Extra Time July 2 2021

Clint Gutherson and Jarome Luai.

Photos: NRL Photos.

battle of the west NO CROWDS, BUT BLOCKBUSTER WILL GO AHEAD MATCH PREVIEW: PAGE 23 MASKED PANTHER

MATT RUSSELL

LANG ON LEAGUE

The latest news and gossip from the foot of the Mountains

How the Blues are set for years of Origin dominance

Salary cap constraints won’t tear Panthers apart

PAGE 24

PAGE 30

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Friday, July 2, 2021 « the western weekender • extra time

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the western weekender • extra time » Friday, July 2, 2021

match preview

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James Fisher-Harris in action against the Roosters. Photo: NRL Photos.

TROY DODDS

O

ne of the season’s biggest blockbusters takes place at BlueBet Stadium on Friday night with the Penrith Panthers taking on the Parramatta Eels in a top four showdown.

These games are always hyped as the ‘battle of the west’ but it’s never been more accurate given these sides sit second and third on the ladder – rarely do these rivalry clashes come when both sides are in such terrific form.

However, plenty has overshadowed what should have been one of best build-ups of the season.

The COVID-19 outbreak in Sydney means tonight’s game will be played behind closed doors, while a shoulder injury has robbed the match of the game’s best player.

Regardless, games between these two clubs always have plenty of meaning and this should still be a great match.

FRIDAY, JULY 2 | 7.55PM | BLUEBET STADIUM | REFEREE: ASHLEY KLEIN The Panthers got their premiership train back on track against the Roosters a fortnight ago, bouncing back from two straight losses to easily account for the tri-colours, easing some tensions that started to mount after the side’s winning streak was finally broken.

The Eels meantime did enough to beat the Bulldogs, but were challenged in the same way Trent Barrett’s side took it to Penrith back in Round 12.

There’s no question this is a big test for the Eels. All the experts, and general followers, already believe in Penrith’s premiership aspirations. They’re not so sure about Parramatta, but a victory over Ivan Cleary’s side would certainly change that view.

There’s no doubt, however, that the Eels get to play Penrith at the best possible time, with not only Cleary but also Dylan Edwards sitting on the sidelines.

It’s sparked a significant re-shuffle with Charlie Staines moving to fullback, Brent Naden finding himself back in first grade on the wing and Tyrone May coming into the centres, replacing Matt Burton who moves into the halves.

It’s not an ideal preparation for Penrith, but I don’t expect them to be as clunky in attack as they were against the Tigers and Sharks, especially given Jarome Luai will now be running the show.

One player I’m anticipating will have a big game is Viliame Kikau, who most accept hasn’t been in the rampaging form we’ve come to expect from the big Fijian. He’s well rested, and has reportedly been told to lift his game – a sure-fire recipe for a stand-out performance.

The Eels have plenty to offer – there’s no doubt about that – but I do question their ability to close out games and hold on in

PANTHERS

FOX LEAGUE CHANNEL 9 2GB 873 ABC 702

gritty affairs. The vast majority of their wins this season have been by big margins – Parramatta won’t have such a luxury against Penrith, who rarely let matches get away from them.

The real question is if Parramatta can handle Penrith’s running game and momentum. The Panthers lead the competition in All Runs, All Run Metres, and Kick Return Metres this season – when they’re on a roll, they’re hard to stop. But guess which team sits second in all of those stats?

Parramatta. And Brad Arthur’s side leads the comp in post contact metres, with Penrith second.

Penrith and Parramatta also control possession better than anyone in the competition – Penrith averaging 55 per cent of the ball in games, the Eels in second on 54 per cent.

Tip: Panthers by 6.

