Latest news with #PenrithPanthers
RNZ News
14 hours ago
- Sport
- RNZ News
NRL: Wounded Penrith Panthers still dangerous proposition for NZ Warriors
Penrith celebrate their fourth NRL crown last season. Photo: Photosport Warriors v Panthers Kickoff: 5pm Sunday 21 June Go Media Stadium, Auckland Live blog updates on RNZ Sport NZ Warriors fans should not be fooled by the prospect of a depleted and seemingly out-of-form Penrith Panthers side arriving at Go Media Stadium on Saturday. The four-time defending NRL champions have not played in Auckland since 2019 - before their premiership run began - but have so far struggled in their bid for a fifth straight crown, currently languishing one point outside the playoff picture in ninth with five wins, seven losses and a rare draw. A five-game losing streak set them on their heels early and, as recently as four weeks ago, they sat bottom of the table, but back-to-back wins and a bye week have considerably boosted their hopes. "Obviously, it's not where they want it to be, that's pretty clear," Warriors coach Andrew Webster observed. "They normally have more wins on the board, but you can see they're building to something. "They know when to put the foot down and compete at a high level when it matters. I think you'll definitely see them challenge in this competition. "They're a strong club that are very proud and they'll find a way to get back to where they want to be." Coach Ivan Cleary has ruled out his five State of Origin stars for this fixture, lamenting a shortage of flights available to bring son Nathan, captain Isaah Yeo, fullback Dylan Edwards, winger Brian To'o and second-rower Liam Martin from Perth to Auckland with time to sufficiently recover. "The Origin players won't be playing because they can't," Cleary said. "I don't think it's fair that we can't play... we should be able to make that decision. Through flights, we just can't get them there." The Origin window has often been a difficult period for Penrith, but if the Warriors needed a reminder to never underestimate their rivals, it came in July 2017, when they travelled to the foot of the Blue Mountains to face a seemingly impotent line-up without its star-studded halves combination of Nathan Cleary and James Maloney. Instead, the visitors were shredded 36-4 by rookie Jarome Luai, who scored a try double and kicking 6/8 off the tee, for a personal haul of 20 points in just his second first-grade appearance. These days, Luai is also an Origin veteran, but has taken his talents to Wests Tigers. Only Roger Tuivasa-Sheck remains of that Warriors side, but ironically, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, James Fisher-Harris and Wayde Egan of the current squad turned out for Penrith that night. That encounter also somehow fell between the gaps in Webster's career, somewhere between his first stint at Mt Smart and his move to the Panthers, as Ivan Cleary's assistant. "That's a long time ago, I wasn't at either club - I was at the Tigers probably," he recalled. "I was living in Penrith and probably went to the game." Ivan Cleary (right) won't have son Nathan to steer the ship on Saturday. Photo: AAP/ Webster and Cleary have forged a strong relationship over the years, from the time they first hooked up at Wests, then a two-year period together at Penrith. Webster helped the Panthers to the first two titles of their dynasty, before returning across the Tasman to the Warriors with Cleary's recommendation for the top job. This will be their fourth head-to-head meeting, with Cleary ahead 2-1, but the Warriors took the most recent victory at 'Magic Round' in Brisbane last year, when their own revamped line-up shocked the titleholders with a late converted try to fullback Taine Tuaupiki. Webster admitted the significance of meeting his old club and mentor probably wasn't as strong as it once was. "Early on, the first couple of times you do it, you look into it a bit," he said. "Still got some fond memories and some people there I've got a lot of respect for, particularly Ivan, but that's kind of dwindled now. "They're the ex team, and you've got to go out and win. There are two points up for grabs and we're motivated to get better at what we want to do. "I'm just glad that the fans get the champions at our stadium." Ivan Cleary. Photo: Photosport Both teams are coming off a bye week and both have lost coming off their previous byes this season. The Warriors barely fired a shot in the first 40 minutes of a 42-14 defeat to Melbourne Storm in April, while the Panthers dropped a real headscratcher 25-6 against Newcastle Knights three weeks ago. Sitting third on the table, the Warriors produced probably their best performance of the season to vanquish Cronulla Sharks 40-10 two weeks ago, but lost an opportunity to build on any momentum from that outing. "We've got a chance to build on it now," Webster insisted. "It only seems like the other day we played, not like a month ago or six weeks ago. "We've still got an opportunity to build on what we did." The Warriors focused on themselves to start the week, but likely turned their attention towards their opponents nearer to gametime. "Their defence is very aggressive," Webster said. "Their line speed, they go after you, so you've got to make sure you earn your way out of trouble - we've got to have a hard edge about us there. "You have to make sure you have your own backyard in order, earning plenty of momentum with the ball and defending well. "If you start watching everyone and wondering what to do, you start losing focus on yourselves." Meanwhile, Webster has resisted the temptation to name Cleary's youngest son, Jett - born in Auckland during his dad's tenure with the Warriors and now back playing for the club's U21 side - for a surprise NRL debut against his father's team. 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News.com.au
