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Sydney Morning Herald
7 days ago
- Sport
- Sydney Morning Herald
Rebuild 3.0. How the Panthers have become title contenders
How have they done it? The first step was a quick fix that was in stark contrast to Penrith's grow-your-own policy. They went out and signed three strategic recruits – and not necessarily like-for-like replacements. Isaiah Papali'i, the New Zealand international forward, was enticed from Wests Tigers at the end of last season. And while he is a different style of player from Fisher-Harris, the statistics would suggest he is proving as effective. Next came teenage utility back Blaize Talagi, whose 20 games in his debut season with Parramatta were mainly spent at centre, wing and fullback, with only two appearances as five-eighth. Last but by no means least, Penrith threw a train-and-trial lifeline to winger Thomas Jenkins, who was preparing to play for St Mary's in the Ron Massey Cup after an unhappy season with Newcastle. Between them, Papali'i, Talagi and Jenkins have played their support-cast roles to perfection, allowing the likes of Nathan Cleary, Dylan Edwards, Brian To'o, Liam Martin and Isaah Yeo to carry on being superstars. Versatile enough to play on an edge or in the middle, Papali'i is averaging more metres and tackles per game than Fisher-Harris did last season. Overlooked for the first two games of the season, Talagi has since entrenched himself as Cleary's long-term halves partner. While not as crafty as Luai, his six tries suggest he's more of a running threat. Jenkins, meanwhile, is Penrith's joint leading try scorer with 12 and was rewarded mid-season by being invited to train with the NSW Origin squad as a standby player. Reflecting on Tuesday on the evolution of his team, coach Cleary admitted Luai, Fisher-Harris and Turuva left 'big holes to fill ... not just how they play, but their connection to the team and leadership and the other types of things'. But he could hardly be happier with how their successors have slotted in. 'I think everyone understands 'Milky's' [Jenkins'] story, so that's been spoken about,' Cleary said. 'Pretty cool story. 'Blaize is a young kid on the rise. He's got so much in front of him. 'Isaiah is probably one that not a lot of people have noticed and spoken about, but he's just been going about his work week-in, week-out. He's an international, a real good player. 'I've always thought he'd fit into our team well. I'm not saying he'd like-for-like for 'Fish' because he's not really, but his performances have been excellent for us.' Martin, another mainstay of Penrith's four premierships, said it was 'incredible' to see the improvement in the off-season recruits. 'You can just see them each week getting more and more confident in their role and in their abilities,' he said. 'It's great to be a part of. They're all something special. 'They've played such a huge role over the last nine weeks in the success we've had. Hopefully, they can just keep building on that and keep getting better and better.' All that being said, it would be simplistic to declare that Penrith's off-season recruits have alone solved their problems. Existing squad members have also stepped up and increased their input. Props Moses Leota and Lindsay Smith, in particular, have helped compensate for the loss of Fisher-Harris to the Warriors. Both have played every game this season and improved their statistics in the process. They are gaining more metres in attack and making more tackles than last season. Towering centre Casey McLean has also established himself as a genuine top-grader. After playing three games last season as an 18-year-old, McLean has featured 17 times in this campaign, scoring 12 tries to sit alongside Jenkins as Penrith's equal leading scorer. There should be no doubting his toughness, after weathering a storm known as Stephen Crichton to help outgun Canterbury 8-6 in round 17 – a victory that confirmed the Panthers were back in title contention. The final factor in the Panthers' renaissance has been settling into their new base at CommBank Stadium, a stopgap arrangement while a new stadium is being built at Penrith. Loading They lost their first three games at CommBank, where they will host Melbourne in a blockbuster grand final rematch on Thursday night, but have since won six straight. Cleary admitted 'it probably took longer than we thought' to start feeling at home in their new surrounds. 'But like anything, you've got to adapt,' he said.
