Penrith Panthers Mid-Season Report Card

Having overcome a mountain of injuries to make it to the penultimate weekend last year, the Panthers injury toll has taken its toll once again. With Jamal Idris out for the season, Brent Kite, Jamie Soward, Peter Wallace, Matt Moylan and Josh Mansour all spending extended stints on the sidelines, Penrith have been forced to rely on a number of inexperienced players to keep in contact with the top eight.

Starting the season promisingly, the Panthers have been able to make life difficult for opponents throughout matches, but the absence of class players at pivotal times has seen them go down more times than expected.

As they did in 2014, Penrith have been able to benefit from their successful junior sides with Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Bryce Cartwright, Isaah Yeo, Waqa Blake, Reagan Campbell-Gillard and the Jennings brother all stepping up to help carry the load of the sides injured brigade.

While veteran forwards Brent Kite and Nigel Plum have signaled 2015 will be their last campaigns in the NRL, Penrith have been able to attract representative forwards Trent Merrin (3 years) and Benjamin Garcia (2 years) to fill the void.

Positives:
When Phil Gould returned to the foot of the mountains mid-way through 2011, the former Premiership winning coach aimed to bring back the glory days of the Panthers, where local talents made up the majority of the team. Four years on and the Panthers boast an impressive number of juniors responsible for delivering Penrith premierships in Under 20s and NSW Cup over the past two seasons. While Parramatta ultimately proved too strong in Round 12, the performances of Bryce Cartwight, Isaah Yeo and Reagan Campbell-Gillard suggest big things are coming in future years at Penrith.

Negatives:
While the clubs wealth of juniors will serve the Panthers well in the future, the mounting injury list has taken its toll presently. Forced to play without countless representative stars, Penrith have been unable to match it with the competition heavyweights, suffering a heart-breaking last second loss to Brisbane in Round 9, while their performance against Melbourne at home suggests reinforcements are needed if the Panthers are to challenge for the finals.

Best Player:
Making his debut in the opening round against Canterbury, local junior Reagan Campbell-Gillard has enjoyed a stellar start to his NRL career. Working his way into the starting pack, the Fijian international won over Brad Fittler early on to make his way onto the City Origin bench after only eight games. Likewise, the 22-year old has impressed the Penrith hierarchy with his high work-rate, rewarded with a contract extension until the end of 2019.

Predicted Finish:
Still to face the Storm, Dragons and Raiders away from home, Penrith face a tough road ahead if they are to make a late surge for the finals. With Matt Moylan due back after Origin 3, the Panthers won't go down without a fight.
7th - 12th finish.

By the Numbers

Won: 5
Lost: 7
Bye: 2
Points Scored: 190 (15th)
Points Conceded: 220 (5th)
Placed: 9th
Overall Ranking: =10th

Season So Far

Round 1 Panthers 24 v 18 Bulldogs

Round 2 Panthers 40 v 0 Titans

Round 3 Roosters 20 v 12 Panthers

Round 4 Knights 26 v 14 Panthers

Round 5 Panthers 10 v 30 Cowboys

Round 6 Panthers 22 v 12 Sea Eagles

Round 7 Titans 32 v 6 Panthers

Round 8 Panthers 26 v 18 Sharks

Round 9 Broncos 8 v 5 Panthers

Round 10 Sea Eagles 10 v 11 Panthers

Round 12 Panthers 20 v 26 Eels

Round 13 Panthers 0 v 20 Storm