Opinion
The Penrith Panthers, commonly known as the “mountain men”, have been privileged with the best junior base in the NRL.
This helped them win two premierships and in 2020 win record 17 straight games in the NRL era.
Who is in their best team?
Just a quick reminder of the rules of this series as I’m going to be doing a fantasy tournament with these all-time teams, therefore we can’t have the same player on the two different teams.
1. Rhys Wesser
4 caps for Queensland
The enigmatic fullback was a great spark for Penrith for many years. At his best in broken play, he used his pace to score a record 25 tries in 2003 – a record for the club.
A fan favourite, Wesser made opposition halves divert from kicking to him as he threatened to run the whole length of the field for a try.
2. Luke Rooney
6 caps for Australia, five for NSW
Rooney was a star ever since his rookie year.
A very strong runner, who can drag opponents over the try line, he scored a double in the 2003 grand final including the winning try.
Rooney’s later years were quite poor, somewhat diminishing his contribution to Penrith. But he was key in their 2003 premiership victory.
3. Ryan Girdler
10 caps for Australia, eight for NSW, two times centre of the year
Girdler constantly posed a threat for the opposition with his swerve and step. He had a knack for scoring tries, strong balance and defence was dubbed the ‘Intercept king’.
He is one of the few players to score a hat-trick in a State of Origin. He was point-scoring machine, having scored the most points in an Origin match and most in a series.
4. Michael Jennings
12 caps for Tonga, seven for Australia, 18 for NSW
With a low centre of gravity and powerful quads, Jennings could explode off the mark and yet have great body control to step and glide away form defenders.
His defence and positional play was also outstanding.
5. Josh Mansour
7 caps for Australia, three for NSW, three for Lebanon, winger of the year
A powerhouse, Mansour is a very strong, gifted winger who has established himself as one of the best metre-eaters in the game.
His runs constantly put his team on the front foot, which is such an asset to have on your team , despite a career plagued by injuries he managed to play for his state and country.
(Photo by Matt Roberts/Getty Images)
6. Craig Gower
23 caps for Australia, eight for NSW, Dally M Medal winner*, hooker of the year
A local product who was a standout in their 2003 premiership charge when he should have won the Dally M Medal.
He was a solid defender who excelled at taking the line on. Played for Australia at the age of 18. Gower’s kicking developed a huge deal and the Panthers were much worse when he was not on the field.
7. Greg Alexander
Australia six caps, four for NSW, Dally M Player of the year, 3x halfback of the year, rookie of the year
A quick and elusive halfback, ‘Brandy’ had an excellent running game which saw him score and set up numerous tries.
His pace for a halfback was extraordinary as he actually played a match for Australia as a winger.
Well-known for his cover-tackle ability, he was key in Penrith’s first premiership win.
Alexander is the greatest player to ever play for the Panthers.
8. Tony Puletua
22 caps for NZ, seven for Samoa
Was known for his rampaging runs that made him terrifying to tackle.
He was key in the side’s 2003 grand final success. He gave the grunt and intimidation factor to the Panthers in the late the 90s early 2000s.
He was a centre growing up. You can see his movement for his size was remarkable.
9. Royce Simmons
Ten caps for Australia, ten for NSW, hooker of the year
The inspirational leader of the Panthers, Simmons was one of their better players when they were easy beats. Simmons famously scored two tries in the 1991 grand final win.
He so deserved to go out and win a premiership. Was the heart and soul for the Panthers. Won a man of match in State of Origin after getting concussed.
10. James Fisher-Harris
Six caps for NZ, prop of the year
Fiery Kiwi prop who’s large mass stinging defence awarded him prop of the year in 2020.
He was the leader in the Panthers team that won 17 games straight and lost only one regular season game all year.
He is still young can and leave a legacy unmatched by any other Penrith prop.
11. Villame Kikau
11 caps for Fiji, second row of the year
Devastating ball runner who can bust tackles at will, his mere presence creates so much havoc as he requires the attention of two or three defenders which will generates plenty of of space for his teammates.
A cult hero with his blonde Mohawk, Kikau also has the skill of attracting defenders and offloading the same time.
12. Mark Geyer
3 caps for Australia, three for NSW
‘Loose cannon’ may be an understatement – Geyer’s aggression made him one of the most controversial players in his time.
An intimidating force who ran and tackled like his life depended on it, Geyer’s most iconic moment was getting in the face of Wally Lewis during an Origin match.
The intensity he brings and raw passion often lifted his performances the extra few per cent.
13 . Luke Lewis
16 caps for Australia, 17 for NSW, lock of the year and Clive Churchill Medal winner
One of the most versatile players, Lewis was a winger in Penrith’s 2003 GF win, while playing in the second row for both state and country.
He also played in the halves as well. A true hard man who can, he exhibited toughness playing through many injuries.
Bench: Brad Izzard, Colin Van der Voot, John Cartwright , Frank Pritchard
Coach: Phil Gould
The halves are the obvious strength. Gower and Alexander both make awesome running players who can kick well and pose many questions to the defence.
With Alexander being the chief playmaker, Gower can operate as a dangerous running five-eighth.
The back row of Kikau and Geyer are a harrowing partnership that can power through opposition.
The centre pairing of Jennings and Girdler are genuine try scorers with plenty of pace.
Simmons and Lewis will stiffen the defensive line but at the same time be smart with the ball.
This team is a quality outfit with a mix of dynamic tryscorers, playmakers and rowdy forwards.
This team will be a treat to watch. One can only imagine how Phil Gould would commentate this team if they actually played.
Reckon you can pick the winning team? Build your own dream team with Draftstars daily fantasy and compete on any match. For great odds on the NRL head on over to PlayUp. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.
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