Penrith coach Ivan Cleary chats to Western Weekender journalists at the Panthers season launch.
The Western Weekender this week officially launches its 2026 NRL coverage, with a focus on the Penrith Panthers.
Ahead of the Weekender’s 35th birthday in March, the media company continues its commitment to rugby league with unrivalled coverage of the Panthers.
Headlining it all is the return of the Extra Time pull-out feature, published in The Western Weekender every week.
Extra Time is published in print every Thursday, and is available as a stand-alone digital edition.
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Celebrating his 25th year in rugby league media, Troy Dodds will write the main match preview every week.
Nathan Taylor will talk to the players with exclusive one-on-one interviews that give locals an insight into their NRL heroes.
Nathan Taylor will chat with all the big names this season. Photo: Melinda Jane.
Emily Chate also joins the Extra Time team this year, with a new feature that delves into players’ lives away from football.
Peter Lang returns with Lang on League, The Masked Panther is back and a slate of new content is also planned, keeping the weekly publication fresh.
You can also follow the fortunes of local business owners through the Weekender’s famous celebrity tipping competition.
The first edition of Extra Time will be out on Thursday, March 5.
Before that, this Thursday the Weekender publishes a special 20-page season preview wraparound feature. The feature includes special interviews with players, a detailed season preview and plenty of analysis. You’ll also find a handy season draw and player profiles.
“Our print coverage this year is better than ever. We know how much people love getting their hands on a weekly guide to the footy,” said Managing Editor, Troy Dodds.
“We can’t wait to bring readers the latest Panthers news and information, and we thank all of the great advertisers and partners who make it possible.”
Also back in 2026 is the Tension’s Running High podcast, hosted by Troy Dodds and Nathan Taylor.
Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Podcast Addict, iHeart podcasts and directly on the Weekender website, Tension’s Running High is released every Wednesday and includes the latest Panthers insight, player interviews and more.
Nathan Taylor and Troy Dodds host the Tension’s Running High podcast. Photo: Melinda Jane.
And online, the Weekender will continue to be the home of the Panthers with breaking news across the company’s social media pages and at http://www.westernweekender.com.au.
The Masked Panther goes online first at 7am every Thursday.
“It’s an exciting year for the Penrith Panthers. We can’t wait to cover every bit of it,” Dodds said.
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