Penrith Panthers ready for am uphill battle in the Waratah Championship League

PENRITH Panthers Waratah Championship men's side is prepared for a tough season after losing a trio of key players.

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PENRITH Panthers Waratah Championship men's side is prepared for a tough season after losing a trio of key players from their roster.

Robbie Crane and Bruce Wells announced their retirement to spend time with their young families while Steve Gavrilovic joined the Bankstown Bruins.

Coach Jeff Cooper named a youthful squad recently and said his aim was to be competitive in 2013.

"We've lost a lot of experience in Robbie Crane, Bruce Wells and Steve Gavrilovic," he said.

"But I have brought up Ben Wagenfeller and Ben Kearins from our youth side. We also picked up Reece Moon and Sunny Zapata. It will be a challenging season for us and we will hope to be competitive.

"Our American import, Ben Ellsworth, will join us on February 18, which will be a welcome boost ...

"We started fitness training last week and we have one of my former players, Matt Pikse, who is a gym instructor, helping us.

"I thought last season our fitness let us down a bit so that is one key area we want to improve."

Cooper is leading the team for the seventh year in a row. His continued service for Penrith and Districts Basketball Association has seen him nominated for life membership with the body.

"I am very honoured to be nominated," he said.

Penrith start against Newcastle on March 16 at the Penrith Valley Regional Sports Centre.