The Age
7 days ago
- Sport
- The Age
Rebuild 3.0. How the Panthers have become title contenders
How have they done it? The first step was a quick fix that was in stark contrast to Penrith's grow-your-own policy. They went out and signed three strategic recruits – and not necessarily like-for-like replacements. Isaiah Papali'i, the New Zealand international forward, was enticed from Wests Tigers at the end of last season. And while he is a different style of player from Fisher-Harris, the statistics would suggest he is proving as effective. Next came teenage utility back Blaize Talagi, whose 20 games in his debut season with Parramatta were mainly spent at centre, wing and fullback, with only two appearances as five-eighth. Last but by no means least, Penrith threw a train-and-trial lifeline to winger Thomas Jenkins, who was preparing to play for St Mary's in the Ron Massey Cup after an unhappy season with Newcastle. Between them, Papali'i, Talagi and Jenkins have played their support-cast roles to perfection, allowing the likes of Nathan Cleary, Dylan Edwards, Brian To'o, Liam Martin and Isaah Yeo to carry on being superstars. Versatile enough to play on an edge or in the middle, Papali'i is averaging more metres and tackles per game than Fisher-Harris did last season. Overlooked for the first two games of the season, Talagi has since entrenched himself as Cleary's long-term halves partner. While not as crafty as Luai, his six tries suggest he's more of a running threat. Jenkins, meanwhile, is Penrith's joint leading try scorer with 12 and was rewarded mid-season by being invited to train with the NSW Origin squad as a standby player. Reflecting on Tuesday on the evolution of his team, coach Cleary admitted Luai, Fisher-Harris and Turuva left 'big holes to fill ... not just how they play, but their connection to the team and leadership and the other types of things'. But he could hardly be happier with how their successors have slotted in. 'I think everyone understands 'Milky's' [Jenkins'] story, so that's been spoken about,' Cleary said. 'Pretty cool story. 'Blaize is a young kid on the rise. He's got so much in front of him. 'Isaiah is probably one that not a lot of people have noticed and spoken about, but he's just been going about his work week-in, week-out. He's an international, a real good player. 'I've always thought he'd fit into our team well. I'm not saying he'd like-for-like for 'Fish' because he's not really, but his performances have been excellent for us.' Martin, another mainstay of Penrith's four premierships, said it was 'incredible' to see the improvement in the off-season recruits. 'You can just see them each week getting more and more confident in their role and in their abilities,' he said. 'It's great to be a part of. They're all something special. 'They've played such a huge role over the last nine weeks in the success we've had. Hopefully, they can just keep building on that and keep getting better and better.' All that being said, it would be simplistic to declare that Penrith's off-season recruits have alone solved their problems. Existing squad members have also stepped up and increased their input. Props Moses Leota and Lindsay Smith, in particular, have helped compensate for the loss of Fisher-Harris to the Warriors. Both have played every game this season and improved their statistics in the process. They are gaining more metres in attack and making more tackles than last season. Towering centre Casey McLean has also established himself as a genuine top-grader. After playing three games last season as an 18-year-old, McLean has featured 17 times in this campaign, scoring 12 tries to sit alongside Jenkins as Penrith's equal leading scorer. There should be no doubting his toughness, after weathering a storm known as Stephen Crichton to help outgun Canterbury 8-6 in round 17 – a victory that confirmed the Panthers were back in title contention. The final factor in the Panthers' renaissance has been settling into their new base at CommBank Stadium, a stopgap arrangement while a new stadium is being built at Penrith. Loading They lost their first three games at CommBank, where they will host Melbourne in a blockbuster grand final rematch on Thursday night, but have since won six straight. Cleary admitted 'it probably took longer than we thought' to start feeling at home in their new surrounds. 'But like anything, you've got to adapt,' he said.
