Dean Whare celebrates 100th NRL game for Penrith against Manly — the side he left to join Panthers
PENRITH flyer Dean Whare will fittingly celebrate his 100th NRL game for Penrith against Manly on Saturday — the side he left in 2012 to join the Panthers.
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WHEN Dean Whare left Manly for Penrith in the spring of 2012, he held high hopes for premiership success.
Five seasons on, Whare is yet to win a title but he believes the Panthers are heading in the right direction.
The flyer will fittingly celebrate his 100th NRL game for Penrith on Saturday against Manly — the side he departed to link with the mountain men.
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Whare joined a strong Penrith team featuring current teammates Josh Mansour and Sam McKendry, but a lot has changed since his maiden season in Sydney’s west.
“Cam Ciraldo was also in that ‘13 team, but he is now the assistant coach,” Whare grinned.
“I’ve got a photo on Facebook from my first season at Penrith and there aren’t many players left.
“I’ve seen a lot of players come and go over the last few years, so I’m just happy to get 100 games for this great club.”
Whare is particularly excited to play at Brookvale Oval — a ground he enjoyed playing on during his three seasons at the Sea Eagles.
“It will be awesome to play against Manly — especially at Brookie,” he said.
“I’d only played 20 or so games when I signed with Penrith from Manly and they had big faith in me to hold down a centre spot.
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“They have given me great opportunity here and signed me up for even longer.
“If it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t be in this situation at the moment.”
Penrith have slipped to seventh position following consecutive defeats, but Whare isn’t worried.
“We are still in a good position,” he said.
“Manly aren’t close to making the top eight, which gives us more motivation to try and make the top four.
“We are only four points away from first, so the spirits are still high and we’ve got a shot.”
Whare says the Panthers are also determined for revenge on Manly after the Sea Eagles claimed an 18-10 win in round 16.
“The boys are still dirty from that game,” he said.
“To play Manly over there at Brookie after they had a 50 point loss isn’t going to be easy for us, but I think it will be an awesome game to watch.”
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Originally published as Dean Whare celebrates 100th NRL game for Penrith against Manly — the side he left to join Panthers
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