Willingand able The rise of Will Smith has

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INSIDE

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PENRITH PANTHERS1 Matt Moylan2 Josh Mansour3 Dean Whare4 Jamal Idris5 Dallin Watene-Zelezniak6 Will Smith7 Jamie Soward (c)8 Nigel Plum9 Kevin Kingston10 Sam McKendry11 Sika Manu12 Matt Robinson13 Adam Docker14 Lewis Brown15 Jeremy Latimore16 Ben Murdoch-Masila17 Tim Grant

MANLY SEA EAGLES1 Brett Stewart2 Jorge Taufua3 Jamie Lyon (c)4 Steve Matai5 Peta Hiku6 Kieran Foran7 Daly Cherry-Evans8 Josh Starling9 Matt Ballin10 Brenton Lawrence11 Anthony Watmough12 Tom Symonds13 Jamie Buhrer14 Jesse Sene-Lefao15 Justin Horo16 James Hasson17 Jason King

I njuries and luck finally caught up with the Penrith Panthers on Monday night when they went down 24-10 to Melbourne at Sportingbet Stadium.

Significantly down on troops, the Panthers tried hard but were simply out-played by a Storm side that controlled the ruck and the tempo of the game from the outset.

Even though their attack was a little off, Melbourne knew the points would come eventually and stuck to the game plan of shutting down Jamie Soward – virtu-

PREVIEW

Battle at fortress BrookvaleJamie Soward delivers some on-field instructions to Jamal Idris. Photo: Melinda Jane

ally Penrith’s only playmaker given the number of key players missing from this game.

Penrith’s discipline didn’t help – they completed 31 of 39 sets, made eight errors and produced 31 missed tackles.

Melbourne’s stats were not a whole lot better but they did aim up in defence and got the best of the 50/50 calls.

For coach Ivan Cleary, this week is about finding the delicate balance between getting his side up for a game against premiership powerhouse Manly and ensuring that he lays down the law about what’s needed at this time of the season.

Ill-discipline will cripple Penrith’s chances in the finals, if the injury crisis that has beset the club doesn’t claim them first. And it will play a big role against the Sea Eagles on Sunday too, with Manly not needing to be asked twice when given a chance to capitalise on mistakes at Brookvale Oval.

The trip to Brookvale is indeed a daunt-ing task. The Panthers did win their last match there in 2013, but prior to that, the record has been poor.

The Panthers have only won at Brookvale twice in the last decade, but apart from a

30-0 thumping in 2012, they’ve always been competitive.

The side will welcome back James Sege-yaro on Sunday and his influence is much-needed – the Panthers clearly missed his speed out of dummy half on Monday night. Kevin Kingston did an admirable job on Monday but the fraction of a second he holds the ball longer than Segeyaro had a big impact at key times during the game.

Manly’s danger men are all over the field but it goes without saying that the halves pairing of Kieran Foran and Daly Cherry-Evans is the key to the side’s success. Penrith need to implement a game almost similar to that put in place against them by Melbourne on Monday night, that is, shut down the key man at any opportunity.

Penrith certainly have the forward pack to lay a good platform up the middle, though the defensive unit does need to be tighter and Adam Docker’s extraordinary missed tackle rate is becoming something of a concern. He missed six tackles on Monday night, five against the Cowboys and seven against the Dragons.

For the Panthers to win, they’ll need to attack Manly’s edges and that’s where a big game from Jamal Idris comes in.

He sent Cooper Cronk into the strato-sphere with an incredible hit on Monday night and now it’s time for him to turn it on in attack.

It could be that Penrith’s run has finally come to an end. Injuries that probably equate to about $1.5 million of talent off the field, a long season of week-to-week football and the burden of being this season’s over-achievers may have finally caught up with a side that no matter what happens in these next two weeks, will play finals football.

But it could also be that Monday night’s loss was simply a stumbling block to greater success. After all, all three top sides lost last weekend – and nobody is prepared to write off the Rabbitohs or Sea Eagles just yet.

