Different kind of memory
A Sunday afternoon at the footy took an odd twist for one young fan, who was on the wrong end of Sunia Turuva kicking the ball into the crowd in the second half last weekend.
The youngster lost a tooth following the impact of the ball into his face.
The family took it all in good spirits. Turuva was quick to apologise as soon as he realised what happened, and gave the youngster his boots and a footy post-game as an apology.
To’o issue settled, for now
The Panthers feel confident that they’ve calmed any issues surrounding winger Brian To’o, who was the subject of much media speculation last weekend.
The club was always confident it would sort through any drama once they sat down with To’o and his manager, and that ended up being the case.
All parties are on the same page and the issue will quieten down now and won’t act as a distraction ahead of the Finals. But whether it bubbles up again is yet to be seen.
Not just a sickie
Not many people believed the story that Brian To’o was sick last week when the media converged on Penrith, keen to get answers on his future. But I’m told the winger was legitimately unwell, and wasn’t quite 100 per cent by the time the captain’s run rolled around on Saturday.
Former CEO’s huge hike
Former Panthers CEO Mick Leary is still in great health. He’s spent the last couple of weeks travelling overseas and hiking in the Swiss Alps with his family.
The now 80-year-old played 92 first grade games for the Panthers, before returning as an administrator and serving as CEO.
Ray’s legacy lives on
Legendary Channel Nine commentator Ray Warren may have been retired since the end of the 2021 season, but his legacy certainly lives on at Penrith Stadium. A chair in the Nine box at the stadium still carries Warren’s name, albeit a little frayed. We assume lead Nine commentator Mat Thompson now sits in the great man’s chair… literally.
Spotted
Injured fullback Dylan Edwards watching Penrith’s win over Newcastle last Sunday from the coach’s box, while James Fisher-Harris was at the Plaza last Thursday.
Spotted
What a fall from grace for Taylan May. He’s gone from scoring tries at BlueBet Stadium with a huge career ahead of him to watching the game from beer hill, where he was spotted last Sunday.
Boss shocked by sponsor’s death
Panthers Group CEO Brian Fletcher was particularly rocked by the passing of long-time Penrith sponsor Barney Allam last weekend. Fletcher has a family connection with Allam and both come from country New South Wales. The pair had only had dinner together a few weeks ago.
NRL must tread carefully
There’s an obsession from some within the media, particularly at News Corp, for the NRL to expand to 20 teams and introduce a wildcard round at the end of the season, to stop teams resting players in the final round. It’s quite funny because many of the journos pushing for this will be the first to complain about the competition being diluted.
The NRL has to be really careful here. The game is flying with sellout crowds, great TV ratings and a solid reputation. Let’s hope further expansion is not what we look back on as the mistake that took all of that away.
Happy reunion
After helping the Panthers to Premiership triumph last year, Jack Cogger was back at BlueBet Stadium last Sunday as the Knights desperately tried to keep their Finals hopes alive. Cogger chatted to some of his former teammates post-game, including 100-gamer Mitch Kenny.
New podcast
A reminder that the Weekender’s new Tension’s Running High podcast is dropping new episodes every week. Troy Dodds and Nathan Taylor take you through the latest at the Panthers, and will this week pay tribute to long-time sponsor Barney Allam following his passing. Search Western Weekender wherever you listen to podcasts, or head to https://www.westernweekender.com.au/podcast.
Panthers now J.J. faves
Melbourne’s shock loss to the Dragons last weekend has forced a major change to the TAB betting markets for the Minor Premiership. Penrith are now favourites to claim the J.J. Giltinan Shield for a third straight season, in to $1.65. The Storm are now out to $2.10.
While next Thursday’s clash between the two sides could well decide the Minor Premiership, for and against will also play a part. It’s very close at the moment with Penrith holding a five point advantage. The Storm do have a slightly tougher run home than Penrith.
Big guests for lunch
Exclusive Penrith business group Olatype will hear from Panthers executives Peter Graham, Matt Cameron and Shane Elford at a special luncheon next Friday. A few of the attendees will be on a strong back-up after the Panthers v Storm clash next Thursday night.
Spotted
Matt Nable in Penrith on Monday night recording one of his famous Fox Sports promos ahead of the Finals.
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