EELS

1 Charlie Staines

10 James FIsher-Harris

1 Clint Gutherson (c)

2 Brent Naden

11 Viliame Kikau

2 Maika Sivo

10 Junior Paulo 11 Isaiah Papali’i

3 Stephen Crichton

12 Kurt Capewell

3 Tom Opacic

12 Ryan Matterson

4 Tyrone May

13 Isaah Yeo (c)

4 Waqa Blake

13 Nathan Brown

5 Brian To’o

14 Mitch Kenny

5 Haze Dunster

14 Marata Niukore

6 Matt Burton

15 Scott Sorensen

6 Dylan Brown

15 Shaun Lane

7 Jarome Luai

16 Spencer Leniu

7 Mitchell Moses

16 Oregon Kaufusi

8 Moses Leota

17 Liam Martin

8 Raegan Campbell-Gillard

17 Bryce Cartwright

9 Apisai Koroisau

18 Izack Tago 19 Jaeman Salmon

9 Joey Lussick

18 Will Penisini 19 Will Smith

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Friday, July 2, 2021 « the western weekender • extra time

panther rumblings

WITH THE MASKED PANTHER

CLEARY BACK IN A MONTH ! Penrith halfback Nathan Cleary could be back as soon as Round 20 for the club’s blockbuster clash against Melbourne at AAMI Park. The playmaker consulted a surgeon on Wednesday after suffering a shoulder injury in Origin II. It was agreed that Cleary would rehab the injury and try to get through until the end of the season, with post-season surgery to follow. While the experts have told Cleary to expect a stint on the sidelines of up to six weeks, the tough as nails halfback wants to be back on the field within four.

Nathan Cleary.

Photo: NRL Photos.

! The Panthers are counting the cost of the NSW lockdown with a huge revenue hit surrounding what is usually one of the most lucrative games of the year for the club. Officials estimate they’ll miss out on around $500,000 worth of revenue once gate takings, corporate ticketing and flowon crowds over at the Leagues Club are taken into account. While everyone understands that health comes first, there’s no doubt the timing couldn’t have been worse for the club. Perhaps fate will deliver a Panthers v Eels home final come September? ! Bubble life has returned for NRL players. Lockdowns in NSW and across the country have the NRL exceptionally concerned about the continuity of the competition, prompting the return of Level 4 Biosecurity Protocols. Under Level 4 protocols players must remain at home unless training, playing or completing an essential household task. Visitors are not permitted into the homes of players or officials.

Level 4 protocols are the same restrictions imposed on players and officials when the competition first resumed from the COVID-19 enforced suspension on May 28 last year.

be convinced to stay in Sydney and sign a one-year extension with the Panthers. If it comes down to money, the Panthers won’t be the biggest offer.

!

Has the time come for Nathan Cleary to replace Daly Cherry-Evans as the Australian halfback? That’s certainly the push ahead of the World Cup, scheduled to be held later this year. Former Panthers star Jamie Soward pushed Cleary’s case this week too in a column for NRL.COM. “Cherry-Evans is not on the level of Cleary, who is the best player – let alone halfback – in the world,” Soward declared.

! Spotted: Panthers and NSW winger Brian To’o chilling out with some tunes on the Suncorp Stadium surface before Origin II kicked off last Sunday night (right). !

While Kurt Capewell has rushed to quash rumours that he’s signed with Brisbane for next season, there’s no doubt that the Broncos are now the clear favourite for his signature. The club believes they’ve

! got their man, even if no deal has been officially signed. The 27-year-old had indicated his desire to return to Queensland at the end of his Penrith contract, but rumours in recent months suggested he may

So, what’s going on with the Panthers Stadium upgrade? While nothing was confirmed in last Tuesday’s State Budget, I’m told it’s still all systems go for the project.

There’s certainly some nervous people in the State Government who believe an

expensive knockdown and re-build won’t necessarily play well with the public, but Treasurer Dominic Perrottet is all but certain to push ahead. He’s waiting on final reports that will give the Penrith project the official green light, then you can expect a funding announcement.

! Talking of Panthers Stadium, make sure you head to the Western Weekender website at www.westernweekender.com.au to check out a Special Report compiled by Troy Dodds, whose written a terrific piece on the history of the stadium and shares some wonderful memories. ! Heard a rumour? I don’t keep secrets, but I do protect my sources. You can email me direct at maskedpanther@westernweekender.com.au. You can also drop your rumours to the inbox on the Western Weekender Facebook page.

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NADEN’S SHOT AT NRL REDEMPTION NATHAN TAYLOR

T

he Panthers will unleash a new-look backline on Friday night, headlined by the return of controversial star Brent Naden.

