Extra Time
1991
2022
2003
2023
2021
2024 Scott Sorensen. Photo: NRL Photos.
PANTHERS OF WAR CHANCE TO KILL OFF THE BULLDOGS Match preview: See pages 34-35
BILLY SCOTT POSTER INSIDE ADVERTISEMENT
KINGSWOODSPORTSCLUB KINGSWOODSPORTSCLUB
KINGSWOODSPORTS.COM.AU 02 4737 4600
2 SANTLEY CRES, KINGSWOOD, NSW 2747
FATHER’S DAY
AT KINGSWOOD SPORTS
$2,000 IN PRIZES TO BE WON FOR DAD
FATHER’S DAY
Sunday 6 September Call 4737 4600 to book a table
Raffle
#1 Dad
SUN 30 AUGUST | TICKETS ON SALE 5PM - DRAWN FROM 6PM
FATHER’S DAY Lunch Specials T-Bone Steak | $28* Dad’s Steak Sandwich | $35* Mixed Grill | $24* FULL BISTRO MENU ALSO AVAILABLE ON THE DAY
HAPPY HOUR PROMOTION 3-6PM EVERYDAY FROM $6.50*
*Members Price.
WW59333
KINGSWOOD SPORTS CLUB
CELEBRATE
TE AM LIS T S
Panthers
Bulldogs
1
DYLAN EDWARDS
1
CONNOR TRACEY
2
TOM JENKINS
2
JACOB KIRAZ
3
IZACK TAGO
3
MATT BURTON
4
CASEY McLEAN
4
BRONSON XERRI
5
BRIAN TO’O
5
ENARI TUALA
6
JACK COLE
6
STEPHEN CRICHTON (c)
7
NATHAN CLEARY (c)
7
LACHLAN GALVIN
8
MOSES LEOTA
8
MAX KING
9
FREDDY LUSSICK
9
BAILEY HAYWARD
10
LIAM HENRY
10
LEO THOMPSON
11
ISAIAH PAPALI’I
11
VILIAME KIKAU
12
LIAM MARTIN
12
JACOB PRESTON
13
LINDSAY SMITH
13
JAEMAN SALMON
14
BILLY SCOTT
14
JAKE TURPIN
15
SCOTT SORENSEN
15
ALEKOLASIMI JONES
16
LUKE GARNER
16
HARRY HAYES
17
BILLY PHILLIPS
17
JOSH CURRAN
18
BLAIZE TALAGI
19
SEAN O’SULLIVAN
19
JAXEN EDGAR
20
JACK UNDERHILL
footy club
footy club
“Nobody does it better”
2/314 High Street, Penrith |
34
Contact the team today at 4732 2322 or penrith@ljhooker.com.au
penrith.ljhooker.com.au
the western weekender • extra time » Thursday, August 27, 2026
Check out our website
Your local Plumbing experts - 24/7 *Hot water repairs *General plumbing maintenance *Blocked Drains *Routine and scheduled maintenance *RPZ valve testing ooo*Leaking taps ooo *TMV testing
Contact us on 0491 377 539
Book p a service callg
When: 29th of Apri Time: 12: RSVP: 22nd of Apri WW57923
Even after 40 years, L J Hooker is setting the standard for Real Estate in the Penrith area. We are not going to rest on our lorels but
rather continue to keep doing what we do best which is working with our valued customers in realising their real estate dream.
57635
Take the risk and worry out of your real estate experience with L J Hooker Penrith!
MATCH PRE VIE W BROUGHT TO YOU BY
THE FINAL WORD FRIDAY, AUGUST 28 | 8.00PM | COMMBANK STADIUM | REFEREE: GERARD SUTTON | BUNKER: CHRIS BUTLER
TROY DODDS
B
ack in the middle of April, Penrith were handed a lesson in not getting too far ahead of themselves by Canterbury. The Bulldogs, despised outsiders, beat Penrith 32-16 in a gritty display that saw everyone’s predictions of the Panthers going through the year undefeated tossed out the window. But Canterbury, and their fans, got a lesson out of that game too. You don’t win competitions in April. Fast forward to the last weekend of August and the Panthers are sitting pretty in equal first on the ladder, while the Bulldogs sit in 9th with only a slim hope of making the Finals.
