Extra Time April 9 2021

PANTHERS V RAIDERS We preview a blockbuster Friday night encounter

PAGE 31

LANG ON LEAGUE Peter Lang looks at the secret weapon guiding Penrith’s 2021 attack

PAGE 43

30 YEARS SINCE ‘91 ROYCE SIMMONS AND NATHAN CLEARY REFLECT ON THE PAST AND PRESENT PAGE 34

Friday, April 9, 2021 « the western weekender • extra time

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the western weekender • extra time » Friday, April 9, 2021

match preview

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Jarome Luai in action against Manly. Photo: NRL Images.

TROY DODDS

P

enrith’s clash against Melbourne a fortnight ago may have been the side’s biggest test of the season so far, but this Friday night’s encounter with Canberra at Panthers Stadium promises to be a close second.

The Raiders may not quite sit in the ‘elite four’ of Penrith, Melbourne, Souths and the Roosters as far as premiership credentials are concerned, but it’s not difficult to make an argument for Ricky Stuart’s side to be there when the whips are cracking at the business end of the season.

Canberra’s only loss this season came against the Warriors on a day where Stuart lost troops left, right and centre – and only Roger Tuivasa-Sheck’s desperate hand robbed them of a miracle win on the buzzer in the nation’s capital.

But for me there is a stark difference between where Penrith and Canberra sit as

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At the Panthers, winning has become a habit. This side expects to win, and it shows in the incredible confidence they display week in, week out – led by an energetic playing group that is primarily made up of local products who did very little but win during their time in the club’s junior systems. There is a comfortability in watching Penrith these days – you just feel they’ll get the job done and like Melbourne, are unlikely to surrender a lead when they get it.

Canberra to me still look like a side that makes winning difficult. Against the Tigers in Round 1 they had to come from behind to eventually post a win, while their victories against Cronulla and Gold Coast were a lot harder than they needed to be. That loss to the Warriors – albeit with injury as

an obvious excuse – came despite the side having a handy lead mid-way through the second half. There’s just something about Canberra you can’t trust – they make it hard for themselves, and it impacts their ability to really solidify where they sit in the competition.

As a team on paper, however, Canberra boast plenty of talent. The likes of Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Jordan Rapana and Jack Wighton have the ability to create tries out of nothing, and combined with a strong forward pack it’s why the Raiders can often pile on points quickly, pouncing on momentum and strangling other sides of possession.

It’s that forward battle that really highlights this game on Friday night. The likes of Josh Papalii and Ryan Sutton up against Moses Leota and James Fisher-Harris, and the enticing match-up of a returning Joseph

PANTHERS

Tapine and Isaah Yeo open this game up to be a real fight in the middle.

Any side’s game plan will focus on exposing a weakness in the opposition and while Penrith offer few hints to cracking their winning formula at present, the fact that 50 per cent of the Panthers’ spine is unavailable does open up some opportunities for Canberra.

Ivan Cleary has done well to patch the losses of Api Koroisau and Dylan Edwards for now, but Canberra will certainly be looking to expose those perceived weaknesses in Penrith’s armour, particularly when it comes to Stephen Crichton’s positional play at fullback.

I’m expecting a real tough tussle in the first half, but Penrith should be able to get the job done in the end – habits are bad to break.

Tip: Panthers by 8.

RAIDERS

1 Stephen Crichton

10 James Fisher-Harris

1 Charnze Nicoll-Kolkstad

2 Charlie Staines

11 Viliame Kikau

2 Bailey Simonsson

10 Ryan Sutton 11 Hudson Young

3 Paul Momirovski

12 Kurt Capewell

3 Jarrod Croker (c)

12 Elliott Whitehead

4 Matt Burton

13 Isaah Yeo

4 Sebastian Kris

13 Joseph Tapine

5 Brian To’o

14 Tyrone May

5 Jordan Rapana

14 Tom Starling

6 Jarome Luai

15 Spencer Leniu

6 Jack Wighton

15 Siliva Havili

7 Nathan Cleary (c)

16 Matthew Eisenhuth

7 George Williams

16 Iosia Soliola

8 Moses Leota

17 Liam Martin

8 Josh Papalii

17 Ryan James

9 Mitch Kenny

18 Scott Sorenson 19 Robert Jennings

9 Josh Hodgson

18 Sam Williams 19 Semi Valemei

31

WITH THE MASKED PANTHER

BRANDY’S DASH TO FOOTY !

