Extra Time March 8 2024 (R1 - Panthers v Storm)

STORM ALERT

PENRITH AND MELBOURNE PREPARE FOR OPENING ROUND SHOWDOWN AT AAMI PARK MATCH PREVIEW: PAGE 35

Isaah Yeo and Tyran Wishart.

Photo: NRL Photos.

the final word

We’ve heard the stat multiple times this week: Craig Bellamy has never lost an opening round fixture as Melbourne coach. It’s an incredible run over some two decades, proving that Bellamy prepares his teams for NRL campaigns perhaps better than anyone else in the game.

But the unique piece of history is unlikely to bother Penrith all that much, who have spent the last three or four seasons re-writing records left, right and centre. In fact, they thrive on such challenges.

“It is a pretty impressive stat; every time we play Melbourne it is always a massive challenge,” Penrith coach Ivan Cleary said this week.

A challenge too at AAMI Park, where Penrith has only beaten Melbourne once in their last eight attempts.

But that statistic is very skewed and almost

irrelevant given the Panthers haven’t played there since 2018.

COVID, Magic Round and a brief move to Marvel Stadium means the Panthers haven’t played at Melbourne’s spiritual home in this new era for the club.

In fact, how’s this for a stat – Melbourne hasn’t beaten Penrith in Melbourne since April 2017. I like that one far better.

What was once one of the most lopsided head-to-head counts in modern NRL history has corrected itself in recent times with Penrith winning six of their last eight clashes against Craig Bellamy’s side, including a couple of Preliminary Finals.

The Panthers won’t fear this Friday’s trip to Melbourne and in fact will be champing at the bit to claim a big scalp after their World Club Challenge loss to Wigan a few weeks ago.

It’s obvious a limited preparation could have

some impact on Penrith’s start to the season, much like it did in 2023, but as every successful year passes, the Panthers seem to get better at working out where little improvements need to be made to stay on top of their game.

It’s why I think Penrith will actually start this year pretty well – even though they face some tough opponents.

A big plus for the Panthers is the return of Jarome Luai from a shoulder injury. In what will be his final season at the club, Luai is keen leave Penrith on a high like Api Koroisau, Stephen Crichton and Viliame Kikau before him. The fact he’s been named so soon after rehabilitating his shoulder shows how keen he is for a strong farewell.

On the other side of the fence, the Storm have named Cameron Munster but he’s in serious doubt after a bathroom mishap saw his troublesome groin injury flare again.

All eyes will be on Ryan Papenhuyzen, who came through the pre-season games with flying colours and looks ready to finally leave years of injury behind him and reclaim his spot as the game’s most electrifying fullback.

The rise of Reece Walsh, the media obsession with Latrell Mitchell and the consistency of Dylan Edwards means Papenhuyzen has exited the ‘best fullback’ conversation during his period on the sidelines, but I have little doubt he’ll show his blistering best as the season progresses.

I’m expecting this to be a low scoring, dour encounter where defence will rule. There will only be a try or two in it.

I have no doubt the Storm will be keen to extend that incredible round one winning record, but I reckon these Panthers will be in a mood to write some more history.

Tip: Panthers by 4.

TROY DODDS

AAMI PARK | REFEREE: GERARD SUTTON | BUNKER: ADAM GEE

PANTHERETTES READY TO CHEER IN ‘24

What’s been a huge three years for the Penrith Panthers has also been momentous for the Pantherettes, who have been on the sidelines every step of the way.

According to veteran Pantherette Abby Bennett, the atmosphere at Grand Finals is different every year.

“Some years you go in feeling a little bit confident, and then other years you’re really nervous but excited for it to be a tough game,” she said.

“The last Grand Final, we were beside ourselves when Nathan got over the try line. We were just bawling our eyes out!”

23-year-old Bennett is going into her seventh season this year, and can’t wait for it all to begin.

“We have a busy start to the season with two home games in a row, so we’re already prepping those routines even though it is still a few weeks away,” she said.

“I just can’t wait for the first game, it’ll be great!”

In the 2024 Pantherettes squad is a mix of veterans and rookies after an incredible audition held in December last year – over a month earlier than usual.

“The calibre of women that came through was just amazing. Every year it ramps up, and the quality and quantity is always that little bit harder, but the auditions for the 2024 squad was definitely one of the toughest,

most talented, and most incredible ones I’ve witnessed,” choreographer Kati Watson said.

18-year-old Olivia Johnston is one of this year’s new recruits, recalling the moment she found out she’d be

King of beasts!

joining a squad that is steeped in history. “It was really cool that my name was on top, because I just got to see them lift up my headshot, and I was like, ‘Yes, I got it!’,” she said.

Johnston was inspired by a former dance teacher, who was also an NRL cheerleader, to give the audition a go.

