Extra Time April 30 2026

THE FINAL WORD

There was a rhythm about Penrith’s win over Newcastle last week that just felt right.

It was the kind of performance you want eight rounds in, with a shot at holding the Telstra Premiership trophy aloft in October very real.

Nothing overly flashy, but dominant enough that you never really felt Newcastle were a chance. The Panthers controlled virtually every aspect of the game, and the right players stood up at the right time.

Penrith have now completed a third of their regular season games and sit on top of the table. With three byes ahead and arguably some of their toughest matches behind them, the side is well positioned.

Even better, Ivan Cleary will have the luxury of managing the State of Origin period his

way. The task during that period is actually not as problematic as it has been in some years recently, and no matter what the outside noise may be, I have no doubt Cleary will ensure Penrith are ready for the back part of the season – even if it means making a few sacrifices in that middle section of the year.

The Panthers return to CommBank Stadium in an unusual Sunday night timeslot for the first time since they thumped Melbourne in their best performance of the season.

Manly come in to this match on the back of four straight wins, with Kieran Foran pondering why everyone made this coaching caper sound so difficult. It was all highlighted by a special win at his beloved Brookvale Oval last weekend.

But it’ll all come crashing down eventually and I’m confident the dream run of Fozball will come to a conclusion on Sunday night.

As much as Manly seem much more free in their attack and certainly comfortable with

each other across the park, Penrith are far too clinical here and I doubt will give Manly the early opportunities they’ve been given over the past month.

In the three games before the Eels on Sunday, Manly built up big leads that were largely unassailable. That’s not to say they didn’t deserve those victories but they speak of a side that has plenty to offer in the opening 20 minutes and when you pile on enough points, the opposition is left floundering in response.

Meantime, the Eels fell away meekly on Sunday and the Sea Eagles again had an easy run for a bulk of the game.

I can’t see a world in which Manly come out and put 12 or 18 points on the Panthers before they wake up. Indeed, I have no doubt Penrith would have spoken about Manly’s fast starts and will be looking to slow things down in this one and set the tempo of the contest.

In three of the past four games Manly has scored their first try within the opening six

minutes – allowing them to set the agenda. In fact, the Sea Eagles have only conceded the first try once since Round 2.

Penrith will simply outlast Manly if the Sea Eagles are forced to get into the grind. What was pleasing to see against Newcastle was Penrith’s right side being opened up. Paul Alamoti and Brian To’o were among Penrith’s best and when you’ve got both sides of the field firing you create so many chances in attack and so much uncertainty in the opposition.

While some Penrith fans were moaning about the lack of ball to Thomas Jenkins to extend his try-scoring streak, I couldn’t have been happier seeing the ball go right a little more and Nathan Cleary playing both sides of the ruck – and running the football.

Manly will certainly punish the Panthers if they aren’t switched on but I doubt the lessons learned from that defeat to the Bulldogs a few weeks back have been forgotten.

Tip: Panthers by 12.

Could Luai lure old mates to PNG?

desire to re-sign with Penrith before the November 1 deadline, and the prospect of looking elsewhere very real.

From the depths of COVID to accusations of arrogance and unprecedented success, a particular group of Penrith players has well and truly been in the trenches together – facing plenty of battles, but winning the war. Four of them, in fact.

Now, a comrade there through the thick of it all could spark the ultimate reunion.

Jarome Luai’s decision to leave the Wests Tigers at the end of 2027 and join the Papua New Guinea Chiefs is the first domino to fall in an intriguing player contract scenario that could have huge ramifications at Penrith.

While Luai’s specific contract situation with the Tigers meant he could talk to the Chiefs earlier than most players could, November 1 is looming as a date with frantic consequences for a host of off-contract Panthers.

Premiership winners Nathan Cleary, Mitch Kenny, Moses Leota, Liam Martin, Brian To’o and Isaah Yeo are all free to talk to other clubs, including the Chiefs, from that date.

And the prospect of a reunion with Luai looms large.

The players themselves are understandably remaining coy about the situation, but within their answers something is clear: no definite

“I haven’t really looked out that far yet. I’m always just riding the wave and the journey and just playing consistent footy week in and week out and when that time presents itself I’ll sit down with my manager and have a talk with him,” To’o said on Wednesday.

“I’ll sit down with my manager and have a talk with him”

When asked if he thought Luai would call him to potentially talk up a move to the Chiefs, To’o joked: “I don’t even know if he’s still got my number.”

