Extra Time July 30 2021

fallen stars RATTLED PANTHERS FACE ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TASK AGAINST HIGH-FLYING STORM FULL COVERAGE OF TOP OF THE TABLE SHOWDOWN INSIDE

Friday, July 30, 2021 « the western weekender • extra time

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the final word

v

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, July 30, 2021

match preview

Brought to you by

Jarome Luai will be a key for Penrith this weekend. Photo: NRL Photos.

TROY DODDS

I

t’s the game NRL fans have been eyeing off for most of the season. Penrith and Melbourne in a battle that could give us the strongest indication yet who will hoist the Provan-Summons trophy on Grand Final Day. But it’s not quite the game we expected.

The COVID-19 situation across the country sees this match being played at Suncorp Stadium, a venue worthy of such a clash but far from the AAMI Park base it was originally set down for.

And more importantly, the game has been robbed of some of its biggest names.

The Panthers will be without their best forward in James Fisher-Harris along with starting hooker Api Koroisau, while halfback Nathan Cleary is also still missing.

Isaah Yeo, Brian To’o and Tyrone May will also sit this one out, as injuries start to bite Ivan Cleary’s squad.

SATURDAY, JULY 31 | 7.35PM | SUNCORP STADIUM | REFEREE: ASHLEY KLEIN There’s no question this is an uphill battle for Penrith against a Melbourne team that is close to full strength.

Regardless of the result here, it is likely to be a very different scenario when these two sides clash again at some point in September or October.

Truth is the Panthers have banked enough points in the first half of the season to almost guarantee themselves a top four finish, so a sluggish period now does the side little harm while they wait for their big guns to return on the road to the Finals.

Penrith fans may have to be patient for a few weeks while the side treads water.

But while most have now written off the Panthers this weekend, I still think there’s some hope for a surprise win.

The Cowboys certainly came to play against the Storm last weekend and found a way to really frustrate Craig Bellamy’s men

by coming up quick in defence, and keeping the ball moving in attack. Penrith should follow a similar path this weekend – keep the ball alive when in attack with plenty of second phase play, and defend like your life depends on it when you don’t have the ball.

Melbourne are very good at dominating the early parts of games to a point where they grab such a commanding lead that they can control the rest of the match and set the tempo for the contest.

The key therefore for Penrith is ensuring they stay in the game for the first 20 minutes – if it’s close at that point, it really is anyone’s game.

I’m sure coach Cleary would largely be focused on effort this week. He may not have his best troops at his disposal, but all he can ask for is effort. Deliver that and you never know what might happen.

Let’s be real here: there’s a chance the

PANTHERS

KAYO FOX LEAGUE ABC 702 2GB 873

Storm will run away with this one, but the statistics say that’s very unlikely. When you look at the most game-defining numbers, Penrith and Melbourne sit either first or second in the competition. What one side doesn’t dominate (Penrith are sixth in line breaks, a category Melbourne leads), another does (Penrith is second in total kick metres, Melbourne is 12th).

But perhaps the most telling statistic that points to a close game is this: We have the best attacking team in the competition up against the best defensive side. Penrith have still only conceded 185 points this season, the only side below 200. The Storm meantime have scored 652 points, the only side above 600.

They say defence wins footy games. I guess we’ll find out how true that is come Saturday night. An upset? Why not.

Tip: Panthers by 1.

