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Trent Merrin on Anthony Griffin

OldPanther

Coach
Messages
13,404
https://coupler.foxsports.com.au/ap...083abed486c52bb4a70?__twitter_impression=true

MATT Moylan’s departure from the Panthers has been big news for the club over the off-season and losing your captain obviously leaves a hole that needs to be filled.

Moyser was one of our best players and he did a great job for us while he was here but with James Maloney joining the club we’re in a great position to fill the leadership void.

Peter Wallace has captained the club before and he’s a great leader. Isaah Yeo would also have to be up there when Anthony Griffin starts to think about appointing a captain. I’ve been at the club for a couple of seasons now and I feel comfortable in my own skin as a senior player in the side. If Hook was to ask me to lead the side out it would be an absolute honour and I would love to take the job but it’s not a goal that really drives me.

Whether I’m captain or not, my job doesn’t change. I’ll lead by example in the best way possible and that’s all I can focus on.

BUSTING THE HOOK MYTH

The funny thing about all the reports on Moyser falling out with Hook at the end of last season was that it wasn’t something that was really noticed or spoken about within the group.

We were all focused on one thing and one thing only and that was putting in the best performances we could muster on the field to take us as far as possible in the finals series. I thought we did that and were able to achieve some really good results that have set us up for a big season in 2018, although we obviously would have loved to have gone further.

What I will say about Hook is that any perception that he has man management issues out here at Penrith is absolute rubbish.

Hook’s a great coach and he definitely knows how to get the boys going. He’s always in control of the dressing room and he’s the kind of coach who is really respected by the players.

It’s a brutal game that we play, it’s full of personalities and there’s going to be highs, there’s going to be lows. But if you can keep yourself planted and you know who you are and stand between the lines of yourself and you see the bigger picture moving forward, no matter what goes on around you, you’re pretty much in a good place.

You only have to look at the working relationship Hook and Peter Wallace have got now.

Wally left the Broncos while Hook was the coach there but he’s been a key player and a senior player in the Penrith side before and since Hook’s arrival here.

If you fall out with someone and you can see the bigger picture you mend things so you can move forward.

Sometimes you’ve got to be the bigger person in our industry but it just goes to show the sort of person Peter Wallace is.

He’s a half, now he’s playing hooker and whatever situation gets thrown at him he manages to work around it and set a positive example.

GETTING BACK INTO ORIGIN

That’s the attitude we should all be taking, to train hard, work hard off the field and put our best foot forward to earn success for our club.

When it comes to making representative sides there’s no point in focusing on anything other than playing your best football for your club.

I was in the Kangaroos side for the Four Nations last year and for the Test at the start of this year and I loved every minute of being in that environment and playing at that level.

But there was no envy there for me watching them blitz the World Cup and then win a hard-fought final.

The opposite actually, I was very proud of the boys, especially blokes like Reagan Campbell-Gillard.

For him to get a taste of it and get a position in that squad is something incredible and as soon as he got the call up I knew he would succeed and make an impact in the tournament.

Obviously you want to be part of it, you want to play in it and enjoy the wins, it’s the best feeling in the world, but I did my knee at the back end of the season, so there was no hard feelings.

For me, the next step is to get back into the NSW side, which I’ve missed out on for the last couple of years. If I get that jersey it will be on the back of playing some really good footy for the Panthers and I’ll be very proud to be involved.

I reckon it’s a really exciting time for NSW at the moment.

We’ve been in a good position the last few years it’s just about the little things now. I think the base is there, it’s just about tweaking it and getting it done.

We were really close this year and I was a bit surprised we didn’t get it done. It just wasn’t meant to be.

I think Freddy’s going to be a great coach for the Blues, with the staff that he’s bringing in as well.

He’s played at the highest level and he’s a legend of the game. He loves rugby league and NSW so I think he’s going to do everything he possibly can to get the job done.
 

martielang

Bench
Messages
3,388
Interesting comment this one...

'it’s full of personalities and there’s going to be highs, there’s going to be lows. But if you can keep yourself planted and you know who you are and stand between the lines of yourself and you see the bigger picture moving forward, no matter what goes on around you, you’re pretty much in a good place.'
 

Exsilium

First Grade
Messages
9,568
The common theme with a lot of the player comments on Hook is that he has improved the club and the players.

