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Friday, June 23, 2017 « the western weekender • extra time
PANTHER RUMBLINGS
with the Masked Panther
hiku on the move » We first suggested back in April that
Peta Hiku’s future at Penrith was somewhat clouded, so it was no surprise to see him released on Monday to head overseas, where he’ll play in the UK Super League. Hiku, who made 20 appearances with Penrith since joining the club from Manly in 2016, was well-liked at the Panthers but just couldn’t nail down a full-time spot in the top squad when everyone was fit. “Unfortunately with the emergence of several of our young players and the way our team has developed, we can’t fit everyone in the team each week,” said Panthers Executive General Manager Phil Gould. “From a salary cap perspective we always knew someone would probably have to move on. Peta received a great offer from a strong club in the UK and it presents a wonderful opportunity for Peta and his young family.”
» I told you back in early May that I had
strong doubts we’d ever see Te Maire Martin back in first grade at Penrith. Last Friday, that prediction turned out to be 100 per cent correct with Martin signing a three year deal with North Queensland. The 21-year-old knows he’ll face stiff competition to crack into the Cowboys’ top 17 but he was going nowhere at Penrith, clearly out of favour and stuck in reserve grade. The youngster also had to deal with some vicious rumours that were doing the rounds of the NRL world, rumours which we believe were incorrect. Panthers Executive General Manager Phil Gould hinted at that speculation in his parting words last week. “Te Maire Martin is an outstanding young man, of impeccable character, and extremely popular with everyone at this club,” he said. “During his time here at Panthers I could not fault Te Maire’s honesty or integrity.”
» The Panthers have also released lower grade utility Samisoni Langi, who will join Hiku in the UK Super League.
» Penrith’s winning streak has been
timely with the NRL set to release the
schedule for Rounds 21-26 next week. The resurgence should ensure the Panthers receive some primetime slots which will delight sponsors. Penrith are set to host Sydney rivals the Bulldogs, Tigers and Dragons as well as the Johnathan Thurston led Cowboys in the final six rounds. I’d expect some Thursday and Friday timeslots will feature prominently.
» During Penrith’s form slump earlier this
year I suggested that the club was moving to re-sign coach Anthony Griffin for at least another year, despite some fans calling for his head. The Sunday Telegraph reported the same last weekend, suggesting that the move by Penrith to lock-up Griffin is gaining momentum. I’d expect a deal to be announced well before the end of the year.
» There’s already a strong ‘team of 91’ feel around Penrith with Greg Alexander doing plenty of work with the team’s halves, Royce Simmons running an official drinking club and of course Phil Gould in charge of the whole place. But there’s talk some more of the old days could be heading to Penrith with speculation that the club has sounded out current Manly Assistant Coach John Cartwright about a move back west next year. Any switch to Penrith would see Cartwright link up with his son Jed and nephew Bryce at the foot of the Mountains.
» While he’s not as active as he was on
Twitter, Phil Gould is back on social media – this time taking to the world of Instagram. Give him a follow via @gusgould – there’s some pretty insightful and interesting pictures and videos being posted.
» Congratulations to Panthers enforcer
James Fisher-Harris, who announced last week that he and his partner are expecting a little addition later in the year.
» Matt Moylan’s move from fullback to
five-eighth has created plenty of interest in the betting world. Not only have the
Peta Hiku has been released
Panthers’ odds of winning the premiership started to shorten, but Moylan has gone from a $101 outsider to win the Dally M Medal to a $34 chance via Sportsbet. “Matt Moylan’s move to five-eighth has been a masterstroke and if the Panthers can continue their impressive run from here on in, you’d think Moylan would be right in the thick of the Dally M votes,” said sportsbet.com.au’s Christian Jantzen. Dally M voting is now behind closed doors with Melbourne Storm skipper Cameron Smith the clear favourite.
» Former Panthers forward Brent Kite is
selling his beautiful home in Glenmore Park and moving out of the Penrith area.
» The Panthers are quietly seething over
the costs involved in flying their ISP NSW team to New Zealand this weekend for a stand-alone fixture against the Warriors. With an All Blacks Test also being played in Auckland, the bills for travel and accommodation have skyrocketed.
» Peter Wallace has suffered a slight set-
back in his recovery from injury and may be another two to three weeks away from making his comeback.
