Extra Time April 2 2021

Kurt Capewell scores against Melbourne. Photo: Megan Dunn

MASKED PANTHER Why Brandy will be missing from Grand Final anniversary

PAGE 32

TO’O GOOD We catch up with exciting Panthers winger Brian To’o about his dreams for 2021

PAGE 33

JAROME LUAI POSTER Add to your collection with our latest superstar pin-up

PAGES 36-37 PETER LANG

The two key players Penrith must sign to new deals before the end of the season

PAGE 43

TOP OF THE TABLE UNBEATEN PANTHERS ROAR TO THE SUMMIT OF THE NRL SEE THE LADDER: PAGE 39

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

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the final word

v

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

match preview

Brought to you by

The Panthers celebrate against Melbourne.

TROY DODDS

R

epeat after me: danger game.

It might not appear so on paper, but this Round 4 clash between Penrith and Manly at Brookvale Oval may not be the walk in the park that you’d expect.

Sure, these sides find themselves at opposite ends of the competition table, but here’s the thing about the NRL – winning is inevitable, and so is losing.

Manly will win eventually, though their form over the first three weeks of the competition suggests it may not come against last year’s Grand Finalists.

And while Penrith showed last year that winning can become habit, they’ll lose at some stage – such is the nature of the competition.

It’s a stretch to suggest both sides would produce such a dramatic form reversal ahead of this Thursday night clash, but it can’t be ruled out. And it’s why coach Ivan

FOX LEAGUE CHANNEL 9 ABC 702 TRIPLE M

THURSDAY, APRIL 1 | 8.05PM | BROOKVALE OVAL | REFEREE: MATT CECCHIN Cleary must have his side well prepared as they try to continue their faultless start to the season.

Much of the effort this past week would have been on recovering and then moving on from that epic performance against Melbourne a week ago. It was emotionally and physically exhausting just watching it from the stands, so imagine what it was like for the players.

After two comfortable wins to start the season, the tough outing against Melbourne was exactly what Penrith needed. To be put in what’s become a rare position of having to come from behind and fight tooth and nail for the two competition points will only steel Cleary’s men for the long road ahead.

Penrith come into this game without fullback Dylan Edwards, who I thought was Penrith’s best player last week before he succumbed to a broken hand. Cleary

has opted to go with Stephen Crichton at fullback, shifting Matt Burton to the centres.

There won’t be any worry about Crichton under the high ball but whether he offers the same level of support play as Edwards is a question mark.

On the plus side, Nathan Cleary returns from his forced rest last weekend, and you can be certain he’ll slip straight back into the game management role that has become the envy of the NRL. Burton did a terrific job last weekend, and was clearly under strict instructions to kick early and often – a solid way to ensure he got the feel of the game and the occasion didn’t get to him. But Cleary is the key to this side’s success, and it’ll look far more settled with him in control.

Penrith must be on alert for a sudden return to form of Cleary’s rival, Daly CherryEvans, who has without doubt struggled

PANTHERS

over the first few weeks of the competition to capture the form that made him one of the highest paid players in the game.

That Cherry-Evans / Kieran Foran combination that was once so formidable has been starkly disappointing to start the season, but you’d think it will click eventually.

The battle in the middle here is a particularly enticing contest, particularly the match-up of Isaah Yeo and Jake Trbojevic.

If Penrith complete well and limit Manly’s opportunities, they should be able to escape with this one.

But I’m not convinced it’ll be a thrashing – the Sea Eagles are a proud club, and they certainly made Souths work hard for their win at Brookvale a fortnight ago.

Talent and form should, however, win out in the end.

Tip: Panthers by 12.

