Harold Matthews and SG Ball Discussion Thread

[Panther_Daz]

I've heard a few players who have already made it are not asked to trial. Glanville maybe one of them?

 

[ashton]

I've heard a few players who have already made it are not asked to trial. Glanville maybe one of them?

I didn't see Brent Naden from Wellington name listed either.

Daz are you going to the trials?

 

[Panther_Daz]

Soni Hala named Harold Matts Player of the Year at the Brad Fittler Awards Night.

 

[ashton]

Phil Gould spotted in Young Save

Sept. 12, 2012, noon
Young Cherry-pickers Rugby League club president Steve Woolford has confirmed the rumours of rugby league legend Phil “Gus” Gould being in town are true.

However, there was also the rumour the former NRL coach, commentator and The Footy Show guest, was in town signing up one of our junior rugby league players.
“Yes he was in town but no he didn’t sign anyone up,” Steve said.
“He was only having a look at some of our junior players,” he said.
While Steve wouldn’t specify who exactly Gus was looking at that Tuesday, August 28, he did say he’d certainly let us know if someone was getting signed up
http://www.youngwitness.com.au/story/320821/phil-gould-spotted-in-young/?cs=1666

 

[Panther_Daz]

U/16’s Division 1 Grand Final Preview

In what is shaping up as a heavy weight bout, the U/16’s Division 1 Grand Final will be contested between the Minor Premiers St Marys and the impressive Minchinbury Jets.

These two sides have stood above the rest all season and both will go into the decider confident of taking the title. Both sides share similar traits but also represent two distinctly different styles of football.

The Saints are a well drilled, precise machine, with every cog moving in perfect unison while the Jets are a free flowing side with plenty of ball movement in their game. Both share a great appeal to rugby league enthusiasts.

The two sides met for the first time this season in Round 5 at St Marys Leagues Stadium, with the home side running out winners 34 points to 4 in an incredible performance of slick attacking football and well drilled defence.

The clashed again 8 rounds later, the home side again prevailing, though this time it was the Jets turn. In a display of pure attacking joy, both sides crossed the stripe repeatedly before the Jets finally sealed the game, 36 points to 28. The Jets let in 3 tries early but bounced back to collect the 2 points.

The third battle between these two came in week 2 of the finals series. With the prize of a direct trip to the Grand Final on offer for the winner, it was a severely depleted Minchinbury Jets who couldn’t keep up with their opponents, the Saints running out 48-24 winners. The Jets were missing three of their key attacking weapons, Soni Hala, Tyrone May and Robert Jennings who were on duty for their school, Patrician Brothers, Blacktown.

With St Marys locked away in the Grand Final, Minchinbury would have to take on a strong Emu Plains side boasting Isaac Patullo-Harrison, Jack Nelson and Corey Waddell.

However, with their big three back in play, the Jets were able to secure a comfortable 38-12 win with both Hala and Jennings proving their worth to the Jets side yet again. Also impressive for the Jets were hard running prop/second row forward Cowan Epere and dynamic half May.

The Minchinbury win sets up a dream final for rugby league enthusiasts with the two best sides in this division set to slug it out for one last time, winner takes all.

The Saints will be without inspirational back rower Jamie Hill, a NSW age group representative earlier in the year. His hard work and tough tackling in and around the ruck will be hard to replace.

They do however, have the talent all across the park. Their spine in particular is one works extremely well together. The Fullback (Jake Ennis), Halfback (Soni Luke) and Hooker (Cameron Collins) were all a part of the 2012 Penrith Panthers Harold Matthews team.

St Marys run into the final has been a relaxed one with byes and weeks off prevalent. Asked about a lack of football over the last four weeks and their preparation for the match captain Collins had this to say “Yeah it has been very quiet over the last month only playing 2 games, we have been preparing for these guys (Minchinbury) for a while, mostly focusing on our defence. We have had a few bonding sessions and I think we're more than ready.”

When asked about recovering from the regular season loss to the Jets and how they’ll approach the full strength Jets this time around, Collins added “I think we needed to work on our fitness levels and make sure we play for the full 60 minutes, the last time we played them two weeks ago we struggled with our goal line defence and stopping their big boys from right on the line."

It is no secret who Collins and his team mates see as the challenges in the Minchinbury line up. "As everyone knows Soni Hala and Jenko (Robert Jennings) are their biggest threats."

The St Marys team have been focusing on combatting these two in the Grand Final "hopefully what we have been working on the last few weeks will be a big help.”

One person who knows a lot of the players involved in this game is 2012 Harold Matthews Captain and NSW Under 16 Representative Oliver Clark. Clark is predicting a vigourous battle up front as both teams strive for field position. "I think it will be a tough game and the win will come down to who dominates in the forward packs. Both teams have a good set of halves but they need their forwards to get a roll on."

