Extra Time September 18 2020

Josh Mansour.

Photo: NRL Images.

MASKED PANTHER Panthers make tough call on Merv Cartwright Medal

PAGE 30

WOMEN IN LEAGUE Api Koroisau’s words from the heart ahead of special round of rugby league

PAGE 31

NEW POSTER Kurt Capewell gets gloss treatment

PAGES 34-35

FACE IN THE CROWD Did our cameras spot you last weekend? Your chance to win movie tickets!

PAGE 36

ONE STEP CLOSER PANTHERS CAN CLAIM MINOR PREMIERSHIP AGAINST COWBOYS MATCH PREVIEW: PAGE 29

Friday, September 18, 2020 « the western weekender • extra time

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the final word

v Jarome Luai celebrates a try last weekend.

Photo: NRL Images.

TROY DODDS

P

enrith make their first trip to QLD Country Bank Stadium on Friday night to take on a North Queensland side that is counting down the days until the NRL bubble pops and their season is over.

These two sides find themselves at very different ends of the NRL ladder but it doesn’t make the road trip to Townsville any less tough for the table- topping Panthers.

In fact this will be Penrith’s most difficult road trip of the COVID era, with previous visits to the Gold Coast and Brisbane a little logistically simpler than the four hour flight to Townsville, plus bus travel to the airport, all in time for a 6pm twilight kick-off on Friday.

The Cowboys have been far from terrible this past fortnight – securing an impressive 23- 22 Golden Point win over the Dragons and putting on a respectable

FOX LEAGUE KAYO TRIPLE M

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, September 18, 2020

match preview

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 | 6.00PM | QLD COUNTRY BANK STADIUM | REFEREE: MATT CECCHIN show against heavyweights Melbourne at Sunshine Coast Stadium last Sunday.

But with so much more to play for, Penrith should be winning this one.

In fact, if Ivan Cleary’s side was at risk of lacking any motivation going into this game, it’s surely been renewed by the fact that victory here will secure the club’s third minor premiership – an incredible feat for this group of players, regardless of what happens in October.

Nobody can deny that Penrith should have put more points on the Eels last Friday night. With 64 per cent of possession and a mountain of chances close to the line, the 20-2 scoreline flattered their western Sydney rivals.

But what Ivan Cleary would surely be happy with was the way his side remained patient when things didn’t go their way for much of the first half. He’d be disappointed with the error count, but pleased

with the way his young troops kept their head high and didn’t let Parramatta into the game.

The Cowboys will take some confidence out of their performance against the Storm and out of Penrith’s first half – knowing that their opposition is vulnerable if things don’t quite go to plan. Unlike the Eels, they would need to find a way to get past Penrith’s stoic defence, but with some exciting backline prospects, it can’t be denied that the home side boasts a number of try-scoring threats.

Coach Cleary has opted to rest James Tamou, Zane Tetevano and Api Koroisau for the game as he works to manage the workload of his squad ahead of the Finals.

But even with those three men missing, Penrith still field a formidable side with a forward back that should, all things considered, run right over the top of the Cowboys in Townsville.

PANTHERS

Even Penrith’s bench remains strong, boosted by the return of Jack Hetherington who is likely to let loose back in Panthers colours and could cause plenty of headaches.

For the Cowboys to be any chance of matching Penrith’s pack, the inclusion of Jason Taumalolo is critical. He’s been named on an extended bench and is rated some chance of coming into the team.

Josh Hannay’s side has lost Josh McGuire and John Asiata to suspension.

Cowboys fans would have some hope of a stunning upset here, and final home games for sides out of the eight always pose a danger for visiting teams.

But I think Penrith will be too professional to let this one slip, especially with those pesky Victorians still breathing down their necks at the top of the ladder.

The Panthers should be too good.

Tip: Panthers by 18.

