Weidler backs himself over To’o yarn
The Panthers were as bewildered as anyone about the story doing the rounds in regards to Brian To’o and his apparent issues with his pay packet or whatever other issues he may have (including, so some say, the loss of his friends to other clubs).
Panthers CEO Matt Cameron picked up the phone to Nine’s Danny Weidler after the journalist first broke the story on Tuesday.
Weidler is confident his story is correct and that To’o has come back from Origin camp questioning a few things.
Rest assured, the Panthers have zero appetite to release To’o or allow him to test the market.
Cameron is working to get to the bottom of what’s going on with To’o and his manager. The story will bubble away for a little while but it won’t result in To’o leaving.
Talagi set to join Penrith
Blaize Talagi has informed Parramatta he won’t be at the club next season. He’s very close to inking a deal with the Panthers.
World Cup in Penrith
Moves are already being made to ensure the new-look Penrith Stadium hosts at least one key game as part of the Rugby League World Cup in 2026.
The stadium will have been completed in the months prior to the event in October and November 2026.
26 teams including 10 men’s teams, eight women’s teams and eight wheelchair teams will compete in the tournament, which will be played across Australia and Papua New Guinea.
Venues NSW and the State Government will be keen to show off their latest asset on the biggest representative stage. It’d also be an opportunity to prove the new stadium is not just for the Panthers.
Cleary mobbed by fans
Nathan Cleary’s popularity is out of the stratosphere at the moment. He was mobbed like he was a member of The Beatles when trying to get to the team bus in Wollongong on Sunday. And he could literally spend hours signing autographs for the fans after games, such is the demand. At WIN Stadium last Sunday, he generously handed his boots to a family in the crowd.
Ticketing grief likely again
I’m told there’s unlikely to be a change in the ticketing system for a potential home Final at Penrith Stadium, with members unable to purchase their regular seats for the game. The Panthers want it to happen, but the decision rests with the NRL and Ticketek.
Panthers continue NRLW steps
Penrith’s entrance into the Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership from next year is a logical step closer to the club having an NRLW franchise.
But it won’t be in 2026 as many are saying.
The good money is on Penrith entering the competition in 2027, or even possibly 2028.
Fish grounded
James Fisher-Harris will be out for at least two weeks after picking up an injury against the Dragons last Sunday. It’s a huge blow to the side’s forward pack but at least he’ll be back well before the Finals and ready to storm home in his farewell stint with the Panthers.
Confidence reigns supreme
The Weekender is so confident that the Panthers will make a fifth Grand Final that management has already placed its commemorative special edition on sale to advertisers.
The Grand Final edition has become something of a tradition since 2020, and has grown in size each year. It will be out on October 4 this year as part of unprecedented Grand Final coverage, should the Panthers make the big one.
Nod to old scoreboard
Make sure you take a look at the southern end of the ground when you’re at BlueBet Stadium for Sunday’s clash against Newcastle. Uphire has recently put up a new billboard – and it’s a special farewell to Penrith Park, with a little tribute to the old, famous scoreboard.
Unlucky Luai
Poor old Jarome Luai. He copped a hit to the face and eye during a try-scoring celebration last Sunday, and was visibly stung by it.
Annesley’s verdict on Laurie hit
NRL Head of Football Graham Annesley is comfortable with the decision not to sin bin or charge St George-Illawarra’s Max Feagai for his hit on Daine Laurie last Sunday. Laurie later failed his Head Injury Assessment and will miss this weekend’s clash with Newcastle.
“They formed a few that the tackler exercises care and control,” Annesley said of the Match Review Committee’s decision not to charge Feagai.
“They believe it’s a head clash based on the available footage.”
Cleary’s early mornings
Nathan Cleary’s alarm has been going off much earlier than usual over the last week or so. He’s been getting up bright and early to watch partner Mary Fowler go around for the Matildas at the Olympics. It’s been a shaky campaign for the Australian girls.
Masked Panther
The Masked Panther is the most mysterious journalist of all. He has the inside word on everything happening in rugby league.