Panthers on track for prosperity or destruction?
Penrith Panther fans will always look back on 2012 as the catalyst for one of two things to have occurred in the future either as a platform laid for sustained and prolonged success, or whether the club will be going through yet another re-building phase in three years time. While those statements may seem dramatic, one must put into context the events that occurred at the Panthers in 2012 and how the foundation of the club was shaken at its core.
The first tremor was felt prior to origin period as rumours began to surface regarding Michael Jennings being dropped to Windsor after being left out of the line up to play the Dragons, a game which Penrith won in a golden point thriller. Ivan Cleary promised when he took over that he would not shy away from tough decisions and he made his first move with Jennings, citing poor form as the reason behind the move. This decision to drop Jennings has put the club in a position where there is constant speculation as to the star centres future at Penrith, with media outlets linking him to at least eight clubs since May.
This wasnt the only tremor to register on the Richter scale at Penrith in 2012, with what seemed like a slight tremor ultimately proving crack the foundations. In May, Luke Lewis was dumped as skipper of the Panthers with Cleary and management citing that it would relieve the stress on Lewis being involved in an arduous Origin campaign. Kevin Kingston was appointed captain and while Cleary had stated Lewis may return as captain, there was certainly an underlying anger that was on a slow boil.
The months of June/July would prove to be the point in time when most fans were left wondering Is this really worth it? It began with star fullback Michael Gordon signing a three-year deal with the Cronulla Sharks, prompting a significant backlash towards both the club and Gordon on Social Media outlets. Then in mid-June, after a diabolical showing against the New Zealand Warriors, Lachlan Coote was dropped to Windsor, but was given a last minute reprieve when Josh Mansour was injured prior to the Titans clash.
In July, the perceived last straw among Penrith fans the prodigal son of Penrith, who many believed would be a one-club player, Luke Lewis, requested a release in order to join the Cronulla Sharks. While the reasons cited for Lewiss departure were noted as looking for a new outlook and challenge, one does not need to travel far in social media outlets to find there may be more to the story. Ultimately we may never find out the rationale.
The 2012 season will be remembered more for what happened off the field at the Panthers club, rather than any spectacular showing on it. At what looked like a promising season after winning two of their first three games, the Panthers succumbed to a mounting injury toll that resulted in the play on the field not meeting expectations. Ultimately in the NRL, the teams with the least amount of injuries and being able to form combinations week-in-week-out are the teams that will be successful. Penrith had not fielded the same line-up each week for the majority of the year due to injury concerns and it wasnt until the last six rounds that Penrith fans began to see potential in the team winning four of their last six.
Ultimately though, the Panthers club will be judged on what has occurred in 2012, by the results that are achieved in 2013 and beyond. Will the upheaval be worth it? That is a question that only Ivan Cleary and the playing group will have to address, beginning next March.
The Good
Entrance early into the player market For the first time in a decade the Panthers have been active in the player market. Gould and his management team has built significant depth within the club along with signing some star power in Sika Manu, James Segeyaro and Lewis Brown.
The emergence of some young talent Through significant injuries come significant opportunities for young players to press claims at a starting spot. In 2012 the Panthers saw the emergence of a number of players who will contribute to the 2013 campaign including joint RLPA Rookie of the Year Josh Mansour, Matt Robinson, Adam Docker and Ryan Simpkins
Success of junior development 2012 saw significant improvement in the lower grades at the Panthers, including NSW Cup affiliate Windsor Wolves. All grades made the finals and once again showing that there will be competition for spots and a pipeline for emerging stars of the future.
Tim Grants development as a player and leader - Tim Grant's selection in the NSW Origin side really elevated his game to another level this year. Emerging as a future captain in 2014 and beyond, Grant has all the skills and toughness to be one of the best props in the world for years to come.
The Bad
The constant media turmoil surrounding the club with speculation about players futures. It began early in the year with speculation of a number of stars being released or not re-signed such as Michael Jennings, Luke Lewis and Michael Gordon. Ultimately the Panthers did lose two of it's favourite sons in Gordon and Lewis with the speculation on Jennings' future still providing fish and chip shops valuable wrapping paper.
Penrith's lack of penetration on the fringe was extremely noticeable in a number of games this year. There were countless times where the backrow failed to gain over 100m average per player and not providing opportunities to the outside backs with second phase play. This was seen as a weakness by Gould which led to the signings of Manu and Brown.
Everyone at the Panthers is well aware of Luke Walsh's playmaking ability when things are going well. In 2012, Walsh was a modern day Jekyll and Hyde leaving fans frustrated and craving consistency. While Walsh did have excuses regarding playing behind a mostly beaten pack, his real test will come in 2013 with a more dominant and impactful pack. Walsh and Coote's partnership towards the end of the year began to flourish and fans would be hoping this combination bears fruit in 2013.
The Panthers used 33 players in the 2012 campaign, among the most players used in the NRL. Injuries to stars at crucial periods resulted in a disjointed line up along with a lack of consistency. Losing Michael Gordon in Round 1 for the bulk of the season followed by injuries to Tim Grant, Luke Lewis, Michael Jennings & Nathan Smith over extended periods ultimately doomed the Panthers.
