Baby two for To’o
Panthers and New South Wales winger Brian To’o is expecting a baby daughter with his wife Moesha.
To’o made the happy announcement after the Origin decider last Wednesday night, sparking a flurry of congratulatory texts and social media comments from fellow players and friends alike.
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Isaah Yeo and his family enjoying breakfast at Henri Marc in Penrith last week.
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Mitch Kenny becoming a spectator and enjoying State of Origin III from the crowd at Accor Stadium last Wednesday night – complete with a Blatchy’s Blues wig (and good mate Zac Hosking).
NRL’s photo blunder
The NRL’s main media photo website, NRL Imagery, has been down for weeks. The website provides images to media outlets across the country to help promote the game, and features an exceptional array of content from the NRL’s hard working photographers.
Unfortunately fixing the broken website is proving a challenge, frustrating both picture editors and those within the NRL’s photographic team alike.
Cleary on speaking circuit
The success of Penrith in recent years under Ivan Cleary means the four-time Premiership-winning coach is now in demand on the speaking circuit. Cleary is due to give a talk on resilience, leadership and building champion teams at a breakfast being put together by global commercial real estate giant JLL later this month.
Beer blunder
The State Government acted like they were doing us all a favour when announcing full strength beer was being served at venues like Accor Stadium. But at last Wednesday’s Origin, fans were restricted to buying two drinks at a time.
On paper, those making these decisions must think they are geniuses – slowing down people’s drinking. But in reality it just causes longer queues and issues as ‘shouts’ become problematic and the experience is soured.
It’s also worth noting that no such restrictions applied in corporate areas or even the Centreline Lounge.
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Sydney Morning Herald journalist Michael Chammas holding court in the media box at State of Origin III last Wednesday night, clearly still king of the castle after his recent run-in with Phil Gould and a string of big yarns.
Private moments
In the darkness of the result of last Wednesday night’s State of Origin decider, there were some beautiful private moments for champion halfback Nathan Cleary (who has unfairly copped a lot of the criticism following the defeat).
I spotted him having in depth off-camera conversations with former Blues captain Paul Gallen, as well as legend and Immortal Andrew Johns. He also spent plenty of time with his parents as the reality of the defeat set in.
Cleary fronts up
You’ve got to give credit where it’s due to Nathan Cleary and his professionalism and willingness to front up.
With the heat still on after the Origin decider flop, he was more than happy to stick around post-game after the Eels game last Sunday to take selfies with fans. He then fronted the post-match press conference – a duty he could have easily handed off to co-captain Isaah Yeo.
Cleary is in a great headspace and with so many years ahead of him, will tick off those unfinished boxes along the way.
Reporter raises eyebrows
One has to wonder if former Fox Sports sideline commentator Tiffany Salmond is doing herself any favours by her incessant posting on social media regarding why she’s not on air. Salmond was clearly popular, but any suggestion fans are giving this more than a second thought or are preparing to march the streets is a bit over the top.
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Paul Alamoti and Izack Tago catching up with former Panther and current Eels flyer Isaiah Iongi following last Sunday’s game at CommBank Stadium.
Panther reunion
How’s this for a Panthers reunion? Former Penrith NRL stars James Fisher-Harris, Jarome Luai, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Sunia Turuva and Panthers junior Terrell May caught up for a priceless photo following the clash between the Warriors and Tigers last Sunday.
Spill the tea
I don’t keep secrets but I do protect my sources. If you’ve got something to share, email maskedpanther@westernweekender.com.au.
Masked Panther
The Masked Panther is the most mysterious journalist of all. He has the inside word on everything happening in rugby league.