It was a tumultuous end to 2018 for the Penrith Panthers.
After starting the season so well, they thrashed the Dragons to lead the competition at the half-way mark. After a couple of seasons where they fell short of some lofty expectations, it looked like the Panthers may be putting together a premiership tilt.
For a variety of reasons, it wasn’t meant to be. Origin obviously became a factor, with the Panthers halves pairing playing the entire successful series for NSW. Injuries began to catch up with them. Peter Wallace, Tim Browne, Sam McKendry and Dylan Edwards would all fail to see out the season.
Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Waqa Blake, Nathan Cleary and Josh Mansour would spend significant time on the sidelines. After starting the season with just promise, a pair of losses would signal that the Panthers still weren’t up for the title fight. Two humiliating losses to the Sydney Roosters and Brisbane Broncos highlighted some extreme deficiencies.
While they would become the comeback kids of 2018, this technique of running teams down, while starting slow, did not stand up when it mattered most.
At one point I lamented how far the Panthers had slipped off the boil when Daly Cherry-Evans lined up a penalty goal at Brookvale Oval to put the Sea Eagles up by 20 in the second half. I questioned whether we were even going to make the finals after believing so strongly they were a chance of a premiership.
Cherry-Evans would miss that goal and in one of the most remarkable periods of play I’ve seen, the Panthers scored four tries in eight minutes to steal the game.
What strikes me about this group, and gives me great confidence is the resilience and fight this team has, not just last year but for a number of seasons. 2017 was a rescue mission in itself, losing seven of their first nine matches, they resurrected their season in an afternoon, erasing a 22 point deficit to beat the Warriors in another extraordinary performance.
They would go on to week two of the finals that year.
By the time the finals rolled around last year, and with the Panthers going down 18-0 in the finals to the Sharks I had learned to believe. It wasn’t ideal but I knew they had it in them. As they chewed into the deficit in the second half to tie the game up at 20 all I was delighted but hardly surprised, and probably convinced they were coming home to steal it as they had done so many times.
As it was, Valentine Holmes’ daring short kick-off would sway the momentum, and down by one, Nathan Cleary would miss a sitter from right in front to level the game once again.
The off-season gives you a chance to reflect, as the anticipation builds for the season ahead. It doesn’t matter how rational you want to be it is an opportunity to believe. Before a ball has been kicked, everything sounds good in theory, things can only get better.
Anthony Griffin wasn’t working for the Panthers. As strange as the decision might have seen at the time, the Panthers weren’t going to win the title last year, but they certainly should have been in calculations. Griffin was in his third season in charge but those alarming losses simply shouldn’t have been happening.
His failure to manage the workload over Origin, some strange positional decisions, and the trend of slow starts was just some of the writing on the wall.
The original tenure of Ivan Cleary always felt like a journey. It felt like a real concerted, and calculated building of the club, where the Panthers always exceeded expectations. 2015 was an unfortunate speed bump, with injury crippling their season after a preliminary final in 2014, it would spell the end of Ivan’s first stint at the club.
(Photo: Renee McKay/Getty Images)
Anthony Griffin’s tenure felt like mediocrity, like treading water. They were entertaining and gutsy at times, but overall they made no progress. Three consecutive week two final exits were fine, but they were just that. They left fans wanting more.
For all the angst that the coaching circus might have created last season, the uniting of the Clearys is a good story, a great one for the Panthers. You can call disloyalty all you want but it the story of a coach taking a rare opportunity to coach his son, and to finish what he did start, back in 2012.
Ivan never wanted to leave, and I would say that neither did the vast majority of the fan-base want him to. He handed a number of the players who star now, opportunity, and restored some pride and culture in the Panthers. He deserves this second shot, and in the scheme of things, the messy merry-go-round is part and parcel of rugby league.
The Wests Tigers themselves would do well to remember their recent coaching history and their handling of Robbie Farah.
I can’t contain the excitement and optimism at this time of year. You have to enjoy it, and after a large chunk of mediocrity, it is nice to be in an era where the Panthers could be set to thrive. Rugby league isn’t a game to me, it is more like a person or relationship.
It is hope, happiness, joy, heartache, love, hate, disappointment and excitement. With such a hideous off-season I’m so glad the season is kicking off. All the games to be played. The tales to be written. The frenetic finishes. The sizzling solo tries. The controversy. The hype.
So why can the Panthers go all the way in 2019?
They welcome back Dylan Edwards. After promising start to his career, his season was cut short in 2018 with a shoulder injury. He is a strong runner of the football, and the Panthers did struggle to fill his spot towards the end of last year with a few players having a crack at the number one.
He forms part of a strong back three that includes Dallin Watene-Zelzniak and Josh Mansour. DWZ was strong for the Panthers and New Zealabd at fullback to end last season, making plenty of metres. Getting out of trouble and kick returns should be a real strong point for the Panthers, with all three strong runners of the footy, as well as tackle breakers.
