Extra Time May 29 2020

CLINTON MAYNARD Premiership race blown wide open by pandemic

PAGE 24

MASKED PANTHER The latest on James Tamou, plus which player is loving his Cadbury chocolate?

PAGE 26

FREE POSTER INSIDE Celebrate Peter V’landys by hanging him on your wall

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CELEBRITY TIPSTERS Not sure who to back this weekend?

Follow the tips of our local experts as the NRL resumes its season

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READY TO RUMBLE UNBEATEN PANTHERS AND KNIGHTS DO BATTLE AT CAMPBELLTOWN MATCH PREVIEW: PAGE 25

Friday, May 29, 2020 « the western weekender • extra time

24

matt russell

Clinton Maynard

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RUGBY LEAGUE LEADS THE WAY

WHY ALL TEAMS HAVE HOPE

R

A

ugby league is back, baby!

How good!

Chances are you’ve heard or said something similar this week.

I was at the Fox Sports News desk with Megan Barnard on March 23, when The Australian’s Brent Read interrupted us with; “Guys, just getting news that we’re stopping. The competition is being suspended.”

Stern voices warned, COVID- 19 is coming like a tsunami and there’s nothing we can do to ride it out. Shutdown.

Done. Over. But for how long?

Well the answer is 64 days from announcement to resumption at Suncorp Stadium – Brisbane v Parramatta.

It’s an amazing comeback considering the dire predictions. It will be at least six months. Not every club will survive. The game could go broke. We won’t survive this.

Yes, racing has continued, but across the rest of the Australian sporting landscape, rugby league is leading the charge back. Plenty of people have played a role.

Charging hardest out in front has been Australian Rugby League Commission Chairman Peter V’landys.

The former league player from Wollongong, trained as an accountant and already boss of Racing NSW used his ‘can- do, will- do, must- do’ attitude to

stare down his doubters and fend off the critics. Sorting the Warriors. Tick. Dealing with Queensland and Victoria. Tick. New pay deals. Tick. Cutting club costs. Tick.

New broadcast arrangements. Tick. Rule changes. Tick. Sorting the referees. Tick.

Grounds. Tick. A draw. Tick. Strict gameday travel and biosecurity measures.

Tick.

We shouldn’t be surprised.

When the horse flu crisis of 2007 broke, I was at the Fox Sports News desk with now Channel Nine NRL commentator Mat Thompson. We wanted V’landys at the top of the hour but expected he’d have no time for our modest bulletin. At 9.01am, there he was for a ‘phone cross’.

And at 10. And 11. And throughout the afternoon. He was amazing.

When former Illawarra Steelers boss Bob Millward needed a guest for a gala junior fundraiser, he tapped into his old Wollongong connection. V’landys’ voice at the end of the phone said; “I’ll get Chris Waller”. Millward hung up hopeful but doubtful. After all, Waller had a small distraction at the time in a horse called Winx. Come the function, there sat Chris Waller, microphone in hand, his huge audience lapping up every story.

This weekend, racing and rugby league are the only sporting shows in Australia.

There’s a common factor.

ll of us league fans seem to think we are experts, but how often do you tip eight out of eight games in a round? Even those who are paid to commentate and analyse the game can rarely pick a round of winners.

That’s why it amused me a little when the re- released draw was labelled tough or easy for particular teams. How do we really know that at the start of the year when none of us really has any success predicting winners, let alone at the start of this strange season?

What we do know is this season will be the most unpredictable on record and fans of teams handed ‘tough’ draws shouldn’t be too distraught as tipping a winner in 2020 will be harder than convincing Donald Trump COVID- 19 is worse than the flu.

We are facing more uncertainty when it comes to form than ever before. Teams can’t be properly judged on the first two rounds of any season let alone this one.

Just how will players respond after two months on the sidelines? Those weeks were unlike any pre- season, the players were alone at home, other than Nathan Cleary, Josh Addo Carr and Latrell Mitchell.

