No interest in DCE at Penrith
Let’s not pretend there’s any realistic chance Manly halfback Daly Cherry-Evans ends up at the foot of the Mountains.
Ivan Cleary didn’t totally dismiss it when asked on Tuesday, opting instead to say he was out of the club’s price range. But I doubt Cleary thought the question was all that serious.
The Panthers won’t be in the market for Cherry-Evans, even if he does decide to play on elsewhere in the NRL next year. But we can dream about a Cherry-Evans and Nathan Cleary partnership at club level, can’t we?
Leota locals
Penrith’s trip to Las Vegas meant that plenty close to front row enforcer Moses Leota got to see him play in person for the first time. Believe it or not, Leota has plenty of family in the United States.
“I had family come from here – my sister and cousin,” Leota said.
“But most of my family was from over there. My mum’s brother was adopted when he was a baby and he moved over to America with the family that adopted him. He ended up getting my cousins some tickets and they got to come out and see me play live for the first time.”
For Pete’s next trick
Peter V’landys will use the threat of taking Magic Round away from Brisbane to keep pushing the Queensland Government for an upgrade of Suncorp Stadium.
The NRL is keen to keep the Magic Round concept in Brisbane and there’s no doubt the festival of footy up there is something special. But you only have to look at the success of the Las Vegas season launch to know that league fans can take over a city – it doesn’t have to be a traditional rugby league location. You can’t rule out Perth, Adelaide and New Zealand being seriously considered as future Magic Round homes if the Queensland Government doesn’t come to the party regarding an upgrade.
Grand Final stays in Sydney
In a low key announcement last Sunday, the NRL and State Government confirmed this year’s Grand Final would be staying in Sydney.
I’m told the appetite for taking the Grand Final on the road is slowly waning at NRL headquarters. But the uncertainty of where the season decider will be each year is frustrating for fans.
Surely Premier Chris Minns can sort out a long-term deal to guarantee Sydney remains the host of the year’s biggest game long-term. At the moment the latest announcement only covers the 2025 season – there is no deal in place for the 2026 Grand Final and beyond.
Lunch with the stars
The Panthers have lined up Ivan Cleary, Isaah Yeo, Liam Martin and club legend Greg Alexander for a luncheon being run in conjunction with Hawkesbury Race Club on May 2. The Sports Luncheon Calcutta at the Western Sydney Conference Centre will also feature Chris Waller and Charlie Duckworth. If you’re interested in a table or tickets, email katie.trokus@westernsydneyconferencecentre.com.au.
Rail woes
Commuters were frustrated by the train dramas that caused delays getting to the match against the Roosters at CommBank Stadium a few weeks ago. But at least the travel was free. Spare a thought for the Panthers, who actually have to subsidise the free travel. They should ask for a refund.
Spotted
A Panthers fan sporting the Las Vegas jersey in the front row of Jon Pardi’s Sydney concert last Thursday night.
Masked Panther
The Masked Panther is the most mysterious journalist of all. He has the inside word on everything happening in rugby league.