The Penrith Panthers went into the Finals Series this year with the mantra of ‘Never Before’, riding the wave of their incredible fightback from last to reach the top eight, and their quest to win a fifth title – this time from outside the top four.

The name Noel Francis Dodds has likely never appeared in a newspaper before, or had a spotlight shone on it at all, really.

The nerves just never really set in.

This Friday night, we will walk through the gates of the old Penrith Park one final time.

As you may have read in our previous edition, I was last week named Penrith’s Citizen of the Year for 2024.

I caught up with a friend on Monday night and the question that inevitably gets raised, given we’re both pretty big TV followers, is: So, what are you watching?

When we look back on The Beatles’ visit to Australia in 1964, we reflect on an iconic moment in the cultural development of our country.

This month I am celebrating 15 years of service at The Western Weekender newspaper as its Managing Editor.

The Penrith Panthers sit on the doorstep of destiny, just 80 minutes away from entering rugby league folklore as one of the greatest ever teams.

Talk is cheap, and action means everything.