Sunday 26 February 2017

The Postman's Predicted #NRL Round 1 Team: Penrith Panthers | #SuperCoach #NRLFantasy

National Rugby League Premiership
By W D Nicolson - February 26, 2017


NRL SuperCoach and NRL Fantasy pundits rejoice - your old mate The Postman is back with his take on the 17 Panthers he believes Anthony Griffin will pick for Round 1:

  1. Matt MOYLAN
  2. Dean WHARE
  3. Waqa BLAKE
  4. Tyrone PEACHEY
  5. Peta HIKU
  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
    BENCH
  14. Mitch REIN
  15. James FISHER-HARRIS
  16. Leilani LATU
  17. Moses LEOTA or Sitaleki AKAUOLA or Tim BROWNE
The Postman's Squad Analysis:
  • Even with Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Josh Mansour unavailable for Round 1 - the Panthers are still able to leave a talent like Dylan Edwards out of their backline. Normal first choice centres Whare and Hiku are returning from long-term injuries and will likely start on the wing - with Blake and Peachey's form at the back end of last season just too good to move them right now. Edwards however is ready to go if given the chance.
  • The halves combo of Martin and Cleary has the potential to be great for a long long time - you'd watch the Panthers play for this pair alone!
  • That leaves Matt Moylan in his best spot of fullback - but that doesn't mean he shouldn't be the #6 for NSW... but that argument is for another time.
  • Up front - Tamou starts with RCG or Latu getting the #10 jersey alongside him - the other will make the bench. With Sam McKendry's knee injury (again, poor bloke) and Mitch Rein seemingly making the bench to backup Wallace at hooker - we have a three-way race for the final bench spot - Moses Leota v Sitaleki Akauola v Tim Browne.
  • James Fisher-Harris will also be there on the bench - with Bryce Cartwright's move back into the pack and Griffin being a huge Isaah Yeo fan. As well as of course Trent Merrin at lock.
  • The kid that impressed most in the pre-season - Corey Harawira-Narea will be seen in the top grade sooner rather than later but as a backrower - there's quite a bit of quality ahead of him.
Injured List:
Josh Mansour (Knee - Mid-Season), Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (Knee - Round 4 on), Sam McKendry (Knee - Season).
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By Warrick D. Nicolson