Extra Time 13 March

Panthers areBathurst bound

PANTHERS V TITANS

INSIDE: OUR 2015 CELEBRITY TIPSTERS

STEVE HARTKEVIN KINGSTONMASKED PANTHERFULL NRL TABLE

DREAM DEBUT

Pri

nte

d o

n 1

00

% r

ecyc

led

pap

er

We catch up with rising Panthers and NRL star Reagan Campbell-Gillard

PROUDLY INDEPENDENT

Issue 002FRI 13 MAR 2015

WW16181

« t

he

we

ster

n w

eek

end

er •

extr

a ti

me

38F

rid

ay 1

3 M

arc

h 2

015

WW16552

Removals & Storage Sydney

DOUBLE

Contact Our Friendly Staff on: 1800 830 506

Affordable Reliable Professional

• Free boxes with free delivery & pick-up• Pensioner/Centrelink Recipients discounts• No toll charges, fuel excess or any other

hidden charges what so ever• Fully insured• Hourly rate for duration of relocation only• Living & deceased estates• Antiques & fi ne arts specialist movers

Photo: Melinda Jane

MATCH PREVIEW PENRITH PANTHERS

1 Matt Moylan

2 George Jennings

3 Dean Whare

4 Jamal Idris

5 Dallin Watene-Zelezniak

6 Jamie Soward

7 Peter Wallace (c)

8 Sam McKendry

9 James Segeyaro

10 Brent Kite

11 Sika Manu

12 Lewis Brown

13 Elijah Taylor

14 Tyrone Peachey

15 Jeremy Latimore

16 Reagan Campbell-Gillard

17 Bryce Cartwright 18. I Yeo

GOLD COAST TITANS1 William Zillman

2 Kevin Gordon

3 James Roberts

4 Josh Hoffman

5 David Mead

6 Aidan Sezer

7 Daniel Mortimer

8 Luke Douglas

9 Kierran Moseley

10 Edward Pettybourne

11 Ryan James

12 Lachlan Burr

13 Nate Myles (c)

14 Agnatius Paasi

15 Mark Loane

16 Matt Robinson

17 Matt Srama 18. R Simpkins

In the moments before their match against the Bulldogs last Sunday, the Penrith squad gathered in a huddle on the Pepper Stadium turf.

It’s a common sight in world sport and who knows what was said, but it provided a glimpse into what this squad is all about – playing for each other.

Over the next 80 minutes, Penrith proved why they are one of the competi-tion heavyweights this year – building their way to a 24-0 lead before showing the strength to deny a miracle Bulldogs comeback.

Truth be told, the Panthers of a few years ago would probably have let the Bulldogs cross the line one more time in those final few minutes.

Sure, there were standout performances last Sunday. George Jennings ran over 200 metres and scored on debut – the dream of any player coming into first grade. James

Segeyaro showed why he was the Hooker of the Year in 2014 by scoring a sensational try, making 31 tackles and running the ball himself nine times. And Elijah Taylor defended his heart out, making 45 tackles in the stifling heat (more than anyone else in the match).

Individual brilliance aside, it’s what this bunch of guys do as a team that matters most.

This is a team that clicks, where every-body knows their job, where nobody lets their teammate down.

After kicking off the season with a win against Canterbury, Penrith now hit the road for a ‘home’ game against the Gold Coast Titans in Bathurst on Saturday afternoon.

Last year’s trip to Bathurst, the first of a long-term deal with the regional town, was one to forget – the Panthers lost to the Sharks and saw Peter Wallace go down injured, never to be seen again in 2014.

This time around they face a side that is going through significant turmoil in the shape of the Titans, who showed great grit and determination against the Tigers

last weekend but ultimately went down thanks to a Pat Richards field goal in the dying moments.

Confusion still surrounds the short term futures of star players Dave Taylor and Greg Bird. Given both plead not guilty to drugs charges on Monday, you really do have to wonder if the NRL has a leg to stand on in terms of keeping them out of the game.

Panthers coach Ivan Cleary’s focus this week would have been on his own team

rather than the opposition. Focusing too much on the opposition, particularly when there’s a great deal of uncertainty surrounding them, is only going to cause you a migraine.

Cleary probably earned himself a few grey hairs in those final 15 minutes against the Bulldogs on Sunday, but in retrospect, he’ll be glad it happened. It would have brought the squad down to Earth and certainly given Cleary something to work on with his troops during the week.

Both Sika Manu and Brent Kite struggled when they came back on for their final stints and while the weather was prob-ably partly to blame for the mini collapse, Cleary will need to ensure his middle is stronger for those final minutes, particu-larly if the game against the Titans is in the balance.

The only thing Penrith didn’t do right on Sunday was go in for the kill when their prey was on the ground, struggling for life.

I doubt they’ll make the same mistake if put in the same position again.

TIP: PANTHERS BY 10

Panthers play for each other

FACT CHECK Penrith have won

63.6% of their all-time matches against the Titans

Penrith’s winning percentage against the Titans is better than against any other club

This is the second year in a row Penrith have played in Bathurst

PANTHERS V TITANS

SATURDAY, MARCH 14

CARRINGTON PARK, 4.30PM

REFEREES: GAVIN MORRIS

AND ALAN SHORTALL

TV: FOX SPORTS LIVE 4.30PM

RADIO: 2GB LIVE 4.30PM

TROY DODDS @troydodds

39F

riday

13 Ma

rch 2

015

the w

estern

we

eken

der • ex

tra time »

PANTHER RUMBLINGS with the Masked Panther

SEND YOUR PANTHERS GOSSIP [email protected]

» One of the untold injury stories over the off-season was that of Sam McKen-dry. The big forward only had 20 minutes of contact work prior to last weekends’s game against Canterbury after develop-ing a blood clot following ankle surgery. It put him in severe doubt for the season opener, but he held his own against the Bulldogs.

