There’s one position thatย will be hotly contested in the Penrithย summer is the replacement for Josh Mansour as he continues rehabilitation from his ACL injury sustained during the Four Nations.
Mansour was originally thought to miss half of 2017 after breaking down at Kangaroos training.
Only time will tell how long it will take for one of the premier winger in the NRL to recover.
Anthony Griffin has a couple of options up his sleeve.
MICHAEL OLDFIELD
Former Sea Eagle, Rooster, Catalan Dragon and Rabbitoh; Michael Oldfield has struggled to establish himself as a regular first grade player.
Since 2010, he’s made 74 appearances in both major competitions having scored 46 tries.
Now that Sauce is injured he has a perfect opportunity to become a permanent member of the side for at least the first couple of months next season.
Signed on for 2017 only. ย Experience at NRL level is good, but likely to start in Intrust Super Premiership.
DYLAN EDWARDS
Dylan Edwards has been in the Penrith Panthers junior system and made his NRL debut in our 10-26 loss to Cronulla in round 18 this year.
According to reports coming out of the club, Edwards is training the house down.
Pre-season trial form the key for the up and comer.
Signed on with the club until 2018.
DEAN WHARE
With Tyrone Peachey’s 2016 form and Waqa Blake re-signing likely to be theย centre pairing, Dean Whare’s future at the club is in doubt.
He could get a reprieve by playing on the wing. In his 90-odd game career for both Manly and Penrith, Whare has played on the wing eight times in scoring four tries.
Experience and skill could see Whare get over the line.
One year is left on his contract.
PETA HIKU
Peta Hiku was set for a big 2016 before injury against Gold Coast Titans in round 11 ended his season.
In similar circumstances to his former Manly partner Whare, he will need to be accommodated elsewhere in the run-on side after playing in the centres up til his season ending injury.
Given his record on the wing for Manly and his ability to score tries, Hiku willย be the front runner to replace Sauce at the start of next year’s NRL campaign.
Hiku is contracted with the club until 2018.