New Penrith coach Ivan Cleary is the first to admit his to-do list runs long in trying to turn around the Panthers’ flagging fortunes.
His first priority heading into 2012 is to fill the void left by skipper Petero Civoniceva’s departure for Brisbane in the off-season.
Cleary has named NSW utility Luke Lewis as his replacement, but acknowledges the Queensland prop’s legacy looms large over Centrebet Stadium.
“The biggest thing for us is that we’ve lost Petero and also Trent Waterhouse who were very influential around the club,” he said.
“With guys like that, it’s their influence both on the field and off that’s great, so there’s a bit of a void there you need to fill.
“But I guess at the same time, there’s been a lot of change here and it’s an opportunity to create new leaders and rebuild.”
Cleary built a reputation in his six years with the Warriors for developing junior talent.
It’s a skill the Panthers will be keen on exploiting as they look to improve on last year’s 12th-place finish.
Eight of the 17-man Warriors squad that lost the 2011 grand final were brought through the system by Cleary.
Unfortunately the plan to work from the ground up means Penrith fans could settle in for a lengthy wait, with Cleary refusing to put specific goals on the table or outline a timeline to a finals appearance.
“You want to be a little bit patient,” he said.
“All I can say to fans is that we’re doing our best.
“There’s certainly enough talent in the ranks and enough enthusiasm – that’s hard to coach – so that’s good to have.”
Young guns such as Harry Seijka, Andrew Pelasio and Matthew Moylan are among some of the players Cleary hopes to lift.
Since coming to the club in October, the former Sydney Roosters fullback has already re-jigged things behind the scenes – though he won’t say what exactly.
But the aim is clear.
“We want consistent performers and it has a lot to do with training.
“The word itself is about delivering on a similar level all the time – that’s about habit, isn’t it?,” he said.
With Civoniceva gone, Tim Grant and Sam McKendry will have to lift their workrate, while Chris Armit from Canterbury has been added to fill the Panthers front-row stocks.
Penrith kept things rather low-key in their recruitment drive during the off-season, orchestrated largely by club supremo Phil Gould, adding other fringe first-graders such as Clint Newton, Geoff Daniela, Danny Galea and Cameron Ciraldo.
It might be disputed that Cleary is their most high-profile recruit in 2012, although he insists he’s not feeling the pressure.
“Every team has legitimate expectations to making finals but the bottom line is that everyone can’t.
“We’ll just worry about ourselves and build from below and then the results will follow.”
Cleary also expects a big season from troubled centre Michael Jennings, who has vowed to deliver a bumper year after a 2011 marred by his off-field indiscretions.
“He provides plenty of x-factor the way he plays the game and every step he’s made so far indicates that he’s committed this year,” Cleary said.
Penrith Panthers
Premierships: 2 – 1993, 2003
Finishes over the past three seasons: 2011 – 12th, 2010 – semi-finalist, 2009 – 11th
Coach: Ivan Cleary
Captain: Luke LewisGains: Clint Newton (Hull KR), Etu Uaisele (Parramatta), Cameron Ciraldo (Newcastle), Ryan Simpkins (QRL), Chris Armit (Canterbury), Danny Galea (Canberra), Josh Mansour (South Sydney)
Losses: Petero Civoniceva (Brisbane), Matthew Bell (Wests Tigers), Adrian Purtell (Widnes), Timana Tahu (Newcastle), Trent Waterhouse (Warrington), Joseph Paulo (Parramatta)
Player they really needed: Any experienced backrower.
Headline fans would dread to read: “Board squabble clouds Penrith revival.”
Headline fans would love to read: “I should have stayed: Civoniceva.”
Money Man: Michael Jennings. After a year overshadowed by his off-field discretions, Jennings is intent on letting his football do the talking in 2012.
One to watch: Talented youngster Harry Seijka can expect to be given plenty of time to impress at either five-eight or halfback after a solid debut last season.
Best team: Lachlan Coote, David Simmons, Michael Jennings, Brad Tighe, Michael Gordon, Travis Burns, Luke Walsh, Sam McKendry, Kevin Kingston, Tim Grant, Clint Newton, Nathan Smith, Luke Lewis (capt). Interchange: Danny Galea, Cameron Ciraldo, Chris Armit Nigel Plum.
Predicted finish: 16th
Betting: $26
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