Clear the M4! It turns out Greg ‘Brandy’ Alexander may make Friday night’s 1991 Grand Final 30-year celebrations after all, with Fox Sports agreeing to allow him to leave his duties early so he can attend the Panthers v Raiders match at BlueBet Stadium. Last week I reported that Fox was standing firm and wouldn’t release Brandy from his studio-based role on the night, but it appears a compromise has since been reached. Can we clear a lane on the M4 for the great man to ensure he makes it?

just that. While anyone would understandably be questioning their decision to join a club in such peril, Burton is part of Trent Barrett’s plan to turn the club’s fortunes around and the youngster knows he’ll be permanently in first grade at Belmore. Burton’s contract has been registered with the NRL and there’s no turning back now.

!

Spotted: Isaah Yeo enjoying a few days off over Easter with a trip up the Blue Mountains for High Tea at the Hydro Majestic.

!

Penrith’s 1991 Premiership-winning coach Phil Gould was invited to attend Friday night’s celebrations of the 30-year anniversary, but declined to formally take part. However, there’s a chance he may be a late inclusion with Gus likely working for Channel Nine that night, who will be broadcasting from the ground.

!

Panthers forward Moses Leota doesn’t believe the game has an issue with its newfound speed, despite injury concerns across a host of clubs. “I can’t really tell the difference. At training we do a lot of up tempo stuff, so we train for those conditions,” Leota told Extra Time at training on Monday.

!

The Panthers have added yet another client to their ever-growing list of corporate partners, securing a deal with Bluestone Home Loans to become the club’s official home loan partner for the next three years.

“We’re very excited to welcome Bluestone Home Loans to the club’s corporate network,” Panthers Head of Partnerships Jeremy Tuite said. “From our initial discussions it was immediately clear that Panthers and Bluestone are aligned on our strong community values. This partnership will see a number of initiatives to help Panthers members and fans understand more about home loans and to help them realise the dream of owning their own home.” The major partnership will see the Bluestone logo feature on the Panthers playing jerseys in 2022 and 2023.

!

The Panthers narrowly avoided going into harsher restrictions surrounding COVID-19, with fears the NRL was planning to put players back in the ‘bubble’ and force media events back onto Zoom in the wake of fresh cases in NSW and QLD last month.

The NRL would have made a decision on Easter Sunday had further restrictions been required. As it turns out the immediate threat seems to have passed and there’ll be no need for additional measures. Penrith’s game at Suncorp Stadium against the Broncos next Thursday will go ahead as planned.

!

Penrith continue to break records with their strong regular season form. The side is currently on its longest ever away game winning streak, which sits at 10 – starting in Round 8 last year. Meantime, an incredible run of form at Panthers Stadium continues too – it’s been almost two years (May 17, 2019) since Penrith lost at their beloved home.

!

Penrith have signed Dragons forward Eddie Blacker for the rest of the season in a move aimed to provide depth to the forward pack as the season rolls on. The deal has an option in Penrith’s favour for the 2022 season. Blacker made his NRL debut last season. As part of Blacker’s deal, the Panthers agreed to release Billy Burns to join the Dragons.

! Talk that Matt Burton may pull out of his deal with Canterbury for next season is

!

Heard a rumour? I don’t keep secrets, but I do protect my sources! Email maskedpanther@westernweekender.com.au if you’ve heard something you think I should follow up, or if you’ve spotted a player out and about!

Greg Alexander will take part in the 1991 anniversary celebrations.

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Friday, April 9, 2021 « the western weekender • extra time

panther rumblings

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joel caine T

he Australian Rugby League Commission has ushered in several rule changes over the last couple of NRL seasons.

Some have been a success, namely the sixagain rule, as well as set restarts, captain’s challenges and bunker reviews which are all no-brainers that make the game flow better and reduce the odd howler.

But has the Commission got a little too clever with a few rules they have implemented?

While the 20/40 and two-point field goal rules haven’t had a negative impact on the game, we’re still yet to see both, and in fact we’re yet to even see the much talked about two-pointer attempted.

Even with the newly introduced 18th man rule, did they try and manipulate it so far to the point that it is now useless?

I’m very supportive of a player being subbed off instantly if it’s a result of foul play. In fact, I think match officials should be more willing to send the player off who commits the intentional act.

But why shouldn’t a sub be introduced if a concussion is suffered accidentally?

The new rule dictates that an 18th man can only be called upon once three Head Injury Assessments are failed. While we saw that in Round 4 with the Canberra Raiders, that will only occur once in a blue moon.

