Possible Debutants 2008

[Caged Panther]

So one of the highlights of an otherwise miserable season 2007 for us long suffering panthers supporters was the 1st grade debut of a number of juniors in the form of Jarrod Sammutt, Maurice Blair, Michael Jennings and Tim Grant amongst others.

Just wondering if someone with a better knowledge of the junior ranks then myself could point out some players who they might expect to debut in the upcoming season.

 

[choc_soldier]

I have just as much knowledge as you - but here's a punt...

Josh McCrone
Sam McKendry
Masada Iosefa
Greg Waddell (maybe)

 

[Panther_Daz]

Masada Iosefa is a definate. Hopefully from Round 1.

McCrone,Georgiou and Caldwell could all debut in the halves.

Other possibilites: Peewee Moke,Sam McKendry,Brendan Hlad, Junior Tia Kilifi,Matthew Forwood, Jamie Theoharous,Joseph Paulo, Shane Blackett

 

[Caged Panther]

Didn't PeeWee play a little firsts back when he was at the Sharks?

 

[Panther_Daz]

I think he may of played a couple of games. Not too sure though.

 

[Munky]

I'm pretty sure Forwood is no longer with the Panthers.

Unless I misunderstood him when I asked him at work...

 

[choc_soldier]

I'm pretty sure Forwood is no longer with the Panthers.

Unless I misunderstood him when I asked him at work...

He's contracted with Windsor in the Premier League.

 

[Bob]

McCrone and Iosefa are definites, Pee Wee Moke if he has got over his injuries, Dean Caldwell is a possibility (if he is fully fit would easily solve our half back problems), Josh Bateman is another I would like to see get a go in 1st grade. Josh has come through the grades at Penrith and played well in reserve grade last year. A possibility for 5/8 or lock forward.

 

[Black Majik]

Peewee is yet to play first grade...I was hoping his first game would be last year.

I hope to see him squash em this year as an outside back

 

[Big Mick]

I don't think PeeWee will make the grade tbh, nor will Bateman, Tia Killifi and Forwood.

I think the best chances are:
- Dean Caldwell
- Masada Iosefa
- Wade Graham (At end of year off the bench)
- Sam McKendry
- Brendan Hlad
- Josh McCrone
- Joseph Paulo
- Michael Leeds
- Jamie Theosarous

 

[MIGHTY PANTHER MAN]

I don't think PeeWee will make the grade tbh, nor will Bateman, Tia Killifi and Forwood.

I think the best chances are:
- Dean Caldwell
- Masada Iosefa
- Wade Graham (At end of year off the bench)
- Sam McKendry
- Brendan Hlad
- Josh McCrone
- Joseph Paulo
- Michael Leeds
- Jamie Theosarous

Mathew Forwood actually left today to go up to queensland and play in the local comp in Gladstone.

I agree that Junior and Pee Wee probably wont play although i add to that Dean Caldwell. Based on last years form i would probably put Joseph Paulo in that group too.
Wade Graham and Greg Waddel are atleast another year off First grade.

My list of possibly debutants in 2008:
-Masada Iosefa (defenite)
-Josh Bateman (probable)
-Sam Mckendry (probable)
-Josh McCrone (definete)
-Jamie Theoharous (possible)
-Shane Blackett (possible)
-Dave Georgiou (probable)

 

[Kilkenny]

Matthew Forwood is living proof of how difficult it is to graduate from the juniors, including Flegg and PL, through to the top grade. He had talent and ability but did not have opportunity.

Very few juniors make the transition from the lower grades to the top grade so that should put in perspective who the possible debutants may be in 2008. Probably less than many may think or expect.

From my observations, only Masada Iosefa is likely to make the transition this season and his debut will most likely be restricted to one or two games.

Other than Masada, I dont expect to many changes from the establised side, not this season anyway, maybe next.

 

[Big Mick]

I only suggested Joseph Paulo after his successful stint at halfback in world cup qualifiers may give him the push to improve even more to compete at that level.

 

[herbert henry1908]

I don't think PeeWee will make the grade tbh, nor will Bateman, Tia Killifi and Forwood.

I think the best chances are:
- Dean Caldwell
- Masada Iosefa
- Wade Graham (At end of year off the bench)
- Sam McKendry
- Brendan Hlad
- Josh McCrone
- Joseph Paulo
- Michael Leeds
- Jamie Theosarous

Is Michael Leeds any relation to Andrew ?

 

[Ronnie Dobbs]

Is Michael Leeds any relation to Andrew ?

Don't think so. Leeds is from Batemans Bay & its never been mentioned before.

 

[Fibroman]

The fact that Shane Rodney has done his shoulder again, effectively ends his career. T. Puletua and F. Pritchard are very hot and cold. If they both go cold, then there may be a spot or 2 to fill in the back row with Waterhouse.

That may open the door for the likes of Paulo, Blackett and co. along with Iosefa possibly moving to lock pushing Waterhouse to the 2nd row?

 

[Kilkenny]

Tim Grant made his debut in 2007. Didn't quite set the world on fire for obvious reasons, he was still a boy and for all intensive purposes as a forward still will be this season. Grant will continue his development and improve during 2008. I expect Tim Grant to really make giant strides this season, while not being a regular first grader, he will show the potential we all know he possesses. He will surely develop into one of the best players, forwards, ever to play for this club.

The only reason I mention the above, Tim Grant, is he is likely to stand in the way of the likes of Paulo, Hlad, Blackett and Co of making there first grades debuts this season. The other wild card is surely Junior Moors? Will this kid finally deliver or will this be his last season with the club? I suspect is may be the latter, again I hope I am wrong.

 

[Fibroman]

T Puletua, Moors and Paulo need to sit down with their church pastor and be told that it is not a sin to fire up out and the footy field.

 

[otag]

That may open the door for the likes of Paulo, Blackett and co. along with Iosefa possibly moving to lock pushing Waterhouse to the 2nd row?

rid blackett off your list. he lacks what it takes to make fg. paulo is a 50/50 and iosefa is almost a definite though not till his name is published by m.elliot.

 

[The Rhino]

The other wild card is surely Junior Moors? Will this kid finally deliver or will this be his last season with the club? I suspect is may be the latter, again I hope I am wrong.

Kilkenny, you do know that Moors' contract with Penrith does not expire until AFTER the 2009 season?