Paradox of parity: NRL craves a level playing field but fans love to hate a dynasty like Penrith’s undisputed reign
The paradox of parity is that even though we’re told we should want a wide open competition, the NRL seems to be more interesting…
Axed utility Tyrone Peachey could be rushed straight back into Penrith’s line-up for their crucial NRL match against Parramatta next Sunday.
Peachey was dropped for their last-start defeat to Cronulla after turning up late to a training session during the week – and he responded by scoring a try in the club’s reserve grade hitout against North Sydney.
But Griffin has promised not to hold Peachey’s indiscretion against him when a squad is picked on Tuesday to face neighbourhood rivals the Eels.
“If he goes to training, he will be (available),” Griffin said.
The first-year Panthers mentor admitted he was disappointed to have to discipline Peachey, but insisted he has no problems with the makeshift centre.
The former Shark is likely to return to the flanks against Parramatta.
“I could’ve taken a softer option under the circumstances and slapped him on the wrist with a fine, but that’s not what we’re about,” Griffin said.
“He knew better than anyone that he’d done the wrong thing and he had to pay the price for it.
“But that’s something internally that is not a major issue. I haven’t got a problem with Tyrone. He’s a great kid, he’s just put himself in the wrong position.”
Griffin will also be sweating on the availability of hooker and stand-in captain Peter Wallace, who will go for scans on Monday after courageously playing with an injured elbow for the majority of the game.
The Panthers, who have used forward Bryce Cartwright at pivot in recent weeks, are light on both halves and hookers following the surprise mid-season departures of Jamie Soward and James Segeyaro.
Wallace tried to stay positive about the injury post-game.
“I just hyper-extended it. It’s the ligament on the inside of the elbow. I’ll just get a scan (on Monday) and hopefully I should be alright,” he said.
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