Broadcast
For both clubs, that game in Round 6 is long forgotten. In fact while we’re talking of lessons, how the Bulldogs handled that euphoric win will without doubt be part of their season review. After toppling the Premiership favourites, they then went on a five game losing streak and fell to clubs like the Eels and Broncos – talk about coming down to Earth with a thud. Penrith’s win over Melbourne last Thursday night got things back on track for Ivan Cleary’s side after two losses. The final scoreline of 22-14 doesn’t really tell the story of the game. Penrith were well in control and had things wrapped up after half an hour before a couple of things happened – Grant Atkins got whistle happy and put the sin bin attendant to work, and the rain set in. Both
NINE | FOX LEAGUE
things brought the sides and scoreline closer than it should have been. The Bulldogs meanwhile never really looked in trouble against the Dragons but there were a few defensive lapses that would have concerned coach Cameron Ciraldo. With their season on the line, you can expect a switched on Canterbury for this one. They will think they have the blueprint to beat Penrith given the result earlier this year. It’s similar to the plan used by the Warriors and Roosters to beat Penrith – ambush, push forward, take every opportunity. The Dogs will leave nothing on the table. They will take the short drop-out when it’s available (they actually use that option more than any side in the competition), they’ll try to keep the speed of the game high and they’ll without
2GB 873 | ABC 702
question try to block and stop Nathan Cleary’s control of the game. Jack Cole has been named at five-eighth, but whether he or Blaize Talagi lines up alongside Nathan Cleary probably won’t be known until an hour before kick-off. I would expect Penrith to go about their business clinically here. Nothing too fancy. Cleary will of course be the key and the loss of Cogger is a big one given he’s been able to ease some of the pressure on his number seven from a game management point of view. The Dogs should stay in this one for at least 50 minutes. But I think Penrith will be just too good in the end, and they’ll do enough to put Canterbury’s 2026 season to sleep. Tip: Panthers by 14.
UPDATES ON NRL.COM
Thursday, August 27, 2026 « the western weekender • extra time
35
WW57663
36
the western weekender » Thursday, August 27, 2026
FE ATURE
Freddy wants a ring NATHAN TAYLOR
O
utgoing Penrith Panthers hooker Freddy Lussick says he’d love to leave the club with a Premiership in October. The 25-year-old will leave Penrith at season’s end, reportedly joining the Canterbury Bulldogs on a multi-year deal from next season.
“I’m very hungry to win a comp this year and that’s my focus” But before he departs the den for the kennel, he wants to give back to the Panthers with an NRL Premiership. Speaking with Extra Time on Wednesday, the young father of two said it’s on his ‘to-do’ list to win his first NRL Premiership ring.
Freddy Lussick in action. Photo: NRL Photos.
“Definitely! It’s pretty normal for these boys around here to be winning comps but there’s a few of us that haven’t,” Lussick said. “It would be nice to… that’s definitely the goal. I’m very hungry to win a comp this year and that’s my focus.” As fate would have it, Lussick’s two former clubs – the New Zealand Warriors and Sydney Roosters – are also contenders for this year’s Grand Final. While Lussick admitted it would be cool to go up against one of his former teams in the decider, he’s not counting his chickens just yet. “You think about it here and there but, at the end of the day, Finals is a whole different ball game where anything can happen,” he said. “It’s something I’m looking forward to though, it’s why you play rugby league – to play in these big games.” Lussick will play in another big game this Friday night when he goes up against his new club in Canterbury at CommBank Stadium. A win for the Panthers will put them in prime position for this year’s Minor Premiership. “Most importantly is these next two weeks and we have to get our game right this week,” Lussick said. “Bulldogs are playing with plenty of confidence and they are travelling well at the moment. I think they showed that last week and we know they’re going to come out firing and we’re going to expect that.” After back-toback losses to the Warriors and Roosters, the Panthers finally snapped their losing streak against the Melbourne Storm last Thursday in what was a wet and wild clash at AAMI Park. Lussick said it was a “tough game” that had just about everything. “We had three sin bins, which made it tough. It was also cold down there, windy, rainy, but it was good for our boys to show a bit of resilience. “No, it wasn’t the perfect game from us, but it was good that we found a
footy club
Freddy Lussick is keen to depart Penrith with a premiership. Photo: Melinda Jane.
way to get out of those situations. You’ve always got to play well down in Melbourne because they are hard to beat down there.” Lussick’s enjoyed a strong season at the Panthers this year, playing in 19 first grade games due to the lengthy absence of regular dummy half Mitch Kenny due to injury. With Kenny rumoured to be returning next week, Lussick is hopeful there will be room for
both hookers in the team come Finals time. “Mitch is tracking pretty well. I don’t know when he is going to be back but he’s a huge influence on our team and he has been for a number of years,” Lussick said. “I’m not looking too far ahead of what’s going to happen in the next couple of weeks. I’ve just got to focus on myself this week. We have to get the win and worry about the rest later.”
footy club Book a
FREE
Bennett Property is a fourth-generation father-and-son run agency, located in the heart of the Hawkesbury region. Our award-winning team is focused and eager to deliver the best possible service to you!
Build more living space, 58122
INSIDE OR OUT
02 4578 1234
239 Windsor St Richmond
CONTACT US
WW58128
in-home consultation to go through how we can expand your home space TODAY!
