Extra Time Round 14 - June 11 2021

James Fisher-Harris.

Photo: NRL Photos.

MASKED PANTHER What did Royce Simmons get up to in the Northern Territory?

PAGE 32

JOEL CAINE SEN presenter says Nathan Cleary is a sure thing to win this year’s Dally M Medal

PAGE 34

TYRONE MAY POSTER Add to your collection with our latest pull-out poster

PAGES 36-37

WARREN SMITH Why the battle of the big cats is the NRL’s next great rivalry

PAGE 38

SHARK ALARM THE STREAK IS OVER, CAN THE BOYS BOUNCE BACK? MATCH PREVIEW: PAGE 31

Friday, June 11, 2021 « the western weekender • extra time

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30

the final word

v

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, June 11, 2021

match preview

Brought to you by

Viliame Kikau.

Photo: NRL Photos.

TROY DODDS

I

t’s unfamiliar territory for Ivan Cleary and the Penrith Panthers this weekend as they try to bounce back from a regular season loss for the first time since going down to Parramatta in Round 5 of the pandemic-impacted 2020 season.

Of course Cleary would have wanted his patched-up Panthers to beat the Tigers last Friday night, but in the big scheme of things a loss was always inevitable and even likely during this Origin period, so no panic buttons would have been pressed this week.

Most championship teams, no matter how good they may be, lose games along the way. In fact no side has gone through a season unbeaten since St George in 1959, so let’s not lose our heads.

You always learn more from losing than winning, and there’s no doubt Cleary would have learned plenty about his side’s depth

FOX LEAGUE CHANNEL NINE ABC 702 2GB 873

FRIDAY, JUNE 11 | 7.55PM | KOGARAH OVAL | REFEREE: ASHLEY KLEIN – and where it needs to be tweaked – from the performance at Leichhardt. With such a blessed injury run, Penrith hasn’t had to shake things up too much in the past 18 months, so things were always going to be a little rusty when the representative period arrived.

The focus now turns to Cronulla on Friday night and the big question will be how many players back-up from Wednesday night’s match in Townsville.

Cleary has named all seven of his Origin representatives in the extended squad, but with the intensity of Origin combined with travel to and from Townsville, it’s hard to see them all playing just 48 hours later.

Penrith must continue to play the long game during this period, and the points they banked in the first half of the season will be super valuable in determining how

the side manages the next few games. A Minor Premiership would be wonderful but we’ve been there, done that. It’s all about the big prize, hence managing workloads will be crucial.

I have no doubt no matter what 17 players turn out on Friday night, Penrith will put in a much-improved effort compared to last week. Combinations will click better, confidence will grow and the points will ultimately flow, especially with a few key players back. The almost-definite inclusion of Api Koroisau will be vital in ensuring each play gets off on the right foot, as things were too slow and clunky last week.

One thing Penrith would surely like to see is Viliame Kikau wake from his slumber.

While oppositions are wary of the big unit and train to shut his powerful edge runs down, there’s no doubt he’s struggled to find

PANTHERS

that rampaging form that saw him become one of the game’s household names.

And so what of Cronulla? They sit in 10th spot with four wins and eight losses this season, a campaign derailed by the bizarre axing of coach John Morris early in the year.

You never know what Cronulla side is going to turn up, but with key players told they’re not wanted and recruitment for next season in overdrive, it’s hard to imagine their focus is on the 2021 campaign.

Given the Panthers belted Cronulla 48-0 just a month ago, a significant form reversal seems unlikely. With uncertainty around Penrith’s final line-up, it’s impossible to predict a repeat dose this time around, but the Panthers should get the job done – losing two in a row just isn’t in their DNA at present.

Tip: Panthers by 10.

