Extra Time March 13 2020

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MASKED PANTHER Ivan Cleary’s blunt message to the NRL after Nines drama

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LANG ON LEAGUE Peter Lang debuts his brand new column ahead of the 2020 NRL season

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PANTHERS POSTER Pull out your Nathan Cleary poster and hang on your wall

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CELEBRITY TIPSTERS See who Penrith’s biggest names are tipping across the NRL’s opening weekend.

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let’s COOK THE CHOOKS BIG KIKAU READY TO GO AS PANTHERS TACKLE ROOSTERS MATCH PREVIEW: PAGE 35

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Friday, March 13, 2020 « the western weekender • extra time

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the western weekender • extra time » Friday, March 13, 2020

match preview

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Isaah Yeo playing against the Tigers in the pre-season. Photo: Megan Dunn.

TROY DODDS

T

he Panthers face perhaps the toughest round one opponent of any team this opening weekend of the Telstra Premiership, taking on a Roosters side fresh from a World Club Challenge victory and with ‘three- peat’ very much in their thinking.

But perhaps there is no better time to face Trent Robinson’s side, which, as it happens, lost their round one encounters in both their 2018 and 2019 premiership seasons.

And there is something to be said for what’s been a very settled pre-season for Penrith, versus the premiership celebrations and trip to England for the Roosters.

There’s plenty of question marks over the Roosters this season and their quest for a third straight premiership, especially with Latrell Mitchell and Cooper Cronk no longer forming part of the dream team that has been almost unstoppable over the past two seasons.

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SATURDAY, MARCH 14 | 7.35PM | PANTHERS STADIUM | REFEREES: ADAM GEE, CHRIS BUTLER While the Roosters will most likely be there when the whips are cracking, there’s a chance it’ll take some time before things start to click into gear in the post- Cronk era.

After a disappointing start to the 2019 season, which ultimately cost the side a Finals berth, Penrith will be keen to kickoff the season with a victory at Panthers Stadium this Saturday night.

All eyes will be on the new halves pairing of Jarome Luai and Nathan Cleary. It has been a combination in waiting for so long now, and finally this Saturday we get to see it in its full form, with lots of anticipation around what these two guys could do this season.

But while that’s where the headlines will be surrounding this game, it’s the battle of the forwards that most entices.

While a clash between Viliame Kikau and Boyd Cordner promised to be mouthwatering, Roosters coach Trent Robinson

has opted to leave Cordner out of the side for this opening weekend.

That leaves Kikau to potentially run wild on the left-side of the field. He opens up so many opportunities with his powerful running and terrific fend, and he’ll be a key to Penrith winning on Saturday.

Meantime Zane Tetevano gets a start against his former club for the first time, while Liam Martin will be keen to continue his terrific form from last season.

On the other side of the fence, the Roosters offer plenty of aggression even without Cordner, thanks to Jared WaereaHargreaves and Siosiua Taukeiaho, both of whom have the potential to lay a terrific platform for the Roosters.

There is no doubt that the Panthers are giving away experience in this one, with Ivan Cleary overseeing one of the most inexperienced squads in the NRL, and in club history, this season.

But that inexperience is countered with

PANTHERS

enthusiasm, and the likes of Brian To’o and Brent Naden had enough of an initiation last season to be ready to go in 2020 without any baggage that would usually come with a fresh rookie.

The loss of Dylan Edwards for the opening few rounds of the season is significant, and while Caleb Aekins is an adequate replacement, there is no doubt he sits in the shadow of his opposite number in James Tedesco, who tore opposition sides apart on so many occasions last season.

Penrith are outsiders for this game but could easily win it – they just need some of their more experienced players like James Tamou, Dean Whare, Isaah Yeo and Josh Mansour to steady the ship early. We all know that if the Roosters get themselves a first half lead, losing is a rarity.

I think Penrith can do enough here to kick-start their season in style, but it’ll be a tight affair.

Tip: Panthers by 4.