STORM

1 Dylan Edwards (c)

10 Liam Martin

1 Nicho Hynes

2 Charlie Staines

11 Viliame Kikau

2 Dean Ieremia

10 Christian Welch 11 Felise Kaufusi

3 Stephen Crichton

12 Kurt Capewell

3 Reimis Smith

12 Kenneath Bromwich

4 Brent Naden

13 Matt Eisenhuth

4 Justin Olam

13 Dale Finucane

5 Robert Jennings

14 Izack Tago

5 Josh Addo-Carr

14 Aaron Pene

6 Matt Burton

15 Scott Sorensen

6 Cameron Munster

15 Tui Kamikamica

7 Jarome Luai

16 Spencer Leniu

7 Jahrome Hughes

16 Chris Lewis

8 Moses Leota

17 J’Maine Hophood

8 Jesse Bromwich (c)

17 Ryan Papenhuyzen

9 Mitch Kenny

18 Paul Momirovski 19 Jaeman Salmon

9 Brandon Smith

18 Tom Eisenhuth 19 Harry Grant

27

Friday, July 30, 2021 « the western weekender • extra time

panther rumblings

WITH THE MASKED PANTHER

KOROISAU CONUNDRUM ! It’s safe to say that the NRL, Penrith and Api Koroisau were keen to put the bubble breach scandal to bed very quickly last week, and it appears they’ve successfully done so with the drama failing to spark relentless media coverage, partly due to the deeply personal issues also at play. Within an hour last Friday night, three statements were issued – one from the NRL, one from the Panthers and one from Api and Amy Koroisau via Koroisau’s management company. It ensured every angle was covered, and the focus of the NRL world could return to on-field action. ! The long-term impact of Api Koroisau’s indiscretions on his career will be interesting to watch unfold. While he’s $35,000 poorer and copped a two-game suspension, just how he bounces back professionally and personally will be closely watched by Penrith officials. “I’m determined to become a better partner, father and protector, and hopefully rebuild trust, and earn back your love and our family. I will work hard every day moving forward to show my wife, my children, my team and the rugby league community that I am not defined by my mistakes and I will grow from this,” Koroisau said last week. !

James Fisher-Harris has officially left the Penrith bubble and will likely miss three games, returning for the clash against Souths on August 20. There was no way the tough forward was going to miss the birth of his child, but the restrictions in place mean that he’ll have to quarantine when he returns to Queensland, hence missing more matches than he usually would.

! Former Penrith Panthers forward Frank Winterstein is auditioning for the role of Village Idiot and will probably get it.

He attended last week’s selfish, disgusting protest in the centre of Sydney, and has been sprouting rubbish about COVID-19 on his social media profiles. We can be grateful he’s on the wrong side of history, but certainly far from proud that he ever wore a Panthers jersey. Let’s hope the current Penrith players who follow him on Instagram don’t agree with any of his garbage.

Three statements regarding Apisai Koroisau’s suspension were issued within an hour last Friday evening.

!

Co-captain Isaah Yeo is expected to return for next week’s game against the Roosters after suffering a serious concussion against Brisbane last weekend. Yeo will sit out this weekend’s Grand Final re-match with Melbourne out of an abundance of caution and in line with concussion protocols.

!

The NRL is resigned to the fact that the rest of the season will be played in Queensland, which means Penrith’s two remaining home games against Souths and Wests Tigers won’t be played at Panthers Stadium. It’s a huge financial blow to the club as they would have been two certain

sell-outs. There’s still hope of returning for the Finals, but I’m told the NRL is now seriously looking at alternate locations for the Grand Final, with Suncorp Stadium and the MCG the leading contenders.

of the Mountains. Watch this space – things are very uncertain at present and the Panthers are very unlikely to pay overs to keep him.

! Nothing stops for a COVID test, not even a live Panthers media conference.

Penrith Media Manager Evan Sieff, who is currently in quarantine in Queensland, had to step away from the press conference on Monday so he could get a swab. ! Rumblings are certainly getting louder about the future of Viliame Kikau. I told you earlier this year that the 26-yearold’s form was troubling Penrith officials and that he needed to lift his game. He’s certainly been better in recent weeks, but he’s likely to command big dollars when he comes off contract at the end of next season. There’s talk several clubs, including North Queensland, would be interested in luring the big Fijian away from the foot

! Tevita Pangai Jnr will make his debut for Penrith against the Roosters next weekend as his smash and grab mission with the club begins. ! Winger Brian To’o is hoping to be back before the Finals after being forced to undergo ankle surgery on an injury he picked up against Brisbane last weekend.

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28

WW43481

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, July 30, 2021

feature

NEW SKIPPER EDWARDS EXCITED FOR CHALLENGE NATHAN TAYLOR

H

is two-point field goal made him the unlikely hero of Penrith’s gritty win over Brisbane, but fullback Dylan Edwards knows a performance for the ages is in order tomorrow night.

While both sides are sitting on the same amount of competition points, Penrith go into Saturday’s Grand Final re-match against the Storm as underdogs for the first time this season.

With several big name players missing including Nathan Cleary, James FisherHarris, Brian To’o and Isaah Yeo, the Panthers will need to go to another level and then some, if they are to shock the league and make a statement Saturday at Suncorp Stadium.

“You know you have to step it up in quality if you want to compete against teams like the Storm. You need to go to another level when you play the

Melbourne Storm,” said Edwards, who will captain the side for the first time on Saturday night.

