Extra Time June 5 2020

Jarome Luai.

Photo: NRL Images / Robb Cox.

MASKED PANTHER Footy fans go wild for Peter V’landys poster

PAGE 26

CELEBRITY TIPSTERS Not sure who to back this weekend? See who our local experts have picked.

PAGES 30-31

FACE IN THE CROWD No fans at games, but we’re still giving you the chance to win

PAGE 32

CLINTON MAYNARD Where to now? State Government chops ANZ upgrade plan

PAGE 33

MAKING A POINT PANTHERS STILL UNBEATEN AHEAD OF WARRIORS CLASH MATCH PREVIEW: PAGE 25

Friday, June 5, 2020 « the western weekender • extra time

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24

the final word

v

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, June 5, 2020

match preview

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Matt Burton attempts a field goal. Photo: NRL Images.

TROY DODDS

P

enrith go into Friday night’s match against the Warriors at Campbelltown Stadium with very little time to think about what happened, or what could have happened, at Campbelltown Stadium last Sunday afternoon.

While the Panthers walked away from their new temporary home with a vital competition point, coach Ivan Cleary and his team know that it should have been more. Up 14-0, and with Newcastle limping after losing Mitchell Pearce and Connor Watson early in the game, the Panthers had every right to steamroll their opposition (especially with 59 per cent of possession).

Instead, the young Panthers lacked composure and allowed their opposition the sniff they desperately needed just before half- time, changing the match completely. Penrith never picked their heads back up again after conceding that

FOX LEAGUE

TRIPLE M

FRIDAY, JUNE 5 | 6.00PM | CAMPBELLTOWN STADIUM | REFEREE: MATT CECCHIN try and Newcastle, full of belief and with Pearce yelling instructions from the sideline, grew in confidence by the minute.

With such a short turnaround, the Panthers have the opportunity to right the wrongs of last Sunday very quickly on Friday and go one better against a Warriors side that easily dismantled the Dragons.

Form lines here are difficult – the Warriors recorded their win on the back of a near perfect completion rate, something they’d be unlikely to repeat two weeks in a row. They also played an opposition bereft of ideas, that never really looked like crossing the line.

Penrith meanwhile seemed totally in control of their game for 39 minutes, before things went awfully awry. There were moments, however, that suggested the Panthers had come out of the shutdown with a strong mindset and impressive fitness.

It makes for a tipster’s nightmare at Campbelltown on Friday.

The Warriors, already dealing with injury issues, will be without Agnatius Paasi for this week’s game due to suspension, while Peta Hiku is out with a rib injury.

The Panthers look set to field the same side that almost got the job done on Sunday, with the only change being the addition of Liam Martin on the bench.

That means Brent Naden remains sidelined to make way for Stephen Crichton, the lanky centre that Penrith coach Ivan Cleary wants to give more game time. He also brings the added bonus of a strong goal kicking record.

With Nathan Cleary still sitting on the sideline, game management will remain an issue for Penrith for at least another week. Jarome Luai and Matt Burton are both talented players, but they lack the required experience to properly manage

PANTHERS

a set, and to get the best result come the last tackle. It’s only human nature Burton would also be rattled by his five missed field goal attempts against the Knights, so it’s likely he’ll be in his shell a little – at least at first – against the Warriors.

Penrith need the likes of James Tamou to step up, not only with rampaging runs and strong defence, but with the talk on the field. From the stands last Sunday, I noticed how often Josh Mansour injected himself into the on-field talk, but he can only do so much from the wing. Louder voices are needed from the centre of the park. As long as the Panthers take the positives out of the draw with Newcastle and don’t dwell on the disappointing aspects of the performance, I’m confident they can start well again and perhaps hold their lead, learning the lessons of the previous round.

Tip: Panthers by 6.

