Extra Time May 24 2024 (Panthers v Sharks - NRL Round 12)

SHOWDOWN IN THE SHIRE

the final word

For the first time in probably three years, Penrith go into a game this weekend that I have real doubts they can win.

On top of that, the Panthers are outsiders for Saturday’s clash against Cronulla according to the betting markets – another unfamiliar position for Ivan Cleary’s men.

But such a position is justified when you consider the last couple of weeks for both of these sides.

After being labelled soft competition leaders thanks to an easy draw to kick off the year, Cronulla have now beaten heavyweights Melbourne and the Roosters in successive weeks, and it would be hard now not to declare them the real deal.

Penrith meantime were far from impressive against Canterbury a fortnight ago and then fell to an under-strength Warriors team at Magic Round.

So what’s the problem at Penrith? Is it all

related to Nathan Cleary being out with that hamstring drama?

That’s certainly part of the problem, especially considering the ‘next man up’ in Brad Schneider is also missing through injury.

But in reality it all comes down to discipline, or lack of it.

Discipline has been a real mainstay of this Penrith team in the past three or four years. Commitment to defence, and to each other, and an almost steel-like approach to games that just completely shut out opposition sides.

But let’s look at the Panthers of 2024.

Hooker Mitch Kenny leads the competition in missed tackles. Izack Tago has conceded more penalties than any other player in the competition. The Panthers themselves have conceded the third most. The Panthers have the most ineffective tackles in the competition.

The list goes on.

In short, Penrith just aren’t themselves.

Even in the games they’ve won this season, something hasn’t been quite right.

But here’s the good news: this is an experienced footy side, and I have no doubt that when the whips get cracking at the back end of the season, the Panthers will rise to their best again.

It’s hard to be ‘up’ for a whole season let alone three or four. Let’s be real – this is the fifth season we’re expecting the Panthers to deliver consistently good performances, and it’s quite an ask.

Something was always going to give.

Not all hope is lost, and when Cleary does return, Penrith surely would have banked enough points to have a legitimate shot at the top four, and then that experience will mean plenty come Finals time.

As for the here and now, Ivan Cleary can only ask for a more committed performance than the one he got against the Warriors on Sunday.

Back to that dedication to each other, and to the values that hold the footy side together.

Silly errors cost his side against the Warriors and he’ll surely be working on discipline with the ball as much as without it.

Possession wins footy games and the Panthers were determined to starve themselves of it last weekend.

The one serious vulnerability Cronulla has is that they do have a tendency to leak points – even last week against the Roosters they conceded 30 despite winning.

But they’ve managed to only concede 158 points in total so far this season – a decent record, and the second best in the competition. The best defensive team in the comp though? That’s the Panthers. That does swing the pendulum in Penrith’s favour a little.

Regardless, I’m expecting a tight tussle on Saturday – a bounce of the ball could decide it.

Tip: Panthers by 1.

CLEARY UP FOR “BIG TASK”

What a difference 48 hours makes.

After a short, tense press conference following Penrith’s loss to the Warriors on Sunday, coach Ivan Cleary fronted up to speak to journalists on Tuesday in a much happier mood.

He even joked about his post-match demeanour to Nine’s Danny Weidler.

“That was pretty bad... I was pretty disappointed,” he said.

where we are.”

been super consistent for three years really and they look like this year they’ve really found their groove,” he said.

“It will be a big task

“He’s been there and done

“He’s played on the big stage. I don’t think he’d

“On reflection, credit to the Warriors. They had a good plan, they turned up very desperate and they deserved to win.”

Cleary said this week’s challenge against Cronulla was “really big”.

“The Sharks are the form team of the comp. They’re on top for good reason,” he said.

“It’s a great challenge for us. It’s about time we were underdogs. I’m looking forward to that challenge.”

Cleary said he’s been impressed with what the Sharks are building.