» Panthers boss Phil Gould has revealed the club asked the NRL not to schedule home games in daytime hours during March and April because of the intense heat – but the pleas went unanswered. The game on Sunday was played in extremely hot conditions, which certainly affected the Bulldogs during the game and Penrith in the last 15 to 20 minutes. “We’ve pleaded with the league for the last three years not to play games out here in western Sydney in daytime condi-tions in March and April because it’s very hot,” Gould told Triple M.

» Walking from the stadium back to Panthers Leagues Club last Sunday after-noon, several fans spotted a silver haired gentleman waiting for a lift on the side of Mulgoa Road. A second look, and it was obvious that the man was none other than Ray ‘Rabbits’ Warren.

» Talking of silver haired gentlemen, Matthew Elliott made a return to Pepper Stadium last weekend – this time as part of the ABC Radio commentary team. El-liott certainly must have mixed feelings watching his former side emerge as such a huge success, but now appears to have found his home in the media.

» The TV ratings were great for last week-end’s game between Penrith and Canter-bury. The Channel Nine broadcast, into just two states, attracted 347,000 people. 259,000 watched the live broadcast in Sydney. The figures will boost significant-ly when daylight savings ends.

» It was great to hear Andrew Voss calling the football for Fox Sports last weekend. Vossy is now a permanent member of the Fox Sports team and is heading to Bathurst this weekend to call the game between the Penrith Panthers and Gold Coast Titans.

» The Outside Broadcast vans at Pepper Stadium are being moved away from the back of the western grandstand. The club plans to provide entertainment and the like in that precinct in the near future.

» Four female representative players have been appointed as NRL Community Ambassadors, making them the first females to hold such roles. Ruan Sims, Renae Kunst, Karyn Murphy and Tallisha Harden will be the first females to join legends of the game including Anthony Minichiello and Nathan Hindmarsh in the NRL’s groundbreaking community program.

BLOOD CLOT ALMOST FLOORED BIG MCKENDRY

Sam McKendry overcame an injury-riddled pre-season to play for the Panthers last Sunday

« t

he

we

ster

n w

eek

end

er •

extr

a ti

me

40F

rid

ay 1

3 M

arc

h 2

015

NORMAN’S SCRAP METALSNORMAN’S SCRAP METALSFree Call 1800 225 235

Cash buyers of all Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metals

NEW & USED STEEL BOUGHT & SOLDPICK-UP SERVICE AVAILABLE

MOST PUBLIC HOLIDAYSOPEN 7 DAYS

SYDNEY - 9748 0611FAX - 4721 7658

6 BLIGH STREET, AUBURN

PENRITH - 4732 168334 PEACHTREE ROAD, PENRITH

(Off Castlereagh Road)

WW15438

The first person Reagan Campbell-Gillard told that he was debuting in the opening round of the 2015 NRL season was his mum.

They both cried.After years of battling away in the lower

grades, picking up a few titles along the way (2013 Holden Cup and 2014 NSW Cup), a lifelong dream was finally realised for the 21-year-old.

“I was nervous, overwhelmed… getting the call up was amazing. I’m still nerv-ous thinking about it, I’m getting sweaty palms,” Campbell-Gillard told Extra Time.

“When I got the opportunity to play I was overwhelmed. I even shed a little tear with mum when I told her. It was just very excit-ing because I wanted to make her proud, make myself proud and my family.”

Campbell-Gillard heard of his selection in the first grade side a week before Penrith’s Round 1 side was officially released last Tuesday. He said he was hesitant to tell too many people.

“I didn’t want to tell anyone in case something happened and I wasn’t picked, I’d look like an idiot,” he laughed.

“But when everyone found out it was very exciting. I was getting messages and phone calls left, right and centre – that was making me even more nervous.”

Like most rugby league players, making the NRL is a lifelong dream. It was that for Campbell-Gillard too. However, his path took a slightly different course during his teenage years.

“I played juniors for five years until U10’s, stopped and started playing hockey

and soccer until U17’s, and then I started playing league again with Windsor,” he revealed.

“It was definitely a dream to make first grade. I have three other cousins that play (Tariq, Ashton and Korbin Sims). I wanted to try and make it and be like them, make a name for myself.”

The Fijian international made his long-awaited first grade debut during the first half of Penrith’s 24-18 win over the Canter-bury Bulldogs.

“Watching the clock wind down, I could sense my time would come,” the prop forward recalled.

“As soon as my name was called my hands were sweating so much that I had to spray my hands with a lot of grip spray.

“My first tackle was on James Graham and my first hit up was against Aidan Tolman, although it was a real ‘girly’ hit just to get it out of the way.”

Campbell-Gillard is contracted to the Panthers until the end of the 2016 season and hopes to remain at the club for life.

“I definitely want to continue my career here, it’s probably the only club I want to be at,” he said.

