The two points on the competition ladder that the Panthers earned from their 44-12 defeat of Parramatta on Monday night is almost inconsequential when compared to the confidence that would have been gained from such a win.
After five straight losses, it was vital that Penrith beat the Eels on Monday, particularly with two extremely tough matches ahead against the Roosters and Storm.
The team would obviously be buoyed by the win, particularly halfback Luke Walsh who had his best game since his 2010 breakout season. He proved on Monday night what he can do when he runs the ball, and when his kicking game is bang on.
A TOUGH ASK
Nobody can under-estimate the enormity of the task facing Penrith this weekend. The Roosters are a class side, as their big win over the Dragons on ANZAC Day proved. On the back of the signings of James Maloney, Sonny Bill Williams and former Panther Michael Jennings, the Roosters have been able to build a squad that is strong from 1 to 17, mixing flair and excitement with cool heads and providing new coach Trent Robinson with perhaps the best coaching job in the NRL.
With such raw talent at his disposal, Robinson’s debut year as a top grade coach is really all about management rather than coaching. He needs to keep his side focused and well managed; he needs to worry very little about the week-to-week tactics.
Most dangerous this weekend is Sonny Bill Williams, who is simply a machine and will tear the Panthers apart on the fringes if their defence is not solid. Penrith cannot afford one risk, one mistake, one lapse in concentration when it comes to defence, because the Roosters and Williams have proved this year that pouncing on opportunities has very much become part of their DNA.
THE JENNINGS FACTOR
There’s no doubt that emotion plays a role in this match with Michael Jennings coming up against his former club. Jennings didn’t leave the Panthers in the best of circumstances and there’s no doubt that he’ll want to prove a point. If given the chance, he’ll certainly show off the blistering speed that we’ve missed in the centres at times throughout the 2013 season.
That said, nobody knows Jennings better than the Panthers. His former coach Ivan Cleary knows all too well the inefficiencies that can sometimes creep into Jennings’ game, and will surely cater for that in his planning this week.
Nobody can deny there’s a personality clash between Cleary and Jennings, and whilst one will be high in the stands and the other on the field, their battle this weekend – tactical as it may be – will be interesting to watch. Jennings must be kept quiet if Penrith is to stay close on the scoreboard.
THE FINAL WORD
If Penrith is to win, Walsh’s kicking game must be just as good as it was against the Eels on Monday night.
The Panthers make plenty of metres, but are often rudderless close to the line and Walsh, along with Tom Humble, must produce something special on Sunday and not simply build to the last tackle.
The Panthers can beat the Roosters, but everything needs to fall into place and the side cannot be its own worst enemy.
GET TO THE GAME
The Roosters have a great $40 family ticket promotion for the game on Sunday, and Penrith fans are encouraged to take the trip into the city and cheer on the boys.
Thanks to the Roosters, the Weekender has five double passes to give away to the game at Allianz Stadium. To win, SMS the code word FOOTYTIX to 19 19 18. Entries close at 3pm on Friday, May 3. Winners will be notified by phone. SMS cost is a maximum of 55 cents.