I believe it would have been a simpler and better decision to allow six players on the

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, April 9, 2021

Not all of the NRL’s new rules pass the pub test

Referees are policing a range of new rules this year. Photo: NRL Images.

bench but cap the interchange amount at the current eight.

That way teams wouldn’t utilise all bench players unless they found themselves in dire circumstances, but it would allow a

team to keep an extra man up its sleeve if worse came to worse.

I’m one for change, as the late great Jack Gibson would say, “if you’re standing still, you’re moving backwards quickly”.

But conversely, the NRL must simplify the simple game, and as Gibson would also say, “kick it to the seagulls”.

Listen to Joel Caine on Sydney’s SEN 1170 each weekday.

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Friday, April 9, 2021 « the western weekender • extra time

feature

30 YEARS ON FROM GRANDEST DAY

Nathan Cleary gets some advice from 1991 Grand Final hero Royce Simmons on Wednesday. Photo: Melinda Jane.

NATHAN TAYLOR

N

o one in tonight’s Panthers line-up was alive when the club won its first premiership back in 1991, but that won’t deter them from putting on a hell of a show for the men they are trying to emulate.

The majority of Penrith’s 1991 premiership-winning team will be in the crowd for tonight’s blockbuster against Canberra, which will also celebrate 30 years since the club’s maiden Grand Final win.

Before the current crop of Panthers and Raiders stars go to battle this evening, 16 heroes from the famous 1991 squad will do a lap of honour around BlueBet Stadium before settling into their seats for a night of

reminiscing and footy, of course. Panthers legend Royce Simmons – who scored two tries in Penrith’s famous 19-12 win over the Raiders – said he can’t wait reunite with his old teammates again.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the boys, I think there will be 16 of us there,” he said.

“These days I only see the local boys like Colin Van der Voort, Col Bentley, Barry Walker and Brandy, so it’ll be good to catch up with the others on Friday night.”

Penrith will wear a replica of the popular 1991 jersey during tonight’s all-important clash, with Panthers co-captain Nathan Cleary drawing inspiration from the club’s legendary crop of players.

“This is why I love this club so much, it’s a very tight-knit community,” he said.

“Brandy, MG and Royce are always constantly around and we’re very grateful

for that. They always have cool stories to tell, and it’s just cool being able to talk to them. They are legends of the town and I think the best thing about them is they are super humble and always have the time of day for everyone.”

Cleary revealed that before the season started, Simmons sat down with this year’s Panthers team to offer some words of encouragement. Having lost a Grand Final himself in 1990 before ultimately winning the following year, Simmons knew exactly what Cleary and his teammates were going through.

“I think you learn from that game… I think you learn how much it hurts you,” Simmons said.

“Before you lose a Grand Final, I don’t think you realise how much pain you actually go through.”

While the first Sunday in October is many months away, it appears Penrith are on track for another sensational year and, quite possibly, a date with redemption.

While the 2021 Panthers are in awe of the historic 1991 squad, the feeling is mutual, but in reverse, Simmons said.

“If this Panthers team played us, they’d beat us by a hundred – I have no doubt in the world,” he said.

“I’m not saying they are more skilful, but they are bigger and stronger and quicker.

It’s like when you hop into a new car, it goes faster than the one you had 30 years ago.”

In reply, Cleary said Simmons’ sentiments were a bit off the mark: “I think that’s absolute rubbish… Royce is as humble as they come. He’ll tell you that he wasn’t meant to play in that Grand Final team, but he ended up scoring a double.”

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NO NUDIE RUN FOR IN-FORM LEOTA M

oses Leota admits he’s never seen Penrith’s 1991 Grand Final win over Canberra.

Not surprisingly, really.

That groundbreaking day in Panthers history was four years before Leota was born, and he doesn’t watch much footy anyway.

“I did watch the Canberra game last weekend though,” the 25-year-old says, switching his focus to the more modern rivalry between the combatants of that Grand Final 30 years ago.

“They killed it. Their forward pack is going great and we have a big game ahead this Friday.”

Big game indeed.

While the Penrith-Canberra rivalry has come in and out of importance over the years, the fact that both clubs are enjoying a successful period makes this meeting on Friday – where the anniversary of the Panthers’ first premiership will be celebrated – an even more intriguing occasion.

For Penrith, it’s an opportunity to make it five wins in a row to start the season and their 20th consecutive regular season victory.

Moses Leota scores his first try of the year against Manly. Photo: NRL Images.

And while winning has become a habit of the foot of the Mountains, Leota says nobody in the side is feeling complacent.