With Dylan Edwards (foot) and Paul Momirovski (hip) ruled out through injury and Matt Burton moving from centre to five-eighth due to the Nathan Cleary situation, Penrith will welcome back some familiar faces for the all-important Battle of the West blockbuster against Parramatta.

Charlie Staines will shift to fullback in place of Edwards, while Naden will take his spot on the wing. Tyrone May will return from a short stint on the sidelines to take Burton’s role at centre, while Viliame Kikau has recovered from a minor hamstring complaint which kept him out of the Round 15 clash against the Roosters.

However, despite the myriad of changes, all eyes will be on Naden, who will make his first appearance in the NRL since last year’s Grand Final. The 25-year-old, who has signed with the Bulldogs for next year and beyond, hasn’t featured in first grade all season after getting nabbed with traces of cocaine in his system following the 2020 Grand Final loss to the Storm.

Brent Naden will make his long-awaited return to first grade. Photo: NRL Photos.

Speaking with Extra Time via Zoom on Wednesday, Panthers backrower and Origin star Liam Martin said Naden has been clearly desperate for a return to first grade.

“I know he’ll be more than eager to get back out there. He’s been absolutely chewing at the bit to play and I’m sure he’ll be keen,” Martin said.

“Nado hasn’t been in [first grade] for quite

a while but, the way he’s been training, he’s been the most positive person here.

“It was always going to happen for him if he just kept working, so it’ll be good to see him back out there.”

Also fresh off a State of Origin series victory, Panthers co-captain Isaah Yeo is confident his side will march on despite the raft of changes.

“Charlie’s played fullback before and done a wonderful job, that was his position coming through the grades. Brent Naden’s been really good for NSW Cup, and Tyrone May’s played big games in the centres for us before,” he said.

“I don’t anticipate there to be any dramas, they’ve all played there before and in big games. It’s a great opportunity for them and something we’ve done really well – that next man up attitude whenever there’s been an injury.”

Due to the lockdown in Greater Sydney, Penrith will play tonight’s showdown with the Eels at BlueBet Stadium behind closed doors. Martin said he’s “disappointed” a sold-out crowd won’t be in attendance for arguably the biggest match of the year.

“It’s always good playing in front of a home crowd and there’s nothing better than a packed-out Penrith Stadium. But we got used to having no crowds last year, so I’m sure we’ll be fine,” he said.

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, July 2, 2021

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Friday, July 2, 2021 « the western weekender • extra time

Say what you like about Penrith, they’ve built a culture of winning

joel caine T

he saying goes if you want to be a winner, hang around winners.

With New South Wales recently tasting success with a series win that included six Panthers, it’s as if winning follows them everywhere they go.

They’ve already claimed the Origin shield, and it would take a brave pundit to tip against the NRL premiership making its way to Penrith some three decades after the ’91 side climbed the mountain.

But trophies, shields and accolades are a product of one key thing – an environment of winning.

Talent scouts and recruitment managers often get lost in stats and on individual performance, but when it comes to the crunch, is the player you are signing a winner? Is winning something that they are used to?

At Penrith, they’ve got that in spades, with key stars tasting success before ever pulling on the Panthers jersey in first grade.

Origin forward Isaah Yeo won the Holden Cup in 2013 before he moved to Penrith, and Api Koroisau won a Grand Final with the Bunnies in 2014.

But we’re not just talking about those who’ve come into the club as adults, because in the junior ranks it’s even more impressive for the club at the foot of the Mountains.

Since combining in the SG Ball ranks in 2015, the Nathan Cleary/Jarome Luai part-

nership has more than an 80 per cent win rate, a truly astonishing number.

That perfect partnership along with James Fisher-Harris, Tyrone May, Brent Naden, Dylan Edwards and Moses Leota beat a Manly Under 20s side in the 2015 Grand Final that possessed Tom Trbojevic, Nicho Hynes, Luke Garner and Jesse Ramien.

One year later, the Panthers SG Ball team defeated the young Steelers who had Zac Lomax, and of course it was Brian To’o who scored the try to seal the Grand Final.