“The whole staff and playing group are great and the crowd is the best. It’s the club I want to be at.”

NATHAN TAYLOR natetaylor87

FEATURE STORY

Tears as dream comes true

Reagan Campbell-Gillard

After making his first grade debut last week, Reagan Campbell-Gillard is determined to play with the Panthers for many years to come

41F

riday

13 Ma

rch 2

015

the w

estern

we

eken

der • ex

tra time »

WW15331

18 FORTHORN PLACE, ST MARYS PH: 9623 0499 WWW.ABLTILECENTRE.COM.AU

OPENING HOURS MON TO FRI 7:30 - 5PM SAT 8:30AM - 4PM / SUN 9AM - 3PM

SEE INSTORE OR ONLINEFOR MORE GREAT DEALS

ABL TILE & BATHROOM CENTRE

1200 MODENA SHOWER BATH

VIRIDIAN BASIN MIXER

NEO MODULEVENT & LITE

1500 TALIANOFREESTANDING BATH

RUSHBASIN MIXER

VIXEN RETRACTABLE SINK MIXER

CALIBRE BASIN MIXER MATTE BLACK

1200 SUMMERTWIN WALL HUNG

RUSH SINK MIXERMATTE BLACK

PETE EVANSDOUBLEBOWL SINK

KIRI CHROMEEXPOSURE SHOWER

1200 INDIANAWALL HUNG VANITY

MONET UNDERMOUNTDOUBLE BOWL

55+ FOODDISPOSAL UNIT

$459

$137

$425

$739

$239

$339

$495 $899

$599 $919

$599 $875

$599 $419

15% off

NEW RELEASE

SAVE $610

20% off

20% off 20% off

NEW RELEASE

15% off 20% off

NEW RELEASENEW RELEASE

NEW RELEASE

20% off

25% off SAVE $80

15 YEAR

5 YEAR

15 YEAR

15 YEAR15 YEAR

3 YEAR

15 YEAR

30 YEAR

LIFETIME

LIFETIME

1600 SANIFORM PLUSSTEEL ENAMEL BATH

JIKA LAVAWALL FACED

$829 $599Made in Germany 20% off

CAMEO CLOSE COUPLED

$44915% off

OFF CENTRE BOWL

LIMITED STOCK

BONUS DISH

DRAINER

FREEACCESSORIES

ALSO AVAILABLE

BLACK OR CHROME

ABL TILE & BATHROOM CENTRE Proud sponsors of the Penrith Panthers

YOUR ONE STOP SHOP FOR ALL YOUR BATHROOM, KITCHEN AND TILING NEEDS

MARK ‘MG’ GEYER

PROUD

AMBASSADOR

OF ABL TILES

18 FORTHORN PLACE, ST MARYS PH: 9623 0499 WWW.ABLTILECENTRE.COM.AU

OPENING HOURS MON TO FRI 7:30 - 5PM SAT 8:30AM - 4PM / SUN 9AM - 3PM

SEE INSTORE OR ONLINEFOR MORE GREAT DEALS

ABL TILE & BATHROOM CENTRE

1500 EUROWA STEEL BATH

MILOSBASIN MIXER

NEO MODULEVENT & LITE

1600 AURAFREESTANDING BATH

RUSH BATH/SHOWERWALL MIXER MATTE BLACK

CALIBREBASIN MIXER

10MM LAMINATEOAK FLOORING

ULTRA LIGHT BATH ROBE

HYDROTAP INSTANTBOILING/CHILLED

KIRI CHROMEEXPOSURE SHOWER

ITALIAN PASSION300X600 GLOSSWHITE WALL TILE

MONET UNDERMOUNTDOUBLE BOWL

65+ FOODWASTE DISPOSAL UNIT

$459

$69

$425

$1499

$299 $399 $44.95/m2

$129 $3290

$599 $19/m2

$599 $639

SAVE $140

NEW RELEASE

15% OFF

20% OFF

20% off

NEW RANGE

ALSO IN WHITE SAVE $705

NEW RELEASENEW RELEASE20% OFF HALF PRICE

25% OFF 20% OFF

5 YEAR

5 YEAR 15 YEAR15 YEAR

LIFETIME

KOKO BLACKWALL FACED SUITE

$62915% OFF

URBANE WALL FACED SUITE

$659SAVE $140

1ST QUALITY

BONUS DISH

DRAINER

6 COLOURS

TO CHOOSE FROM

ABL TILE & BATHROOM CENTRE Proud sponsors of the Penrith Panthers

hd f hP hd f h

YOUR ONE STOP SHOP FOR ALL YOUR BATHROOM, KITCHEN AND TILING NEEDS

MARK ‘MG’ GEYER

PROUD

AMBASSADOR

OF ABL TILES

WW15331

4 YEAR

GASTON SPRING SINK MIXER

1200MM SUMMERTWIN WALL HUNG

$429NEW RELEASE

15 YEAR

MG’s

Deal of the

Week

NEW RELEASE

$899

AUSTRALIANMADE

MADE IN

GERMANY

KEV’S KORNER

OUR JUNIOR SYSTEM IS TO BE ADMIRED

Over the last couple of years, there’s been a spotlight cast on the number of local juniors coming up through the ranks at the Panthers.

Last year we saw Dallin Watene-Zelezniak make his NRL debut, and last weekend it was George Jennings and Reagan Campbell-Gillard who stepped out in the first grade jersey for the first time.