To’o would not confirm whether he’ll test the market on November 1 or push for a fresh contract with

Penrith.

“I’m the kind of person who doesn’t like to look too far ahead,” he said.

“I’m more of a stay present type of person.” He said he was pleased for his good mate in Luai for taking the chance to be the face of the new NRL franchise.

“It’s good to see him not only being financially stable but also having the opportunity to do great things for the club and I know he and his family are really happy with the decision,” To’o said.

Panthers co-captain Isaah Yeo was unsure what his future holds beyond the end of next year, but did not rule out listening to potential interest from the Chiefs.

“I’m not sure. There’s a big long list of us off-contract. Myself personally, I’ve got to be open-minded,” he said.

“I can’t tell you what the club wants to do and there’s obviously a lot of dominoes to fall.”

Yeo admitted that his “best case scenario” would be to finish his career at Penrith and be a one-club player.

“At the same time you have to think of your family. I’ve got three young children now and this will probably be my last contract,” he said.

“Certainly one club would be nice, but I’m understanding that I’ve gotten older that rugby league is a business and opportunities are never a bad thing.”

Edwards: Blues jersey up for grabs

Well before a ball was kicked this season, Dylan Edwards knew he would be fighting for New South Wales jersey.

“Laurie [Daley] sat the squad down at the start of the year and said whoever is playing the best footy will get the nod in the jersey and that’s pretty important – you want people playing well and people fighting for the jersey,” Edwards said.

“Competition for spots is obviously really important. What will be will be. My focus is here playing well week in and week out.”

Edwards has had a scintillating start to the 2026 season but his main rival in Roosters captain James Tedesco is also playing career-best footy.

“Teddy has been very impressive. He rarely has a bad game,” Edwards said.

“It’s no surprise how he is playing at the moment and how the Roosters are performing.”

Edwards said given the Blues lost the series last year, he did not have a mortgage on the fullback jumper come selection time.

“I don’t think about retaining the jersey. It’s there up for grabs every year,” he said.

While much of the off-field focus in rugby league this week has been about Jarome Luai’s move to the PNG Chiefs, Edwards is focused on Sunday night’s clash with Manly and the mission to end their four match winning streak under new coach Kieran Foran.

Edwards, who scored three tries against Newcastle last week, is zoning in on upsetting the Fozball juggernaut but said he’s happy for his former teammate.

“I think it’s great for the Chiefs and Romey and his family,” he said.

“It’s a great opportunity for him, his family and the club.”

Panthers coach Ivan Cleary said Edwards was having a great season, but understood the talk about Tedesco challenging him for the Blues’ number one jumper.

“I think rightly so for Teddy. He’s been outstanding. You want competition for spots, nobody owns any Origin jersey,” he said.

“It’s a good problem for Laurie and the selectors. It’s not really my business.”

Edwards would not let anyone down.

“Dyl is just everywhere all the time,” Cleary said.

“It’s business as usual for Dyl. He does that week in, week out and has done that for years.”

Here come the Chiefs!

To’o set for heavy interest: One of the most in demand backs in the competition come November 1 could be Panthers four-time Premiership winner Brian To’o. I’m hearing that To’o is in the sights of several clubs. While no offers or formal discussions can happen prior to November 1, whispers are strong about St George-Illawarra, Parramatta and the PNG Chiefs having a serious crack. There would be some romance attached to To’o joining Jarome Luai at the Chiefs in 2028 given the Wests Tigers captain has now committed to the franchise. To’o will be 29 when his contract is up at Penrith, and his next deal could be the final big-money contract of his career. It’s unlikely Penrith will get as high as offers likely to come from elsewhere.

Chiefs have eye on Panthers: Make no mistake that the Chiefs believe securing the services of Jarome Luai significantly increases their chances of luring more Penrith players over to Papua New Guinea. The club is keen to create a community feel and some of the off-contract Panthers, along with Luai, were key to creating that at Penrith during the Premiership years.

Royce out of retirement: Is Panthers legend Royce Simmons planning to add to his rugby league honours by taking up another sport? I hear Simmons was spotted playing table tennis at The Royce last week. Despite talking up his chances early, he was ultimately defeated by his wife Liane.

Quirky slice of history: For the first time since entering the competition way back in 1967, the Panthers have won nine straight games at an opposition venue. The victory at McDonald Jones Stadium over Newcastle on Sunday confirmed the rather odd piece of history. The run started back in 2016 when the Panthers ran out 42-6 winners over Newcastle at what was then Hunter Stadium. Incredibly, the Panthers have scored over 40 points four times out of the nine straight wins. Penrith have quite the impressive history in Newcastle – they also won their first five games straight there between 1988 and 1992.

