PENRITH

I agree with you to an extent but I mostly disagree. It is not all about recruitment in league especially after a successful season. May I remind you that the following players re-signed for at least another two years and even up to five years in some cases: Michael Jennings, Michael Gordon, Tim Grant, Brad Tighe, Kevin Kingston, Travis Burns, Luke Walsh, Sam McKendry and Luke Lewis. On top of that a few players were kept for another year that will most likely play FG: Nigel Plum, Shane Elford and Frank Puletua.
Now we did lose Graham, Pritchard, Cooper, Penese and Bateman but all but Pritchard aren't that big a loss IMO. Although, I do like Graham and I think he can go a long way he has been replaced with another half with just as much potential, just in a slightly different position in the halves. Pritchard hasn't been replaced with anyone as good as him but both Cuthbertson and Gordon are there to replace him and also Penese and Bateman at the Wolves. Dayne Weston is just a wildcard and will most likely play for Windsor all season.

The thing though that makes me feel that the recruitment was decent this season was the signings of 3 players. Coedi Towney could also be included in this list but he is playing for the Wolves and probably won't be cracking FG.
- Brendon Gibb has signed with us at the age of about 23 he is still young especially for a forward. He had the same impact on the QLD Cup as Matt Gillett did the previous season just with a different playing style. He was also instrumental in getting his side into the Grand Final. Even though he will most likely play for the Wolves a majority of the time, he is a handy pick-up especially if he can show some of that QLD cup form.
- Shannon Wakeman from the Dragons NYC. A prop with a potential. He was in the squad for the Australian Junior Kangaroos match.
- Nafe Seluini probably the most exciting of the buys overall. He is fast, great out of dummy half and has a bright future. Played in the Grand Final winning side and was instrumental in the win. He also recieved the Warriors NYC Player of the Year as well as playing for the Junior Kiwis this year.

Although they aren't huge well known signings, they are signings with potential. Seeing as we were quite successful this season I am quite happy with the recruitment and am really happy about the younger signings. I also have faith that Cuthbertson can come back to 2008 form.

 

I know that FFS but what do you expect after a season like they had! I would still have them in the 8 just not as high. The thing is that a core of last season's team is still there and they were the key players. Pritchard was frustrating to watch and hardly had a good game. Graham only played good at halfback and Cooper is no better than Smith.
Once again I will re-instate this seaosn, it is not about the recruitment drive. It was about retention.

 

CUA no more

The naming rights sponsorship of Penrith Stadium by Credit Union Australia has finished with both Panthers and Credit Union Australia commenting that the culmination of the sponsorship on October 31 was “a very successful partnership.”

Credit Union Australia have partnered with the Panthers since September 2005 enjoying naming rights of Penrith Stadium as it underwent major re-development in 2006 with $10M facelift. Subsequent developments have allowed the stadium to improve catering and public facilities as well as house Panthers on the Prowl Community Development Foundation, the Western Sydney Academy of Sport and the NSWRL Western Sydney Academy.

Panthers Marketing Manager Shannon Donato said it has been a tremendous partnership with CUA.

“Our members and fans have really embraced CUA throughout the partnership,” Donato said.

“The venue has enjoyed hosting a number of events other than being the home ground of the Panthers. We have hosted A-League friendly games, the Rugby League World Cup, Carols by Candelight and more recently the Australian Ballet.”

A CUA spokesperson said the partnership between CUA and the Panthers, which included the naming rights of CUA Stadium, significantly and successfully strengthened the profile of CUA and brand in NSW..

“We, at CUA, take this opportunity to wish the Panthers, continued success both on and off the field for many years to come.”

An announcement regarding stadium naming rights is expected in the coming weeks.


How interesting. I look forward to a new name, its kind of a shame they couldn't stick around though, the continual change of names on stadiums just get annoying.

 

Wouldn't surprise me if the Penrith Council decided to go back to the original. Having a sponsor though would help keep the stadium financially stable though. It will probably be something ****ed like Tony Ferguson

 

Naming rights changing is pretty big news tbf.... especially in the in the off-season.

Yeah I agree Sultan. The side does lack spark but I don't think it is any worse than last season. The core of the side is still around. The backline is no weaker nor stronger. The same halves are still around but I am hoping Taumata can finally realise his potential.
The only area I believe is weaker is he backrow but only just. Having someone like Worrincy could actually change this though and he may actually surprise. We don't have a solid backup like Cooper anymore though. Smith will do the job but then Yileen Gordon isn't necessarily solid, more inconsistent than anything.

It will be interesting, I still have faith though.

 

Yeah I won't deny that but isn't going to be bottom 8 material IMO unless ME ****s up again.

 

In the off-season it is.... and this is in the Penrith Panthers thread so it is big news for Penrith fans not for you. You don't have to read or comment.

 

Have never ever lived in Penrith and I am happy to admit that. Doesn't matter where you live. Penrith is in fact the closest of the teams to my hometown.