Extra Time March 19 2026

THE FINAL WORD

Ask anybody in the know what the secret recipe was to Penrith winning four straight Premierships and you’ll end up with quite the concoction.

Some will talk about culture. Others about the right players at the right time, some about the strategy developed by Ivan Cleary and his coaching staff.

Defence will almost certainly get a mention.

In fact it may just be the central ingredient.

It was Penrith’s defence during those Premiership years that was the most impressive facet of their game.

They conceded less than 12 points a game in 2021, 13.75 points per game in 2022, 13 flat in 2023 and 16.4 in 2024.

By the time 2025 came around, they were conceding almost 20 points a game and had

lost that grit and toughness that had defined the Premiership years in terms of defence.

The Panthers stayed in the race for the Premiership because defence had largely gone out the window across the broader game – Minor Premiers Canberra conceded 21 points per game while the eventual champions Brisbane were slightly worse.

Fast forward to the start of 2026 and we have seen signs that the defensive performances that helped Penrith break record after record during those years is back.

Defence wins Premierships not only because you have less points scored against you (that’s obvious) but moreso because it can frustrate opposition sides into making mistakes, and we saw a bit of that from the Sharks in Bathurst last Saturday night. It also allows you to control the momentum of matches to almost suffocate the other team, which Penrith did so well during the Premiership years and have had on show

in their opening matches against Brisbane and Cronulla.

The fact Penrith have defended so well in their opening two games is enough evidence that Ivan Cleary’s side has found its mojo again and while we may only be two games in, it’s hard to see a final four not involving the Panthers if they keep up that sort of effort.

Not that Cleary is resting on his laurels.

We’ve already seen him shake things up this year. Isaah Yeo is no longer being used for 80 minutes, instead getting a breather in the second half before coming back on to play front row. It’ll be interesting to see if that remains the tactic in games where the scoreline is closer, but I suggest it will be.

Cleary has always been good at identifying when he needs to change tact even with his best players. It keeps things fresh, and ensures that game loads are managed and the opposition is kept guessing.

Cleary is also yet to use Izack Tago this season. Despite his Premiership experience, it would appear Tago is facing an uphill battle to regain his spot in the starting side.

This Friday’s clash with the Roosters at Allianz Stadium should be an absolute belter. With significant adjustments to their spine given the arrival of Daly Cherry-Evans, it was always going to take Trent Robinson’s side a little while to click but they certainly found their rhythm against the Bunnies last Friday night.

I’m expecting a really intense battle here, and I think it’ll be one of the more lower scoring games of the opening month – a contrast to what we’ve experienced so far.

Defence wins Premierships and I dare say it wins twilight games in round three at Allianz Stadium too. The side that defends better, that wins the early forward battle and can control the momentum will win the contest.

Tip: Panthers by 8.

FEATURE Moses Leota says he wants to be a Panther for life

ever since he made his debut under former coach Anthony Griffin a decade ago.

Premiership-winning forward Moses Leota has declared that he’d love to remain a one-club player and play out the rest of his career with the Panthers.

This Friday against the Sydney Roosters, Leota will officially surpass former Panthers forward James Fisher-Harris in games played for Penrith.

Both workhorses currently sit on 203 games in Penrith colours, with 30-year-old Leota expected to leapfrog his best mate – who now captain’s the New Zealand Warriors – tomorrow evening at Allianz Stadium.

“I actually didn’t know that,” Leota told Extra Time on Wednesday upon hearing of the quirky stat.

“That’s cool to get one on him.” Leota has been a Panthers favourite

Signed until the end of the 2027 season, Leota said he’d love to stay at Penrith for the remainder of his career and perhaps notch up 300 NRL games.

“Yeah 100 per cent! This club’s been my home for so many years now and I want to repay the faith,” he said.

“They believed in me from the start, so I think that’s something that I want to do.”

The Panthers are enjoying a hot start to the 2026 NRL season, undefeated after two games against top contenders.

In Round 1, they held the reigning Premiers to zero points, while in Round 2 against the Sharks in Bathurst, the Panthers only conceded one try.

Leota said he’s proud to see his club’s trademark defence return after a lacklustre season last year.

“To be honest, it was just a bit of complacency from us last year at the beginning of the year. I think we’ve fixed that, and we now need to get even better,” he said.