14 hours ago
- Sport
- News.com.au
‘He was the missing piece': Moses Leota and James Fisher-Harris go from friends to foes for first time in their careers
They were the brothers of destruction who helped Penrith to four titles in a row, but Moses Leota and James Fisher-Harris will be rivals for the first time on Saturday in a heavyweight showdown across the ditch. The Panthers will be without their five State of Origin stars against a team that is fighting for a top-two finish, but there will be no shortage of spice between two great mates who dominated up front for the mountain men. Penrith's plan was always to build the team around guys like Fisher-Harris, Nathan Cleary and Isaah Yeo, which is why everyone was so shocked last year when the powerhouse prop informed the club that he wanted to return home to New Zealand. The Panthers didn't stand in his way, with the Kiwis skipper and 2023 Golden Boot winner joining the Warriors where he's added starch to the front row and turned them into premiership contenders. He now takes on his former side for the first time, with all eyes on his battle with Leota who remains one of Fisher-Harris' closest friends ever since that they won the under-20 grand final together 10 years ago for Penrith. 'This is the first time I've ever played against him. It's never happened before, so it's going to be a new experience for us,' Leota told the NewsWire. 'I think we'll just have to find out in the game what it's going to be like. I've got to do my job for the team and I'm sure he will as well. 'I texted him on the weekend to see how he was going, so we're still close. My missus still talks with his missus. 'We were really close, so we don't want to lose that bond that we had. 'I'm so proud of him. Seeing how well they're going now, I think he was the missing piece for them. The standards he brings (are second to none) and he commands respect.' The Panthers are rank outsiders with so many stars missing, but they still have several internationals in their team, including Isaiah Papali'i, who joined Penrith in the off-season and gets the chance to start in the back row this weekend. Papali'i left the Wests Tigers after a tough couple of years, with plenty of people seeing him as Fisher-Harris' logical replacement. But that's not what Panthers coach Ivan Cleary wanted. 'Those are definitely big shoes to fill, but 'Iv' has reinforced that I just need to be myself and do what I do,' Papali'i said. 'It always helps when the head coach reassures you and reiterates that you don't need to listen to the outside noise and that you just have to be yourself. 'I've really been enjoying my time, and I know that everyone at the club is looking forward to going up against Fish because he's a good competitor.'
Yahoo
19 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
NRL fans react as champion Panthers player linked with early exit to rival club
The Penrith Panthers have reportedly granted two-time premiership-winning forward Luke Garner permission to speak to rival clubs and are willing to let him leave early. Garner was part of the Panthers' premiership-winning teams in 2023 and 2024 and is contracted until the end of 2026. However the is reporting that Garner and his management have been granted permission to leave one year early if he can find a new club. The report states the Parramatta Eels were initially one of three clubs interested in the versatile forward, but a three-year deal has been tabled by a different team. The 29-year-old Garner has played 114 first-grade games to date - 75 with the Wests Tigers and 39 with Penrith. He's proven to be a versatile weapon for Ivan Cleary's side in 2025, playing second-row, lock and centre. He played in the Panthers' grand final victories in 2023 and 2024 grand finals, coming off the bench both times. He'd be a handy pick-up for a rival club, and would join a long line of premiership-winning players to leave Penrith. Due to salary cap constraints, the Panthers have been forced to part ways with big-name players like Jarome Luai, Stephen Crichton, Matt Burton, Viliame Kikau and Api Koroisau. NRL fans are predicting Garner might end up reuniting with former teammates Crichton, Burton and Kikau at the Dogs. Others were quick to question why the Panthers would release him early, considering he's been a key cog in their side in 2025. The Panthers are flushed for depth in the back-row, with the likes of Isaah Yeo, Isaiah Papali'i, Scott Sorensen, Liam Henry and Mavrik Geyer. Former Panthers star Bryce Cartwright is also back in the Penrith system after joining St Mary's in Ron Massey Cup after