In 2017, the Panthers defeated a Wyong side which had Paul Momirovski, Nat Butcher and Lyndsay Collins. But Luai, Viliame Kikau, Liam Martin and the one that got away – Maika Sivo, were too strong there as well.

One year after that, the Panthers again claimed the SG Ball title, this time Matt Burton, Charlie Staines and Stephen Crichton all lifted the Cup, and of course Staines found a way to score.

When you include Kurt Capewell’s Origin series win last year as a crucial member of Queensland’s side, that means the entire Panthers starting 13 has tasted significant success at some stage.

While Koroisau is the only current starter with an NRL ring, I’m predicting that the other 12 will join him very soon – perhaps in just three months’ time.

Listen to Joel Caine on SEN, Sydney’s sports station on 1170AM.

The Panthers are a team of winners. Photo: Megan Dunn.

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TOUGHNESS WILL GET HIM THROUGH NATHAN TAYLOR

P

anthers supporters everywhere breathed a huge sigh of relief just after Midday on Wednesday when it was announced that co-captain Nathan Cleary would be sidelined for at least a month as he rehabilitates a shoulder injury suffered in Origin II last Sunday.

Following expert medical advice, Cleary was given the green light to delay surgery on his right shoulder until after the season.

The positive news on the 23-year-old playmaker was welcomed with open arms at Panthers HQ this week, with players over the moon that their star halfback was a big shot of returning in time for their run to the Finals.

NSW Blues and Panthers teammate Liam Martin said it’s given the whole club “a massive boost” knowing Cleary will be steering the ship again very soon.

“Knowing he’ll be back is a big confidence boost,” he declared.

“I saw him (Cleary) this morning and he said his shoulder isn’t feeling too bad. He said he’ll miss a few weeks but hopefully will be back a bit later.

“He was positive, he’s always a positive person. He’s going to do everything possi-

WW45385

ble to make sure it’s right. I have faith in him that he’ll be back to his best in no time.”

Due to the nature of the tear in Cleary’s right shoulder, there were serious fears he could miss the remainder of the season if immediate surgery was required.

Panthers co-captain Isaah Yeo knows exactly what his fellow skipper is going through after suffering a similar injury, which ultimately resulted in a shoulder reconstruction, back in 2019.

Yeo said if anyone can deal with the pain and work his way back, it’s Cleary.

“He absolutely has a high pain threshold and is extremely tough, which showed again last Sunday night,” he said.

“Returning this season is absolutely doable… we have some really good physios here and you have a professional like Nath who will be giving himself every chance to strengthen his shoulder and get through it.

“He’s an incredibly tough player – he got through 70 minutes with it annoying him the whole game. I don’t think pain is a worry for him.”

With his season still alive, Cleary will immediately begin rehabbing his shoulder – working alongside some of the best physios and medical professionals in the game.

Yeo said it will be a tough four to six on the sidelines for Cleary as he works to build up

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, July 2, 2021

feature

Penrith halfback Nathan Cleary has avoided immediate surgery. Photo: NRL Photos.

the strength in his shoulder to avoid another serious dislocation.

“All shoulder injuries are different, but the physios will give him a plan and he’ll tackle it,” he said.

“What rehab does is try and limit that (dislocation) from happening again. It will

happen again at times but hopefully not as bad.

“He’s extremely tough but we’re very lucky to have some quality physios here. We’ve put ourselves in a position where he can take four to six weeks to get it right leading into Finals. He’s the ultimate professional.”

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the western weekender • extra time » Friday, July 2, 2021

29

Friday, July 2, 2021 « the western weekender • extra time

Brought to you by

Has New South Wales entered a golden Origin era?

matt russell Q

ueensland must be a scary place to be right now.

Roll your eyes at another lockdown from the Palaszczuk Government.

Shrug your shoulders at a forecast significant rain event. Monitor a fast-moving mouse plague. Cuss the fact the Cowboys, Titans and Broncos just spent another week outside the NRL top eight.

But what about the average age of the current NSW backline. 25! It’s 24 if you take James Tedesco out. Scary stuff for anyone shouting ‘Queens-land-er’.