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MATCH PREVIEW
spoiling jt's party PANTHERS V COWBOYS | SATURDAY, JUNE 24 • 3PM | 1300SMILES STADIUM | REFEREES: GRANT ATKINS & CHRIS SUTTON Penrith need a big game from Trent Merrin Photo: Megan Dunn
PANTHERS 1
Dylan Edwards
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 17 19 21
Josh Mansour Dean Whare Waqa Blake Dallin Watene-Zelezniak Matt Moylan (c) Nathan Cleary James Tamou Mitch Rein Reagan Campbell-Gillard Corey Harawira-Naera Isaah Yeo Trent Merrin Tyrone Peachey Leilani Latu 16 Tim Browne Viliame Kikau 18 Kaide Ellis Sione Katoa 20 S Akauola Jed Cartwright
the western weekender • extra time » Friday, June 23, 2017
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COWBOYS
TROY DODDS @troydodds
T
he Panthers head to Townsville on Saturday afternoon for a rare 3pm kickoff at 1300SMILES Stadium, but if they plan to be smirking by the time the 80 minutes is over they’ll have to get through plenty of challenges. The first is simply raw emotion. The Cowboys’ favourite son, Johnathan Thurston, is scheduled to join an elite club when he plays his 300th NRL game on Saturday. Without question his team mates will lift for him in an effort to ensure the milestone game is memorable, and the Panthers will need to ensure they don’t get caught up in the euphoria.
Another challenge facing Penrith is the daunting nature of 1300SMILES Stadium. Misleading by name, plenty of beaming smiles have been wiped off the faces of opposition teams, especially in recent seasons. The Panthers actually have a pretty good record in Townsville but are yet to win outside of New South Wales this year – a record they’d like to correct before returning home for two straight games in Sydney. While the Panthers have won four straight matches, they won’t have the luxury of launching a surprise comeback on the Cowboys this weekend. If North Queensland get in front, their ability to manage a game could easily squeeze Penrith out of the contest, so it’s important the visitors aim to start well and put on a complete 80 minute display. Experience is very much on North Queensland’s side. Penrith’s spine boasts
a fullback with only a handful of first grade games, a five-eighth who only started wearing the number 6 jersey less than a month ago, a halfback in his second season of top grade footy and a hooker who’s filling in for an injured veteran in Peter Wallace. I’d go through the Cowboys spine but my fingers start to shake a little too much. While North Queensland lost to Melbourne last weekend, their form line is a little off due to the Origin period, so you have to go back a fortnight to their 32-6 demolition of Parramatta in Darwin to appreciate just how good the side is going at the moment. However it’s important to note that with Origin played in Sydney just a few days before this clash, there will be a few tired bodies out there and Paul Green would certainly have some worries over his game management.
1
Lachlan Coote
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 16 18 20
Kyle Feldt Justin O’Neill Kane Linnett Antonio Winterstein Michael Morgan Johnathan Thurston (c) John Asiata Jake Granville Scott Bolton Gavin Cooper Ethan Lowe Jason Taumalolo Ben Hampton 15 Coen Hess Shaun Fensom 17 C Jensen Kyle Laybutt 19 Kalyn Ponga Javid Bowen 21 Braden Uele
What we need to see from Penrith is a determined effort from the forwards, who as a collective have been improving with every game this season. This match presents a big opportunity for James Tamou to stand up and prove he’s worth the big pay packet that comes with him, especially against his former club, while Trent Merrin and Reagan Campbell-Gillard also need to have big games. Penrith would know the importance of this clash, with Parramatta to take their position in the top eight if they can’t manage to get over the Cowboys. The bye has without doubt done the squad the world of good, and I think with a bit of luck on their side and a strong start, five wins in a row is very much on the cards. Happy 300th JT, but the Panthers are coming to spoil the party. Tip: Panthers by 2.
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Friday, June 23, 2017 « the western weekender • extra time
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FEATURE
FAMILIAR TERRITORY NATHAN TAYLOR @natetaylor87
P
anthers prop James Tamou will return to North Queensland for the first time since leaving the Cowboys this Saturday, but he isn’t quite sure what sort of reception he’ll receive from his former fans. The 28-year-old spent eight seasons in Townsville, winning a premiership with the club back in 2015. However, salary cap pressure and a desire to move back to Sydney saw him land at the foot of the Mountains this season. Speaking with Extra Time, Tamou said he’s been eyeing off a return up north ever since the NRL released the draw late last year. “I’m looking forward to going back. I remember looking at this game when the draw came out and I’ve been keeping in
touch with some of the boys since I left,” he said. While the former NSW Origin star was well liked by his peers and fans north of the border, he is preparing to cop some heat off Cowboys supporters. “I think I might get a mixed reception from the fans,” Tamou admitted. “Some of them I’ve been good friends with over the years but some of them get in your face a bit. Overall I’m looking forward to going back.” Saturday afternoon’s match in Townsville against the Panthers will be a momentous occasion for the Cowboys club. Not only is it Johnathan Thurston’s 300th NRL game but it will be the club’s first day game at home in recent memory. “I think the last time they had a day game was at 5pm, which is the earliest timeslot I can remember in my eight years there,” Tamou said. “I’m expecting the temperature to be
James Tamou will return to North Queensland this Saturday. Photo: Megan Dunn around 21 or 22 degrees but the humidity will start to kick in. “I’ve mentioned a shorter warm up to the coaching staff, depending how the weather looks. I think we’ll be OK though, most of the boys look forward to day games anyway.” Meanwhile, Tamou has opened up about the recent departures of two teammates in Te Maire Martin and Peta Hiku, who were released by the Panthers last weekend.