The Advertiser
09-07-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Knights flyer's brother joins Newcastle Rugby League club
Alex Young, the brother of Knights winger Dominic Young, is set to land in the Newcastle Rugby League. The Cessnock Goannas announced Alex's signing late Tuesday night. "Welcome to Cessnock Goannas," the club wrote in social media posts. Alex's recruitment comes after Dom returned to the Knights a few weeks ago. The brothers were previously at the Sydney Roosters together. Alex, now 26, played in the lower grades in England before joining his younger brother at the Roosters ahead of the 2024 NRL season. Dom, 23, left Newcastle after the the 2023 campaign and a three-year stint at the Knights, but returned last month and is contracted for the next two seasons. Alex, who pursued a legal career whilst playing in England, was on a development deal at the Roosters. The Jamaican international only played a handful of NSW Cup games, mostly turning out for Glebe Dirty Reds in the Ron Massey Cup, which is essentially the third tier of rugby league in NSW. Dom has shared Cessnock's Instagram post with the news of his brother's signing. After some mixed form in the first half of the season, Cessnock are placed fifth heading into round 13. The 5-5 Coalfields club beat Wests 28-20 last round and travel to Toronto to face Macquarie, who are second last, on Saturday. It's not yet clear how many points Alex will be worth towards Cessnock's player points cap. Newcastle Rugby League is yet to update the database on its website. Alex Young, the brother of Knights winger Dominic Young, is set to land in the Newcastle Rugby League. The Cessnock Goannas announced Alex's signing late Tuesday night. "Welcome to Cessnock Goannas," the club wrote in social media posts. Alex's recruitment comes after Dom returned to the Knights a few weeks ago. The brothers were previously at the Sydney Roosters together. Alex, now 26, played in the lower grades in England before joining his younger brother at the Roosters ahead of the 2024 NRL season. Dom, 23, left Newcastle after the the 2023 campaign and a three-year stint at the Knights, but returned last month and is contracted for the next two seasons. Alex, who pursued a legal career whilst playing in England, was on a development deal at the Roosters. The Jamaican international only played a handful of NSW Cup games, mostly turning out for Glebe Dirty Reds in the Ron Massey Cup, which is essentially the third tier of rugby league in NSW. Dom has shared Cessnock's Instagram post with the news of his brother's signing. After some mixed form in the first half of the season, Cessnock are placed fifth heading into round 13. The 5-5 Coalfields club beat Wests 28-20 last round and travel to Toronto to face Macquarie, who are second last, on Saturday. It's not yet clear how many points Alex will be worth towards Cessnock's player points cap. Newcastle Rugby League is yet to update the database on its website. Alex Young, the brother of Knights winger Dominic Young, is set to land in the Newcastle Rugby League. The Cessnock Goannas announced Alex's signing late Tuesday night. "Welcome to Cessnock Goannas," the club wrote in social media posts. Alex's recruitment comes after Dom returned to the Knights a few weeks ago. The brothers were previously at the Sydney Roosters together. Alex, now 26, played in the lower grades in England before joining his younger brother at the Roosters ahead of the 2024 NRL season. Dom, 23, left Newcastle after the the 2023 campaign and a three-year stint at the Knights, but returned last month and is contracted for the next two seasons. Alex, who pursued a legal career whilst playing in England, was on a development deal at the Roosters. The Jamaican international only played a handful of NSW Cup games, mostly turning out for Glebe Dirty Reds in the Ron Massey Cup, which is essentially the third tier of rugby league in NSW. Dom has shared Cessnock's Instagram post with the news of his brother's signing. After some mixed form in the first half of the season, Cessnock are placed fifth heading into round 13. The 5-5 Coalfields club beat Wests 28-20 last round and travel to Toronto to face Macquarie, who are second last, on Saturday. It's not yet clear how many points Alex will be worth towards Cessnock's player points cap. Newcastle Rugby League is yet to update the database on its website. Alex Young, the brother of Knights winger Dominic Young, is set to land in the Newcastle Rugby League. The Cessnock Goannas announced Alex's signing late Tuesday night. "Welcome to Cessnock Goannas," the club wrote in social media posts. Alex's recruitment comes after Dom returned to the Knights a few weeks ago. The brothers were previously at the Sydney Roosters together. Alex, now 26, played in the lower grades in England before joining his younger brother at the Roosters ahead of the 2024 NRL season. Dom, 23, left Newcastle after the the 2023 campaign and a three-year stint at the Knights, but returned last month and is contracted for the next two seasons. Alex, who pursued a legal career whilst playing in England, was on a development deal at the Roosters. The Jamaican international only played a handful of NSW Cup games, mostly turning out for Glebe Dirty Reds in the Ron Massey Cup, which is essentially the third tier of rugby league in NSW. Dom has shared Cessnock's Instagram post with the news of his brother's signing. After some mixed form in the first half of the season, Cessnock are placed fifth heading into round 13. The 5-5 Coalfields club beat Wests 28-20 last round and travel to Toronto to face Macquarie, who are second last, on Saturday. It's not yet clear how many points Alex will be worth towards Cessnock's player points cap. Newcastle Rugby League is yet to update the database on its website.