“They’ve

Cleary also backed Jarome Luai for the hotly contested New South Wales five-eighth spot

Penrith coach Ivan Cleary was all smiles this week. Photo: Melinda Jane.

panther rumblings

ARREST LEFT CLUB IN SHOCK

! Panthers in dark over May: There’s certainly some confusion over the timeline related to Taylan May’s current woes, which will likely be cleared up through the court process. The 22-year-old played against the Sea Eagles at Brookvale Oval on Saturday, April 6. The alleged domestic violence incidents, for which he has now been charged, happened two days later on April 8. Penrith then had the bye, but May was still named on Tuesday, April 16 to play the Tigers the following Saturday. It was just 24 hours out from the game that the Panthers confirmed May would not play on the Saturday in Bathurst. Speculation at the time focused on a separate incident involving May being the passenger in a speeding car, but the Panthers were adamant May was missing the game for “personal reasons” and not as any punishment following that incident – to the extent that they even contacted journalists to clarify. It is my understanding that Penrith had no context around the “personal reasons” and were certainly in the dark over what allegedly took place on April 8. May then returned to the Penrith side against the Cowboys on April 27, before playing against Souths on May 2 and Canterbury on May 10. He was arrested last Saturday, May 18, more than a month after the alleged crimes took place. There’s plenty of gaps and unanswered questions here – and the first answers may come when May fronts court on Tuesday.

! May’s social concern: Some concerned eyes are monitoring Taylan May’s social media accounts at the moment. May’s behaviour on Instagram is erratic to say the least. In the hours after his arrest was revealed last Saturday, May seemingly disappeared from the platform – removing all posts on his account. Soon after, he was back online – this time with an updated profile picture, and a cryptic post on Monday captioned “gods timing” alongside music from 2PAC. He’s also not laying low – spotted at The Shack café on Tuesday morning and posting an Instagram Story from the eatery. He’s continued to post cryptic posts in the days since.

! Spotted: Australian professional golfer and two-time PGA Tour winner Brett Ogle at Magic Round – cheering on his beloved Roosters in the company of a major Panthers sponsor.

! Bad day for Panthers: Not only did Penrith fall to the Warriors in a major upset last Sunday, but Claws put in a poor performance in the mascot race later in the day. Claws missed the start and was never in it – finishing in the back end of the field.

! Spotted: Which Panthers sponsor was seen on the dance floor at popular Brisbane country music bar Johnny Ringo’s on Saturday night?

! Fish escapes ban: James Fisher-Harris was hit with a Grade One Dangerous Contact charge by the NRL’s Match Review Committee for a hip drop on Dylan Walker late in the game against the Warriors. Fish took the early plea, and was hit with a monetary fine only.

! Yarning circle: The Panthers were due to hold a media opportunity yesterday with Daine Laurie, Tyrone Peachey, Scott Sorensen and Liam Martin, where an Indigenous Yarning Circle will be officially opened at the Panthers Rugby League Academy. The opening was timed alongside the NRL Indigenous Round this weekend.

! Shadowy figure: Poor old Peter Wallace. The bloke played 91 first grade games for the Panthers and has been involved with the club’s coaching staff for years, but he must be camera shy. The club hasn’t been able to find a photo of him for its website.

! Dallin’s milestone celebration: Dallin Watene-Zelezniak had his family at Magic Round for his 200th NRL game last Sunday, a journey that started with the Panthers. And he celebrated in style, with the Warriors getting the win against his former club.

! Got some gossip? I don’t keep secrets, but I do protect my sources. If you’ve got some Panthers news, you’ve spotted a player out and about or you’ve heard a rumour, I want to know about it. Email maskedpanther@westernweekender.com.au.

! Spotted: A Warriors fan at magic round very excited to have James Fisher-Harris joining the club next season – and letting him know about it.

Photo: NRL Images.

THEY CLIMBED EVEREST, AND STAYED

It’s a feat unlikely to be seen again in our lifetime, an NRL team in the modern era celebrating 1,000 days as reigning Premiers.

But on Saturday, June 29, the Penrith Panthers will do just that.

Since clinching the Provan-Summons Trophy at the 2021 Grand Final in Brisbane, the Panthers will become the first club in the NRL era to notch up 1,000 days at the top.

