ethos
BroncoKiwi
2009 Season Preview - Penrith Panthers
March 2nd 2009 23:46
Category: Opinion
The Panthers struggled to twelfth place last season and, unfortunately for Penrith supporters, I can’t see the men from the mountain moving up the NRL ladder in 2009.
For starters, the club’s recruitment has been virtually non-existent. The only fresh faces are utility Gavin Cooper (Titans) and former Panther Shane Elford, who made his first grade debut for the club way back in 1997. Penrith have also lost a host of veterans, with Tony Puletua, Luke Rooney, Luke Priddis and Rhys Wesser all searching for greener pastures. This loss of experience means the club will take on a very youthful appearance this season.
Secondly, the coaching ability of Matthew Elliott remains forever questionable. However, Elliott is remarkably optimistic about the future.
"My personal goal is to be at this club for another 10 years because I really think now with the young players that we've got here, I know this club will be competing for grand finals,” he told AAP.
Personally, I think Elliott is absolutely no chance of lasting ten years but his second point about Penrith’s youth is very valid – the team has some very talented youngsters coming through their ranks.
Rookie 18-year old fullback Lachlan Coote (pictured) has the job of filling Wesser’s shoes, while fellow outside backs Michael Jennings and Michael Gordon are continually on the improve. Dynamic hooker Masada Iosefa will probably start the year from the bench but look for him to make the number nine jersey his own by September. However, Penrith’s main weakness is their halves. Jarrod Sammut and his likely halves partner, Luke Lewis, is arguably the worst combination in the NRL.
Overall, while the Panthers have some definite young talent, I feel they will take a few years to truly mature and fully reach their potential. Promising signs for the future but a tough 2009 awaits, especially with Elliott at the helm.
Gains:
Gavin Cooper (Titans - 2010), Shane Elford (Huddersfield Giants - 2009)
Losses:
Tony Puletua (ESL - St Helens), Luke Rooney (French Rugby Union), Luke Priddis (Dragons), Rhys Wesser (Rabbitohs), Shane Rodney (Sea Eagles), Brendan Worth (French Rugby League - Toulouse), William Isa (Storm), Chris Ward (Bulldogs), Josh McCrone (Raiders)
Predicted Line-up:
1. Lachlan Coote 2. Brad Tighe 3. Michael Jennings 4. Maurice Blair 5. Michael Gordon 6. Luke Lewis 7. Jarrod Sammut 8. Adam Woolnough 9. Paul Aiton 10. Petero Civoniceva (c) 11. Frank Pritchard 12. Trent Waterhouse 13. Nathan Smith
Interchange: 14. Masada Iosefa 15. Tim Grant 16. Joseph Paulo 17. Shane Elford
Predicted Finish:
12th-16th
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