There’s no chance every player trained as if he would under the watchful eye of coaching staff and as clubs had no physi-

Nathan Cleary in action for Penrith. cal contact up until the last few weeks, it’s impossible to predict how players will perform in the opening rounds.

Then there is the impact of where games will be played. Playing in front of empty stadiums will be the same for every club and the Roosters have shown two years straight, a club can still win a Premiership without screaming supporters in the grandstands.

We’d be dreaming to think we’d have a perfect system and it is a miracle rugby league is returning in the middle of a pandemic, but it does mean it’s impossible to tip a winner which gives us all hope.

Unless you support the Titans.

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the final word

v

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, May 29, 2020

match preview

Dean Whare shows grit in defence against the Dragons. Photo: Megan Dunn.

TROY DODDS

P

enrith still undefeated in the last week of May? It would have been the stuff dreams were made of if somebody told you that in the preseason, and while it may be factually true, we know the dream actually turned into a nightmare.

More than two months since a thrilling win over the Dragons at Kogarah, the Panthers finally return to the field this Sunday at their temporary home of Campbelltown Stadium to take on a Knights side also coming off back-to-back wins.

It’s been a wild ride, this mini off-season of ours, full of speculation, doubt, innuendo and TikTok videos. But it’s now all largely in the past as rugby league becomes one of the first professional sports in the world to get back on the field – an incredible feat.

Now that all the talk is over (and hasn’t there been some talk), on- field action will take over. And with reduced staff

CHANNEL 9 FOX LEAGUE ABC 702 2GB 873

SUNDAY, MAY 31 | 4.05PM | CAMPBELLTOWN STADIUM | REFEREE: BEN CUMMINS numbers, no crowds and odd home venue scheduling, things won’t quite look normal this Sunday. But a win? A win will feel as good as it always does.

The Panthers will of course have to do it without Nathan Cleary, star of that aforementioned TikTok video, who will sit out the first two games of the resumed season. He’ll have high profile company, with Kalyn Ponga also missing for the Knights – big names on the sidelines, and big gaps to fill.

While Tex Hoy will fill Ponga’s fullback jersey, at the Panthers Ivan Cleary has, as expected, gone with youngsters Matt Burton and Jarome Luai in the halves this weekend.

While experience and game management is an obvious issue, there may just be enough enthusiasm in the tank to get Burton and Luai through the next two games without any real damage being done.

The Panthers were impressive in their opening round matches against the Roosters and the Dragons, fighting their way back from deficits in both matches and doing it with a kind of arrogance and attitude that has often been missing in Penrith. Perhaps it is an indication the Mr Nice Guy sign has been put away.

In both games we saw the brilliance of Apisai Koroisau on show and just what a difference he’s going to make to Penrith from dummy half all season. He is one of the missing pieces of the puzzle and if he stays fit, will be a determining factor in Penrith’s quest to return to Finals football this season.

Coach Ivan Cleary has a new challenge now that the competition is back – sustaining his players for a long run between now and October, with no Origin period to navigate and no bye weekends.

The NRL season will turn into a survival of the fittest, and Cleary will be desperate

PANTHERS

to keep the likes of Viliame Kikau on the field as much as possible this year; to give Penrith the best shot at a Finals run.

Newcastle were impressive in their opening two games, shutting out the Warriors completely and putting more than 40 points on the Tigers at Leichhardt Oval – no easy task.

But it’s safe to say form from the first two games means less than it usually would.

One of these teams, after all, isn’t going to have the undefeated tag come 6pm Sunday evening.

Both sides have their strengths and flaws this weekend. Penrith clearly have the better backline, but Newcastle’s forward pack looks formidable. It should make for an entertaining game, and one with potentially plenty of points.

I’m expecting a see- sawing affair that will go down to the wire, but Penrith’s backline should get them home.

Tip: Panthers by 4.

