Luai

[ColdWetPanther]

The time to say farewell is once he is officially gone.

I think we have grown accustomed to this never ending loss of two or three marquee players each year and other quality players or juniors.

People suggest this demonstrates the salary cap is working but I’m not so sure.

I think we are being unfairly punished for our success, with no compensation for developing home grown talent only to lose them in some cases before they have even peaked.

I’m not sure many fans would look at our experience over the past 4 years and consider us ‘being punished’. I think we have the largest nursery and that is bringing us success and giving us a huge advantage in terms of managing the cap.

I know the counter is that we have had the biggest nursery since 1967, and up until now that has led to patchy success. But I think that talks to the failures previously, and shouldn’t get us salary cap advantages today.

 

[Pomoz]

It is not as simple as saying "modern sports science" would make them fit. Now players have to train full time. It is hard work and stressful on their bodies. Some of the skilful players back then wouldn't handle the intensity of modern training. They coasted by carrying excess weight (Beetson and Roach spring to mind) and were tough and skilful, but would they be prepared to do the work? We will never know of course, but I think not all players could cope with the workload.

Another example of this in a different sport is George Best of Manchester United. He was supremely skilful and could have dominated the game for years. But he was not prepared to do the work to be a top flight footballer and had a short career. That was in the sixties, two laps of the oval and shooting practice. It is difficult to see how he would cope with the demands made on modern footballers from a fitness perspective. Skill is just a seat at the table. You have top do the work.

 

[Chins get the wins]

It is not as simple as saying "modern sports science" would make them fit. Now players have to train full time. It is hard work and stressful on their bodies. Some of the skilful players back then wouldn't handle the intensity of modern training. They coasted by carrying excess weight (Beetson and Roach spring to mind) and were tough and skilful, but would they be prepared to do the work? We will never know of course, but I think not all players could cope with the workload.

Another example of this in a different sport is George Best of Manchester United. He was supremely skilful and could have dominated the game for years. But he was not prepared to do the work to be a top flight footballer and had a short career. That was in the sixties, two laps of the oval and shooting practice. It is difficult to see how he would cope with the demands made on modern footballers from a fitness perspective. Skill is just a seat at the table. You have top do the work.

Soccer is the biggest sport in the world but the difference between the 70's and now is WAY smaller than league. Just the contact makes it a whole different thing

 

[Kilkenny]

I’m not sure many fans would look at our experience over the past 4 years and consider us ‘being punished’. I think we have the largest nursery and that is bringing us success and giving us a huge advantage in terms of managing the cap.

I know the counter is that we have had the biggest nursery since 1967, and up until now that has led to patchy success. But I think that talks to the failures previously, and shouldn’t get us salary cap advantages today.

I interact with our fans, family, friends and other acquaintances and I can assure you they feel very differently. No one suggests we are given salary cap advantages, but a more level playing field would be nice.

 

[Chins get the wins]

I interact with our fans, family, friends and other acquaintances and I can assure you they feel very differently. No one suggests we are given salary cap advantages, but a more level playing field would be nice.

That makes what we have done all the better, f**k the merkins.

The one way we can or are hopefully cheating the cap is paying Ivan more for Nathan.

Maybe also Dyl knows he'll be our strength and conditioning coach for a LONG time if he wants that

 

[Kilkenny]

It is not as simple as saying "modern sports science" would make them fit. Now players have to train full time. It is hard work and stressful on their bodies. Some of the skilful players back then wouldn't handle the intensity of modern training. They coasted by carrying excess weight (Beetson and Roach spring to mind) and were tough and skilful, but would they be prepared to do the work? We will never know of course, but I think not all players could cope with the workload.

Another example of this in a different sport is George Best of Manchester United. He was supremely skilful and could have dominated the game for years. But he was not prepared to do the work to be a top flight footballer and had a short career. That was in the sixties, two laps of the oval and shooting practice. It is difficult to see how he would cope with the demands made on modern footballers from a fitness perspective. Skill is just a seat at the table. You have top do the work.

