriors 26.

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47

Friday, September 7, 2018 « the western weekender • extra time

NRL LADDER AND FIXTURES W

D

L

B

F

A

24 16

0

8

1

542

361

+181 34

2 Storm

24 16

0

8

1

536

363

+173 34

3 Rabbitohs

24 16

0

8

1

582

437

+145 34

4 Sharks

24 16

0

8

1

519

423

+96 34

5 Panthers

24 15

0

9

1

517

461

+56 32

6 Broncos

24 15

0

9

1

556

500

+56

32

7 Dragons

24 15

0

9

1

519

472

+47

32

8 Warriors

24 15

0

9

1

472

447

+25

32

9 W. Tigers

24 12

0

12

1

377

460

-83

26

10 Raiders

24 10

0

14

1

563

540

+23

22

11 Knights

24

9

0

15

1

414

607

-193 20

12 Bulldogs

24

8

0

16

1

428

474

-46

18

13 Cowboys

24

8

0

16

1

449

521

-72

18

14 Titans

24

8

0

16

1

472

582

-110

18

15 Sea Eagles

24

7

0

17

1

500

622

-122 16

16 Eels

24

6

0

18

1

374

550

-176

CLUB

1

Roosters

PD

+/-

PTS

Finals Week 1

/ / / /

Friday, September 7 7.50pm AAMI Park Saturday, September 8 5.40pm ANZ Stadium Saturday, September 8 7.40pm Allianz Stadium Sunday, September 9 4.00pm Suncorp Stadium

IS THIS YOU?

FOR THE LATEST PANTHERS NEWS AND UPDATES, FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @WWPENRITH

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s i k e e w e h t f o t n e d Stu

Tanisha O’Neill

This week’s student of the week is Tanisha O’Neill. Tanisha attends Cambridge Park Public School and has been participating in activities around the theme of teamwork. At Panthers on the Prowl, we want to encourage the principles of teamwork that are embodied by our NRL team. Being an effective team player means putting self-interest to the side in order to achieve the goal. It requires good communication, especially listening skills. It also requires being assertive. We teach the acronym T.E.A.M as representing Tolerance, Empathy, Assertiveness and Mindfulness. Tanisha has demonstrated each of these qualities in her time so far this term and that is why she is this week’s student of the week. Well done.

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NRL PANTHERS 22 STORM 16

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PANTHERS 28 BULLDOGS 18

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inaugural Women’s Premiership has been released. The Roosters will play the Warriors on Saturday, September 8 at ANZ Stadium from 3.05pm, while the Broncos will take on the Dragons on Sunday, September 9 at Suncorp Stadium from 1.45pm.

» It was a game that had no bearing

on the top eight but with Johnathan Thurston bidding farewell, it was no surprise to see an incredible audience tune in to Fox League for the Titans v Cowboys match last Saturday. An average of 400,000 viewers watched the broadcast, with a peak well in excess of 700,000 people.

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, September 7, 2018

EXTRA MINUTES

PANTHERS 18 SHARKS 10

NRL CEO Todd Greenberg at the Finals launch on Monday. Photo: Melinda Jane

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This little guy is gorgeous, he is a middle aged gent at 9 and is looking for a home that will suit his needs. He would love to spend time with his owners in the garden and plotting around the house with couch time of a night. If you would like to meet this boy, he is avaliable for adoption on the 12th of September but you are welcome to put your name on the list now.

» The Knights are expected to an-

nounce the signing of departing Canterbury playmaker Matt Frawley within the coming days. Frawley will be a depth signing for Newcastle, who are building nicely for the 2019 season and beyond.

PCC 509 AM STAFFY FEMALE 1.5 YEARS OLD AVAILABLE FOR REHOMING 1.9.18 $396.60 KENNEL 85

Venom has been at the shelter a few weeks now and is looking for a new family to call her own after her previous family never came for her. She is a sweet girl and does sit when asked. She does get a little excited when treats are around and will jump up but at 18 months old she is still learning everyday. Venom is ready to meet you today so please pop in and visit her, she will make a nice family member for most homes.

PCC 520 AM STAFFY MALE 4 YEARS OLD AVAILABLE FOR REHOMING 8.9.18 $268.50 KENNEL 13

This boy is a volunteer favourite, he was so well behaved when having his photo taken. He sat when asked, was non reactive to the dog in the next kennel and took his treats gently. We hope that he can go to his new home on the 8th and doesn’t have to hang around waiting for too long. Sadly his owner knows he is here but will not be coming to collect him so please if you are looking for a new best mate look no further...