SHARKS

1 Dylan Edwards

10 James Fisher-Harris

1 William Kennedy

2 Charlie Staines

11 Viliame Kikau

2 Connor Tracey

11 Briton Nikora

3 Stephen Crichton

12 Scott Sorensen

3 Will Chambers

12 Wade Graham (c)

4 Paul Momiorvski

13 Matthew Eisenhuth

4 Jesse Ramien

13 Toby Rudolf

5 Robert Jennings

14 Mitch Kenny

5 Ronaldo Mulitalo

14 Braydon Trindall

6 Matt Burton

15 J’Maine Hopgood

6 Matt Moylan

15 Siosifa Talakai

7 Tyrone May

16 Spencer Leniu

7 Shaun Johnson

16 Jack Williams

8 Moses Leota

17 Izack Tago

9 Apisai Koroisau

19 Nathan Cleary 20 Liam Martin

18 Isaah Yeo

10 Aaron Woods

8 Aiden Tolman

17 Andrew Fifita

9 Blayke Brailey

18 Teig Wilton 19 Chad Townsend

31

Friday, June 11, 2021 « the western weekender • extra time

panther rumblings

WITH THE MASKED PANTHER

TIGERS CROWD GOT NASTY !

Not all Penrith fans were well behaved at Leichhardt Oval last Friday night but for anyone (including leading journalists) to suggest Tigers supporters didn’t cross the line is preposterous. The Tigers and the NRL are rightly investigating claims that cans were thrown at Penrith fans by Tigers supporters – crowing after their side moved into 11th spot on the ladder, edging closer to that ninth placed finish they’re renowned for. Tigers fans sledging Ivan Cleary was good theatre, but the Panthers have raised some concerns about the lack of security response. If things had escalated it could have gotten very ugly.

which came as a major shock to the fit 59-year-old. “I just want to pass my gratitude and love to Brian and the boys for giving me one of the best gifts ever,” Ms Geerin (pictured below with To’o) said.

!

!

Panthers fullback Dylan Edwards is backing a new stadium in Penrith, ahead of an expected announcement in the upcoming State Budget. “It would be awesome!

The more Panthers fans you can fit in the stadium the better. The more you can grow the game out here the better,” he said. “To get an upgraded stadium and better facilities and fit more people in couldn’t hurt the club.”

!

Brian To’o has been spotted spreading joy to a loyal fan living in Queensland.

Leanne Geerin received a heartfelt video message while in hospital suffering a rare heart disease that caused her to have a pacemaker and defibrillator inserted,

! NSW coach Brad Fittler will be heading to Kingswood Sports Club next Friday afternoon as part of a special promotion for the Panthers v Roosters game later that night. The Club is running a huge game day event from 4pm with Fittler on stage for a pre-game chat at 5pm. Luke Keary and Billy Smith will also be in attendance, while free buses will run from the Club to BlueBet Stadium for the big game.

Tigers fans give it to Ivan Cleary. Photo: NRL Photos.

!

It was very quiet over at Panthers HQ this week, with just two journalists (including the Weekender’s Nathan Taylor) turning up to Penrith’s media opportunity on Monday. A mixture of Origin, other clubs holding media opportunities and city journalists thinking Penrith is three hours away contributed to the poor turn-out.

Don’t let anyone tell you players aren’t put up for positive stories every single week – they are, the media just needs to put some effort in to cover them.

! So exactly why did Sportsbet pay out on bets placed on Penrith winning the premiership last week? Simple answer – free publicity. Given the short odds Penrith have been at to win the comp since way back when the market was framed in November, it’s not the biggest hit to the betting agency to pay out punters – especially given they’d expect some people would re-invest. The free publicity they got out of it would have easily paid for the payout if it ends up being an error (which it won’t, of course!).

!

Spotted: Paul Momirovski in the Wests Tigers dressing room after last Friday’s game at Leichhardt Oval, catching up with his former coach Michael Maguire.

!

Still friends: Trent Barrett was spotted enjoying a beer with Penrith coach Ivan Cleary after the two sides played at Panthers Stadium a fortnight ago.

