Panthers face Warriors
after beating Wests Tigers
Penrith defeated a Wests Tigers team comprising NSW Cup and National Youth Competition players, 34-32, at Carrington Park, Bathurst, on Friday.
The Panthers now get ready for their next trial game against the New Zealand Warriors this Saturday at Waikato Stadium, Hamilton, New Zealand.
Panthers coach Ivan Cleary said he was pleased to get through the match without any dramas.
He said giving many players an opportunity was the main focus of the trial.
The Panthers' final trial hit out is the Battle of the West Cup against Parramatta Eels on Saturday, February 23, Centrebet Stadium, 5pm.
Gates open at 1pm for the big clash between the Panthers and Eels.
In other news, the Panthers' opening round of the NRL season is against Canberra Raiders on Sunday, March 10, Centrebet Stadium, 2pm.
Penrith Panthers 'referred
to' in ACC report on drugs
Penrith Panthers executive general manager football Phil Gould said he received a call last night from the Australian Crime Commission to say the club had been "implicated or referred to" in the report on drugs and organised-crime links in sport.
Gould said the ARL Commissioner David Smith did not provide any other information.
"At this stage, that is all the information David was permitted to relay to us," he said. "No other details are available at this time.
"As we have stated previously, Panthers welcomes the opportunity to assist in any enquiry or investigation and we look forward to a speedy resolution to this matter, both for our club and the code of rugby league.
"We will do our best to keep our sponsors, members and fans informed as more details come to hand."
Giants coach Brereton
declares players on the rise
Dermot Brereton has been a member of the Giants GWS coaching staff for almost one year.
The former AFL forward, who has a part-time role with the club, believes the young club, now preparing for its second year of competition, has a group of players on the rise.
Brereton earmarks big seasons for Jon Patton and Jeremy Cameron.
"Jon's developing a man's wind tank now which is going to to take him a long way," Brereton said.
Brereton also said he thinks the GWS Giants will produce surprise results this season.
"I wouldn't have minded being 18 and playing in this team. There is some serious talent there. Patton and Cameron are showing wonderful progress so what you see this year, rub your hands together and say how good it is going to be."
The GWS Giants play premiers Sydney Swans and Carlton in a triangular NAB Cup series clash at Blacktown International Sports Park this Sunday, February 24.
The Giants clash with Carlton at 4.40pm then tackle the Sydney Swans at 6.50pm.