ROOSTERS

1 Caleb Aekins

10 Zane Tetevano

1 James Tedesco

2 Josh Mansour

11 Viliame Kikau

2 Daniel Tupou

11 Sitili Tupouniua

3 Dean Whare

12 Liam Martin

3 Angus Crichton

12 Mitchell Aubusson

4 Brent Naden

13 Isaah Yeo

4 Joseph Manu

13 Victor Radley

5 Brian To’o

14 Stephen Crichton

5 Brett Morris

14 Sam Verrills

6 Jarome Luai

15 James Fisher-Harris

6 Luke Keary

15 Isaac Liu

7 Nathan Cleary

16 Moses Leota

7 Kyle Flanagan

16 Nat Butcher

10 Siosiua Taukeiaho

8 James Tamou (c)

17 Jack Hetherington

8 Jared Waerea-Hargreaves

17 Lindsay Collins

9 Apisai Koroisau

18 Billy Burns

9 Jake Friend (c)

18 Matt Ikuvalu 19. Poasa Faamausili

19. Matt Burton

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Friday, March 13, 2020 « the western weekender • extra time

panther rumblings

WITH THE MASKED PANTHER

CLEARY’S NINES MESSAGE !

The Panthers have moved on from the Nines controversy but coach Ivan Cleary delivered a frank and honest assessment to the NRL’s Head of Football Graham Annesley at a meeting in the days following the tournament and the refereeing drama that cost Penrith a spot in the semi finals. Cleary re-affirmed to Annesley how seriously Penrith took the tournament, and indicated that may not be the case next year. That’s not intended to be ‘payback’ for what happened – Cleary honestly believes it’d be difficult to get the team up for the tournament again after such major disappointment, and told Annesley as much.

Penrith coach Ivan Cleary on the sideline last year.

Photo: Megan Dunn.

!

NRL CEO Todd Greenberg met with Penrith officials last week, outlining what head office has in store for the coming season. As luck would have it, Greenberg’s visit to the club coincided with the release of the new ‘Simply The Best’ TV campaign, which became a key discussion point.

!

All clubs including Penrith have been briefed about the ongoing Coronavirus outbreak and what it could mean for matches this season. It’s unlikely at this stage games will be cancelled or played in front of empty stadiums, but anything is possible. What is likely is that players will stop meeting with supporters and taking photos post-match, which has become a fan favourite in recent seasons, in an attempt to reduce the chance of players catching the virus.

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Phil Gould may no longer be associated with the Panthers, but he still has plenty of faith in the side. He put $1000 on Penrith to win the NRL Nines in Perth last month. You can imagine how filthy he was when a refereeing howler saw the Panthers eliminated from the tournament.

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I’m told that Reagan CampbellGillard fell out with a number of players at the club last season, and one friendship in particular got a little nasty. One thing is for sure – sparks will fly when the Panthers and Eels meet in Round 25.

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Which rugby league media personality was set to join the Penrith Board last year? It never eventuated, but was very close to happening.

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Jarome Luai is on the verge of having a breakout NRL season, finally taking the number 6 jersey at the club in the wake of James Maloney’s departure. But the 23-year-old isn’t letting it all get to his head. He’s still living at home with his family in Mount Druitt and is refusing to move out until the mortgage on the home is paid off.

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Penrith officials have had an open and honest pre-season with the coaching staff and management out and about in the community speaking at various functions. Coach Ivan Cleary was guest

speaker at a number of business and corporate functions leading into the season, as was General Manager Matt Cameron.

It’s great to see such open communication from the club, especially after the horrors of last year’s pre-season.

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Former Pantherette Caitlin Alderson has ended her association with the Panthers after many years. She started at the club as a Kitty Kat, then joined the main cheerleading squad and was named Big League’s Cheerleader of the Year in 2012.

In recent seasons she’s been working with the squad as a choreographer. Alderson moved to Queensland over the summer.

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Former Panther Sam McKendry, whose NRL career was cruelled by knee injuries, has picked up work as a truck

driver. A few people around town have been surprised to see the former New Zealand international dropping off pallets of beer at local establishments.

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The Panthers have re-signed fullback Dylan Edwards until the end of the 2022 NRL season. “I’m extremely grateful for the opportunities this club has given me coming through the grades and now with this new deal,” Edwards said.

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Spotted: NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Transport Minister Andrew Constance mixing with fans on the hill at Penrith’s trial game against Parramatta in Bega.

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Spotted: A loved up Isaah Yeo and his partner shopping at Coles Penrith.

OFFICIAL PARTNER

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the western weekender • extra time » Friday, March 13, 2020

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CHEEKY TO’O READY FOR BIG YEAR T

here will be no second - year syndrome for Panthers winger Brian To’o this season, with one of the breakout stars of 2019 vowing to get even better this year.

From his acrobatics on the field (and off the field in the new Fox League promotions), to his confident and even cheeky demeanour, To’o is quickly becoming a fan favourite at the Panthers.