being granted an immediate release from the Eels. Some have speculated he might end up back in a Panthers jersey, although it appears more likely his career at NRL level is over. Garner has been relegated to the bench for the Panthers' Round 16 game against the Warriors on Saturday, suggesting he might be on the outer. Speculation has been rife on social media about where he might end up playing in 2026. Luke Garner sounds like a real Manly signing. — Kieran Wagstaff (@KieranWagstaff) June 19, 2025 Why are we getting rid of Luke Garner, he's been quality for us, get rid of Tago before getting rid of Garner — Kyle (@kyle_waller2) June 19, 2025 Smart. Love Garns but no matter how successful you are, you need to continue to churn — 91 03 21 22 23 24 PREMIERS 🐾🏆 (@SnoogThe) June 19, 2025 Luke's improvement at Penrith has been gradual and sustained and he is now a valuable part of our team. We're Grateful for his contribution and wish him well in the future. — Tony Diaczok (@tdiaczok) June 19, 2025 It's definitely based on some junior talent the fact he has been offered to look around suggests he won't be here next year — Panthers 4 back to back (@ckthommo) June 19, 2025 I don't think we can afford to let Garner go just yet. How young do we want this team to get? — Nick92 (@pantherman92) June 19, 2025 As well as losing premiership-winning players, the Panthers are also losing their champion assistant coaches. On Thursday, the Perth Bears announced the signing of Panthers assistant Ben Gardiner to work as Mal Meninga's right-hand man. Gardiner, who helped the Panthers win premierships in 2023 and 2024, will join the Bears in 2026 to help Meninga with recruitment before they enter the NRL competition in 2027. Gardiner is the current head coach of the Samoa national team, and previously led the North Sydney Bears in NSW Cup. He joins Cameron Ciraldo and Andrew Webster as Penrith assistant coaches to score roles at rival clubs during their run of four-straight premierships. RELATED: Selwyn Cobbo facing dire situation as Broncos sign three players Andrew Johns airs complaint over Origin moment 'shouldn't be allowed' On top of all that, the Panthers will also farewell long-time CEO Brian Fletcher in 2026. The 71-year-old has been Penrith CEO for the last 15 years, but has decided to retire.
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Footy fans all say the same thing about Penrith star Nathan Cleary - as Maroons survive dramatic late NSW surge to level the series
Nathan Cleary appeared to defer kicking duties for New South Wales star Zac Lomax on Wednesday night after the Penrith Panthers playmaker took to the footy field for State of Origin II with some strapping on his thigh. Despite a spirited second-half comeback, the Blues couldn't quite seal victory, with Cameron Munster's side holding out in a dramatic finish, to win the match 26-24 and level the series at 1-1. The sight of the white support grip on his right hamstring sent tongues wagging on social media, with some New South Wales fans left baffled at why the four-time premiership-winning half was playing in such a crucial game. Though the nature of the injury still appears unknown, the 27-year-old did not kick in the captain's run, however, continued to play out the match, even crossing the whitewash to score a try that was later disallowed for obstruction. It also comes as Cleary didn't play last week, with the Panthers on a bye round. NRL Physio wrote on X: 'Nathan Cleary is playing through a right thigh issue in Origin 2 that is restricting his kicking. 'He has handed the goal kicking over to Zac Lomax & was reportedly unable to kick at the captain's run. Wearing thigh compression that he hasn't previously as well.' Nathan Cleary is playing through a right thigh issue in Origin 2 that is restricting his kicking. He has handed the goal kicking over to Zac Lomax & was reportedly unable to kick at captain's run. Wearing thigh compression that he hasn't previously as well. — NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) June 18, 2025 But the post prompted many fans to question why he started, with some arguing Dolphins star Isaiya Katoa should have been given a chance to play. 'Should have pulled out if not fit, Katoa would have added more than he is showing,' one wrote on X. 'Why play him?' another said, while one argued: 'Why is he playing then.' 'So he can't run? And he's playing oh my god it can't get any more stupid,' another wrote. One even asked what Laurie Daly's side had been doing in training: 'Moses and Cleary, what are they doing at training?' New South Wales came out the blocks flying in the first half, with Brian To'o, who scored a hat-trick of tries, crossing the line after six minutes. However, it was a spirited comeback performance from the Maroons, who ultimately levelled the series at 1-1. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow took a brace of tries, while Cameron Munster - a stand-out - and Kurt Capewell both crossed over before half-time. The Blues kept the Maroons scoreless in the second term, with tries from Stephen Crichton and his namesake Angus late on putting the pressure on the Maroons. It was a tight finish, but Billy Slater's side ultimately hung on to get the win.
