Ticketing complaint still not fixed
Members still won’t be able to buy their own seats for a Panthers home Final next weekend. It’s extraordinary that the NRL and Ticketek still hasn’t fixed this gripe for its most loyal supporters and a slap in the face it’s never been properly addressed.
And to add salt to the wound, there’s still no pre-sale window for Penrith fans only. Panthers supporters will be able to buy tickets at exactly the same time as opposition fans.
Freddy’s fumble
There was no malice in Brad Fittler’s train wreck interview with the Fox sisters on Channel 9 last Friday night but it was absolutely embarrassing for Nine and Jess and Noemie.
I found it odd that Nine defended it – the audience at home would have had no idea about the KIIS Cam promotion that was happening at the ground, and there was no need for the comment.
It certainly wasn’t Freddy’s best night. He also refused to sign autographs for fans who asked politely on the evening.
Star power
Fittler’s bizarre comments certainly didn’t overshadow the great reception Jess and Noemie Fox received at BlueBet Stadium last Friday night. And how’s this photo for some Penrith star power – the sisters caught up briefly with Panthers co-captain Nathan Cleary for the ultimate Penrith selfie.
Annesley explainer doesn’t add up
I’m a big fan of Graham Annesley’s Monday press conference but it’s become more and more defensive as the year has gone on.
His explanation of the Brian To’o ‘no try’ against the Rabbitohs last Friday night was rather odd. He essentially admitted it could have gone either way – which is interesting, given it was awarded a try on the field and The Bunker would need strong evidence to overturn it. If there’s doubt, then surely they were wrong to overturn the call?
Regardless, when 99 per cent of the rugby league community agrees it should have been a try, it just proves a disconnect between head office and the fans.
Friday night lights
If the Panthers do play the Roosters in the opening weekend of the Finals, expect the game to be on Friday, September 13.
While Melbourne would be in the box seat to play on the Friday night to open the Finals, their likely opponent is Cronulla – who play on Sunday afternoon in Round 27.
The NRL would be unlikely to force them into a five-day turnaround. With three top eight sides playing on the final day of the regular season, there will be some shuffling of the schedule to ensure decent preparation times. It’ll likely land with Penrith on the Friday night.
2GB heads to Penrith Park
2GB’s top-rating Continuous Call Team will broadcast live from Panthers Leagues Club on Saturday afternoon, before calling the action of the Panthers v Titans at Penrith Park. 2GB will be in The Backyard from 1pm, where a major pre-game party is happening – including Panthers-themed cocktails, face painting and a jumping castle.
Yeo misses out
Jake Trbojevic is one of the most likeable players in rugby league and he deserves plenty of praise for his role in NSW’s Origin success this year.
But how Isaah Yeo didn’t get the True Blue Award at the Brad Fittler Medal on Monday night is beyond me.
Trbojevic spent limited minutes on the field across the series, leaving Yeo to step up significantly. I was surprised it wasn’t recognised formally.
Two-horse race
The competition is down to Melbourne and Penrith if you believe the bookies. The Roosters have blown out to $6.50 in the Premiership market following the loss of halfback Sam Walker, and a host of other players. Melbourne remain Premiership favourites with the TAB at $2.60, with Penrith on the second line of betting at $3.10.
No Finals tee this year
The Panthers won’t be releasing a Finals t-shirt this year. That doesn’t mean there won’t be shirts released through other suppliers, but nothing through the club officially.
Special moment
What a gorgeous moment this was for Lindsay Smith after celebrating his 50th NRL game last Friday night.
Story waiting to be told
Dylan Edwards’ toughness will become one of the big stories of the back end of the season and the Finals once all is said and done. His knee is bothering him significantly – and it’s not fully recovered from the injury he suffered in State of Origin.
There was talk he’d be rested against the Rabbitohs and there’s speculation again he’ll skip Saturday’s clash against the Titans. Edwards is determined to march on but I’m told playing in the Pacific Championship at the end of the season is extremely unlikely.
Masked Panther
The Masked Panther is the most mysterious journalist of all. He has the inside word on everything happening in rugby league.