Extra Time July 17 2020

Stephen Crichton. Photo: NRL Images.

STAINES SHOCKER Youngster in hot water over biosecurity breach

PAGE 31

WARREN SMITH Why Trent Barrett must sort out his future quickly

PAGE 37

PETER LANG O’Neill and Cleary set to have last laugh

PAGE 40

EXTRA MINUTES Dean Pay calls it quits at the Bulldogs, as NRL tightens restrictions

PAGE 41

BACK AT HOME PANTHERS BATTLE COWBOYS IN LONG-AWAITED HOMECOMING MATCH PREVIEW: PAGE 29

Friday, July 17, 2020 « the western weekender • extra time

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the final word

v

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, July 17, 2020

match preview

Brent Naden about to send Charlie Staines over for a try. Photo: NRL Images.

TROY DODDS

I

t’s been more than four months since Penrith last played at Panthers Stadium, and it’s been quite a road trip for Ivan Cleary’s men since then.

The Panthers return home this Sunday afternoon sitting in second spot on the ladder, playing with incredible confidence and starting to make the rest of the competition take notice.

But as coach Cleary noted last Sunday, a true premiership threat would not concede 24 points against Cronulla – hence, there’s a lot of work to do.

That work starts against the under-pressure Cowboys, who were blown off the park by a red hot Roosters last Thursday night in Townsville and have reached a critical point in their season, and perhaps in the future of coach Paul Green.

On paper, the Panthers should cruise to a fourth straight win – especially given

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SUNDAY, JULY 19 | 4.05PM | PANTHERS STADIUM | REFEREE: BEN CUMMINS last week’s demolition of Cronulla and the Cowboys’ disappointing season so far, and ever-growing injury list. But things are not always that simple, and the Panthers will have to ensure they don’t let their standards slip against a side that despite sitting 12th on the ladder has scored 20 or more points on six occasions this year.

It is the Cowboys’ defence that has let them down for much of the season – they have conceded 253 points, the worst defensive record in the competition, and average 28 points against them each week.

It’s an opportunity for Penrith’s electric backline to shine – though unfortunately we won’t get to see that speed of Charlie Staines on show again.

Of course you can expect the NRL’s quiet achievers – James Fisher-Harris, Isaah Yeo and James Tamou – to lay the platform.

They continue, without all that much

recognition, to play their hearts out for Penrith every week and are among the key reasons why the Panthers sit where they do at the half-way point of the season.

The Cowboys of course have some big boppers too – none better than Jason Taumalolo – but with Michael Morgan missing, they lack the direction required to compete when it matters. They’ve also been rattled by the loss of Valentine Holmes, robbing the side of another attacking weapon and further limiting their point-scoring opportunities.

All in all, Penrith should be winning this one – but games like this are a real test. The expectation of victory now sits on this Penrith side that for the best part of the season has flown under the radar, knocking off big teams in results deemed ‘upsets’.

Now, they’ve proven they’re the real deal

PANTHERS

and they must deliver with that pressure on their back.

Another big win would be fantastic, but I’m sure coach Cleary would be particularly happy if the defence was tightened up – the Sharks scored some soft tries last week and they took away from what was otherwise a dominant performance.

North Queensland’s record at Panthers Stadium isn’t too bad – they’ve won 50 per cent of their games at the venue over the years, including a 26-20 victory last year.

These two sides have always enjoyed great tussles and in their 35 meetings in the NRL era, the records are almost split – the Cowboys with 18 wins, Penrith 17.

Penrith should even the ledger on Sunday, and with their home fans cheering them on again, I’m anticipating it’ll be reasonably comfortable in the end.

Tip: Panthers by 18.

COWBOYS

1 Dylan Edwards

10 James Fisher-Harris

1 Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow

2 Josh Mansour

11 Viliame Kikau

2 Kyle Feldt

11 Shane Wright

3 Dean Whare

12 Liam Martin

3 Connelly Lemuelu

12 Coen Hess

4 Stephen Crichton

13 Isaah Yeo

4 Esan Marsters

13 Jason Taumalolo (c)

5 Brent Naden

14 Tyrone May

5 Justin O’Neill

14 Daejarn Asi

6 Jarome Luai

15 Spencer Leniu

6 Mitchell Dunn

15 Tom Gilbert

7 Nathan Cleary

16 Moses Leota

7 Jake Clifford

16 Gavin Cooper

10 Francis Molo

8 James Tamou (c)

17 Billy Burns

8 Josh McGuire

17 Ben Hampton

9 Apisai Koroisau

18 Mitch Kenny 19 Matt Burton

9 Reece Robson

18 Murray Taulagi 19 Reuben Cotter

29

Friday, July 17, 2020 « the western weekender • extra time

panther rumblings

WITH THE MASKED PANTHER

BULLDOGS HUNT BARRETT !