The production line of talent in Sydney’s west is impressive and a lot of hard work goes into developing the next generation of superstars.

From our junior league clubs and school rep teams, through to the Under 20’s, there is a huge team of people working behind the scenes in various roles, making sure these players develop the skills on and off the field, to be the best rugby league player they can be.

On more than one occasion I’ve heard Gus Gould say that it’s our responsibility to develop our juniors, rather than recruit out of the area.

We have a huge pool of talented kids in our junior rugby league competitions.

Why look elsewhere, when the next Matt Moylan or Peter Wallace could be right in front of you?

For a long time the Panthers have been strong in the Harold Mathews and SG Ball competitions, and our current NRL, NSW Cup and Holden Cup teams are playing well too.

Kids everywhere are dying for their chance to pull on that black jersey.

Players from other clubs want to play for the Panthers.

Parents want to send their kids to our development programs and managers want to send their top prospects to the club.

Why?Because they have seen our development

system in action, and they know it works.

If a young player from Sydney’s west has the drive, the ambition, the skills and the right attitude, the Panthers can take him all the way.

Do you have a topic you’d like Kevin Kingston to tackle? Email [email protected].

Dallin Watene-Zelezniak is a local junior who made his debut last year

WITH KEVIN KINGSTON

« t

he

we

ster

n w

eek

end

er •

extr

a ti

me

42F

rid

ay 1

3 M

arc

h 2

015

facebook.com/wagonwheelstmarysPh: 02 9330 3939www.wagonwheelstmarys.com.au 465 Great Western Hwy St Marys 2760

BISTROCome in and try our

ST MARYS

UFC FIGHT NIGHT Sunday 15th March 2015 from 11am “Welcome to the Show”LIVE

ON SCreen

LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLIIIIIIIVVVVVVVVVEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSEveryFriday Night> 9pm to 1am

> EveryTuesday from 5pm

CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCoooooooooooooooooooommmmmmmmmmmmmeeeeeeeeee iiiiiiiinnnnnnnnn aaaaaaaaannnnnnnnnddddddddd ttttttttttrrrrrryyyyyy

BistroSpecials

GREAT PRIZE

GIVEAWAYS

Every Sunday from 4pmCome down for a great afternoon of Karaoke entertainment.

KARAOKE

Authentic Italian & Modern Australian includingseasonal salads, pasta & char grilled Graziers steaks

AAAAAAuuttttthhhhheenntttttiiiiiiicc IIIIIIItttttaalllllliiiiiiaann &&&&& MMMMMMMMoodddddddeeeerrnn> 7 DAYS A WEEK

WW15530

Local

Dean Whare remembers signing with the Panthers right at the beginning of Phil Gould’s famous five-year plan.

He would never admit publicly that he regretted leaving Manly during the height of their dominance but, look-ing back, he’s certainly glad he took the gamble.

“It was definitely hard to leave a great club like Manly but as soon as I signed I knew I made the right decision,” the 25-year-old told Extra Time.

“Even during that first year when we didn’t make the top eight, I knew we were going places and it’s paid off pretty well.”

Since Whare arrived at the club in 2013, the Panthers have improved out of sight and are now one of the powerhouse clubs of the NRL.

Whare’s game, too, has also improved exponentially over the years.

After initially starting his first few games with the Panthers at fullback, Whare has grown to become one of the game’s lead-ing centres both in the NRL and on an international level.

“Since I’ve been here I haven’t missed a test for New Zealand, which I can probably credit to this team and myself preparing well,” Whare said.

“My goal this year is the same every year and that’s to play consistent each week; I try not to play a bad game and back it up with another bad game.”

One thing that Whare is finding refresh-ing about the Panthers of 2015 is the fact that there’s no longer negativity surround-ing the club in the media.

No longer are the Panthers easybeats or wooden spoon favourites – they are finally a team to be reckoned with.

“It’s certainly a lot different from when I first came to the club in 2013 when people tipped us to come last,” he said.

“There was definitely no expectations that year, we just played footy and we just missed out on the top eight.”

Whare certainly doesn’t hold any grudges against those who bagged the Panthers, in fact he thanks them.

“I think those people that put us down helped us to get to where we are now,” he said.

“Not many people backed Gus’ five-year plan but it’s all worked out pretty well so far and I think we’re on the brink of some-thing pretty amazing.”

NATHAN TAYLOR natetaylor87

FEATURE STORY

Something special is coming

Dean Whare in action

He left the high flying Manly Sea Eagles for a new chapter at Penrith, and Dean Whare has no regrets at all

43F

riday

13 Ma

rch 2

015

the w

estern

we

eken

der • ex

tra time »

GFWWN0313PG

Minchinbury9625 8500Pinegrove Memorial Park

Proudly Australian | 24 Hours All Areas | Prearranged Funerals

‘Plan ahead withsomeone you can trust.

Fiona BoulousFuneral Director

guardianfunerals.com.au

9625 8066

WW15879

PANTHERS IN PICTURES

Panthers claw DogsThe expectations were set high, and the Panthers achieved them. Despite a sloppy final 15 minutes, Penrith were too good for the Bulldogs last Sunday, winning 24-18 to open their 2015 account with two competition points.Melinda Jane captured some of the game’s highlights...