While Tamou admitted footy was a business, he was upset to see his good friends move on. “It’s sad, it’s really sad. I remember talking to Peta before he left and told him he had to do what was best for his family,” Tamou said. “Te Maire is such a special talent and he’s going to the right place (Cowboys). He’ll learn a lot up there and if he stays put, one day he’ll be leading that side.”
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Thurston will be remembered as one of game’s greatest
JAMIE SOWARD
T
he comparisons between Johnathan Thurston and Andrew Johns will be discussed forever – who was better? The way the pair played the game, their competitiveness, how they stepped up in big moments – those two are certainly in the conversation of the greatest players of all time. For Johnathan Thurston to play 300 NRL games, in a career that has spanned 16 years including two premierships, is an amazing achievement. To be one of the most recognisable faces in the NRL for such a long time and keep playing at such a high level is incredible. Any time you line up against JT it’s always a challenge that you enjoy because you know how great he is and how much extra you’re going to have to play – not just to beat the team that you’re playing against, but to match him in effort and competitiveness. He’s the greatest to ever do it along those lines. The trouble for the Panthers this Saturday afternoon is they run into JT on his 300th game. Penrith are going to have to try and take the sting out of the contest
early, kick long, defend well and try to not let the large ‘JT adoring’ crowd get to them. I remember playing with JT in the first ever Indigenous All Stars game back in 2010, I actually roomed with him as well. In that game I was playing left centre and JT was playing left half, and he passed me the final pass for the match-winning try. Looking back on it now, that to me was one of the best moments of my career. The biggest lesson I learned from JT during that week in camp was how much preparation he puts into his body and how much he looks after himself. When on the training paddock, he was sharp and nothing but footy mattered to him. However, once the session was over, JT relaxed and completely switched off from footy. He’s developed a great balance and that’s why he has achieved all he has in the game so far. Rooming with JT all those years ago was the best week in camp, it was awesome. It was an experience I’ll be able to tell my kids about one day. To sit back now as a fan and watch a legend like Johnathan Thurston play 300 NRL games, I think that’s pretty cool.
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panthers on the prowl
The Primary Classroom Program at Panthers on the Prowl has been running continuously for 15 years. We serve local primary schools to assist in the development of social and emotional learning targeted at small groups. Each week we nominate a student of the week from a participating school to highlight their efforts. ts.
s i k e e w e h t f o t n e d Stu Angus Holmes
This week’s student of the week is Angus Holmes. Angus attends York Public School and really showed his leadership potential during our joint lesson with the Adult Computer Literacy Class. Each term we set aside a lesson where we can get our Primary Program students to share their skills on computers with the adults who also attend our Panthers on the Prowl Adult Computer Literacy sessions. As well as sharing their knowledge of technology, these lessons are a great opportunity for students of different generations to make conversation and interact. Angus in particular, enjoyed working with the adults and conversing with his student. Great job Angus! The student of the week is brought to you by
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the western weekender • extra time » Friday, June 23, 2017
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Friday, June 23, 2017 « the western weekender • extra time
facing his nrl IDOL NATHAN TAYLOR @natetaylor87
B
oom Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary will come up against his idol in Johnathan Thurston for the first time this Saturday afternoon in Townsville. It’s a daunting prospect for the young halfback, who was all of four-years-old when Thurston made his NRL debut with Canterbury way back in 2002. When Thurston played his first Origin match, Cleary was just out of Kindergarten. While the 19-year-old is looking forward to going up against a future Immortal, all eyes will be on the Queensland half who is set to play his 300th first grade game. “It probably adds a bit of toughness to the match,” Cleary said of Thurston’s milestone. “Thurston’s a great player, probably the best in the game. To go up there for his 300th will be tough, but I’m really looking forward to the challenge and hopefully we can knock them off.”
