Extra Time April 23 2021

MASKED PANTHER Why James Fisher-Harris’ new deal has stalled

PAGE 32

JOEL CAINE SEN broadcaster and former NRL star with his take on the big issues

PAGE 34

CHARLIE STAINES POSTER Add to your collection with our latest Penrith Panthers pin-up

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FACE IN THE CROWD Have our cameras spotted you at a recent Penrith Panthers match?

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being burton YOUNG STAR ON HYPE, HIS 2021 GOALS AND THAT SWITCH TO THE BULLDOGS PAGE 33

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Friday, April 23, 2021 « the western weekender • extra time

the final word

v

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, April 23, 2021

match preview

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Nathan Cleary was the key to victory last week. Photo: Megan Dunn.

TROY DODDS

P

enrith may have entered last Thursday’s clash with Brisbane as one of the shortest priced favourites in NRL history, but there was always a little feeling that perhaps things wouldn’t go to script.

The side’s ultimately big win over Canberra disguised some sloppy moments at crucial times that perhaps suggested a performance like the one against Brisbane was coming.

In the end, champion teams manage to get the two points and that’s what Penrith did at Suncorp last Thursday night – even though they probably weren’t the better team. Brisbane were brave and played well.

When it came down to the crucial minutes, however, Nathan Cleary stood up and got the job done – exactly what you want your skipper and game manager to do.

Ivan Cleary’s side returns home this week

THURSDAY, APRIL 22 | 7.50PM | BLUEBET STADIUM | REFEREE: GERARD SUTTON to take on a Newcastle team that remains battered and bruised and without their chief playmaker, yet is still showing signs of life on the canvas.

Kalyn Ponga almost single-handedly got them home against Cronulla last Friday night, proving the Knights will be no easybeats despite a long injury list that includes halfback Mitchell Pearce.

The Panthers would have got a lot more out of the tight win over Brisbane than they would have got out of a thumping that had been predicted. Like at times in 2020, coach Cleary has the opportunity to fix some issues while still winning – a luxury few teams enjoy, given such maintenance is usually performed on a losing footy side.

Brisbane did show Newcastle where Penrith have some weaknesses, or at least potential flaws. The Panthers weren’t quite prepared for the bashing they got up the

middle and a better side would have taken more advantage of that last Thursday night.

It’ll be no surprise if the Knights implement a similar tactic – go hard and go strong and hope to ice your opportunities.

For Penrith this game comes down to that man Nathan Cleary. This is the type of match against an opponent a couple of tiers down in status that a game manager needs to take by the scruff of the neck and dominate from start to finish.

Sure, we can have those beautiful on the eyes moments from the likes of Jarome Luai and Brian To’o, but the game is won between the ears at the end of the day and that’s where Cleary is far and above better than any other playmaker in the competition at present.

He’ll be boosted by the possible return of Api Koroisau at hooker. While Mitch Kenny has done an impressive job filling in since

PANTHERS

CHANNEL 9 FOX LEAGUE ABC 702 TRIPLE M

Koroisau went down in the opening game of the season, Api’s speed and zip out of dummy half will help Penrith regain that forward ascendancy they lacked last week.

I remain unsold on Stephen Crichton at fullback, but Cleary would likely be unwilling to tinker with a winning formula especially with Dylan Edwards’ return imminent.

Cleary will have to tweak the side named on Tuesday, however, given Paul Momirovski’s suspension.

Despite Newcastle’s solid win last week and the impressive form of Ponga, who actually came into the game under an illness cloud, I can’t see the Panthers dropping this one – especially as they close in on two years without being beaten at home.

The Panthers should be able to get on top early and close it out.

Tip: Panthers by 13.