! Spotted: Brian To’o and Jarome Luai, along with the rest of Penrith’s Origin representatives, cheering on their Penrith teammates at Leichhardt Oval last Friday night (pictured right).

!

Heard a rumour? Hit me up: maskedpanther@westernweekender.com.au.

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We’ve got photo evidence to match the story Royce Simmons is sure to tell about his fishing exploits now that he’s back from a Northern Territory trip. Roycie was very proud of the barra he managed to catch up north while on a getaway with some key Panthers sponsors who are part of the Captain’s Club.

TAGO REFLECTS ON SPECIAL DEBUT NATHAN TAYLOR

W

hen you search the name Izack Tago on Twitter, the one thing you’ll notice is how long some diehard Panthers supporters have had their eye on this teenage prodigy.

Even scrolling back several months, the words ‘stand out’ and ‘kid can play’ flood the search results beside his name.

Last Friday night would’ve felt like Christmas for many of these keen-eyed fans when the 19-year-old local junior made his NRL debut after less than 10 games of NSW Cup. With Penrith short on troops due to State of Origin selection, Tago – along with fellow St Marys junior Lindsay Smith – made his first grade debut during one of the most fiery encounters of the year at a chilly Leichhardt Oval.

And while many newcomers would’ve been intimidated by the modern day feud that is Panthers v Tigers, Tago embraced it.

“I felt pretty good, I was confident in my game, and just did what I had to for the team,” he told Extra Time this week.

“All my family and friends from Sydney came to watch and a few from Queensland as well. It was pretty special to have them all there to support me.”

Izack Tago with family and friends after his NRL debut. Photo: NRL Photos.

For those that haven’t been following Tago as closely as some, the six-foot 93kg backrower/centre has been playing like a beast since debuting in the NSW Cup earlier this year. He’s crossed the stripe 10

times in nine games, largely thanks to his speed, size, footwork and ability to break the line.

Club insiders believe coach Ivan Cleary would’ve fast-tracked Tago to the NRL even

SYDNEY FUN PASS

if his side wasn’t severely affected by Origin selection – that’s how good he is.

“When I was first told by Ivan that I was making my debut, I was lost for words,” Tago said.

“I knew I was going to play first grade at some stage, I just wasn’t trying to think about it too much. So, I was trying to play my best footy in Cup and then see where it took me.

“It’s a pretty special moment when all your life’s work pays off and you achieve your goals.”

Contracted to the Panthers until the end of 2023, Tago began his career in the backrow, however he’s played the majority of NSW Cup this season at centre – proving to coach Cleary he could be a great replacement for when Matt Burton departs for Canterbury next season.

Training with the NRL squad since the start of the pre-season, Tago said he’s been given plenty of valuable advice from the many senior players around him.

“It’s really good and been very educational for my footy development,” he admitted.

“Having the talents of Kiks, Soro, Marto – all those backrowers, and then centres like Critta and Moms. Even Spencer and Nado have helped me lots in my development.

“The goal now is to keep trying to improve at training and take it day by day.”

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, June 11, 2021

feature

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Friday, June 11, 2021 « the western weekender • extra time

Brought to you by

Can anyone catch Cleary in race for the Dally M?

joel caine S

urely Nathan Cleary is set to claim his first Dally M Medal in 2021.

He came into last year’s count a hot favourite before Canberra’s Jack Wighton pipped him at the post, and at just 23 years of age he could take home his first of many accolades this season.

Before Dally M votes went dark in Round 12, the Penrith halfback had amassed a stunning 21 votes, with more than a game lead on second placed Roger TuivasaSheck.

But looking at the leaderboard, I don’t think it’s RTS that Nathan needs to be worried about.

The main challenger for mine is the white-hot Tom Trbojevic.

Despite missing the first five rounds with a hamstring injury, ‘Tommy Turbo’ has raced into fourth place, earning 15 votes from just seven games.

In that span, he’s had five man of the match performances. I know it’s been said already, but his impact for Manly has genuinely been Joey Johns-like.

