Penrith Panthers season review: A year of 'what ifs'

A 30-12 victory over Newcastle has ensured the Panthers avoided the wooden spoon, however after a preliminary final exit in 2014 the following year’s effort has left much to be desired.

An injury-ravaged season struggled to meet the expectations of a growing, optimistic supporter base.

So, what if:

There was no injury curse
Although form and attitude influenced the disappointing nature of their 2015 season, you cannot deny that injuries crippled the Panthers’ season this year. The Penrith spine of Matt Moylan, Jamie Soward, Peter Wallace and James Segeyaro only managed a mere 170 minutes together, a total nine per cent of the season.

Last season’s success, despite a less devastating injury toll, illustrates the importance of Moylan, Soward and Segeyaro, as all were available for selection during Penrith’s fairy-tale run to the finals. If you took the likes of Cooper Cronk or Roger Tuivasa-Sheck from their respective sides, you are guaranteed a dip in form.

However, the Panthers’ representation in the 2015 ‘Spoonbowl’ exaggerates the form slump which arose as a result of varying factors, including injuries. Having used 32 players this season, however, the Panthers are in good stead for future years as this injury crisis has forced Ivan Cleary to blood several young stars, preparing them for future first grade endeavours.

Despite public outcry, the likes of Waqa Blake will benefit immensely from experience and lessons learnt in such a telling season. So, what if there was no injury curse? Seeing that the Panthers were atop of the ladder in Round 2 before the crisis began to rear, it is likely Penrith would be figuring in the finals come this week. However, a lack of form, cohesion and attitude has influenced their demise.

So, what if:

The Panthers learnt the fundamentals
Although an injury curse determined the fate of the Panthers in 2015, it is still expected that accomplished athletes can achieve the fundamentals of the sport of rugby league. However, as illustrated in games against Melbourne and Parramatta, an injury crisis does not excuse diabolical handling errors.

In their Round 13 20-0 drubbing at the hands of Melbourne, Penrith’s completion dipped to 40 per cent midway through the game. Such a completion rate is inexcusable. Having managed an average of 11.6 errors a game (15th in the league), despite injuries, a lack of ball security hindered Penrith’s chances of a finals birth.

Furthermore, a lack of cohesion also compounded Penrith’s attack and ability to convert possession into points. Having scored the fewest points of any team in the 2015 season (399), Penrith often resorted to offloads in order to create points. Averaging 14.7 offloads a game (first in the NRL), a lack of leadership and direction motivated the likes of Bryce Cartwright and Tyrone Peachey to explore less orthodox forms of capitalising on-field possession.

However, in many cases, forced passes and offloads led to their demise. The Panthers often proved their worst enemy in many games, with missed tackles mounting unnecessary pressure on the Mountain Men. Averaging 35.7 missed tackles a game, albeit defending admirably in many games, a lack of experience and sometimes intent cost Penrith dearly.

Such is evident in Penrith’s 34-18 loss to Canberra, in which the Raiders built their 22-6 lead at half-time on the back of poor, uncommitted one-on-one defence from the opposition. In undeniably one of their worst performances in recent history, the Panthers missed 42 tackles in their 52-10 thumping at the hands of Melbourne.

The likes of Soward, Wallace and Segeyaro were available for the Friday night clash, however conceding 11 line breaks and making nine errors in the process. A lack of commitment and simple fundamentals often proved the downfall of the Mountain Men.

So what can be learnt from such a disappointing year in comparison to last year’s triumph?

Well, the emergence of the likes of Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Blake and Leilani Latu among others can be considered one of few positive aspects of season 2015. Campbell-Gillard was arguably one of the Panther’s best in 2015, proving consistency and leadership beyond his years. Averaging 105 metres and 21 tackles in limited minutes, Campbell-Gillard has reassured his place in the Penrith starting side next year with a stellar debut season.

Although, he may have received criticism, Blake has showed glimpses of a successful future in rugby league, while the emergence of Latu, Tupou Sopoaga, Will Smith, Chris Smith, Sione Katoa, George Jennings and Robert Jennings proves the wealth of depth and talent at the foot of the mountains come next year.

With the likes of Moylan, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Elijah Taylor among others to return from injury, 2016 looks a positive (crossed-fingers), healthy prospect. With speculation growing that Wallace may retire in the near future, Moylan looks the likely candidate to replace thim, while exciting youngsters Watene-Zelezniak and Will Smith have stamped their authority in the number one jumper.

And with the experienced Trent Merrin and young Tigers talent Te Maire Martin set to join the Penrith roster in 2016, anything less than a top eight finish would pose serious questions to Phil Gould’s five-year plan. Here’s hoping there’s no more black cats or smashed mirrors in 2016.