● Additions ● Alfrescos ● Carports ● Decks ● Extensions ● Patios ● Pergolas ● Rooms MARKET LEADER | SINCE 1959 | FAST QUOTES | QUALITY WORK | FULLY LICENSED & INSURED
Showroom: 236-238 Great Western Hwy, Emu Plains Contact us: 1300 659 276 or hicraft.com.au
Thursday, August 27, 2026 « the western weekender • extra time
37
FE ATURE
McLean’s five-year plan underway NATHAN TAYLOR
T
he term ‘five-year plan’ was often attached to the Panthers about a decade ago during the infamous Phil Gould era. But one current player who has his own five-year plan is recently re-signed Panthers centre Casey McLean. Earlier this month, the 20-year-old Origin star inked a contract extension, keeping him at the Panthers until the end of the 2030 season. Speaking with Extra Time this week, McLean says he has two goals he’d like to achieve between now and the end of his next deal. “The selfish goal is to win the Premiership, but I suppose another one is trying to leave the club in a better place than what it was yesterday,” he said. Those wise words would be music to the ears of Panthers management who have an abundance of faith in the Blacktown Bears junior to succeed in spades over the next few years. McLean said getting the opportunity to remain at the foot of the Mountains for another four years after this season is worth celebrating. “To know that the club I love still wants me around does help my
mental state a lot,” he admitted. “Some boys my age would love to have the opportunity of where I am today. Growing up, spending my whole life in the Penrith area and giving back to the club is what I want to do.” McLean returned to Penrith’s line-up last week after spending two games on the sideline with a minor fracture in his hand. McLean suffered the pesky injury in Penrith’s big win over the Raiders in Mudgee back in Round 22. “I got checked by the physio during the game. I told him that I could feel my hand pop, so he pressed on it and he looked at me and said, ‘It’s probably not good, but you’ll be right’. So, I played on and then got taken off late in the game,” McLean recalled. Following scans, it was confirmed that McLean did suffer a small fracture and immediately went in for surgery. “The first two days I couldn’t move my fingers too much, it was a bit weird, but five or six days later my hand could pretty much close again,” McLean said. Fortunately, McLean was able to recover fast, only missing Penrith’s two losses against the Warriors and Roosters. “The club took great care of me and got me back two weeks after surgery
– I didn’t really think it was possible but I’m here,” he declared. “I’m grateful it wasn’t too bad and there wasn’t too much pain. I wasn’t thinking negatively too much. The physios were really good and kept me in good spirits.” After returning against the Storm and getting through the match unscathed, McLean is confident he’ll be back to his brilliant best against the Bulldogs this Friday night. “You don’t want to do too much or try too hard in
your first game back but the coach and the staff said they wouldn’t have put me out there if they didn’t know I could do the job,” McLean said.
“Getting back in the winning column helped a lot especially late in the season. Being able to get a win, go home and come out unscathed is a good thing.”
Casey McLean chatting to journalist Nathan Taylor. Photo: Melinda Jane.
LISTEN TO HEAR CODEWORDS: SUN AUG 30 AT 4PM MON AUG 31 TO THURS SEPT 3 AT 8AM, 11AM & 2PM FRI SEPT 4 AT 8AM YOU’LL HAVE 15 FIFTEEN MINUTES TO DM THE CODE WORD TO THE MY88 FACEBOOK PAGE AT 9AM ON FRIDAY SEPT 4 WE’LL ANNOUNCE THE WINNERS PLEASE CHECK OUR FACEBOOK PAGE FOR PRIZES
www.my88.com.au 38
the western weekender • extra time » Thursday, August 27, 2026
WW57678
OUR FATHER’S DAY COMPETITION IS BACK!
PANTHER RUMBLINGS
with The Masked Panther
Yeo deal closer than ever Yeo signature looms: Penrith have secured their biggest re-signing yet with Isaah Yeo agreeing to terms with a contract extension at the club, according to people with knowledge of the situation. It is my understanding the currently injured co-captain’s re-signing will be formally announced before the Finals. The 31-year-old is off-contract at the end of 2027, and this new deal will all but ensure he stays a one-club player.
Cleary linked to Kangaroos: It’s no surprise that outgoing Panthers coach Ivan Cleary was immediately linked to the soon-to-be-vacant Australian coaching job, following the shock news that Kevin Walters would be standing down after the World Cup. The Kangaroos are due to travel to England in late 2027, which would be after Cleary has finished his time with Penrith. It’s surely a real possibility if Cleary is keen on taking a representative role so soon.
Isaah Yeo.
Keen buyers: I’m told a big-name Panthers star recently purchased a new house with his partner in Glenbrook. It’s a good indicator the player is looking at Penrith as his long-term home. Grandfather’s quest: A long-time Panthers fan from Papua New Guinea is on a mission to see his favourite team in the flesh next month. 76-year-old grandfather Keith Lokai, who lives in the Western Highlands Province, plans to visit Penrith and wants to present some special gifts to his favourite players. The mission is big news in Papua New Guinea – it even made the back page of one of the main papers.
for the Warriors against Souths. While Jett was on the six-man bench, he didn’t get on the field in the end. Still, quite the family outing!