George Best was a genius, a flawed genius.

If he had of been born in 2005, perhaps he would not have been allowed to descend into his ultimate demise. Maybe his demons, drink and women, would nor have surfaced given a more disciplined regime.

I enjoyed the privilege of watching George as a youngster at his best (no pun intended) growing up just outside Manchester and he was a freak.

I u derstand the point you make but it was the swinging sixties and he crammed a lot of living into was sadly a short live and short career at the top of his game.

 

[mxlegend99]

If it wasn't already known...

Penrith > Parramatta.

And they really are our sons. Maury approves.

If Parra are our sons they must be adopted. Panthers DNA has winning built into it. Eels just dont share that DNA.

 

[ColdWetPanther]

I interact with our fans, family, friends and other acquaintances and I can assure you they feel very differently. No one suggests we are given salary cap advantages, but a more level playing field would be nice.

I wasn’t just talking about our fans; I’m taking about fans of the sport rather than the parochial. It was only 15 years ago Melbourne we’re done for rorting the cap for maintaining players they had developed; I’m not sure many of ‘our fans’ were arguing for salary cap dispensation to keep dynasties alive at that stage, or that the salary cap should be amended to allow them to keep their players.

And while I get that losing good young players is frustrating; I was particularly disappointed when we lost Leniu (who I have hyped up more than most on this forum and was bagged for it in mid-22) to the Roosters.

But to look at what has happened to our club over the past 4 years and think that we have been systematically ‘punished’? That would almost imply a sense of entitlement I have never seen from our fans.

 

[Iamback]

If Parra are our sons they must be adopted. Panthers DNA has winning built into it. Eels just dont share that DNA.

That is because they share a brain cell

 

[Aliceinwonderland]

With a sad heart, bye bye Luai. Let’s upgrade all the others. Let’s not get caught up in all the emotion of this again like Crichton.

Unless something dramatic happens. It appears this way. As a club and also as a fanbase we've become quite good at enjoying the last season of great players, thanking them for the memories created, but allowing them to move on.

To me players like Critta, Luai (if he leaves), Lenui, Burton, even Api will remain Panthers at heart. Even if they're playing in other colours.

I can't be bitter, I wish them well, except when they're playing Penrith.

I believe that most if not all will return to the fold, after their careers end, or do a Laurie and Peach. Josh Mansour has taught me that. He considers Penrith Panthers his family, (now that he's retired) and that warms my heart.

 

[Aliceinwonderland]

That makes what we have done all the better, f**k the merkins.

The one way we can or are hopefully cheating the cap is paying Ivan more for Nathan.

Maybe also Dyl knows he'll be our strength and conditioning coach for a LONG time if he wants that

I hadn't thought of that with Dylan. But it makes so much sense.

Many opposition fans we have an unfair advantage by the size of our junior nursery. I disagree, and here we are.

 

[Aliceinwonderland]

I wasn’t just talking about our fans; I’m taking about fans of the sport rather than the parochial. It was only 15 years ago Melbourne we’re done for rorting the cap for maintaining players they had developed; I’m not sure many of ‘our fans’ were arguing for salary cap dispensation to keep dynasties alive at that stage, or that the salary cap should be amended to allow them to keep their players.

And while I get that losing good young players is frustrating; I was particularly disappointed when we lost Leniu (who I have hyped up more than most on this forum and was bagged for it in mid-22) to the Roosters.

But to look at what has happened to our club over the past 4 years and think that we have been systematically ‘punished’? That would almost imply a sense of entitlement I have never seen from our fans.

I can see both sides of the coi here. I agree with both yourself and Kilkenny. I suppose it is what it is.

As a club I suppose it gives us opportunity for new kids to come through and show their wares. Look at Tito for example, who knew what an amazing personalty he was going to be.

Same with Jarome, I will mourn his loss when he leaves end of 24. I will be proud of him and his achievement. Hope and pray he doesn't get badly burnt by the W/T like many have been before......