STOPPING THE SOURCE DESEX YOUR PETS STOP UNWANTED LITTERS, REDUCE MEDICAL ISSUES AND PROLONG YOUR PET’S LIFE

Dogs Price set by size & sex MALES <10kg $130 10-25kg $150 >25kg $180

FEMALES <10kg $160 10-25kg $190 > 25kg $240

Ph: 4587 9000 McGraths Hill Vet Surgery 205 Windsor Rd, Vineyard

Cats Price set by sex Male $60 Female $99

Extras F3 Vacc + chip

$62

C5 Vacc

$80

Microchi

$22

MENTION THIS AD TO SECURE THIS OFFER!

We always recommend bringing your own dogs to the shelter to meet any of the shelter dogs.

The shelter is in need of toys, blankets (not doonas or pillows though), treats and coats for large dogs. Please contact the shelter if you can help.

Our contact details are:

twitter.com/HawkesburyPdVol fohcas.com

Shelters contact details are:

Hawkesbury Companion Animal Shelter 10 Mulgrave Road, Mulgrave NSW 2756 ph: 02 4560 4644 companionanimal@hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au WW32173

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Friday, September 7, 2018 « the western weekender • extra time

JOIN US FOR THE LAUNCH OF

PINK UP PENRITH PROUDLY SUPPORTING THE MCGRATH FOUNDATION

14TH SEPTEMBER 2018 12:00PM – 3:00PM PANTHERS PENRITH

TICKETS $125PP / $1000 – TABLE OF 10 PRICE INCLUDES A 2 COURSE MEAL AND BEER/WINE/SOFT DRINK AUCTION AND AND RAFFLES RAFFLES AUCTION

SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKERS GLENN MCGRATH, CAMERON GIRDLESTONE (2016 OLYMPIC SILVER MEDIALIST)

MC TROY DODDS

112 RUSSELL ST EMU PLAINS

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Contact Penrith CBD Corporation to purchase tickets all f lowers Phone 4722 5556 | Email: gai@penrithcbdcorp.com.au

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, September 7, 2018

FEATURE

WEEK OFF FOR ISP, FLEGG SIDES NATHAN TAYLOR @natetaylor87

P

enrith’s Intrust Super Premiership (ISP) and Jersey Flegg sides are now just one win away from a Grand Final appearance.

Both sides will enjoy this weekend off after taking care of their respective opponents during the opening week of the NSWRL Finals.

Penrith’s ISP team narrowly overcame a fast-finishing Canterbury Bulldogs outfit 28-18, while the club’s Jersey Flegg side also pulled off a tough win over the Cronulla Sharks 18-10.

Boosted by the late inclusions of NRL stars Corey Harawira-Naera and Wayde Egan, Penrith’s ISP team were in complete control for most of the match before the Bulldogs edged closer late in the second half 22-18.

Fortunately, the Panthers were able to muster up one last try through Billy Burns to seal the game and the week off.

Penrith’s ISP side will now await the winner out of the Newtown Jets vs Mounties match this Saturday afternoon at Jubilee Oval, while the Jersey Flegg team will meet the victor of the Sydney Roosters vs Newcastle Knights match.

Meanwhile, the St Marys Ron Massey Cup team and Sydney Shield team live to fight another day after going down in their opening week Finals matches at St Marys Leagues Stadium last weekend.

After losing to the Wentworthville Magpies 26-12 last Sunday, the St Marys Ron Massey Cup team will face Blacktown Workers in an Elimination Semi Final this weekend.

If Brad Drew’s men manage to knock off Manly’s feeder team, they’ll battle Cabramatta for a place in the Ron Massey Cup Grand Final.

If the side goes down it’ll be a disappointing finish to Drew’s coaching tenure, with the former NRL star stepping down at the end of the season.

Also fighting for their lives this weekend is the St Marys Sydney Shield team, who

Caleb Aekins in action during last weekend’s ISP win. Photo: NRL Photos were hammered by Moorebank 36-8 in a disappointing performance last Sunday at St Marys Leagues Stadium.

The Saints, who are coached by Panthers 2003 Premiership winner Luke Swain, will now face the Guildford Owls in a do-or-die clash this Sunday afternoon.

PINK UP PENRITH

All NSWRL Preliminary Finals and subsequent Grand Finals involving the ISP, Jersey Flegg, Ron Massey Cup and Sydney Shield teams will be played at Leichhardt Oval on September 15, 16 and September 23. For broadcast details, visit www.nswrl.com.au.

During the month of October any ad that gets Pinked up will go into the random draw to win signed Glenn McGrath memorabilia

WW35021

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Friday, September 7, 2018 « the western weekender