SEA EAGLES

1 Stephen Crichton

10 James Fisher-Harris

1 Dylan Walker

2 Charlie Staines

11 Viliame Kikau

2 Jason Saab

10 Martin Taupau 11 Jack Gosiewski

3 Paul Momirovski

12 Kurt Capewell

3 Brad Parker

12 Josh Schuster

4 Matt Burton

13 Isaah Yeo (c)

4 Moses Suli

13 Jake Trbojevic

5 Brian To’o

14 Tyrone May

5 Reuben Garrick

14 Cade Cust

6 Jarome Luai

15 Spencer Leniu

6 Kieran Foran

15 Morgan Boyle

7 Nathan Cleary (c)

16 Matthew Eisenhuth

7 Daly Cherry-Evans (c)

16 Sean Keppie

8 Moses Leota

17 Liam Martin

8 Taniela Paseka

17 Josh Aloiai

9 Mitch Kenny

18 Scott Sorensen 19 Billy Burns

9 Lachlan Croker

18 Tevita Funa 19 Morgan Harper

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

panther rumblings

WITH THE MASKED PANTHER

BRANDY TO MISS REUNION !

There could be one notable omission from next Friday’s 30th anniversary celebration of the 1991 Grand Final. I’m told the Panthers have pleaded with Fox Sports to allow Greg ‘Brandy’ Alexander to attend the game against Canberra at BlueBet Stadium, but so far those pleas have fallen on deaf ears. Alexander is lined up to work from the studio that night and Fox won’t budge. It’d be a shame if the captain of the 1991 side wasn’t able to attend – surely Fox can give him the night off.

telling anyone who would listen that he tipped Penrith by 2 in his match preview last week. He didn’t mention he was on a 43-game streak without tipping the correct margin.

! If you were a bit confused about the half-time entertainment at Panthers Stadium last week against the Storm, join the club. I’m told the bizarre spectacle was actually being filmed for a television show – but the deal between the producers and the club meant it couldn’t be announced on the night.

!

I love this image (right) captured by Weekender photographer Megan Dunn last Thursday night when Penrith snuck home against Melbourne. It shows fans all turned to the video screen, desperately hoping Viliame Kikau stopped Justin Olam from planting the ball to win the game. The elated response when Kikau’s efforts to stop the try became obvious was epic.

! The Panthers are hopeful that fullback Dylan Edwards will be back for the Round 9 match against Cronulla at home. Edwards broke his hand during the first half of Melbourne’s 12-10 win over Melbourne last Thursday night. ! Tyrone May (pictured below) is letting his footy do the talking at the moment but the sex tape scandal that saw him sit out the 2019 NRL season just won’t go away. I can confirm that during the week, Bryden’s Lawyers filed civil action against May in the Supreme Court, on behalf of a victim involved in the saga. The woman is seeking aggravated damages from May.

!

The NRL is taking all precautions to ensure there’s minimal disruption to the competition as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak in Queensland. Players across the competition this week moved to level two protocols, which means they need to wear masks indoors, undergo temperature checks at training and games and can’t use public transport. Of particular interest for Penrith fans will be the Round 6 match with Brisbane, due to be played at Suncorp Stadium on Thursday, April 15. Contingency plans are being put in place should the Brisbane situation continue to escalate, including the possibility of that game played in Sydney.

!

The Bulldogs continue in their attempts to convince Penrith to grant Matt Burton an early release from his deal, but they actually almost had their man in the off-season. I’m told that at one stage, Canterbury offered forward Chris Smith as part of a swap deal for Burton – an offer quickly rejected by Penrith, who then hinted that if Dylan Napa’s name was part of the deal, they could be interested. The Bulldogs rejected the proposition, but have since returned, hinting they’d be willing to let Napa go. The Panthers have since gone cold on the idea and will hold on to Burton.

Photo: Megan Dunn.

!

Spotted: Paul Momirovski visiting some former Melbourne team mates in the opposition shed after last Thursday’s match at Panthers Stadium.

ately searching for his lost wallet on his old stomping ground at Panthers Stadium last week. Freddy was on duty for Channel Nine – we’re not sure if he ever found it.

