2016 NRL Preview - Penrith Panthers

Having sustained one of the worst injury tolls in recent memory, the Penrith Panthers will be looking to change their fortunes under new coach Anthony Griffin. With a number of veterans hanging up their boots at the end of 2015, the Panthers will be looking towards their young guns to take the next step and turn lower grade success into the makings of a competitive NRL team.

After defying expectations in 2014 only to fall in the penultimate game of the season, the Panthers luck ran out in a big way last year. Having started off impressively, injuries took a major toll with just seven players who featured in the opening round retaining their place for the final fixture. With the core spine of Matthew Moylan, Jamie Soward, Peter Wallace and James Segeyaro managing just three games together all year, inconsistency throughout the side played a part as Ivan Cleary's contract was terminated in favour of former Broncos coach Anthony Griffin.

While first grade results were hard to come by for Penrith, their Under 20s squad finished as Premiers which should provide Griffin with a wealth of newcomers to blood throughout the year, alongside the likes of recent NYC graduates Bryce Cartwright, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and the Jennings brothers. With several veterans hanging up the boots, including 300-game warhorse Brent Kite, much of the Panthers hopes will depend on local juniors, but with new leadership the Mountain Men may prove to be the surprise packet of 2016.

Kicking the year off with an away trip to Canberra, the Panthers will be looking test themselves against competition contenders Canterbury and Brisbane, before rounding out the opening month of football against the Dragons in Wollongong. With just one game affected by Origin against Cronulla in Round 18, the Panthers will fancy their chances mid-year as the side will likely be affected minimally, with the possible exceptions of Matt Moylan and Trent Merrin. Finishing off the season with three games at home and away; Penrith will need to contend with clashes against the Roosters and Manly, but also have consecutive matches with the 2015 bottom three sides (Knights, Tigers, Titans) to work their way into form heading into September.

WHY THEY'LL WIN IT

For all the injuries that have cruelled the Panthers over the past two seasons, one of the major benefits has been the experience provided to younger players. With eleven players making their debuts during that time, Penrith have been able to create depth in key positions, while also recruiting experienced campaigners to bolster areas of concern. With four internationals coming on board, headlined by Trent Merrin, Anthony Griffin will have serious competition for spots in the NRL side.

WHY THEY WON'T

Since joining the Panthers from North Queensland in 2013, James Segeyaro has developed into one of the premier hookers in the league. Set to challenge for representative honours this year, the new Australian citizen also represents a key flaw in the squad. In the event Segeyaro misses any stretch on the sidelines through injury, the Panthers may struggle given the lack of experienced back-ups. With Sione Katoa debuting in the final round of 2015 and former Eels half Zach Dockar-Clay yet to feature in the top grade, the Panthers may capitulate in the event that Segeyaro goes down with injury. While former captain Peter Wallace has filled in at hooker at times in his career, the lack of experience may prove costly should injuries curse the side three years in a row.

KEY PLAYER

Jamie Soward
While there has been uncertainty surrounding his future, there can be little doubt that at his best Jamie Soward is one of the most influential players in the NRL. With newly appointed captain Matthew Moylan and Tigers recruit Te Maire Martin being groomed as future halves, Soward faces serious opposition to retain his place in the NRL side. Capable of producing match-winning plays and a kicking game that delivered the Dragons the 2010 Premiership, the former NSW representative will have a huge role in determining where Penrith finish in 2016.

ROOKIE TO WATCH

Viliame Kikau
For all the young talent the Panthers have coming through the lower ranks, the most exciting prospect yet to crack the NRL is Viliame Kikau. Having spent two seasons in the Under 20's at the Cowboys, the Fijian international looks set to explode and follow a similar trajectory as Tariq Sims. A colossus in both attack and defence, the 20-year-old prop crossed for 21 tries in as many games last season and should be in line for a first grade debut at some stage in 2016.

PLAYER MOVEMENT IN
Sitaleki Akauola (Wests Tigers)
Benjamin Garcia (ESL - Catalans)
Peta Hiku (Sea Eagles)
Suaia Matagi (Roosters)
Trent Merrin (Dragons).

PLAYER MOVEMENT OUT
Lewis Brown, Apisai Koroisau, Isaac John (Sea Eagles)
Adam Docker, Nigel Plum, David Simmons, Brent Kite (Retired)
Jamal Idris (Released)
Sika Manu (ESL - Hull FC)
Ben Murdoch-Masila (ESL - Salford)

BEST 17
1. Matt Moylan (C)
2. Josh Mansour
3. Dean Whare
4. Peta Hiku
5. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
6. Jamie Soward
7. Peter Wallace
8. Sam McKendry
9. James Segeyaro
10. Reagan Campbell-Gillard
11. Trent Merrin
12. Bryce Cartwright
13. Elijah Taylor

14. Tyrone Peachey
15. Jermey Latimore
16. Suaia Matagi
17. Isaah Yeo