Panthers coach Anthony Griffin says the club’s two big trial games against Canterbury and Parramatta will determine his starting 17 for round one’s clash against Canberra.
Griffin is enjoying his first pre-season as Panthers coach and says he’s yet to decide on his top roster.
“I’m just going to be patient – I’m still getting to know them… we’ve got a good run of trials… I’ll probably leave most of my decisions until then,” Griffin told Panthers TV.
Griffin hinted that the Panthers would take a strong team to next month’s Nines tournament in Auckland but would also work to protect his squad given the intense nature of the competition.
Griffin said he was pleased with how pre-season has unfolded.
“Very much so. Every off-season is tough, that’s what they’re there for, but I thought by the end of our work just before Christmas we reached a level we needed to reach, so I was quite happy with where things finished,” he said.
Meanwhile, Penrith’s trial match against Parramatta at Pepper Stadium on February 20 will be televised live by Fox Sports, it has been confirmed.
Troy Dodds
Troy Dodds is the Weekender's Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia's leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.