“We haven’t changed much, we’re just working hard for each other. We know the system and we’re just sticking to the defensive system we’ve got.

“We had the hunger last year, we just probably had a bit of complacency, and we’ve sort of knocked that on the head this year.”

Leota admits he’s also feeling a lot more comfortable playing alongside recently re-signed prop Lindsay Smith, who replaced Fisher-Harris in Penrith’s starting pack last season.

Leota said Smith has grown a lot as a player over the past 12 months.

“Larry’s feeling a lot better now since he started,” he said.

“I feel like he’s grown as a player and is getting better.

“I still have plenty of growing to go

myself, but I feel like we’re both doing a good job.”

Meanwhile, Leota has backed fellow premiership winner and Samoan international Izack Tago to make his return to first grade in the not-too-distant future.

Tago, sitting on 99 NRL games, is yet to play in the NRL this year after a disrupted pre-season due to a personal matter.

Leota said Tago is taking his demotion from the top team rather well.

“He’s still the same Tago… still energetic and enjoying the company with the boys and just doing what he needs for the team,” Leota said.

“I would 100 per cent back him to return. Like I said, he’ll just do whatever is needed and I’m sure he’ll be ready when his time does come.”

Stronger Blaize feels right at home

Two games into his second season at the Panthers, five-eighth Blaize Talagi says he’s feeling a lot more comfortable in his role and with his teammates.

The 21-year-old was Penrith’s star signing ahead of the 2025 season, playing 22 games predominantly in the halves.

Despite Penrith not finishing with the title, 2025 was still considered a successful season for the former Eels centre, who replaced Jarome Luai in the famous Panthers’ number six jersey.

Speaking with Extra Time on Wednesday, Talagi said he’s feeling more and more at home at the foot of the Mountains.

“I feel like I’ve come a long way especially since last year. Just being able to feel more comfortable in my roles as a five-eighth and connecting more with those older boys, those leaders in our team,” he said.

Talagi said his developing connection with Penrith’s other spine players has been key in the club’s undefeated start to the season.

“It’s something we worked on during the pre-season. The first two rounds have been good and we’re still looking to showcase more of that,” he said.

“Us [spine players] are together all day. We’re not always on the field – we might be in meetings and other stuff – we’re always butting heads with each other, just talking footy, I guess. Sometimes even not talking footy, just sort of connecting with each other. I think that’s part of it too, that off-field aspect.”

during Penrith’s win over the Sharks last Saturday, said giving the fans something to cheer for in Bathurst was special.

“Being able to go there again this year and give the people of Bathurst a different feeling –giving them a win – is definitely something to be proud of,” Talagi said.

“It was a good feeling [making that break], finding some fresh air! Obviously, I didn’t finish it off with a try, but it’s something I’ll try and work on.”

Talagi also admitted he’s been working on his strength and speed during the pre-season, which was evident in the game against Cronulla.

“I feel like my body is still young, it’s still growing. I feel like I put a bit of extra work in the gym and I guess I’m feeling that out there on the field,” he said.

“The contact out on the field has always been something I sort of enjoy and I don’t shy away from, but after the contact, there’s a wrestle aspect to it, which is we’re I think I improved this year.”

The NRL will celebrate Multicultural Round this weekend, which celebrates the diverse cultural heritage of players, staff and fans, highlighting rugby league as a globally connected family.

“It’s always awesome to celebrate these sorts of things,” said Talagi, who has played five games for Samoa.

“Knowing how many Polynesian and Islander boys are in the NRL is something I’m always proud to be a part of.”

Kick-off against the Roosters is at 6pm.

RUMBLINGS

Veteran cheerleaders axed

Pantherettes rocked by changes: A number of long-time Pantherettes have been dumped from the club’s cheer squad this year. In a major shock, I’m told more than half a dozen ‘veterans’ who would have been considered a walk-up start this year by most were not successful at auditions held earlier this month. The Panthers have handed management of the cheer squad to a new company this year, not based locally. It has ended its long-time association with Westside Performing Arts. Not to say those successful did not deserve their place, and it’s clear a fresh direction is being taken this year, but there was more than a few eyebrows raised when certain dancers missed out. Only a handful of previous squad members have been retained, and there’s been little explanation to the veterans cut about why the decision was made to not retain the experienced Pantherettes. A number of girls who missed out have built strong reputations within the club, were great advocates for the Panthers and passionate fans of the team – as well as great dancers. It was surprising to see them miss out. Those veterans who did not make the cut have handled it with dignity – which must be applauded. The new-look Pantherettes will be in action next weekend at CommBank.