To celebrate the momentous occasion, the Panthers Foundation, in partnership with principal partner MyPlace, has launched a special end-of-financial-year appeal – ‘1,000 Days as Premiers’.

Over the next month, leading up to the momentous 1,000th day, the Panthers are inviting the community to join in by contributing $10 to $50 to the Panthers Foundation. All funds raised will be dedicated to supporting the Foundation’s initiatives under the education pillar and Panthers on the Prowl program.

In addition, MyPlace has pledged to match the first 1,000 donations up to $50 made by each donor, effectively doubling the impact of every contribution.

Speaking with Extra Time, Panthers Head of Foundation and Community, Alex Reilly explained how the ‘1,000 Days as Premiers’ initiative came about.

“Being Premiers for 1,000 days is something we, as a club, are incredibly proud of and excited about. It speaks to close to a decade’s worth of

work from everybody at the club and everyone that’s part of the Panthers Group,” he said.

“If you’ve ever heard our coach Ivan Cleary speak about the club and the community, he’s always very big on the fact that we are a community club and the impact we have in the community goes beyond the results on the field.

“So, what we wanted to do was leverage the success on the pitch to result in success in the

community as well.” Under its education pillar, the Panthers Foundation aims to use sport to support and inspire students, increasing their educational achievement, life skills and access to qualifications and work.

“One of the biggest incentives for people to donate is that for every donation up to $50, our principal partner MyPlace will match it,” Reilly said.

“This is an opportunity for members of the community to give back to their community but also see that impact doubled in a very real way.

“All funds raised will go to the new Panthers Foundation, supporting our work in the education space with a focus on the programs delivered by Panthers on the Prowl.”

To coincide with the campaign, fans will get to relive and hear behind-the-scenes details on Panthers players and coaches’ favourite memories over the past 1,000 days, as well as get to see and learn more about the vital work being carried out across the Penrith community, which the donations will go directly towards.

To contribute to the ‘1,000 Days as Premiers’ initiative, scan the QR code above or visit https://shorturl.at/wfCVs.

Penrith’s most recent premiership was in 2023. Photo: NRL Images. Day one of Penrith’s journey to 1,000 days. Photo: NRL Images.

NATHAN TAYLOR

CELEBRATING HIS CULTURE

Panthers utility Daine Laurie will look to channel his favourite Indigenous player, Matty Bowen, when he returns to Penrith’s line-up for tomorrow night’s top four blockbuster against the Cronulla Sharks.

The 24-year-old will make just his fifth appearance for Penrith this season, in a round that recognises the role Indigenous players and communities play on and off the field.

To celebrate the occasion, the Panthers will wear an Indigenous jersey designed by Natasha Fordham in collaboration with Panthers Indigenous Wellbeing Officer Glen Liddiard.

Speaking with Extra Time on Wednesday, Laurie said he couldn’t wait to run out onto the PoinstBet Stadium pitch and represent his people.

“You get to represent your culture and the elders that are gone – it’s an unreal time of the year,” he declared.

“The jersey looks deadly, I can’t wait to wear it on Saturday. It’s got some mad little animals and Indigenous artwork on it.

“I can’t wait to celebrate our culture on the big stage and represent our people.”

The jersey features Laurie’s handprint on the front as well as that of female Panthers staff member Taylah Murray, recognising the role both genders play across the rugby league landscape. The colours from both the Australian Aboriginal flag and Torres Straight Islander flag are featured on the sleeves.

Male and female totems of the Darug Nation, the fruit bat and the ring-tail possum represent gender equality and the role males and females play in the game.

Two black cockatoos overlook the land in which we unite, three kangaroos as well as a platypus and eastern long neck turtle are depicted swimming in the Darug Nation river systems, highlighting the vast array of fauna which occupy the land we are on.

Emblazoned on the top back of the jersey is the word ‘Warami’ meaning Welcome.

Cronulla fans will welcome the Panthers back to the Shire tomorrow evening for the first time since the 2019 season.

With the competition-leading Sharks coming off an important win to the Roosters and the Panthers coming off a disappointing Magic Round loss to the Warriors, there’s no better game for Ivan Cleary’s men to bounce back in.

