Western Weekender

Matt Eisenhuth joins us ahead of Penrith's clash with the Warriors on Saturday. Plus Troy and Nathan discuss some of our most awkward journalism moments - involving the likes of Pat Cummins, Phil Gould, Tim Grant and Luke Lewis!

Troy and Nathan offer some insight into CEO Brian Fletcher's decision to stand down from the Panthers. Plus we we recap Penrith's win over the Wests Tigers, as the Panthers chase down an unlikely Finals berth.

Troy and Nathan discuss those rugby union rumours related to Nathan Cleary. Plus we preview Sunday's showdown between the Panthers and Tigers at CommBank Stadium. And what would you like to see out of a new rugby league video game?

We jump in to the Phil Gould v Michael Chammas argument with our own Gus stories. Plus we preview Panthers v Eels this Sunday, and a last minute look at the State of Origin.

The team list for Penrith's clash against Newcastle lands... or does it. Plus Nathan in enemy territory, and why this Origin period is so important for the Panthers.

Troy and Nathan discuss the drama over Shane Elford squirting balls with water in Townsville, plus after the 30-all draw with the Cowboys we look back on other famous Panthers draws. We also discuss Las Vegas 2026 and reflect on Penrith's season so far.

Troy starts the show with some fresh news about Ivan and Nathan Cleary. We preview the Panthers v Cowboys showdown - the 50th meeting between the two clubs. Plus what items would you want to see in a Panthers Museum?

Panthers Premiership winner Liam Martin joins us to chat about what's going wrong at the Panthers, plus we preview Magic Round. And just when you think nothing else can go wrong, the Panther Bus springs a leak!

Troy blows his top over the Penrith Stadium upgrade and the current renders for the new venue. It's a must-listen rant! Isaiah Papali'i joins us for a chat and Troy and Nathan dissect Penrith's win over the Roosters, and Saturday night's clash with Manly. Plus our favourite rugby league smells.

Luke Garner joins us ahead of the Panthers v Roosters showdown on Saturday night. The boys talk about Penrith's current woes and what can be done to reverse the form. Plus they predict the 2025 Grand Finalists based on the first six rounds. And why is Troy constantly test driving cars and annoying the team over at Penrith City Automotive?

Troy and Nathan try to figure out what's going wrong at the foot of the Mountains. Plus we preview Thursday night's clash between the Panthers and Dolphins. And who has had the better career - MG or Brandy? We debate who's on top in football, business and media.

We celebrate Isaah Yeo ahead of his 250th NRL game, plus preview Penrith's crucial clash with North Queensland. Did we fall for any April Fool's Day jokes? And we break down the future of the NRL's tv rights.

Panthers four-time Premiership-winning prop Moses Leota joins us for a chat. The boys preview the Panthers v Rabbitohs showdown and try to figure out what's going on with Penrith's defence.

In this special edition, Troy and Nathan break down the challenges confronting Penrith at CommBank Stadium. From train delays to parking issues and more, how do the Panthers not shed fans and crowds? Plus, why was Ivan Cleary so cranky today?

Troy and Nathan preview Friday night's clash between Penrith and the Roosters. Plus, the evidence that Penrith's depth bubble may be bursting. We go off topic on a Foxtel discussion, and demand the return of the Graham Annesley Monday press briefing!

Troy is back from Vegas and he has the voice to prove it. We wrap up everything Sin City, and discuss how Penrith will get back into week-to-week footy after the spectacular win over the Sharks.

Tension's Running High E22 - Live from Nashville by Western Weekender

Liam Henry joins us to talk about his stellar 2024 season and what 2025 has in store. Plus we discuss everything leading up to Las Vegas, and will Nathan Cleary be a one-club player?

We drop some exclusive news about the Penrith Stadium upgrade, plus the boys chat about last week's pre-season game against Canberra and the lack of game time big players will have before Las Vegas. And Troy Dodds has a wild prediction about Penrith's 2025 season.

Troy Dodds and Nathan Taylor return with a fresh season of Tension's Running High. The boys preview the new NRL season, look at this weekend's trial against Canberra and break down the upcoming Las Vegas mission.