KNIGHTS

1 Caleb Aekins

10 James Fisher-Harris

1 Tex Hoy

2 Josh Mansour

11 Viliame Kikau

2 Edrick Lee

11 Lachlan Fitzgibbon

3 Dean Whare

12 Kurt Kapewell

3 Enari Tuala

12 Sione Mata’utia

4 Brent Naden

13 Isaah Yeo

4 Gehamat Shibasaki

13 Herman Ese’ese

5 Brian To’o

14 Stephen Chrichton

5 Hymel Hunt

14 Chris Randall

6 Matt Burton

15 Zane Tetevano

6 Kurt Mann

15 Jacob Saifiti

7 Jarome Luai

16 Moses Leota

7 Mitchell Pearce

16 Tim Glasby

10 Daniel Saifiti

8 James Tamou (c)

17 Liam Martin

8 David Klemmer

17 Aidan Guerra

9 Apisai Koroisau

18 Mitch Kenny 19 Billy Burns

9 Connor Watson

18 Bradman Best

19 Brodie Jones

25

Friday, May 29, 2020 « the western weekender • extra time

panther rumblings

WITH THE MASKED PANTHER

OUR SKIPPER RESPONDS !

James Tamou has responded to those rumours about a switch to the UK Super League at the end of the year, saying he was “shocked” by the speculation. “I didn’t even know discussions were on at the moment, I thought they were still unsure what the salary cap was for next year,” he said. “I’ve sort of put that to the back seat, I’m just excited footy is around the corner. I want to play good footy and hopefully that takes care of itself.”

Panthers captain James Tamou.

!

My understanding is that Panthers and Penrith Council will come to an agreement shortly over the lease of Panthers Stadium and the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had. On Monday night, a report was tabled at Council that authorised the General Manager to finalise the market review and provide relief to Panthers for its 2020 lease. A further report will be provided to a future meeting detailing the final negotiated outcome.

!

Lessons not learned: Peter V’landys faced a new round of criticism this week when he suggested his plan was to have capped crowds back in NRL venues at some point this season. The same critics yelling loudly about the plan also laughed when V’landys suggested the game could return on May 28. Some people will never learn. V’landys is not suggesting crowds come back tomorrow. July is still more than a month away, and as he’s stated, by then we’ll have a clear indication on how reduced restrictions are working, and conversations may be in the pipeline about limited crowds getting back to the footy.

!

It was no surprise that Penrith officials put the microscope over the post-July NRL Draw when talk about crowds returning started to emerge.

Panthers Stadium could potentially host five games from July until the end of the season. It’d be a major boost for the club if it could get its corporate partners back into the venue, essentially delivering on half the originally promised games this year – better than how it looked six weeks ago. Members may be a little further off,

but there’s certainly some light at the end of the tunnel.

their best moves. Fortunately it’s been all in fun and with family involved.

!

!

There’s been a good response to the Panthers’ call for supporters to ‘pledge’ their membership. Despite Phil Rothfield printing a letter from an ‘irate’ fan about the plan (which is totally voluntary, by the way) on Sunday, fans have flooded social media with their support of the initiative. Unfortunately Buzz must have ran out of column space to mention that part.

!

Nathan Cleary’s TikTok mishap hasn’t stopped other players getting involved in the social media craze. I’ve spotted Dean Whare and Malakai WateneZelezniak, among others, showing off

Nathan Cleary and Jarome Laui may not be able to partner up on the field for a couple of weeks, but that hasn’t stopped them working together. The duo have been firing up ‘Call of Duty’, spending their down-time building that camaraderie that will be critical when they can play alongside each other again.

!

Nothing can stop that killer body Josh Mansour likes to show off quite regularly, right? Wrong! I’m told Mansour is very much enjoying his Cadbury chocolate of late, particularly the Coconut Rough Dairy Milk. All in moderation, of course. No impact on the six pack yet.

!

The NRL is leaving nothing to chance when it comes to Coronavirus and keeping things safe at venues. It’s appealed to Fox League and Channel Nine to leave broadcast equipment in place at venues if possible, in an attempt to ensure it remains free from potential exposure.