“They are going good, the Sharkies! They are a deadly team this year. They’ve been a deadly team the last three years,” Laurie said.

“They’ve started this season well and it’s going to be a tough one at Shark Park. I don’t think the club has played there for about five years.

“It’s going to be a good, tough game, and hopefully we come away with the two points.”

In his four games in the NRL this season, Laurie has played a total of 44 minutes off Penrith’s interchange bench. Competent at fullback, wing and five-eighth, Laurie said he’s comfortable with his current role as a utility.

“It’s just about being patient,” he said.

“Obviously I have world-class players in front

Indigenous Round was launched on Wednesday.

Daine Laurie wearing this year’s Panthers Indigenous jersey.

NATHAN TAYLOR

It’s time to bring former Panther Dallin Watene-Zelezniak home. This is something I never thought I’d suggest in a million years but the loss of Sunia Turuva and the shadow that hangs over the future of Taylan May has caused me to re-think matters.

It’s true Dallin is 28 years-old but he is playing outstanding football and has already scored 56 tries since joining the Warriors in 2021. His kamikaze running style would suit the way Penrith play their back three as he makes plenty of metres every time he carries the ball.

He’s also turned into somewhat of a try scoring wizard and his acrobatic displays have made him a human highlights reel. Most importantly he brings toughness and experience to a Panthers backline which will be much needed in 2025.

There are some promising juniors coming through the system, two players in particular, brothers Casey and Jesse McLean who can play wing and centre and certainly that is one way to go.

Another alternative is Paul Alamoti and I’m certainly not discounting him either but Dallin would be a perfect fit and definitely worth considering.

Now I know he has a contract with the Warriors next season but I’m sure if Penrith were to offer him a

good three-year deal the Warriors could be convinced to release him.

Especially after the goodwill the Panthers showed when they agreed to let Fish join them in 2025 – no strings attached.

Of course, at the end of the day DWZ would have to want to come back home to Penrith, so there’s no doubt my suggestion is a little out of leftfield but sometimes you’ve

got to think outside the box to get the best result when assembling a team.

There’s also been a lot of emphasis lately on replacing James Fisher-Harris for next year and I give Panthers management credit for throwing their hat in the ring for David Fifita, even though it looks like Penrith dodged a bullet there. However it doesn’t take a genius

to work out that five-eighth is also a potential problem spot moving forward as well. As promising as youngster Jack Cole is and as good as Brad Schnieder has shown, both players are largely unproven in the position.

Penrith could do worse than look at both Kodi Nikorima and Sean O’Sullivan for next season.

Both could play outside Nathan Cleary comfortably and both would bring invaluable skill sets to the five-eighth position.

I know the Panthers have some handy options already at the club but having a three-way battle for such an important position couldn’t hurt either.

Nikorima is currently un-signed for next season while O’Sullivan has one more year to go on his Dolphins contract.

WHY I WANT TO BRING DWZ HOME lang on

However, we all know that doesn’t mean he couldn’t be released early. Finally, I’d like to throw a dark horse into the five-eighth mix for this year as well as next.

I am a huge fan of Trent Toelau and it’s a testimony to this player’s hard work and determination to see him named on the extended interchange bench this week. If he gets a chance in the top grade this year and shines, then the race for the five-eighth position for 2025 will really get interesting. All food for thought.

The Western Weekender Penrith Panthers Player of the Year competition runs throughout the season, with our four experts delivering a 3, 2, 1 rating for the best Panthers players from each Penrith game. The player with the most votes at the end of the season is crowned our Player of the Year.

Dallin Watene-Zelezniak has been outstanding for the Warriors. with Peter Lang

panther memories

The Penrith Panthers were rocked by tragedy in the aftermath of their second season in first grade, when George Piper was killed outside a Balmain nightclub.

Piper, who played 65 games for Balmain before joining Penrith for the inaugural 1967 season, played a key role in the club’s 1968 pre-season cup victory.

He’d played 25 games for Penrith over two seasons by the time he went out to Kodocks nightclub on Friday, September 22, 1968.