It’ll be hard for Trbojevic to keep up his current speed, but taking a look at mathematics here, this could be the best two-horse race for the Dally M ever.

On current speed, both Cleary and Trbojevic are on pace to shatter Johnathan Thurston’s all-time single season record of 36 votes in 2007.

Cleary’s 1.9 points a game has him on track for 43.9, while Trbojevic is on track to also crack 40 despite missing a fair chunk of the season. Remarkable stuff.

Obviously, these numbers will take a dip once they miss multiple games with Origin duties, but we could have two record-breakers this year with only one winner.

Trbojevic’s run is eerily similar to that of champion thoroughbred Kingston Town in the 1982 Cox Plate.

Legendary race caller Bill Collins was on the microphone that day, and proclaimed “Kingston Town can’t win!” early in the race until he shouted “it might win yet!” as it flew past the post.

It’ll be hard for anyone to catch Cleary this year, but he’ll need to keep looking over his shoulder for the charging Tommy Turbo come Dally M night.

Buckle up, we could be set for one of the best counts ever.

Listen to Joel Caine on Sydney’s SEN 1170AM.

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the western weekender • extra time » Friday, June 11, 2021

feature

“THERE’S NO ONE TO BLAME BUT US” NATHAN TAYLOR

P

enrith fans blurted out a plethora of excuses after the side suffered its first loss of the season last Friday night, however star centre Stephen Crichton wasn’t using one.

With seven players missing due to Origin commitments, one player suspended, a handful of debutants and a new halves pairing, losing to a hungry – bordering on vengeful – Wests Tigers outfit probably wasn’t that much of a surprise in hindsight.

While the 26-6 beating put an end to Penrith’s incredible 12-game winning streak, many believe it most likely wouldn’t have happened had the club’s Origin brigade played a part.

Asked whether the game’s showpiece should be played at season’s end to avoid star players missing games, Crichton said no matter who is playing, it’s the responsibility of the players on the field to step up to the challenge.

“Whether the Origin boys played or not, it’s our responsibility to keep getting those wins…

it’s up to us senior boys to step up and be better,” the 20-year-old told Extra Time.

“There’s no excuses... we still had a good enough team to get the win, but they obviously wanted it more. It was a big learning curve.”

Despite trying hard for much of the match, supporters saw glimpses of the abysmal 2019 Panthers last Friday at Leichhardt, with the patched-up side unable to create anything resembling a try, as well as leaking the most points in a game all season.

Crichton said the mass line-up changes heading into the fiery encounter resulted in a lack of cohesion on the field.

“It was funny out there, just the boys’ timing was off. T-May plays different to Nathan and Burto plays differently to Romey,” he said.

“After getting that game under our belt though, I reckon we’ll be heaps better this week against the Sharks.

“At training, we’re fixing up those little lapses we had and trying to put in an 80-minute performance again. We’ll be right.”

While Ivan Cleary has named his Origin stars in his 23-man squad, it’s understood most of them won’t back up for tonight’s clash.

Stephen Crichton at the Panthers Academy on Monday. Photo: Melinda Jane.

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Friday, June 11, 2021 « the western weekender • extra time

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the western weekender • extra time » Friday, June 11, 2021

37

Friday, June 11, 2021 « the western weekender • extra time

Brought to you by

Panthers v Tigers has become one of the NRL’s great rivalries

warren smith M

ark Sunday, August 29 in your calendar now, and make sure you use a big red Texta when you do.

4.05pm, Panthers versus Tigers, BlueBet Stadium.

The Round 24 rematch between the two teams is 10 weeks away, but given the enthusiastic way the Tigers fans at Leichhardt Oval celebrated the win over the depleted Panthers line-up last Friday night, it’s fair to say that what goes around will come around, and Penrith HQ won’t be a place for the faint-hearted on the last weekend of winter.