@wwpenrith

« t

he

we

ster

n w

eek

end

er •

extr

a ti

me

44F

rid

ay 1

3 M

arc

h 2

015

Call our offi ce for full details and brochure 9838 1733 [email protected]

PEGASUS COACH TOURS 2015

PORT STEPHENS2 Day All Inclusive TourDeparting 28 March 2015Famous Newcastle Tram, Newcastle Maritime Museum, Twilight Cruise, Port Stephens, Tomago House

$325.00ppts$55 Single Supplement

MOREE SPA CAPITAL SUPER SPECIAL7 Days/6 NightsLightning Ridge, Inverell, Goondiwindi, Moree, Artesian swimming poolDragon Phoenix Motel & Restaurant

$899 PPTS

MURRAY, DARLING RIVERS S.A. RIVERLAND TOUR7 Days/6 NightsDarling Junction Motor InnJunction Murray & Darling Rivers, Paddlesteamer Cruise, The Riverland SA

$820 PPTS Ph: 0418 571 682www.murraydarlingtours.com

WW16548

Penrith led the Bulldogs 24-0 early in the second half and then survived a late scare to come away with a win at Pepper Stadium. The game was played in front of almost 19,000 fans.

45F

riday

13 Ma

rch 2

015

the w

estern

we

eken

der • ex

tra time »

www.countrybrewer.com.au

more than just homebrew

PH: 4731 5444 • 218 Great Western Hwy Kingswood

• Cheese Kits• Beer Making Kits• Jerky Making Kits• Smoker Boxes

• Bacon Kits• Spirit and Liqueur

Essences• Chocolate Making Kits

Country Brewer Epicurean Roberts Confectionery Wyeast Fowlers Vacola A Taste of the Bush Andale Coopers Weyermann Joe White PO

PULAR

BRAN

DS

WW15949

WW16541

« t

he

we

ster

n w

eek

end

er •

extr

a ti

me

46F

rid

ay 1

3 M

arc

h 2

015

AIR CONDITIONING • REFRIGERATION • ELECTRICAL

Heating & Cooling Specialists

Lower Mountains

AIR CONDITIONING

Showroom: 2/129 Russell Street, Emu Plainswww.Lmac.com.au | [email protected] | Ph: 4735 6411

• The complete service• We have experience. We have the knowledge. We are specialists! • Visit our large working showroom• Make sure you buy the right size unit for your home or business.• FREE quotes• Sales, installation, service and repairs• Backed by maintenance schedule for every install! • 5 Years warranty on parts AND Labour• Fully accredited and insured• All major brands• Electrical, Refrigeration & Air Conditioning• Family owned with a professional qualifi ed team

4735 6411

WW16553

HART TO HART

Penrith captain Peter Wallace loves playing footy, he loves captaining the Panthers but no offence to the good people of Bathurst, he is not that keen to visit you this weekend.

Wallace will make a reluctant return to Carrington Park to lead the Panthers out against the Gold Coast Titans on Saturday afternoon.

Why reluctant? Well all week he’s been having flash-

backs to July last year when his season cruelly came to an end after rupturing the ACL joint in his right knee during his team’s loss to the Sharks.

It was heartbreaking at the time and made even harder as he was forced to watch his teammates enjoy a great ride for the rest of the season, going deep into the semi final series.

If he could he’d rather not be going back to the ground so soon that gives him recurring nightmares.

“Yeah I don’t have the fondest memories but it’s a new year and I’ve just got to push that aside,” Wallace said.

Naturally the chances of lightning strik-ing twice at the same place are very remote but the Panthers skipper is a little supersti-tious and even talking about it makes him more than a little uncomfortable.

“I don’t want to jinx myself but everyone does injuries and has to go back to the place where they did it, so I’ll just have to deal with it, I should be right,” he said with a nervous half grin.

Wallace is a calm leader for the completely rejuvenated Panthers and he

certainly deserves some good luck. Surely he has nothing to worry about and

Carrington Park in Bathurst can quickly redeem itself and become a field of dreams instead of nightmares?

Penrith will face a Gold Coast side who’ve had their own share of troubles lately losing five players to a cocaine scan-

dal that threatened to decimate the club, and a heartbreaking one point loss to the Wests Tigers in Round 1.

Wallace will of course be doing all he can to help lead his side to a victory but you get the feeling he’ll be just as happy to leave Bathurst fully fit.

See you next week!

BATHURST PAIN LINGERS FOR WALLACE Peter Wallace will return to Bathurst this weekend

WITH STEVE HART

LOVERS OF RUGBY LEAGUE WILL BE TREATED TO UNPARALLELED COVERAGE WITH FOX SPORTS SHOWCASING EVERY MATCH, INCLUDING UP TO FIVE LIVE GAMES EACH ROUND PLUS A NEW EXTENDED LINE-UP OF ENTERTAINMENT SHOWS FROM MONDAY TO THURSDAY.

INSIDE STORY WITH JUSTIN PASCOECEO, PENRITH DISTRICT RUGBY LEAGUE

WHY MEMBERSHIP IS SO IMPORTANT

A question I often get asked is, how valuable is a football member-ship? Most fans would value membership by the position of their seat, the inclusions of the

pack or the discounts and benefits that come as entitlements with the member-ship option they choose. These are all very important and make up a large portion of the decision making process when choosing to become a Panthers football member.