The Bulldogs are likely to finalise their offer to Penrith assistant coach Trent Barrett in the coming days, which is likely to lead to him replacing Dean Pay at Belmore next season. Pay departed the Dogs earlier this week but I’m told Barrett is unlikely to join the club mid-season and will finish the year with Penrith. The Panthers are happy enough to let Barrett take an elusive head coaching role, but given it’s a case of history repeating itself, it’ll certainly be his last stint at Penrith.

There’s also been discussion about a ‘hands off’ warning in relation to Barrett taking players with him to Canterbury.

!

It won’t quite be a full house but all available tickets for this Sunday’s clash between the Panthers and Cowboys at Panthers Stadium have been snapped up. Tickets were made available to full season ticketed members, and while it was always going to be a tricky situation, I haven’t heard of any major complaints from fans about the ticketing process.

!

The cat was let out of the bag briefly on Twitter late last week when news broke that Charlie Staines would make his NRL debut against the Sharks on Saturday. The Panthers stepped in and asked the fan who posted the news to delete the tweet, and he obliged. Penrith was keen to keep the news under wraps as long as possible.

!

Kaide Ellis has been released from the final five months of his contract to pursue an opportunity at the Dragons.

The 23-year-old forward was a member of the premiership-winning Panthers NYC side in 2015 and won the State championship Title with the Panthers ISP side in 2017. Ellis achieved his NRL debut in 2018 and made eight NRL appearances in Panthers colours.

!

South Sydney have signed Panthers utility Jed Cartwright. The 23-year-old will join the Rabbitohs next season and has signed a three year deal, which will keep him at the club until at least 2023.

!

All NRL clubs including Penrith were sent a stern reminder from head office on Monday as fears of a second wave of Coronavirus in NSW start to grow. The memo reminded NRL clubs about their obligations during this period, in the wake of three separate issues emerging over the weekend. The NRL went further on Tuesday when it informed nonQueensland clubs that they’d be required to reinstate strict biosecurity protocols immediately.

!

Spotted: Prime Minister Scott Morrison at the Panthers v Sharks game last Saturday afternoon. Unfortunately for ScoMo, his Sharkies were never in the game.

!

Easy money: One punter placed a $5,000 bet on the Panthers to win the premiership at the odds of $7.50 last weekend. The TAB punter will win $37,500 if James Tamou holds up the trophy on Grand Final day.

!

I mentioned this earlier in the year but the rumours are getting stronger that the Panthers will extend the current contract of utility Tyrone May. May is off-contract at the end of the season and while he’s had his fair share of off-field dramas, remains well-liked by coach Ivan Cleary and the Penrith support staff.

!

The Pantherettes won’t be part of game day this Sunday despite Penrith returning to Panthers Stadium. The current COVID-19 restrictions mean the cheer squad can’t be on the field on game day, and the club wasn’t overly keen on exploring other options. Hopefully they’ll be back later in the year.

Is Trent Barrett Belmore-bound?

Photo: NRL Images.

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SHOCK TWIST AFTER DREAM DEBUT NATHAN TAYLOR

T

he Penrith Panthers have got on the front foot after debutant sensation Charlie Staines went from the penthouse to the dog house in the space of 48 hours.

Last Saturday the happy winger from Forbes enjoyed the dream NRL debut, scoring four tries in Penrith’s huge 56-24 victory over Cronulla.

However, Staines’ impressive afternoon went pear- shaped just hours later when the 19-year-old hosted 10 visitors – including his parents, his sister, the parents of his partner and four mates – at his place of residence.

NRL biosecurity protocols stipulated players can host up to 10 visitors at their place of residence each day, however those visitors must attend in groups of no more than five.

In the early hours of Sunday morning Staines suffered a recurrence of lockjaw, which is a condition he is familiar with and last suffered during the pre-season.

At approximately 2.30am on Sunday, Staines attended Nepean Hospital’s emergency department for treatment before being released sometime later.

Panthers rookie Charlie Staines is in hot water. Photo: NRL Images.

Panthers staff were first informed of the hospital visit on Sunday. The club later learned of the number of visitors that had attended Staines’ place of residence.