Clark has pinpointed one player from each forward pack to be influential in the teams performance. "Minchinbury will definitely look to Soni Hala to lead the charge and I think Thompson Tuigamala will need to lead for the Saints if they are to dominate."

Set your alarm clocks for Sunday as this will be a high quality game of Rugby League not to be missed. The match kicks off at 9am.



*We approached Minchinbury for a comment but we were unsuccessful in gaining a response.

 

[Panther_Daz]

Under 17's Division 1 Grand Final Preview

The second fixture on the schedule on Sunday is the Under 17's Division 1 Grand Final between Brothers and St Marys.

Both teams, along with St Clair performed consistently throughout the season, and it is no surprise that they were the last 3 teams remaining in the competition.

Unfortunately for St Clair, St Marys managed to knock them off in Golden Point 24 to 20 to reach the Grand Final.

A week earlier Brothers secured their place in the big one defeating St Marys 28 to 24 in a tough match.

In previous meetings between the teams this year Brothers defeated St Marys 24 to 18 in a close encounter in Round 6. St Marys then got their payback in a big way in Round 12 romping home 36 to 12.

The Grand Final is shaping up as a beauty with both teams preparation being outstanding. Numerous players involved in the game will be attempting to impress Penrith SG Ball selectors as they push for selection in the 2013 squad.

Brothers possess a very strong attacking game, having scored almost a 100 more points than St Marys in the regular season. However, St Marys hold the edge in defence.

According to Brothers captain Logan Geyer they have really focused on the basics in both facets of the game over the past few weeks "We have been working a lot on our defence and communicating well in defence. Also fundamentals in attack like holding the ball and completing our sets."

Geyer praised his teams work ethic and willingness to work together to achieve the ultimate goal of a Grand Final win. "Our squads preparation has been top notch, no one has missed a session and all the boys are getting down to training early to some extras. Throughout the year it's been the same, there's been a vibe that there is something special in this team."

St Marys too have focused on similar attributes as they prepare for the Grand Final. "What we've been working on all year is discipline, attitude and the hunger to win." said captain Lachlan Jackson.

Jackson added "We've never worked harder so the boys are really hungry and keen for this game. Losing to Brothers in the Major Semi was beneficial to our preparation because we know their strengths and weaknesses now."

Geyer emphasised how important ball control will be. "Whatever team has the highest completion rate will go a long way in securing the match." However he highlights his engine room as the key ingredient for victory "the game will be won and lost in the forwards I believe."

The importance of completion rate has also been stressed by St Marys as previous encounters have evidenced.

"When both St Marys and Brothers make mistakes it turns out to be vital to the score."

"It is going to come down to discipline and whoever wants this the most." Jackson claimed.

Both captains highlighted each other as the key players of the opposition team that need to be shut down. Geyer also added that St Marys Front Rower Moses Leota is one to be watched.

With this game shaping up as a highly physical encounter, the boys working in the forward pack will have their hands full but the backs will also play a clear and decisive role in the clash. Both sides have shown an ability to post points this season and will need to do so again in the Grand Final.

Kick off for this one is at 10:15am and it is definitely not one to be missed!

 

[Panther_Daz]

I am willing to have a crack at the SG Ball squad for next year.

1. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
2. Lachlan Jackson
3. Brent Naden
4. Nayah Freeman
5. Robert Jennings
6. Aiden Glanville
7. Logan Geyer
8. Soni Hala
9. Josh Grant
10. Oliver Clark
11. Akeripa Tia Kilifi
12. Zane Walford
13. Dennis Williams

14. Tyson Fuimaono
15. Jordan Muna
16. Sione Katoa
17. Tyrone Maiava
18. Chris Vaegaau
19. Dominic Timeteo
20. Joshua Jay
21. Penrith Fa'atau
22. Tyrone May
23. Brad burns
24. Peter Tiatia
25. Moses Leota

 

[age.s]

21. Penrith Fa'atau

Sign this kid up for life

 

[mounty]

soni hala out for a year shoulder surgery, what a shame.

 

[mounty]

panther under 17s beaten by brisbane broncos 17s today at pattys.

 

[Panther_Daz]

soni hala out for a year shoulder surgery, what a shame.

I heard he was only out for a few weeks?

 

[Panther_Daz]

Soni is out for 4 months. That means he will miss most of the pre-season.

 

[ashton]

In yesterdays first SG Ball trial, the Panthers lost a high-scoring, try fest against the Brisbane Broncos 42-32. The game ended 7 tries apiece but the Broncos were able to convert 7/7 while the Panthers could only manage 2/7.

There were a number of promising signs from the Panthers, with a number of new recruits impressing on their first hit out while some more familiar guys made the step up from last years Harold Matt's squad.

Dallin Watene-Zelezniak was named best back while Zane Walford impressed enough to seal the vote for best forward.

 

[Panther_Daz]

The half signed from NZ was impressive apparently. No idea we even signed one, not sure of his name either.