“Everyone is really excited; you always want to play in these sorts of games.

Obviously Melbourne has set the benchmark at the moment, so it’s exciting to get an opportunity to play against one of the top teams in the comp.”

After dropping two of their opening three games this season, Melbourne have remained undefeated since losing to Penrith at BlueBet Stadium in the first Grand Final re-match back in Round 3.

Since then, Craig Bellamy’s men have strung together 15 consecutive wins and possess the best attack in the history of the NRL. On the flip side, Penrith have also won a league-best 16 games this season and claim the best defence in the NRL. Edwards said the Panthers will be doing all they can to nullify Melbourne’s many weapons.

“The Storm take their opportunities when they come and we’ll be looking to

limit their opportunities,” the 25-yearold said.

“You just look at their halves and their hookers through the middle there. They are obviously great ball runners and play eyes up footy, they play what they see. They are a big key to what they do and we’ll be looking to limit them as much as we can.”

If Penrith are to contain Melbourne and win, they’ll need to put in a better performance than what they tossed up last weekend. Despite getting the chocolates against lowly Brisbane, Penrith failed to score a try in the first half and allowed a season-worst 66 missed tackles.

Edwards assured Panthers fans his side’s defence will be much improved this week despite the enormous challenge in front of them.

“You don’t forget how to tackle in a week, so we just have to focus on all areas that we missed like working more together as a team and individually just making our tackles,” he told Extra Time.

Dylan Edwards. Photo: NRL Photos.

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Friday, July 30, 2021 « the western weekender • extra time

My gold, silver and bronze medal for the year’s best players

Brought to you by

joel caine I

n the spirit of the Olympics and with the NRL home and away season winding down, what better time to hand out medals for the best performed individuals thus far.

Much like the 100m sprint final being the most hyped event, I believe the same would be said for the best player in any given NRL season.

While we’ve got the Dally M to help decide that in the real world, we don’t always get the right winner, so I’ve decided to hand out my gold, silver and bronze for the best performed players thus far.

Despite missing a fair chunk of the season, Manly’s Tom Trbojevic has been by far the most impactful player of this season.

What he has achieved since his return from a hamstring injury is as good a run as we have seen.

Manly are considered a genuine premiership threat now, but before Trbojevic was in the side they had just one win from their first five games, and we’re looking like potential wooden spooners.

In just nine games for the Sea Eagles this year the dynamic fullback has contributed to 30 tries, and he isn’t just dominating at club level, also taking home the Wally Lewis Medal for player of the State of Origin Series.

He’s genuinely putting together one of the all-time great seasons.

Taking home silver is Penrith’s Nathan

Cleary. His season has been so strong that he also has a strong case for gold… he’s just happened to line up in the same heat as rugby league’s Usain Bolt.

Nathan hasn’t lost a game in 2021, and before injury he was well on his way to the Dally M and the NRL’s top point scorer. Penrith can’t get him back quick enough.

For bronze, I’m giving it to perhaps the most consistent player in the game, Brian To’o.

The Panther has set a new standard for outside backs, much of Penrith and New South Wales’ success can be credited to his contribution at the back of the field.

He leads the run metres comfortably despite missing two games. But what’s most impressive is his post contact metres, which is over 1500. For context, most players in 2021 haven’t got near as many for regular run metres.

Having picked the best three players, next week we’ll take a look at who takes home the medals from a coaching perspecTom Trbojevic has had a stunning season, starring for Manly and the Blues. Photo: NRL Photos. tive.

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KURT WANTS FAIRYTALE FAREWELL H

e’s one of the Panthers confirmed to be leaving at the end of the year but, before he heads north, Kurt Capewell wants to bring a premiership to Penrith.

Despite the club’s many attempts to keep him at the foot of the Mountains, the 28-year-old will return home to Queensland to link up with the Broncos next season.

While his short time as a Panther has been more than memorable, there’s one thing he wants to secure before he leaves… an NRL title.

“It would be awesome to go on and win the premiership this year and pay the club back for everything they’ve done for me,” Capewell told Extra Time.

“It’s been an awesome time here at Penrith and I’m keen as to finish it on a high note that’s for sure.”

Earlier this month, Capewell signed a rich three-year deal with the Broncos that will see him, along with outgoing Souths halfback Adam Reynolds, become one of the faces of the rebuilding franchise.

