Will EvansSeason Preview 2009 - Penrith Panthers
February 27th 2009 07:20
Penrith Panthers
The 2009 picture looks bleak for the Penrith Panthers, who are the bookmakers' favourite to collect the wooden spoon. Whispers abound already that coach Matthew Elliott has less than ten rounds to avoid the axe, which he only just managed to do at the end of last season. Several experienced campaigners have departed the club, with precious few signings to combat the player drain. But the club has arguably the most impressive band of youngsters in the NRL and still have a squad capable of challenging for an unlikely finals berth.
Strengths: With little expectation on them, the Panthers can fly under the radar and surprise a few teams in 2009. In Petero Civoniceva they have the game's premier front-rower, while Michael Jennings and Frank Pritchard are two of the NRL's most devastating attacking talents. Penrith's massive junior base has once again reaped dividends for the Panthers - locals will make up the nucleus of their squad and hold the key to a successful year.
Weaknesses: The constant speculation that surround Elliott's future in 2008 will surely rear its head early this year if the Panthers get off to a slow start, and that is more than enough to unsettle a young, inexperienced squad and derail their season. On the field, Penrith desperately need to solve their halves dilemma. Luke Lewis is one of the club's most valuable players, but an NRL halfback he is not. He filled the No. 7 jersey admirably in 2008, but lacks the organisational ability and kicking game to be a long-term fix, and is far better suited to centre, the back-row, or even five-eighth. Precocious talent Jarrod Sammut or outstanding 2008 rookie Wade Graham need to stake a claim for the halfback spot.
Recruitment: In a word, disappointing. Off-season departures included veterans of their 2003 grand final-winning side Rhys Wesser, Tony Puletua, Luke Rooney, Luke Priddis and Shane Rodney, plus a clutch of promising up-and-comers. Their only signings for 2009 are Titans back-rower Gavin Cooper, and Penrith junior and 2005 Tigers premiership three-quarter Shane Elford.
Youth brigade: The biggest cause for optimism out west. Brilliant fullback Lachlan Coote, elusive hooker Masada Iosefa and five-eighth Wade Graham, who has been compared to Brad Fittler at the same age, represent the future of the club. Look for promising front-rower Tim Grant to clinch a prop spot alongside Civoniceva, while Michael Jennings will play rep football in 2009.
Rep drain: Petero is a Test and Origin certainty, Pritchard should play for the Kiwis if fit. Jennings has the inside running for a NSW Origin spot, and Maurice Blair is rough chance for the Maroons.
X-factor: Frank Pritchard attracted more headlines than the rest of his team-mates combined in 2008, owing to frequent speculation he wanted out of the club to follow Sonny Bill Williams to French Rugby Union. According to club officials, the big second-rower is currently happy at Penrith. Pritchard is one of the game's most damaging ball-runners, and the Panthers need him at his best and fully committed to the cause to have a chance of making an impression on the NRL table.
Under pressure: It is a well-known fact that Elliott's head is on the block, but on the field back-rower Trent Waterhouse needs to rediscover his best form. Waterhouse was a NSW and Australian regular after winning the 2003 premiership at just 22, but has been on the wane for a few seasons. His training stoush with young gun Joel Romelo could mean one of two things - either he is a frustrated veteran, or he has rediscovered that competitive fire and has a point to prove in 2009.
Ready to explode: Michael Jennings has been one of the competition's most exciting players, since making his debut as an 18-year old in 2007, despite playing in an underperforming side, and he is poised to join the game's elite this year. With the NSW Origin side in desperate need of youth and attacking firepower, the explosive centre would be a perfect fit. Would have gone close to an Kangaroo call-up for the injured Justin Hodges at the World Cup last year if he wasn't already committed to the Tongan side.
Predictions: Expect some upset wins from the Panthers on the back of their attacking brilliance, but they will lack the consistency and a top-line havles pairing to be a genuine finals threat. Big seasons from Jennings, Pritchard, Coote and Civoniceva. Elliot will survive the noose until the end of the season, but not beyond unless the Panthers can squeak into the finals.