COWBOYS

1 Dylan Edwards

10 James Fisher-Harris

1 Valentine Holmes

2 Josh Mansour

11 Viliame Kikau

2 Kyle Feldt

11 Gavin Cooper

3 Brent Naden

12 Liam Martin

3 Murray Taulagi

12 Mitchell Dunn

4 Stephen Crichton

13 Isaah Yeo (c)

4 Esan Marsters

13 Francis Molo

5 Brian To’o

14 Tyrone May

5 Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow

14 Daejarn Asi

6 Jarome Luai

15 Spencer Leniu

6 Scott Drinkwater

15 Emry Pere

7 Nathan Cleary

16 Kurt Capewell

7 Jake Clifford

16 Tom Gilbert

10 Jordan McLean (c)

8 Moses Leota

17 Jack Hetherington

8 Corey Jensen

17 Ben Condon

9 Mitch Kenny

18 Dean Whare 19 Billy Burns

9 Reuben Cotter

18 Jason Taumalolo 19 Jake Granville

29

Friday, September 18, 2020 « the western weekender • extra time

panther rumblings

WITH THE MASKED PANTHER

PRESO NIGHT CALLED OFF Panther Rumblings and I mentioned a few weeks ago that the 2020 Finals shirt would be on sale at last week’s game against the Eels. It was great to see so many people buying the shirt, which commemorates a terrific season. The shirt is also available from the Panthers Shop or website, but get in quick as stock is limited.

A supporter with the shirt on Friday night.

!!

Panthers training on Monday.

Photo: Megan Dunn.

!!

I hinted last week that a decision about this year’s Merv Cartwright Medal was imminent and the Panthers have now confirmed that the lavish event has been postponed. Corporate partners were informed last Friday that uncertainty surrounding the NRL ‘bubble’ and government restrictions meant it was not possible to proceed with the end- of-year celebration. It’s a shame given the stellar season Penrith has had but hopefully the club will find another way to honour the achievements of the players.

!!

For the first time in what seems like an eternity, cameras were allowed back at Panthers training this week. Photographers and camera operators stayed well within social distancing regulations as they captured what appeared to be a very confident and buoyant training session.

!!

There was some talk this week that the Panthers wanted to have the Minor Premiership trophy presented at Panthers Stadium in week one of the Finals. That’s true, but I’m told a more likely scenario is that the J.J. Giltinan Shield will be presented at ANZ Stadium next weekend. Tickets will be made available to Panthers members for the game against the Bulldogs with on-sale details coming soon. There’s concerns presenting the shield at Penrith may be too much of a distraction.

!!

James Tamou has agreed to terms with the Wests Tigers, with the joint venture club poised to announce his signature at any moment. The 31- year- old accepts Penrith needed to focus on youth.

!!

Penrith’s game against Parramatta last Friday night was watched by more

than 300,000 people on Fox League, making it Penrith’s highest rated Fox game of the season. The 311,614 average was also 30 per cent up on Penrith’s 2020 season average on Fox League and 15 per cent up on the Friday night timeslot average.

An average audience of 569,791 tuned in on Channel Nine, five per cent up on Penrith’s free-to-air season average.

!!

Spotted: Panthers legend Steve Carter back in Penrith last week. He was grabbing a bite to eat at Murray’s Sandwiches and also attended the Battle of the West.

!!

Spotted: 1991 Grand Final hero Royce Simmons still being stopped for photos at the Leagues Club almost 30 years after his premiership triumph.

!!

You hear all about fashion first here in

This weekend is Women in League Round. This year’s special round carries the theme ‘from strength to strength’, paying tribute to the growing movement of females making an invaluable contribution to the betterment of the game overall.

!!

Stephen Crichton is being considered as a bolter for Brad Fittler’s NSW side for the Origin series this year. If the lanky centre has a strong Finals series, don’t be surprised if he’s named for the series opener at Adelaide Oval on November 4.

!!