Say hello to new sponsor: It was announced last week that Helloworld would take on naming rights to the soon-to-be-completed Penrith Stadium, with the venue to be known as Helloworld Stadium. It’s a five-year deal and a huge win for Venues NSW, who will operate the venue when it opens next year. Recent criticism of the stadium design and construction certainly hasn’t deterred the State Government from talking it up. Fresh from Chris Minns promising the stadium would be a “knockout” despite concerns over its roof, Sports Minister Steve Kamper used the Helloworld announcement to again call the new stadium “worldclass” (despite around half the seats not being under cover) and a “crown jewel” for Penrith.

Corporate bookings open: It was intriguing last week to hear that Venues NSW is already selling private corporate suites at the new stadium. That certainly puts them ahead of Penrith’s own corporate team, who have not yet had the opportunity to start selling 2027 packages. Panthers and Venues NSW are still finalising their agreement for the club to be the anchor tenant from next year.

Social silence: We found it intriguing that Penrith MP Karen McKeown’s post announcing the Helloworld sponsorship for the new stadium was closed to comments on Facebook.

10 matches at Helloworld Stadium in their first year back at Penrith. With one game in Bathurst, Penrith will also be the home team at Magic Round for the third year in a row. The Panthers are expected to give up that position from 2028 and play 11 home matches at the new stadium.

Post-match poops: Panthers coach Ivan Cleary certainly wasn’t in the greatest of moods at the post-match press conference following last Saturday’s win over Cronulla. He took offence to a journalist calling the win scrappy, and bit back at another question too. Awkward.

Bathurst extension: The Panthers are in early talks with Bathurst Council about extending

of continuing

take a home game to

Fox commentary crisis: Fox Sports had some early season worries last weekend when it came to lead commentators. Despite a cavalcade of personalities on their books, the network was caught short when Andrew Voss (pictured below) lost his voice. It meant Matt Russell got a call-up, while Jake Duke made his debut and called two matches as lead commentator. Fox is of course also without Warren Smith, who is recovering following the discovery of pre-cancerous legions in his voice box.

Panthers colours far and wide: It’s something you wouldn’t have seen 10 years ago, but my keen eye spotted Penrith jerseys in the crowd at five NRL games last weekend, not including in Bathurst. From Allianz Stadium to Mount Smart in Auckland and even at the famous Brookvale and Wollongong hills, Penrith colours were proudly on show.

Where to for Tago?

ing with a legitimate personal issue, which is why he didn’t start the season in first grade. But the reality is that the longer he stays out of the

Penrith starting side, the more intense speculation will become about his future. Signed until the end of 2028, Tago is on decent money and far better than a bench warmer. There was even talk of a swap deal with Bronson Xerri over at the Bulldogs last weekend, though I’m not sure that really had any legs – Director Greg Alexander was quick to rule that out on Fox League on Sunday. Tago is well-liked at Panthers, but he faces a tough task now to work his way back into the top side.

with artist Calum Hotham, who is local to the region and is working on a canvas for the four-time Premiership winner.

Liam Henry is only a couple of weeks away from playing his first game this season. Henry is chomping at the bit to get his

PANTHERS POSTER

I love the new Penrith Stadium

League

Imay be the only person in the world who actually likes the look and feel of the new Penrith Stadium, or “Helloworld Stadium’ as it is now known.

It has one major factor going for it, which for me trumps all the negatives and that is – it’s not Commbank Stadium.

Now I have nothing against Commbank Stadium as a facility.

It’s top-notch and state-of-the-art but I hate it as a ‘home ground’ for the Panthers.

It doesn’t look or feel like Penrith’s home ground, no matter how many Panthers coloured lights are put on during a game.

I can’t wait to get back home to the new stadium which, despite its flaws, is located in Penrith AND while the stands may be different, that turf, the ground which the game is played on, is one which has seen many colossal battles from 1967 to 2024.