Cleary spoke about it in his recent Forty20 discussion.

I am a fan of his man management, his game management will improve but I have no doubt he is the right man to prepare these young men for life in FG.

Understandably people want to point the finger and say he is this or that but ultimately, with everything considered, he has improved our club and I stand by the clubs decision to extend his contract.
 

franklin2323

Immortal
Messages
33,546
The common theme with a lot of the player comments on Hook is that he has improved the club and the players.

Cleary spoke about it in his recent Forty20 discussion.

I am a fan of his man management, his game management will improve but I have no doubt he is the right man to prepare these young men for life in FG.

Understandably people want to point the finger and say he is this or that but ultimately, with everything considered, he has improved our club and I stand by the clubs decision to extend his contract.

He is like Mal Meninga great man management lacks the game management Mal has Hagan etc to help with that. Personally I think a settled spine will help but ultimately he needs an assistant purely for attack
 

Panther Pete

Juniors
Messages
1,691
Interesting comment this one...

'it’s full of personalities and there’s going to be highs, there’s going to be lows. But if you can keep yourself planted and you know who you are and stand between the lines of yourself and you see the bigger picture moving forward, no matter what goes on around you, you’re pretty much in a good place.'
This bit also stood out to me, surely a reference to Moylan?
 

Exsilium

First Grade
Messages
9,568
It sounds like it.

I just wish someone would come and help like Franklin mentions above. Nothing wrong with admitting you need help.

As someone said in the line-up thread. Having a halves leader will make a difference.

I certainly believe that experience in the halves will be key to getting our centres, decoys and line runners quality ball.

Maloney may not have the silky skills of Matt Moylan but he is a gun player who knows how to win. He'll be vocal and directing the troops.

I think that this is one of our best signings. Time will tell how we go but I feel the whole team will lift knowing they have a real leader in the team.

Maloney comes here bringing accountability. If you've ever heard the guy in a post match, he is a straight shooter.

Whilst the term "Leader" gets thrown around a lot here at Penrith, I honestly believe JM is a bloke who reinforces the importance of effort and the one percenters.

Ultimately theres a reason he's succeeded in different teams, structures, coaching staff etc.
 

OldPanther

Coach
Messages
13,404
As someone said in the line-up thread. Having a halves leader will make a difference.

I certainly believe that experience in the halves will be key to getting our centres, decoys and line runners quality ball.

Maloney may not have the silky skills of Matt Moylan but he is a gun player who knows how to win. He'll be vocal and directing the troops.

I think that this is one of our best signings. Time will tell how we go but I feel the whole team will lift knowing they have a real leader in the team.

Maloney comes here bringing accountability. If you've ever heard the guy in a post match, he is a straight shooter.

Whilst the term "Leader" gets thrown around a lot here at Penrith, I honestly believe JM is a bloke who reinforces the importance of effort and the one percenters.

Ultimately theres a reason he's succeeded in different teams, structures, coaching staff etc.

I'm pretty sure I said something like that and I don't think I'm the only one. Just having a proper half should make the defence have to consider more options, creating time for Cleary and backline plays. Our attack all over the park should be infinitely better and Cleary should learn a lot.
 

TheEroticGamer

Juniors
Messages
1,109
I've said it before and I'll say it again.

Maloney's presence alone makes our attack so much harder to read.

He has one of the best short kicking games in the NRL and that's going to result in more attacking sets and even greater space for Edwards and the outside backs.
 

franklin2323

Immortal
Messages
33,546
the back end of 2016 we had a settled spine and looked good. Give Cleary a month with the same spine and I think we improve..Whether it is enough to win the comp or not is the question.
 

PANTHERMIKE

Juniors
Messages
1,434
Heard a good insight that came from one of the players family members (yes it sounds loose) yesterday regarding the playing group and Moylan

3/4 of the squad were threatening a revolt if he was to stay, due to many issues that had been simmering since pre-season.

Word had it that Gould & Griffin wanted Moylan playing in the finals, That 3/4 of the squad said if he plays again they are wanting out....

Those in his corner were like of long time friends Cartwright and Peachy, both who have questionable spots in the team going forward it would seem.

But was an interesting listen..
 