Mansour has had a couple of bad injuries in the last two seasons, and it is easy to forget just how good he can be. His last full season in 2016 saw him score 16 tries and play for NSW and Australia. If he can stay fit, look for him to return to his best.
Despite an injury last season that restricted him to just 16 appearances, Waqa Blake had 14 tries to his name on the damaging left edge of the field. He was top try-scorer for the club and you sense that he is another player that, if he gets a full season, could be up with the best centres in the game.
Tall, fast and hard to handle, his combination with Viliame Kikau, Nathan Cleary and Josh Mansour on the left will be crucial. Dean Whare remains one of the best defensive centres and most consistent performers in the game. With James Maloney switching sides this season, the hope is that Whare will be able to assist Maloney’s defence.
The halves pairing of Nathan Cleary and James Maloney didn’t get enough time to gel last season. An early injury to Nathan, changes in the spine and throughout the team, and other factors meant it never felt like the combination really ignited. Cleary Sr has worked with Maloney before at the Warriors and should understand the role he wants each to play.
(Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
They both have strong long kicking games, can run the football when the opportunity presents itself and are sharpshooters off the tee. If Ivan can better define their roles without limiting either of their games, they could be the best combination in the league. Having Jarome Luai in your back pocket isn’t bad either, for when Origin rolls around.
They have some experienced big men up front. James Tamou and Reagan Campbell-Gillard have both played Origin, as has Tim Grant who returns to add experience. Jack Hetherington is the young firebrand. Moses Leota has looked strong in limited first-grade time.
James Fisher-Harris was one of the Panthers’ best last season at lock. Issah Yeo has been one of the most consistent players for the Panthers since his debut back in 2014.
Then there is Viliame Kikau. What a talent this kid proved to be last year. Big, powerful, skilful, he has it all. Galloping into the backfield he would be a scary sight for any fullback. He has more in him though, just how much remains to be seen.
All this is just on paper though. The trials and tribulations will come. So too injury, Origin and pressure to perform. If they don’t start well the doubt sets in, it can cripple a season. So too can an injury to a key member of the team. First and foremost, they have to move past the controversy that has engulfed the club in the past few weeks.
At the end of the day, it is another season in one of the most unpredictable competitions. The Panthers may lift the trophy but they have 15 other teams to overcome to get there. They have their demons to exorcise, and their doubters to prove wrong.
It has been an exciting few seasons at the foot of the mountains, but the time has come to get the “five-year plan” finished. This is a team that believes and never gives up, and this could very well be their year.
Doug Graves
Guest
"It has been an exciting few seasons at the foot of the mountains, but the time has come to get the “five-year plan” finished." Nailed it. It's now year 8 of the 5 year plan. No more excuses for Penrith and especially Gould. Anything other than a top 2 finish and Grand Final appearance should see the unceremonious end of Gould and put serial club hopper Cleary on notice.
John
Guest
I'm not sure if it's just injuries the teams have to worry about this season, you could add in leaked tapes/photos as another thing that could rub players out of the game for periods of time that could derail a team's season. With Gould trying to shift the blame to a societal thing you can't help but wonder how big a problem it really is in the NRL. As other celebrities have found out, all it takes is, is taking your phone/computer into a repair shop, or for someone to hack your iCloud.
BA Sports
Roar Guru
No doubt protecting Maloney is a big part, but the problem was exacerbated by him defending next to Kikau. If you get a chance, watch the first 30 minutes of the semi against the Sharks. Kikau was completely lost the entire time. Largely because he was gassed after 10 minutes, but also his inability to keep a straight line - which comes back to concentration, which comes back to fitness.
souvalis
Roar Rookie
Think it’s more about noted defenders Yeo and Whare helping that man Maloney and his 62 % tackle efficiency than Cleary mopping up for the big K..
Bearfax
Roar Guru
Its all about injuries. Penrith suffered badly in 2018. So did Manly who could barely put a side on the field at on stage. Injuries are one of the major determinants in the struggle to win a comp. Its why suggesting as some do that the Roosters are almost definite premiers is fantasy. A couple of their top players on the side lines for most of the year and they are also rans. Certainly the Panthers have the cattle. If they can keep virtually the same side on the field throughout the year, they are definitely serious aspirants.
Jay Wright
Roar Rookie
2019, the year the Panthers stuff thier season before it starts, yep definitely. Although we could have another Bulldogs 2004 season on our hands.
BA Sports
Roar Guru
I struggle with the Panthers and Broncos this year. Tonnes of talent, but I am not convinced the coaches can take them all the way. Both clubs have enough talent to make the 8, they ay need some luck from there. Kikau is obviously an immense talent, but injury prone and a long way from the fittest player in the NRL. His injury setback will hurt his ability to correct the fitness issue. When part of the reason you are changing your defensive line up is to move a half over to help a forward defend, it is a little concerning. I can't really see a scenario where they miss the 8, unless there is a cyber meltdown of questionable material coming out of Jamisontown. But questions remain over leadership and whether they have the right leadership (on and off the field) to take it to the October long weekend.