It’s the ground which plenty of legendary players make their mark on and home to so many wonderful Penrith victories and rugby league miracles.

I even like the fact that the new stands are in the same place as the old ones and that the ‘family hill’ remains intact.

As I said earlier, it’s not the

perfect stadium, for someone who suffers vertigo, I certainly won’t be sitting up high in the eastern grandstand. I also agree that the roof is totally inadequate, I mean I can’t see it covering the amount of people it claims to.

That aside, I like it. It’s a design which is modern but pays homage to the old ground. The facilities for both spectators and players will also be far superior.

It’s about as good as you can get for $309 million.

I admit, I’m a dinosaur. I would’ve been happy to stay at

the old stadium and just give the existing stands a face-lift.

So, when I saw the design and features of the new stadium, I liked it instantly. I just didn’t tell too many people about it because I was afraid of being shot down and ridiculed.

Now I don’t care because after a year at Commbank, I’d sit on the hill, on a cardboard box, in pouring rain, wearing a poncho if it meant playing back at Penrith. And Helloworld Stadium is in the heart of Penrith. Which is where a ‘home ground’ is supposed to be.

BILLY THE KID

Not many people would’ve heard of 21 year-old forward Billy Phillips when he made his firstgrade debut against the Bulldogs last year.

Well, they’ll know about him now as ‘Billy the Kid’ just had a stand-out game against the Sharks in Bathurst last Saturday.

In only his third top grade appearance Billy might not have slayed them in the stats but boy he showed that he wasn’t a kid anymore with a wonderful performance.

He off-loaded three times after hitting the line and they weren’t ‘hail Mary’ passes either.

One to co-skipper Isaah Yeo led to a try while the other two were quality offloads to players who were in a better position than he was to keep the attacking movement going.

Phillips also runs with plenty of purpose and bends the line when he hits it.

I think the Panthers have found the replacement for the departing Scott Sorensen.

I can’t wait for the next discovery to come along.

After all the club still has to find someone to take Liam Henry’s place.

To’o shows Courage on and off the field

Aday off looks a little different for star Penrith Panthers winger Brian

To’o these days, he’s now busy wrangling two kids and ramping up his social media game.

In the off-season To’o and his wife Moesha welcomed their second child, a baby girl named Courage Epiphany.

“Girls are very easy!” To’o laughed.

“But every time I say that to someone they say wait until they get older! She’s been really good. She just sleeps and eats and is growing every day.”

It’s a unique name, Courage, but To’o explained to this writer on Wednesday that it’s a name he and his wife always loved.

“It was definitely a name that we both kind of experienced throughout our whole time of growing up together,” To’o said.

“We thought that Courage is definitely a strong name for a girl and as for Courage herself hopefully she can grow up to be a strong, courageous woman.”

While she may be the second most important woman in his life after baby Courage, To’o credits his wife Moesha as his

biggest supporter. “She supports me through not only the good times but also the bad times,” To’o said.

“She’s been there since the very beginning before I made my debut. Throughout my whole career she’s just been the rock and the foundation by supporting me through everything.

“I give all my thanks to her.”

In an effort to share more behind the scenes content of his life with his fans, To’o recently did a food review on his Instagram account.

“I just wanted to do a bit more off the field,” To’o explained.

“I know that a lot of people are so interested in what I want to do or what I do away from footy and they’re always intrigued about my diet as well. It would be pretty cool to show... just a bit of behind the scenes of what I do in my life.”

To’o’s diet went viral in 2024 when it was revealed he downs six cans of Coke Zero each game day, among other things, but To’o said he’s toned his consumption down a little.

“It’s so good when they’re fresh out of the fridge,” To’o smiled.

“Pretty much on game day is the only time I drink Coke Zero, it’s not as much as before though.”

with Emily Chate

Coffee order: Caramel latte with two sugars and extra caramel syrup

Cheat meal: Bundle for six from McDonald’s

Favourite movie: ‘The Lord of the Rings’

Favourite musical artist: Bruno Mars

Who did you support growing up: Whoever won the Grand Final Pet peeve:

Grace Funerals listens first and takes care of all the details so that you don’t have to.

“It was a good performance again from the Panthers and it’s their big players that are standing up. Pretty impressive.”

“They’re the Ministers of Defence. The defence would be what is pleasing Ivan the most.”

