Penrith Panthers – Mid-Season Report
Ladder position: 10th
Played: 12
Wins: 5
Losses: 7
Points Scored: 190
Ranking: 15th
Points Conceded: 220
Ranking: Equal 6th with South Sydney Rabbitohs
State of Play
Injuries
Jamal Idris (ACL, 2016 season)
Brent Kite (Broken leg, round 15)
George Jennings (Broken leg, round 17)
Matt Moylan (Ankle, round 18)
Jamie Soward (Shoulder, round 15)
Suspensions
Nil, as at the end of round 13.
Season To Date
Awash with injury after injury, the journey to the mid-season has been turbulent for the Panthers, who began the season with a heavy weight of expectation upon them after last year’s surprise top four finish. Having played their first choice halves fewer times than can be counted on one hand, their structure has suffered and a great deal of adlib football has had to suffice, so far. The loss of Jamie Soward for the bulk of the opening half of the season cruelled their hopes of getting off to a strong start.
Finals Bound?
The Panther’s finals chances are heavily dependent on whether their injury toll can be reduced. With the return of Kiwi international Dean Whare to the centres, and with Jamie Soward due back in the line-up after round 14’s bye, their fortunes appear to be on the up.
Assuming all goes well with the recovery of much revered young fullback Matt Moylan, the back quarter of the regular season should see them in the top eight and in contention. Finishing in the top four is likely a reach, however, at this stage.
