roster overhaul – Michmutters
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Penrith Panthers v Melbourne Storm, rivalry, round 22, hubris, Ivan Cleary, Matt Tripp, Greg Alexander, Cameron Smith

The most explosive clash of the NRL season is set to unfold when Penrith host Melbourne on Thursday night in the wake of a bitter war of words between the clubs.

They’re the two most successful teams, alongside the Roosters, of the past five years and will meet in a highly-anticipated top-four showdown.

The Storm and Panthers have ended each other’s campaigns in arguably the two best games of the past two seasons.

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Melbourne won the premiership after Penrith finished on top of the ladder in 2020 and then those roles were reversed last year.

The rivalry between the past two premiers is the fiercest in the game right now.

Panthers players were outraged by Instagram videos after the 2020 grand finale and they got their revenge by knocking the Storm out in an epic preliminary final last year.

“They don’t like each other,” The Australian’s Brent Read said on NRL360 on Wednesday about the rivalry

“It’s been evident for a while that these teams dislike each other but it’s gone up a notch this week.”

Both teams will be missing key cavalry for the blockbuster at BlueBet Stadium but tensions will still be sky high with plenty on the line for both teams in the run to the finals.

The Panthers were superb last week against the Canberra Raiders without the State of Origin halves pairing of Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai, but things get even tougher with James Fisher-Harris now suspended.

The latest chapter in the clubs’ fierce rivalry is now set to be written after Panthers great Greg Alexander and Storm legend Cameron Smith traded barbs throughout the week.

The Panthers and Storm have built quite the rivalry. Greg Alexander (left) and Cameron Smith (right). GettySource: FOX SPORTS

That stoush over who is responsible for an influx of dangerous tackles in the game quickly escalated.

“I thought it was just a general consensus that over the last 20 years that all the tackles, the wrestling techniques had come out of Melbourne,” Alexanders said after Smith blew up at his initial accusation.

The exchange between Alexander and Smith prompted a stunning outburst from Melbourne’s chairman and owner Matt Tripp.

Tripp blasted Penrith deputy chairman Alexander’s comments as “stupid” and accused the reigning premiers of arrogance.

“Absolutely unfair,” Clearly said of Tripp’s comments.

“I’m not here to judge anyone else. But I know that Brandy (Alexander) is an outstanding commentator and a decorated figure in the game. If anyone’s able to have an opinion it’s Brandy.

“Most of his opinions are spot on. But that was his opinion of him in a completely different role. So, I don’t think it’s fair for everyone else at our club to be labeled what we were, but these things happen sometimes.”

Tamou has his say on Papali’i backflip | 01:50

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Following Tripp’s blow-up, the Storm were then accused of having a “chip on their shoulder” by the NRL 360 panel who also believe the Panthers will use Tripp’s comments as motivation.

“There’s going to be plenty of spice, it’s going to be a great game,” Paul Crawley said.

“The Storm are in a bit of strife on the field and they really have to show some signs of fighting back and I just can’t see how they’re going to do that against the Panthers.”

“What I’m fascinated with is the chairman versus the deputy chairman, Tripp versus Alexander,” Paul Kent said.

PK: ‘The fact is players get injured!’ | 02:24

“Some of the things that Tripp said about Penrith, he said the club was arrogant, he turned from criticism of Greg Alexander into criticism of the club.

“And I’ll tell you one thing about Penrith, when you criticize them, they respond to it and they’re very good at coming out and saying ‘is this what you think about us, well we’ll show you what we think about you’ and they deliver.”

Brent Read believes Alexander may have tactically brought up the tackling argument ahead of the clash.

“At this time of year, this invariably raises its head, you point the finger at Melbourne and say they invented the wrestle and it’s just an easy argument,” Read said.

“I’m it doesn’t hurt Penrith (this week).”

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Read also defended any perceived arrogance from Penrith players during matches.

“On the field they play with swagger. They play with a bit of arrogance. You have got to have that to be successful.”

Braith Anasta agreed that arrogance can be a powerful tool for a sporting team when used correctly.

“In any sport you have got to have confidence,” Anasta said.

Some people think they cross the line a little bit but you need confidence. You need a little bit of arrogance. You need to go out there thinking, I’ve got you covered.”

Storm star Jahrome Hughes apologized earlier this season after being named as the main culprit in 2020 grand final celebration footage mocking Panthers players’ Mt Druit roots.

Panthers center Stephen Crichton revealed the footage was used as motivation, sparking their stunning 2021 preliminary final win over Melbourne.

To motivate his players prior to the 2021 preliminary final, assistant coach Cameron Ciraldo saved the clip.