A special limited podcast series presented by The Western Weekender and Western Sydney Publishing Group. Margy Osmond, CEO of the Tourism & Transport Forum Australia, joins us to talk about the impact of the airport on sectors she advocates for.

A special limited podcast series presented by The Western Weekender and Western Sydney Publishing Group. David Borger - Executive Director, Business Western Sydney, chats about the impact the airport will have on the business community in the west, and Sydney more broadly.

A special limited podcast series presented by The Western Weekender and Western Sydney Publishing Group. Anthea Hammon - Managing Director of Scenic World - explains how the new airport will boost tourism in western Sydney and beyond.

A special limited podcast series presented by The Western Weekender and Western Sydney Publishing Group. Matt Duffy - Chief Operating Officer, and Tom McCormack - Chief Technology Officer, at Western Sydney International Airport explain their roles and achievements with the project, and how they will bring the airport to life.

A special limited podcast series presented by The Western Weekender and Western Sydney Publishing Group. Katy Hannouch - GM Community Engagement, and Royston Douglas - GM First Nations Engagement, at Western Sydney International Airport explain their roles and achievements with the project.

A special limited podcast series presented by The Western Weekender and Western Sydney Publishing Group. Simon Hickey, CEO of Western Sydney International Airport, talks about what the airport will mean for the west, and why it's an exciting time.

Born and bred in western Sydney, Heath Davis went from Western Weekender journalist to top Australian filmmaker. He's the man behind hits such as Broke, Book Week and the recent festive smash, Christmess. Heath chats to us about what inspires his movies, the issues facing the Australian film industry and reveals what's next.

When Panthers became the 'World of Entertainment' in the 1990s, Max Cowan was the marketing genius working his magic behind the scenes. His father Roger - Panthers CEO for 40 years - left an incredible legacy, and ensured the Cowan name was synonymous with both Panthers and Penrith. In this first episode of On The Record's fourth season, Max opens up about his life and career, and speaks of Roger's time at Panthers - from the highs of his vision coming to life, to the lows that had a devastating impact on his life. This is a must-hear Penrith tale. Search 'Western Weekender' wherever you listen to podcasts, or stream/download below.

As the founder and CEO of Jim's Group, Jim Penman created one of the biggest franchising businesses in the world. A passionate, dedicated and unique business person, Jim joins us to share insights into what drives success and happiness. With many Jim's franchises in Penrith, the business has come a long way from the early days of Penman himself mowing lawns.

2003 Panthers Grand Final hero Luke Priddis opens up about his rugby league career, including his fractured relationship with NRL super coach Wayne Bennett. He also reveals how he almost left Penrith at the end of the 2004 season, and speaks about his life after football - including with the Luke Priddis Foundation. It's a fascinating chat with some never-before-heard stories about his celebrated footy career.

David Bradbury was Penrith's youngest ever Mayor, then became the Federal Lindsay MP and rose through the ranks of Australian politics. Now back in Australia working with KPMG, David talks about his time in politics, his decade working in Paris and why he loves being back in Penrith. And he answers an inevitable question: would he ever make a political comeback?

From humble beginnings, Karen McKeown has shown strength and preservice throughout her life - and now sits as the State Member for Penrith. Karen speaks about growing up not knowing her mother and being raised by her beloved grandmother, about her schooling and university and how she first got into politics. She gives us an insight into both Council and State Politics, and gives us insight into her future plans.

For 30 years, Cathy Craig has helped the most needy in Penrith through her work at Penrith Community Kitchen. She's dedicated her life to helping others, and along the way has raised a family and run a family business. Cathy speaks to us about her long tenure with the Community Kitchen, and why she doesn't see herself stepping back any time soon.

Eric Cuckson left an incredible business legacy in Penrith and St Marys. His business, W.E. Cuckson & Sons, was more than just a place to work. Eric's daughter Barbara - a successful business owner herself - joins us to talk about growing up in St Marys in the 1950s, and her family's impact on the region. It's a fascinating trip back in time to a time long forgotten, but remembered so fondly by many.

Steve Carter was part of Penrith's legendary 1991 Premiership-winning team. For more than two decades, he was the most capped Penrith NRL player of all-time - a record eclipsed only recently. Steve talks about his career, life after footy and so much more in this special one-on-one chat.