While the Warriors won’t be easy in the final round of the competition, the Panthers have the comfort of home to look forward to. And with the NRL’s rather silly rule of playing even the first week of the finals out of big stadiums, this is the last time they’ll have to face a ferocious away crowd at a suburban fortress.

Who knows, the surprises may continue.Tip: Panthers by 6

TROY DODDS @troydodds

Penrith Panthersv Manly Sea Eagles

Referees: Matt Cecchin and Gavin Reynolds

KICK-OFF: SUN 31/8 • 3.00PMBrookvale Oval

TV: Channel Nine 4.00pmRadio: Triple M Live 3.00pm

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FEATURE STORY

Injury crisis’ shining lightWill Smith in action for Penrith against the Cowboys earlier this month. Photo: Melinda Jane

A mongst the rubble of a crippling injury crisis comes the inspiring story of a young kid who left his hometown of Newcastle last

year and came to Penrith looking for an opportunity.

Will Smith was one of the standouts during pre-season with many of Penrith’s coaching staff believing the then 21-year-old was in with a real shot of being the club’s number one choice at fullback.

As we all know a kid by the name of Matt Moylan was also battling it out with Smith for that position and, well, we all know how that’s turning out.

So Smith took it on the chin and became

an important member of Garth Brennan’s ladder-leading NSW Cup team.

Proving his versatility, Smith played in a number of positions throughout the season including fullback, centre, five-eighth and halfback.

With Penrith’s first grade team relatively stacked with talent in each of those posi-tions, Smith knew he’d have to wait it out, however long that may be.

It wasn’t until round 21 when Will Smith’s shot finally came.

Penrith had just lost captain Peter Wallace for the season and two weeks earlier lost fill-in half Tyrone Peachey for the year as well.

“I was nervous but they were happy nerves. I was also relieved that I was finally making my debut. I was excited to play,” Smith said of his debut.

“I would’ve thought I’d make my debut at fullback but I grew up playing five-eighth and played plenty of it at the Knights, so I’ve handled it alright.”

While Smith’s debut came and went like a flash of lighting, how’s he settled into the role playing alongside the competi-tion’s form half in Jamie Soward?

“He makes my job even easier. His talk and the way he organises the team is really good,” Smith said.

“It’s been a big eye-opener at how profes-

sional first grade is especially the speed of the game, the players you play against and players you play with.”

Smith will more than likely see out the year in the NRL, continuing to put in solid performances while Soward runs the show.

He does, however, want to improve and as each game ticks by you can tell his confidence is growing.

“Ivan wants me to take the line on more, get the ball in my hands and buzz around,” he said.

“I want to improve my kicking and pass-ing game though, that would be number one for me.”

NATHAN TAYLOR @natetaylor87

He may have a famous name, but nobody knew about Will Smith the footballer until a month ago. Now, he’s set to become one of the next big things in rugby league

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NATHAN TAYLOR @natetaylor87

He’s played in more positions than anyone this season, and life as a utility bench player suits Lewis Brown just fi ne at the Panthers

FEATURE STORY

Brown embraces the benchW henever you talk to a rugby

league player, their main goal in life is to play first grade footy and secondly, be

one of the 13 players to start the game.Not often do you hear of somebody

embracing the role of a bench player quite like Penrith utility Lewis Brown has this season.

The former New Zealand Warrior has been a revelation for the Panthers coming off the bench this year and is proving the difference in down-to-the-wire games.

“At the end of the day we’ve got a lot of injuries and probably for me, I’ve played over 100 games in the NRL, and it’s a role I need to fill here by bringing some experi-ence, impact and energy into the game,” Brown told Extra Time.

“I suppose I’ve been around enough teams to realise the bench is just as impor-tant as starting is. You’ve got to bring that second wave of momentum, not only myself but all our bench players this year have been doing it.

“Before each game the four boys on the bench talk about bringing that next wave and bringing that impact to lift the side to the next level.”

It has been an up and down season for Brown who, earlier this year, was side-

lined for a number of weeks with a minor pectoral injury.

