Some would say its mission accomplished for the Penrith Panthers – that in making the top four they have all exceeded their expectations and their fans.
Some say that they should be satisfied with that for 2014.
But the mantra that has built within the squad suggests that having tasted success despite against all odds there is a sense that the job is only half done. Perhaps now is the moment to seize their chance of turning what appears to be an impossible dream a remarkable reality.
Yes the finals are a new competition, but if you bring belief and a strong will to succeed, it’s easy to see why the Panthers should not be dismissed as a premiership contender. Let’s consider the factors that suggest why Penrith will be more than just making up the numbers in this year’s finals series.
The injury crisis
Normally an injury crisis would spell doom for one’s season – just ask the Wests Tigers. But in Penrith’s case it has galvanised the team. It’s been well documented the extent of Penrith’s injury crisis which started in the Round 18 clash against the Broncos.
That was a heroic win given the season-ending pectoral injury suffered by Tyrone Peachey and an ankle injury to metre-eater Josh Mansour.
From there, an attempt by Peter Wallace to come back early back-fired as the Panthers lost their co-captain to a season-ending knee injury. The fact that Wallace played out the game despite having a torn ACL is stuff made of legends and has served to inspire his coach and teammates instead of being a source of despair.
Since then the Panthers managed to get through the remainder of the regular season despite losing the likes of Bryce Cartwright, Elijah Taylor (season), Brent Kite (Round 26), David Simmons (indefinite), Isaah Yeo (indefinite), James Segeyaro (Round 26), Kevin Kingston (indefinite), Jeremy Latimore (finals week 1), Adam Docker (finals week 2), Tim Grant (season).
Tough draw
The Panthers were accused of having a soft draw for two thirds of the season. Critics said that post Origin when it came to sorting the men from the boys, the inevitable tough draw would sort Penrith out.
However, as Parramatta proved late in the season, there are no easybeats in this competition. The Panthers deserved more credit than they were given over the closing rounds.
Depth
Ivan’s 17 named to play the Roosters includes seven players with zero finals experience, along with a further three players who have yet to taste victory in the finals. However among the seven who have yet to play finals footy are Matt Moylan, Josh Mansour, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Will Smith, Matt Robinson and Sam Anderson, who have all played on grand final day in lower grades.
Much will fall on the likes of grand final winners Jamie Soward, Brent Kite and Sika Manu to provide leadership.
The fantastic depth at Ivan’s disposal has allowed his side to get his side into the top four. With the likes of Watene-Zelezniak, Will Smith, Ben Murdoch-Masila, Matt Robinson, Kevin Kingston, Tim Grant and Sam Anderson all stepping up from the all-conquering NSW Cup side which won the minor premiership with four weeks remaining.
Ivan still has the luxury of being able to call upon the likes of Kevin and Wes Naiqama, Luke Capewell, Tom Humble, Ryan Simpkins and Nathan Smith.
The spine
The key to Penrith’s success has been keeping the core of their spine intact throughout this difficult period. Penrith’s big three known as the SMS – Soward, Moylan and Segeyaro – have been the shining light through the closing stages of the competition.
Jamie Soward in particular is having one of the best seasons of his career and has responded even more positively to the added responsibility of leading the team since Wallace’s injury
Moylan has taken his game to an even higher level in 2014 as one of the competition’s form fullbacks, often chiming in the attack both sides of the field as the team’s second five eighth.
Segeyaro has been integral to the side’s go forward in attack since taking the role on back in Round 9. His influence in attack and workload in defence can’t be underestimated. It’s no surprise he was sorely missed in two crucial losses to Melbourne and Manly.
No expectations
In 2014, Penrith’s early success was downplayed to an easy draw and due to having no Origin representation. Their expected downfall was further strengthened by the injury crisis that engulfed the club, but unlike previous Penrith teams this side has shown tremendous spirit.
Jamal Idris
The Panthers star signing for 2014 has had quite the journey. Early expectations of instant success did not quite materialise for a player who was returning from a long term injury and personal demons. To Penrith’s credit, rather than punish Idris for a weekend binge on the Gold Coast, they supported him and gave him time.
They have been rewarded with a player who has immense respect for his employers and who wants to give them something back in return for their loyalty in his darkest hours.
His attacking abilities have gradually returned and he looms as an x-factor in the final series.
Ivan Cleary
In Ivan Cleary, Penrith has a coach who is no stranger to adversity in the finals campaign. As the most successful finals coach in Warriors history, he prepped the side to defeat some big guns.
His achievements in taking a team from 15th to fourth in just two seasons – after being prepared to rebuild from scratch – is fully deserving of the Coach of the Year honours. In fact the way in which Penrith has gone about rebuilding their club from the bottom up in order to sustain success in the long term serves as an important model for other clubs.
Phil Gould
All of Penrith’s success in 2014 would not have been possible without Phil Gould. Like him or loathe him, he is one of the smartest footy minds in the business.
He got Penrith set into a rebuilding phase and they have never looked better. His experience at finals footy time is an additional bonus for Ivan and his players to draw upon. Don’t underestimate the guidance he will provide to Ivan Cleary behind the scenes.
As you can see there is plenty to like about the chances of the Penrith Panthers. Continue to write off the Panthers at your peril.
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