And while the Red Hill club has had its fair share of struggles in recent years, the Queensland Maroons star is up for the chal-

Kurt Capewell is hoping to win a premiership before he leaves the Panthers.

lenge of turning them around under coach Kevin Walters.

“I’m looking forward to the Broncos next year, it’s a good chance for me to get back up home and go to a great club in Brisbane,” Capewell said.

“They have been a powerhouse club in the NRL for a long time but, unfortunately at the moment, they are not where they should be. Hopefully I can help turn them around.”

But, before Capewell packs his bags for new pastures, he has an enormous job to do at Penrith and that all starts with helping them get the win over last year’s Premiers this weekend. While the Panthers will be down on troops due to injury and suspension, Capewell said it opens the door for a number of Penrith’s younger guys.

“I have full belief in every member of our squad that we can beat anyone, but Melbourne are flying at the moment,” he said.

“It’s a challenge I’m definitely looking forward to and it’s a great opportunity for some of the other squad members to get a run against the team on top of the ladder and the powerhouse that Melbourne are.

“We’re just working on getting better each week but if we can knock Melbourne off with a fair few of our players out, it will be really good.”

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the western weekender • extra time » Friday, July 30, 2021

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the western weekender • extra time » Friday, July 30, 2021

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matt russell

Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy. Photo: Megan Dunn.

him away from attractive offers at Brisbane and Cronulla.

In his 19th season as Melbourne coach, he’ll lead the Storm through an 18th finals campaign this year.

He’s inspired the club to nine Grand Finals, winning five.

Of his 490 games, he’s won 343 at 70 per cent.

The men ahead of him in terms of games coached – Wayne Bennett, Tim Sheens and Brian Smith – aren’t anywhere near that strike rate.

He’s handled the departures of Cronk, Slater and Smith like they didn’t matter.

He’s won a Premiership while displaced from their Melbourne base. He’ll chase a 16th straight win when Melbourne plays Penrith on Saturday, despite missing names like Finucane, Papenhuyzen, Grant and others for big parts of the season.

As those two young U20 players can attest, Bellamy makes sure Melbourne remains the gold standard for maintaining NRL excellence.

That’s why he’s paid four times as much as some other head coaches.

That’s why the Melbourne Storm made the most important signing of the year this week.

That’s why you’d need your head read if you think Melbourne are going to be anything but a Top 4 contender for at least the next five years.

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wo young Melbourne players sat stunned after a dressing down from their Under 20’s coach. They’d broken some club rules, been caught out and suspended by the Storm for a couple of games.

Feeling bad but at least glad it was over, little did they know it wasn’t even the beginning.

Their age coach finished by telling them someone else wanted a ‘chat’. In strode Craig Bellamy.

He wanted to know why names like Cronk, Slater and Smith could follow the rules but they couldn’t. He wanted to know why they thought they were bigger than a club that had won multiple NRL Grand Finals before they’d even cracked first grade. Expletives landed in their ears like upper cuts to the chin. Bellamy finished by doubling their ban and telling each player he didn’t want to see them for a month.

It’s a great story about a man who has driven Melbourne’s culture and success since he landed there in 2003. You could mount an argument he’s been rugby league’s most influential figure since.

This week Bellamy signed on for five more years at Melbourne. He’ll head coach again next year, before considering his role each year thereafter. At some stage he’ll ‘relax’ into a coaching coordinator role or something similar.

What a huge coup for Melbourne to keep

•

Friday, July 30, 2021 « the western weekender • extra time

Brought to you by

Famous story sums up rugby league’s most influential coach

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

CLUB

PD

W

D

L

B

F

A

1

Storm

18 16

0

2

1

652

214

+438 34

2

Panthers

18 16

0

2

1

517

185

+332 34

3

Rabbitohs

18

15

0

3

1

563

368

+195 32

4

Eels

18

13

0

5

1

484

267

+217 28

5

Roosters

18

12

0

6

1

475

357

+118 26

6

Sea Eagles

18

11

0

7

1

529

378

+151

24

7

Sharks

18

8

0

10

1

378

418

-40

18

8

Dragons

18

8

0

10

1

368

414

-46

18

9

Raiders

18

8

0

10

1

359

431

-72

18

10 Titans

18

7

0

11

1

426

478

-52

16

11

18

7

0

11

1

291

448

-157

16

12 W. Tigers

18

6

0

12

1

396

546

-150

14

13 Cowboys

18

6

0

12

1

340

547

-207

14

Knights

14 Warriors 15 Broncos 16 Bulldogs

18 18 18

5 4 2

0 0 0

13 14 16

1 1 1

355 294 236

486

+/-

-131

PTS

12

4732 6007

ROUND 20 V

Thursday, July 29 7.50pm BB Print Stadium

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Friday, July 30 6.00pm Suncorp Stadium