“After I got accepted into Brent Street and decided not to pursue that, I thought that being a Pantherette was another good way for me to continue dancing weekly, and have opportunities to perform on a regular basis,” she said.

Though she admits the first few weeks of pre-season training have been challenging, spending upwards of an hour rehearsing outside of class each week, Johnston said her teammates couldn’t be more supportive.

“It is about girlhood, and it is about supporting each other,” she said.

“I am just really excited to flip out of that tunnel for the first time!”

Watson said that 2024 is set to be a big year for the Pantherettes, with all new choreography and more.

“You can expect fresh new choreography, a couple of fresh new faces, and some new little things on game day as well,” she said.

And all agreed that 2024 will be a big year for the Panthers as well, with a four-peat imminent.

“I think it will be tough, but every year is tough,” Watson said.

“I really do believe that the Panthers can do it again and go for four in a row, and I really hope the girls can be there to experience it.”

Zambi Wildlife Retreat is an exclusive and unique Not for Profit Animal Sanctuary, set in beautifully landscaped grounds.

A tour of the retreat allows you the opportunity to get up close and personal with some amazing animals and learn about their history and species. Zambi only allows limited visitors each week and you will need to book your spot on our website booking page here: www.zambi.org/bookings

The bookings are only available for a total of 7 guests and includes a tour of the retreat with an experienced guide where you will get to hand feed the macaw parrots and baboon monkeys. Complimentary hot and cold drinks and light snacks are included in the cost.

There is also the opportunity to add on animal encounters such as hand feeding the big cats and meeting the meerkats and little marmoset monkeys. This can be booked at the same time as your tour or added during your visit.

Entry is 9 years of age and older and a further age restriction of 12 years and older will apply to hand feeding the

Your 2024 Penrith Pantherettes. Photo: Melinda Jane.

CASSIDY PEARCE

Experience

panther rumblings

! Celebrity crushes revealed: Liam Martin and Mitch Kenny have revealed their celebrity crushes whilst growing up. Put under the pump at a corporate event on Monday night, Marto declared Megan Fox was his celebrity crush while for Mitch Kenny, Selena Gomez topped the list.

!Bosses stay home: Despite all the euphoria around Las Vegas in the past week, Panthers Group CEO Brian Fletcher and Football CEO Matt Cameron opted not to head over for the games. Many other club CEOs jumped at the chance for a trip to Vegas but Fletcher in particular knows all there is to know about the concept and the funds around it. The Panthers are still keen to be involved in 2025.

! Will NRL pay again? One of the reasons the Vegas games received so much PR is that the NRL itself funded the costs of so many of the journalists who travelled over to cover the double header. It wouldn’t have been cheap and there’s no doubt the NRL will have lost money on the venture, though it sees the longterm benefits. If the NRL doesn’t keep paying the costs of journos in future years, those heading over – and the coverage – will start to dwindle.

! Cleary had final say on doco: Penrith coach Ivan Cleary (pictured below) retained the right to pull any footage or audio from the recent ‘Undisputed’ documentary, which the club produced in partnership with Channel Nine. Cleary would be shown each episode upon its completion just in case any particular element wasn’t right for public consumption. I’m told he wasn’t an overly picky director.

! ‘Undisputed’ almost never was: Henry Ward is the genius behind the ‘Undisputed’ documentary and there was nobody more dejected than him when Ezra Mam scored his hat-trick of tries in last year’s Grand Final. He’d gone back into the sheds after Mam’s third try, dealing with the realisation that all of his hard work filming behind the scenes would probably amount to nothing. He happened to spot Isaah Yeo undergoing his HIA and filmed it. The pair then heard the roar when Moses Leota scored his try – and suddenly, Ward’s camera was back to the field to record the magic of that final stanza.

! Scoop confirmed: I told you last week that Sunia Turuva and Mitch Kenny were close to signing new deals with the club. Panthers CEO Matt Cameron has now confirmed he’s in deep negotiations with the pair about extending their time at Penrith, along with Taylan May. He expects announcements to be made very soon.

! Cleary goes early: It seems Ivan Cleary will continue his trend of speaking to the

media in the early part of the week, rather than the day before the game. He held his first game week press conference of the year on Monday. The tactic allows Cleary to escape any questions about late changes or fitness of players heading into game day.

! Low key launch: With all the key NRL personnel over in Vegas, as well as the main league journos, a very low key Australian season launch was held in the Sydney CBD last week. The Panthers sent co-captain Isaah Yeo along as their representative.

! Kenny’s suspension a top secret: Mitch Kenny won’t play for Penrith against Melbourne on Friday after being handed a one game suspension for that awkward Instagram post in the off-season. But there’s one problem – the NRL has never formally announced the penalty. Mainstream media outlets reported it extensively last week, and Kenny was missing from the team list on Tuesday, but the NRL has remained publicly silent. It did not send out a media release or announcement confirming Kenny’s penalty. It only confirmed a breach notice was issued on February 8.