WARRIORS

1 Caleb Aekins

10 James Fisher-Harris

1 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (c)

2 Josh Mansour

11 Viliame Kikau

2 Patrick Herbert

11 Eliesa Katoa

3 Dean Whare

12 Kurt Capewell

3 Karl Lawton

12 Tohu Harris

4 Stephen Crichton

13 Isaah Yeo

4 Gerard Beale

13 Isaiah Papali’i

5 Brian To’o

14 Mitch Kenny

5 Ken Maumalo

14 Jack Murchie

6 Matt Burton

15 Zane Tetevano

6 Kodi Nikorima

15 Poasa Faamausili

7 Jarome Luai

16 Moses Leota

7 Blake Green

16 King Vuniyayawa

10 Adam Blair

8 James Tamou (c)

17 Liam Martin

8 Jamayne Taunoa-Brown

17 Josh Curan

9 Apisai Koroisau

18 Brent Naden 19 Billy Burns

9 Wayde Egan

18 Chanel Harris-Tavita

25

Friday, June 5, 2020 « the western weekender • extra time

panther rumblings

WITH THE MASKED PANTHER

POSTER PROVES POPULAR

Dale Drinkwater proudly showing off her poster.

!

It was great to see so much attention surrounding Extra Time’s Peter V’landys poster last week. The poster was mentioned on Nine News, ‘Sports Sunday’, ‘NRL 360’, ‘The Matty Johns Podcast’, ‘The Matty Johns Show’, in The Daily Telegraph, on 2GB, 2KY and even radio stations in Perth. The great man was also spotted hanging outside of Panthers Stadium, and former Weekender journalist Dale Drinkwater even showed off her poster during a quick visit to Penrith. I hear the editorial team here at the paper are feverishly trying to think of their next cheeky promotion.

!

Major sponsors were well looked after at Campbelltown Stadium last Sunday, with massive banners adorning the vacant seats and most usual signage commitments met by the corporate team.

They got bang for their buck too, with impressive TV audience figures for the Panthers v Knights clash. Channel Nine had an average audience of 495,369 for the Golden Point thriller, while Fox League had an average audience of 242,048 – up four per cent on the Panthers’ 2019 average.

Our poster even made its way to Panthers Stadium.

!

While the crowd was missing from last Sunday’s clash at Campbelltown, most of the usual game day features were still part of the afternoon. Zac Bailey was there as ground announcer, the team list video went ahead as usual and even the Panthers’ mascot was on deck – sitting amongst the cardboard cutouts on the eastern side of the ground. There was some pre-match drama though – I hear a member of Channel Nine’s crew was sent home after recording a temperature above the NRL’s protocols.

shelved, Penrith’s patience may deliver rewards with Panthers Stadium back in the discussion about an overhaul. And the person who could make it happen?

None other than Peter V’landys. The ARLC boss is a huge fan of tribalism and suburban grounds, and has an ace up his sleeve as the State Government desperately tries to retain the Grand Final in Sydney. If he convinces the government to deliver an upgrade at Penrith, we won’t only print another poster – we’ll campaign for a statue!

!

!

There’s some talk doing the rounds that the Panthers may be talking with Castleford Tigers prop Liam Watts, possibly as a replacement for James Tamou next season. The 29-year-old has played close to 300 games in the UK, and while he does have a contract until the end of 2023, there’s whispers that an Australian adventure may be on the cards.

!

In sport and business, you often play the long game – which is exactly the approach Penrith officials took surrounding an upgrade to Panthers Stadium. With the ANZ Stadium upgrade now officially

Panthers coach Ivan Cleary was quick to console youngster Matt Burton in the dressing room after Penrith’s 14-all draw with Newcastle on Sunday. A quick conversation was important to ensure Burton didn’t dwell on the five missed field goals late in the game. Cleary told Burton he was proud of him for stepping up to take the shots. “He’ll grow from it,” the Panthers coach said.

!