And while some players can often struggle during their second year in the top grade, the 21-year-old expects to take his game to a whole new level this season.

“I’m pretty confident heading into 2020, obviously going off what happened last year it was a massive breakout season for me,” To’o told Extra Time.

“2019 was definitely a game changer, not only did I make my Panthers debut but my international debut with Samoa as well.

“It was a big year for me last year and I just want to keep on reaching new heights.”

Before a ball has even been kicked, the St Marys junior admits 2020 is already shaping up to be better than 2019.

“It’s been a really happy vibe this preseason and leading into 2020 that’s what we need – a bit of teamwork and happy vibes all-round,” To’o said.

“Compared to last year it’s a whole different system, a whole different team.

We are expecting good things and I’m really looking forward to Saturday against the Roosters.”

To’o can’t wait to run out onto Panthers Stadium for the first time this year.

“They are the Champions and it’s always good to have a challenge in the first round.

We’ve been training hard this pre-season, and this is what we’ve been looking forward to... I’m keen!” he said.

After a strong rookie season, the loveable To’o would’ve been one of the first players picked in Ivan Cleary’s side to take on the back-to-back Premiers at Panthers Stadium.

While To’o won’t rest on his laurels, he promises to continue to improve his game and put on an exciting show for his adoring fans.

“It’s for the fans and it’s always good to put on a big performance for the people that come out to see you play,” he said.

“Whatever happens this year is in God’s hands… but my job is to keep my spot and keep playing good footy consistently.”

Panthers winger Brian To’o striking a pose for the camera. Photo: Megan Dunn.

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Friday, March 13, 2020 « the western weekender • extra time

Queensland derby highlights a huge opening weekend

lang on league What I’m looking forward to...

The Cowboys and the Broncos on Friday night should be a bell ringer! Brisbane arguably have the best young forward in the game in David Fifita and they’ll be hoping he can bulldoze his way right through the middle of the Cowboys’ pack.

Of course North Queensland have an ace of their own up their sleeve in the form of Jason Taumalolo. I can’t wait to see these two young bulls collide!

What caught my eye last week...

The NRL and Fox League 2020 season launch ads. The NRL got it half-right with Tina Turner belting out the classic ‘Simply The Best’ tune to a video montage which captured none of the fun of the original ad. Meanwhile, Fox League used Jimmy Barnes to great affect but again inserted far too many special effects and ignored what should have been the main focus of the ad, the game itself.

Rumour of the week...

In the coming months expect Melbourne Storm flyer Josh Addo-Carr to be linked to nearly every club in the NRL including the Penrith Panthers. There were whispers around that the Panthers were looking at Addo-Carr for 2020 but that was never going to happen.

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Brought to you by…

with Peter Lang

My top 8 for 2020...

For what it’s worth, here it is: 1. Canberra Raiders, 2. Melbourne Storm, 3. Sydney Roosters, 4. South Sydney Rabbitohs, 5.

Parramatta Eels, 6. Manly Sea- Eagles, 7.

Penrith Panthers, 8. Canterbury- Bankstown Bulldogs.

The final word...

This week the final word goes to Scott McRae. For 22 years Scott was the voice at all Panthers home games but this weekend a new voice will be heard.

Scott admits it will feel strange not being at the game.

“I have made a lot of good friends in that time both on and off the field so yeah it’s going to be tough,” he said.

“I am an emotional human being and I love nothing more than to engage and connect with people. I will miss all the people that have become friends and supporters of me personally.

“I sincerely thank all of you and I look forward to seeing you all again, somewhere, sometime.”

So at the end of the day is Scott McRae still a Panthers supporter?

“What do you think?” he laughed.

“I certainly will be hoping the boys rip the Roosters a new one this weekend.”

You and me both, Scotty.

The new Fox League commercial features rocker Jimmy Barnes.

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PATIENCE PAYS OFF FOR RISING STAR A

fter getting first crack to partner Nathan Cleary in the halves this weekend against the Roosters, Panthers five- eighth Jarome Luai believes he’s more than ready to fill the boots vacated by James Maloney.

While most players of Luai’s calibre would’ve asked for a release to try and get a starting halves spot elsewhere in the NRL, the 23- year- old was more than happy to bide his time – playing various positions and grades – until his predecessor moved on.

“I had a few conversations with Gus, when he was here, about waiting my turn and I was keen to do that,” Luai told the media on Monday.