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
The Panthers seemed to have the best of the emerging young forwards a few years back but hardly any of them have really lived up to the hype , Kikau is a sensation but has emerged a bit later. . Fisher Harris is close but I have big doubts about the big unit Cambell - Gillard . He looked great for a while but started to get a little tackle shy. Could be an injury factor but I'm not so sure. Maloney was clearly injured towards the end and they had no hope without him being healthy , he was outstanding when Cleary was injured. They are possible title winners I believe and this year presents a huge opening for a team like them. A fit Edwards is a big bonus because for all his courage and intent DWZ isn't the type of fullback you often win comps with , he's not potent enough for such a key position.
RandyM
Guest
I think it will be another typical Penrith season, they will start slow and win some games they had no right to win and then hit some form post origin before going out in 2nd or 3rd week of finals.
AE47
Roar Rookie
Year of the selfie , to much mud around this club, they will suffer like the saints
Paul
Roar Guru
Jack, I notice no mention of the elephant in the room, Phil Gould. I'm sure you way more in the know about the Panthers than I am, but he seems to exert a really unhealthy influence in the Club. There's obviously form between him and Ivan Cleary from Cleary's last stint and eventual sacking. They can talk about it all they like but for sure IC must harbor some feelings about it and how can he know, week to week, whether Gould is going to keep him, sack him or take over the running of the team because he can? Your team really comes down to the performances of the Clearys. Ivan needs to prove he's a way better coach than his record suggests while Nathan needs to take over this side, rather than being a passenger as he appeared to be at crucial times last year. If these guys improve significantly, it would surprise to see a Panthers premiership.
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
“The Year of the Panther” now available via social media streaming Rated R for mature audiences only. A Panthers supporter on another site once described Souths culture as “toxic” for much less. Now the shoe is on the other foot. The Panthers will carry this problem well into this season IMO. There is no quick fix for this. Rotten apples need to be removed from the barrel to avoid further contamination. The same is true for the Panthers. As a result, 2019 will NOT be their year. Not while there are still rotten apples spoiling their brand and “Gus” has hint that there is much more to come.
Mango Man
Guest
Getting rid of Hook could be a big boost, even though it was done in a poor way. He seems like the kind of coach who just can't get the last 10-20% out of a team that gets people thinking they could go all the way. Every game for the Broncs I felt like he had us cruising at 80%. So many games were won or lost by barely a few points and we had the players to do better then that. It was beyond frustrating.
Big Daddy
Guest
Unfortunately Penrith have based their whole year on getting Ivan Clearly back in the fold. If it works great but losing Peachy and not having Kikau early may also help them. Not sure whether katoa the hooker will work but if Cronulla are getting rid of segeryaro I would get him back if room in the cap. Capable of winning but certainly top 8. I looked at Chinese astrology and its the year of the Pig.
Albo
Roar Rookie
Thanks Jack. That’s a pretty good summary of the state of affairs out at Penrith. As a fellow Panther fan, I have a few reservations about their chances this year. Apart from the ordinary runs with injuries they have had over recent years, and surely they are due a decent run there soon, I can see a few other issues of concern. 1. Backline depth – Apart from Luai & Aekins ( as a fullback) I see little quality backup in the lower grades if they cop a few injuries like they have copped in recent years in the backs. No more Peachey & Harawirra -Naira to fill in at centres where Blake & Whare have been regular casualties. Not sure that Tyrell Fuimaono or Jed Cartwright could be another Peachey ? They do have plenty of depth in the forwards, however. 2. Whilst being great metre eaters returning the ball, both wingers have major defensive issues. Mansour is clueless under the high ball and a poor reader in defence, whilst DWZ is a “butter fingers” and also a poor reader in defence. 3. Overall, their whole team defence needs to lift and hopefully Cleary Snr. can instill some of the starch he added to the Tigers last year. They need a lot of work countering the short kicking games of the opposition , whilst improving their own short kicking games. 4. Kikau is key to their left side attack, but is another injury suspect. They need him to make a serious tilt at the prize. 5. The hooker position is another issue. Sione Katoa is a tough defender around the rucks but has poor distribution skills. His dummy half work is ordinary. He would make a great bench forward. Whilst Wayde Egan hasn’t taken his chances with the dynamic form he had shown in Holden Cup. Egan needs to lift to take the 9 spot permanently and provide a danger around the rucks and run their big forwards with well timed passes. 6. Off-field distractions seem to haunt this mob. Not sure just how much they will miss Tyronne May as a player, or just the impact of the distraction surrounding the sex tapes issue . They should all dump their phones in the Nepean River.
The Barry
Roar Guru
If they stay healthy they can definitely win. That seems a big ask though at the Panthers. Depth seems a bit of an issue although Penrith always have the next wave of juniors coming through. Hooker is a concern. Katoa couldn’t hit the broadside of a barn with a pass from dummy half...