Panthers pumped for clash

[mightypanther]

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Panthers pumped for clash

By Steve Gee The Daily Telegraph August 25, 2009 12:01AM
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/panthers-pumped-for-clash/story-e6frexnr-1225765747824

PENRITH captain Trent Waterhouse has thrown down the gauntlet for Friday's battle with Parramatta, declaring the Panthers are "pumped'' to stop the Eels juggernaut.

The 22,000-capacity Parramatta Stadium is set to host one of the most important local derbies of the neighbour's 32-year rivalry, with a finals berth on the line. While Waterhouse acknowledged the Eels as the NRL's form side, the Panthers skipper vowed his men were ready to step up.

"It's a massive game. The biggest game of the year for us, the local derby as well, so we are pumped,'' Waterhouse said. "They are playing some great footy, with their big guns firing. It's going to be a great test for us. We're going have to step up a fair few notches to compete with them.''

With Penrith clinging to eighth on 27 points, just five clear of Parramatta (27) on differential, the blockbuster is set to eclipse last Friday's thriller between the Eels and Wests Tigers and will go a long way to defining the eight.

The match shapes as the most important derby between the "westies'' since the Panthers wrapped up the 2003 minor premiership and torpedoed the finals hopes of Nathan Hindmarsh and his men with a 40-22 hammering in the final round that year.

Penrith emerged 38-34 winners when superstars Michael Jennings and Jarryd Hayne went try for try in this year's round 17-nailbiter at CUA Stadium and again the NSW Origin teammates are likely to decide the match.

But Waterhouse said it was up to the Panthers big men to stop Eels forwards Fuifui Moimoi, Nathan Hindmarsh and Nathan Cayless if they hope to curb the brilliance of the Parramatta fullback. "You have to just win that battle in the middle and that will cut his time down and his field position down,'' he said.

Waterhouse said the Panthers were treating the clash as a final. "You start playing mathematics [if you lose] so we're taking it as do or die,'' he said. "It's going to be a semi-final atmosphere and that's the way we're looking at it. We won't be satisfied unless we get to the semis.''
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[abpanther]

Honestly, I wish they would just keep quiet and focus on the game, no point increasing the hype any further...

 

[franklin2323]

Yeah but the problem is it's called "promotion" and the clubs love it. I am with you just play. That won't happen as it's a sellout it will just get worse

 

[Devilous]

Problem is though every time we seem to hype up a game we tend to get beaten more often than not.

1000th Game vs. Dragons.
Pink Jerseys vs. Manly
I think the first time we played the sharks in our retro jerseys.

We should be quiet, work hard and let Parra hype themselves over the moon.

 

[mightypanther]

"It's a massive game. The biggest game of the year for us, the local derby as well, so we are pumped,'' Waterhouse said. "They are playing some great footy, with their big guns firing. It's going to be a great test for us. We're going have to step up a fair few notches to compete with them.''

Waterhouse said the Panthers were treating the clash as a final. "You start playing mathematics [if you lose] so we're taking it as do or die,'' he said. "It's going to be a semi-final atmosphere and that's the way we're looking at it. We won't be satisfied unless we get to the semis.''

At least House is using a sensible attitude and acknowledging the high level that the eels are playing at, and how far we have to lift to reach them, and they are going in with a do or die attitude.

He doesn't say anything to suggest that they already think they're so good they're going to blow them off the park or anything. He's just saying that they intend to lift as high as they can and give the game all they've got.

Isn't that exactly what we want to hear from them?
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[Ron Jeremy]

lol and they think Parramatta won't be pumped?

 

[Kilkenny]

I think the two recent home games showed up our deficiencies. Warriors and Dragons. Should not have need any motivation to be pumped up for both of those home fixtures but alas we were somewhat fortunate to come away with a draw against the Warriors.

Yes we probably have to be pumped up but more important we need to be mistake free and win the battle of possession and the field position that comes with it. If we don;t finish in front in these crucial areas well it could be a long night. We have the ability to win, but we will have to be at our absolute best.

 

[mightypanther]

lol and they think Parramatta won't be pumped?

Who the hell said they thought the eels wouldn't be???? Ummm....no-one....:roll:
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