Nobody wants to get too far ahead of themselves but I can reveal club officials have spoken about the likely chaos at Panthers Leagues Club if Penrith was to make the Grand Final in the COVID-19 era. Various plans are being considered for welcoming the team back should they go on to win the title. Everything is on the table – including possibly making the use of Panthers Stadium itself.

!!

Despite extending their winning run to 13, the Panthers have lost premiership favourtism with the TAB. The Roosters are now the clear favourites at $2.90, with Penrith second at $3.75.

OFFICIAL PARTNER

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::

API’S THANKS TO WOMEN IN LEAGUE NATHAN TAYLOR

W

omen in League Round has always been an important fixture on the rugby league calendar, but this year the role of women in our game has been more vital than ever.

With NRL players trapped in club ‘bubbles’ to keep them COVID-safe during the season, players’ wives and girlfriends have had to get accustomed to a unique lifestyle as well.

Panthers hooker Api Koroisau would love to take his wife Amy and his two kids for a bite to eat at a local café, but he can’t due to the strict NRL biosecurity guidelines in place.

Speaking with Extra Time, the 27- yearold was in awe of his wife, who has really kept the Koroisau household ticking along during what has been a bizarre season.

“I can’t thank my wife enough to be honest, it’s been a crazy year with COVID,” he said.

“We’ve already got two hard kids to deal with. One’s chilled but the other one is like me – doesn’t stop and is really cheeky. I honestly don’t know how she does it.

“My wife went shopping a couple of days ago and I stayed home with the kids and I

Api Koroisau having a rest beside his baby daughter Kalesi. Photo: Instagram. dare say I won’t be doing that again any time soon – it’s harder than playing a footy game, I’m not even kidding.”

In 2017, Koroisau and his wife Amy held a traditional Fijian wedding ceremony at

his village in Saunaka, Nadi. At the time, they were already parents to eight-monthold Miliana. Last year, before Koroisau joined the Panthers, the couple welcomed a second child into the world, Kalesi.

Koroisau praised the women in his life for all the sacrifices they’ve made.

“I don’t know how they do it, they are real special creatures and I can’t thank them enough,” he said.

“My mum as well, she’s been really supportive and has been right behind me growing up.

“Mum, Amy – I love you, thank you.”

Meanwhile, Koroisau will be rested for tonight’s game against North Queensland in Townsville after suffering a big head knock during last week’s win over Parramatta.

Despite not returning to the game, the former Manly dummy half said he passed all his concussion tests the following day and wanted to thank Eels forward Ryan Matterson for helping him stay on his feet when he couldn’t stand.

“Yeah that was awesome, I watched the footage back and I even wrote a little comment on Facebook just thanking him,” Koroisau said.

“These things (head knocks) have pretty bad long- term effects and, if they’re not looked after properly, you can end up pretty bad.

“It was nice of him to look out for me especially when you’re in that kind of environment where everything’s a competition.”

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, September 18, 2020

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Friday, September 18, 2020 « the western weekender • extra time

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feature

PANTHERS IGNORE THE DOUBTERS NATHAN TAYLOR

Y

ou can give your opinions about Penrith’s premiership - winning chances heading into next month’s Finals – the players aren’t listening.

Despite the Panthers losing just one game all year and notching up a mindboggling 13 wins in a row, experts and former players around the game still believe that the Melbourne Storm and the Sydney Roosters are favourites to win this year’s Telstra Premiership.

In his column for Wide World of Sports this week, former Sharks captain turned commentator Paul Gallen said: “It’s between the Roosters and Storm for the premiership. The Panthers are growing on me, but I can’t go past the teams that have already been there and done it”.

Speaking on 2GB on Tuesday, Gallen’s stablemate at Nine, Brad Fittler, unsurprisingly tipped the Roosters to hold up the Provan Summons trophy on October

25 when asked by host Mark Levy who he’d have his ‘hard-earned’ on right now.

To put it bluntly, you won’t find too many notable people within the game with the guts to ride with the ‘men in black’.

