Penrith Panthers: Round 1 Team Comparison

STAFF WRITERS | February 14, 2017 - 8:53am

The Panthers made a return to the finals last season and will be disappointed with not going further.

New coach Anthony Griffin remodelled the lineup on the fly throughout 2016, giving youngsters a go and not being afraid to pick players out of position.

2016 Round 1 Team

The big difference between Round 1 2016 and Round 1 2017 is quite obvious. Jamie Soward, James Segeyaro and Will Smith are no longer with the club. Young halves Te Maire Martin and Nathan Cleary will be charged with leading the Panthers but they have plenty of experience around them. Former halfback Peter Wallace gives them an extra option and a level head in crunch time.

Outside of the halves, the Panthers have an absolute abundance of versatility and options in their backline. The return of Dean Whare and Peta Hiku from injury seems like a no-brainer but the emergence of Waqa Blake and Tyrone Peachey at centre means it's no guarantee.

The Panthers also have one of the most versatile forward packs in the NRL. Bryce Cartwright played a big chunk of 2016 in the halves. Isaah Yeo has spent time in the centres, along with Tyrone Peachey. Trent Merrin can play in the middle or on the edge.

The signing of James Tamou from the North Queensland Cowboys is a major coup for the club and more than makes up for the losses of Suaia Matagi and Jeremy Latimore. If they can stay injury free, a Top 4 finish should be a formality.