BY CURTIS WOODWARD

Penrith Panthers
Coach: Anthony Griffin
Pre-season: Auckland Nines February 4th and 5th, v Bulldogs February 11th, v Eels February 18th

 
What they’ll get right: The Penrith Panthers have depth and quality right across their squad which they’ve proved over the last few years. If they can keep their top team on the field, there’s no reason why they can’t win two or three grand finals in the next five seasons. Kudos to Anthony Griffin and Phil Gould who have done an amazing job with their list management.

What they’ll get wrong: Griffin needs to show patience with Te Maire Martin. They do however have a few nice back-up options in Bryce Cartwright and Matt Moylan.

It’s a big year for: James Tamou is an Australian and New South Wales prop but he’s at a new club in the Sydney fishbowl and must earn his new contract.

https://twitter.com/TrentMerrin/status/824150814830772224

Most improved: Leilani Latu

MVP: Bryce Cartwright

Most consistent: Nathan Cleary

💪 💪 💪 #pantherpride 🐾 pic.twitter.com/bh4QpMzurQ

— Penrith Panthers 🏆🏆🏆 (@PenrithPanthers) January 24, 2017

 
Prediction – 4th
A realistic shot at the minor premiership but they’ll settle for the top four after 26 rounds.

 
Possible team:
1 Matt Moylan
2 Josh Mansour
3 Dean Whare
4 Peta Hiku
5 Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
6 Te Maire Martin
7 Nathan Cleary

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJCOYGm4O8Q

 
8 Reagan Campbell-Gillard
9 Peter Wallace
10 James Tamou
11 Bryce Cartwright
12 Tyrone Peachey
13 Trent Merrin

14 Leilani Latu
15 Isaah Yeo
16 Sam McKendry
17 Waqa Blake

@woodward_curtis