Shirts on! We’ve spotted the first 2026 Finals t-shirt for sale, with My Team Shop taking pre-orders on a commemorative shirt that will be available in coming weeks. There will be no official shirt from the club this year for the Finals, but there will be an official shirt put out by the club if they win the Minor Premiership. Rumoured signing: There’s been a few rumours doing the rounds that Penrith may be looking at signing Patrick Mago, who played a couple of dozen NRL games before making a career for himself in the UK Super League. He’s now played more than 100 games for Wigan. Mago is off-contract at the end of the year. False start: The entire Cleary clan made their way to Accor Stadium on Saturday night, hoping to see Jett Cleary make his NRL debut
Brandy’s health kick: If Panthers legend Greg Alexander has been a little short around the Fox Sports or SEN studios lately, you can’t blame him. I’m told he’s giving fasting a try... and it’s proving quite the challenge.
Prelim Sunday: It appears the Preliminary Final matches will be scheduled for Friday night and Sunday afternoon, with the NSW Cup to be given Saturday night stand-alone to host an evening Grand Final. The Cup Grand Final will be played at CommBank Stadium on Saturday, September 26 – along with the NSW Women’s Premiership and Jersey Flegg deciders.
Spotted: Panthers captain Nathan Cleary catching up with Storm coach Craig Bellamy and Harry Grant post-match at AAMI Park last Thursday night.
Legendary artwork: Check out this awesome mural of Panthers co-captains Isaah Yeo and Nathan Cleary, which was recently completed at Panthers Leagues Club. Have you spotted it yet?
Special milestone: Panthers coach Ivan Cleary was presented a special jersey to commemorate his 500th game as coach last Thursday. Wife Bec and son Nathan presented him the special jersey ahead of the match against Melbourne. Marto meets: Liam Martin met with Penrith officials this week. Both parties are hopeful they’ll come to terms on a new deal.
LISTEN NOW ON
WW57667
IT’S ALL ABOUT THE MUSIC Thursday, August 27, 2026 « the western weekender • extra time
39
PANTHER S POS TER 40
the western weekender • extra time » Thursday, August 27, 2026
Thursday, August 27, 2026 « the western weekender • extra time
41
Function enqui
er
h.city tions@penrit ries - galleryfunc
GO THE MIGHTY PANTHERS!
PATIOS | OUTDOOR BLINDS | SCREENS 0416 872 789 | YOUROUTDOORPATIO.COM.AU
panthers poster
The BEST local paper
As seen in
nder.com.au westernweeke .au 4722 2998 | weekender.com sales@western
illia ntho mes
au
BEFO RE
brill iant hom es
YOUR REBU LOCA CRAF ILDING L BUIL DE TI YEAR NG HOMDREAM R NEW S OF EX ES W S & PERT ITH 60 DUAL HOM ES IS LIVI NG, , DUPL E IN & AD GRAN EXES. NY DITI ONS FLATS @br
er
7729
US
per
CON TAC T
al pa
en in T loc
u 88 60
post
BES
he rs
.com .a
pa nt
As se Th e
4722 2998 | westernweekender.com.au sales@westernweekender.com.au
www.westernweekender.com.au/panthersposters
download posters you may have missed at
pant hers post
The
n in per BE ST local pa
As see
TOD AY!
AN
EB UIL DS PE CIA
DR
FRO BRIL M LIA FOU N NDAT T RIS ION E BR S ILLI 1ST ANT FLO O ADD ITIO R KN R NS OC EN & K D OVA TIO OW NS N
AFTE R
LIS T |
M
CU STO
CA
LM
ME S |
HO
.au
DU PLE XE S&
s.c om
GR A
pos
NN
YF
DE
ap
DIT ION S
AD
al p
LO OR
oc
1ST F
R
Tl
ter
LA TS |
UIL
rs
RB
t he
TE
pa n
er
As see eB n in ES Th
AS
me
w.b rill ian tho EW
LO
ww
UR
DE SIG NN
67
ES T 19
YO
29 sale 98 | wes s@w este ternwee rnw eeke kender.c nder om.a .com u .au
4722
22 2 sale 998 s@ | w we este ste r n w r n we ee eke ke nd nder. er. co com.a m.a u u
47
ANALYS IS
The big call Ivan Cleary must make W Lang on
League with Peter Lang
ith only two rounds of the regular NRL season to complete, Penrith needs to fix two things before the Finals Series begins on Friday, September 11 if they’re to be a genuine chance of winning their fifth premiership in six years. The top four has all but been decided with the Warriors (38 pts), Panthers (38 pts), Roosters (38 pts) and Dolphins (36 pts) all looking safe. The last piece of the puzzle is what position the teams will finish in. Of the sides above, the Roosters, Warriors and Dolphins seem to be the most settled and in the type of form which suggests they’re peaking at just the right time. The Chooks’ last performance aside. Sure, each team has things they need to improve but the most impressive team in the top four has to be the boys from across the ditch, who haven’t missed a beat despite losing their first three choice halfbacks, arguably the most important position in the team. Which leads me to the one area Penrith has to fix and fast because time is running out. The five-eighth position has become a real problem for the Panthers over the last few weeks. Things haven’t been the same since first choice five-eighth Blaize Talagi was dropped after the Round 21 game against the Parramatta Eels. In the last four games the position has been filled by both Jack Cogger and Jack Cole. With Cogger out until the second week of the Finals due to suspension, I thought it was time to reinstate Talagi as starting five-eighth and to stick with him for the rest of the season.
