Cleary puts pen to paper
In a rather surprising announcement this week, it was confirmed that Ivan Cleary has penned an autobiography.
The Panthers coach will release Not Everything Counts But Everything Matters via Harper Collins in October.
The 368-page book will delve deep into his work with one of the most diverse teams in the league, the challenges he faces as leader, and how to inspire a team of individuals to hall-of-fame team greatness, including working with his son and co-captain, Nathan.
With a foreword by former Wallabies coach John Hart and insights from Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo, Api Koroisau and former Panthers Head of Performance Hayden Knowles, this powerful book reveals how to create a champion team.
It’ll be out on October 16 and is available for pre-order now.
10 submissions to stadium EIS
Despite all the community hype and talk around the Penrith Stadium redevelopment, the recently published Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) has only attracted 10 submissions.
One of them was rather explosive, as reported by the Weekender and other media outlets this week. The other nine were rather mundane. Penrith City Council, Sydney Water and Endeavour Energy all submitted responses, with nothing of particular note.
The six other submissions were from members of the public, raising ultimately minor concerns about the stadium’s design and various associated elements.
Spotted
Emotional scenes at full-time of the Panthers v Cowboys game last Sunday, as both Luron Patea and Casey McLean embraced their families following their NRL debuts.
What a Gem
There was a special Penrith Panthers link to Australia’s win over China at the FIBA U18 Asian Cup final over the weekend. Saffron Shiels is the niece of Panthers legend Greg Alexander. And she rounded out an incredible tournament for the Gems in the final, producing 31 points and 15 rebounds in the 96-79 victory.
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Cowboys trainer James Maloney embracing some of his former Penrith teammates, including prop Moses Leota, at full-time last Sunday afternoon.
Lifetime deal a way off
Talk of a lifetime deal for Penrith duo Ivan and Nathan Cleary is very premature. Both already have long-term deals with the club. The Panthers want to open talks about an extension, but nothing over the top will happen.
I’m told Ivan in particular isn’t convinced he’ll still be coaching in his 60s (he’s currently 53). It’s all very exciting and it makes for great hype, but don’t expect much movement in this space for some time.
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Former Panthers player and business powerhouse Lou Zivanovic at Sydney Airport boarding a flight for Spain for a special family holiday.
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Security officers getting tough on Penrith fans carrying banners and flags supporting their team at BlueBet Stadium last Sunday. Some supporters who’d been bringing their banners for years had them checked for the first time in an apparent crackdown.
Vegas, baby!
It’s been the most drawn out storyline, but finally the NRL is set to confirm the Panthers will play the Sharks in Las Vegas to open next year’s NRL season. By the sounds of it, half of Penrith will be there!
Spotted
The Penrith Pantherettes braving the rain to produce another strong performance at BlueBet Stadium on Sunday.
Retro merch launched
The Panthers have dropped a bunch of new merchandise, including a retro 1991 Grand Final tee. Featuring custom graphics commemorating this historic inaugural Premiership, it’s a must-have for fans eager to show their panther pride and celebrate the Panthers success.
Masked Panther
The Masked Panther is the most mysterious journalist of all. He has the inside word on everything happening in rugby league.