The club notified the NRL and Staines was immediately stood down from all duties pending the next steps in accordance with biosecurity protocols.

“Charlie has been extremely naïve on this occasion and inadvertently breached the protocols that are in place to protect the game,” Panthers CEO Brian Fletcher said.

“His misunderstanding of the specifics of the guidelines cannot be overlooked, nor can his failure to contact the club before seeking medical treatment for his jaw condition.

“The club and Charlie will now work closely with the NRL to ensure all necessary steps are taken to rectify the situation.”

Shortly before 5pm on Monday, Penrith released a statement to the public detailing the events that occurred. Following the Nathan Cleary TikTok saga in April, the club wanted to jump on the story early and nip the situation in the bud.

Staines will sit out this weekend’s game against North Queensland, with Dean Whare coming back into the side.

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, July 17, 2020

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Friday, July 17, 2020 « the western weekender • extra time

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feature

PANTHERS KEEN FOR HOMECOMING NATHAN TAYLOR

T

his Sunday will mark 127 days since Penrith supporters got to see their beloved team run around at Panthers Stadium, but the wait is finally over.

Around 3000 (socially distanced) fans will be in attendance this Sunday afternoon to see the high-flying Panthers take on the lowly placed North Queensland.

Gone are the cardboard cut- outs and fake crowd noise… the real thing is back!

Panthers interchange forward Billy Burns said he and his teammates can’t wait to be back amongst the fans.

“The boys are buzzing about it; we are keen to see the local crowd there that’s for sure. It’s a good feeling getting back in our own fortress,” he told Extra Time.

“Penrith Stadium… there’s something about it, you can’t really put it into words.

When you’ve been playing there for so long like I have, it just feels like home. You just get excited to play there every week especially in front of your home crowd.

“Now that we’re winning a few games, the fans are going to get behind us even more. We’re all looking forward to that.”

Penrith skipper James Tamou said play-

ing in front of thousands of Panthers fans again is something he is very much looking forward to.

“When we first started playing in front of no fans at stadiums, you could definitely tell the difference,” he said.

“The last few weeks, since we’ve had a few fans back, you run out there and you can really hear them.

“To be back home and have fans in attendance again will hopefully be the difference for us.”

Penrith are red- hot favourites heading into this weekend’s clash against the Cowboys, who were trounced last weekend at the hands of the Sydney Roosters.

Tamou said he’s still wary of his former team despite their opposing win/loss records.

“The Cowboys are a tough team. Obviously, they haven’t got the wins on the board but watching them… they are definitely a team we can’t take lightly,” he said.

“With big Jason Taumalolo there in the middle being dangerous, I think we’re going to have our hands full.”

If Penrith do manage to knock off the Cowboys and secure their fifth straight win, it’ll continue their best start to a season since 1991.

Skipper James Tamou is excited to have fans back at Panthers Stadium.

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the western weekender • extra time » Friday, July 17, 2020

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Friday, July 17, 2020 « the western weekender • extra time

nrl ladder & fixtures CLUB

PD

W

D

L

B

F

A

+/-

PTS

1

Eels

9

8

0

1

0

210

96

+114

16

2

Panthers

9

7

1

1

0

218

134

+84

15

3

Storm

9

7

0

2

0

195

122

+73

14

4

Roosters

9

6

0

3

0

268

112

+156 12

5

Knights

9

5

1

3

0

187

142

+45

11

6

Rabbitohs

9

5

0

4

0

188

154

+34

10

7

Raiders

9

5

0

4

0

164

133

+31

10

8

W. Tigers

9

4

0

5

0

197

177

+20

8

9

Sharks

9

4

0

5

0

210

214

-4

8

10 Sea Eagles

9

4

0

5

0

133

163

-30

8

11

Dragons

9

3

0

6

0

156

172

-16

6

12 Cowboys

9

3

0

6

0

195

253

-58

6

13 Warriors

9

3

0

6

0

117

214

-97

6

14 Broncos

9

3

0

6

0

134

243

-109

6

15 Titans

9

3

0

6

0

122

245

-123

6

16 Bulldogs

9

1

0

8

0

94

214

-120

2

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ROUND 10 V

Thursday, July 16 7.50pm SCG

V

Friday, July 17 6.00pm Sunshine Coast Stadium

V

Friday, July 17 7.55pm Leichhardt Oval

V

Saturday, July 18 3.00pm WIN Stadium

V

Saturday, July 18 5.30pm Bankwest Stadium

V

Saturday, July 18 7.30pm Lottoland

V

Sunday, July 19 2.00pm Central Coast Stadium

V

Sunday, July 19 4.05pm Panthers Stadium

Face In Th e Crowd

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Extra Time Issue Number 2020-015 PRODUCED BY The Western Weekender EDITOR Troy Dodds / 4722 2998 troy.dodds@westernweekender.com.au WRITERS Nathan Taylor, Clinton Maynard, Warren Smith, Peter Lang SALES DIRECTOR Chris Pennisi / 4722 2998 chris.pennisi@westernweekender.com.au