KNIGHTS

1 Stephen Crichton

10 James Fisher-Harris

1 Kalyn Ponga

2 Charlie Staines

11 Viliame Kikau

2 Starford To’a

11 Tyson Frizell

3 Paul Momirovski*

12 Kurt Capewell

3 Enari Tuala

12 Mitchell Barnett

4 Matt Burton

13 Isaah Yeo

4 Bradman Best

13 Connor Watson

5 Brian To’o

14 Tyrone May

5 Brayden Musgrove

14 Sauaso Sue

6 Jarome Luai

15 Spencer Leniu

6 Kurt Mann

15 Jacob Saifiti

7 Nathan Cleary (c)

16 Matt Eisenhuth

7 Blake Green

16 Josh King

8 Moses Leota

17 Liam Martin 18 Scott Sorenson

8 David Klemmer

17 Brodie Jones

9 Mitch Kenny

*

9 Jayden Brailey (c)

18 Sim Sasagi 19 Pasami Saulo

Suspended

10 Daniel Saifiti

31

Friday, April 23, 2021 « the western weekender • extra time

panther rumblings

WITH THE MASKED PANTHER

NEW FISH DEAL STALLS ! I’m told that it could be a little while longer before the Panthers and James Fisher-Harris agree on a new contract. While Penrith has made the 25-year-old a priority for the future, it’s becoming apparent the two parties are fairly wide apart on the terms of any new deal. Both the club and Fisher-Harris expect a deal to be done, but it may take a bit longer than anticipated. ! There is ongoing confusion over the obsession with Penrith’s supposed “arrogance” on Fox Sports’ flagship program ‘NRL 360’. While the incident involving Stephen Crichton and Canberra’s Joseph Tapine was worthy of discussion, the program was still talking about it nearly two weeks later as they desperately tried to paint Penrith’s playing group, which is widely respected amongst most of the media, as some sort of grubs. The coverage has even led to other journalists, including AAP’s Scott Bailey and Nine’s Danny Weidler, to leap to Penrith’s defence. The ‘NRL 360’ gang even asked a bemused Newcastle coach Adam O’Brien if he thought Penrith was arrogant, a question he understandably chose to deflect. Meantime Canberra spent last week so focused on Penrith that they forgot to show up for the game against Parramatta, easily beaten 35-10 at home. ! Spotted: Panthers star Stephen Crichton grabbing a coffee at the new Caddens Corner shopping centre last weekend ! Spotted: Panthers coach Ivan Cleary and Chairman Dave O’Neill enjoying dinner with their partners at Avli restaurant in Cranebrook last weekend. ! The Panthers were quietly confident that centre Paul Momirovski would get his dangerous contact charge downgraded at the judiciary on Tuesday night. The reason for this was a tackle by Jake Friend in 2020, which drew a similar charge that was downgraded. There’s not a lot of difference between the tackles, which left Penrith officials confused when Momirovski’s charge stood. He’ll miss the next three games. !

The ANZAC jerseys worn in Thursday night’s clash against Newcastle will be auc-

James Fisher-Harris.

Photo: Megan Dunn.

tioned off online, with the proceeds being split between the Mose Masoe fundraiser and Men of League. Keep an eye on the Panthers website for details.

! Penrith officials are finalising the installation of the Roll of Honour, which will become a permanent feature at the Rugby League Academy. The Roll of Honour recognises the fans who donated their memberships to the club in 2020 when the Coronavirus crisis struck the game. Members have been urged to check the temporary Roll of Honour at Panthers Stadium or the upcoming digital version to make sure their details are correct. ! The Panthers will spend much of next week in Bathurst in the lead-up to Saturday’s game against the Sea Eagles. It’ll

be the first time in two years Penrith have made the trip west after the 2020 game was cancelled due to COVID-19. Players are expected to attend a meet and greet session at the Peachey Richardson Gala Day and will participate in the Play Like a Panther Super Clinic next Thursday afternoon.

! Our photographer captured a very casual and relaxed Jarome Luai, Stephen Crichton and Brian To’o arriving at training on Tuesday afternoon. They all car pooled together – and arrived to a very loud rendition of the Vengaboys’ ‘We Like To Party’.

! There’s a rumour doing the rounds that an exciting new special publication may be released later this year, with a specific focus on Penrith’s first 25 seasons and the path to the 1991 Grand Final. It’s being worked on as part of the 30th anniversary celebrations of the club’s first Premiership and has involvement from one of sport’s most respected authors, and a leading western Sydney publisher. Watch this space and save some cash for Father’s Day and Christmas presents.