Fourteenth
The 2009 picture looks bleak for the Penrith Panthers, who are the bookmakers' favourite to collect the wooden spoon. Whispers abound already that coach Matthew Elliott has less than ten rounds to avoid the axe, which he only just managed to do at the end of last season. Several experienced campaigners have departed the club, with precious few signings to combat the player drain. But the club has arguably the most impressive band of youngsters in the NRL and still have a squad capable of challenging for an unlikely finals berth.
Strengths: With little expectation on them, the Panthers can fly under the radar and surprise a few teams in 2009. In Petero Civoniceva they have the game's premier front-rower, while Michael Jennings and Frank Pritchard are two of the NRL's most devastating attacking talents. Penrith's massive junior base has once again reaped dividends for the Panthers - locals will make up the nucleus of their squad and hold the key to a successful year.
Weaknesses: The constant speculation that surround Elliott's future in 2008 will surely rear its head early this year if the Panthers get off to a slow start, and that is more than enough to unsettle a young, inexperienced squad and derail their season. On the field, Penrith desperately need to solve their halves dilemma. Luke Lewis is one of the club's most valuable players, but an NRL halfback he is not. He filled the No. 7 jersey admirably in 2008, but lacks the organisational ability and kicking game to be a long-term fix, and is far better suited to centre, the back-row, or even five-eighth. Precocious talent Jarrod Sammut or outstanding 2008 rookie Wade Graham need to stake a claim for the halfback spot.
Recruitment: In a word, disappointing. Off-season departures included veterans of their 2003 grand final-winning side Rhys Wesser, Tony Puletua, Luke Rooney, Luke Priddis and Shane Rodney, plus a clutch of promising up-and-comers. Their only signings for 2009 are Titans back-rower Gavin Cooper, and Penrith junior and 2005 Tigers premiership three-quarter Shane Elford.
Youth brigade: The biggest cause for optimism out west. Brilliant fullback Lachlan Coote, elusive hooker Masada Iosefa and five-eighth Wade Graham, who has been compared to Brad Fittler at the same age, represent the future of the club. Look for promising front-rower Tim Grant to clinch a prop spot alongside Civoniceva, while Michael Jennings will play rep football in 2009.
Rep drain: Petero is a Test and Origin certainty, Pritchard should play for the Kiwis if fit. Jennings has the inside running for a NSW Origin spot, and Maurice Blair is rough chance for the Maroons.
X-factor: Frank Pritchard attracted more headlines than the rest of his team-mates combined in 2008, owing to frequent speculation he wanted out of the club to follow Sonny Bill Williams to French Rugby Union. According to club officials, the big second-rower is currently happy at Penrith. Pritchard is one of the game's most damaging ball-runners, and the Panthers need him at his best and fully committed to the cause to have a chance of making an impression on the NRL table.
Under pressure: It is a well-known fact that Elliott's head is on the block, but on the field back-rower Trent Waterhouse needs to rediscover his best form. Waterhouse was a NSW and Australian regular after winning the 2003 premiership at just 22, but has been on the wane for a few seasons. His training stoush with young gun Joel Romelo could mean one of two things - either he is a frustrated veteran, or he has rediscovered that competitive fire and has a point to prove in 2009.
Ready to explode: Michael Jennings has been one of the competition's most exciting players, since making his debut as an 18-year old in 2007, despite playing in an underperforming side, and he is poised to join the game's elite this year. With the NSW Origin side in desperate need of youth and attacking firepower, the explosive centre would be a perfect fit. Would have gone close to an Kangaroo call-up for the injured Justin Hodges at the World Cup last year if he wasn't already committed to the Tongan side.
Predictions: Expect some upset wins from the Panthers on the back of their attacking brilliance, but they will lack the consistency and a top-line havles pairing to be a genuine finals threat. Big seasons from Jennings, Pritchard, Coote and Civoniceva. Elliot will survive the noose until the end of the season, but not beyond unless the Panthers can squeak into the finals.
Fourteenth
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