 

[mounty]

The half signed from NZ was impressive apparently. No idea we even signed one, not sure of his name either.

yeah your right daz the half back was great the number 6 has a lot of work to do but a bit to small,robert jennings impressed ok hala out for 4 months i just hope he doesnt come back early takes a long tme for the shoulder to mend.

 

[ashton]

Naden ready for Panthers Save
Sept. 27, 2012, 8:52 a.m.
Former Wellington Cowboy under-18 Brent Naden will begin his playing career in Penrith Panthers’ colours today against the Brisbane Academy Squad at Blacktown.
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“Geoff, Brittany, Brock and myself will be travelling down to watch him, as will some family and friends,’’ Brent’s mother Julie Blackhall told the Times.
The talented Cowboy centre has been contracted by the Panthers for the next three years and will be moving in November to start training.
While in Penrith, Brent will be staying at the Panthers Pad in Cranebrook, and his houseparents will be Mark and Millie Horro.
“Mark Horro will also be the coach for the SG under-18s Penrith squad.’’ Mrs Blackhall said.
“Brent has also signed with a manager, Allan Gainey, Pinnacle Sports Management Pty Ltd who also manages Greg Inglis.’’

 

[Panther_Daz]

Players got their letters yesterday notifying them if they made the Matts and Ball Summer training squads.

 

[ashton]

Naden starts with Penrith Save
Oct. 4, 2012, 8:56 a.m.
Former Wellington Cowboy youngster Brent Naden has played his first full game for the Penrith Panthers in an Academy match against the Brisbane Broncos.
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Naden played in the centres.
“Phil Gould and coach Mark Horro were pleased with my overall attack and defensive game,’’ Naden said.
Panthers went down to Brisbane (32-42) however it was only the goal kicking that was the difference, both teams scored 7 tries with Brisbane kicking 7/7 and panthers 2/7.
“The Panthers did exceptionaly well considering as a team they only had one training session the day before taking the Brisbane team on. Brisbane played Parramatta a few nights earlier and easily accounted for them with 7 tries to 2,’’ he said.
“I am happy with my first hit out in the new colours and can’t wait to get into the training with my new team members.’’
Naden played for the Wellington Cowboys in under-18s in 2012
http://www.wellingtontimes.com.au/story/376116/naden-starts-with-penrith/?cs=1672

 

[ashton]

• 
  Brendan Hands is at the top of his game in both rugby league and basketball.

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CASTLEREAGH’S Brendan Hands is quite the talent.
He’s currently rated in the top handful of rugby league and basketball players for his age in Penrith.
Hands is in the Penrith Junior League’s under-13s development squad and the scouts even went as far as to select him as one of six juniors his age to make the Panthers Playmakers Academy.
The academy is specific for halves and the Penrith Brothers captain has spent two months training with Ivan Cleary and his coaching staff.
The 13-year-old is also in the Panthers under-14s rep basketball side and will play in the national championships in October after good performances this year. But soon he will have to choose between the two sports according to mum, Julie.
“He likes both. He’s played both since he was six and they haven’t clashed yet, but they will when he’s 16,” Julie said.
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“He doesn’t know which he’ll choose, but he’s probably got more chances with football.”
Julie said her son is a natural leader and has been interested in sport from a very young age.
“I’m very proud of him, he loves it.
“He’s an all-round sportsman. As a young kid he was always outside with a ball. He was never an inside kid,” she said.
http://www.hawkesburygazette.com.au/story/274154/rugby-league-and-basketball-in-good-hands/?cs=1579

 

[murraymob]

• 
  Brendan Hands is at the top of his game in both rugby league and basketball.

See your ad here

CASTLEREAGH?S Brendan Hands is quite the talent.
He?s currently rated in the top handful of rugby league and basketball players for his age in Penrith.
Hands is in the Penrith Junior League?s under-13s development squad and the scouts even went as far as to select him as one of six juniors his age to make the Panthers Playmakers Academy.
The academy is specific for halves and the Penrith Brothers captain has spent two months training with Ivan Cleary and his coaching staff.
The 13-year-old is also in the Panthers under-14s rep basketball side and will play in the national championships in October after good performances this year. But soon he will have to choose between the two sports according to mum, Julie.
?He likes both. He?s played both since he was six and they haven?t clashed yet, but they will when he?s 16,? Julie said.
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?He doesn?t know which he?ll choose, but he?s probably got more chances with football.?
Julie said her son is a natural leader and has been interested in sport from a very young age.
?I?m very proud of him, he loves it.
?He?s an all-round sportsman. As a young kid he was always outside with a ball. He was never an inside kid,? she said.
http://www.hawkesburygazette.com.au/story/274154/rugby-league-and-basketball-in-good-hands/?cs=1579

his height at 15 and 16 will make a desson a bit easier.But basketball in this country at present is not in great shape