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warren smith I

t’s not an annual event for the Penrith Panthers, but the news of assistant coach Trent Barrett being the prime candidate for the vacant Bulldogs head coaching role must feel like Groundhog Day. Whatever happens in the days ahead – whether Barrett signs- on to move to Belmore or stays at Panthers HQ – it has to happen quickly.

There’s too much at stake this time around, with the team having the look of a genuine title contender, for a coaching upheaval in the middle of the season to produce a pothole in the Panthers path to the top four.

It’s a similar situation to the 2015 season when Barrett, working under head coach Ivan Cleary in his first go-around as head coach, signed with the Sea Eagles midseason ahead of a move to the Northern Beaches in 2016.

The Panthers then weren’t travelling as well as they are now, but the potential for a Finals appearance was blown apart by a two win, seven loss run over the final nine games of the regular season that saw the team slump to an 11th placed finish.

The wash-up to bombing out of the race was Ivan Cleary being told by then Football General Manager Phil Gould that he was no longer the man to lead the team.

There’s no danger of history repeating to that degree this time, but it’s funny how

Trent Barrett at Panthers training. Photo: NRL Images.

coaching issues for the Panthers seem to rear their head at the worst possible moment. You would only have to ask Anthony Griffin about 2018 if you needed a reminder of how swiftly things can change.

So, no matter how this Barrett-Bulldogs scenario plays out, the lessons of the past have to be uppermost in the minds of everybody in the Penrith Panthers administration.

The reality is that there shouldn’t be a lot to talk about if Trent Barrett really is the man the Bulldogs want. The club is at rock bottom in many ways and badly in need of direction, but there’s finally room to move in the salary cap and if Barrett decides this is his path to resume his senior coaching career, he goes into the job with his eyes wide open.

The negotiations should be some of the shortest on record, with or without the plastic garden furniture thrown into the mix!

The Panthers are rolling. The way they put the Sharks to the sword at Kogarah in Round 9 was exciting to watch and their use of the football at the moment is something that no team apart from the Roosters can produce.

There’s been so much potential at Penrith for a handful of seasons and now is not the time for another opportunity to slip by because of a coaching hiccup.

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, July 17, 2020

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Chairman’s Cleary gamble was right on the money

lang on league T

owards the end of 2018 while Penrith supporters were panicking about potentially losing Nathan Cleary to the Tigers, Panthers Chairman Dave O’Neill was working hard to bring Ivan Cleary back to the foot of the Mountains.

It was an ingenious idea because let’s face it, no one saw it coming, until it happened. O’Neill knew the young superstar wanted to work with his father and that Ivan wanted to work with his son and he was determined to make it happen but not at the Tigers.

It was a messy transition and it fractured more than a few friendships, but O’Neill knew bringing Ivan back was the best chance the club had to win a premiership.

It certainly didn’t look like a great decision 10 rounds into 2019 when the Panthers had a 2-8 win-loss ratio. However O’Neill stood solid and backed the coach, he never flinched once, even when the critics were baying for his blood.

Meanwhile, Ivan began revamping the roster, turning it into a team which could execute his vision to perfection. He let go many fan favourites and stacked the side with talented local juniors.

Now going into Round 10 of 2020 the Panthers are flying high in second spot and Cleary is on track to win Coach of the Year.

But let’s not forget the man who made it all possible. Dave O’Neill, take a bow.

with Peter Lang What caught my eye last week...

What else but the four try debut by 19-year-old Panthers flyer Charlie Staines against the Sharks last Saturday afternoon. The kid can motor like a Ferrari, which is the nickname teammates have bestowed upon him and you know what, it fits him perfectly.

What game I’m looking forward to...

The clash between the Roosters and Canberra on Thursday night may end up being a defining game for the Raiders. The Green Machine are a shadow of the team they were last year and are losing key players left, right and centre. Coach Ricky Stuart knows he needs to win this one or risk losing touch with the top four sides.

My tips for the week...

Roosters, Storm, Tigers, Dragons, Broncos, Knights, Eels, Sharks, Panthers.

