Trial V Panthers

[Smokin Joe]

Just on that trial, it showed why the Penrith junior system is so dominant and why when an injury occurs, a player can seamlessly jump in and play the role solid and sometimes even more.
Manly looked like they hit a wall after copping some odd calls after scoring early and lacked composure to roll back into the game against an inexperienced Penrith team.
Not sure many were terrible, but there were some terrible plays that seemed to catch fire across the team.
I feel come game 1 at Brookie the intensity and quality will be 3 - 4 levels up and will need to be, as Cows will be a solid test 1st up.

You are right,it is a simple game plan that seems to be instilled early.
In saying that,to be honest apart from the halfback Toelau channeling Cleary,there was nothing that panthers side really showed,as soon as the dumbness and errors evaporated for a time,we rolled them easily.
The only concern for me was the efforts of Garrick and Koula,they stuck out for me in that game.
Other than that it was dropped balls in a tackle,intercepts,poor passing to no one,not sure if it means the NRL side will follow suit,(as you say,I reckon the effort etc ..will be there for round 1)guess the first match against the Cows will tell us more .....

 

[double hoops]

Could be a good loss at a good time.

That was an A grade forward pack, Panthers had a 2nd and 3rd grade line up, yet they took home the chocolates.

Wasn't much in that game despite the score.

We looked way more mobile in the forwards. Our wrestle on the ground has improved. Improved line speed in the middle. Our 3 men tackling looked less awkward this year.

Our discipline and ball handling was costly. We looked shirt a run or two. But that game was won in the halves for mine. Game Management, how many tries they score off perfect kicks and team hunting that ball that all knew what was on?

You just have to take your hat off to that Panthers 2nd and 3rd grade Coach. We got out played.

We got a lesson on what we need to emulate next. GAME MANAGEMENT and setting up and icing that kick.