Do Penrith need Jarome?

[Captain Apollo]

Yeah, defence has been a real shock this year.

We know they can score tries - and there's still plenty of talent to execute on attack, but it means nothing if the resolve to put in the hard work on D has gone... and that's a sure sign that they aren't mentally "all in" for another title.

I get it though - they've done something that many thought impossible in the modern era by winning four premierships back-to-back.. and when you've established your dynasty as the best since the 1956-66 Dragons, what else is there to prove? 4 is tough, no way could they beat 11.. so that's got to loosen things a bit. They've gone one better than the early '80s Eels.

That's partly where the losses in the forwards have hurt the Panthers. Whilst guys like To'o and edwards are great on kick returns, the forwards are the grunt workers having to take the second and third hit ups usually. Also, and more importantly, the front rowers are the defensive glue in the centre of the ruck. Guys like Leota, Fisher-Harris, Lenui were very good defenders who could at times intimidate opposing sides. The presence of all three would then enable Martin to take a few more risks in defence going for his trademark big hits. Lindsay Smith isn't a bad front rower, but he certainly doesn't have any real intimidation factor like a JFH or Spencer, nor the leadership aspects of a JFH.

The other thing is that 5 years of high performance leading to rep honours for many key Panthers players, along with making the GF all those years, the physical toll is catching up with some of those players. I suspect that's why Cleary and now Edwards (to name two), have been getting these niggling soft tissue injuries which have seen them miss quite a few games over the last two seasons especially. This would also lead to a mental slump as, despite the best efforts of any coaching staff, you are going to get a lull in hunger and desire.

 

[Munky]

That's partly where the losses in the forwards have hurt the Panthers. Whilst guys like To'o and edwards are great on kick returns, the forwards are the grunt workers having to take the second and third hit ups usually. Also, and more importantly, the front rowers are the defensive glue in the centre of the ruck. Guys like Leota, Fisher-Harris, Lenui were very good defenders who could at times intimidate opposing sides. The presence of all three would then enable Martin to take a few more risks in defence going for his trademark big hits. Lindsay Smith isn't a bad front rower, but he certainly doesn't have any real intimidation factor like a JFH or Spencer, nor the leadership aspects of a JFH.

The other thing is that 5 years of high performance leading to rep honours for many key Panthers players, along with making the GF all those years, the physical toll is catching up with some of those players. I suspect that's why Cleary and now Edwards (to name two), have been getting these niggling soft tissue injuries which have seen them miss quite a few games over the last two seasons especially. This would also lead to a mental slump as, despite the best efforts of any coaching staff, you are going to get a lull in hunger and desire.

Lenui is a terrible defender.

Doesn't get to marker and can only play ten minutes to have impact.

He was so bad Ivan would sub him the moment the opposition had a repeat set.

JFH is elite in the middle.

 

[moffla]

unrecognisable

 

[Vic Mackey]

 

[Billythekid]

Luai is a loss but I don’t think that’s what’s happening here. Penriths premierships were won off the back of ridiculous defense and that wasn’t because of their spine (despite them getting most of the credit).

I think trying to pin down 1 reason is impossible, all the player losses is catching up with them and it’s hard to keep up that level of intensity for so long. Doing it for 4-5 years is already ridiculous.

 

[Maroon4life]

Need more than Romey.

Cooked.

 

[Bazal]

Lenui is a terrible defender.

Doesn't get to marker and can only play ten minutes to have impact.

He was so bad Ivan would sub him the moment the opposition had a repeat set.

JFH is elite in the middle.

Lindsay Smith makes more tackles in a match than Leniu would in four weeks, and 99% efficient! Very Roosters take to frame Leniu as the gun defender...

The middle defence isn't so much the issue. The edges are gash and no To'o or Diet Nathan Brown to drive the sets forward in attack.

 

[Fangs]

The argument will continue to grow legs.

That team tonight lacked composure. They also lacked shape but that isn't new for Penrith early in the season. They looked like shit early 23 and 24 as well but still got the W.

You can talk about all the player losses but the obvious one is Luai.

 

[Vic Mackey]

What’s been obvious to me is that Moses Leota isn’t comfortable being the top dog. Some guys have it, some don’t. There’s nothing wrong with being the right hand man, you and the team just need to know it and get the alpha dog next to you.

 

[Mr. Shaman]

What’s been obvious to me is that Moses Leota isn’t comfortable being the top dog. Some guys have it, some don’t. There’s nothing wrong with being the right hand man, you and the team just need to know it and get the alpha dog next to you.

They should sign Oshay Olay, immediately

 

[Munky]

What’s been obvious to me is that Moses Leota isn’t comfortable being the top dog. Some guys have it, some don’t. There’s nothing wrong with being the right hand man, you and the team just need to know it and get the alpha dog next to you.

Leota has always been this player.

He can either be the ploddiest plod to have ever plodded or the scariest mother f**ker in the league.

He plods more often than not and has done the entire resurgence.

However in big games he's been insane.

 

[mxlegend99]

Need a new backline. The competition for who is the worst back out of McLean, Tago, Jenkins snd Alamoti is pretty fierce.

A different 6 won’t stop them butchering tries. Jenkins kicks, Alamoti finishes, McLeans refusal to pass, Tago being an incompetent shit merkin. Luai just has to feel glad he jumped ship when he did. Bizza is the only deserving NRL player in panthers centre/wing stocks.

 

[Captain Apollo]

What’s been obvious to me is that Moses Leota isn’t comfortable being the top dog. Some guys have it, some don’t. There’s nothing wrong with being the right hand man, you and the team just need to know it and get the alpha dog next to you.

That said, he was the only Penrith forward to make 100 or more metres with ball in hand against the Dolphins.

 

[bedlam breakout]

no wonder this lot dodged the challenge against Wigan - would have been their 6th straight loss to English sides with no wins

 

[t-ba]

They should sign Oshay Olay, immediately

I will drive him there.


Uhh...on second thought, I'll pay for his uber.

 

[Marshall_magic]

I will drive him there.


Uhh...on second thought, I'll pay for his uber.

Just make sure he avoids Concord on the way

 

[t-ba]

Just make sure he avoids Concord on the way

I have the trip planned out don't worry. Might go past Concord but it's for the greater good.

 

[flippikat]

The argument will continue to grow legs.

That team tonight lacked composure. They also lacked shape but that isn't new for Penrith early in the season. They looked like shit early 23 and 24 as well but still got the W.

Yeah, but after round 6 those years they still had more wind than losses - maybe only just, but a winning record to start.

Being 1-5 means they're ALREADY chasing the top-8, and we haven't even got to the squad pressure that Origin will inflict.

Form may improve, but there's still a mathematical hill to climb - which is in real danger of becoming a mountain.

 

[Fangs]

Yeah, but after round 6 those years they still had more wind than losses - maybe only just, but a winning record to start.

Being 1-5 means they're ALREADY chasing the top-8, and we haven't even got to the squad pressure that Origin will inflict.

Form may improve, but there's still a mathematical hill to climb - which is in real danger of becoming a mountain.

Yeah that's the key point. We had the personnel to grind out wins. Then we were top 4 at years end and the competition was over before the finals had even started.

Different story this year. Top 4 is totally gone. Top 8 is possible but will require a huge effort.

 

[Marshall_magic]

I have the trip planned out don't worry. Might go past Concord but it's for the greater good.

View attachment 100839

Fine. Just don’t let him use the lawn mowers