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http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,21463395-5006066,00.html
Panthers $1m war chest
By James Phelps
March 29, 2007 12:00
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PENRITH coach Matt Elliott yesterday declared the Panthers would become the biggest hunters in the NRL open market with a $1 million war chest at their disposal.
In an audacious bid, Elliott yesterday said the cashed-up club was intent on signing two of the biggest off-contract stars in the NRL.
After narrowly missing out on signing Parramatta star Timana Tahu, The Daily Telegraph can reveal the Panthers have Brent Tate, Justin Hodges, Craig Wing, Mark O'Meley, Ben Hornby, Bronson Harrison, Luke O'Donnell and Jason Ryles on an ambitious hitlist.
"We are going to go and recruit the two best players we can find," said Elliott.
"We have enough flexibility that it could be in any position. We just want the best players.
"We are going to go out on to the market and find the best two players we can."
It is understood the Panthers are already deep in discussions with a number of current internationals.
Elliott yesterday confirmed he had met with player managers and made his intent clear.
"Mick Leary (Penrith CEO) and myself have gone and visited every player manager and found out who is available," said Elliott.
"We are very ambitious with our recruitment and although I think we have a squad that is capable of achieving a lot this year we could add a lot with a couple of marquee players."
The Panthers will have over $1.5 million free under the salary cap for 2008 with Luke Rooney and Joel Clinton coming off contract.
"We are already under the salary cap this year," Elliott said.
"We put some money together to recruit Jamie Lyon but we didn't get him.
"After that we didn't go out and get anyone else because I am a strong believer that you don't recruit players unless they are going to make your club better."
Elliott said the recruitment drive wouldn't stop with two marquee players, with the club also set to plunder the NRL's emerging talent.
"We may pick up another couple of guys as well," he said.
"But we are going to look for the best player and then go and get the second best player."
Elliott said players would be lured to Penrith to play with the likes of Craig Gower.
"If I was an ambitious player and I had the opportunity to come and play with Craig Gower, Joel Clinton, Luke Priddis, Trent Waterhouse and Tony Puletua I would jump at it."
Respected player manager Steve Gillis yesterday said the Panthers would be the big movers in this year's player market.
"They still have some money under the cap this year," he said.
"They are looking for the two best players and I think they will start at the top of their list and work down."
ABOUT BLOODY TIME PENRITH!
Last time they went on a big spending spree was back at the end of the 2001 season with the purchase of Martin Lang, Ben Roarty, Luke Priddis & Brett Howland.
Panthers $1m war chest
By James Phelps
March 29, 2007 12:00
Article from:
</IMG>Font size: + -
Send this article: Print Email
PENRITH coach Matt Elliott yesterday declared the Panthers would become the biggest hunters in the NRL open market with a $1 million war chest at their disposal.
In an audacious bid, Elliott yesterday said the cashed-up club was intent on signing two of the biggest off-contract stars in the NRL.
After narrowly missing out on signing Parramatta star Timana Tahu, The Daily Telegraph can reveal the Panthers have Brent Tate, Justin Hodges, Craig Wing, Mark O'Meley, Ben Hornby, Bronson Harrison, Luke O'Donnell and Jason Ryles on an ambitious hitlist.
"We are going to go and recruit the two best players we can find," said Elliott.
"We have enough flexibility that it could be in any position. We just want the best players.
"We are going to go out on to the market and find the best two players we can."
It is understood the Panthers are already deep in discussions with a number of current internationals.
Elliott yesterday confirmed he had met with player managers and made his intent clear.
"Mick Leary (Penrith CEO) and myself have gone and visited every player manager and found out who is available," said Elliott.
"We are very ambitious with our recruitment and although I think we have a squad that is capable of achieving a lot this year we could add a lot with a couple of marquee players."
The Panthers will have over $1.5 million free under the salary cap for 2008 with Luke Rooney and Joel Clinton coming off contract.
"We are already under the salary cap this year," Elliott said.
"We put some money together to recruit Jamie Lyon but we didn't get him.
"After that we didn't go out and get anyone else because I am a strong believer that you don't recruit players unless they are going to make your club better."
Elliott said the recruitment drive wouldn't stop with two marquee players, with the club also set to plunder the NRL's emerging talent.
"We may pick up another couple of guys as well," he said.
"But we are going to look for the best player and then go and get the second best player."
Elliott said players would be lured to Penrith to play with the likes of Craig Gower.
"If I was an ambitious player and I had the opportunity to come and play with Craig Gower, Joel Clinton, Luke Priddis, Trent Waterhouse and Tony Puletua I would jump at it."
Respected player manager Steve Gillis yesterday said the Panthers would be the big movers in this year's player market.
"They still have some money under the cap this year," he said.
"They are looking for the two best players and I think they will start at the top of their list and work down."
ABOUT BLOODY TIME PENRITH!
Last time they went on a big spending spree was back at the end of the 2001 season with the purchase of Martin Lang, Ben Roarty, Luke Priddis & Brett Howland.
