Having watched Penrith play in recent weeks I think three words sum up why our team is so far off the pace: Motivation, Confidence and Enthusiasm.
I have no doubt we have players who are more talented than some in the Penrith line up, but they just don't seem to be as committed. Thus, it looks like we are slow to move up in defence, not prepared to trust our ability and throw the ball around, and not engaged enough with fellow players to do all it takes to compete in a match.
I can see players such as Tent, Guacca, Koala, Sandwich and Saab fitting into that Penrith 13 and fulfilling their full potential.
But it's not about raw talent; it's about wanting to win so badly that you push yourself to the limit. Until our players develop this mindset we'll always fall behind when things get tough. Playing for a paycheque will never beat playing to win for your mates.