The Advertiser
22-05-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
NSW tipping Maroons fans to spark Blues' 'loose cannon'
Angus Crichton is happy for Queensland fans to poke the bear, adamant Blues "fireball" Spencer Leniu will embrace being public enemy No.1 in Brisbane. Leniu is set to enter next Wednesday's State of Origin opener as the most maligned man at Suncorp Stadium, after his sideline spat with Johnathan Thurston. The NSW forward has been shielded from the media in Blues camp, not speaking to reporters since unleashing a tirade at Thurston at Suncorp last month. Leniu also labelled the Queensland great "two-faced" and "fake" on social media the next day, in the latest chapter of the racial slur saga from Las Vegas last year. Thurston admitted afterwards he was "shocked" at the time, which he claimed was both "unwarranted" and "overly aggressive". The Maroons great remains one of the most loved figures in Queensland rugby league, and sits on Billy Slater's coaching staff for this series. Queensland Rugby League CEO Ben Ikin went as far as to suggest this week Leniu would be targeted by the Maroons, with fans also expected to be vocal. But Leniu's Sydney Roosters and NSW teammate Crichton said that would play into the prop's hands, given he thrives on aggression and emotion. "He's a fireball and loose cannon, and we love that about him. He's an asset to our team," Crichton said. "I think he has to (be public enemy No.1), and I think he's happy to take that role. "We love him and that passion that he's got. I've always got Spencer's back in supporting him and it'll be no different this week, heading into the game." Leniu was booed at Suncorp Stadium last year, with the Origin III decider his first game in Brisbane since calling Brisbane star Ezra Mam a "monkey". Thurston called for Leniu to be handed a 12-game ban, with the Roosters prop believed to be unhappy the issue resurfaced on a podcast in last year's finals. Leniu's former Panthers teammate Brian To'o said it would not be lingering on the bench forward's mind headed into next week. "He's always had that grown-up mindset," To'o said. "If something happens with him, he will just deal with it and face it. "If it gets sorted, then that is it. But if it's still dwelling, then he will just leave it and keep moving forward." NSW players continued their preparations for the series opener on Thursday, facing St Marys' Ron Massey Cup side in an opposed session at a rain-soaked Blue Mountains. But what NSW are certain of is Leniu won't be intimidated in Brisbane. "He will never shy away from a contest, that's for sure. I reckon he will be ready to rock," Dylan Edwards said. "I imagine we will all get booed up there. I don't think it will be any different for Spence. "I just expect him to go out and do what he does as normal. Obviously Origin is a bit more higher intensity and a bit faster. "But Spence is Spence. He is going to be physical, run extremely hard and tackle extremely hard." Angus Crichton is happy for Queensland fans to poke the bear, adamant Blues "fireball" Spencer Leniu will embrace being public enemy No.1 in Brisbane. Leniu is set to enter next Wednesday's State of Origin opener as the most maligned man at Suncorp Stadium, after his sideline spat with Johnathan Thurston. The NSW forward has been shielded from the media in Blues camp, not speaking to reporters since unleashing a tirade at Thurston at Suncorp last month. Leniu also labelled the Queensland great "two-faced" and "fake" on social media the next day, in the latest chapter of the racial slur saga from Las Vegas last year. Thurston admitted afterwards he was "shocked" at the time, which he claimed was both "unwarranted" and "overly aggressive". The Maroons great remains one of the most loved figures in Queensland rugby league, and sits on Billy Slater's coaching staff for this series. Queensland Rugby League CEO Ben Ikin went as far as to suggest this week Leniu would be targeted by the Maroons, with fans also expected to be vocal. But Leniu's Sydney Roosters and NSW teammate Crichton said that would play into the prop's hands, given he thrives on aggression and emotion. "He's a fireball and loose cannon, and we love that about him. He's an asset to our team," Crichton said. "I think he has to (be public enemy No.1), and I think he's happy to take that role. "We love him and that passion that he's got. I've always got Spencer's back in supporting him and it'll be no different this week, heading into the game." Leniu was booed at Suncorp Stadium last year, with the Origin III decider his first game in Brisbane since calling Brisbane star Ezra Mam a "monkey". Thurston called for Leniu to be handed a 12-game ban, with the Roosters prop believed to be unhappy the issue resurfaced on a podcast in last year's finals. Leniu's former Panthers teammate Brian To'o said it would not be lingering on the bench forward's mind headed into next week. "He's always had that grown-up mindset," To'o said. "If something happens with him, he will just deal with it and face it. "If it gets sorted, then that is it. But if it's still dwelling, then he