Ciraldo told his players in the lead-up to the Panthers’ huge 10-6 win they needed to “protect where you come from”.

– with Martin Gabor

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Sports

Penrith Panthers arrogance, Storm, Matt Tripp, Ivan Cleary, Jarome Luai, Nathan Cleary, Greg Alexander

The Penrith Panthers have been defended against claims of arrogance directed at the club from Storm chairman Matt Tripp ahead of their grudge match on Thursday night.

Ahead of their Round 22 clash, the Panthers rivally with the Storm was ignited by Penrith chair Greg Alexander’s comments suggesting Melbourne brought the wrestle into the game, prompting a fiery response.

“Ivan Cleary has responded to explosive comments from Storm chairman Matt Tripp that labeled Penrith deputy chairman Greg Alexander and the Panthers club arrogant after Alexander accused Storm of pioneering wrestling tactics in the game,” Braith Anasta said on NRL 360.

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“Tripp hit back with this pointed attack: “For the deputy chair of one of our biggest competitors to make unfounded and stupid comments, just goes to the arrogance of that club and their perceived status in the game.”

Panthers coach Ivan Cleary defended the club after Tripp’s scathing attack in light of Alexander’s comments in his role as a commentator, which has nothing to do with Penrith as a club.

“Absolutely unfair,” Cleary said.

“I’m not here to judge anybody else. I know that Brandy (Alexander) is an outstanding commentator. He is a decorated figure in the game for many years as a player and a commentator. I think if anyone is able to have an opinion it is Brandy and most of his opinions of him are spot on.

“That was his opinion in a different role so I don’t think it is fair for everyone else at our club to be labeled what we were.

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Ivan Cleary has defended his players and the Panthers as a club.Source: News Corp Australia

“I don’t know why people say it, but I don’t believe it is true. The consistency we have shown over the last three years, I don’t think there is any way you can do that if you are disrespectful or arrogant.

“I’m not sure how every other club does it, but if there is any team that has players that spend more time with the public and kids, particularly after games, than our boys do then I would like to see it.

“We are very proud of our club and our boys. We are probably not perfect, but I would like to think we are doing a decent job.”

“The Penrith Panthers are not doing a decent job, they are doing an outstanding job,” Anasta said.

“They have been marvelous the last few years and they are close to greatness looking to go back-to-back. Are they arrogant?”

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Jarome Luai has been accused of crossing the line on the field at times.Source: Getty Images

The Daily Telegraph’s Brent Read believes there needs to be a clear line between what the Panthers do on and off the field and defended any perceived arrogance from players during matches.

“I think you have got to differentiate what they are like on the field and off the field,” Read said.

“Ivan was talking about how they do a lot of work with kids. Off the field those guys like Jarome Luai and Nathan Cleary are fantastic blokes.

“On the field they play with swagger. They play with a bit of arrogance. You have got to have that to be successful.”

Anasta agreed that arrogance can be a powerful tool for a sporting team when used correctly.

“Don’t you want that?” Anasta said.

PK: ‘The fact is players get injured!’ | 02:24

“In any sport you have got to have confidence. Some people think they cross the line a little bit but you need confidence. You need a little bit of arrogance. You need to go out there thinking, I’ve got you covered.”

Paul Kent believes the Panthers are an outstanding club off the field and if the players show arrogance on the field, their success has given them the right to express themselves.

“It all shapes in narratives,” Kent said.

“They do have swagger. They are confident and they are aggressive and they let you know it and they actually reveal it in showing you how well they are going.

“That’s on the field. Ivan didn’t address that at all. I have addressed them off the field where he was 100 per cent right.

Buzz: Roosters have looming cap issues | 04:08

“They are tremendous the way they interact with their fans and give back to the community.

“I think it is not a bad thing what they do on the field. It annoys me sometimes. I don’t like seeing some of the things, but it is part of the big picture.

“Everyone wants it to be completely black or completely white. They are neither. They are somewhere in the middle and that is where the fun happens to be honest.

“They are a little bit arrogant on the field, but it is a healthy arrogance.”

The Daily Telegraph’s Phil Rothfield believes the Panthers players are expressing themselves and their upbringing, which they are very proud of.

“You don’t want a dull boring footy team,” Rothfield said.

“You want personality. You want characters.

“What we see from Penrith on the football field is these boys who have grown up in the district in tough areas around Mt Druit and St Marys and they are characters.

“They just love celebrating it. I don’t think it is arrogance.”

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Sports

Roosters salary cap crisis, seven players earn half of cap, James Tedesco, Luke Keary, Joseph Manu, Angus Crichton

The Sydney Roosters are facing a salary cap crisis with reports $5.2 million of their salary cap is tied up in seven players with others set for contract upgrades in 2023.

