Pick a place - your honest expectations in 2006...

[choc_soldier]

Where do you think Penrith will finish in 2006?

Your honest expectations...

I will take a stab and say 7th. But that is reliant on us playing to our full potential and a centres combo that is more than just half decent.

 

[Jono078]

I voted, not sure if you just wanted Panthers fans or not though?

 

[Caged Panther]

I've always though 5-8th so I've gone for the middle road in saying 6th. I think it very much depends on our centres.

When they started to get it together at the end of last year we looked alot better unfortunately it's likely we'll have two new centres come Rd 1.

 

[choc_soldier]

I voted, not sure if you just wanted Panthers fans or not though?

Nah, anyone can vote.

 

[Raider_69]

cant see em doing much
good spine (1,6,7,9) but not much outside that... they will struggle
but the spine is too good to take out the spoon... ive gone 12th

 

[Fibroman]

Before selecting, I did not read any other comments.

I selected 7th. That is on the proviso that Lewis plays centre and remains injury free.

If we have major injuries to Gower, Campbell or Lewis during the season.......forget it.

 

[BuBz81]

I said 5th, no particular reason for it... I think we'll finish in the top eight.

 

[griffo346]

i gone minor premiers
not reason for it i just have this faith every year lol

 

[panthergirl91]

My honest feeling is from 6-8 but i went with 6.

 

[SP]

lower top 8 or 9th, im going with 7th

 

[pantherz9103]

cant see em doing much
good spine (1,6,7,9) but not much outside that... they will struggle
but the spine is too good to take out the spoon... ive gone 12th

Puletua, Waterhouse, Pritchard, Clinton, Lewis, Rooney have all played reps and Rodney was one of our best towards the end of last season. Its not like these guys can't play. One problem is some of these players are a little too similar in style and don't offer anything too confusing for the defence. If their attitude and hunger is right they will form part of a powerful unit, with the 1,6,7 & 9 likely to perform strongly if the forwards do their job.

I don't think the squad is much weaker. In some parts the signings outweighed the losses. I definately like what I see of Norrie alot more than Crossman and Lee Hookey obviously has some raw talent, but hasn't gone far in his career at Souths. But I remember he scored 14 first grade tries in a season once, can't be that bad. I'll take Hookey over Franze too thanks.

I've gone for 6th. But another good season with injuries like in 2003 could see us even higher.

Probably the toughest obstacle to overcome is the difficult early draw all away from the newly upgraded stadium. But if we get through that ok, then look out!

 

[The Piper]

8th
The 'spine' as R69 calls it are the key, but a lot will depend on the forwards taking another step up this year again. If the halves and hooker stay on the paddock and the big men make the big yards, we will make the 8.

 

[dontmakemeangry]

if Pulatua stays fit..............6th

if not...................12th-13th

 

[Munky]

Our forwards don't need to improve at all IMO.

They were statistically the best in the NRL last season. Just look at how they trampled the eventual premiers when we got some ball.

The backs are our key.

 

[JJ]

for me, as for pretty much everyone else, the questions are over the centres.. and to some extent who will replace Ross and Crossman.

Forwards, halves and fullback still look good. Lewis needs to step up, and the Gower distraction might have an impact. SHould make the top 8 IMO

 

[Munky]

...and to some extent who will replace Ross and Crossman.

Ross is a big loss, Crossman is a nuffy who didn't improve at all in first grade. Matt Cross replaced him and is twice the player. Crossman had a game where he made 3 hit ups, 3!

Crossman is an ordinary defender aswell, he's a bigger shirt grabber than Pitchard.

 

[*Sandy*]

I have to agree with you on Matt Cross Munky. With his inclusion in the late half of season there was certainly an impact shown from him. Impressed me greatly!!!

 

[The Rhino]

Benny Ross had big wraps on Matt Cross. Jeez, we could have virtually had the same sort of replacements as we did back in 2003, when Benny came on for either Joely or Marty. Bloody shame we had to let Benny go.

 

[pantherz9103]

for me, as for pretty much everyone else, the questions are over the centres.. and to some extent who will replace Ross and Crossman.

Forwards, halves and fullback still look good. Lewis needs to step up, and the Gower distraction might have an impact. SHould make the top 8 IMO

Should prove a blessing in disguise ;-)

 

[Parra Guru]

I voted 9th, but it will be a much improved 2007 IMO