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BURTON STAYS FOCUSED ON PENRITH NATHAN TAYLOR

E

arlier this season, you couldn’t read a story online or switch on a rugby league program without seeing or hearing the words Matt Burton – he was literally the name on everyone’s lips.

With the struggling Bulldogs desperate to land their prized recruit a year early, the pressure was well and truly applied to Penrith – from all corners – about an immediate release.

Thankfully for Panthers fans and the club’s quest for an elusive premiership, Penrith bosses held firm – refusing to give in to an early release for the talented 21-year-old.

Speaking for the first time since his name was splashed across the papers, Burton said he’s glad things have settled down in the media and he’s able to solely focus on playing footy.

“The headlines didn’t really bother me, I didn’t really look into it all that much,” he admitted to Extra Time.

“It’s good to be able to focus on being here, playing good footy and doing what’s best for the team.”

Burton remaining in Panthers colours for the rest of the season is probably beneficial to all parties involved. Not only has he been

Matt Burton will remain with Penrith until season’s end. Photo: Megan Dunn.

playing a significant role during the club’s recent winning streak, but Burton’s also further developing his own game, which will ultimately assist his new side in Canterbury down the track.

“I think it’s helping my confidence too, being in a winning side. Just to be here is great,” he said.

In Burton’s four appearances in first grade this season, he’s made a real impact for the

competition leaders at both centre and halfback.

With Dylan Edwards sidelined through injury and Stephen Crichton filling in for him at fullback, Burton has fit in seamlessly at left centre alongside five-eighth Jarome Luai and powerhouse winger Brian To’o.

The Dubbo product, who has crossed the line in three consecutive matches, said he’s enjoying life in his new position.

“I’m feeling pretty confident out there, obviously getting the reps in at training has been helping a lot,” Burton said.

“It helps when you have Jarome inside of you – who is always talking a lot – and Bizza outside of you. It makes my job a lot easier when you get them sort of blokes helping you out.”

With Penrith getting their injured brigade back, coach Ivan Cleary has a serious decision on his hands – send Burton back to NSW Cup or find a place for him somewhere in the first grade side.

Whatever Cleary’s call, Burton will be doing everything in his power to help Penrith win a title before he departs.

“I’m just happy to be in the team, so if I’m getting an opportunity, I’ll take it with both hands,” he said.

“Whether I’m in the [NRL] team or not, I’ll be doing my best to get back in there and I’ll give it 100 per cent.”

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, April 23, 2021

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Friday, April 23, 2021 « the western weekender • extra time

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Why the NRL needs to tweak some of its frustrating rules

joel caine I

can commend Peter V’landys for many things, primarily for his strong leadership and relentless willingness to implement initiatives to propel our game even further.

The outspoken Chairman has done many positive things for rugby league and one area where he’s certainly been active is regarding rule changes.

The NRL has seen a raft of rule changes come in over the last few seasons. Some have been a success, some have had little to no impact on the outcome of games.

One thing now that we’re seeing is that the competition’s smarter clubs are figuring out ways to exploit loopholes in these new rules.

The Melbourne Storm even admitted to doing so as recently as last week with Cameron Munster’s Head Injury Assessment (HIA).

Melbourne football boss Frank Ponissi revealed that Munster didn’t need a HIA and the club used a free interchange as a result of him leaving the field for just 27 seconds.

If I could wear the V’landys’ shoes for a day and that of Chief Rule Maker my first change would be to iron out the replacement loophole which the Storm took advantage of.

Simple fix – if a player goes off to be assessed and returns within five minutes, they should have to replace the player

who was originally sent on for them. That’s sorted, what next?

In Round 6 we also saw Bulldogs hardman Jack Hetherington sent off for a high hit.

That’s fair enough, send him off if a referee deems a hit foul-play – but it shouldn’t ruin the game.

Let’s send a message to the kids, don’t allow Hetherington to return to the field, but let’s keep the game alive with allowing a team to still field 13 on 13.

Losing a star player and an interchange for careless acts should be suffice.

