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

New coach Anthony Griffinย 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

  1. Will Smith
  2. Josh Mansour
  3. Waqa Blake
  4. Peta Hiku
  5. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
  6. Jamie Soward
  7. Peter Wallace
  8. Sam McKendry
  9. James Segeyaro
  10. Reagan Campbell-Gillard
  11. Bryce Cartwright
  12. Isaah Yeo
  13. Trent Merrin
  14. Tyrone Peachey
  15. Jeremy Latimore
  16. Suaia Matagi
  17. James Fisher-Harris

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 theย 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.

2017 Possible Round 1 Team

  1. Matt Moylan
  2. Peta Hiku
  3. Waqa Blake
  4. Dean Whare
  5. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
  6. Te Maire Martin
  7. Nathan Cleary
  8. James Tamou
  9. Peter Wallace
  10. Reagan Campbell-Gillard
  11. Bryce Cartwright
  12. Isaah Yeo
  13. Trent Merrin
  14. Tyrone Peachey
  15. James Fisher-Harris
  16. Leilani Latu
  17. Mitch Rein

PICK YOUR NRL TEAM: Not a fan of the above team? Then take over as the coach and pick your line-up!

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