Turning point
Round 6 vs Manly Coming off a heartbreaking loss to Cronulla, the Panthers needed to bounce back against a strong manly team who had injuries of their own with both Stewart brothers not playing. In what could have been a defining game for the Panthers to get their season back on track, the result was a 30-0 drubbing which spiraled the Panthers out of control for the remainder of the year.
2013 player movements
Gains: Sika Manu (Melbourne Storm), Lewis Brown (NZ Warriors), Dean Whare (Manly Sea-Eagles), James Segeyaro (Nth Qld Cowboys), Moises Pangai (Nth Qld Cowboys), Sam Anderson, Ethan Cook, Kyle ODonnell, Wes Naiqama (Newcastle Knights), James Roberts (South Sydney), Jeremy Latimore (St.George-Illawarra Dragons)
Losses: Luke Lewis, Michael Gordon (Cronulla Sharks), Sandor Earl (Raiders), Nafe Seluini (Roosters), Mitch Achurch (Leeds Rhinos), Travis Burns (Hull KR)
Re-Signed: Blake Austin, Brad Tighe, Luke Walsh, Adam Docker, Matt Robinson
Chances in 2013
The 2013 Panthers line up, at full strength, looks like a good blend of youth and experience. Expect to see some fantastic young players emerge in 2013 with the likes of Matt Moylan and Vaipuna Tia-Kilifi sure to figure prominently in the 2013 season. On top of that, Penrith has managed to secure some good players for 2013 who will greatly improve the impact on the fringe of the ruck including Sika Manu, Lewis Brown and Dean Whare while exciting hooker James Segeyaro will provide spark from the bench.
Depth in 2013 will also be assisted by the amount of players exposed to first grade in 2012 along with acquisitions of emerging players like Kyle ODonnell and Moises Pangai. Overall, the Panthers of 2013 are showing up to be a step in the right direction for the club with the emergence of some great young talent while strong depth will put the Panthers in a position to be competitive and fighting for the finals.
Best line-up 2013
1. Matthew Moylan
2. Brad Tighe
3. Michael Jennings
4. Dean Whare
5. Josh Mansour
6. Lachlan Coote
7. Luke Walsh
8. Tim Grant c
9. Kevin Kingston c
10. Dayne Weston
11. Sika Manu
12. Lewis Brown
13. Blake Austin
14. James Segeyaro
15. Sam McKendry
16. Clint Newton
17. Matt Robinson
What you guys think?
Penrith Panther fans will always look back on 2012 as the catalyst for one of two things to have occurred in the future either as a platform laid for sustained and prolonged success, or whether the club will be going through yet another re-building phase in three years time. While those statements may seem dramatic, one must put into context the events that occurred at the Panthers in 2012 and how the foundation of the club was shaken at its core.
The first tremor was felt prior to origin period as rumours began to surface regarding Michael Jennings being dropped to Windsor after being left out of the line up to play the Dragons, a game which Penrith won in a golden point thriller. Ivan Cleary promised when he took over that he would not shy away from tough decisions and he made his first move with Jennings, citing poor form as the reason behind the move. This decision to drop Jennings has put the club in a position where there is constant speculation as to the star centres future at Penrith, with media outlets linking him to at least eight clubs since May.
This wasnt the only tremor to register on the Richter scale at Penrith in 2012, with what seemed like a slight tremor ultimately proving crack the foundations. In May, Luke Lewis was dumped as skipper of the Panthers with Cleary and management citing that it would relieve the stress on Lewis being involved in an arduous Origin campaign. Kevin Kingston was appointed captain and while Cleary had stated Lewis may return as captain, there was certainly an underlying anger that was on a slow boil.
The months of June/July would prove to be the point in time when most fans were left wondering Is this really worth it? It began with star fullback Michael Gordon signing a three-year deal with the Cronulla Sharks, prompting a significant backlash towards both the club and Gordon on Social Media outlets. Then in mid-June, after a diabolical showing against the New Zealand Warriors, Lachlan Coote was dropped to Windsor, but was given a last minute reprieve when Josh Mansour was injured prior to the Titans clash.
In July, the perceived last straw among Penrith fans the prodigal son of Penrith, who many believed would be a one-club player, Luke Lewis, requested a release in order to join the Cronulla Sharks. While the reasons cited for Lewiss departure were noted as looking for a new outlook and challenge, one does not need to travel far in social media outlets to find there may be more to the story. Ultimately we may never find out the rationale.
The 2012 season will be remembered more for what happened off the field at the Panthers club, rather than any spectacular showing on it. At what looked like a promising season after winning two of their first three games, the Panthers succumbed to a mounting injury toll that resulted in the play on the field not meeting expectations. Ultimately in the NRL, the teams with the least amount of injuries and being able to form combinations week-in-week-out are the teams that will be successful. Penrith had not fielded the same line-up each week for the majority of the year due to injury concerns and it wasnt until the last six rounds that Penrith fans began to see potential in the team winning four of their last six.