! Grand Final stays in Sydney: The State Government and the NRL has confirmed this year’s Grand Final will be played at Accor Stadium. With no long-term deal in place, the Grand Final location is currently being decided on a year-by-year basis. “NSW is the home of the NRL and there is no better city in the world to host another incredible Grand Final showdown,” Premier Chris Minns said.

! Spotted: The campaign to bring back the North Sydney Bears reaching all the way to Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

COUNTRY KID HENRY EYES BIG SEASON

Country folk are known for being tough, hard-working and down to earth people, and that couldn’t be more evident when it comes to emerging Penrith Panthers forward Liam Henry.

Born in Orange and growing up in Blayney in the state’s central west, Henry left his quiet life behind in 2019 to start a new one at the foot of the Mountains.

After being one of the top performers in Penrith’s Jersey Flegg and NSW Cup teams in recent years, Henry finally made his NRL debut in late 2022 before adding another two first grade games to his tally last season.

As he enters season 2024, all eyes will be on the 22-year-old as he looks to fill Spencer Leniu’s place on Ivan Cleary’s bench.

“I’m not trying to think too far ahead but I’m stoked to be in the team this week and I can’t wait to get down to Melbourne and start playing,” Henry told Wednesday.

“I’m really excited for what the season holds, but it all starts this week – hopefully I go well.”

In his three matches in first grade – as well as a fourth in the recent World Club Challenge – the quiet yet intimidating forward is yet to taste victory. But with every game he plays, that elusive win in the NRL inches closer and closer for young Henry.

“I’ve taken a lot of lessons from the small number of games that I’ve played,” he said.

“Yes, they all ended in losses but just the experience of playing NRL and the speed of the game and the physicality has really helped me, I think.”

Also giving Henry plenty of help is the worldclass forward pack he gets to train and play alongside. From James Fisher-Harris to Moses Leota to Liam Martin and Isaah Yeo, Henry is surrounded by the best of the best the game has to offer.

“It’s incredible! They are probably some of the best players in the game,”

“Getting to come in every week and learn and train with them is unbelievable. I try and be like a sponge and soak it all up.”

One player who soaked up a lot of knowledge from Penrith’s big men last season was recent premiership winner Lindsay Smith. This time last year, Smith was in the same position as Henry is now, having played a smattering of NRL games before enjoying a breakout year in 2023.

Smith said Henry would be feeling very excited at the prospect of playing plenty of games for the Panthers this

“Liam’s a very energetic person and I’m sure he’ll be very excited. I can’t wait to see how he goes this year and I’m sure he’s going to do a great job,” he said.

“Liam’s one of our fittest players and one of our hardest trainers too. It was a fun year for me last year, and I can’t wait to see what this

After being named in the NSW Cup Team of the Year last season as well as a tough and gruelling summer on the training field, the Mulgoa resident can’t wait to show the world why he deserves a place in Penrith’s history making team.

“I’ve seen people talk me up on social media, but I try not to read too much into it as I just want to worry about myself and trying to play

Liam Henry in action last season.

Liam Henry chats with Nathan Taylor on Wednesday.

Liam Henry is primed for a big season. Photo: Melinda Jane.

NATHAN TAYLOR

So how can two rookies and two new recruits possibly hold the key to any success the Penrith side has in 2024 and then play a big role in the Panthers winning their fourth straight premiership?

Let me explain.

For a start I’m not suggesting for one minute that star players like Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo and Dylan Edwards have no role to play in the side’s quest for another title, only an idiot would suggest that. In fact, I know they’ll have the biggest say.

What the rugby league media and its supporters might be overlooking however, is just how important contributions from rookies Liam Henry and Jack Cole and new buys, Brad Schnieder and Daine Laurie

will be in the overall scheme of things in season 2024.

While Penrith have used the ‘next man up’ philosophy over the last four years to great effect, it’s exactly that ideology that the four players mentioned will have to bring if there’s to be any thought of a four-peat this season.

First up, boom rookie forward Liam Henry has already been pencilled in to fill the vacant bench spot formerly occupied by Spencer Leniu.

Now at 190cm and 105kg, Henry has a much bigger frame than Leniu but he will be asked to play a similar role, which is to make an impact whenever he comes on.

I can see Henry playing longer minutes as the year rolls on and he’s already showed in the World Club Challenge, that he will

be a handful once he gets used to the pace and intensity of first grade.

Jack Cole is another rookie who at 20 years of age, has also had his own baptism of fire, when he filled in for the injured Jarome Luai against Wigan. Cole will no doubt see plenty of first grade this year either at centre or five-eighth. He showed that he was a running five-eighth during the match against the Warriors and he can also play centre at a pinch.