On Monday, Extra Time asked Penrith fullback Dylan Edwards for his thoughts on certain media personalities not backing the competition-leading Panthers.

“That’s alright, everyone’s entitled to their opinion. We’re just going to go out and do our best each week. We’ll just let our performances do the talking, we’re not worried about external opinions,” he said.

“It’s fair enough saying Melbourne and the Roosters are front runners, they’ve been there before and have all the experience, but we just have to go out and play footy each week and hopefully the results take care of themselves.”

Penrith have already beaten the Roosters and Storm this season, and will no doubt have to face at least one of them again before Grand Final Day rolls around.

While it’s been six months since they

Red-hot Panthers fullback Dylan Edwards is full of confidence. Photo: Megan Dunn. faced the Roosters and three months since they battled the Storm, the Panthers are very confident they’d get the job done if they have to play either side at some stage next month.

“You’ve got to have confidence, you’re not going to go into a game thinking you’re going to lose – you’ve got to back yourself against any opponent you face,” Edwards said.

“You definitely respect any team in the NRL because, if you don’t respect your opponent, you’re going to get beaten.

“They are two quality sides (Storm and Roosters) that we’re probably going to have to face down the track if we’re going to win this comp.”

Time will tell whether the safe pick was the right pick, but punters shouldn’t count out this very special side just yet.

WW42094

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, September 18, 2020

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WW40043

panthers poster

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Friday, September 18, 2020  the western weekender • extra time

Kurt Capewell

the western weekender • extra time » Friday, September 18, 2020

WW42009

35

CLUB

PD

W

D

L

B

F

A

1

Panthers

18 16

1

1

0

463

226

2

Storm

18

15

0

3

0

462

224 +238 30

3

Roosters

18

13

0

5

0

510

244 +266 26

4

Eels

18

13

0

5

0

338

252

+86

5

Raiders

18

12

0

6

0

381

275

+106 24

6

Rabbitohs

18

11

0

7

0

445

318

+127 22

7

Knights

18 10

1

7

0

373

320

+53

21

8

Sharks

18 10

0

8

0

434

408

+26

20

9

W. Tigers

18

0

11

0

394

427

-33

14

7

+/-

PTS

+237 33

26

10 Sea Eagles

18

7

0

11

0

323

427

-104

14

11

18

7

0

11

0

289

404

-115

14

12 Titans

18

7

0

11

0

268

433

-165

14

13 Dragons

18

6

0

12

0

330

388

-58

12

Warriors

14 Cowboys

18

4

0

14

0

324

472

-148

8

15 Broncos

18

3

0

15

0

240

566

-326

6

16 Bulldogs

18

2

0

16

0

256

446

-190

4

4732 6007

ROUND 19 V

Thursday, September 17 7.50pm ANZ Stadium

V

Friday, September 18 6.00pm QLD Country Bank Stadium

V

Friday, September 18 7.55pm Bankwest Stadium

V

Saturday, September 19 3.00pm Lottoland

V

Saturday, September 19 5.30pm Sunshine Coast Stadium

V

S Saturday, September 19 7.35pm SCG

V

Sunday, September 20 2.00pm GIO Stadium

V

Sunday, September 20 4.05pm McDonald Jones Stadium

Face In Th e Crowd

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Friday, September 18, 2020 « the western weekender • extra time

nrl ladder & fixtures

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matt russell Y

es the top eight has been decided but don’t try to tell me Round 19 will be anything but must- watch this weekend. Here’s my best efforts at Fox League publicist.

Of the eight games this week, seven involve Finals-bound teams.

The other involves a possible Tom Trbojevic return for Manly against a Gold Coast team that has just won three-in-a-row for the first time since 2017 and boasts names like Brimson and Fotuaika as possible State of Origin debutants.

So what are we looking for in the other games?

I can hear Wayne Bennett every time we mention Souths: “As long as we don’t beat ourselves”. Souths’ attack has been brilliant but can they reduce the errors and produce the discipline to be successful in the Finals? They play Canterbury, who get yet another chance to confine Brisbane to last if they win.

