The comments from Girdler and Geyer in the NRL article on nrl.com. are spot on about the Panthers needing to stop relying on Kikau so heavily in attack. I especially like Geyers description that they use Kikau like
"the best player in the under eights"!
I also agree with Geyers comments about Tetevano, and how he will help toughen up their attitude on defence. Lets hope he has the same sort of effect that Peter Kelly had on the team.
https://www.nrl.com/news/2020/02/24/why-panthers-need-to-stop-relying-so-much-on-kikau/
Why Panthers need to stop relying so much on Kikau
Penrith have to stop relying on Viliame Kikau in attack and make Nathan Cleary the dominant playmaker, according to club legends Mark Geyer and Ryan Girdler.
Geyer also praised the signing of former Roosters forward Zane Tetevano, likening him to the club bringing Canterbury two-time premiership winner Peter Kelly into its ranks in 1988.
"They needed to fix their attitude in defence and I like them bringing in Zane Tetevano," Geyer told NRL.com.
"When Peter Kelly was brought to Penrith in 1988, it reminds me of that.
"He was this tough, uncompromising forward who had won comps and it rubbed off on us young blokes.
"And I think that can be the same with Tetevano. [Kurt] Capewell and [Api] Koroisau also seem perfect for Penrith too."
Geyer and Girdler had five years together at Penrith in between the club's two premierships – Geyer in 1991 and Girdler in 2003.
Girdler said the poor defence from last year – the Panthers conceded 20 points or more in 12 of their 13 losses – could be fixed but he was worried about the attack.
"They can't rely on big Billy," the former NSW and Australian centre said.
"It can't be a plan of 'let's get into the opposition's half and through to the left to Kikau'. Teams will be sweating on Kikau defensively this year so it can't be a one-man attack option.
"They had no problem getting the football into the opposition 20 but couldn't convert the opportunities.
"I also think they've lost their most creative player in James Maloney. There are some good young guys coming through.
"And while Nathan is improving, he seems to like to play within structures and I think you need someone in there with a bit of unpredictability – that's what James gave them.
"The key position of who is playing No.6 is still up in the air with Jarome [Luai], Matt Burton there, and I think they need to settle on that."
Penrith use Kikau like "the best player in the under eights", according to Geyer.