The NRL wants to send a message to the lower level while keeping the game watchable.

This kills two birds with one stone.

One last thing, in six weeks we have the commencement of byes.

Why do we hand out two points for a bye?

There’s no advantage to it whatsoever. Just give them zero. Two points are for wins, adding two points for a bye just confuses the ladder and commentators updating such mid-round.

We shouldn’t have teams advance up the ladder without playing.

Missed penalty goal attempts should be treated like missed field goals.

The list goes on.

What do you like? What have I missed?

Listen to Joel Caine on SEN weekdays on 1170AM.

ARLC Chairman Peter V’landys. Photo: NRL Images.

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PAIN THAT DRIVES THE PANTHERS NATHAN TAYLOR

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he image of Viliame Kikau crouched down on the ANZ Stadium turf and in tears following last year’s Grand Final loss will be ingrained in the memory of Panthers fans forever. But it’s that very heartbreak that is not only fuelling the popular Fijian this year, but the entire playing group.

While Penrith’s hot start to the season can be attributed to many things like excellent coaching and player development, last October’s defeat to the Melbourne Storm is likely the main catalyst.

Speaking with Extra Time this week, Viliame Kikau said watching replays of the 2020 decider has been a significant factor in him lifting his own game this season.

“We’ve all watched that game a couple of times in the pre-season and it just fills the tank a bit more,” he said.

“It was a heartbreaking one, but I’ve just been trying to work on playing consistent footy this year and I think that’s what I’ve been doing.”

Sitting at 6-0 heading into Thursday’s game against Newcastle, the Panthers are currently enjoying their best start to a season in the history of the club.

Viliame Kikau after last year’s Grand Final loss. Photo: NRL Images.

Kikau believes last year’s record-breaking season, in which they reached the Grand Final on the back of 17 straight wins, has set the standard for this year.

“I think that’s one of the things that’s fuelled the boys up,” he said.

“Last year we set a standard for ourselves

by reaching the Grand Final and winning 17 in-a-row, so that’s pretty much the standard for this club now and we make sure we train to that standard and we play to that standard as well every single week.”

While Penrith have been taking care of business quite comfortably in the major-

ity of games this season, there have been patches where they haven’t quite lived up to the standard they have set themselves.

“I think after some of the games we walk in [to the sheds] and it feels like we’ve lost but we’ve actually won,” Kikau said.

“Against Canberra, the coach wasn’t really happy about that win. It was a good game but… the big thing for us is complacency, we’ve been reminded every week – it’s a good thing to win but you still have to work on those little things, those little things win you games.”

Meanwhile, the 26-year-old is hopeful of seeing his family back home sooner rather than later. With New Zealand and Australia beginning a travel bubble this week, it’s given Kikau some hope that a similar bubble with Fiji isn’t too far away.

“I was going to write something on Twitter and ask when Australia was going to open the border to Fiji,” he said.

“I saw all the reunions on the news this week and it was pretty emotional seeing people meet their loved ones after so long.

“I’ve been missing home, this has been the longest I haven’t seen them… but I’m thankful for video calls that I still get to see my family and everyone back home.”

Kikau said when the Australian border with Fiji does eventually re-open, he’ll be on one of the first flights back.

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, April 23, 2021

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Friday, April 23, 2021 « the western weekender • extra time

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the western weekender • extra time » Friday, April 23, 2021

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matt russell B

illy Slater has a lot to answer for.

On a breakfast visit to a Newcastle café last Saturday, the eight gentlemen at the table beside me were arguing about the best fullback in the game.

After 10 minutes I felt like slamming a long black in the middle of the table and setting some parameters.

“Fellas, we’re not talking about the ‘most exciting’, or ‘potentially the best’, or ‘the fastest’… your mate asked you for the ‘best’.

Now!” Melbourne’s Ryan Papenhuyzen answered it well when quizzed about his Friday match-up with James Tedesco.

Basically he found it a little embarrassing, pointing to the fact Tedesco has been doing it for 10 years, at every level, as a multiple Fullback of the Year and Players’ Champion, and was still firing now for the Roosters.