Friday night starts with North Queensland hosting Penrith, in a game that should seal the Minor Premiership for the Panthers. Yes, the ladder leaders are resting James Tamou and Api Koroisau.

That means Kurt Capewell and Jack Hetherington make the team. Talk about depth, and that’s without mentioning reserves Staines, Whare, Burton, Burns.

My goodness!

After that, Parramatta host embattled

Big Jack Hetherington returns for Penrith on Friday night. Photo: NRL Images.

Brisbane. The Eels are under more pressure than any Finals team because they’ve scored only six tries in a month (and four of them came in one game)! Do they play themselves back into attacking form against the Broncos having beaten them 58-0 and 34-6 in their last two meetings?

Manly v Gold Coast gets us going on Super Saturday before Melbourne’s best three hookers share the field on the Sunshine Coast – Cam Smith, Harry Grant and possibly Brandon Smith. If captain Cam delivers another three try assists, his playing future could be decided there and then.

On Saturday night, it’s the only all top eight clash. Even without a resting James Tedesco, do the Roosters score another big SCG total to celebrate Mitch Aubusson becoming the most capped Rooster ever?

Does Shaun Johnson extend his lead on top of the try assists column as Cronulla spring an upset?

On Sunday, we wonder whether Canberra can stay in the race for a top four finish and which Warrior finishes under Josh Papalii’s front grill.

Then the most heavily beaten Finals side from last weekend gets Kalyn Ponga back as Newcastle chase redemption on Old Boys’ weekend against St George Illawarra.

Who cares that the top eight is done.

Sounds like good TV to me!

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Friday, September 18, 2020 « the western weekender • extra time

Little-known players have become big stars in 2020

clinton maynard T

he Dally Ms should’ve been awarded by now but because of the COVID delays, it’s not too late to create a new award, Most Improved Player.

Think back to when you were in primary school, there was always a most improved award, sure it was shared around the class, but kids were still over the moon to win it, the NRL needs one too!

The Most Improved Award can’t go to a rookie and this year the Rookie of the Year Award is an open and shut case anyway.

Tiger Harry Grant will win that in a canter.

The award also shouldn’t go to one of the big stars of the game, they are expected to play well to earn their big dollars. It’s fair to say Nathan Cleary is one of the most improved players, he’s realising his potential but everyone’s expecting the number 7 to be one of the best players in the game.

So I’ll nominate a group of players who’ve come out of nowhere.

Leading the comp, there are plenty of Penrith players who could wear the most improved badge, but none more than Liam Martin. Outside of Panthers fans, who’d heard of Martin before this year?

Penrith’s had a rampaging pack of forwards for a few years and with Viliame Kikau attracting so much attention, it’s hard for others to be noticed.

Martin is a hit man of the Panthers pack but with five tries this season has

also come up with crucial four- pointers, including one against the Eels last week.

It’s amazing to think the departure of one of the greatest halfbacks of a generation, Cooper Cronk, has hardly derailed the Melbourne Storm in recent seasons. Now much of that has got to do with the fact Cameron Smith is chief playmaker from dummy half, however Jahrome Hughes has proven himself a very good player this season. At the start of 2019 he was probably more of a fullback, but moving to halfback he displaced Brodie Croft and now this season he has become an integral part of the Storm side.

David Nofoaluma has been a good player for the Wests Tigers for a few years, however this season he is one of the most improved in the game. He leads the try scorers tally with 17 and has come into calculation for an Origin debut. However the true mark of a winger is when you are the best player in your team and along with Harry Grant, he is the best performing Tiger this year.