OldPanther

Coach
Messages
13,404
Heard a good insight that came from one of the players family members (yes it sounds loose) yesterday regarding the playing group and Moylan

3/4 of the squad were threatening a revolt if he was to stay, due to many issues that had been simmering since pre-season.

Word had it that Gould & Griffin wanted Moylan playing in the finals, That 3/4 of the squad said if he plays again they are wanting out....

Those in his corner were like of long time friends Cartwright and Peachy, both who have questionable spots in the team going forward it would seem.

But was an interesting listen..

Wow. Very interesting perspective.
 

MrBlack

Juniors
Messages
1,322
Heard a good insight that came from one of the players family members (yes it sounds loose) yesterday regarding the playing group and Moylan

3/4 of the squad were threatening a revolt if he was to stay, due to many issues that had been simmering since pre-season.

Word had it that Gould & Griffin wanted Moylan playing in the finals, That 3/4 of the squad said if he plays again they are wanting out....

Those in his corner were like of long time friends Cartwright and Peachy, both who have questionable spots in the team going forward it would seem.

But was an interesting listen..

Makes a lot of sense. I think one of Cartwright or Peachy will be cut loose to make way for a Cleary upgrade. Cartwright needs a big year.

Good luck Cronulla if all that the above is true.
 

OldPanther

Coach
Messages
13,404
Makes a lot of sense. I think one of Cartwright or Peachy will be cut loose to make way for a Cleary upgrade. Cartwright needs a big year.

Good luck Cronulla if all that the above is true.

Wouldn't surprise me. I think as our Juniours get better/we play finals more the club will start becoming much more cutthroat for positions.
 

franklin2323

Immortal
Messages
33,546
Heard a good insight that came from one of the players family members (yes it sounds loose) yesterday regarding the playing group and Moylan

3/4 of the squad were threatening a revolt if he was to stay, due to many issues that had been simmering since pre-season.

Word had it that Gould & Griffin wanted Moylan playing in the finals, That 3/4 of the squad said if he plays again they are wanting out....

Those in his corner were like of long time friends Cartwright and Peachy, both who have questionable spots in the team going forward it would seem.

But was an interesting listen..

I have heard rumours only the players know the truth. Those players would of been divided all year and into next year if it was true. Those on Moylan's side would come around when they see the change in the place like both Bryce and Peachey are smiling in Training photos
 

PANTHERMIKE

Juniors
Messages
1,434
Makes a lot of sense. I think one of Cartwright or Peachy will be cut loose to make way for a Cleary upgrade. Cartwright needs a big year.

Good luck Cronulla if all that the above is true.

Opinion is he will 'blow' his chances at Cronulla and will come unstuck with the crowd he will be keeping there...

Time will tell.
 

Kilkenny

Coach
Messages
13,262
Makes a lot of sense. I think one of Cartwright or Peachy will be cut loose to make way for a Cleary upgrade. Cartwright needs a big year.

Good luck Cronulla if all that the above is true.

I agree 100%. If Bryce doesn't deliver in 2018 I think there is a strong possibility he will be surplus to requirements.
 

MrBlack

Juniors
Messages
1,322
Then this appears on the Sporting News website (home of the Lurker)

BRENNAN HAS EYE ON CARTWRIGHT
Titans coach Garth Brennan is watching Bryce Cartwright's situation at Penrith closely.

The talented backrower experienced a troubled season in 2017, highlighted by unwanted off-field headlines.


There's a belief at Penrith that Cartwright could manouvre for a change of scenery should he continue to struggle to find his true form in 2018.

Brennan, who coached Cartwright through the Penrith lower grades, is an unabashed fan and has already told those close to him he'd be eager to sign the ball-playing backrower.
 

PANTHERMIKE

Juniors
Messages
1,434
Then this appears on the Sporting News website (home of the Lurker)

BRENNAN HAS EYE ON CARTWRIGHT
Titans coach Garth Brennan is watching Bryce Cartwright's situation at Penrith closely.

The talented backrower experienced a troubled season in 2017, highlighted by unwanted off-field headlines.


There's a belief at Penrith that Cartwright could manouvre for a change of scenery should he continue to struggle to find his true form in 2018.

Brennan, who coached Cartwright through the Penrith lower grades, is an unabashed fan and has already told those close to him he'd be eager to sign the ball-playing backrower.

haha in other words Lurker has just read this forum and posted that..

He is the worst....
 
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