NRL SuperCoach 2016: Penrith Panthers offer guns galore
A CHANGE of coach and a huge turnover of players make the Panthers one of the most exciting teams in SuperCoach 2016.
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A CHANGE of coach, a couple of big money inclusions (Trent Merrin and Peta Hiku) and numerous young stars back fit and healthy (Matt Moylan, Tyrone Peachey, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak etc.) make the Panthers an intriguing SuperCoach production line this season.
With the Trent Barrett bus leaving the west with about 50 players on its way to the northern beaches, there is also plenty of opportunity for big minutes and role increases.
This is a team with guns aplenty and some mid-priced gems. We could witness a changing of the guard this year - Bryce Cartwright could become the best player in the game and Matt Moylan could become a premier fullback if he retains the kicking duties. We shall see.
PLAYER MOVEMENT
Ins: Sitaleki Akauola (Tigers), Zach Dockar-Clay (Eels), Ben Garcia (Catalan Dragons), Josh Hall, Andrew Heffernan (Raiders), Peta Hiku (Sea Eagles), Viliame Kikaku (Cowboys), Te Maire Martin (Tigers), Suaia Matagi (Warriors), Trent Merrin (Dragons)
Outs: Lewis Brown (Sea Eagles), Adam Docker (retired), Jamal Idris (released), Isaac John (Sea Eagles), Brent Kite (retired), Apisai Koroisau (Sea Eagles), Sika Manu (Hull), Kieren Moss (Eels), Ben Murdoch-Masila (Salford), Nigel Plum (retired), David Simmons (retired), Shaun Spence (retired)
PREDICTED BEST 17
Matt Moylan, Josh Mansour, Dean Whare, Peta Hiku, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Jamie Soward, Peter Wallace (c), Reagan Campbell-Gillard, James Segeyaro, Sam McKendry, Bryce Cartwright, Elijah Taylor, Trent Merrin. Interchange: Tyrone Peachey, Jeremy Latimore, Isaah Yeo, Suaia Matagi
Star recruit Peta Hiku slots in at centre. He can also play fullback, although coach Anthony Griffin is keen to keep Matt Moylan in the No. 1 jersey, despite admitting a move to the halves could be on the cards at some stage. Recruit Trent Merrin starts at lock in a forward pack missing Lewis Brown, Sika Manu, Adam Docker, Nigel Plum and Brent Kite. The backline has lost Jamal Idris and David Simmons, but is bolstered by the returns of Moylan (ankle) and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (collapsed lung) from serious injuries.
GUNS
Trent Merrin (FRF|2RF) $385,000
Merrin is a PPM gun (1.13), averaging a very solid 60.89 but the major downside to his scoring potential at the Dragons was the 54 minutes he averaged per game. The minutes SHOULD be on the increase with the new interchange rules and his leadership role amongst some young talent. Here’s hoping for a 70-plus minute Merrin in 2016, which would make him a top 10 player overall.
James Segeyaro (HOK) $402,600
You like points, right? You like the prospect of lots of them, right? Well Seggy has upside like almost no other! With Apisai Koroisau now chilling at Wharf Bar and taking in the waves of the northern beaches, we should see an exclusive 80-minute role for the genius from the west. A 2015 average of 63.67 and PPM of 0.91 is on the up - look for Seggy to go to new heights in 2016.
Bryce Cartwright (2RF|5/8) $361,600
Speaking of upside … this guy could become the single greatest player in SuperCoach. Man I hope he does, because it will be fun to watch. He produced a 2015 average of 57.18 from 53 minutes game time, PPM of 1.08 - I’ve said enough, see if we can keep this one a secret between just you and I! #shhhhh
CHEAPIES
Brent Naden (CTW) $113,800
Naden probably won’t play a part to begin with, but watch out for the NSW Under-20’s Origin excitement machine on the wing if there are any outside back injuries or rep call-ups.
HOLDEN CUP ANALYSIS
The 2015 table-topping Panthers have talent to burn. Te Maire Martin is a prospect in the halves fresh off Junior Kiwi representation last year.
Brent Naden, Rob Jennings and Oliver Clark were all a part of the 2015 NSW Under-20s Origin team and will push for first grade spots this season, but I don’t see too much room for rookies unless there are injuries.
VALUE
Matt Moylan (FLB|5/8) $383,400
That is a lot of money to spend for “value”, but hear me out. The Panthers’ list looks unbelievably strong this year - more points scored. Moylan should kick goals - even more points scored. On top of that, well… He’s a GUN! An average of 60.64 and PPM of 0.82 last season shows his ability, and his price tag is UNDERS. Get on board.
NO GO ZONE
Dean Whare (CTW) $313,200
Whare is a very solid, reliable player in actual NRL. However do not pick him in your Supercoach team! An average of 49.54 and PPM of 0.64 is OK, but he makes very few runs over 8m, and doesn’t seem to be a focal point of any of the Panthers’ set plays.
Jamie Soward (5/8|HFB) $215,000
The media mogul playmaker with the head gear is a great footy player and is ever important to the Panthers’ success, much like Whare. But if he isn’t kicking goals and the back issues were ever to pop up again it would make life very difficult to increase in value or score well enough to justify selection. An average of 34 at 0.44 PPM tells the story, with six scores of under 25 SuperCoach points amongst his 16 matches for 2015.
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