Photographers at games will also be limited, meaning for the time being it’s likely all photography across the media will be from one or two sources, lead by NRL Photos. Meanwhile, journalists have to apply to attend games each week, the NRL having the final say.

!

Heard a rumour? I’m keen to hear it! I don’t keep secrets but I do protect sources. Email maskedpanther@westernweekender.com.au.

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the western weekender • extra time » Friday, May 29, 2020

feature

CAPEWELL SET FOR CLUB DEBUT NATHAN TAYLOR

A

whopping 188 days since Kurt Capewell inked his Penrith contract, the highly sought after utility will finally get to run out in Panthers colours for the first time this weekend.

After missing the NRL Nines, the preseason trials and the opening two rounds of the 2020 season with a persistent quad injury, the 26-year-old will make his longawaited club debut against the Newcastle Knights on Sunday.

Speaking with the media via Zoom on Monday, the former Cronulla Shark said the two-month shutdown of the NRL gave his injury the time it needed to completely heal.

“The quad has been something I’ve had to deal with over the past three months.

I was initially going to be right for Round 1 against the Roosters, but I had a re-tear and there wasn’t much I could do about it,” Capewell said.

“The time off has been a blessing in disguise because it’s allowed me to get back and not miss any more games. The quad is now 100 per cent and, as a team, we’re all fit and healthy.”

Kurt Capewell is fit and ready to play. Photo: Penrith Panthers.

Desperate to run out for his new club, the Queensland Origin hopeful said the injury and forced lay- off has been tough mentally but he’s glad it’s all behind him.

“Mentally it has been a bit of a challenge, but I guess we all have our ups and downs in rugby league,” Capewell admitted.

“I unfortunately missed out on playing earlier this year but I’m looking forward to this Sunday. My first game for the Panthers, it’s a big deal for me personally.”

Kurt Capewell will make his Panthers debut on Sunday.

This weekend Capewell and his new teammates will look to remain undefeated when they take on a red- hot Newcastle side who are also yet to experience a loss in 2020.

The hugely anticipated game will be played at Penrith’s new home away from home, Campbelltown Sports Stadium, in front of empty stands.

Capewell said while he would’ve loved to have made his club debut at a roaring

feature

Panthers Stadium, he’s hoping Campbelltown can be just as memorable in unique circumstances.

“Panthers Stadium does feel like a massive home for us… but Campbelltown is outstanding and we can’t wait to get in there and really make it our home ground,” he said.

“We’ve all had a really good pre-season 2.0, we’re training well and ready to rip and tear.”

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Matt Burton will play five-eighth. year and enjoyed a really strong preseason and trials,” he said.

“This is a great opportunity for him, and missing Nath for a couple of weeks gives him a couple of games to get under his belt. He has the full support of the team.”

WW40190

ith star halfback Nathan Cleary sitting on the sidelines for the next two matches following his infamous TikTok slip- up last month, the door has swung open for youngster Matt Burton to get his second crack at first grade.

The 20- year- old Dubbo product will line- up in the halves alongside Jarome Luai this Sunday afternoon when the Panthers battle the Knights at Campbelltown Sports Stadium.

Penrith utility Kurt Capewell, who lost to Burton in his debut match last year, said the team’s in capable hands.

“Young Matty Burton is an outstanding half. We’ll definitely miss Nathan out there but we’ve got blokes that can jump in and do more than just fill the spot,” he said.

“I was unfortunately on the other team (Sharks) when Matty debuted last year and he absolutely kicked us to death, his kicking game was on fire.”

Fellow Dubbo CYMS junior Isaah Yeo said Burton has a great opportunity to press for a regular first grade spot.