RNZ News
3 days ago
- Sport
- RNZ News
Origin logistics rule Capewell out for Warriors against Panthers
Kurt Capewell has often been deployed in a Warriors midfield hampered by injury. Photo: David Neilson/Photosport Unfavourable travel logistics may have saved NZ Warriors some heartache over the availability of veteran Kurt Capewell, as they prepare to host four-time defending NRL champions Penrith Panthers at Go Media Stadium this weekend. Capewell - along with five Panthers stars - will take the field for State of Origin II in Perth on Wednesday and faced just a three-day turnaround, if they hoped to back up for their clubs on Saturday. Penrith and former Warriors coach Ivan Cleary had already ruled out his New South Wales players - son Nathan Cleary, captain Isaah Yeo, fullback Dylan Edwards, winger Brian To'o and second-rower Liam Martin - complaining there are no flights that would allow them to arrive in Auckland in timely fashion. "The Origin players won't be playing, because they can't," Cleary said. "I don't think it's fair that we can't play... we should be able to make that decision. "Through flights, we just can't get them there." The Warriors faced a similar dilemma over Capewell, who had been called into the second row for Queensland . "It's going to be pretty hard with those flights, the way it's scheduled," coach Andrew Webster admitted. "The next flight is the redeye the next night, which means he'd arrive home here on Friday morning - it's not looking good. "In the NRL, Origin is the showcase during this period and the club takes a backward seat. Players have always been available if not selected [for Origin] or, if they play, they're available to back up - then it's up to the clubs to decide. "They could say they will physically arrive here on time, but it's very dangerous crossing on a seven-hour flight throughout the night, across a four-hour time difference. It becomes unsafe and people might say, 'Harden up', but there are just too many injuries. "The game is too fast and we just can't afford to lose them." Capewell, who helped the Panthers to the 2021 NRL championship, has subsequently been ommitted from the Warriors gameday squad to face his old club. The Warriors are already reeling from the loss of co-captain Mitch Barnett, who suffered a season-ending knee injury backing up from Origin I . In that instance, he had an extra day's rest before facing South Sydney Rabbitohs and a far more favourable travel schedule from Brisbane. "We'd look at every situation," Webster reflected. "We made the decision on Mitch after the game, not before. "He texted me 20 minutes after Origin and said, 'I'm ready to go', so you've always got to look at that situation. If Mitch had played 80 [minutes] that night, and had some bumps and bruises, we probably would have said no. "You have to look at it ball by ball and make a decision afterwards. "We'll have a meeting today around Kurt, get our heads together and make sure we're all on the same page as a staff, but it looks unlikely with the flights." Origin stars often front up for their clubs on just a few days' rest, and Barnett may or may not have been a casualty of his own determination not to let his team down - but sometimes coaches must step in to save their players from themselves. With injuries hitting the Warriors midfield, Capewell has often been deployed at centre, where he made his 2020 Origin debut. With regulars Ali Leiataua and Rocco Berry still sidelined, Moala Graham-Taufa has been promoted from the reserves to his first NRL appearance of the season. Warriors: 1 Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, 2 Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 3 Adam Pompey, 4 Moala Graham Taufa, 5 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, 6 Chanel Harris-Tavita, 7 Luke Metcalf, 8 James Fisher-Harris, 9 Wayde Eagan, 10 Marata Niukore, 11 Leka Halasima, 12 Jacob Laban, 13 Erin Clark Interchange: 14 Te Maire Martin, 15 Jackson Ford, 16 Demitric Vaimauga, 17 Tanner Stowers-Smith Reserves: 18 Sam Healey, 20 Bunty Afoa, 21 Tanah Boyd, 22 Ed Kosi, 23 Eddie Ieremia-Toeava Panthers: 1 Daine Laurie, 2 Thomas Jenkins, 3 Izack Tago, 4 Casey McLean, 5 Paul Alamoti, 6 Blaize Talagi, 7 Brad Schneider, 8 Moses Leota, 9 Mitch Kenney, 10 Lindsay Smith, 11 Scott Sorenson, 12 Isaiah Papali'i, 13, Matt Eisenhuth Interchange: 14 Trent Toelau, 15 Liam Henry, 16 Luron Patea, 17 Luke Garner Reserves: 18 Luke Sommerton, 19 Jack Cole, 20 Mavrik Geyer, 21 Preston Riki, 22 Austin Dias, 23 Harrison Hassett, 24 Jaxen Edgar Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