“Jimmy was one of the best halves for me to learn from, he’s taught me a lot of things over the years.

“Jimmy was really good in areas that I wasn’t so good at, and that’s where I learned a lot from him.

“I bided my time and I’m grateful I did that. I feel like I’ve done all the work, I feel like I’m ready.”

While Luai and Cleary only played one

game in the halves last year together, the pair were quite a force to be reckoned with during their days in the junior grades.

Luai, a St Marys junior, said he doesn’t expect too many teething problems between him and the champion Origin half.

“I’ve been there with Nath and I’ve pretty much done it all before. We’ve got a combination there and we had a pretty good pre-season together,” Luai said.

“I’m feeling good and I’m feeling confident that I’ve done the work. I know my role and what I need to do for the team. All that’s left to do now is to get out there and compete hard.”

One player who will be keen to dethrone Luai at some point this year is fellow rising half Matt Burton, who enjoyed a sensational debut late last season.

While the father of one will be desperate to hold down his position on a weekly basis, he knows that Burton is breathing down his neck.

“You always need competition and that’s what keeps the club healthy,” Luai said.

“Burto is right up my arse and I need to perform well to keep him out of that spot.

“Like I said, I’m really confident I’ve done the work this pre- season and all that’s left to do is play.”

Panthers five-eighth Jarome Luai speaking on Monday. Photo: Megan Dunn.

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NATHAN TAYLOR

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, March 13, 2020

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Friday, March 13, 2020  the western weekender • extra time

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the western weekender • extra time » Friday, March 13, 2020

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Friday, March 13, 2020 « the western weekender • extra time

Can the Panthers sneak under the radar and play Finals this season?

Brought to you by

matt russell T

his time last year the Panthers were the talk of the town.

With Ivan Cleary re- united with his son Nathan and Phil Gould at the helm of the club, many experts had the Panthers installed as premiership contenders.

The hype at the foot of the mountains was that the Panthers were ready to climb to the top of the mountain that they last ascended in 2003.

But with a two and eight record after 10 rounds, their season was done and dusted and the man affectionately known as Gus, had exited the club.

The Panthers toiled hard during the middle and latter part of the season to give their fans some hope of making the playoffs, but when it was all said and done it was a case of too little too late.

Thankfully for the Panthers and their fans, this off-season hasn’t been anywhere near as eventful as last.

The Panthers haven’t been splashed on the front and back pages, in fact there’s been that little reported about the Panthers that you could be forgiven for asking “does anyone rate the Panthers in 2020?”

And that’s exactly where Ivan Cleary wants his team to be.

The Panthers are primed to be the big improvers in season 2020.

Yes, they’ve lost the likes of James Maloney and Reagan Campbell- Gillard, but they’ve picked up two key signings in Api Koroisau and Zane Tetevano.

In Koroisau they have one of the best attacking number 9s in the game, his ability to play ‘eyes up’ football and get out of dummy half will ease the pressure on Nathan Cleary.

While in Tetevano, they’ve got a genuine enforcer, who along with James Tamou, forms one of the most formidable front rows in the competition.

In 2019 Brain To’o and Viliame Kikau both proved that they could not only turn a game with a special play, but they can also win a game as well and I’m tipping them to be even better in 2020.

Will there be pressure on Nathan Cleary this season? You bet your bottom dollar there will be, but we’ve also seen Nathan play his best footy when the Panthers are his team to run.

There’s no tougher task for the Panthers than a first up match against the defending premiers, but something is telling me that the Roosters won’t exactly be relishing the prospect of a Saturday night clash at Panthers Stadium either.

Season 2020 may just be one to savour and remember for Penrith fans.

Watch your team every round, LIVE and ad-break free on FOX LEAGUE on Foxtel.

The pressure will be on Nathan Cleary this season. Photo: Megan Dunn.

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10 Roosters

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11

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12 Sharks

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13 Storm

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Sea Eagles

14 Titans

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15 Warriors

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16 Eels

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NOBODY IN THE WORLD SELLS MORE REAL ESTATE THAN RE/MAX

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ROUND 1 V

Thursday, March 12 8.05pm Bankwest Stadium

V

Friday, March 13 6.00pm GIO Stadium

V

Friday, March 13 8.05pm QLD Country Bank Stadium

V

Saturday, March 14 3.00pm McDonald Jones Stadium

V

Saturday, March 14 5.30pm ANZ Stadium

V

Saturday, March 14 7.35pm Panthers Stadium

V

Sunday, March 15 4.05pm Lottoland

V

Sunday, March 15 6.15pm WIN Stadium

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the western weekender • extra time » Friday, March 13, 2020

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Friday, March 13, 2020 « the western weekender • extra time

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his is the best week of the year for rugby league fans. It’s not State of Origin time, it’s not even Grand Final week, no it’s this week, why? Hope.