Sure, Papenhuyzen is brilliant. Yes, Tom Trbojevic was stunning on his comeback from injury. OK, there’s also Roger TuivasaSheck, Kalyn Ponga and Latrell Mitchell.

Some of the others aren’t bad either – the likes of Clint Gutherson, Charnze NicollKlokstad, AJ Brimson, Dylan Edwards, Matt Dufty, and the emerging Daine Laurie and Will Kennedy.

Maybe the café question should have been, has there ever been a better batch of fullbacks?

Commenting on his fullback a few weeks ago, Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy was

Fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen is taking the NRL by storm. Photo: NRL Images.

adamant; “No one has played a greater role in the development of Ryan Papenhuyzen than Billy Slater.” They work together often and it shows.

But even the fullbacks Billy doesn’t work with are moulded by his brilliance.

Gone are the days where a fullback just had to organise defensive lines and catch well. Sure the current crop do that well but they also pack speed to burn, support through the middle, join in out wide, ball play, kick and more.

Billy Slater changed the way fullbacks play and it show in most of our No.1’s today.

So how many fullbacks are going to be in the State Of Origin squads this year?

Let’s concentrate on NSW. If Tedesco stays fit, he’ll actually play fullback. Gutherson is an incumbent in the centres. But Mitchell and Trbojevic were injured last year and not in contention. Then many people will say you have to find space for Papenhuyzen, even on the bench.

Queensland have Ponga in line to be No.1, AJ Brimson as a bench contender, Val Holmes tipped as a winger.

So, in saying that, there could be eight fullbacks on the same field!

In fact, when I go back to that Newcastle cafe, I might lean into that table of eight and ask; “Who’s your Origin fullback?” That should be enough to get them through their smashed avo and long blacks… and lunch… and probably dinner!

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Friday, April 23, 2021 « the western weekender • extra time

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CLUB

PD

W

D

L

B

F

A

+/-

PTS

1

Panthers

6

6

0

0

0

160

38

+122

12

2

Rabbitohs

6

5

0

1

0

161

74

+87

10

3

Eels

6

5

0

1

0

151

90

+61

10

4

Storm

6

4

0

2

0

160

74

+86

8

5

Roosters

6

4

0

2

0

164

86

+78

8

6

Dragons

6

4

0

2

0

143

107

+36

8

7

Titans

6

3

0

3

0

124

115

+9

6

8

Warriors

6

3

0

3

0

113

116

-3

6

9

Raiders

6

3

0

3

0

113

125

-12

6

10 Knights

6

3

0

3

0

127

142

-15

6

11

Sharks

6

2

0

4

0

134

120

14

4

12 Sea Eagles

6

2

0

4

0

83

168

-85

4

13 Cowboys

6

2

0

4

0

100

189

-89

4

14 Broncos 15 W. Tigers 16 Bulldogs

6 6 6

1 1 0

0 0 0

5 5 6

0 0 0

80 108 52

147 178 204

-67 -70 -152

2

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Thursday, April, 22 7.50pm BlueBet Stadium

V

Friday, April, 23 6.00pm Cbus Super Stadium

V

Friday, April 23 7.55pm TIO Stadium

V

Saturday, April, 24 5.30pm Kogarah Oval

V

Saturday, April, 24 7.35pm QLD Country Bank Stadium

V

Sunday, April, 25 1.45pm Bankwest Stadium

V

Sunday, April, 25 4.05pm SCG

V

Sunday, April 25 6.15pm AAMI Park

Face In Th e Crowd

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the western weekender » Friday, April 23, 2021

nrl ladder & fixtures

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Friday, April 23, 2021 « the western weekender • extra time

lang on league

with Peter Lang

W

ith six wins from six games at the quarter mark of the season, this report card is going to be one full of glowing praise. However, the Panthers are far from playing at their peak and nor should they be because premierships aren’t won in March ... or April for that matter.

