HOW DO WE BEAT THE PANTHERS???

As we all now know, this game is pretty much a 'must win', otherwise our last 6 weeks might have been in vain.On paper, we are by far the better team. Whilst the Panthers have an honest forward pack, that could certainly match us, we have a massive advantage in the backs. We have classy outside backs with plenty of speed and this is where the difference could lie. I do believe that we also have an edge in defence as they have leaked some big points over the last month or so.So how do we win? In my opinon, there are only 3 players that worry me.1. We must shut down Jennings. He by far is our biggest threat. He scored a hatrick last time against us and he is possibly their only back that would make it into our team. I'm pretty sure he lines up on the left, so Reddy and Grothe are going to have to be on their game.2. We have to stop Pritchard. He is big, strong and has a good offload. If our pack doesnt get in his face and lock him up, he will cause problems for us. They like to go to him when they are close to the try line, running at a centre or 5/8th, much like Saints use Creagh.3. I really like the look of their 5/8th, Wade Graham. He is by far their most creative player, so Hindy & Co will need to keep a close eye on him. He also has a very good kicking game.Honestly, other than these 3, the Panthers dont really scare me. On their day, they can beat anyone, but on current form, if our boys turn up, we really should take the points.Parra to win by 10.

You can bet your arse Waterhouse and Nathan Smith will be running at Daniel Mortimer all night. He has proven up to the task in defence in his short stint in the 1st XIII, but he did get bumped off by wide running Tigers forwards last Friday.

I'm not particularly worried about this game, though a team with an inform Jennings, Pritchard and Waterhouse is capable of beating us. It's a must win game for both teams and both will be under pressure. Penrith have an even more inexperienced squad then we do - making it a more difficult task for them. We have the home ground advantage in a sellout game, and we've been playing pressure matches for the last month.

I think they are vulnerable on both the left and right side. With Fui, Big Joe and our hookers keeping their better defenders occupied up the middle, Inu and Reddy could have a field day out wide.

"I do not think they pick Tago. i reckon it is Samrani on that wing, purely based on Ryles picking him there before and playing decent there. Or if he is fit Dunster gets a crack."

"Not next week EA, a few weeks down the track, cant do it this week with Lomax out. But i feel Samrani will do ok, not great but do a job.
Turbo will be picked for NSW, too much noise around it. Him, Jake, DCE and Olakau'atu. "

"Tago and Penisni (arguably two of the slowest outside backs in the NRL) up against Koula and Saab (the fastes outside backs in the NRL). Our forward pack should be able to handle their shit forward pack. But their 1-7 probably out shines ours."

Replies

Kuchel Du August 25, 2009 at 9:34am

keep on running towards Jennings, His defence is awful.
Clive August 25, 2009 at 10:00am

The Jennings/Reddy match up worrys me and so does Pritchard.I think DA should defend B Smith inside Joel to help him with his decision making and also to cover his inside when Jennings steps off his left foot.As for Prithard we just have to hit hard and get numbers into the tackle to wrap up his offload.
GOGOGROTHE August 25, 2009 at 10:25am

Don't underestimate Trent Waterhouse either .... he is in career best form ....

But agree, minimising Jennings is key (let's not kid ourselves - like Hayne, you can't shut this guy down, you can only limit his options)....
Eels on wheels August 25, 2009 at 11:30am

Jennings is easy to shut down, he needs space and the ball. limit his ability to get the ball and constantly run down his side of the field, his defence is shit, i should know i played with him at st marys lolol
Makybe Steva August 25, 2009 at 12:05pm

You can bet your arse Waterhouse and Nathan Smith will be running at Daniel Mortimer all night. He has proven up to the task in defence in his short stint in the 1st XIII, but he did get bumped off by wide running Tigers forwards last Friday.

I'm not particularly worried about this game, though a team with an inform Jennings, Pritchard and Waterhouse is capable of beating us. It's a must win game for both teams and both will be under pressure. Penrith have an even more inexperienced squad then we do - making it a more difficult task for them. We have the home ground advantage in a sellout game, and we've been playing pressure matches for the last month.

I think they are vulnerable on both the left and right side. With Fui, Big Joe and our hookers keeping their better defenders occupied up the middle, Inu and Reddy could have a field day out wide.
Nidge August 25, 2009 at 12:24pm

I think Jennings is a threat but by far their most creative and dangerous player IMO is Luke Lewis. He can create aswell as run great lines. His defence is very solid too. We need to keep an eye on him. This game will be harder than the Tigers match.
Tim August 25, 2009 at 11:01pm

Defence will be the key. Need to make sure we don't let in sloppy linebreaks.
Harry August 25, 2009 at 11:59pm

Ok give hindmarsh an V energy drink and Hayne a Bullet proof vest.
jamesy August 26, 2009 at 1:40am

parra 13+
Mark Waters August 26, 2009 at 6:11am

Defence is the key as it has been for the last few weeks. If Parra defend well the attack will come.

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