“You can’t really take it for granted, you’ve just got to keep getting better at your craft and putting in the extras for the team,” he said.

“For us at the moment we’re just taking each game as it comes and not looking too far ahead, because that could derail the season.”

Leota, who will play his 100th first grade game this season if he remains injury-free, scored his first try of the year last weekend.

“It was pretty cool to get off the nudie run so early,” he joked.

While a Premiership with Penrith remains his core focus, he’s also hopeful of representing Samoa at this year’s planned Rugby League World Cup. “If it does go ahead, I’ll definitely want to be a part of it,” he said.

“It’s always good to play for Samoa and represent my family.”

For now though, it’s all about Canberra this Friday night. And while Leota is unlikely to track down a DVD of that 1991 Grand Final before kick-off, he knows the importance of the occasion.

“All the old boys who played in that game will be there and it’d be good to go out there and do it for those guys,” he said.

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TROY DODDS

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, April 9, 2021

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Friday, April 9, 2021 « the western weekender • extra time

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Friday, April 9, 2021 « the western weekender • extra time

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Is a former Panthers coach set to have the last laugh?

matt russell A

month into the competition, who’s your shock team? By that, I mean who’s not anywhere near where you thought they’d be?

I give you St George-Illawarra.

I remember calling their first trial of the season in Cronulla, hours after former captain and back to back ‘Player of the Year’ Cam McInnes had snapped his ACL. There were plenty of brave faces but nervous glances.

That came after a court case failed to make the playing future of Jack De Belin any clearer.

Then they were mauled in Mudgee by South Sydney during a Charity Shield blowout 48-16.

They opened the season by losing to Cronulla 32-18.

At this point plenty of bookmakers were saying you spelt St George-Illawarra as Most Losses 2021.

Then they beat North Queensland in Townsville and Manly in Wollongong. The form guide wouldn’t have tipped them to win in Newcastle after that. Especially in front of a full crowd. Definitely not with Jack Bird suspended and Ben Hunt out with a broken leg.

Dragons 22 Newcastle 13.

The Knights scored the first try. They led in the second half 13-6. The Dragons should have turned up their toes. They didn’t.

The Knights had injuries but to say that’s

Dragons coach Anthony Griffin. Photo: NRL Images.

why the Dragons won is giving no respect to the Red V’s defence or physicality or attitude.

Attitude.

Refuse to lose.

It was almost hidden in the post-match media conference until the Daily Telegraph’s Paul Crawley asked Anthony Griffin why the Dragons were winning, while other similar teams were being beaten by 40.

“Obviously we needed to change and improve a lot of things that we did as a club and one of them is defence and you don’t get defence without attitude,” Griffin replied.

“There’s a lot of things, but I think the main thing is attitude. They have a real desire to play and play for each other, and that’s the main thing,” he later reiterated.

Griffin mentioned a few times that it’s still early in the season.

He’s right. A few years ago, Newcastle won its first four games and ran last!

The Dragons have an even tougher test this Sunday against unbeaten Parramatta.

Then they play the Warriors, Roosters and Tigers.

Who knows what the next month holds for the Red V. Those pre-season vultures might be back.

At least Anthony Griffin can sleep easy tonight knowing the difficult boxes have been ticked early. The ones reading fight, purpose, spirit… ATTITUDE.

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CLUB

PD

W

D

L

B

F

A

+/-

PTS

1

Panthers

4

4

0

0

0

110

16

+94

8

2

Eels

4

4

0

0

0

104

54

+50

8

3

Roosters

4

3

0

1

0

134

48

+86

6

4

Rabbitohs

4

3

0

1

0

108

54

+54

6

5

Raiders

4

3

0

1

0

93

60

+33

6

6

Dragons

4

3

0

1

0

103

75

+28

6

7

Storm

4

2

0

2

0

88

52

+36

4

8

Sharks

4

2

0

2

0

94

68

+26

4

9

Titans

4

2

0

2

0

82

63

+19

4

10 Knights

4

2

0

2

0

85

78

+7

4

11

Warriors

4

2

0

2

0

81

89

-8

4

12 Broncos

4

1

0

3

0

62

92

-30

2

13 W. Tigers

4

1

0

3

0

64

126

-62

2

14 Cowboys

4

0

0

4

0

36

141

-105

0

15 Bulldogs

4

0

0

4

0

16

122

-106

0

16 Sea Eagles

4

0

0

4

0

34

156

-122

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V

Thursday, April 8 7.50pm Stadium Australia

V

Friday, April 9 6.00pm Central Coast Stadium

V

Friday, April 9 7.55pm BlueBet Stadium

V

Saturday, April 10 3.00pm Cbus Super Stadium

V

Saturday, April 10 5.30pm Stadium Australia

V

Saturday, April 10 7.35pm SCG

V

Sunday, April 11 4.05pm Leichhardt Oval

V

Sunday, April 11 6.15pm Bankwest Stadium

Face In Th e Crowd

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, April 9, 2021

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the western weekender • extra time » Friday, April 9, 2021