will just leave it and keep moving forward." NSW players continued their preparations for the series opener on Thursday, facing St Marys' Ron Massey Cup side in an opposed session at a rain-soaked Blue Mountains. But what NSW are certain of is Leniu won't be intimidated in Brisbane. "He will never shy away from a contest, that's for sure. I reckon he will be ready to rock," Dylan Edwards said. "I imagine we will all get booed up there. I don't think it will be any different for Spence. "I just expect him to go out and do what he does as normal. Obviously Origin is a bit more higher intensity and a bit faster. "But Spence is Spence. He is going to be physical, run extremely hard and tackle extremely hard." Angus Crichton is happy for Queensland fans to poke the bear, adamant Blues "fireball" Spencer Leniu will embrace being public enemy No.1 in Brisbane. Leniu is set to enter next Wednesday's State of Origin opener as the most maligned man at Suncorp Stadium, after his sideline spat with Johnathan Thurston. The NSW forward has been shielded from the media in Blues camp, not speaking to reporters since unleashing a tirade at Thurston at Suncorp last month. Leniu also labelled the Queensland great "two-faced" and "fake" on social media the next day, in the latest chapter of the racial slur saga from Las Vegas last year. Thurston admitted afterwards he was "shocked" at the time, which he claimed was both "unwarranted" and "overly aggressive". The Maroons great remains one of the most loved figures in Queensland rugby league, and sits on Billy Slater's coaching staff for this series. Queensland Rugby League CEO Ben Ikin went as far as to suggest this week Leniu would be targeted by the Maroons, with fans also expected to be vocal. But Leniu's Sydney Roosters and NSW teammate Crichton said that would play into the prop's hands, given he thrives on aggression and emotion. "He's a fireball and loose cannon, and we love that about him. He's an asset to our team," Crichton said. "I think he has to (be public enemy No.1), and I think he's happy to take that role. "We love him and that passion that he's got. I've always got Spencer's back in supporting him and it'll be no different this week, heading into the game." Leniu was booed at Suncorp Stadium last year, with the Origin III decider his first game in Brisbane since calling Brisbane star Ezra Mam a "monkey". Thurston called for Leniu to be handed a 12-game ban, with the Roosters prop believed to be unhappy the issue resurfaced on a podcast in last year's finals. Leniu's former Panthers teammate Brian To'o said it would not be lingering on the bench forward's mind headed into next week. "He's always had that grown-up mindset," To'o said. "If something happens with him, he will just deal with it and face it. "If it gets sorted, then that is it. But if it's still dwelling, then he will just leave it and keep moving forward." NSW players continued their preparations for the series opener on Thursday, facing St Marys' Ron Massey Cup side in an opposed session at a rain-soaked Blue Mountains. But what NSW are certain of is Leniu won't be intimidated in Brisbane. "He will never shy away from a contest, that's for sure. I reckon he will be ready to rock," Dylan Edwards said. "I imagine we will all get booed up there. I don't think it will be any different for Spence. "I just expect him to go out and do what he does as normal. Obviously Origin is a bit more higher intensity and a bit faster. "But Spence is Spence. He is going to be physical, run extremely hard and tackle extremely hard."
The Advertiser
22-05-2025
- Climate
- The Advertiser
Water-logged Blues say wet good prep for sunny Suncorp
NSW insist the state's big wet is providing good State of Origin preparation for a dry Suncorp Stadium, as they deal with a deluge ahead of their trip to Queensland. The Blues' opposed session with a St Marys' Ron Massey Cup side featuring Michael Jennings on Thursday was played in driving rain, with close to 60mm falling in the preceding 24 hours. The Blue Mountains Grammar School field held up relatively well in the circumstances, but water was splashing up with every step taken by players. In contrast, the Maroons were training on the clear and warm Sunshine Coast, and with no rain predicted for Origin I at Suncorp Stadium next Wednesday night. But Blues players maintained the watery conditions could play into their favour, while still attempting to play the way they will in drier conditions. "It provided more of an emphasis on taking care of the football, which is a good thing to have focus on in any game," fullback Dylan Edwards said. "Those sorts of conditions, yes they're challenging to stick tackles and hold the football. "But you have to focus on doing that anyway going up to Suncorp next week, regardless of if it is a dry or wet track." Payne Haas again sat out Thursday's session, but the Blues are confident he will overcome a quad injury to play in the series opener. In the 15 minutes before media were kicked out, Mitch Moses warmed up with a left edge of Angus Crichton, Latrell Mitchell and Brian To'o. Nathan Cleary was on his