V

Friday, July 30 7.50pm Suncorp Stadium

V

Saturday, July 31 3.00pm Browne Park

V

Saturday, July 31 5.30pm Suncorp Stadium

V

Saturday, July 31 7.35pm Suncorp Stadium

V

Saturday, August 1 2.00pm Cbus Super Stadium C

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Face In Th e Crowd

IS THIS YOU? ?

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Friday, July 30, 2021 « the western weekender • extra time

lang on league

with Peter Lang

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ll things going well, new recruit Tevita Pangai Junior (TPJ) will play his 100th first grade game against the South Sydney Rabbitohs on Friday, August 20.

Except he’ll be wearing Panthers colours and running out with the likes of Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo and Viliame Kikau, hoping to help record another important victory for his new foster care family.

Meaning, that although Penrith may not be his permanent home, the supporters, coaching staff and players will accept him with open arms and treat him like one of their own, even if it is for only a few short months.

It’s important to note that while I don’t think TPJ is our saviour who will help Penrith win every game he plays in, I do think he is an astute signing for these upcoming end of season matches and Finals series.

More importantly I think he’ll make a big difference, especially on the field.

For a start he’ll be fresh and hungry to show his new teammates and supporters, that he’s not just coming to the Panthers for a holiday. Any doubts anyone had that he would not be accepted by his new teammates was answered when the question was put to five-eighth Jarome Luai on ‘The Sunday Footy Show’ last weekend.

“The boys all know what sort of talent he is,” said Luai.

“I can’t wait to meet him and see what he can bring to the team.”

So what exactly does TPJ bring to the table, apart from another cool acronym.

Well how about three tries, 46 tackle breaks, 713 post contact metres, 48 offloads and 423 tackles made. All this in just 15 games for the Broncos this season.

I personally can’t wait to see this wrecking ball in action next week.

Now on my signal TPJ, unleash Hell!

What caught my eye last week I can’t help but admire the way the Roosters are winning matches they have no right to. They are certainly impressing many pundits with their tenacity.

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, July 30, 2021

What TPJ brings to the table at Penrith

What game I’m looking forward to Well, doesn’t take a genius to work out that the match between the Panthers and the Storm, despite both sides missing some big guns, is going to be an absolute belter!

My Tips for the week Eels, Tigers, Cowboys, Rabbitohs, Raiders, Panthers, Bulldogs, Sea Eagles.

Tevita Pangai Junior will debut for Penrith next week. Photo: NRL Photos.

The final word Based on what I saw over the weekend, there are six teams which can realistically win the 2021 NRL Premiership and they are teams ranked one to six. You can put a line through the rest.

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! The glittering NRL career of Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is officially over, after a request to return home to New Zealand immediately was granted by the Warriors this week. It means the game against Penrith earlier this month was his final game in the NRL, with the 28-year-old heading to rugby union next year. Tuivasa-Sheck finishes his career with 195 NRL games. He won a Premiership with the Roosters in 2013. ! Melbourne Storm co-captain Dale Finucane will leave the club at the end of the season after a signing a four-year deal with Cronulla. Meantime, the Sharks have extended the contact of Matt Moylan, who will remain at the club until at least the end of the 2022 season.

! Supercoach Craig Bellamy has agreed to stay with Melbourne on a new long-term deal. Bellamy will coach the Storm in 2022 and will then decide whether he stays in the gig or moves into a different role. ! Newcastle has re-signed Kurt Mann for a further two seasons. The 28-yearold has played in a raft of positions for the Knights over the past few seasons, and has played 52 games for the club. ! The Wests Tigers will be without Luke Garner (ankle) and Alex Seyfarth (knee) for an extended period, with the pair requiring further attention to the injuries they picked up last weekend.

The club doesn’t have a timeline for their returns at present.

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The NRL career of Roger Tuivasa-Sheck has come to a premature end.

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