Then there is the intrinsic value. That is the game day experience, the players looking into the crowd as they run on to the field, seeing the grandstands full of Panthers fans and colours. What this contributes to regarding the on-field performance cannot be underestimated.

The players ride on the atmosphere and as a member sits on the edge of their seat, the players live every cheer as it is delivered.

As we always say, every member is the 18th man, they should have a sense of belonging and inclusion in the overall journey that this organisation is on.

The other perspective is the value to the club. It costs anywhere from $20 million to $35 million to run a professional NRL

organisation of which the 16 clubs receive a NRL grant of circa $7 million. The balance is generated through Game Day, sponsorship and corporate partnerships as well as merchandise and membership revenues.

The simple reality is that as our membership continues to grow, the increased revenue allows the Panthers to close the gap in terms of investments into resources that some other clubs enjoy.

As an organisation we will continue to invest in the football department, which entails coaching personnel, strength and conditioning, sports science and medical, stadia and facilities all aimed at ensuring our players have all the support and resources to give them the best opportunity to be competitive year in, year out.

With membership options starting at $30, whether you can get to a game or not, ask yourself the question, what value do you as a Panthers fan get out of the Panthers taking the field each week and is $30 within your budget to help make sure they continue to do so?

See you all next week and good luck to the entire squad in Bathurst on Saturday.

47F

riday

13 Ma

rch 2

015

the w

estern

we

eken

der • ex

tra time »

WW16469

Must present coupon. One per person

$3.90Traditional burger & chips

For all your catering needs call or drop in todayp y

SPECIAL

Shop 13B Town Terrace Glenmore Park

WW16469

4733 8833

Years supporting the Panthers: 30 years.Favourite current Panther and favourite ex-Panther: Josh Mansour and Mark Geyer.Why do you support the Panthers? I grew up in the district and idolised MG, Brandy and Freddy.What’s your best Panthers memo-ry? Easily the 1991 premiership, the town was electric and it put us on the map.What’s your prized piece of Pan-thers memorabilia that you’d never sell? A Mark Geyer signed jersey.If the Panthers won the 2015 Grand Final, how would you react? I would take the week off work and party hard! Maybe even shed a tear.Would you ever get a Panthers tattoo and where would you get it? Yes, I would get the logo on my arm.

NRL LADDER & FIXTURESCLUB PD W D L B F A +/- PTS

1 Rabbitohs 1 1 0 0 0 36 6 +30 02

2 Eels 1 1 0 0 0 42 12 +30 02

3 Roosters 1 1 0 0 0 28 4 +24 02

4 Knights 1 1 0 0 0 24 14 +10 02

5 Storm 1 1 0 0 0 12 4 +8 02

6 Panthers 1 1 0 0 0 24 18 +6 02

7 Raiders 1 1 0 0 0 24 20 +4 02

8 W. Tigers 1 1 0 0 0 19 18 +1 02

9 Titans 1 0 0 1 0 18 19 -1 00

10 Sharks 1 0 0 1 0 20 24 -4 00

11 Bulldogs 1 0 0 1 0 18 24 -6 00

12 Dragons 1 0 0 1 0 4 12 -8 00

13 Warriors 1 0 0 1 0 14 24 -10 00

14 Cowboys 1 0 0 1 0 4 28 -24 00

15 Sea Eagles 1 0 0 1 0 12 42 -30 00

16 Broncos 1 0 0 1 0 6 36 -30 00

ROUND 2

Bulldogs v EelsFriday, March 13, 7.30pm

ANZ Stadium

Sharks v BroncosFriday, March 13, 8.30pm

Remondis Stadium

Panthers v TitansSaturday, March 14, 4.30pm

Carrington Park

Sea Eagles v StormSaturday, March 14, 7.00pm

Brookvale Oval

Cowboys v KnightsSaturday, March 14, 9.00pm

1300 Smiles Stadium

Rabbitohs v RoostersSunday, March 15, 4.00pm

ANZ Stadium

Raiders v WarriorsSunday, March 15, 6.30pm

GIO Stadium

Tigers v DragonsMonday, March 16, 7.00pm

Campbelltown Stadium

Extra Time Issue Number 002

PRINTED BY Spotpress Pty Ltd / PRODUCED BY The Western Weekender

EDITOR Troy Dodds / 4722 2998 / [email protected]

CONTRIBUTORS Nathan Taylor / Kevin Kingston / Steve Hart / Stew Moses

SALES MANAGER Simon Gould / 4722 2998 [email protected]

KEITH HUNDTTuggerah

FAN OF THE WEEK

« t

he

we

ster

n w

eek

end

er •

extr

a ti

me

48F

rid

ay 1

3 M

arc

h 2

015

ONLY AVAILABLE IN STORE AT PENRITH

295701_P

EN

SHOP with CONFIDENCE Ends 23/03/15. Harvey Norman® stores are operated by independent franchisees. Mattress, bed linen and accessories shown are not included.

EXCLUSIVE TOHARVEY NORMAN

$199Sealy PosturePremier®

‘Stardust’ Single Mattress.10 year guarantee.

SALESALESALEE

$999King Koil ‘Chiro Choice Medium’Queen Ensemble.10 year guarantee.

$1299‘Barcelona’ 4-Piece Queen Bedroom Suite.Suite consists of a queen bed, two bedside tablesand a tallboy.

