PENRITH

Penrith have put all of the eggs in the Cleary basket in 2019.  While re-signing halfback Nathan Cleary was their top priority, the return of Ivan Cleary as head coach after a stint at the Wests Tigers is expected to rejuvenate the club which bowed out in the second week of the finals in 2018, thanks to a heartbreaking 21-20 loss to Cronulla.

While the loss of Tyrone Peachey to the Gold Coast, and Trent Merrin to Leeds will be felt, the Panthers till provide a fearsome forward pack, led by Reagen Campbell-Gillard.  The exciting Viliame Kikau, the experienced James Tamou, the ever-reliable Isaah Yeo and New Zealand prop James Fisher-Harris will all be crucial to the Panthers’ chances.  Also keep an eye on young prop James Hetherington, who has already proven he won’t take a backward step.

With Cleary at halfback, and the goal kicking veteran James Maloney at five-eighth, Penrith have a great chance to create attacking opportunities for star wingers Josh Mansour and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak.  Waqa Blake was Penrith’s leading try scorer in 2018 at centre with 13, while Tyrone May and Dylan Edwards continue to show promise.

You can read more about the history of the Penrith Panthers here.