Spotted: Former Panthers five-eighth James Maloney enjoying a game of two-up at Panthers last Saturday as part of ANZAC Day.

Spotted: Panthers captain Isaah Yeo and Knights veteran Daine Gaigai swapping jerseys after Sunday’s clash in Newcastle. Gaigai is collecting jerseys from every club in the NRL, and is aiming to get his hands on the jumper of the player he has played against the most in each club. 35-year-old Gaigai is likely to retire

at season’s end, though is yet to make a formal decision.

Giving cancer the boot: The NRL in partnership with national insurer Youi, is taking up the fight against kids’ cancer through a new fundraising initiative to be launched during Magic Round. The two organisations have teamed up with all 17 NRL Clubs and 11 paediatric cancer centres in Australia and New Zealand to launch Kick for a Cause, with the aim of raising $1 million to improve the care, comfort, and outcomes of every child facing cancer across Australia and New Zealand. The centres are located in every community that an NRL club exists. Youi has pledged a $1,000 donation

for every successfully converted try and penalty goal attempt at the highly anticipated three-day festival of rugby league to be held in Brisbane from May 15-17. They have also doubled the pledge for every successful field goal across the round.

Feeling like home: I’m told that Panthers is already working on some excellent concepts next year to make sure the game day experience feels unique and very ‘Penrith’. This may also include the return of a few past initiatives. Panthers knows the new stadium won’t quite feel like the old Penrith Park, but they’re keen to make sure it doesn’t have that bland, plain stadium feel.

Big names for long lunch: Rugby league Immortal Andrew Johns has been secured as the big-name guest for Emu Plains Junior Rugby League Club’s 2026 Sportsmans Luncheon, to be held on July 17 at St Marys Band Club. Premiership winner James Maloney is also on the guest list, with Triple M’s Anthony Maroon to host the afternoon’s festivities. Tickets are $180 with tables of 10 available.

Mum’s the word, sort of: A host of Penrith officials and coaches were called to a meeting last week where a reminder about confidentiality and keeping things ‘in house’ was delivered. Apparently the club is unhappy about a few leaks to the media in recent times.

Liam Henry mystery: Liam Henry’s return to first grade has been further delayed after he apparently picked up a minor hamstring injury. Henry is yet to play in the NRL this season, but was making his comeback through the NSW Cup before the latest setback. What’s interesting is that his omission from the team sheet each week is essentially a mystery. The club remains very tight-lipped when it comes to injuries these days.

Panthers podcast: Don’t forget the Weekender’s ‘Tension’s Running High’ podcast, released weekly on Wednesdays. Troy Dodds and Nathan Taylor share their opinions on everything Penrith Panthers and rugby league, and usually stray off-topic with some highly entertaining banter. Head to www.westernweekender.com.au/podcast or search Western Weekender wherever you listen to podcasts.

Spotted: Panthers recruitment guru Jim Jones continues to cut laps around Jamison Park every morning.

Spill the tea: Spotted a Panther out and about? Got some news? Email maskedpanther@westernweekender.com.au.

PANTHERS POSTER

Will the Chiefs raid Panthers?

One thing is certain in the soap opera that is rugby league and that is that anything can happen.

The fact that Jarome Luai has become the Papau New Guinea (PNG) Chiefs’ first marquee signing is something I never thought was possible.

It’s an amazing move by a new franchise which doesn’t even play its first NRL game until 2028.

The Chiefs’ audacious bid to even go after him in the first place shows that the NRL’s newest franchise means business.

To that end, you have to realistically consider the possibility that the Chiefs’ General Manager of Football Michael Chammas could also have a number of Panthers players in his sights as well.

With 10 Penrith players all coming off contract at the end of 2027, let’s look at which players are a realistic chance of being approached to sign with the Chiefs.

The most obvious one would be Nathan ‘Clez’ Cleary. By all reports Cleary enjoys a positive relationship with Chammas, which was cultivated when Chammas was a journalist and would cover Penrith Panthers stories.

Truth be told, Chammas has positive relationships with a number of Penrith players and he could and probably will use that goodwill to try and sign not only Nathan Cleary.

It’s a long shot that ‘Clez’ would leave the Panthers and now that Luai has signed, I doubt they’ll even go after him.