EXCLUSIVE TOHARVEY NORMAN

EXCLUSIVE TOHARVEY NORMAN

EXCLUSIVE TOHARVEY NORMAN

$1499‘Albury’ 4-Piece Queen Bedroom Suite.Suite consists of a queen bed, two bedside tablesand a tallboy.

$5995eaAlso available in Single, King Single,Double, Queen, King or SuperKing in assorted colours.

300 Thread-CountSheet Set.*1

$799‘Metz’ Single Mini Sleeper.Also available to order:Tallboy . . . $449

WW16144

HOLDEN CUP NSW CUP

Penrith kicked off their title defence with a hard earned 26-20 victory over a fast-finishing Canterbury team that refused to give in at Pepper Stadium. The standout performer for the Panthers was without doubt Ben Murdoch-Masila whose late shift to the back row allowed the wreck-ing ball to terrorise the Bulldogs’ left edge defence in tandem with Waqa Blake, re-sulting in a try and setting up two others.

The first half saw the lead shared between the two sides before a try to Will Smith on the stroke of half time in addi-tion to earlier tries scored by Kieran Moss and former Souths rake Api Koroisau gave Penrith a slender 14-12 lead. Tries to Isaac John and Murdoch-Masila straight after play resumed saw Penrith open up its largest lead of the game at 26-12.

To their credit, Canterbury hit back scoring two tries to set up a barnstorming finish which saw the Bulldogs break the line and threaten the Panthers’ tryline on numerous occasions, only to be denied by desperate Penrith defence to earn the two valuable competition points.

This weekend sees Penrith travel to Car-rington Park in Bathurst to take on Round 1 surprise packets, North Sydney Bears, with kick-off at 2.10pm.

The Bears endured a horror 2014 season

finishing with the wooden spoon, yet, de-spite this, caused the upset of the round last week, defeating 2014 heavyweights Wentworthville away from home.

Penrith have lost both Kieran Moss and Api Koroisau through injury.

Eddie Aiono replaces Moss which sees Robert Jennings move into the centres and shifts Will Smith back to fullback.

Liam Ayoub comes in as hooker, while Sam Anderson switches with Andy Saun-ders to start the game.

Adam Docker has again been named to play in the NSW Cup side as he continues recovery from off-season surgery.

The team is as follows:W Smith, Crichton, R Jennings, Blake,

Aiono, John, Davis, Anderson, Ayoub, Latu, Sopoaga, Murdoch-Masila, Adam Docker. Bench: Saunders, Coates, Fisher-Harris, Akeripa, C Smith (one to be omit-ted).

The North Sydney Bears will be any-thing but pushovers this weekend, having also named an exciting side including Ste-fano Taukafa, Aaron Gray, Scott Sorensen and Nathan Brown.

In 2014, the Panthers won both games between the two clubs and the home side will be looking to continue that trend this Saturday and remain undefeated.

TITLE DEFENCE OFF TO A GREAT START, BUT BEARS POSE A SURPRISING THREAT THIS SATURDAY

The Penrith Panthers have got their Holden Cup season off to the best start possible with a convincing 30-12 win over the Canterbury Bulldogs last Sun-day afternoon at Pepper Stadium.

In front of a stunning crowd in soaring temperatures, the Panthers got the ball rolling in the 12th minute after hooker Sione Katoa threw a brilliant cut out pass to halfback Soni Luke, who shifted it to backrower Fairouz Elkander to open the scoring.

Moments later, Panthers fullback Tyrone May put on a great individual display to put the home side up 12-0. Not long after, Penrith lock Dylan Fuad burst through the line at close range to extend the lead to 18-0.

With five minutes to go before the break, the Panthers were hungry for more and this time it was centre Brent Naden who went over after slipping through a hole 20 metres out and scor-ing an absolute beauty.

With the Panthers up 24-0 at the break, it was the Bulldogs who came out of the sheds firing in the second half.

Penrith’s defence could only withstand so much and, in the 50th minute, the visitors finally got their just reward with a nice try to Josh Bergamin.

With the Panthers enjoying their usual cat nap, it was time for the Dogs to strike again and they did just that through winger Joseph Burchell, who inched the scores closer 24-12.

But the Panthers weren’t done with just yet after interchange player Maliko Filino ran right through the tired Bull-dogs defence to score under the posts.

Penrith’s emphatic 18-point win leaves them in sixth position after Round 1. They’ll play the Gold Coast Titans, who also won their opening round clash against the Wests Tigers, in Bathurst this Saturday morning.

PANTHERS HEAD TO BATHURST IN POSITIVE FRAME OF MIND AFTER OPENING ROUND WIN

Penrith in action last weekend

BY NATHAN TAYLOR @natetaylor87

BY STEW MOSES @TheRiffMarn

49F

riday

13 Ma

rch 2

015

the w

estern

we

eken

der • ex

tra time »