!

!

Spotted: Brad ‘Freddy’ Fittler desper-

Spotted: Weekender Editor Troy Dodds

! Penrith are now at the shortest odds to win the Premiership so far this season, with the TAB bringing them in from $5.50 to $4.25 after last week’s win over Melbourne. Souths are now on the second line of betting, at $5.00. The Roosters blew out from $5.50 to $11 on the back of Luke Keary suffering an ACL injury.

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

feature

SECRET TO SUCCESS NATHAN TAYLOR

I

t may only be a handful of games but it’s quite clear that entertaining Panthers winger Brian To’o is in career-best form, and he’s got one very special person thank for it.

While the Panthers’ coaching staff have put countless hours of work into To’o during his young career, it’s surprisingly the 22-year-old’s loving partner, Moesha, that’s really made an impact on his game.

To’o is currently leading the NRL in run metres (663) and post contact metres (271), and he is currently second in the competition for tackle breaks (22) and all runs (68).

Speaking with Extra Time, the Samoan international and attacking machine said Moesha deserves some credit for helping him become a better player this season.

“I always speak to my missus about how I can improve my game. She’s my biggest fan and she’s always making sure I’m doing the little things right,” To’o revealed.

“This year she wanted me to take my game to a new level, and I think that’s what is really pushing me to become better than last year.”

To’o and his partner are true ‘couple goals’, with the pair very popular on the TikTok

Panthers winger Brian To’o has had an unbelievable start to the season. Photo: NRL Images.

app for their outrageously fun videos. The proud Mt Druitt resident said Moesha loves her rugby league, almost as much as he does.

“Sometimes we’ll have little dates and the first thing she says is ‘can we please watch a replay of your game?’,” To’o said.

“It’s something she always does; she always wants to watch a replay and will tip

me off on the little things that I can work on.

It’s like having my own personal coach at home, I’m really grateful for her.”

And with the NRL moving to Stage 2 COVID protocols this week due to the precarious situation up north, the happy couple will have even more time to spend with one another reviewing To’o’s game footage.

The St Marys junior said he has his mask “handy” for the next few weeks ahead, but admits he isn’t the biggest fan of going back into a mini ‘bubble’.

“It’s kind of a buzzkill but it is what it is just to make sure the game is still rolling,” To’o said.

“I’ve got four masks at home, so I’m already locked and loaded.”

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

Brought to you by

Patience is a virtue for star half in waiting

joel caine M

att Burton understandably wants to play first grade football, hence his pending move to the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs from the 2022 season.

While the playmaker and his manager were posturing for an early release from his Penrith contract, it’d be wise for the 21-year-old to have a chat with his more experienced teammate Api Koroisau.

Api memorably played a key role in the 2014 Grand Final for the Rabbitohs, after his then teammate Isaac Luke was rubbed out of the big game due to suspension. As Koroisau would know best, you never know when your chance is going to come to play on the biggest stage.

The number nine was never in calculations to play a role for the Bunnies on that drought-breaking day, but he is now immortalised in premiership glory.

I am certain if Api was asked now whether he would trade in a dozen more first grade games and a bit of extra coin for his Grand Final memories with Souths, there would only be one answer.

Like Koroisau was in 2014, Burton is caught behind a favoured, more experienced player. But his man of the match performance in Round 3 proves that the Panthers still have what it takes to reach the pinnacle in 2021, even if Nathan Cleary or Jarome Luai is struck down with injury.

Even if the club’s starting halves are fit and

Matt Burton warming up for last week’s match against Melbourne. Photo: Megan Dunn.

firing later in the year, you’d have to think Burton is a massive chance to at least play a role in the 17 for the Panthers once the

whips are cracking. For Burton, the only chance he has of playing in a Grand Final in the near future is through honouring his

current contract, and it may turn out to be the best decision he’ll ever make.

Good things come to those who wait.

