choc_soldier
Coach
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Yes, yet another one of those threads...
PANTHERS
Much has been documented about the Panthers disrupted pre-season the Craig Gower incident that has led to him being stripped of the captaincy, and the less than subtle recruitment of Matthew Elliot as the new head coach next year, leaving the incumbent feeling every right to be disappointed.
Hardly a good preparation to go into a new season and two trial wins can easily mask these two events and give the impression that the ship has steadied in time for March 11 against the Bulldogs.
Time will tell.
Only the brave (or stupid) are willing to tip the Panthers to finish in the 8 and that is with some justification. An unsettled pre-season, a halfback who may not be entirely focussed on the task at hand, a centres combination that does not exactly instil fear, a forward pack that has lost two major mainstays, and skinny depth beyond the main 17.
But if we play to our true potential (there is still a lot of talent at the foot of the mountains), are lucky with injuries, and Gower fires, well, 2006 could very well see a return to the finals.
Worthy wooden spooners? Once again, a prediction a few people have made. Given the nature of the NRL, anything can happen. But based on the strength of the squads, compared to others, it is not the worst nor weakest.
2006 is a re-building year. No miracles are being expected this year. Penrith have recruited heavily, but no big names stand out all of them either have limited NRL experience or have been seen as potential first graders a couple of years down the track. 2007 should hopefully be a start of some bearing of these fruits.
In summary, I see the Panthers setting anchor in the bottom half of the competition this year. Where it is after 26 rounds is anyones guess.
My tip: 9th [highest 7th, lowest - 13th]
PANTHERS
Much has been documented about the Panthers disrupted pre-season the Craig Gower incident that has led to him being stripped of the captaincy, and the less than subtle recruitment of Matthew Elliot as the new head coach next year, leaving the incumbent feeling every right to be disappointed.
Hardly a good preparation to go into a new season and two trial wins can easily mask these two events and give the impression that the ship has steadied in time for March 11 against the Bulldogs.
Time will tell.
Only the brave (or stupid) are willing to tip the Panthers to finish in the 8 and that is with some justification. An unsettled pre-season, a halfback who may not be entirely focussed on the task at hand, a centres combination that does not exactly instil fear, a forward pack that has lost two major mainstays, and skinny depth beyond the main 17.
But if we play to our true potential (there is still a lot of talent at the foot of the mountains), are lucky with injuries, and Gower fires, well, 2006 could very well see a return to the finals.
Worthy wooden spooners? Once again, a prediction a few people have made. Given the nature of the NRL, anything can happen. But based on the strength of the squads, compared to others, it is not the worst nor weakest.
2006 is a re-building year. No miracles are being expected this year. Penrith have recruited heavily, but no big names stand out all of them either have limited NRL experience or have been seen as potential first graders a couple of years down the track. 2007 should hopefully be a start of some bearing of these fruits.
In summary, I see the Panthers setting anchor in the bottom half of the competition this year. Where it is after 26 rounds is anyones guess.
My tip: 9th [highest 7th, lowest - 13th]
