With the NRL season just around the corner, it’s time to consider the teams that may surprise us in 2016.
My tip for a possible top four finish is the Penrith Panthers. Here are my five reasons why the Panthers will be the flavour of 2016.
1. Coaching change
Anthony Griffin takes over from Ivan Cleary, following four years in the top job. Both men have a similar demeanour, but Griffin has a name for blooding and developing young talent.
Much of the Broncos’ success in recent years has been credited to Griffin’s work, but the difference here is that most of the young talent at Penrith have already tasted first grade.
Last year alone, seven players made their debut. Griffin will now look to turn the likes of Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Isaah Yeo and the Jennings brothers into consistent performers rather than having to sporadically blood them throughout the year.
2. Mobile forward pack
With the implementation of an eight man interchange system, look for smaller forward packs to benefit. The Panthers look to be one of these sides, with the like of Elijah Taylor, Trent Merrin, Bryce Cartwright, Tyrone Peachey, Isaah Yeo and James Segeyaro in the ranks.
Look for them to benefit, using their quick feet and offload skills to tear apart slowing defensive lines.
3. Outside backs
Without knowing Matt Moylan’s plans for the future, I’m leaving him out of this. Even so, the results are scary.
Peta Hiku and Dean Whare are both international players. Throw in Josh ‘the metre eater’ Mansour and Watene-Zelezniak, the Panthers look certain to score plenty of points.
The Jennings brothers, Waqa Blake and most likely Moylan can also be added to the back five
4. The injury curse is over
The last two seasons have been cruel to the Panthers and their fans. No team has been decimated with key injuries like they have, so surely their luck is due to change.
5. Moylan’s move into the halves
If the rumours are true and Moylan moves into the halves, look for him to have a big year.
Moylan is one of the most talented young players in the competition and I have no doubt he will adapt to the change.
It will take him time to adjust, but he is too classy a player to not contribute. The ball in his hands more often is good news for the Panthers.
The other positive is it opens up a spot for the likes of Hiku or DWZ to fill the full back role, creating another interesting attacking dimension.
The NRL season kicks off on the third of March, with the Panthers taking on the Raiders in Round 1, Saturday March 5.
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