Already Tedesco, To’o, Mitchell, Trbojevic, Addo-Carr, Luai and Cleary have travelled north of the Tweed to drag the series win south of the Tweed for the 16th time in Origin history.

The Fox Sports Lab makes it more scary for Queensland. For the first time, NSW has won back to back Origin games by 20 points or more. The Blues have just notched their biggest win at Suncorp Stadium. The Maroons were kept to nil at home for the first time.

Most members of the NSW backline have at least five good/great years ahead, if not more. They have already shown skillful strike in attack and determined competitiveness in defence. Two games. 76-6 combined. Enough said.

Already it’s being floated that this is the best NSW backline in Origin history. So perhaps it’s time to bring in a couple of

New South Wales celebrating their series win on Sunday night. Photo: NRL Photos.

judges who aren’t scared of anything.

“Ask me in five years,” snapped Steve Roach.

“Mate, let’s not get too carried away,” added Mark Carroll.

The first backline to win a series for NSW was the 1985 line-up of Garry Jack, Eric Grothe, Michael O’Connor, Chris Mortimer, John Ferguson, Brett Kenny and Steve Mortimer.

The first backline to complete a NSW three-peat in 1994 read Tim Brasher, Andrew Ettingshausen, Brad Fittler, Paul McGregor, Brett Mullins, Laurie Daley and Ricky Stuart.

Here’s the line-up to start a run of threestraight series wins in 2003 – Anthony Minichiello, Timana Tahu, Matt Gidley, Jamie Lyon, Mick De Vere, Shaun Timmins and Andrew Johns.

As per usual, the no-nonsense comments above from Blocker and Spudd, combined with the above memories, provide much food for thought.

The current group needs sustained success. And it needs to come against a Queensland side boasting names like Ponga, Brimson, possibly Walsh and Walker, among other talent.

The Blues 2021 backline is very good. The best though? The next few years will tell – and if the answer is ‘yes’, Queenslanders might prefer ‘The Shining’ or ‘The Exorcist’ as a not-so-scary alternative.

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288

409

-121

14

10 Raiders

14

5

0

9

1

277

343

-66

12

11

14

5

0

9

1

287

357

-70

12

12 Knights

15

6

0

9

0

241

372

-131

12

13 Titans

15

5

0

10

0

342

436

-94

10

Warriors

14 W. Tigers 15 Bulldogs 16 Broncos

15 14 15

5 2 3

0 0 0

10 12 12

0 1 0

308 172 232

440 402 482

+/-

-132 -230 -250

PTS

26

10

4732 6007

ROUND 16 V

Thursday, July 1 7.50pm McDonald Jones Stadium

V

Friday, July 2 6.00pm Central Coast Stadium

V

Friday, July 2 7.55pm BlueBet Stadium

V

Saturday, July 3 3.00pm Bankwest Stadium

V

Saturday, July 3 5.30pm GIO Stadium

V

Saturday, July 3 7.35pm McDonald Jones Stadium

V

Sunday, July 4 2.00pm Suncorp Stadium

V

Sunday, July 4 4.05pm Leichhardt Oval

Face In Th e Crowd

IS THIS YOU? ?

Is this you at a recent Penrith Panthers game? If it is, you’ve won a Hoyts Family Movie Pass to use at any Hoyts Cinema in Australia! To collect your prize, visit the Weekender office at 2/42-44 Abel Street, Jamisontown (after the lockdown period) and ask for Nathan Taylor.

Extra Time Issue Number 2020-017

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the western weekender • extra time » Friday, July 2, 2021

nrl ladder & fixtures

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

PRODUCED BY The Western Weekender EDITOR Troy Dodds / 4722 2998 troy.dodds@westernweekender.com.au CONTRIBUTORS Nathan Taylor, Peter Lang, Matt Russell, Joel Caine SALES DIRECTOR Chris Pennisi / 4722 2998 chris.pennisi@westernweekender.com.au

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the western weekender • extra time » Friday, July 2, 2021

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Friday, July 2, 2021 « the western weekender • extra time

lang on league

with Peter Lang

I

Will Penrith re-sign Viliame Kikau next year? Photo: NRL Photos.

had to laugh when I saw a headline on Triple M’s website last week which read ‘Salary Cap Pressure Set To Dismantle The Penrith Panthers’. The Australian’s Brent Read spoke on The Rush Hour about how Penrith could lose several key players next season due to salary cap pressure.