The NRL last week confirmed it had reached a new agreement with broadcaster Fox Sports, with the pay television network to show NRL matches until

at least the end of 2027. Channel Nine remains off-contract at the end of 2022. “I want to thank Foxtel CEO Patrick Delany and Nine CEO Hugh Marks for reaching an outcome that puts the fans and the game’s future first,” said ARLC Chairman Peter V’landys. “Our negotiations were tough but always in a spirit of goodwill and shared ambitions for the betterment of rugby league. We could not have reached our May 28 restart ambitions without the teamwork and collaboration of our partners. These deals provide certainty to ensure our 16 clubs remain strong and that we can continue to invest in grassroots rugby league across our communities.”

!

Spotted: Veteran rugby league reporters Dean Ritchie and Brent Read swapping barbs while waiting for the post-match press conference to start at Campbelltown Stadium last Sunday.

!

The Panthers Shop has re-opened inside Panthers Leagues Club, with the club itself back in operation this week thanks to eased Coronavirus restrictions. Some good discounts are on offer, too.

OFFICIAL PARTNER

26

WW39693

PLAYERS RALLIED AROUND ‘BURTO’ NATHAN TAYLOR

M

att Burton’s teammates rallied around him on Sunday night after the 20- year- old fill- in fiveeighth missed five field goals that would’ve given Penrith victory against Newcastle.

With the scores locked at 14-all, Burton attempted to break the deadlock on numerous occasions but wasn’t successful.

While many rookie halves would’ve went into their shell after one or two misses, Burton persevered – proving he’ll be better for the experience in the long run.

Panthers powerhouse Viliame Kikau said Burton, who was filling in for a suspended Nathan Cleary, had the full trust of his teammates.

“All of us boys had faith in him to do the job,” he said.

“We know Nathan has the ability to steer the team around the park but, as we said after the game, we have a lot of trust in Burto too and I actually thought his kicking game was really good throughout the match.”

A disappointed Matt Burton on Sunday night. Photo: NRL Images.

Penrith winger Brian To’o said Burton was kicking stones after the nail-biter, but they showed him plenty of support in the sheds.

“We just tried to keep his spirits up, he was a bit down about it but we just kept him positive and told him to hold his head up high,” he said.

“Burto did his job but it wasn’t the outcome we needed. We win together, we lose together, we draw together.”

Penrith had a huge opportunity to go into Round 4 on the back of three consecutive wins, instead they had to settle for a rare draw last Sunday night – the club’s first since 2009 – after Newcastle fought back

feature

from 14-0 down. To’o said the group was disappointed they let the lead slip against a depleted Knights outfit.

“It wasn’t really the result we wanted but it was our first hit out with the new ‘six-again’ rule, and something we’ll take out of that is that we held our own and stuck together right to the very end,” he said.

“Obviously we didn’t come through with the win but we’ll continue to work on that and stay positive about it.”

Kikau, who scored the game’s opening try and was dominant every time he touched the ball, said his side needs to focus on both their starts and finishes.

“It’s been an issue the last two years, starting slow and then at the backend of the game we try and catch up,” he said.

“We’ve been doing that for the last two years, winning games in the final minute.

It was addressed during the pre- season about starting fast and being aggressive from the beginning.”

Kikau will be fit and raring to go against the Warriors tonight, despite concerns he’d suffered a shoulder problem against the Knights.

“The body is feeling good… I just had a stinger on the same shoulder that I did against the Roosters in Round 1,” he said.

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, June 5, 2020

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HOMECOMING: PANTHERS KEEN ON RETURN TO PENRITH NATHAN TAYLOR

P

I do not remember too many games where I haven’t been on the edge of my seat till right to the end. Keep it up.

– Phil Brian To’o. Photo: NRL Images. that happened, we relocated and Campbelltown is our home ground now,” he said.

“Campbelltown feels like a home ground for me because that’s where I played my first NRL game.”

It’s understood the NRL is looking to play games at other venues across the league – including Panthers Stadium – from Round 10 onwards.