Ivan Cleary’s return to Penrith is starting to pay off. Photo: NRL Images.

The final word...

I have to admit I was one of the people who thought that bringing Ivan Cleary back to the club last year was an ingenious idea but one which wasn’t going to work out.

I now believe Cleary when he said he not only returned to Penrith to coach his son but because he had some unfinished business.

I can’t wait to see him finish it!

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the western weekender • extra time » Friday, July 17, 2020

How one injury can destroy a club’s Premiership chances

clinton maynard R

icky Stuart would be having nightmares of 1993.

The Raiders were flying high, one of the glamour clubs of the era having won premierships, with a squad packed with representative stars.

‘93 was a season where they were headed for more success. Ricky Stuart steering the side as halfback was having one of his best seasons, two rounds out from the Finals the Raiders are handing Parramatta a footballing lesson with a 68-nil trashing.

But in the second half Stuart limps off with an injured ankle. Despite their high flying position, their season is over losing both their Finals matches without Ricky.

Their side, packed with Origins stars, minus their playmaker can’t win a game.

Ricky is now experiencing a repeat, however this time as coach. Josh Hodgson’s ACL tear ends his season and the Raiders’ chances. As a dominating hooker he is their playmaker and Stuart will have to overhaul their attack, but it’s hard to see the side repeating their Grand Final run of last year.

It is another demonstration of how most sides in the competition are just one key injury away from being also-rans.

The Sea Eagles were one of the favourites early season but last Sunday they were easily beaten by the Dragons and even the Sharks put a score on them a few weeks back, the common theme,

Hooker Josh Hodgson is a huge loss for the Green Machine. Photo: NRL Images.

Tom Trbojevic, their star fullback, is out with a hamstring injury. While he’s not their main playmaker, most of their attack revolves around him.

Some clubs can cope. Parramatta’s still winning without Mitch Moses, but would they if Clint Gutherson was to miss game time? Could the Roosters win if Luke Keary was ruled out for the season? At least they have the ability to buy another top quality replacement mid-season.

However in the main if a team loses their key playmaker most aren’t going to compete and the proof is the Melbourne Storm. The club is the most consistent of the game’s modern history. Under Craig Bellamy they make the Finals every year, they’re usually in the top four and are often favourites to win the comp.

However, when you look at their squad, it changes every year, a lot of players have been through that team over the past 15

years, even the ‘Big 4’ became the ‘Big 3’ and doesn’t even exist anymore, but there’s one consistent, Cameron Smith.

There’s a reason he has played more than 400 games and is one of the greatest of all time, he hardly misses a game. He’s never had a season- ending injury and therefore the Storm are always in contention. Except in 2008, he wasn’t injured but suspended and missed the Grand Final.

The result, Manly won 40-0.

extra minutes !

Dean Pay has stood down from his position as coach of the Bulldogs, leaving Steve Georgallis to guide the side until a replacement is secured. “I’d like to thank the Bulldogs for the opportunity to be the Head Coach at a club that has always meant so much to me,” Pay said on Tuesday. Pay was off-contract at the end of the season.

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Rugby league’s leading commentator Andrew Voss had a major health scare last week, undergoing eye surgery after three tears were discovered on his retina. Had the issue gone untreated, Voss could have gone blind. Incredibly, he still called two matches for Fox League last weekend.

The NRL has agreed all clubs operating outside of Queensland must revert to original Apollo biosecurity protocols. Players and staff within team bubbles will not be allowed to attend venues including cafes, restaurants, pubs, beaches and golf courses to avoid community contact during the current spike in COVID-19 cases. Restrictions on home visitors will also return.

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Canberra has confirmed the signing of second-rower Harry Rushton on a three-year deal starting in 2021. The 18-year-old will head to the nation’s capital from the Wigan Warriors in the UK. Rushton has played for Wigan’s academy side and also represented England at academy level.

Andrew Voss is lucky to be calling again.

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Brisbane captain Alex Glenn will be out for up to eight weeks after he suffered an MCL injury against the Bulldogs last weekend.

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NRL Head of Football Graham Annesley says Canberra’s Bailey Simonsson should not have been sin-binned for taking out Melbourne’s Josh Addo-Carr last weekend.

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Corey Harawira-Naera and Jayden Okunbor will be allowed to play in the NRL again after a successful appeal saw them overturn their deregistration penalties following an incident in Port Macquarie earlier this year.

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Friday, July 17, 2020 ÂŤ the western weekender

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