On the outer? Blaize Talagi. Photo: NRL Photos.
However, coach Ivan Cleary has gone back to the reliable Jack Cole at five-eighth for this Friday night’s game against the Bulldogs. We all know why Talagi was dropped, due to some defensive deficiencies, but I personally can’t see Penrith piling on too many points with Cole in the five-eighth role. He’s safe but not as creative or dangerous as Talagi. Which leads me to the second thing the Panthers must fix and that is their clunky attack of late. Unremarkably this has also coincided with Talagi’s dropping. I know the team scored 42 points against the Raiders in Round 22 but against more desperate defensive sides like the Warriors and Roosters, Penrith only scored a
meagre 18 points combined. Sure, the side seemingly bounced back against the Storm piling on 22 points in the first 40, but then the tries dried up in the second half. I acknowledge there were extenuating circumstances in the Melbourne game but the team needs Talagi back if it is to find the points necessary to win the competition. Of course, the Panthers’ attack should improve even more once both Mitch Kenny and co-captain and Isaah Yeo return from injury over the next few weeks. A fit and firing spine of Dylan Edwards, Blaize Talagi, Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo and Mitch Kenny is more than enough to improve the attack and match the side’s brilliant defence.
ARNALL TROPHIES Trophies – Plaques – Shields – Honour Boards – Glassware
TROPHIES FOR ALL OCCASIONS A family owned and operated business which has served the community for over 30 years
358 Jamison Road, Penrith www.arnalltrophies.com.au 42
the western weekender • extra time » Thursday, August 27, 2026
4721 3871
BEHIND THE GAME
Jesse is making the right moves W
Jesse McLean. Photo: Melinda Jane.
hile Jesse McLean is known for his skills on the football field, there is another place he gets to flex his muscles – his brain muscles that is. McLean is used to staring down an opponent and preparing a plan on their game, and this skill comes in extra handy when he is facing an opponent across the chess board. While it seems reminiscent of when Taylan May revealed to Extra Time journalist Nathan Taylor that he was an avid chess player in 2023, McLean said he has been playing the game since he was young. “I’ve been playing chess for a while, since I was about maybe 13-years-old,” McLean told Behind the Game. “I always played chess. I randomly got into it, and I even played a tournament once. “It started off as relaxing then it just
took me over and I played too much. I like the competition in it and that you can always get better at it.” This writer would love to see a chess match between McLean and his younger brother Casey. The brothers are both contracted to the Panthers at the moment – Casey just re-signed until the end of 2030 – and Jesse said that it is their dream to be playing professionally together. “We played footy outside in the backyard whenever we got the chance,” he said. “I would be playing it for fun if I wasn’t doing this. We’d be somewhere together still playing!” McLean and his brother grew up in Blacktown and said representing the western Sydney community is something he does with pride. “There is such a strong culture out here especially in Penrith that we are a staple of the community,” he said. “It’s been good for me especially being from western Sydney to be representing Penrith.”
with
Emily Chate Quick Questions Go to coffee order: Long black
Cheat meal: Maccas Favourite show: ‘Power’ Favourite musician: J. Cole
Who did you support growing up? Penrith Panthers Pet peeve: When people don’t clean up after themselves
‘Analyse Every Tackle’
TALKIN’ SPORT
3pm - 6pm Weekdays
Thursday, August 27, 2026 « the western weekender • extra time
43
PANTHER MEMORIES Penrith’s 1993 season was one rather forgotten. Still dealing with the death of Ben Alexander the previous year, the Panthers were light years away from the side that won the competition just two years earlier. They started the season with three straight losses, before finally breaking through against Balmain on a Friday night at Penrith Park. But that win would be followed by six straight losses – and the knowledge that the season was slipping away. By the end of the year Penrith had won just seven games to finish 12th, wrapping up the year with a rare highlight – a 10-6 win over Cronulla at Caltex Field. Penrith’s season was rocked by injuries, and at times the side couldn’t even train given how far down on troops they were. Incredibly, coach Phil Gould was forced to use a club record 46 players during the year.
SCOREBOARD Missed last week’s results? Here’s a rundown of what happened in key Penrith Panthers games...
