StephenP
ArnoldNRL club Analysis for Season '08 - Penrith
March 12th 2008 00:30
Penrith Panthers
Attack – 7/10
Defence – 7/10
My prediction – 16th
Defence – 7/10
My prediction – 16th
As Penrith continue their rebuilding phase, much of the Panthers 2008 season hopes again rest in the hands of a bunch of talented locals. While the signings of Petero Civoniceva and Adam Woolnough should go a long way to rectifying the defensive flaws of ’07, coach Matt Elliott will be hoping that youngsters Jarrod Sammut, Michael Jennings, Geoff Daniela and ex-Raiders half Josh McCrone can guide the Panthers back to the top of the table.
If Penrith are to have any chance of pushing for a finals berth, they must rectify both their attitude and fitness. There were times last season where Penrith looked to be well off the pace in terms of fitness levels, with the Panthers losing a handful of close matches after blowing comfortable leads. Elliott will be hoping that an improved on-field attitude from his player’s will go a long way on improving their paltry eight victories in season ’07. One feels that the Panthers may struggle with depth this season.
Strengths-
Like the Eels, Penrith have a host of younger talent coming through the lower grades, with players like Sammut, Jennings and Michael Gordon all impressing in 2007. The Panthers have a tonne of try scoring potential amongst their outside backs, and they should get plenty of chances to shine given the ad-lib style of attack that the Puletua brothers provide up front.
Penrith will have no problems in scoring tries, but they will have to stiffen their goalline defence if they hope to move up the ladder in season ’08. The additions of Civoniceva and Woolnough should go along way to solving that dilemma, as will the return of fullback Rhys Wesser from a lengthy injury spell.
Weaknesses-
The loss of Craig Gower to French rugby, combined with Peter Wallace’s move to the Broncos, has left a gaping hole in the Panthers halves for season 2008. Former centre Luke Lewis steps into the unfamiliar role of five-eight, while enigmatic half Joe Williams gets first shot at the number seven jersey after two inconsistent years at Souths. The Panthers have seemingly the weakest halves pairing in the competition, with the most troublesome sign for coach Elliott is the lack of backup in the key playmaking positions.
Best Team-
1- Rhys Wesser
2- Luke Rooney
3- Michael Jennings
4- Brad Tighe
5- Michael Gordon
6- Luke Lewis
7- Joe Williams
8- Adam Woolnough
9- Luke Priddis
10- Petero Civoniceva
11- Tony Puletua
12- Frank Pritchard
13- Trent Waterhouse
14- Paul Aiton
15- Frank Puletua
16- Nathan Smith
17– Tim Grant
2008 Gains and Losses –
Gains –
Petero Civoniceva (Brisbane), Joe Williams (South Sydney), Adam Woolnough (Newcastle), Brad Tighe (Newcastle), Josh McCrone (Canberra)
Losses –
Joel Clinton and Peter Wallace (Brisbane), Craig Gower (French rugby union), Nick Youngquest (Wests Tigers), Bryan Norrie (Cronulla), Matthew Cross (Gold Coast), Brett Firman (released)
*Please join me later today for my Analysis of the St George-Illawarra Dragons 2008 season.
Cheers,
StephenP
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