Sure, a lot of the joy for Tigers fans came from the fact that they’d returned serve in their personal battle with Panthers coach Ivan Cleary, who gave as good as he got when the Panthers beat the Tigers at Bankwest Stadium last season.

The Tigers supporters will never forget that their former coach invited everybody onto the bus at Concord, only to hit the gas and motor back up the M4 to rejoin the club he never wanted to leave in the first place.

You can only imagine what the Panthers’ absent State of Origin stars were thinking while they watched their team suffer its first defeat this season.

The streak might be over, but the opportunity to return serve will be stored away until Round 24.

Now that the opportunity to remain undefeated is gone – and you’d be kidding if you

Things got heated at Leichhardt Oval last Friday night. Photo: NRL Photos.

didn’t think the Panthers were a real chance of doing it – it would be in the Panthers’ long-term interests to rest all of their Origin players who put in major minutes when

they take on the Sharks less than 48 hours after full-time this Friday.

There is literally zero to be gained by asking players to fly back from Townsville,

only to have to suit up the next day and take on Cronulla who are fresh and ready to get stuck in at Kogarah.

The Panthers’ 12 wins to this point is already enough to qualify for the Finals, and with some quality opposition waiting for them over the last 10 rounds of the regular season, why would you ask your team’s best players to pull double duty and play two games in three days?

In an ideal world Origin would be played on three separate stand-alone weekends and asking players to back-up on limited rest wouldn’t even be a question, but until the NRL and the players themselves are prepared to accept less money for television rights then the system will remain as it is for the foreseeable future.

The NRL might grumble and groan about the Panthers leaving so many stars out of its line-up in a prime-time game on a Friday night, but we’ve been down this road many times before and everybody seemed to survive.

In fact, a few of the teams who rested players went on to win the premiership, which is all that matters in clubland.

The Panthers without Cleary, Luai and company is like McDonald’s without Big Macs and fries, but when the NRL sets the menu you just have to make the best of the meal that’s served.

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CLUB

PD

W

D

L

B

F

A

1

Panthers

13

12

0

1

0

400

114

+286 24

2

Storm

13

11

0

2

0

430

162

+268 22

3

Eels

13

10

0

3

0

360

212

+148 20

4

Rabbitohs

12

9

0

3

1

317

272

+45

5

Roosters

12

8

0

4

1

344

197

+147 18

6

Sea Eagles

12

6

0

6

1

265

264

+1

14

7

Cowboys

12

6

0

6

1

246

333

-87

14

8

Dragons

13

6

0

7

0

293

284

+9

12

9

Warriors

12

5

0

7

1

265

305

-40

12

10 Sharks

12

4

0

8

1

233

280

-47

10

11

13

5

0

8

0

280

334

-54

10

12 Titans

13

5

0

8

0

284

345

-61

10

13 Raiders

12

4

0

8

1

219

305

-86

10

W. Tigers

+/-

PTS

20

14 Knights

13

5

0

8

0

221

342

-121

10

15 Broncos

13

3

0

10

0

216

398

-182

6

16 Bulldogs

12

1

0

11

1

134

360

-226

4

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ROUND 14 V

Friday, June 1 1 6.00pm Lottoland

V

Friday, June 1 1 7.55pm Kogarah Oval

V

Saturday, June 1 2 3.00pm Cbus Super Stadium

V

Saturday, June 12 5.30pm Stadium Australia

V

Saturday, June 1 2 7.35pm GIO Stadium

V

Sunday, June 13 2.00pm Central Coast Stadium

V

Sunday, June 13 4.05pm Bankwest Stadium

V

Monday, June 14 4.00pm Stadium Australia

Face In Th e Crowd

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, June 11, 2021

nrl ladder & fixtures

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Extra Time Issue Number 2020-014 PRODUCED BY The Western Weekender EDITOR Troy Dodds / 4722 2998 troy.dodds@westernweekender.com.au CONTRIBUTORS Nathan Taylor, Peter Lang, Warren Smith, Joel Caine SALES DIRECTOR Chris Pennisi / 4722 2998 chris.pennisi@westernweekender.com.au