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

feature

LUAI ON BURTON: “WE NEED HIM” NATHAN TAYLOR

W

hen Jarome Luai and Matt Burton aren’t battling for the same position or teaming up to win footy games together, you’ll often find the pair having a yarn about their careers and just how similar they are.

Before helping guide Penrith to a Grand Final appearance last year and being selected in Brad Fittler’s NSW Blues squad, Luai was biding his time in the club’s lower grades while two-time premiership winner James Maloney was running around.

Luai got the odd game here and there – often out of position or when Maloney wasn’t available – but he always knew his time would come with plenty of perseverance and patience.

With Cleary and Luai firmly entrenched in the ‘6’ and ‘7’ jumpers, Canterbury-bound Burton is treading a somewhat similar path.

While Burton won’t be wearing Panthers colours next year, he now has the golden

opportunity to set up his future by being around two of the best halves in the NRL. Speaking with Extra Time, Luai said he knows exactly what 21-year-old Burton is going through, because he’s lived it.

“I’m definitely lucky to be where I am now but I was in the same shoes as he was, so we can sort of relate in that way and talk about that a bit, and I often help him out with the situation he’s in,” Luai said.

“Burto’s doing a really good job, he’s turning up to training every day and putting his best foot forward – he’s ready whenever we need to call him.”

Burton received that very call last week when Nathan Cleary was ruled out of the Grand Final rematch against Melbourne due to concussion protocols.

The Dubbo product slotted in seamlessly next to Luai, putting in a Man of the Match performance in Penrith’s thrilling 12-10 victory.

The Samoan international said he’s thankful club bosses held firm and didn’t release Burton to the struggling Bulldogs a year early.

Jarome Luai at the Panthers Academy on Tuesday. Photo: Melinda Jane.

“We 100 per cent need him… we love our squad, we love everyone in it,” Luai said.

“We said at the start of the year that Burto’s a big part of our team, a big part of our squad and I think he knows that as well – even more so now that he’s played a game and played really well.

“We definitely need him throughout the year, he’s a big part of our team and squad, and he proved last week why he is.”

Just like Luai’s first dozen games in the NRL, Burton will also be playing out of position at centre while regular fullback Dylan Edwards spends the next month sidelined with a broken hand.

Luai said Burton should slot in comfortably in his new position.

“He’s just a natural footy player, he’s a big body and likes to run the ball as well. He’ll do a good job for us,” the 24-year-old said.

