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The Penrith Panthers are looking really good for 2014 and it is clear there are thousands in the golden west who believe the coming season could be one of great achievement.
Love him or loathe him, Phil Gould is definitely having a positive effect on the club.
Working closely with head coach Ivan Cleary, Gould has signed an interesting combination of recruits who arrive as question marks but could easily attract exclamations in the months ahead.
The rising excitement in Panther country is palpable – it was announced this week that 6000 members had now signed up for 2014, an 88 percent increase on last year’s figures.
Seven ‘name’ signings have been landed by the Gould/Cleary tandem: Jamal Idris, Kevin Naiqama, Jamie Soward, Peter Wallace, Brent Kite, Elijah Taylor and Tyrone Peachey.
Toss these guys in with the likes of 2013 stars Matt Moylan, Adam Docker, Travis Robinson, Isaac John, Matt Robinson and James Segeyaro, and the prospects look very bright indeed.
I expect this group to blend in smoothly with the emerging young talent already at Penrith and for the Panthers to launch a serious shot at a top four of five spot on the table.
Coach Cleary is among the best in the League and as he prepares for his third season with Penrith, it is not unreasonable to expect a serious title charge will be forthcoming.
Much has been written and said about the capture of the erratic but brilliant Idris from the Gold Coast Titans but the key for me will be how the new halves pairing of Wallace and Soward comes together.
Both fell into deep ruts at their previous clubs but have the talent and experience to guide and spark the Panthers to great effort.
The Panthers have made more than a dozen first grade signings in the past two seasons which is being seen by some as a possible impediment to the club’s outstanding array of junior talent.
I don’t see it that way.
Coach Cleary is very good at promoting and nurturing young players. I think he has a senior and emerging junior roster that will be the envy of many in 2014 and beyond.
As the time draws near to sign up for your tipping competitions, I’d urge you to give the Panthers plenty of thought right from their opening round against Newcastle on Saturday, March 8.
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