We all have hope this week. It doesn’t matter which club you support, we all have as much chance of experiencing glory as any other fan (unless you support a club with a sombrero, we’ll get onto that one later in the season).

So out of 16 clubs which team really has the best prospect of raising the Summons Proven trophy on the first weekend of October?

Every year the Premiers go into the new season as favourites and rightly so, however the Sydney Roosters won’t be the first club since Parrramatta in the ‘80s to win three straight comps. Despite their wonderful work with the salary cap over the years, the loss of one the best halfbacks of the modern era will be too big to overcome. Kyle Flanagan is an excellent long-term replacement for Cooper Cronk, but most critics seem to forget he hasn’t even played 10 first grade games yet. And don’t underestimate the loss of Latrell Mitchell, the Roosters probably don’t win last year’s Grand Final without him.

Which brings us to Canberra. I’ll go out on a limb here, they won’t be contenders, I don’t think they’ll make the eight! The

Will Ricky Stuart’s Raiders perform well this season? Photo: Megan Dunn.

Raiders rarely make the Finals two years in a row. This year they rely on Englishman George Williams to steer them around the park at halfback. It’s a long time since a Pommy back made it in the NRL.

Most of last year’s eight have weak cases. The Sea Eagles have little depth, the Broncos halves still don’t impress, the Sharks have too much cap money tied up in injured players, Parramatta never

play well two years in a row and while Melbourne will be there or thereabouts, Cameron Smith is 45. Or close enough to it, anyway.

Of last year’s top eight that leaves one team, my premiership favourite, South Sydney.

They potentially have the best spine in the comp.

Adam Reynolds and Cody Walker complement each other well, Damian Cook is the Australian hooker and Latrell grew up as a fullback.

The club’s also been wise in ensuring the future of Wayne Bennett won’t be a distraction, they’ve clearly laid out their coaching plans for the next three years.

If there is a smoky outside the eight it is Newcastle.

Most critics predicted they’d be finalists last year based on their excellent recruitment.

Their squad is stronger this year and they won’t have the problem of a coach who’d clearly lost the dressing room. New coach Adam O’Brien comes with excellent credentials for a rookie.

There’s good news if you are a Penrith supporter. I’m a terrible tipster and I tipped them to win the comp for the last two years, I won’t make the mistake again and that’s probably a good thing!

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, March 13, 2020

Why the Roosters and Raiders will struggle in 2020

extra minutes !

The National Rugby League has created an independent referees appointment panel, featuring three former first grade players, responsible for overseeing all first grade and representative refereeing appointments. The new panel is a direct recommendation of the McCurry Review into the referees department which was conducted last year and ensures greater transparency and more voices determining referee appointments. The new panel is Jason King, David Fairleigh, David Boyle, Russell Smith, Steve Chiddy, Jared Maxwell and Gavin Reynolds. Bernard Sutton will remain referees boss, as the General Manager of officiating.

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Veteran Gold Coast winger Anthony Don has declared he wants to remain with the club next season. The 32-yearold is off-contract at the end of the year and is keen to impress new coach Justin Holbrook.

NRL CEO Todd Greenberg.

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Premiership-winning halfback Cooper Cronk has officially joined the Fox Sports commentary team this year, after speculation a deal wouldn’t be done in time for the season. There was even talk Channel Nine could swoop in and sign Cronk, one of the game’s sharpest minds. Cronk will be seen across this weekend on the Fox League commentary.

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The future of NRL CEO Todd Greenberg remains clouded with speculation his current contract, which expires in October, won’t be renewed. It’s understood members of the ARL Commission met this week to discuss Greenberg’s future. Journalist Paul Kent told ‘NRL360’: “My understanding is that the board is pretty much split and so there’s a decision to be made – it won’t happen until Thursday week which is March 19 when the full commission comes together.”

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ANZ Stadium won’t host this year’s Grand Final but Members are being given the first chance to snap up tickets to the season decider at the SCG, with a special pre-sale to be held.

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