Penrith Panthers are a development club, when players get too expensive (except say for our halfback) they are moved on, and new kids come and join the crew.

It's part of our DNA.

 

[Chins get the wins]

I hadn't thought of that with Dylan. But it makes so much sense.

Many opposition fans we have an unfair advantage by the size of our junior nursery. I disagree, and here we are.

Shhhh Alice haha.

Every club does it and Dyl will be fantastic

 

[MugaB]

That is because they share a brain cell

Also lack the chromosomes to use it, unless they are playing against us, if they could botyle the effort they put in against us and play like that all season, they'd go undefeated

 

[Blade23]

I put more store in it if @Blade23 says it...can't believe a word from Fletcher.

Still, would the club really go to 4 years? Maybe 3.

Will go longer but not higher.

The club will have one last play soon when his management is due to come back to the club. But privately they think he going regardless. WT would have to stuff things up big time to change things.

No way the club can get anywhere near their offer. No should we.
Dogs were in his ear pre November but haven't done anything yet.
It will be all over soon.

 

[Aliceinwonderland]

Will go longer but not higher.

The club will have one last play soon when his management is due to come back to the club. But privately they think he going regardless. WT would have to stuff things up big time to change things.

No way the club can get anywhere near their offer. No should we.
Dogs were in his ear pre November but haven't done anything yet.
It will be all over soon.

Thanks Blade for the update. It's as we all thought. Sooner or later it was always going to happen.

Can't blame a bloke doing the best for his family.

Will the dogs come in with a last minute offer....to trump everyone. It's how Gus often operates.

When Romey decided to test the open market, this was always on the cards.

At least we have him for 24, and hopefully one last trophy with the crew.

Will Benji still be there in 25.....Who knows (when looking at W/T track record). But that's neither my concern or worry.

Pleased that the club have not moved about their upper limit re money......

Penrith not called a development club for nothing.

 

[jane the pain]

Will go longer but not higher.

The club will have one last play soon when his management is due to come back to the club. But privately they think he going regardless. WT would have to stuff things up big time to change things.

No way the club can get anywhere near their offer. No should we.
Dogs were in his ear pre November but haven't done anything yet.
It will be all over soon.

Any clue on his potential replacement?

 

[Black Diamond]

I’m sure you would feel that way, but unfortunately success does breed increased value to players and the salary cap ensures you can’t keep them all.
Someone else will get a turn, when your time ends. That’s life in sport.

Is this your attempt at gloating?

Obviously we are all aware of what our success will do to our salary cap. However, yes, we will just keep churning the production line along and unearth new superstars.

Jarome will soon understand what being a loser feels like, will be a very different feeling for him to come to terms with. That's life in sport also.

 

[Aliceinwonderland]

Is this your attempt at gloating?

Obviously we are all aware of what our success will do to our salary cap. However, yes, we will just keep churning the production line along and unearth new superstars.

Jarome will soon understand what being a loser feels like, will be a very different feeling for him to come to terms with. That's life in sport also.

Yep standing behind the goal posts, I'm sure isn't much fun.

Will Benji even be there when Luai arrives come end of 2024.

Or having to be like Api at the G/F basking in the reflected glory of 'once being a Panther' as he supports his cousin Tito.

I'm sure all of the players I've mentioned after a bad loss have all thought. Why didn't I stay, continuing to improve & build my personal legacy at Penrith, and enjoy continued sucess. .......

Was the extra money really worth it.

 

[Tigerm]

Is this your attempt at gloating?

Obviously we are all aware of what our success will do to our salary cap. However, yes, we will just keep churning the production line along and unearth new superstars.

Jarome will soon understand what being a loser feels like, will be a very different feeling for him to come to terms with. That's life in sport also.

"Gloating" what the f**k are you talking about?
We are the double spoon club, we are trying to get off the bottom.
The idea obviously, if Luai comes, would go a long way to achieving that.
If you think your club will stay on top forever, then you are dreaming, enjoy the it while it lasts.
But if you are churning out a production line, then don't f**king worry about losing players, f**kwit.