NRL PANTHERS
22
14
STORM
Tries: T Wishart, J Howarth, S Tuimalatu-Brown Goals: N Meaney 1/3
Tries: B To’o 3, L Henry Goals: N Cleary 3/4
NSW CUP PANTHERS
40
Tries: K Leuluai-Going 2, T Ale, V Tapa’atoutai, J Liddiard, L Patea, P Moimoi. Goals: Z Clarke 6/7
20
STORM
Tries: M Waitere 2, A Clarke 2 Goals: T Toelau 2/4
JERSEY FLEGG
WW59221
STORM
44
the western weekender • extra time » Thursday, August 27, 2026
34
Tries: W Hammond, B Stringer, A Murgha, J Ryan, V Isaako, L Foliola. Goals: V Isaako 5/6
22
PANTHERS
Tries: C Kanaan, K Skipps, J Colley, D Feltham Goals: K Raven 3/4
NRL L ADDER & FIX TURES CLUB
PD
W
D
L
B
F
A
+/-
PTS
1
Warriors
22
16
0
6
3
651
356
+295
38
2
Panthers
22
16
0
6
3
621
327
+294
38
3
Roosters
22
16
0
6
3
587
425
+162
38
4
Dolphins
22
15
0
7
3
612
474
+138
36
5
Sharks
22
14
0
8
3
634
461
+173
34
6
Knights
23
14
0
9
2
601
545
+56
32
7
Rabbitohs
22
12
0
10
3
602
539
+63
30
8
Cowboys
22
12
0
10
3
514
592
-78
30
9
Bulldogs
22
11
0
11
3
446
478
-32
28
10
Sea Eagles
22 10
0
12
3
549
483
+66
26
11
Storm
22
9
0
13
3
524
536
-12
24
12
Raiders
23 10
0
13
2
531
596
-65
24
13
Eels
22
0
14
3
437
636
-199
22
8
14
W. Tigers
22
8
0
14
3
425
637
-212
22
15
Broncos
22
7
0
15
3
417
611
-194
20
16
Titans
22
6
0
16
3
435
597
-162
18
Dragons
22
4
0
18
3
358
651
-293
V
Thursday, August 27 7.50pm Suncorp Stadium
V
Friday, August 28 6.00pm 4 Pines Park
V
Friday, August 28 8.00pm CommBank Stadium
V
Saturday, August 29 3.00pm Cbus Super Stadium
V
Saturday, August 29 5.30pm Allianz Stadium
V
Saturday, August 29 7.35pm Queensland Country Bank Stadium
V
Sunday, August 30 2.00pm Go Media Stadium
V
Sunday, August 30 4.05pm CommBank Stadium
Face in the C r
owd
IS THIS YOU? Is this you at a recent Panthers game? If it is, you’ve won a $100 Rusty Penny voucher thanks to Rusty Penny Brewing. To collect your prize, visit the Weekender office at 2/42-44 Abel Street, Jamisontown and ask for Nathan Taylor.
Extra Time Issue Number 2026-026 PRODUCED BY The Western Weekender
14
BYE:
Raiders
EDITOR Troy Dodds / 4722 2998 troy.dodds@westernweekender.com.au WRITERS Nathan Taylor, Peter Lang, Emily Chate ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES 4722 2998 / sales@westernweekender.com.au
PL AYER OF THE YE AR The Western Weekender Penrith Panthers Player of the Year competition runs throughout the season, with our four experts delivering a 3, 2, 1 rating for the best Panthers players from each Penrith game. The player with the most votes at the end of the season is crowned our Player of the Year.
Selling Your Home? Call Me Today. CAMERON FAICO ǃ FAICOANDCO.COM.AU 58500
17
Round 26
LAST WEEK’S POINTS: PANTHERS VS STORM
footy club
4731 6311
NATHAN TAYLOR: 3 – BRIAN TO’O | 2 – NATHAN CLEARY | 1 – LINDSAY SMITH TROY DODDS: 3 – LINDSAY SMITH | 2 – BRIAN TO’O | 1 – LIAM HENRY
7/33 York Rd Jamisontown
PETER LANG: 3 – BRIAN TO’O | 2 – NATHAN CLEARY | 1 – LIAM HENRY LUKE PRIDDIS: 3 – BRIAN TO’O | 2 – LIAM HENRY | 1 – LINDSAY SMITH
At Penrith Muffler Mart & Tyre we specialise in:
Current Ladder 1st
Nathan Cleary
112 6th
Lindsay Smith
32
2nd Dylan Edwards
80
7th
Paul Alamoti
25
3rd
Thomas Jenkins
66
8th
Isaah Yeo
22
4th
Isaiah Papali'i
43
9th
Liam Henry
18
5th
Brian To'o
42 10th Casey McLean
16
• Budget Mufflers • Exhaust Systems • Car Servicing • Mechanical Repairs
• Towbars • Tyres and Wheels • Brake Repairs • Pink and Blue Slip insp.
CONTACT US TODAY FOR A FREE QUOTE!
