Kikau’s future clouded
Rumblings are certainly getting louder about the future of Viliame Kikau. I told you earlier this year that the 26-year-old’s form was troubling Penrith officials and that he needed to lift his game. He’s certainly been better in recent weeks, but he’s likely to command big dollars when he comes off contract at the end of next season.
There’s talk several clubs, including North Queensland, would be interested in luring the big Fijian away from the foot of the Mountains. Watch this space – things are very uncertain at present and the Panthers are very unlikely to pay overs to keep him.
Statements galore to deal with Koroisau drama
It’s safe to say that the NRL, Penrith and Api Koroisau were keen to put the bubble breach scandal to bed very quickly last week, and it appears they’ve successfully done so with the drama failing to spark relentless media coverage, partly due to the deeply personal issues also at play.
Within an hour last Friday night, three statements were issued – one from the NRL, one from the Panthers and one from Api and Amy Koroisau via Koroisau’s management company. It ensured every angle was covered, and the focus of the NRL world could return to on-field action.
The long-term impact of Api Koroisau’s indiscretions on his career will be interesting to watch unfold. While he’s $35,000 poorer and copped a two-game suspension, just how he bounces back professionally and personally will be closely watched by Penrith officials.
“I’m determined to become a better partner, father and protector, and hopefully rebuild trust, and earn back your love and our family. I will work hard every day moving forward to show my wife, my children, my team and the rugby league community that I am not defined by my mistakes and I will grow from this,” Koroisau said last week.
Fish swims out of bubble
James Fisher-Harris has officially left the Penrith bubble and will likely miss three games, returning for the clash against Souths on August 20.
There was no way the tough forward was going to miss the birth of his child, but the restrictions in place mean that he’ll have to quarantine when he returns to Queensland, hence missing more matches than he usually would.
Former Panther on wrong side of history
Former Penrith Panthers forward Frank Winterstein is auditioning for the role of Village Idiot and will probably get it. He attended last week’s selfish, disgusting protest in the centre of Sydney, and has been sprouting rubbish about COVID-19 on his social media profiles.
We can be grateful he’s on the wrong side of history, but certainly far from proud that he ever wore a Panthers jersey.
Let’s hope the current Penrith players who follow him on Instagram don’t agree with any of his garbage.
Yeo sweet for Roosters comeback
Co-captain Isaah Yeo is expected to return for next week’s game against the Roosters after suffering a serious concussion against Brisbane last weekend. Yeo will sit out this weekend’s Grand Final re-match with Melbourne out of an abundance of caution and in line with concussion protocols.
Isaah Yeo will miss the game due to concussion protocols. Photo: NRL Photos.
Suncorp, MCG in line for Grand Final
The NRL is resigned to the fact that the rest of the season will be played in Queensland, which means Penrith’s two remaining home games against Souths and Wests Tigers won’t be played at Panthers Stadium. It’s a huge financial blow to the club as they would have been two certain sell-outs.
There’s still hope of returning for the Finals, but I’m told the NRL is now seriously looking at alternate locations for the Grand Final, with Suncorp Stadium and the MCG the leading contenders.
COVID test interrupts press conference
Nothing stops for a COVID test, not even a live Panthers media conference. Penrith Media Manager Evan Sieff, who is currently in quarantine in Queensland, had to step away from the press conference on Monday so he could get a swab.
New recruit to debut next weekend
Tevita Pangai Jnr will make his debut for Penrith against the Roosters next weekend as his smash and grab mission with the club begins.
To’o hoping for quick recovery
Winger Brian To’o is hoping to be back before the Finals after being forced to undergo ankle surgery on an injury he picked up against Brisbane last weekend.
Where’s Nathan?
Your columnist told you that Nathan Cleary would be named in the squad to take on Melbourne.
It didn’t happen. We’re all wrong every now and again.
I was told that Cleary was almost ready to go, so I’d expect it’s just an extra week’s rest and he may well return against the Roosters next weekend.
Masked Panther
The Masked Panther is the most mysterious journalist of all. He has the inside word on everything happening in rugby league.