preferred right side, alongside Liam Martin, Stephen Crichton and Zac Lomax. NSW called in Gerard Sutton to referee the session, while St Marys had Jennings playing right centre and Stephen Crichton's brother Christian playing right wing. Former NSW halfback Craig Gower was an assistant coach for St Marys, giving the Blues a touch of Origin experience to work against. "They gave us a look at the shapes we think Queensland are going to be throwing," second-rower Hudson Young said. "It's pretty cool too because Jenko and Gower did a lot in the game. So for them to give up their time and help us prepare. "We can't control the weather and there are people out there doing it tough in NSW at the moment. We're thinking of them in this period." NSW insist the state's big wet is providing good State of Origin preparation for a dry Suncorp Stadium, as they deal with a deluge ahead of their trip to Queensland. The Blues' opposed session with a St Marys' Ron Massey Cup side featuring Michael Jennings on Thursday was played in driving rain, with close to 60mm falling in the preceding 24 hours. The Blue Mountains Grammar School field held up relatively well in the circumstances, but water was splashing up with every step taken by players. In contrast, the Maroons were training on the clear and warm Sunshine Coast, and with no rain predicted for Origin I at Suncorp Stadium next Wednesday night. But Blues players maintained the watery conditions could play into their favour, while still attempting to play the way they will in drier conditions. "It provided more of an emphasis on taking care of the football, which is a good thing to have focus on in any game," fullback Dylan Edwards said. "Those sorts of conditions, yes they're challenging to stick tackles and hold the football. "But you have to focus on doing that anyway going up to Suncorp next week, regardless of if it is a dry or wet track." Payne Haas again sat out Thursday's session, but the Blues are confident he will overcome a quad injury to play in the series opener. In the 15 minutes before media were kicked out, Mitch Moses warmed up with a left edge of Angus Crichton, Latrell Mitchell and Brian To'o. Nathan Cleary was on his preferred right side, alongside Liam Martin, Stephen Crichton and Zac Lomax. NSW called in Gerard Sutton to referee the session, while St Marys had Jennings playing right centre and Stephen Crichton's brother Christian playing right wing. Former NSW halfback Craig Gower was an assistant coach for St Marys, giving the Blues a touch of Origin experience to work against. "They gave us a look at the shapes we think Queensland are going to be throwing," second-rower Hudson Young said. "It's pretty cool too because Jenko and Gower did a lot in the game. So for them to give up their time and help us prepare. "We can't control the weather and there are people out there doing it tough in NSW at the moment. We're thinking of them in this period." NSW insist the state's big wet is providing good State of Origin preparation for a dry Suncorp Stadium, as they deal with a deluge ahead of their trip to Queensland. The Blues' opposed session with a St Marys' Ron Massey Cup side featuring Michael Jennings on Thursday was played in driving rain, with close to 60mm falling in the preceding 24 hours. The Blue Mountains Grammar School field held up relatively well in the circumstances, but water was splashing up with every step taken by players. In contrast, the Maroons were training on the clear and warm Sunshine Coast, and with no rain predicted for Origin I at Suncorp Stadium next Wednesday night. But Blues players maintained the watery conditions could play into their favour, while still attempting to play the way they will in drier conditions. "It provided more of an emphasis on taking care of the football, which is a good thing to have focus on in any game," fullback Dylan Edwards said. "Those sorts of conditions, yes they're challenging to stick tackles and hold the football. "But you have to focus on doing that anyway going up to Suncorp next week, regardless of if it is a dry or wet track." Payne Haas again sat out Thursday's session, but the Blues are confident he will overcome a quad injury to play in the series opener. In the 15 minutes before media were kicked out, Mitch Moses warmed up with a left edge of Angus Crichton, Latrell Mitchell and Brian To'o. Nathan Cleary was on his preferred right side, alongside Liam Martin, Stephen Crichton and Zac Lomax. NSW called in Gerard Sutton to referee the session, while St Marys had Jennings playing right centre and Stephen Crichton's brother Christian playing right wing. Former NSW halfback Craig Gower was an assistant coach for St Marys, giving the Blues a touch of Origin experience to work against. "They gave us a look at the shapes we think Queensland are going to be throwing," second-rower Hudson Young said. "It's pretty cool too because Jenko and Gower did a lot in the game. So for them to give up their time and help us prepare. "We can't control the weather and there are people out there doing it tough in NSW at the moment. We're thinking of them in this period."