I’m sure Read had nothing to do with the sensational headline but the truth is, nothing could be further from the truth. Let’s look at some facts first.

Fact: The Panthers have tied up the following 10 players to long-term contracts past 2022. They are; Nathan Cleary (2024), Isaah Yeo (2024), James Fisher-Harris (reportedly agreed to re-sign until 2026), Jarome Luai (2023), Brian To’o (2023), Stephen Crichton (2023), Spencer Lenui (2023), Liam Martin (2023), Charlie Staines (2023) and Izack Tago (2023).

Fact: They’ve locked up their Origin halves pairing, the best prop in the competition, starting wingers, a gun centre, a representative second rower and one of the best young talents in the game, all beyond next year.

Fact: That’s a pretty good foundation to build on isn’t it?

Now let’s have a look at some of the main players off contract next season: Dylan Edwards, Viliame Kikau, Moses Leota, and Apisai Koroisau.

Out of those four players, Penrith

will probably have enough money to sign at least two of them on decent long-term contracts. It’s true the Panthers can’t sign them all but nor would they want to.

Not all of these players will be needed beyond next year and there are so many gun juniors coming through the ranks that Penrith will risk losing the best of them, if they are not retained and given an opportunity beyond 2022.

Trust me Panthers supporters, there’s a lot of reasons to be happy and optimistic about the future, there will be no ‘dismantling’.

So please sit back, relax and let the good times roll at the foot of the Mountains.

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, July 2, 2021

Salary cap management is spot on at Panthers

What caught my eye last week...

The only show in town and what a show the Blues put on to completely decimate and dominate a shell-shocked Queensland side. From the first minute to the last, the Maroons tried hard but were firing blanks. It was a carve-up of Olympic-class proportions, even though at the end of 80 minutes the score was only 26-0.

My tips for the week...

Storm, Warriors, Panthers, Sea Eagles, Raiders, Cowboys, Sharks, Rabbitohs.

The final word...

The way the NRL once again rallied under the leadership of Peter V’landys to make sure that Round 16 will go ahead despite the numerous lockdowns due to COVID-19. You’ve redeemed yourself Mr V’landys.

extra minutes DOMESTIC - COMMERCIAL - SALES - SERVICE - INSTALLATION

DON’T MISS OUT! Sale ends 9th July 2021 – No rainchecks

! Yvonne Sampson has been named as the new host of Fox League’s flagship program, ‘NRL 360’. She’ll guide the program into a new era alongside co-host Paul Kent. Fox Sports Executive Director, Steve Crawley, said Sampson was a superb replacement for Ben Ikin, who finished up at the show last week. “I watch people’s reactions to Vonnie and she is one of the very few prominent television people who isn’t criticised. I’m sure there has been some critical comment here and there – that’s life. She is very well accepted and that’s because of the way she presents herself on television. There is no tokenism. She is as authentic as there is. She’s earnt a place in the top bracket of Australian sportscasters,” he said. ! NSW will have the chance to secure an Origin series sweep for the first time since 2000 after claiming a 26-0 win

over Queensland in Game II on Sunday.

It was the first time Queensland had been kept scoreless in an Origin match on home soil. Ironically, current Blues coach Brad Fittler was part of the NSW team that won the series 3-0 in 2000.

!

The NRL is yet to make a decision on where Origin III will be played, but there’s huge question marks over the viability of playing the game in Sydney.

While the match is scheduled to take place five days after the lockdown ends, there’s fears it could be extended or that restrictions on crowd numbers would still be in place. Newcastle’s McDonald Jones Stadium is looming as a real possibility to host the match.

!

Warriors players Euan Aitken and Josh Curran are set to miss the next two rounds after being forced into isolation for 14 days.

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Friday, July 2, 2021 « the western weekender