Piper got into an altercation outside the club, fell and struck his head on the gutter. He died from his injuries. He was just 27-years-old.

He left behind a wife and two daughters – Jane and Ann – who were seven and five at the time.

Despite moving to the Panthers, Piper had remained living at Rozelle and was a huge part of the Balmain community.

His funeral at St Paul’s Presbyterian Church in Balmain was well-attended.

In the wake of his passing, Panthers players agreed to cancel their planned end-ofyear trip to the Snowy River and give the estimated $2000 cost to the George Piper Benefit Fund. Both the Panthers and the Tigers also took part in other fundraising efforts.

PATIOMAN PATIOMAN

BULLDOGS COWBOYS

BULLDOGS COWBOYS

SEA EAGLES ROOSTERS

SHARKS RABBITOHS

BULLDOGS COWBOYS SEA EAGLES ROOSTERS PANTHERS RABBITOHS

DRAGONS COWBOYS

COWBOYS

DRAGONS COWBOYS

BULLDOGS COWBOYS

BULLDOGS COWBOYS

BULLDOGS COWBOYS

BULLDOGS COWBOYS

BULLDOGS TIGERS

BULLDOGS COWBOYS

DRAGONS COWBOYS

SEA EAGLES ROOSTERS

SHARKS RABBITOHS

RABBITOHS

STORM RAIDERS

STORM ROOSTERS

SEA EAGLES ROOSTERS

SEA EAGLES ROOSTERS

STORM ROOSTERS

SEA EAGLES ROOSTERS

STORM ROOSTERS

STORM ROOSTERS

PANTHERS EELS

PANTHERS RABBITOHS

PANTHERS RABBITOHS

DOLPHINS

BRONCOS WARRIORS

WARRIORS

BRONCOS DOLPHINS

WARRIORS

BRONCOS WARRIORS

BRONCOS WARRIORS

BRONCOS DOLPHINS

SHARKS RABBITOHS BRONCOS DOLPHINS

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PANTHERS RABBITOHS

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SHARKS EELS BRONCOS DOLPHINS

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BULLDOGS COWBOYS

BULLDOGS COWBOYS

BULLDOGS COWBOYS

STORM ROOSTERS PANTHERS RABBITOHS BRONCOS WARRIORS

STORM ROOSTERS

SHARKS RABBITOHS BRONCOS DOLPHINS

STORM RAIDERS PANTHERS EELS BRONCOS DOLPHINS

DRAGONS COWBOYS STORM ROOSTERS SHARKS EELS BRONCOS DOLPHINS

DRAGONS COWBOYS

DRAGONS TIGERS

BULLDOGS COWBOYS

STORM ROOSTERS

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PANTHERS EELS BRONCOS DOLPHINS

PANTHERS EELS BRONCOS DOLPHINS

STORM ROOSTERS PANTHERS RABBITOHS BRONCOS WARRIORS

DRAGONS TIGERS STORM ROOSTERS

DRAGONS COWBOYS

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PANTHERS EELS TITANS DOLPHINS

STORM ROOSTERS SHARKS RABBITOHS

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COWBOYS

SEA EAGLES ROOSTERS SHARKS RABBITOHS BRONCOS WARRIORS

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PANTHERS EELS TITANS DOLPHINS

STORM ROOSTERS PANTHERS RABBITOHS BRONCOS DOLPHINS

BULLDOGS COWBOYS SEA EAGLES ROOSTERS

DRAGONS TIGERS

BULLDOGS COWBOYS

BULLDOGS COWBOYS

BULLDOGS COWBOYS

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EELS BRONCOS WARRIORS

STORM ROOSTERS PANTHERS EELS TITANS DOLPHINS

STORM ROOSTERS PANTHERS EELS BRONCOS DOLPHINS

STORM PANTHERS ROOSTERS RABBITOHS BRONCOS DOLPHINS

STORM RAIDERS PANTHERS EELS

BRONCOS WARRIORS

WARRIORS

STORM ROOSTERS PANTHERS EELS TITANS DOLPHINS

VIVID for Couples: breakfast for 2, bottle of wine, parking, late 12pm checkout, glow sticks. bottle