“Since I’ve come back from injury I’ve really got the hunger back for my game. At the end of the day I’m just having fun, that’s why we play rugby league because we love the sport and it’s fun,” he said.

“I guess sitting on the bench for 20 minutes gets my energy levels going

because I want to get out there so badly. I’m probably bursting out of my skin.”

Meanwhile, Brown and fellow Kiwi and Panther Sam McKendry last weekend opened their Nutrition Station healthy café in Emu Plains. With his business partner re-signing with the Panthers last week until 2019, Brown hopes he can also commit himself to the area long term.

Lewis Brown has found his place at the Panthers. Photo: Melinda Jane

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I caught up with Panthers fullback Matt Moylan for a special story on Nine News earlier this week where I went inside his home in Penrith and met his entire family.

As we all know Matt’s had a fantastic year with the Panthers, kicking the match-winner on three occasions already this season – a pretty unique accomplishment for someone whose first grade career is only just beginning.

Matt just has this composure and ability under pressure to pull off these incredible feats but there is a reason for that – he’s been doing it his whole career.

Whilst playing for the St Clair Comets in the U15’s Grand Final he kicked a late field goal in extra time to win the game for his team.

His dad, Don, was telling me that Matt’s always had this ability to deal and cope with pressure, he has this competi-tive streak.

His older brother, Ben, plays Touch Footy for Australia and he’s always competed with him in everything they’ve done.

Matt’s mum, Cathy, said that from a young age he has always wanted to play football but she kept telling him he had to get a real job. It soon became a running joke in the family because she’d always say “What do you want to be when you grow up, Matt?” and he would say “I want to play

rugby league” and she would say “Yes, that’s what you want to do for fun but what do you want to do for a real job?”.

Cathy’s now very relieved Matt didn’t take her advice.

I also learnt that Matt had a couple of jobs growing up.

He worked at surf shop City Beach but lasted two weeks because he’d hide behind the counter and in the change room. He also worked as a labourer but would hide out the back and sleep all day.

The family life of Matt Moylan

ERIN MOLAN @Erin_Molan

Catch Erin on ‘The Footy Show’ every Thursday night at 8.30pm on Channel Nine

At home with Matt Moylan

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PANTHERS IN PICTURES

Nigel Plum and Adam Docker embrace after a win

Seasonof manyhighs

Rugby league can be an emotional game, and when the hard work pays off on the fi eld, the players certainly show their feelings. Melinda Jane has captured some of the more emotional moments of the 2014 season at Penrith Stadium

@wwpenrith

James Segeyaro, Peter Wallace, Jeremy Latimore and Matt Moylan celebrate a try

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1. The Panthers celebrate a try against the Bulldogs 2. All smiles after another four-pointer 3. Penrith score again, this time against the Titans 4. The boys celebrate their win over the CowboysPhotos: Melinda Jane

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PANTHERRUMBLINGS

Canberra Raiders captain Terry Campese shocked the small but vocal crowd at Leichhardt Oval last Saturday afternoon when he turned out for Mounties in the NSW Cup.

It was the first time in his decade-long career that the former Origin and Austral-ian half had played in reserve grade after some rather average form in the NRL of late.

However, despite the late inclusion of Campese, it wasn’t quite enough to get Mounties over the line with the Penrith Panthers running out 18-12 winners.

The Panthers were without captain Kevin Kingston and damaging backrower Ben Murdoch-Masila for the clash, due to NRL commitments, but still managed to go into half-time with a narrow 12-6 lead.

However the Panthers had to do it the hard way with the second half proving quite challenging for the minor premiers. Vaipuna Tia Killifi, Pat Hollis and Kieran Moss were each assisted from the field with injury, while fill-in hooker Daniel Foster was sin-binned for fighting.

This Saturday afternoon the Panthers will wrap up the regular season when they take on the Wentworthville Magpies.

Meanwhile, the finals chances of Penrith’s Holden Cup team took a huge hit on Monday night after a shock 22-20 loss to the Melbourne Storm.