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the western weekender • extra time » Friday, June 11, 2021

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Friday, June 11, 2021 « the western weekender • extra time

PENDLE HILL

MEAT MARKET

DINE WITH DANIEL Whole Scotch Fillet with Crispy Potatoes

INGREDIENTS esh thyme t • 4 sprigs of fr l le fil h ch ot sc le ho w • 1.5 kg er opped • 25g butt • 2 onions, roughly ch g • neutral oil for fryin l oi e iv ol on po es • 2 tabl • 1 cup red wine ed el pe c, rli ga e • 5 clov ock) y • 1 cup beef st ar m se ro h es fr of s • 2 sprig us tard • 2 teaspoon dijon m ur lo nf or c on po • 1 tables Potatoes tered • 1kg potatoes, quar • 1/4 cup oliv e oil • 1/4 cup neutral oil

k • 1:40 C oo p e r P 0 :2 •0 oks apable co C • 8 s e k • Ma

METHOD ME ETH THOD OD Step 1 Bring meat out of the fridge an hour before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature. Remove it from its packaging, pat dry with paper towels and sit on a plate. Preheat oven to 220°C. Add onions to a metal roasting tray or dish with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Toss to combine. Sit garlic, rosemary, thyme and butter on top so that the meat will cover everything except the onions.

Step 2 Preheat a large frying pan over a high heat. Brush the meat all over with the neutral oil. Season gener ously with salt and pepper all o ver.

When pan is very hot, add a splash of oil, swish it around and add the meat. Sear each side until dark br own and crunchy all over.

Transfer to the roasting dish, sitting on top of the herbs and garlic (the onion doesn’t have to be covered by meat).

Transfer to the oven and immediately reduce the temperature to 200°C. Roast for 40 minutes if using 1kg or 1 hour if using 1.5k g (for medium-rare

SPECIALS

1899

per kg

Step 4 To make gravy, skim any fat from the surface of the roasting tray, then place the tray with everything else left in it over a high heat. Add wine and boil rapidly for a few minutes. Add stock, cornflour mixture and mustard, then simmer for 5-10 minutes until thickened. Pass through a sieve into a jug and keep warm.

Carve beef across the grain and serve with potatoes, lashings of gravy and seasonal vegetables.

WHILE STOCKS LAST

2.5kg per pack

slice free

$

Step 3 P ep e potatoes; pot toe simmer imme pot toe in salted lted water te until ntil about bo t th ee q te Prepare potatoes three-quarters cooked. Drain well, replace over the heat briefly to steam off excess moisture.

Add oils, cover and shake vigorously to rough them up. Arrange on a roasting tray, not touching.

Remove from oven and transfer the meat to a warmed plate or wooden board with a gutter to catch the juices. Cover loosely with foil and rest for 15 minutes.

Reserve resting juices.

Turn oven up to 210°C and roast potatoes for 15-20 minutes without touching.

Whole Economy Beef Scotch Fillet

899

$

per kg

2kg for $26

Aussie Rindless Short Cut Eye Bacon

1799

$

per kg

$

Lamb Loin Chops

1599 per pack

Vittoria Coffee 1kg

2 for

save $3

$

599

per bag

Australian Onion Class One 5kg

399

$

per bag

Orange (netted) 3kg

Pendle Hill Meat Market 142 Bungaree Road, Pendle Hill 2145

42

99c

per kg

Pork Bones

1

$ 49 per kg

Chicken s Drummets

Monday to Friday 6:30am - 5:30pm Saturday 5:30am - 1pm Parking available on-site

1

$ 99 each

$10

Nudie Juice 2lt

599

$

per fillet

Basa Fish Fillets

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lang on league

with Peter Lang

T

here are three dates the Penrith coaching staff and players will be looking forward to over the second half of the NRL competition.