Luai left the foot of the mountains to be the leader of his own team, I doubt he would’ve signed if he knew Batman was a possibility of coming as well.

For mine, there are four other Penrith players I

chance for a big pay-day. He’ll be 29 years-old when his contract with the Panthers expires next year and with a wife and family you couldn’t blame him if he took a big fat contract to finish his career in PNG.

A decision which could be made even easier now that his best friend has signed with them too.

This whole ‘tax-free’ incentive is a pretty big carrot and I’m sure it will tempt plenty of players who would normally not look at such a move.

The second player I can see being a target is Mitch Kenny. Kenny has made no secret that while he wants to stay in Penrith, he would also look at any offers that came his way.

Then we have Liam Martin, ‘Marto’ has carefully negotiated his last few contracts and like To’o and Kenny will also be in his early 30s when the Chiefs play their first game in just under two years’ time.

The final player I think may spike PNG’s interest is Paul Alamoti. Alamoti is playing some of the best football of his career and both he and To’o’s availability could come down to whether Thomas Jenkins re-signs with Penrith.

There just won’t be enough money under Penrith’s cap to keep Jenkins, Alamoti, To’o, Casey McLean and Izack Tago.

Now I have to stress something, age is not the only reason why players like To’o, Kenny and Martin may leave.

All three are outstanding players in their own right and still have plenty to offer any team in the Penrith and of course the Papua New Guinea

Driving Blaize: Footy, family and a bit of golf with Emily Chate

Connection, brotherhood and family are the three things Panthers young gun Blaize Talagi said motivate him through his career.

At 21-years-old Talagi still has his whole career ahead of him but said footy has already given him plenty to be grateful for.

“Footy has taught me about that connection and that brotherhood,”

Talagi told Behind The Game

“Family’s always been a big part of me and being able to be a part of the footy family and the brotherhood I have here is special.”

Talagi’s family, including younger brother Ryda who is signed with the Parramatta Eels, have been his rock through his rise to first grade.

“I’d say my partner, she’s helped me in so many ways on the mental side of things,” he said.

“Then I would also say my family – all my aunties, cousins, my mum and dad, my brother, and my sister as well, the whole family!

“They try to come to every game, mostly home games but there’s so many they would probably fill out the whole stadium!”

Like most fans, Talagi can be found watching footy on the weekend but claims a lot of the younger players don’t.

“Not every game, I feel like I watch the majority though,” Talagi explained.

“I know all the young boys don’t really watch footy, but I feel like I watch quite a bit.

“I wouldn’t say I’m a footy nerd; I feel like my brother is though.”

Talagi is in his second year at the Panthers and is an avid golfer – like many of the Panthers – and is trying to make his way to the top.

“I’ve got a few hobbies. I play a bit of golf; a few boys are into that,” he said.

“I feel like that crew is sort of Nathan, Lindsay and Freddy. I feel like they are sort of the good ones and I’m working my way up. Hopefully one day I’ll be with them!”

Questions

Coffee order: Orange juice (he doesn’t drink coffee)

Cheat meal: Chicken burger combo from his local kebab shop

Favourite movie: ‘Invincible’

Favourite musician: Bad Bunny

Who did you support growing up: Bulldogs

Pet peeve: Messiness

Go to streaming service: YouTube

THEY SAID IT...

“It’s a terrible thing. It honestly is a terrible thing. Particularly in the education of young people. It’s a terrible influence. It’s awful.”

Bulldogs boss Phil Gould on social media

“Not decisions for me to make but I’m happy with the way Tom is going for us.”

“It’s crass and unnecessary. There’s kids there and there’s women there. I was brought up to treat women and kids with respect. I wouldn’t do that.”

News Corp’s Dean Ritchie moaning about Wests Tigers crowd behaviour.

“It’s a smart play by Michael Chammas, because [Jarome Luai] is the sort of player the Chiefs are going to need. It’s a bold, smart move.”

Danny Weidler on the Chiefs signing Jarome Luai

“Dyl has always been a very selfless player, a team first guy. Not one that does a lot of flashy stuff but he is always there when we need him. He’s super reliable.”

Cleary on Dylan Edwards

“We weren’t there today, but from a coaching point of view, the boys tried so hard.”

“Moses Leota has got some ball playing in him as well. He was really impressive.”

Darcie McDonald on Moses Leota

“The

game is rigged this way for Penrith every week.

I’ve

turned it off. “

X user @DC72guy, who believes the NRL wants the same team to win all the time despite it making no sense.

NRL LADDER & FIXTURES

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