WW40190

opular Penrith winger Brian To’o is hoping it won’t be long before his side can return to playing games at Panthers Stadium again with ‘real’ fans watching on.

Last Sunday afternoon Penrith players got their first taste of their new home away from home when they took on the Knights at Campbelltown Sports Stadium.

While the ground was in pristine condition, To’o said he’d love to be able to return to Panthers Stadium – with supporters in attendance – at some stage this year.

“We are praying and hoping the restrictions can be lifted and we can see some of the Penrith fans come back,” he said.

“Those cardboard cut- outs were a bit scary at times… I knew they were there but sometimes out of the corner of my eye I could see them moving. It was a bit off-putting, but I’m getting used to it.”

One player who is a big fan of Campbelltown is Viliame Kikau, who made his NRL debut at the ground in 2017. The big Fijian said the venue feels like “home”.

“With the pandemic and everything

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Friday, June 5, 2020 « the western weekender • extra time

nrl ladder & fixtures CLUB

PD

W

D

L

B

F

A

+/-

PTS

1

Eels

3

3

0

0

0

88

14

+74

6

2

Raiders

3

3

0

0

0

66

18

+48

6

3

Knights

3

2

1

0

0

76

38

+38

5

4

Panthers

3

2

1

0

0

66

56

+10

5

5

Cowboys

3

2

0

1

0

81

50

+31

4

6

Sea Eagles

3

2

0

1

0

45

32

+13

4

7

W. Tigers

3

2

0

1

0

76

72

+4

4

8

Storm

3

2

0

1

0

36

36

0

4

9

Broncos

3

2

0

1

0

56

73

-17

4

10 Roosters

3

1

0

2

0

50

41

+9

2

11

3

1

0

2

0

52

68

-16

2

12 Warriors

3

1

0

2

0

24

40

-16

2

13 Sharks

3

0

0

3

0

44

62

-18

0

Rabbitohs

14 Dragons

3

0

0

3

0

42

74

-32

0

15 Bulldogs

3

0

0

3

0

24

64

-40

0

16 Titans

3

0

0

3

0

18

106

-88

0

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ROUND 4 V

Thursday, June 4 7.50pm Suncorp Stadium

V

Friday, June 5 6.00pm Campbelltown Stadium

V

Friday, June 5 7.55pm AAMI Park

V

Saturday, June 6 5.30pm Bankwest Stadium

V

Saturday, June 6 7.35pm QLD Country Bank Stadium

V

Sunday, June 7 4.00pm Campbelltown Stadium

V

Sunday, June 7 6.30pm Suncorp Stadium

V

Monday, June 8 8.00pm Bankwest Stadium

Face In Th e Crowd

IS THIS YOU YOU? U? Is this you at a recent Penrith Panthers game? If it is, you’ve won a $25 voucher to use at Hog’s Breath Cafe in Penrith or St Marys! To collect your prize, visit the Weekender office at 2/42-44 Abel Street, Jamisontown and ask for Nathan Taylor.

Extra Time Issue Number 2020-009 PRODUCED BY The Western Weekender EDITOR Troy Dodds / 4722 2998 troy.dodds@westernweekender.com.au WRITERS Nathan Taylor, Clinton Maynard, Peter Lang SALES DIRECTOR Chris Pennisi / 4722 2998 chris.pennisi@westernweekender.com.au

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lang on league

What game I’m looking forward to The Storm vs Rabbitohs game on Friday night is set to be a big one. Two powerhouse teams coming off less than impressive Round 3 performances squaring up in a match which may define their season.

Too early to make such statements? I don’t think so, especially in this shortened season. Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy said it like it is during his press conference after his side was well beaten 22-6 by the Green Machine while the old fox or should I say Bunny, Wayne Bennett, tried to wax lyrical about his side’s ‘effort’ and refused to push the panic button. Whoever wins this one will not only feel good about themselves but possibly kick start their season in the right direction as well.