The Daily Telegraph’s Phil Rothfield revealed the Roosters have seven players in the NRL’s 100 highest players, which could provide a problem when some rising stars gain contract upgrades in the off-season.

“We have come up with the 100 highest paid players in the competition and what it does show is the Roosters with their list are going to have some cap pressure,” Rothfield said on NRL 360.

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“In 2022 they have got Tedesco on $1.1m, Luke Keary on $850,000, Joseph Manu ($720k), Jared Waerea-Hargreaves ($700k), Angus Crichton ($700k), Sio Siua Taukeiaho ($625k) and Victor Radley ( $510k) for a total of $5,205,000.

“The cap in 2021 is only $9.4 million so there is a lot of under paid players there.

“The problem for the Roosters is next year they have got to chuck Brandon Smith into that and you have also got to throw Joseph Suaalii into that who is on $700,000 next year.

“The other issue is Sam Walker is off-contract next year and as you know there aren’t many great young halves around, so he is going to have to get some serious money.”

Paul Kent questioned how the Roosters can pay the other 23 players in their squad less than half of what their seven highest paid stars earn.

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James Tedesco is one of seven Roosters stars in the top 100 highest paid NRL players.Source: Getty Images

“How do you get 23 more players in on $4.2 million?” Kent asked.

“That is a lot of money in seven players.”

Braith Anasta asked Rothfield if he believes the Roosters will have to let some of their big earners go to build a successful team for 2023.

“Are you saying that the Roosters are in some salary cap pressure and they are going to find it hard to keep everyone next year?” Anasta asked.

Rothfield spoke to Roosters boss Nick Politis about the state of the Roosters salary cap heading into 2023.

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PK: ‘The fact is players get injured!’ | 02:24

“Angus Crichton is not on that list and his contract hasn’t been registered yet for 2023, so if you put Angus Crichton in you are going up to nearly $6 million,” Rothfield said.

“I spoke to Nick Politis today and his position on the salary cap is this. Boyd Cordner was medically retired which took $720,000 out of their salary cap.

“There were some minor players they let go in Sam Verills, Ronald Volkman, Lachlan Lam, Siosiua Taukeiaho and Daniel Suluka-Fifita went to Souths.

“So they have probably lost $1.5 million with those players including Taukeiaho.

“I still think it is going to be a squeeze, without setting alarm bells for their players or fans I think there are a few that are going to have to be tapped.”

Do Panthers deserve ‘arrogant’ tag? | 03:03

However, Brent Read revealed the salary cap is set to rise by $1.5 million at least for 2023 and beyond.

“We should say the cap hasn’t been set for next year and it will go up,” Read said.

“There is a big meeting on Thursday between the NRL and the club CEO’s about the salary cap.

“I think it will go up to at least $12 million next year.”

However, Anasta believes as it stands it looks like some players will have to take pay cuts to keep the team together.

“In looking at that they can’t really be in the market for anyone,” Anasta said.

“They are unlikely to be looking for new players and a few players may have to take pay cuts if they want to stay there it would seem by the numbers.”

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Sports

Transfer Whispers, Jake Turpin, Broncos, Knights, Will Penisini, rugby union, Eels, Kobe Hetherington, Brisbane, transfers, contracts

Jake Turpin is out in the cold after the Broncos confirmed he will not be at the club next season, while a potential suitor has denied they are interested in his services.

Meanwhile, the Broncos are set to give Kobe Hetherington a pay rise in a bid to ward off NRL rivals and Eels star Will Penisini is open to a switch to rugby union.

Read on for all the latest NRL Transfer Whispers.

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BRONCOS HOOKER IN NRL WILDERNESS

Jake Turpin is out in the cold after the Broncos confirmed he will not be at the club next season, while the Knights have denied they are interested in his services.

Newscorp reported Turpin will not be at the Broncos next season, while the Knights have denied they will make a play to lure him to the Hunter.

The Broncos are set to invest in incumbents Billy Walters and Cory Paix as well as rising rookie Blake Mozer as their dummyhalf options moving forward.

Broncos coach Kevin Walters confirmed Turpin is not in the club’s long-term plans and will not be offered a new deal in 2022.

“At the moment, there is nothing for Jake with us for next year unfortunately,” Walters told Newscorp.

“The reality is it was going to be hard to keep Jake.

“We have Billy (Walters) and Cory Paix in our squad at the moment, so as much as you would love to keep all your players, with the salary-cap it’s difficult.