Penrith’s attack is flying under little-known Webster

lang on league

with Peter Lang

W

hen the Panthers announced that their new attacking coach would be Andrew Webster, a few fans scratched their head, ‘You mean the rugby league journo?’

I can confirm that it’s not the Sydney Morning Herald’s Andrew Webster but a very hard-working and extremely knowledgeable 39-year-old who once played SG Ball and Jersey Flegg for the Tigers.

More recently he has been an assistant coach for the Wests Tigers and even coached the first grade side for a few games in 2017 after Jason Taylor was sacked three matches into the season.

When Trent Barrett left the Panthers at the end of last season, there were plenty of fans and journos who wondered if the ‘Black Attack’ would be as slick as it was in 2020.

They needn’t of worried. Webster, who is his own man and has his own style, has tweaked the attack and if anything, has made it more dangerous in 2021.

While much has been made of the side’s defence this year and deservedly so, as under Cameron Ciraldo the team has only leaked an average of four points a game, in attack the Panthers are second best in the league with 110 points after four rounds.

The scary thing is, as the players grow and adapt to Webster’s style and ideas and he gets to know their strengths and weaknesses, it’s only going to get better.

Penrith is in safe hands.

Andrew Webster switched from the Tigers to Penrith this season. Photo: NRL Images.

Rumour of the Week...

Don’t be surprised if more players ask for a release from the Cowboys in the next few weeks. After putting up with former coach Paul Green’s strict disciplinarian style for seven years, it seems like some players have finally had enough with new coach Todd Payton’s similar style of coaching.

What caught my eye last week...

I just love the honesty of Newcastle

Knights coach Adam O’Brien after his team suffered more horrific long-term injuries last Sunday. No double-speak, no clichés, just good old-fashioned straight talking direct answers to every question.

What game I’m looking forward to...

The clash between the Eels and the Dragons is going to be one which will show the rugby league world whether the Saints are the real deal in 2021.

My Tips for the week...

Rabbitohs, Warriors, Panthers, Titans, Storm, Roosters, Tigers, Eels The final word...

The three coaches with teams coming 12th, 14th and 15th in the premiership respectively are in no danger of losing their jobs in 2021. In only their first year Kevin Walters, Todd Payton, and Trent Barrett will all be given more time.

extra minutes

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NRL clubs will be able to activate an 18th player when three players fail a HIA or when a player suffers a match ending injury caused by foul play – and the perpetrator is sin binned or sent off. The tweak to the new rule was confirmed on Tuesday. The 18th player must be an NRL registered player who is eligible for selection in that round and part of the 21-man squad selected for the game. Clubs will be permitted to select any player from the above mentioned rosters and must identify the player when final team sheets are provided on game day. The ‘emerging player’ restriction has been removed.

!

In a bitter blow for Newcastle, halfback Mitchell Pearce looks set to miss three months of footy after sustaining a ruptured pectoral during last weekend’s loss to the Dragons. Pearce required surgery this week.

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Two key retirements could be confirmed in the coming days. Jake Friend looks certain to bring down the curtain on his Roosters career, while Michael Morgan’s future at the Cowboys is on the verge of being decided. Both will take medical advice that is likely to suggest it’s time to call it a day.

!

Manly’s Morgan Boyle has been suspended for two games after being charged with a Grade 1 Crusher Tackle in last week’s loss to Penrith at Lottoland.

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The rugby league world is mourning the loss of Tommy Raudonikis, who passed away this week at the age of 70 after a long illness. “Tommy was one of a kind. There will never be another Tommy Raudonikis,’’ said ARLC Chairman Peter V’landys. “Few did more to promote our game than Tommy.”

Foot or leg pain is not normal in children

Preferred Healthcare Provider

“Growing pains” is not a diagnosis. It is a generalised term to describe the pain.

Any pain that lasts more than a few days, or that is severe enough to limit a child’s walking, should be assessed by a professional.

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Mitchell Pearce is set for a long stint on the sidelines. Photo: NRL Images.

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Friday, April 9, 2021 « the western weekender