Attack: The Panthers are equal second in points scored with 160. At times the attack has looked slick and sublime while at other times it has lacked polish and finesse. The best is definitely yet to come. GRADE: B+ Defence: Penrith have built their season so far on unrelenting, in your face defence and we all know premierships are won on the back of great ‘D’. In this area of the game the Panthers rank number one giving up a measly 38 points. GRADE: A+ Player performances: There’s no doubt Nathan Cleary, Jarome Luai, Brian To’o and James Fisher-Harris are playing at an extremely high level. They are the pick of a great bunch. However let’s not forget they have been well supported by the likes of Viliame Kikau and Isaah Yeo. GRADE: A Coaching: Ivan Cleary and his assistants Cameron Ciraldo and Andrew Webster have not been out-coached in any game this season. In every game the Panthers have stuck to their structures, remained patient and executed their game plans to perfection. Games like the one against Brisbane will happen every now and then but to

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, April 23, 2021

Penrith’s quarter season report card

The Panthers are having a strong season in both attack and defence. Photo: Megan Dunn.

find a way to win despite not playing at your best is a real achievement. GRADE: A What caught my eye last week...

Latrell Mitchell gets so many wraps from the rugby league media you would think the kid walks on water. I’ve got no doubt the Bunnies would have lost the game against the Tigers if he didn’t play but what was also noticed was several unsavoury indiscretions that he did during the game. He was

subsequently suspended for four matches.

What game I’m looking forward to...

Believe it or not it’s the Storm vs Warriors on Sunday night. Over the years the Warriors have had some memorable victories against Melbourne and always give the Storm trouble no matter where each team is sitting on the ladder.

My tips for the week...

Panthers, Rabbitohs, Eels, Sharks, Raiders, Tigers, Dragons, Storm.

The final word...

Storm hooker Brandon Smith was asked on ‘Sunday Night with Matty Johns’, what changes he’d make if he was in charge of Fox Sports for a day. He said he’d get rid of Paul Kent and call the show ‘NRL 120’ and while he was at it, he’d sack James Hooper too. I couldn’t agree with you more, champ!

extra minutes ! The incredible life and career of Tommy Raudonikis was celebrated at the SCG on Monday with a special memorial held at rugby league’s traditional home. Channel Nine’s Ray Warren was MC for the event, which saw rugby league royalty come together to remember one of the game’s great characters. ! Wests Tigers have unveiled the club’s 2021 Commemorative jersey, which will be worn in the club’s ANZAC Day game against the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles at Bankwest Stadium. Men’s and women’s jerseys are available for purchase via the club’s official online store while stock will also be available at Bankwest Stadium on Sunday.

The Wests Tigers’ ANZAC jersey.

! NRL Head of Football Graham Annesley has backed the use of technology in the game after The Bunker was forced to decide the winner of the incredible Rabbitohs v Tigers game last weekend.

Annesley said it proved how critical technology is in the game, and without it the referees would have simply had to guess the result of the Golden Point thriller. “Whilst there are times when I’m sure we use the technology when we don’t need to, I think they’re in the minority of cases,” Annesley said. ! Latrell Mitchell’s quest for this year’s Dally M Award is in crisis after he was suspended this week. He finished Round 6 of the NRL on top of the leaderboard on 13 points but will have points docked following last week’s brain explosions against the Wests Tigers. Melbourne’s Ryan Papenhuyzen sits second on 12 points, followed by Nathan Cleary and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck who share third on 10 points. ! The Parramatta Eels have released a statement in regards to an alleged sex tape being circulated on social media and shopped to media outlets. “The Club has become aware of a video involving one of its players,” the statement said. “We understand that those in the video have been illegally filmed without consent and that an attempt has been made to distribute the video to media outlets and on social media platforms. The Club has informed the NRL integrity unit and is taking the matter very seriously.”

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My88 FM is so excited to welcome Leona (Le) Triggs to the My88 family! Le is our Senior Account Director and brings with her a wealth of experience in sales and customer service.

She can help with any advertising enquiries, as well as being a friendly face out and about in the local area, so make sure you say hello if you see her!

Favourite 80's Song: Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now, Jefferson Starship Favourite 80's Movie: There's so many but you can't beat The Lost Boys & The Breakfast Club Favourite 80's Trend: Shoulder Pads with my Perm at the blue light discos!

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