Despite the loss, Penrith remain in the top eight in seventh place.

Daniel Foster

Panthers legend and former Gold Coast coach John Cartwright was spotted at Panthers Leagues Club on Monday afternoon. Presumably, he also attended the game between Penrith and Melbourne. While Cartwright has said he’s happy to stay at the Titans to help them out off the field, a return to Penrith in some capacity is surely not out of the question.

Kevin Kingston earned a recall into the top grade on Monday night in place of James Segeyaro, and it may have been quite a significant game for the Panthers co-captain. There’s every chance that Monday night’s match against the Storm could have marked Kingston’s final first grade game for the club. Segeyaro is due back against Manly on Sunday after flying to Papua New Guinea following the death of his father last week. Our thoughts go out to James and his family during this difficult time.

Spotted: A certain Penrith Panthers ground announcer broken down in the car park following last weekend’s game against the Cowboys. We’ve managed to obtain this exclusive photo (above) of his back-up car arriving.

Even members of the media are helping out Penrith’s sponsors. While

waiting for Craig Bellamy and Cameron Smith to arrive for the post-match press conference on Monday night, one jour-nalist placed two OAK milks on the table, in clear shot of the cameras.

The best evidence of how good the feeling is at Penrith at the moment is actually hiding away in the lower grades. Both NSW Cup coach Garth Brennan and Holden Cup coach Trent Barrett have stayed at Penrith despite the lure of opportunities elsewhere. Both would have been free to go and would have left with Penrith’s best wishes, but wanted to stay given the excitement at the foot of the Mountains at the moment. The real difference at Penrith in recent years is seeing promises become reality, and both Brennan and Barrett know that being part of what could be an incredible era at Penrith would be more beneficial to their careers than short term gain elsewhere.

I’m told Ray Hadley will call the NRL Grand Final this year – further evidence that Andrew Moore is on his way out at Radio 2GB.

Penrith again proved a ratings bonanza for Fox Sports on Monday night, with a huge audience of 262,000 tuning in for the game against Melbourne. The game was by far the highest rating pay TV show of the day on Monday, with only one other show (‘Monday Night with Matty Johns’) cracking the 100,000 viewer mark.

Ivan Cleary would have been stunned on Tuesday morning when he was told that Jeremy Latimore and Adam Docker had been charged by the NRL Match Review Committee. Cleary was confident both wouldn’t have a case to answer. Latimore’s charge for ‘Danger-ous Contact’ is a big blow for Penrith. At the time of going to print, he hadn’t entered a plea but was facing between 1-2 games out. Docker is free to play this weekend against Manly after a Careless High Tackle charge ensured he could escape suspension with an early plea.

Spotted: Carty in Penrith

Scott McRae’s ride home arrives just in time

Send your Panthers gossip atnews@westernweekender.com.au

with the Masked Panther

Lower GRADES

NATHAN TAYLOR @natetaylor87

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With the penalties handed out to the players involved in the ASADA probe now out in the open, these players have admit-ted to taking banned substances albeit unintentionally and without knowledge.

There are various views right or wrong but what is clear are the rules of the WADA code all players sign up to and have regular educational sessions on.

While measures allow for back dating sentences I believe that it also states that athletes must forgo any income related to their sport during the time of suspension.

Along with the fact the Cronulla Sharks have already conceded it has failed in its duty of care towards the players through its own investigation subsequently lead-ing to the NRL suspending coach Shane Flanagan plus other support stuff, I feel the long term viability of the Cronulla Sharks is on the line.

Should WADA come back with the belief ASADA has not handed out appropriate penalties, forcing repayment of monies and or extensions to the penalties, then I believe that the players could take legal action to claim against the club on a multitude of levels as several already have commenced.

Even with the redevelopment of club land that has previously saved them I

do not believe that they would be able to handle a multi-million dollar lawsuit plus the legal fees associated, which is a real reality given the salaries of some of the players involved and their reputations in the game.