“Matty had an outstanding debut last

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the western weekender • extra time » Friday, May 29, 2020

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Broncos Cowboys Rabbitohs Dragons

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Friday, May 29, 2020 « the western weekender • extra time

nrl ladder & fixtures CLUB

PD

W

D

L

B

F

A

+/-

PTS

1

Eels

2

2

0

0

0

54

8

+46

4

2

Knights

2

2

0

0

0

62

24

+38

4

3

Raiders

2

2

0

0

0

44

12

+32

4

4

Storm

2

2

0

0

0

30

14

+16

4

5

Broncos

2

2

0

0

0

50

39

+11

4

6

Panthers

2

2

0

0

0

52

42

+10

4

7

Cowboys

2

1

0

1

0

45

44

+1

2

8

Rabbitohs

2

1

0

1

0

40

40

0

2

9

W. Tigers

2

1

0

1

0

48

56

-8

2

10 Sea Eagles

2

1

0

1

0

13

26

-13

2

11

2

0

0

2

0

28

34

-6

0

12 Roosters

2

0

0

2

0

22

29

-7

0

13 Dragons

2

0

0

2

0

42

56

-14

0

Sharks

14 Bulldogs

2

0

0

2

0

18

32

-14

0

15 Warriors

2

0

0

2

0

6

40

-34

0

16 Titans

2

0

0

2

0

12

70

-58

0

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ROUND 3 V

Thursday, May 28 7.50pm Suncorp Stadium

V

Friday, May 29 6.00pm QCB Stadium

V

Friday, May 29 7.55pm Bankwest Stadium

V

Saturday, May 30 3.00pm Central Coast Stadium

V

Saturday, May 30 5.30pm Bankwest Stadium

V

Saturday, May 30 7.55pm AAMI Park

V

Sunday, May 31 4.05pm Campbelltown Stadium

V

Sunday, May 31 6.30pm Central Coast Stadium

Face In Th e Crowd

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lang on league What game I’m looking forward to With the footy finally back after what seems like an eternity, this week I’m looking forward to pretty much every game in Round 3. I don’t even care that the stadiums will be empty, the lack of crowd noise will just mean we’ll be able to hear the collisions and the on-field banter better. Expect every game to be riddled with mistakes, especially the longer the game goes and players grow tired. None of it will matter though because at least rugby league is back in our lounge rooms.

You little beauty – bring it on!

What caught my eye last week I don’t know how he did it but once again ARL Commission Chairman Peter V’landys somehow snatched victory from the jaws of defeat by brokering a peace deal with the disgruntled Referees Union.

At one point it looked like the whole matter was headed for a two- day Fair Work Arbitration hearing, the weekend before the competition was due to start.

Avoiding a public relations nightmare and winning a ‘who blinks first’ contest with the referees was a masterstroke by V’landys. Personally, I can’t see the one referee experiment working and predict a return to two referees from 2021.

Rumour of the week

with Peter Lang

Fans of former Panther and sacked Bulldog Corey Harawira- Naera, of which I am one, shouldn’t get their hopes up of seeing the towering second-rower back at the foot of the Mountains anytime soon.

For one, the club doesn’t have the salary cap space CHN would command and even a ‘cut price deal’ seems out of the question as Harawira-Naera would have to be paid at least market value. The club is also content with the current crop of backrowers coming through and wants to continue to promote talent from within.

My tips for the week Broncos, Cowboys, Rabbitohs, Dragons, Tigers, Storm, Panthers, Sea Eagles.

The final word Peter V’landys is an amazing administrator and could go down in history as the man who saved rugby league from the brink of extinction. However I think he’s made his first big mistake with the ‘six-again’ ruck infringement rule change.

With less eyes on the play- the- ball, the ruck will get sloppy again and the good teams will continue to get away with murder while the less glamorous sides will suffer with repeated calls of ‘six again’ against them. Strap yourselves in for a bumpy ride with this one, folks. Until next week, you ain’t seen nothing yet!

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, May 29, 2020

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The footy’s back and I couldn’t be happier

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Friday, May 29, 2020 « the western weekender

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