Season five of On The Record kicks off as we go one-on-one with Fred Hastings. Fred is the voice of harness racing in New South Wales, including at Penrith which has become like a second home to the western Sydney born and bred race caller. We talk to Fred about his life and career, and get some insight into what it takes to be a race caller.

Troy Dodds and Nathan Taylor wrap up the 2024 NRL season, as they reflect on Penrith's incredible Premiership win. Plus The Masked Panther calls in with a scoop!

In this edition of Tension's Running High, Troy Dodds and Nathan Taylor preview the 2024 NRL Grand Final between Penrith and Melbourne. We chat with Liam Henry and Paul Alamoti as they prepare for their first Grand Finals. And we debate all the issues surrounding Grand Final Week.

We chat with Isaah Yeo ahead of his record-breaking appearance for Penrith on Saturday night, plus Nathan Cleary pays tribute to the club's inspirational leader. Troy and Nathan also preview the Preliminary Final this weekend between Penrith and Cronulla, and reflect on the 2003 Grand Final in Remember When...

Troy Dodds and Nathan Taylor reflect on Penrith's win over the Roosters last weekend, and preview this weekend's semi finals. Plus they remember the bizarre sacking of Ivan Cleary back in 2015, and discuss Isaah Yeo's looming milestone.

Mitch Kenny joins us on the eve of the Finals, plus we preview Penrith's clash with the Roosters. And in Remember When, we look back in the 1985 Finals.

Troy Dodds and Nathan Taylor preview Penrith's clash with Gold Coast, plus share memories of Penrith Park ahead of the farewell celebrations this weekend. Plus Sunia Turuva joins us for a chat and we remember Penrith's biggest ever win and biggest ever loss.

We preview the Panthers v Rabbitohs Friday night showdown in Penrith, plus Luke Garner joins us. And after back-to-back losses at a crucial time of the year, are the Panthers GONE? Plus in Remember When, we reflect on the 2014 NRL Finals series and THAT win over the Roosters.

Part one of our Farewell Penrith Park coverage, as we look at the venue's history. We catch up with Izack Tago, preview Penrith's clash against Canberra and discuss the 14th rugby league Immortal. Plus in Remember When, we remember the Penrith career of Darryl Brohman.

We unpack Penrith's loss to Melbourne, including Nathan Cleary's shoulder injury. Can the Panthers win the title if the worst happens and he's ruled out for the year? We also talk about a major Hall of Fame snub, and name our favourite commentators. And in Remember When, we reflect on the 1991 Grand Final.

Eric Cuckson left an incredible business legacy in Penrith and St Marys. His business, W.E. Cuckson & Sons, was more than just a place to work. Eric's daughter Barbara - a successful business owner herself - joins us to talk about growing up in St Marys in the 1950s, and her family's impact on the region. It's a fascinating trip back in time to a time long forgotten, but remembered so fondly by many.

Sunia Turuva and Matt Eisenhuth join the podcast. Plus we remember the 1997 Super League season, and preview the Battle of the West between Penrith and Parramatta. And we reflect on Barney Allam, the long-time Panthers sponsor who passed away this week.

Troy Dodds and Nathan Taylor unpack the Brian To'o story from during the week, plus Scott Sorensen joins us. We preview Sunday's clash between the Panthers and Knights, and reflect on Ron Willey's impact on Penrith in Remember When.

Jarome Luai joins Tension's Running High to chat about his return to clubland, and Nathan Taylor runs us through what sports Penrith players would tackle at the Olympics. Plus we reflect on our favourite memories of Panthers Leagues Club, and preview Sunday afternoon's clash against St George-Illawarra.

Troy and Nathan discuss Sunday's clash between Penrith and the Dolphins, and review Origin III. Plus Mitch Kenny joins us for a chat, and we debate a big question: Who is the greatest ever Panther? We also reflect on the Go The Mighty Panthers ahead of the iconic song's 35th anniversary.

For 30 years, Cathy Craig has helped the most needy in Penrith through her work at Penrith Community Kitchen. She's dedicated her life to helping others, and along the way has raised a family and run a family business. Cathy speaks to us about her long tenure with the Community Kitchen, and why she doesn't see herself stepping back any time soon.