When Cleary goes up against Thurston tomorrow afternoon, it will make for a very interesting match-up considering the 2015 Premiership winner was just about signed, sealed and delivered to the Panthers a number of years ago. After Thurston decided to stick with the Cowboys, Penrith went through a number of halves before Cleary started knocking down the door mid last year. Cleary, who is regarded as one of the game’s next big halfbacks and a future representative star himself, said the Cowboys leader is his idol. “Yeah definitely… I’ve always looked up to him,” he said. “He’s a great player and I think most halves coming through the grades look up to him and admire him.” While a lot of the focus will be on whether the Cowboys’ representative halves back up from Origin on Wednesday, in particular Thurston, Penrith fans can’t wait to see the continued progression of their own halves pairing in Cleary and Matt Moylan. The Panthers skipper, who made his move into the halves three weeks ago, is Cleary’s fourth halves partner in 28 games, including his third this year.
Nathan Cleary. Photo: Megan Dunn
Cleary said while he wasn’t expecting to play with Moylan in the halves this season, their combination is coming along quicker than expected. “It’s started off pretty well, he’s playing really good footy at five-eighth and if we can continue building on that combination, then I think it can only help the team,” he said. “Moyza’s really helped me out by dominating the team and he really gets involved in attack. He’s obviously the captain too and leads by example, which is really helpful.” While Cleary and Moylan’s partnership is working a treat, the former St Dominic’s student was sad to see his original halves partner this season, Te Maire Martin, leave the club. The Kiwi international was finally let go last week, to join the Cowboys, after an unsettled first half of the season that saw him dropped to reserve grade. “That’s footy I guess. It’s disappointing he’s leaving, I was good mates with him,” Cleary said. “Hopefully he can fulfil that opportunity he’s been given now and play some regular footy.”
the western weekender • extra time » Friday, June 23, 2017
FEATURE
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Friday, June 23, 2017 « the western weekender • extra time
IN PICTURES
TAMOU HEADS BACK HOME Former Cowboy James Tamou returns to Townsville this Saturday
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the western weekender • extra time » Friday, June 23, 2017
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Friday, June 23, 2017 « the western weekender • extra time
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PD
W
D
L
B
F
A
14
12
0
2
1
319
212
+107 26
2 Roosters
14 10
0
4
1
310
228
+82
22
3 Sharks
14 10
0
4
1
264
194
+70
22
4 Broncos
14
9
0
5
1
301
225
+76 20
5 Sea Eagles
13
8
0
5
2
299
237
+62 20
CLUB
1
Storm
+/-
PTS
6 Dragons
14
8
0
6
1
297
235
+62
18
7 Cowboys
14
8
0
6
1
287
259
+28
18
8 Panthers
13
6
0
7
2
284
253
+31
16
9 Eels
15
8
0
7
0
282
318
-36
16
10 Raiders
14
6
0
8
1
316
270
+46
14
11 Warriors
14
6
0
8
1
274
303
-29
14
12 Bulldogs
14
6
0
8
1
194
247
-53
14
13 Rabbitohs
14
5
0
9
1
258
313
-55
12
14 Titans
14
4
0
10
1
298
382
-84
10
15 Knights
13
2
0
11
2
210
351
-141
8
16 W. Tigers
14
3
0
11
1
204
370
-166
8
Round 16
FACE IN THE CROWD
Friday, June 23 6pm Mt Smart Stadium
/ / / / / / /
Friday, June 23 7.50pm Campbelltown Stadium Saturday, June 24 3pm 1300SMILES Stadium Saturday, June 24 5.30pm GIO Stadium
Saturday, June 24 7.30pm Adelaide Oval
Sunday, June 25 2pm UOW Jubilee Oval Sunday, June 25 4pm Southern Cross Group Stadium
the western weekender • extra time » Friday, June 23, 2017
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Friday, June 23, 2017 « the western weekender • extra time
Time to end the ANZ Stadium farce
troy dodds
T
he atmosphere at ANZ Stadium on Wednesday night for State of Origin II was nothing short of electric, as it usually is when there’s a major event being held. Apart from perhaps a packed Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, there is no better big-time sport feeling than the Olympic Stadium at its capacity. But at the opposite end of the scale, there is no worse atmosphere in rugby league than a nearly empty ANZ Stadium for a club match. The embarrassment of the empty seats and the rugby league community’s desire to avoid ANZ whenever possible is proof that the NRL needs to act. A paltry 7,000 fans turned up last Friday night to watch South Sydney do battle with the Gold Coast. There was no other major sport in Sydney to compete with and the product presented on TV left the NRL red faced. A few weeks ago I attended Penrith’s clash with Canterbury at ANZ and I’ve never experienced a more soulless afternoon at the football. They announced a crowd of 11,000 but I’m almost certain they counted car tyres and not heads.