Thursday, August 27, 2026 « the western weekender • extra time
45
CELEBRIT Y TIP S TER S K ANE TOWNS
STORM
PANTHERS
ROOSTERS
WARRIORS
TOWNS CRANES | 0487 272 819
SEA EAGLES
RABBITOHS
COWBOYS
SHARKS
ERIN VICARY
BRONCOS
PANTHERS
ROOSTERS
WARRIORS
SEA EAGLES
RABBITOHS
COWBOYS
SHARKS
STORM
PANTHERS
DOLPHINS
WARRIORS
SEA EAGLES
RABBITOHS
COWBOYS
SHARKS
STORM
PANTHERS
ROOSTERS
WARRIORS
SEA EAGLES
RABBITOHS
COWBOYS
SHARKS
STORM
PANTHERS
ROOSTERS
WARRIORS
SEA EAGLES
RABBITOHS
COWBOYS
SHARKS
STORM
PANTHERS
DOLPHINS
WARRIORS
SYNERGY ACCOUNTING | 4732 6555
SEA EAGLES
RABBITOHS
COWBOYS
SHARKS
CAMERON FAICO
STORM
PANTHERS
DOLPHINS
KNIGHTS
DRAGONS
RABBITOHS
TIGERS
SHARKS
STORM
PANTHERS
DOLPHINS
WARRIORS
CARMODY ACCOUNTING | 4711 3386
SEA EAGLES
RABBITOHS
COWBOYS
SHARKS
JULIET DESILVA
BRONCOS
PANTHERS
DOLPHINS
WARRIORS
SEA EAGLES
RABBITOHS
COWBOYS
SHARKS
STORM
PANTHERS
ROOSTERS
WARRIORS
SEA EAGLES
RABBITOHS
COWBOYS
SHARKS
STORM
PANTHERS
DOLPHINS
WARRIORS
BATEMAN BATTERSBY COMPLETE LEGAL | 4731 5899
SEA EAGLES
RABBITOHS
TIGERS
SHARKS
ALEX McKENZIE
BRONCOS
PANTHERS
ROOSTERS
WARRIORS
SEA EAGLES
RABBITOHS
COWBOYS
SHARKS
STORM
PANTHERS
ROOSTERS
KNIGHTS
THE WESTERN WEEKENDER | 4722 2998
SEA EAGLES
TITANS
COWBOYS
EELS
ANTHONY WALKER
BRONCOS
PANTHERS
ROOSTERS
WARRIORS
WALKER FINANCE | 0427 998 120
SEA EAGLES
TITANS
COWBOYS
SHARKS
DOUGLAS ELY
BRONCOS
PANTHERS
ROOSTERS
WARRIORS
YORK JEWELLERS | 4721 0780
SEA EAGLES
RABBITOHS
COWBOYS
SHARKS
AARON GAMPE
BRONCOS
PANTHERS
DOLPHINS
WARRIORS
SEA EAGLES
RABBITOHS
COWBOYS
SHARKS
STORM
PANTHERS
DOLPHINS
KNIGHTS
DROID MEDIA | 0415 844 247
DRAGONS
RABBITOHS
TIGERS
SHARKS
MARK ELPHICK
BRONCOS
PANTHERS
ROOSTERS
WARRIORS
MARKWATER GROUP | 0424 775 509
SEA EAGLES
RABBITOHS
COWBOYS
SHARKS
STORM
PANTHERS
ROOSTERS
WARRIORS
SEA EAGLES
RABBITOHS
COWBOYS
SHARKS
STORM
PANTHERS
DOLPHINS
WARRIORS
SEA EAGLES
RABBITOHS
COWBOYS
SHARKS
STORM
PANTHERS
ROOSTERS
WARRIORS
LAKESIDE RESTAURANT | 0419 491 125
SEA EAGLES
RABBITOHS
COWBOYS
SHARKS
ROSS FOWLER
BRONCOS
PANTHERS
DOLPHINS
KNIGHTS
SEA EAGLES
RABBITOHS
COWBOYS
SHARKS
DEFUSE PILATES & YOGA STUDIO | 4732 5226
RYAN SCHEITHE HERTZ | 4731 6344
LEIGH HARTOG JK WILLIAMS | 4725 3400
SCOTT SUTTON LOWER MOUNTAINS AIR CONDITIONING | 4735 6411
SHANAK A DE SILVA
FAICO & CO REAL ESTATE | 0434 400 225
JAI CARMODY
SYNERGY ACCOUNTING | 4732 6555
GARTH BUTLER PENRITH CITY AUTOMOTIVE | 8805 9500
DANIEL McKINNON
FUTURE FINANCIAL SERVICES | 4727 6588
TROY DODDS
BETTER BUILT HOMES | 1300 100 922
JOSHUA VAN DEN BROEK
DANIEL GALEA INFINITE HOMES | 4703 4040
CHARBEL GEAGEA KELLY PARTNERS | 4726 9666
VINCE CAPOLUPO
ROSS FOWLER & CO | 0419 738 484
46
the western weekender » Thursday, August 27, 2026
256 244 244 242 242 236 236 236 234 234 228 228 226 226 222 222 222 220 220 220 220 218