The conjecture at present is whether

WADA has approved the penalties or not and only their public rubber stamping of any penalties will close the case once and for all.

The future of the Cronulla Sharks is far from settled and you can expect further rumblings to come.

On the home front it was a disappointing loss to the Storm on another wet Monday night with the visitors too clinical for the home side in the conditions.

While the headlines are saying a top four spot will be lost the players have their destiny in their own hands, they just need to win their final two games.

They face most likely the toughest road trip playing at Brookvale on a Sunday afternoon in front of what should be a packed house. However Manly have been playing below par in recent weeks and the reality is that if the Panthers are to hold onto fourth spot, they could face Manly again in the first semi-final so they are going to need to beat them at some stage so this week is as good a time as any to start and maybe knock them off the top spot instead. This will provide for a massive last home game against the Warriors the following Sunday which weather aside, Panthers fans should be looking to hope-fully set a ground record.

PRIDDO'S POINT

Let’s hope ASADA scandal is behind us

Sharks captain Paul Gallen

LUKE PRIDDIS

Luke Priddis won a Grand Final with Penrith in 2003 and is a former Clive Churchill Medal winner

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Coming into the end of the season, we see our first grand finals being played this weekend with the Under 8s age group, while the rest of the competition is well into their semi-finals and finals matches. Unfortunately, the weather that we experienced during the trial period at the beginning of the year has returned for the finals series, after we had a predominantly dry season. We allowed two bye weekends throughout the season which we use as back up weekends in case we have any washout weekends during the year. We had only needed one of these weekends to catch up on a handful of matches that were rained out during the season. For updates on ground closures throughout the finals series, please check the Penrith Juniors Facebook page.

As we come to the end of another Junior League season, it allows the Junior League to reward those volunteers who have gone above and beyond for their team and or club.

If you have somebody in mind who you think deserves a reward for their efforts this season please email through to junior-league@panthers.com.au as we are now taking nominations for Volunteer of the Year, Coach of the Year, Trainer of the Year and also Manager of the Year.

The end of the season is also a time for the players to be rewarded for their effort throughout the season. As the Junior League season finishes, the junior development programs and representative squads are selected for trials. These trials will be beginning as early as September 16 to September 30 for the ages Under 14s, Under 15s, Under 16s, Under 18s and Under 20s. On behalf of the Penrith Junior League we would like to congratulate all players who have been selected to trial for these squads.

Grand finals begin!

JUNIORS

YVONNE PURTELL @penrith_juniors

I t is one of Penrith’s greatest ever comeback stories, but given how the game ended, it often doesn’t rate a mention in the history books.

It was August 1, 2009 and Ivan Cleary was visiting Penrith Stadium with his Warriors side, taking on Matt Elliott’s Panthers who had struggled for consistency throughout the season.

The Warriors produced an impressive first half and led 20-6 at the break, before extending their lead to 32-6 early in the second half and seemingly wrap-ping up the contest.

But with 25 minutes to go, the Panthers would commence an incredible final period that had the crowd stunned.

Shane Elford crossed for a try, before Luke Walsh and Frank Puletua also grabbed tries in quick succession, bringing the score back to 32-24 in the blink of an eye.

Was a miracle about to unfold?With three minutes on the clock and eight points

behind, it still looked like the Panthers would fall short. But Wade Graham had other ideas, producing a beautiful ball to Michael Jennings who powered over from close range.

Now down 32-30, the Panthers were awarded a penalty in the dying seconds, giving Michael Gordon the opportunity to put the game into extra time.

He obliged, and the score was 32-all when the referee blew full-time.

A pulsating period of extra time began, but the game couldn’t find a deciding point and after 10 minutes of overtime, the game was declared a draw.

Had Penrith won, it would have broken all sorts of records – but the draw ensured the Warriors kept at least some of their dignity in tact.

“It certainly wasn’t our attitude, it certainly wasn’t our execution but we certainly showed enough belief in each other to get out of a tight situation,” Panthers coach Matt Elliott told ABC Radio after the game.

