Marto desperate for World Cup call-up

Liam Martin is determined to have a strong finish to the season with Penrith and get a call-up to the Australian team for the World Cup at the end of the year.

Marto missed out on the Ashes series last year, opting to stay behind for the birth of his son. He obviously has no regrets, but missing out has made him hungry to wear the green and gold this year.

It’s going to be a busy period for Martin. He’s commenced preliminary talks with Penrith about a contract extension. While it’s understood he has softened on an initial desire to play in Papua New Guinea, there is no question Martin is on the radar of several NRL clubs – if he goes to market, don’t be surprised if the Bulldogs, Eels and Wests Tigers all have a crack.

Liam Martin. Photo: NRL Photos.

Cleary tees off

Panthers legend Nathan Cleary has launched his own kicking tee under the NC7 brand. He’s using the tee himself, and it’s available to purchase from his website at http://www.nathancleary.com.au. NC7 match balls are also being sold via the site, as Cleary expands his brand.

Cleary’s new kicking tee.

Mayor on the hunt

Mid-Western Regional Council Mayor Des Kennedy is on the hunt for a replacement for the Penrith Panthers, who finish their short-term agreement to play in Mudgee this season.

The Panthers took three home games on the road this year but that will scale back to two next year when they return to Penrith Stadium, with Bathurst and Magic Round on the agenda.

There will be no renewal of the Mudgee agreement, so Kennedy is on the lookout for another NRL club to head his way.

Spotted

Panthers legend Mark Geyer, with a Western Weekender in hand, grabbing a coffee at Southlands Shopping Centre last week.

Dream debut (kind of)

It wasn’t exactly his first NRL game, but it probably felt like a debut for Jaxen Edgar against the Eels last Thursday night at CommBank Stadium.

His official debut game actually came last year, but he was an unexpected inclusion mid-game – so he didn’t have the huge array of friends and family that tend to gather for big moments like this. They were there in big numbers last Thursday to celebrate Edgar’s performance against the Eels.

Jaxen Edgar with his family. Photo: NRL Photos.

Creativity shines

Credit to these fans who had two of the more unique signs we’ve seen at the footy in recent times at CommBank Stadium last Thursday night.

Some great fan-created signs. Photo: NRL Photos.

Cleary’s last dance

Sportsbet has launched a market that leans into Ivan Cleary’s final two years at the club. ‘The Last Dance’ offers odds of $10.00 if you believe Penrith can farewell the super coach in style and win both the 2026 and 2027 Grand Finals.

Spotted

Injured Panthers hooker Mitch Kenny enjoying some Frango’s for dinner in Penrith last Friday night.

Country-lovin’ Panthers

Move over Brian To’o and that boom box, a country music revolution is sweeping through the Panthers camp.

Join Dylan Edwards’ jam session and you’ll be grooving along to some Luke Combs. Liam Henry loves it old school with the great Alan Jackson, while Lindsay Smith is a big Jordan Davis fan. You’ll find Kalani Going chilling to some Chris Stapleton, while Billy Scott is joining Edwards in the Combs fan club.

Robot referees?

We’re not sure what the purpose of this Parramatta Eels robot was at CommBank Stadium last Thursday night, but Panthers coach Ivan Cleary certainly enjoyed saying g’day. Perhaps the robot is learning the ropes and will one day be a referee? Or at least throw him in The Bunker!

Ivan Cleary meets the Eels’ new robot. Photo: NRL Photos.

Spill the tea

I don’t keep secrets, but I do protect my sources. If you’ve got some gossip to share or you spot a Panthers player or official out and about, let us know about it. Email [email protected].

The Masked Panther is the most mysterious journalist of all. He has the inside word on everything happening in rugby league.