THEY SAID IT...

“I think I need to find a new social media platform… Or no platform at all… This one is fully cooked… Too old to be putting up with this lot I reckon… Do they have a Seniors’ Twitter?

“Penrith are getting used to that winning feeling again. It’s the Penrith of old.”

Commentator Dan Ginnane on Fox League

“We’ve been really connected to start this year. There’s no excuses.”

“They are obviously set for another big year.” “Someone there is telling porky pies.”

“There’s been some preliminary discussions with the coach and Nathan’s manager, but the reality is... those two, and a whole host of others, are contracted to 2027... we’re pretty confident we’ll do what we need to do to keep this juggernaut rolling.”

NRL LADDER & FIXTURES

PANTHERS

WARRIORS SHARKS RABBITOHS EELS COWBOYS

RAIDERS PANTHERS

KNIGHTS SHARKS TIGERS DRAGONS COWBOYS

RAIDERS PANTHERS STORM KNIGHTS SHARKS TIGERS EELS COWBOYS

BULLDOGS PANTHERS STORM KNIGHTS SHARKS RABBITOHS EELS COWBOYS

BULLDOGS PANTHERS STORM WARRIORS DOLPHINS TIGERS EELS COWBOYS

RAIDERS PANTHERS STORM WARRIORS SHARKS RABBITOHS EELS COWBOYS

RAIDERS PANTHERS STORM WARRIORS DOLPHINS TIGERS EELS COWBOYS

BULLDOGS PANTHERS BRONCOS WARRIORS DOLPHINS TIGERS DRAGONS TITANS

BULLDOGS PANTHERS BRONCOS WARRIORS DOLPHINS TIGERS DRAGONS TITANS

BULLDOGS PANTHERS STORM WARRIORS SHARKS RABBITOHS EELS COWBOYS

BULLDOGS PANTHERS STORM WARRIORS SHARKS RABBITOHS EELS COWBOYS

BULLDOGS PANTHERS STORM WARRIORS SHARKS TIGERS DRAGONS TITANS

BULLDOGS PANTHERS BRONCOS WARRIORS DOLPHINS TIGERS DRAGONS TITANS

BULLDOGS PANTHERS STORM WARRIORS SHARKS TIGERS EELS COWBOYS

RAIDERS PANTHERS STORM WARRIORS SHARKS RABBITOHS EELS COWBOYS

RAIDERS PANTHERS STORM WARRIORS DOLPHINS TIGERS EELS COWBOYS

BULLDOGS PANTHERS STORM WARRIORS SHARKS RABBITOHS EELS COWBOYS

BULLDOGS PANTHERS BRONCOS WARRIORS SHARKS RABBITOHS EELS COWBOYS

BULLDOGS PANTHERS

RAIDERS PANTHERS

BULLDOGS PANTHERS

STORM WARRIORS SHARKS RABBITOHS DRAGONS TITANS

STORM KNIGHTS SHARKS RABBITOHS EELS COWBOYS

STORM WARRIORS SHARKS TIGERS EELS COWBOYS

BULLDOGS PANTHERS BRONCOS WARRIORS DOLPHINS TIGERS DRAGONS TITANS

RAIDERS PANTHERS STORM WARRIORS SHARKS RABBITOHS EELS COWBOYS

BULLDOGS PANTHERS

STORM WARRIORS SHARKS TIGERS EELS TITANS

BULLDOGS PANTHERS BRONCOS WARRIORS DOLPHINS TIGERS DRAGONS TITANS

RAIDERS PANTHERS

BULLDOGS PANTHERS

STORM WARRIORS SHARKS TIGERS EELS COWBOYS

STORM WARRIORS SHARKS RABBITOHS EELS COWBOYS

RAIDERS PANTHERS STORM WARRIORS SHARKS TIGERS EELS COWBOYS

BULLDOGS PANTHERS STORM WARRIORS DOLPHINS TIGERS EELS TITANS

BULLDOGS PANTHERS

STORM WARRIORS SHARKS RABBITOHS DRAGONS COWBOYS

RAIDERS PANTHERS STORM WARRIORS SHARKS TIGERS EELS COWBOYS

RAIDERS PANTHERS

STORM WARRIORS SHARKS RABBITOHS EELS COWBOYS