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

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

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

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CLUB

PD

W

D

L

B

F

A

+/-

PTS

1

Panthers

3

3

0

0

0

64

10

+54

6

2

Eels

3

3

0

0

0

68

32

+36

6

3

Roosters

3

2

0

1

0

102

36

+66

4

4

Titans

3

2

0

1

0

78

43

+35

4

5

Dragons

3

2

0

1

0

81

62

+19

4

6

Raiders

3

2

0

1

0

73

56

+17

4

7

Rabbitohs

3

2

0

1

0

70

54

+16

4

8

Knights

3

2

0

1

0

72

56

+16

4

9

Warriors

3

2

0

1

0

69

57

+12

4

10 Broncos

3

1

0

2

0

56

52

+4

2

11

3

1

0

2

0

48

46

+2

2

12 Sharks

3

1

0

2

0

46

58

-12

2

13 W. Tigers

3

1

0

2

0

42

90

-48

2

Storm

14 Cowboys

3

0

0

3

0

26

93

-67

0

15 Bulldogs

3

0

0

3

0

16

84

-68

0

16 Sea Eagles

3

0

0

3

0

28

110

-82

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ROUND 4

0

V

Thursday, April 1 8.05pm Brookvale Oval

V

Friday, April 2 4.05pm Stadium Australia

V

Friday, April 2 8.05pm AAMI Park

V

Saturday, April 3 5.15pm Kogarah Oval

V

Saturday, April 3 7.45pm Kogarah Oval

V

Sunday, April 4 4.05pm McDonald Jones Stadium

V

Sunday, April 4 6.15pm SCG

V

Monday, April 5 4.05pm Stadium Australia

Face In Th e Crowd

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

nrl ladder & fixtures

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

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Extra Time Issue Number 2020-004 PRODUCED BY The Western Weekender EDITOR Troy Dodds / 4722 2998 troy.dodds@westernweekender.com.au CONTRIBUTORS Nathan Taylor, Warren Smith, Peter Lang, Joel Caine SALES DIRECTOR Chris Pennisi / 4722 2998 chris.pennisi@westernweekender.com.au

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DEE BARLOW KEITH WILSON LUKE BELOTTI SHANAKA DE SILVA IAN GARTON

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IRRESISTIBLE POOLS & SPAS 4776 1118

RAIDERS KNIGHTS ROOSTERS EELS

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EMERSON’S ENVIROCARE 1800 600 760

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LEISURE POOLS 1300 SPLASH

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PROPERTY CENTRAL 0434 400 225

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PANTHERS RABBITOHS STORM SHARKS

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TITANS KNIGHTS ROOSTERS EELS

PANTHERS RABBITOHS STORM SHARKS

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TITANS KNIGHTS WARRIORS EELS

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

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COUNTRY BREWER NEPEAN 4731 5444

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

Pick up a copy of the paper If you don’t receive The Western Weekender at home, we have a long list of convenient locations where you can pick up a paper! Get the latest copy every Thursday at the below locations.

CAMBRIDGE PARK Cambridge Park Newsagency

KINGSWOOD 7-11 Kingswood Hallani’s 7 Day Convenience Kingswood Hotel Kingswood Newsagency Kingswood Smash Repairs Marketland Newsagency Penrith Gaels Club

CASTLEREAGH Caltex Service Station

LEONAY Emu Sports Club

COLYTON Colyton Newsagency Hewitt Street Takeaway

LLANDILO IGA

CADDENS Caddens News (Caddens Corner) CAMBRIDGE GARDENS McDonald’s Friendly Grocer

CRANEBROOK 7/11 – Andrews Road Aldi Cranebrook Cranebrook Community Health Woolworths Cranebrook EMU PLAINS Lennox Centre Newsagency McDonald’s Penrith Regional Gallery

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ERSKINE PARK Ashcroft’s IGA Erskine Park Newsagency

KEMPS CREEK Caltex Service Station Kemps Creek Bowling Club

LONDONDERRY Metro Fuel Shell – The Crossroads

PENRITH 7-11 Henry Street Australian Arms Hotel Borec Road Takeaway Caltex Coreen Avenue Coles Penrith BP Penrith Flower Power Museum of Fire McDonald’s Panthers Leagues McDonald’s Peachtree Nepean Aquatic Centre Nepean Rowing Club Nepean Village Coffee Club Nepean Village Newsagency Panthers Leagues Panthers Leagues Club Peachtree Hotel Penrith Bowling Club Penrith CBD Corporation Penrith City Council Penrith City Library Penrith Hotel Motel

Penrith Paceway Penrith RSL The Chicken Run Westfield Penrith KFC World Gym SOUTH PENRITH Budget Service Station Southlands Newsagency Southlands Takeaway Woolworths South Penrith ROPES CROSSING Coles Ropes Crossing Ropes Crossing Newsagency SILVERDALE Silverdale IGA ST CLAIR KFC 7-11 St Clair St Clair Shopping Centre ST MARYS Coles Station Plaza Queen St Newsagency St Marys Band Club St Marys Leagues Club St Marys Library St Marys Pizza Hut St Marys RSL St Marys Village Station Plaza Newsagency Walter’s Newsagency THORNTON Thornton Petramart WALLACIA Wallacia Golf Club Wallacia Hotel Wallacia Post Office Wallacia Takeaway WERRINGTON Dirani’s MFC Supermarket Henry Sports Club The Foodary Caltex Werrington Werrington Newsagency

www.westernweekender.com.au/getapaper

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lang on league

with Peter Lang

O

f the seven players off contract at season’s end, I believe the Panthers must keep the two many in the media are predicting they won’t – Kurt Capewell and Brent Naden.

