Panthers on alert over Eels
Penrith coach Ivan Cleary isn’t worried about his side’s recent record against the Eels in the regular season, with the premiers maintaining they are still the “little brother” in Sydney’s west ahead of Friday’s blockbuster derby.
The Panthers have seemingly forgotten how to lose matches, but that changes for some reason when they face Parramatta, which has won four in a row against Penrith in the home and away season.
You can argue it means very little, given the Eels also lost their four most recent finals matches against the Panthers, including the 2022 decider, but there’s something about this rivalry that brings out their best, which is why the defending premier is on high alert.
“We’ve always been little brother, so I’m not sure if that’s changed,” Cleary said.
“We’re rivals, and that’s been the case for years and years. Over the last few years, we’ve had some really good games, and a lot of those games could have gone either way. We always look forward to playing them, and it’s probably vice versa.”
The Panthers lost only six games last year, but two were against Parramatta, including a memorable 17-16 result in round 4 that was sealed by a Mitch Moses field goal in golden point. While that clash could have gone either way, the Panthers are still smarting over the round 26 derby in which they were belted by a team missing Moses and with very little to play for.
It’s a testament to how much he loves rugby league that this rising star gave up something he almost loves as much as playing footy to become one of the first NRL debutants of the 2024 season.
Viliami Fifita wanted to make his NRL debut so badly he sacrificed one of his greatest loves - toasties - to make an impact in the elite game.
Fifita, a Fairfield United and Manly Warringah Sea Eagles junior, said he was a hulking 140kg when just 16 and playing in the Harold Matthew’s competition.
Now trimmed to 115kg, this St George Illawarra Dragon said loved his food excessively and would chow down on five or six toasties after every training session.
“I love my food, toast, toast, toast, that’s what I used to eat,’’ said Fifita, sent out for his debut by coach Shane Flanagan in their 28-4 win over the Titans in round one.
“When I was in Harold Mats, I was real heavy, about 140 kilos and I was around 16.
“But then I went into a preseason at Manly and dropped a bunch of weight and got down to 115kg.
“Bread was one of the things I loved too much. I love food but I love my footy more.
“The food bill has gone down in the house, so mum was happy about that.’’
When his family were told of his impending debut they arrived en-mass at the Dragons for an emotional jersey presentation