Well, it’s report card time again.
In my Quarter-Season report card the Panthers scored a ‘D’ overall and while there’s still loads of improvement left in the side, the last seven weeks have shown that the side is definitely on an upwards trajectory, but has the team improved enough to lift above the low-ranking it received last time?
Now in the spirit of full disclosure, the seven games the team is being judged on includes one bye. It covers games between Round 7 and 13.
OK that’s enough gibber-jabber, let’s get this report underway.
Attack
The Panthers’ attack continues to splutter at times mainly due to the constant change in personnel each week.
In saying that, it has also shown glimpses of brilliance like the scintillating sweeping backline movements which caused opposition sides plenty of problems over the last five years.
At times, the attack has racked up some pretty-big numbers, 40 points against the Roosters, 32 versus the Broncos and 30 was put on the Cowboys. However, the attack can also struggle with the team scoring as little as one try for the whole game.
GRADE: B-

Defence
When the Panthers get their defence right, they’re almost perfect. In three games they kept the opposition to 12 points or less (Roosters 12, Broncos 8 and Eels 10).
Their scrambling defence against Parramatta was excellent and the players showed some real steel as they repelled repeat attacking sets.
However, against Manly the side conceded 26 points, 30 against the Cowboys and 24 points were leaked in one half against the Knights. So, while there’s still work to be done, Penrith has shown enough to suggest their defence is improving.
GRADE: B-
Player performances
Overall the performance of most players has lifted over the last seven weeks especially the form of the five NSW Origin players in Nathan Cleary, Brian To’o, Isaah Yeo, Liam Martin and Dylan Edwards.
I still think there’s another gear these guys can go to and the team can’t win without them, so they need to stay healthy if the side has any hope of making the Top 8.
Other players including Mitch Kenny, Scott Sorensen, Luke Garner and Isaiah Papali’i have not had the impact they should have due to injury and suspension.
They just need to stay on the paddock more to make a difference.
GRADE: B+

Who needs to lift
Lindsay Smith continues to look like he’s struggling even though his numbers don’t always suggest that. He sometimes looks slow and cumbersome and is just not having the same impact he did last season. Meanwhile, Paul Alamoti also needs to find his form again but I’m not sure he’s going to do that if he’s continually picked on the wing in first grade.
Players to watch
This one is easy. Luron Patea had a whale of a game against the Eels last Sunday and will only improve the more first grade he plays. Thomas Jenkins must be in line for a contract extension, and Casey McLean, after a six-week horror stretch, is on the improve. I also like the way Blaize Talagi is starting to play outside of Cleary.
Coaching
Ivan has shown that when it comes to player management, he knows what he’s doing, despite what us punters may think. He knows when a player needs to be dropped and which ones to bring up. I’m still not convinced that he’s fully adapted his coaching to match the change in personnel, but time will tell.
GRADE: B+
OVERALL GRADE: B


Peter Lang
Peter Lang is an experienced sports writer, who has been covering rugby league for several decades. He first wrote Lang on League for the Weekender in the 1990s, and worked for Panthers on its famous Panthers Magazine for several years.