Meanwhile, new-recruit Brad Schneider will play a big role during the State of Origin series where Nathan Cleary is expected to be picked for NSW.

Schneider, like Jack Cogger and Sean O’Sullivan before him, will need to fill-in for the superstar number seven and hold the fort at Penrith until Cleary gets back.

Schneider has a good kicking game and his time over in the UK Super League really helped elevate his game. He’ll need all that experience and more to keep the Penrith machine humming in Cleary’s absence.

Finally, I also see Daine Laurie as an important cog in this Panthers machine. The former Penrith junior was bought back to the club because of his versatility and ability to play in a number of positions.

Laurie can make an immediate impact, be that at fullback, wing or even five-eighth. Laurie has speed, footwork and plenty of first grade experience under his belt.

Two new recruits and two young rookies helping the Panthers win their fourth straight premiership.

Now that would be a fairytale but you know what they say, sometimes fairytales do come true.

player of the year

NEW HONOUR REVEALED

The Western Weekender and Extra Time are thrilled to announce the first ever Weekender Player of the Year competition – launching for the 2024 season.

Western Weekender Editor Troy Dodds, Deputy Editor and NRL journalist Nathan Taylor, NRL columnist Peter Lang and 2003 Clive Churchill Medal winner Luke Priddis will vote each week to determine the ultimate Player of the Year.

All four will vote on a 3, 2 and 1 basis for their best Penrith player

performance from the weekend; meaning it’s possible for a single player to collect 12 points from a single game.

The ladder will be kept up-to-date exclu-

sively in the print edition of Extra Time, with the votes from the previous weekend also published.

Check out next week’s edition of Extra Time for the first votes and updated ladder after the Panthers v Storm clash.

Troy Dodds.

Luke Priddis.

Peter Lang.

Nathan Taylor.

Liam Henry will play first grade this weekend.

Photo: NRL Photos.

panther memories

Club legend Greg Alexander played his final home game for Penrith on Sunday, August 22, 1999.

It was a terrific farewell for ‘Brandy’, who had returned to the Panthers in 1997 after a stint with the Auckland Warriors.

14,184 people turned up at Penrith Stadium to say goodbye and the Panthers delivered, producing an impressive 33-14 win over the Canberra Raiders.

While Alexander remembers that Sunday afternoon at Penrith as his true farewell, the reality is he played one more game – at Shark Park on Saturday, August 28. It was a forgettable goodbye with Cronulla winning 38-6.

(Photos thanks to NRL Images)

PANTHERS EELS TITANS COWBOYS

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TITANS COWBOYS

TITANS COWBOYS

DRAGONS COWBOYS

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TITANS DOLPHINS

TITANS COWBOYS

TITANS DOLPHINS

TITANS COWBOYS

TITANS DOLPHINS

TITANS COWBOYS

TITANS COWBOYS

TITANS COWBOYS

RABBITOHS BRONCOS RAIDERS WARRIORS PANTHERS EELS

TITANS COWBOYS

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RABBITOHS BRONCOS KNIGHTS WARRIORS STORM EELS

RABBITOHS BRONCOS KNIGHTS WARRIORS PANTHERS EELS

RABBITOHS BRONCOS KNIGHTS WARRIORS PANTHERS EELS

TITANS COWBOYS

TITANS COWBOYS

TITANS COWBOYS

RABBITOHS BRONCOS KNIGHTS WARRIORS PANTHERS EELS TITANS DOLPHINS

RABBITOHS BRONCOS RAIDERS WARRIORS STORM EELS DRAGONS COWBOYS

RABBITOHS BRONCOS KNIGHTS WARRIORS PANTHERS EELS TITANS COWBOYS

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RABBITOHS BRONCOS KNIGHTS WARRIORS PANTHERS BULLDOGS EELS COWBOYS

RABBITOHS BRONCOS KNIGHTS WARRIORS PANTHERS BULLDOGS TITANS DOLPHINS

SEA EAGLES BRONCOS KNIGHTS WARRIORS PANTHERS EELS TITANS COWBOYS

RABBITOHS BRONCOS KNIGHTS WARRIORS PANTHERS EELS TITANS COWBOYS

RABBITOHS BRONCOS KNIGHTS WARRIORS PANTHERS EELS TITANS COWBOYS

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BRONCOS RABBITOHS KNIGHTS WARRIORS PANTHERS EELS TITANS COWBOYS

BRONCOS RABBITOHS KNIGHTS WARRIORS STORM EELS TITANS COWBOYS

RABBITOHS ROOSTERS KNIGHTS WARRIORS PANTHERS BULLDOGS

TITANS COWBOYS

RABBITOHS BRONCOS RAIDERS WARRIORS STORM BULLDOGS DRAGONS COWBOYS

SEA EAGLES ROOSTERS KNIGHTS WARRIORS PANTHERS BULLDOGS

TITANS DOLPHINS