Siosifa Talakai was unheard of at the start of the year, he wasn’t even in Cronulla’s top 30 squad. He played for Souths back in 2016 and then basically gave up the game before having a run with Newtown last season. Given the opportunity to trial with the Sharks in the off season he was one of the standouts and demanded a

Liam Martin about to grab the ball and score against the Eels. Photo: Megan Dunn. contract after the COVID break. He’s become a menace to oppositions in attack and defence and while primarily a backrower, he has played well in the centres

when called upon. Easily one of the most improved players in the NRL. Any of those players would be a worthy recipient of this new award!

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lang on league

with Peter Lang

P

enrith Panthers great John Cartwright and sacked Broncos coach Anthony Seibold are just two suggestions I’d like to make as possible replacements for Bulldogs-bound Panthers assistant coach Trent Barrett.

A few weeks ago The Daily Telegraph reported that former Raiders and Dragons hooker Simon Woolford was linked to the job.

Now while the current Super League Huddesfield coach is one name being bandied about, I can’t see why a Penrith legend, who once guided a Gold Coast Titans side to two Finals appearances in 2009-10, can’t also be considered.

Not only that but the man nicknamed “Hoss” has also had several successful stints as an assistant coach with the Roosters, Cowboys and now Sea Eagles.

We could also think out of the box and throw Anthony Seibold a coaching lifeline. While Seibold’s stint in the top job at the Broncos was an unmitigated disaster, he was an outstanding assistant at the Melbourne Storm and he did guide South Sydney to a Preliminary Final in his one year as Rabbitohs head coach in 2018.

In my opinion both men are highly experienced and have plenty to offer.

One thing is certain however, and that’s whoever gets the job will have some big footy boots to fill as Barrett’s contributions to Penrith’s success this year have

In a game where there was a lot at stake and the collisions were brutal, it was refreshing to see a true act of sportsmanship. Take a bow Ryan Matterson – you deserve the applause.

What game I’m looking forward to...

Panthers v Cowboys. A win over North Queensland will hand Penrith their first minor premiership since 2003.

My tips for the week...

Rabbitohs, Panthers, Eels, Manly, Storm, Roosters, Raiders, Knights.

John Cartwright should be in the mix for Penrith’s vacant assistant coach role. been nothing short of outstanding.

What caught my eye last week...

The wonderful sportsmanship shown by

Eels backrower Ryan Matterson when he helped a clearly concussed Api Koroisau stay on his feet until a trainer could come and tend to the Panthers hooker.

The final word...

A well- known onfield sledger, it was great to see referee Grant Atkins send Josh McGuire to the sin bin for dissent early in the match against the Storm last Sunday.

I’ve heard some terrible stories about some of the things McGuire has said and done on and off the field over the years and while I don’t condone the numerous death threats he received on social media last year, I thought he may have finally cleaned up his act after he sought help from the club last season.

His wife also came to his defence telling the media about her husband’s fragile mental health following all the online abuse he copped.

Hmmm... maybe a leopard really can’t change their spots after all.

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The NRL will resist the temptation to trial any new rules in games over the next two weeks that have no impact on the Finals. The top eight is already decided meaning a number of dead rubber games are scheduled in the final fortnight of the regular season. But NRL Head of Football Graham Annesley said this week that games would go ahead as usual, with no special rules to be road tested.

!

The NRL remains hopeful of crowd sizes increasing for the Finals and Grand Final. Discussions between League Central and government representatives continue.

!

The Canberra Raiders have announced that star forward Josh Papalii

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the western weekender • extra time » Friday, September 18, 2020

Brought to you by…

Who will replace Barrett as assistant coach next season?

NSW Blues coach Brad Fittler. has extended his current deal with the club for a further three seasons. Papalii, 28, is already on contract until the end of 2022 but has agreed to an extension until the end of 2024 with a further option for 2025. “I love this club and I love Canberra,” Papalii said.

!

North Queensland forward Gavin Cooper has confirmed this will be his last season in the NRL. Cooper has played more than 300 first grade games, including 245 for the Cowboys.

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Storm Roosters Raiders Knights

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Friday, September 18, 2020 « the western weekender

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