Capewell is supposedly off home to Queensland while Naden is being courted by several NRL clubs and is currently starting behind Paul Momirovski.

In my opinion, Penrith can’t let a leader like Capewell go. The Panthers have enough youth in the side without diluting their experience even further. At 28 yearsof-age, Capewell is entering the prime of his career and playing inspired football. He tackles hard, runs even harder and is a great example to the younger players in the team.

Brent Naden, meanwhile, is a dynamic runner of the football who possesses a nice vertical leap, a good turn of pace and is a real tackle-breaker. He can also play at fullback, on the wing or in the centres. His defence may still need some work but, at 25, he is also about to enter his prime.

Of the other five players coming off contract both Tyrone May and Mitch Kenny, I believe, will both be re-signed.

It would be great to see Capewell and Naden given at least two-year contracts. I can’t see either player letting the club down any time soon.

The man has to be the biggest sook in the game and his press conference following his team’s loss to the Warriors last Saturday was ridiculous. The apparent gob-full he gave to referee Henry Perenara on the sideline was also unprofessional. I understand that he felt ripped off by ‘that forward pass’ which was let go, but seriously, grow up Sticky!

What game I’m looking forward to...

I’m really looking forward to the Titans taking on the Raiders on Saturday night. It will be a real test for the Gold Coast against a heavyweight contender. A win here could set up the Titans’ season.

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

Why Capewell and Naden deserve new Panthers deals

My tips for the week...

Panthers, Rabbitohs, Storm, Cowboys, Titans, Knights, Roosters, Eels.

What caught my eye last week...

The petulant behaviour of Ricky Stuart.

Kurt Capewell deserves another contract at Penrith. Photo: NRL Images.

The final word...

I think the NRL hasn’t gone far enough with the HIA (head injury assessment) interchange rule. With the strict protocols in place for a HIA, teams are finding multiple players being ruled out of a game through no fault of their own. I propose that if two players fail their HIA, then one player can go in as a replacement. Currently three players need to fail their HIA for a club to activate their 18th player as outlined by the Australian Rugby League Commission on Tuesday. Three players is one too many in my opinion.

extra minutes

Roosters star Luke Keary has been ruled out for the season. Photo: NRL Images.

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The Sydney Roosters have confirmed that five-eighth Luke Keary has suffered a season-ending ACL injury. It’s a bitter blow for the Roosters’ premiership hopes, with the club also losing Lachlan Lam to an MCL injury. Lam is expected to be out for around six weeks.

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Meantime Fox Sports were also thrown a programming curve ball this week thanks to the COVID-19 lockdown in Brisbane. Regular ‘NRL 360’ host Ben Ikin has spent the week in lockdown, with Dan Ginnane warming the chair.

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A special campaign has been launched with fans and players across the game urged to get behind Mose Masoe’s rehabilitation journey. The ‘We Stand With Mose’ appeal was launched on Monday. See Men of League for info.

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The Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) has given approval in principle for NRL clubs to activate an 18th player when three players from a team have failed HIA Tests. The rule will commence from Round 5. The Commission agreed the 18th player must be an emerging player. Before introducing the new measure, the ARLC will consult with the RLPA, clubs and coaches. Included in the consultation will be the definition of an emerging player. The new rule has had a mixed response from fans.

The hacking dramas over at Channel Nine may not have impacted live NRL matches going to air, but the network’s magazine shows were thrown into chaos.

Both ‘The Sunday Footy Show’ and ‘100% Footy’ were unable to air as the network scrambled to respond to the drama.

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Friday, April 2, 2021 « the western weekender