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Yeo eyes Country Origin jersey as battle for forward spots intensifies at Penrith

The Panthers are destined for greatness. Eventually.(AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts)
Roar Guru
22nd April, 2016
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Panthers back-rower Isaah Yeo says that holding down his spot in a Panthers back-row that is not short on depth is his main priority.

But with the uncertain future over the City versus Country clash, the 21-year-old Dubbo junior also hopes that his improving consistency, culminating with a strong performance against an inform Cronulla Sharks back-row of Paul Gallen, Wade Graham and Luke Lewis, will lead to Country Origin selection.

“At the moment I’m just really worried about my own form and try and stay in this team especially with the depth that we have and just try to really cement myself in that left back-row spot,” Yeo explains.

“But I’m a country boy so obviously I would be very proud to represent the Country team.

“I don’t know if it will happen this year but I’d like to play some quality football and at least throw my name into the mix this year and leave it up to the selectors as you just never know with the teams that they pick.

“I was reading in the papers that it might be scrapped next year so if not this year and if it’s still around I’d love to play have a crack next year.”

Yeo, who has spent a large chunk of his 38 NRL game career alternating between the back-row and the centres, says that while he has had a mixed start to 2016, he is gaining confidence each week from getting to play in his preferred position at left back-row.

“I probably haven’t been as consistent as I would like but it’s been getting better the past two games (versus the Eels and Cowboys),” Yeo said.

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“But then after the Roosters (game) I was a bit disappointed with my performance.

“It’s a matter of two steps forward one step back for me at the moment in that regards.

“I’m still sort of chopping and changing doing a bit of the middle when Peach (Tyrone Peachey) comes on but I prefer the forwards to the backs so I’m really enjoying my time at left back-row and in the middle at the moment.

“Hopefully if all prevails I will be there throughout the year.”

Yeo says the fact Panthers coach Anthony Griffin has not been afraid to drop the likes of Elijah Taylor, James Fisher-Harris, Suaia Matagi, Tyrone Peachey and Jeremy Latimore from the NRL side will benefit the team in the long run before admitting that under Griffin he has learnt the importance of being more accountable for his own preparation and performance.

“Anthony has shown he is prepared to make the tough decisions I think that’s good with the team we’ve got,” Yeo said.

“The depth we have in the forwards keeps everyone on their toes and really holds you accountable for your own form and your position in the team.”

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“He’s really just tried to change our attitude and culture a little bit and that’s what I’ve picked up the most from him; being accountable for your preparation firstly then your game play.”

While adamant that the North Queensland and the Cowboys are the competition’s benchmark, Yeo says that the Sharks will be just as tough an assignment this Sunday afternoon, as the Panthers recover from their hard-fought win in the wet over the Roosters last Monday night.

“The two Queensland sides (Cowboys and Broncos), they are the benchmark sides at the moment.” Yeo said.

“But I think the Sharks showed last weekend against Canberra, who are no slouches at all and who I thought started the year really well that by beating them 40-16 just goes to show the quality that they are playing at currently.

“Obviously with the talent that they’ve got in the side at the moment like Michael Ennis, Andrew Fifita and James Maloney, they’re all putting up their hands up for Origin.

“But we’ve had a good little turnaround so just a massage and a day off and being young helps as well.

“I’m only 21 so my body doesn’t get as sore as some of the older boys but I think most of the boys have pulled up pretty well.

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“But we know that going to Shark Park is going to be a tough task on a Sunday afternoon so all we can do is prepare well and we’re confident in our own ability.”

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