Ultimately though, the Panthers club will be judged on what has occurred in 2012, by the results that are achieved in 2013 and beyond. Will the upheaval be worth it? That is a question that only Ivan Cleary and the playing group will have to address, beginning next March.
The Good
Entrance early into the player market For the first time in a decade the Panthers have been active in the player market. Gould and his management team has built significant depth within the club along with signing some star power in Sika Manu, James Segeyaro and Lewis Brown.
The emergence of some young talent Through significant injuries come significant opportunities for young players to press claims at a starting spot. In 2012 the Panthers saw the emergence of a number of players who will contribute to the 2013 campaign including joint RLPA Rookie of the Year Josh Mansour, Matt Robinson, Adam Docker and Ryan Simpkins
Success of junior development 2012 saw significant improvement in the lower grades at the Panthers, including NSW Cup affiliate Windsor Wolves. All grades made the finals and once again showing that there will be competition for spots and a pipeline for emerging stars of the future.
Tim Grants development as a player and leader - Tim Grant's selection in the NSW Origin side really elevated his game to another level this year. Emerging as a future captain in 2014 and beyond, Grant has all the skills and toughness to be one of the best props in the world for years to come.
The Bad
The constant media turmoil surrounding the club with speculation about players futures. It began early in the year with speculation of a number of stars being released or not re-signed such as Michael Jennings, Luke Lewis and Michael Gordon. Ultimately the Panthers did lose two of it's favourite sons in Gordon and Lewis with the speculation on Jennings' future still providing fish and chip shops valuable wrapping paper.
Penrith's lack of penetration on the fringe was extremely noticeable in a number of games this year. There were countless times where the backrow failed to gain over 100m average per player and not providing opportunities to the outside backs with second phase play. This was seen as a weakness by Gould which led to the signings of Manu and Brown.
Everyone at the Panthers is well aware of Luke Walsh's playmaking ability when things are going well. In 2012, Walsh was a modern day Jekyll and Hyde leaving fans frustrated and craving consistency. While Walsh did have excuses regarding playing behind a mostly beaten pack, his real test will come in 2013 with a more dominant and impactful pack. Walsh and Coote's partnership towards the end of the year began to flourish and fans would be hoping this combination bears fruit in 2013.
The Panthers used 33 players in the 2012 campaign, among the most players used in the NRL. Injuries to stars at crucial periods resulted in a disjointed line up along with a lack of consistency. Losing Michael Gordon in Round 1 for the bulk of the season followed by injuries to Tim Grant, Luke Lewis, Michael Jennings & Nathan Smith over extended periods ultimately doomed the Panthers.
Turning point
Round 6 vs Manly Coming off a heartbreaking loss to Cronulla, the Panthers needed to bounce back against a strong manly team who had injuries of their own with both Stewart brothers not playing. In what could have been a defining game for the Panthers to get their season back on track, the result was a 30-0 drubbing which spiraled the Panthers out of control for the remainder of the year.
2013 player movements
Gains: Sika Manu (Melbourne Storm), Lewis Brown (NZ Warriors), Dean Whare (Manly Sea-Eagles), James Segeyaro (Nth Qld Cowboys), Moises Pangai (Nth Qld Cowboys), Sam Anderson, Ethan Cook, Kyle ODonnell, Wes Naiqama (Newcastle Knights), James Roberts (South Sydney), Jeremy Latimore (St.George-Illawarra Dragons)
Losses: Luke Lewis, Michael Gordon (Cronulla Sharks), Sandor Earl (Raiders), Nafe Seluini (Roosters), Mitch Achurch (Leeds Rhinos), Travis Burns (Hull KR)
Re-Signed: Blake Austin, Brad Tighe, Luke Walsh, Adam Docker, Matt Robinson
Chances in 2013
The 2013 Panthers line up, at full strength, looks like a good blend of youth and experience. Expect to see some fantastic young players emerge in 2013 with the likes of Matt Moylan and Vaipuna Tia-Kilifi sure to figure prominently in the 2013 season. On top of that, Penrith has managed to secure some good players for 2013 who will greatly improve the impact on the fringe of the ruck including Sika Manu, Lewis Brown and Dean Whare while exciting hooker James Segeyaro will provide spark from the bench.
Depth in 2013 will also be assisted by the amount of players exposed to first grade in 2012 along with acquisitions of emerging players like Kyle ODonnell and Moises Pangai. Overall, the Panthers of 2013 are showing up to be a step in the right direction for the club with the emergence of some great young talent while strong depth will put the Panthers in a position to be competitive and fighting for the finals.
Best line-up 2013
1. Matthew Moylan
2. Brad Tighe
3. Michael Jennings
4. Dean Whare
5. Josh Mansour
6. Lachlan Coote
7. Luke Walsh
8. Tim Grant c
9. Kevin Kingston c
10. Dayne Weston
11. Sika Manu
12. Lewis Brown
13. Blake Austin
14. James Segeyaro
15. Sam McKendry
16. Clint Newton
17. Matt Robinson
What you guys think?