Those in charge at the NRL, as well as the State Government, tell us there’s no real future for suburban football. They are under some sort of weird delusion that rugby league will one day rival the AFL when it comes to crowds and therefore need to play all games out of bigger, more modern stadiums. The truth is there’s very few rugby league fans who would rather be at ANZ Stadium than Penrith Park, Leichhardt Oval, Campbelltown Stadium or Brookvale Oval. They are the venues where we fell in love with the game, and most of us are unwilling to let them go. But the NRL and the State Government don’t want to listen. And fans usually give up on the argument because they’re told they don’t understand the economics of match days and that clubs lose money hosting games at suburban venues. But rather than giving up on the argument, fans should instead question how those match days can be profitable and if the NRL should be stepping in to make them so. For some time we’ve believed the NRL when they tell us that suburban football doesn’t really have a future.
But we’re starting to learn that the incompetence of the NRL at head office means we should question every preprepared line that comes out of there.
The ANZ farce needs to stop, and stop soon. It’s damaging for the game and embarrassing for all of us who love rugby league.
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darkest day at Panthers TROY DODDS @troydodds
T
here’s been some rough moments in Penrith’s half century history in top flight rugby league. But no matter what has happened in the past, and no matter what happens in the next 50 years, it’ll be hard to find a tougher, more sadder day than May 28, 1978. The Panthers were facing Newtown at Henson Park and young prop John Farragher was making his seventh appearance in the top grade. Farragher had come down from country NSW to trial with Penrith in 1977 but decided to go back home to Gilgandra, before eventually winning his contract in 1978. Club officials believed he had plenty of talent and he certainly showed what
he was made of in his first six games in Panthers colours. But Farragher’s career would be tragically cut short on that May day, and his name would enter rugby league folklore for all the wrong reasons. May 28, 1978 would not only be the last day Farragher would play rugby league, but the last day he would walk. A scrum collapsed during the first half and after everyone else regained their feet, it was quickly noticed that one player remained on the ground. Farragher was motionless. He told medics that he couldn’t feel anything – prompting a major emergency reaction on the field. The game was held up for more than half an hour before Farragher was transported from the field. Tests would later confirm that Farragher had broken his spinal cord and would become a quadriplegic. The incident happened in the first half
and even in those days, news travelled quickly. By half-time, the Penrith squad was aware that it didn’t look good for Farragher – and some reports suggested they even wanted to call the game off. In those days, with rugby league far from a fully fledged professional sport, the option was most definitely considered. However, the Panthers played on and “did it for John”, and beat the Jets comfortably. Farragher recalls the incident in the Panthers: Men In Black book. “I wasn’t in any agony, there was no pain or anything,” he said. “It was a strange feeling, like a battery quickly wearing down to nothing. They put a brace around my neck and got me into the ambulance. I knew then I wouldn’t walk again and I said that to Ian Maurice in the ambulance on the way to the hospital.” These days, Farragher – with his welcoming smile – is a mainstay at the Panthers
the western weekender • extra time » Friday, June 23, 2017
BLAST FROM THE PAST
John Farragher these days Leagues Club, where he’s been employed for decades. His infectious smile is proof that even the most toughest obstacles and challenges can be overcome. The Penrith club’s Courage and Determination award, handed out annually at the presentation night, is named in his honour – a tribute to one of the toughest Panthers there’s ever been.
Do you have a NDIS plan? Do you want to work?
Talk to DARE your NDIS Provider Located in the Lower Blue Mountains, Springwood Call or email Liza: 02 4751 0912 | careers@daredisability.org.au
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Friday, June 23, 2017 « the western weekender • extra time
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tr ivia 1. In what year did Josh Mansour make his NRL debut? 2. Apart from Australia, which country has Josh Mansour played for at representative level? 3. Which NRL pre-season tournament is at risk of being scrapped next year? 4. Which city are the Roosters taking a home game to this week? 5. Which NRL star plays his 300th first grade game on Saturday?
ANSWERS: 1. 2012 2. Lebanon 3. Auckland Nines 4. Adelaide 5. Johnathan Thurston
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