“I had no doubt in what we were capable of... it was just about putting some discipline and possession together that looked remotely constructive.”

Warriors coach Ivan Cleary, who would later replace Elliott at the Panthers, was dejected after the contest.

“We should have put them to bed without a doubt, but they got a sniff and threw caution to the wind,” he said.

Cleary also thought his side should have won in golden point.

“In the end I thought we had the better of golden point, but it becomes a bit of a lottery. We’re disap-pointed to only get one point,” he said.

The game may not have ended with a Penrith victory, but the 32-all draw remains one of the most memorable games ever played at Penrith Stadium – anyone there on the night witnessed something quite remarkable.

A comeback, a draw, a miracle

Wade Graham gets involved in the match

With 25 minutes to go, the Panthers would commence an incredible fi nal period that had the crowd stunned

PANTHERS FLASHBACK

TROY DODDS @troydodds

FROM THE VAULT

Who has one of these at home? Released in 1991, Five Star Brandy tells the story of Penrith legend Greg Alexander. Incredibly, the book was released almost a decade before Alexander would retire from the game, showing just how big the local junior was back in the early 1990’s. Five Star Brandy was one of the great rugby league books, and a must read!

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Idris delights supportersClub PD W D L B F A +/- Pts

1 Sea Eagles 22 15 0 7 2 460 344 +116 34

2 Rabbitohs 22 14 0 8 2 546 325 +221 32

3 Roosters 22 14 0 8 2 569 355 +214 32

4 Panthers 22 14 0 8 2 459 394 +65 32

5 Storm 22 13 0 9 2 502 424 +78 30

6 Bulldogs 22 13 0 9 2 414 399 +15 30

7 Cowboys 22 12 0 10 2 546 371 +175 28

8 Eels 22 12 0 10 2 445 505 -60 28

9 Broncos 22 11 0 11 2 507 412 +95 26

10 Warriors 22 11 0 11 2 523 469 +54 26

11 Dragons 22 11 0 11 2 437 458 -21 26

12 W. Tigers 22 9 0 13 2 382 594 -212 22

13 Titans 22 8 0 14 2 353 478 -125 20

14 Knights 22 8 0 14 2 381 549 -168 20

15 Raiders 22 6 0 16 2 406 591 -185 16

16 Sharks 22 5 0 17 2 305 567 -262 14

ROUND 25Bulldogs v Rabbitohs

Thursday 7.45pmANZ Stadium

Broncos v DragonsFriday 7.45pm

Suncorp Stadium

Knights v EelsSaturday 3.00pm Hunter Stadium

Raiders v Wests TigersSaturday 5.30pm

GIO Stadium

Roosters v StormSaturday 7.30pm Allianz Stadium

Warriors v TitansSunday 2.00pm

Mt Smart Stadium

Sea Eagles v PanthersSunday 3.00pmBrookvale Oval

Cowboys v SharksMonday 7.00pm

1300 Smiles Stadium

Extra Time Issue Number 026

PRINTED BY Spotpress Pty Ltd / PRODUCED BY The Western Weekender

EDITOR Troy Dodds / 4722 2998 / troy.dodds@westernweekender.com.au

CONTRIBUTORS Nathan Taylor / Luke Priddis / Yvonne Purtell / Erin Molan

SALES MANAGER Simon Gould / 4722 2998 simon.gould@westernweekender.com.au

This is the kind of suburban football moment that the big stadium strategy threatens to destroy.

Almost an hour after the full-time siren sounded after Monday night’s clash between the Panthers and the Storm, hundreds of kids waited in the driving rain to catch a glimpse of their stars.

Despite the pouring rain and the loss, Penrith centre Jamal

Idris stood for 10 minutes signing autographs and taking photos with fans.

As the rest of the Penrith squad trickled out of the dress-ing rooms, they too stopped to sign autographs for apprecia-tive fans.

Melbourne’s star trio of Cameron Smith, Billy Slater and Cooper Cronk were swamped by fans when they left the ground.

Jamal Idris signs autographs in the rain on Monday

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