CELEBRIT Y TIP S TER S CHRIS AYLING
STORM
PANTHERS
ROOSTERS
KNIGHTS
SEA EAGLES
RABBITOHS
COWBOYS
SHARKS
STORM
PANTHERS
DOLPHINS
KNIGHTS
DRAGONS
RABBITOHS
TIGERS
SHARKS
STORM
PANTHERS
DOLPHINS
KNIGHTS
JAY JAY BUILDING SUPPLIES | 4731 1533
DRAGONS
RABBITOHS
TIGERS
SHARKS
LEE BANISTER
BRONCOS
PANTHERS
DOLPHINS
WARRIORS
SEA EAGLES
RABBITOHS
COWBOYS
EELS
STORM
BULLDOGS
DOLPHINS
WARRIORS
DRAGONS
RABBITOHS
COWBOYS
SHARKS
STORM
PANTHERS
DOLPHINS
KNIGHTS
PARRAMATTA MOTOR GROUP | 0447 517 711
SEA EAGLES
RABBITOHS
COWBOYS
SHARKS
ANTHEA STRATHDEE
BRONCOS
PANTHERS
DOLPHINS
WARRIORS
LOWER MOUNTAINS AIR CONDITIONING | 4735 6411
SEA EAGLES
RABBITOHS
COWBOYS
SHARKS
IAN GARTON
BRONCOS
PANTHERS
DOLPHINS
WARRIORS
SEA EAGLES
RABBITOHS
COWBOYS
SHARKS
STORM
PANTHERS
DOLPHINS
WARRIORS
SEA EAGLES
RABBITOHS
COWBOYS
SHARKS
STORM
PANTHERS
DOLPHINS
WARRIORS
SEA EAGLES
RABBITOHS
COWBOYS
SHARKS
STORM
PANTHERS
DOLPHINS
KNIGHTS
COUNTRY BREWER | 4731 5444
DRAGONS
RABBITOHS
TIGERS
SHARKS
DARREN LATTY
STORM
PANTHERS
DOLPHINS
WARRIORS
SEA EAGLES
RABBITOHS
TIGERS
SHARKS
STORM
PANTHERS
DOLPHINS
KNIGHTS
DRAGONS
RABBITOHS
TIGERS
SHARKS
ARUM ADVISORY | 8302 3677
ANDREW BERGER KELLY PARTNERS | 4726 9666
JAMIE GOLDFINCH
TRESAMI MANAGED IT SERVICES | 1300 318 444
SHANIL LAL RUNNYMEDE LAWYERS | 0432 043 112
JOHN VEITCH
MCDONALD’S GARTON GROUP | 4721 2992
NATHAN TAYLOR
THE WESTERN WEEKENDER | 4722 2998
BILL McDEED GOURMET MEAT CO | 4735 1400
DEE BARLOW
PRD REAL ESTATE | 0414 620 532
KEN HALE KEN HALE PLUMBING | 4773 9275
JIM HILL
STORM
PANTHERS
DOLPHINS
KNIGHTS
NEPEAN SOLAR SOLUTIONS | 4760 0809
DRAGONS
RABBITOHS
TIGERS
SHARKS
BRENT JONES
BRONCOS
PANTHERS
ROOSTERS
WARRIORS
SEA EAGLES
RABBITOHS
COWBOYS
SHARKS
STORM
PANTHERS
DOLPHINS
KNIGHTS
DRAGONS
RABBITOHS
TIGERS
SHARKS
STORM
PANTHERS
ROOSTERS
WARRIORS
BRILLIANT HOMES | 0416 258 341
DRAGONS
RABBITOHS
COWBOYS
EELS
JACOB BENNETT
STORM
PANTHERS
DOLPHINS
KNIGHTS
DRAGONS
RABBITOHS
TIGERS
SHARKS
STORM
PANTHERS
DOLPHINS
KNIGHTS
DRAGONS
RABBITOHS
TIGERS
SHARKS
STORM
PANTHERS
DOLPHINS
KNIGHTS
DRAGONS
RABBITOHS
TIGERS
SHARKS
STORM
PANTHERS
DOLPHINS
KNIGHTS
DRAGONS
RABBITOHS
TIGERS
SHARKS
STORM
PANTHERS
DOLPHINS
KNIGHTS
DRAGONS
RABBITOHS
TIGERS
SHARKS
LAMROCKS SOLICITORS | 4731 5688
ADAM TOBY EARTHWORKS TRAINING | 0415 214 348
VINCE MUSICO
BENNETT PROPERTY | 0487 487 775
JEFF LEMON KHP CIVIL | 4773 9275
DONNA HILDON SUPREMACY FUNERALS | 4721 2020
LIZ PRASAD RAINE & HORNE COMMERCIAL | 4722 8500
COREY PHILLIPS LEISURE POOLS | 0415 699 086
Thursday, August 27, 2026 « the western weekender
218 218 218 218 218 216 216 214 210 208 206 206 206 204 204 202 200 196 196 194 192 186 47
59227
48
the western weekender » Thursday, August 27, 2026