July 2, July 31 and August 29.

On July 2, the Panthers will host their local derby against the Eels at BlueBet Stadium.

Penrith and Parramatta games are always something to look forward to and there’s a special feeling you get whenever you beat the Eels.

On July 31, it’s the second Grand Final rematch of the season against the Melbourne Storm. The Panthers got the chocolates in Round 3 at home, but beating the Storm at AAMI Park would be something to remember.

However both these games are merely a tasty entrée to what will be the main event at BlueBet Stadium on August 29. Oh yes, I’m talking about a rematch with the Wests Tigers. I know plenty of Panthers supporters who cannot wait until the day arrives.

The Tigers beat a Penrith side with eight of its best players missing last week to end the Panthers’ perfect start to the season.

Although there was no mention of this ‘fact’ by any of the Wests Tigers players or their coach in the post-match press conference.

It’s as if that one ‘huge’ piece of relevance was…err irrelevant.

Well I’m here to tell you, it wasn’t. The win, in my opinion, will always carry a big asterisk (*) next to it.

The way the Tigers fans carried on after the match is still under investigation by the club, and all I can say is I hope no Panthers supporters behave in a similar manner no matter what the result on the night.

I can tell you one thing, the team the Tigers will face in Round 24 won’t be the side they beat last Friday. They’ll find the going a lot tougher this time around.

And I for one, can’t wait.

What caught my eye last week...

Absolutely nothing. First weekend in years where I didn’t enjoy any of the matches.

What game I’m looking forward to...

I really like the look of the Eels vs Tigers match at Bankwest Stadium. If the Tigers can beat the Eels, they’ll show they can do more than just beat half-strength teams.

My tips for the week...

Sea Eagles, Panthers, Roosters, Bunnies, Raiders, Storm, Eels, Dragons.

Keen Air Solutions

!

Sydney Roosters winger Brett Morris this week confirmed his retirement from the NRL. In career-best form, Morris’ 2021 season was cut short by an ACL injury, sustained in the final moments of the Roosters’ match against the Newcastle Knights in early May. “Not everybody gets to go out on their own terms, but looking back over my career, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunities I’ve had, and I hang up the boots a very proud and content man, knowing that the time is right,” Morris said.

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Toshiba 5kW Inverter split system supplied and installed

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Toshiba 7.1kW Inverter split system supplied and installed

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WW44829

Townsville was too much of a trek for Channel Nine’s Ray Warren, who called Wednesday night’s State of Origin opener off a television set from Sydney.

!

Manly will pay their own tribute to club legend Bob Fulton this Friday night at Brookvale. The clash against the Cowboys marks the first home game the Sea Eagles have played since ‘Bozo’ passed away last month. The Fulton grandchildren will present the match

Lic. No. AU43786

WINTER SALE!

! Anthony Milford’s season has gone from bad to worse, with the Broncos five-eighth set to be sideline for the next month after he suffered a knee injury. Milford was due to have surgery this week.

!

The final word...

The four games last weekend showed why we have to look at the viability of holding State of Origin as either stand-alone games or at the end of the season like last year.

Taking out close to 40 of the best players in the competition really lowered the standard of each side which took part, whether the team had one player out or seven.

There’s a few juicy matches ahead for the Panthers. Photo: Megan Dunn.

extra minutes

Melbourne Storm rookie Dean Ieremia’s year to remember has continued with the young winger extending his contract with the reigning NRL premiers until the end of the 2022 season.

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, June 11, 2021

Blockbusters highlight second half of Penrith’s campaign

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Brett Morris has retired. ball at the commencement of the game, while family representatives will raise a special tribute flag before the match.

To further honour Manly’s only rugby league Immortal, the Sea Eagles NRL team will wear the 2021 Heritage Jersey for the game.

8002 1822 sales@keenair.com.au While stocks last. This pricing is including GST. Prices are based on a back-to-back installation.

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Friday, June 11, 2021 « the western weekender