• General Trade• Accident• Heavy Vehicle up to 12 Ton• Containers

• Machinery• Prestige Vehicles• Local

• Interstate/Country• Fully Insured• Green Card

• Accredited Drivers• Family Owned & Operated• Ticketed Operations

Penrith 4736 4400

www.towingpenrith.com.au

St Marys (Division) 9623 2020PENRITH TILT TRAY SPECIALISTS

S T M A R Y S - P E N R I T H - B L U E M O U N T A I N S

We transport anything up to 50 tonnes

WW15869

CELEBRITY TIPSTERS

EELS

SHARKS

PANTHERS

STORM

Fiona BoulousGuardian Funerals9625 8500

KNIGHTS

RABBITOHS

10 WARRIORS

DRAGONS

EELS

BRONCOS

PANTHERS

STORM

Darren Latty PRD Nationwide 4732 3711

COWBOYS

RABBITOHS

10 WARRIORS

TIGERS

BULLDOGS

SHARKS

PANTHERS

STORM

David LandriganRedback Auto4731 1110

KNIGHTS

ROOSTERS

10 RAIDERS

DRAGONS

BULLDOGS

SHARKS

PANTHERS

SEA EAGLES

Rhys and Aiden ABL Tile & Bathroom Centre 9623 0499

COWBOYS

RABBITOHS

6 WARRIORS

DRAGONS

EELS

SHARKS

PANTHERS

SEA EAGLES

Michael BallMBR Realty0414 264 668

COWBOYS

ROOSTERS

6 RAIDERS

TIGERS

EELS

BRONCOS

PANTHERS

STORM

Deidre BarlowCountry Brewer4731 5444

COWBOYS

RABBITOHS

12 RAIDERS

TIGERS

BULLDOGS

SHARKS

PANTHERS

STORM

Ellen LandriganMaxi Buses4729 0666

KNIGHTS

ROOSTERS

12 RAIDERS

DRAGONS

EELS

BRONCOS

PANTHERS

STORM

Kaiden, Brodie, NikkiDickies Towing 4736 4400

KNIGHTS

ROOSTERS

14 WARRIORS

DRAGONS

EELS

BRONCOS

PANTHERS

STORM

Norm HardyAuto Masters4731 5888

KNIGHTS

ROOSTERS

12 WARRIORS

DRAGONS

BULLDOGS

BRONCOS

PANTHERS

STORM

Paul NewtonLeisure Pools1300splash

COWBOYS

RABBITOHS

8 WARRIORS

TIGERS

EELS

SHARKS

PANTHERS

STORM

Fiona ScottFederal Lindsay MP4731 3700

KNIGHTS

RABBITOHS

12 RAIDERS

TIGERS

EELS

BRONCOS

PANTHERS

STORM

Vic ShipleyPower Smart0415 982 093

KNIGHTS

ROOSTERS

12 WARRIORS

DRAGONS

EELS

BRONCOS

PANTHERS

STORM

Erin MolanNRL Footy ShowChannel Nine

KNIGHTS

ROOSTERS

12 WARRIORS

DRAGONS

BULLDOGS

BRONCOS

PANTHERS

STORM

John ToddPenrith BEC4721 5011

COWBOYS

ROOSTERS

8 RAIDERS

TIGERS

BULLDOGS

BRONCOS

PANTHERS

STORM

Michael TaylorStanton & Taylor0414 993 777

KNIGHTS

RABBITOHS

10 RAIDERS

DRAGONS

BULLDOGS

BRONCOS

PANTHERS

STORM

Simonne ThompsonHertz Penrith4731 6344

COWBOYS

RABBITOHS

10 WARRIORS

TIGERS

BULLDOGS

BRONCOS

PANTHERS

STORM

Ross FowlerRoss Fowler & CO0419 738 484

COWBOYS

RABBITOHS

10 RAIDERS

DRAGONS

EELS

BRONCOS

PANTHERS

STORM

George HaidarWagon Wheel Hotel9330 3939

COWBOYS

RABBITOHS

8 WARRIORS

TIGERS

BULLDOGS

BRONCOS

PANTHERS

STORM

Nathan TaylorWestern Weekender4722 2998

COWBOYS

ROOSTERS

8 RAIDERS

TIGERS

EELS

SHARKS

PANTHERS

STORM

Peter AndersonHarvey Norman4737 5111

COWBOYS

RABBITOHS

10 RAIDERS

DRAGONS

« t

he

we

ster

n w

eek

end

er •

extr

a ti

me

50F

rid

ay 1

3 M

arc

h 2

015

Sydney Suspension is seeking a fully qualifi ed mechanic for an exciting employment opportunity in one of Penrith’s largest privately owned mechanical workshops.

Working on a wide variety of vehicles from Muscle Cars, Customs, Exotics, Extreme 4x4’s etc right through to your daily drivers.

We are looking for someone that is interested in an immediate start where possible. 5 days per week Monday - Friday

To Apply please call Dean on 02 47212112

WW16481

www.sydneysuspension.com.au 129 Coreen Av e nue PENRITH 4721 2112

Employment Opportunity

51F

riday

13 Ma

rch 2

015

the w

estern

we

eken

der • ex

tra time »

WW16458

THE DEALS ON THE BUS GO ROUND AND ROUND

WW16535

PENRITH EMUS

your P THWAY to SUCCESSIt’s never too late to become a professional SUPER 15 RUGBY PLAYER

PENRITH

15 RUGBYYYYYYYYYYYY PPPPPPPPLAYER

Recruiting all ages now

including U20s

SPONSORSHIPS STILL AVAILABLE

WW16496

SATURDAY

21st MARCH 11am

Shute Shield 1st Grade RugbyFIRSTGRADE COMP Penrith Emus vs Sydney Uni

Support the Emus @ their home... Nepean Rugby Park!PLUS VISIT US ON OUR WEBSITE: PENRITHRUGBY.COM