Dubbo CYMS steamrolled Forbes Magpies in a 42-16 rout last weekend to send a warning to rival teams they are not here to make up the numbers in 2021.

The classic rivalry between the two clubs never really materialised as Forbes were always playing catch up despite a lively start against a slick CYMS side lead by familiar names Thurston and Ramien.

A huge second half effort saw Tongia Fox crash over before Mitch Burke also grabbed one. Nick Greenhalgh kicked four goals for Forbes who have one draw and two losses to start season 2021.

In reserves the script read much the same with Dubbo trouncing the Magies 38-4 with doubles to Craig McLean and Mark Merritt. Kristian Markwort nabbed one for Forbes.

In Under 18s it was a much more dour affair with Dubbo again prevailing 24-12 in a cracking game. Forbes will rue the two early tries that gave Dubbo a 12-0 lead at the break after both sides scored 12 points in the second half.

League Tag unfortunately also followed the same thread with our ladies going down in the match of the day 14-6 despite Forbes leading 6-4 at the orange break. Courtney Hodge grabbed the Maggies only try of the game.

This week also saw representatives from NSWRL come to Forbes to discuss the future of the game in the region in what was described as a productive and informative night for stakeholders at the Post Office Hotel. The meeting was called to discuss the future of the group competition and touted merger for 2022.

The Penrith Panthers continued their unbeaten run making it ten on the bounce with an emphatic victory 48-12 over the depleted Gold Coast Titans on Sunday night .

Charlie Staines scored a double early in the comprehensive drubbing that also saw Nathan Cleary bag three which could’ve been more.

The Panthers shot to a 30-0 half time lead after Ese’ Ese was sent off for a high shot on Brian To’o, the pocket rocket who continues to set the league alight with his impressive record.

Tries to Moses Leota, Villame Kikau and Kiwi prop James Fisher Harris, who must be a contender for forward of the year saw the Panthers reach an unassailable lead. The Titans tried but the sin binnings, quality of the opposition and some 50/50 calls against them inevitably proved too much.

Penrith’s unbeaten start makes them the seventh team to do so after ten rounds.

Next week in Dubbo, Penrith face Souths in Dubbo in what many believe may be the game of the season. See you there!

It is nearly becoming a weekly occurrence for Forbes Magpies junior and Penrith Panthers flyer Charlie Staines, though this week he scored three tries in a 48-0 strong showing against the Cronulla Sharks last weekend.

Buoyed by the Panthers scintillating start to the season that has seen them go 9-0 in the NRL, undefeated in NSW Cup and only one defeat in Jersey Flegg, Staines continues to shine in a star-studded side that has also won 26 of its last 27 and plays a Titans team this Sunday that may be without star player David Fifita.

It was Staines seventh try against the Sharks in only two games leaving the former NRL powerhouse languishing near the bottom of the ladder. Sharks fans must be sick of the sight of Staines, a phrase previously unheard of after former Queensland Origin prop Dan played with the club during the 80s and 90s.

Yet bigger tests lay on the horizon for the young Panthers with Origin meaning up to six players may be out which will certainly test the team’s depth. Games against Souths this month and the Roosters and Eels back-to-back in late June early July also loom as a real litmus test for the club before Melbourne again in August in what may well be the precursor to this year’s decider.

A rematch between last years combatants looks certain at this point and nothing short of a win on their 30th anniversary since their first title will be enough for the Panthers.

As for Staines, its Magic Round next Sunday against the Gold Coast Titans in Brisbane and a shot at the perfect 10!

It was always going to be a tight game between the Forbes Magpies and Nyngan Tigers at Spooners last weekend and that’s exactly how it played out. In a see-sawing affair, neither side could deliver the killer blow when it mattered despite numerous opportunities. Reserves went down 28-16 while Juniors grabbed a 34-22 win and Women’s League Tag also had a draw 6-all.

The Magpies travel to Apex Oval in Dubbo next Sunday to play old foe Dubbo CYMS in the first of back-to-back trips to the city with Macquarie Raiders the week after. Forbes first grade won’t play at home again now until 4 July.

• Ladies League Tag: Forbes 34 defeated Wellington 4

• Under 18’s: Forbes 32 defeated Wellington 16

• Reserves: Forbes 36 defeated Wellington 16

• First grade: Wellington 30 defeated Forbes 12

THIS WEEK: Forbes v Nyngan @ Spooners Oval, Forbes

Charlie Staines Penrith Panthers have made it seven in a row in a dour struggle against finals hopefuls Newcastle last weekend. While the 24-6 scoreline flattered the Panthers, Staines was impressive again with a number of good touches and defensive reads. This weekend the mountain men take on a resurgent Manly in Bathurst.

Manly are also in good form and are a different side to a month ago when Penrith put them to the sword with Tommy Turbo back from injury.

A big congratulations to Forbes Magpies players Mitch Andrews and Darcy Leadbitter who were selected from the Western Rams Opens and Under 18s respectively for NSW Country. Both have been playing well in 2021 and we wish them luck!

It was billed a potential grand final rehearsal and for about 20 minutes it was – until Penrith put their foot to the pedal.

Penrith Panthers made it five games undefeated to start the 2021 season – a first for the club, while Charlies Staines grabbed a double as ladder leaders Penrith smacked the Canberra Raiders 30-10 in Penrith.

Staines, who continues to dine out on the wing, was in everything, including snuffing out tries as well as forcing line drop outs with deft grubber kicks. With Dylan Edwards out and pace to burn as well as experience in the fullback jersey, the Forbes Magpie junior may well find himself in the custodian role yet before the season is out.

The night was also a celebration of the 1991 Panthers grand final winning side lead by Goolagong local and Forbes favourite Royce Simmons. Ironically, Simmons and those Panthers also defeated a star-studded Canberra side that included Mal Meninga, Laurie Daley and Ricky Stuart – the current Raiders coach.

Thirty years on, can Staines and the young Panthers repeat history?

After matching a 102 year old rugby league record last weekend, Charlie Staines Penrith Panthers have put yesterday’s darlings Manly to the sword in an emphatic 46-6 win at Lottoland.

Staines, who was again a big feature in much of Penrith’s attack, had another strong performance for the Panthers on the flank outside new centre three-quarter recruit Paul Momirovski who signed on from Wests Tigers at the beginning of 2021.

The Panthers remain unbeaten after four rounds alongside neighbours and rivals Parramatta however Penrith’s 44 point superior points differential puts them on top of the NRL ladder leading into this Friday night’s key match with fellow contenders the Canberra Raiders. Canberra sit fifth on the NRL ladder and have only had the one blemish to date with a hiccup against a hungry Warriors side two weeks ago.

Yet for Staines and Penrith it’s all about this week and continuing a winning run that has seen the side win 21 of their last 22 games and only allow 16 points against them in four matches so far in 2021.

Up the Panthers!