Payten opens up on time with Cowboys | 06:27

“’Turps’ has played some great games for the Broncos, and he is good at those little effort areas, particularly in defense, but with our roster, we don’t have any spots left for the hooker position.”

Knights Director of Football Peter Parr poured cold water on reports Newcastle will target Turpin as a back-up to Jayden Brailey.

“He is a wholehearted player but his name hasn’t been mentioned to me at all (by recruitment manager Clint Zammit), so we have no plans to sign him” Parr said.

The 25-year-old has scored four tries in 56 games for the Broncos since his debut in 2018 and won the club’s most consistent player award just last season.

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Jake Turpin is on the lookout for a new club.Source: Getty Images

EELS STAR OPEN TO CODE SWITCH

Eels young gun Will Penisini is open to a switch to rugby union in the future as the club looks to lock him to a long-term extension.

Newscorp reported Penisini, who played the rival code at school with Roosters star Joseph Suaalii at Kings College, hasn’t shut the door on a potential move to the 15-man game in the future.

“I’m not closing the door on rugby union,” Penisini told News Corp.

“Right now, I am content with where I am at Parramatta and I’m loving rugby league at the moment. I am just at the start of my career and I want to build my game and focus on playing consistent footy for Parramatta and try not to look too far ahead about the decision between rugby league or rugby union.”

The Eels are already trying to extend Penisini beyond his current deal, which expires in 2023.

The 20-year-old center has scored seven tries in 25 games for the Eels since his debut in 2021 and has already played one Test for Tonga, who he is likely to feature for at the World Cup.

Will Penisini is open to a switch to rugby union.Source: Getty Images

BRONCOS UP OFFER TO YOUNG GUN AS RIVALS CIRCLE

Broncos lock Kobe Hetherington is set for a massive pay rise as Brisbane aim to ward off approaches from rival clubs for his services.

Newscorp reported Hetherington is set to earn a pay rise of $200,000 a year as the club aims to lock him up on a two-year extension.

However, it is believed Hetherington, who is starting for Brisbane in the absence of the suspended Patrick Carrigan, could command upwards of $300,000 on the open market.

Hetherington is a versatile forward who can cover back row, front row and hooker, with no shortage of clubs keen on a player of his ability.

The 23-year-old has scored three tries in 33 games for the Broncos since his debut in 2021 and has been a mainstay of Kevin Walters’ pack rotation this season.

Kobe Hetherington is set for a pay rise.Source: Getty Images

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John Bateman to Wests Tigers, Wigan, Canberra Raiders, Super League, Jimmy Brings, James Hooper

The Wests Tigers have made an inquiry with Wigan about the prospect of bringing 2019 Dally M Backrower of the Year John Bateman back to the NRL in 2023.

In a move unrelated to Isaiah Papali’i having second thoughts about switching from Parramatta to Concord next year, Tigers director of football Tim Sheens has confirmed the club has made the approach.

The catch is going to be Bateman is under contract with Wigan until at least the end of 2024 and for now the Warriors have blocked the Tigers move.

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Bateman was one of the standout backrowers in the NRL the year the Canberra Raiders made the grand finale in 2019 before his tenure in the national capital sourced over a contract stalemate with the Green Machine.

Bateman then returned home to the UK at the end of the 2020 NRL season after inking a four-year deal with Wigan through until the end of 2024.

The Raiders were forced to pay a $250,000 transfer fee to Bradford to bring Bateman to the NRL the first time around but the one bonus with transfer fees to English clubs is they aren’t included in the NRL clubs salary cap.

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The Tigers have made a play for former Raiders star John Bateman.Source: Getty Images

The Bateman approach is creative thinking from Sheens trying to look outside the square and devise recruitment ploys aimed at overhauling the Wests Tigers roster.

The Tigers have made some recruitment moves this week by re-signing Brent Naden, Asu Kepoa and Starford To’a but the real recruitment space where they need to get busy is the re-signing of Adam Doueihi.

Doueihi is easily the Tigers best player, a local junior and the type of leader the Wests Tigers need to build the club around.

With Sheens and Benji Marshall now having control of the steering wheel at least it won’t be left to dithering management types to make another misguided mistake.

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‘He gets angry at some weird things’ | 01:13

The issue with Doueihi is he’s going to be a free agent as of November 1 and you can guarantee rival clubs are going to be getting the queue to try and convince the five-eighth to switch allegiances.

The Tigers need to sharpen their pencil and try and get a long-term deal done now prior to the stronger clubs being able to table a deal.

The Melbourne Storm have already had one crack at getting Doueihi on loan for the remainder of this year and with uncertainty surrounding the future of Cameron Munster the Tigers five-eighth would make an ideal replacement.

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