What’s making news Unfortunately it’s not good news but I’ve heard there are up to six Penrith junior rugby league clubs which are close to going into voluntary administration. Let’s hope something can be done to keep them from going under.

My tips for the week Roosters, Panthers, Storm, Eels, Cowboys, Raiders, Tigers, Dragons.

The final word Well it’s only been one weekend but I already hate the ‘silent’ six-again referee’s call for ruck infringements. I say ‘silent’ because half the time you don’t even know what it’s for. There is some stupid loud and annoying ‘buzzer’ that goes off which is supposed to let the fans know that a ‘six again’ call has been made but then you have 0.02 seconds to digest why before the tackle count is restarted. Now this is hard enough to follow at home watching the game on TV where the commentary team alert you why the ‘six again’ tackle count has been given, how you’re ever going to know what it’s for when you’re at the ground watching the match, will be the real challenge. Plus it’s not touch football for crying out loud. I just hate it.

Until next week, you ain’t seen nothing yet!

Clinton Maynard NEW STADIUMS WILL SAVE NRL

I

’ve argued for a year in this column that outside of the Grand Final and Origin, ANZ Stadium is a soulless waste of space, so my initial reaction to the State Government’s announcement that it wouldn’t be rebuilt was disappointment.

That was before this name entered my mind, Peter V’landys. The leader of our game makes things happen, simple as that and he has the opportunity to transform rugby league in Sydney.

Critics laughed when he proposed a May 28 resumption of the competition when the country was still gripped by the Coronavirus but footy resumed last week and it’s never looked so attractive. For years we’ve whinged about the wrestle and tactics to slow down the ruck. V’landys didn’t send the issue off to a committee, he axed the two referee system and introduced the six-again rule and instantly we saw the wrestle take a back seat, small players benefit from big opponents suffering fatigue and free flowing football.

When he came to the job he declared his love of suburban football, he knows it is at the heart of the game, now he has the chance to allow it to thrive.

Very quickly he welcomed the decision to scrap the ANZ re- build, however he wants part of the $800 million saved.

He’s proposing three to four boutique

stadiums in Sydney, replacing antiquated suburban grounds. These would potentially be located at Brookvale, replacing Manly’s disgraceful ground; Sydney’s south, maybe Kogarah providing a home for the Dragons, Sharks and Sydney FC; and another in Campbelltown or Penrith.

These grounds would be 15 to 20 thousand in size and they’ve got to happen.

Dilapidated venues like Shark Park and even Panthers Stadium can’t compete with what Bankwest has to offer, but if we move those outer suburban clubs to the big centralised stadiums, their souls will be destroyed, their fans won’t follow and those traditional clubs will wither.

So the solution is mini versions of Bankwest in the suburbs. It is the perfect answer, gone will be the days of playing in front of no fans in big empty stadiums but also supporters wouldn’t have to put up with facilities that haven’t changed much since 1982.

It is the ideal compromise to ensure rugby league thrives in the suburbs which is the heart of the game. The Super League War proved the game won’t prosper under a big city franchise model, it needs a combination of clubs from all over the country and strong traditional Sydney teams and for those to prosper smaller modern grounds are essential.

In Peter V’landys ‘Rugba League’ in Sydney now has a future.

Craig Bellamy will be hoping for a win on Friday night. Photo: NRL Images.

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What caught my eye last week I’m happy to admit, even after one round, that I love the ‘one referee’ change.

I know I said last week that I didn’t think it would work after having two referees for so long but already I can see I was wrong. Better to have one referee get things right or wrong then watch two of them potentially stuff up a game. The lone referee actually looks more confident and willing to back himself then when he had a partner to help him out. Peter V’landys, my apologies, you got this one 100 per cent right!

with Peter Lang

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, June 5, 2020

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One referee a winner, but new six-again rule falls flat

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Friday, June 5, 2020 « the western weekender