This is going pretty much how I expected it to. The difference in class & experience has been obvious from the start. Have been a few reasonable performers though.
Better effort in the second half. Standouts for me were Edgar, Phillips, Clarke & Skipps. Honourable mentions for Liddiard, Moi Moi, Crosby, Scott & Going.
I can’t say I wasn’t expecting the outcome. The Cowboys came in tho this match full squad. The experience was like over 1,000 games to 11 games.
The Cowboys made their mark early on and the Panthers looked a bit shell shocked. There was a little bit of enterprising play from Penrith late in the second half almost snaring some point, but went into the shed down 0-44.
After the Cowboys rested a few of their key players, the Panthers stated to get some traction and made some headway. Even with key players rested , the Cowboys had a relatively strong squad. Though the points stopped flowing for North Queenland, and the Panthers looked to get them on the back foot.
The Panthers second half I felt was much improved, and were able to string some plays together. In the end Penrith won the second half 24-22.
Overall it wasn’t too bad to be honest. It goes to show our depth is still very strong this year.
The excuse for the Cows was to be ready for Vegas to ensure a good showing……
A couple of things, that game bodes well for our future, I thought the effort when being flogged showed that we are playing each play not the scoreboard, although we were outclassed early, we didn’t give up on any efforts. I will say though, our fullbacks were left wanting a number of times, deers in the headlights stuff, but a good education all the same.
Our fitness was on show late in that 2nd half, we were far better with energy that the humidity seasoned team, i though this was the biggest plus from this fans perspective. If our 1st grade is reflective of our lower grades…..look out 2026.
The bad……we have just advertised our next gen greatness for the savages to rape n pillage, i wonder how many will end up a Rooster
I mean that preparedness has pretty much cost Zac Laybutt a starting spot in the Vegas game because of suspension.
I am in favour of the top grade players being rested for his preseason challenge. It’s a good time to flesh out the new recruits and find out how they slot into the big picture. Maybe next week, put in a few first graders that need some ‘match fitness’ but keep the youngsters and new recruits out there.
I couldn’t care less about winning pre-season hardware. I’ve already seen some teams lose players to injury without a ball even been kicked off in the season proper (ala Matt Burton).’
I think some coaches have lost sight that these are essentially glorified trials.
1 Like
A Recycled Pixel website.
DISCLAIMER
The opinions expressed on Panther Pride are not necessarily those of the site's owners.
Panther Pride or Recycled Pixel accept no responsibility for articles presented, their ownership or implications of ownership.
Panther Pride accepts no responsibility for inadvertent copyright breaches. This website does not have any affiliation with the National Rugby League (NRL) or the Penrith Panthers Rugby League Football Club, nor business connection and has not been endorsed by the National Rugby League or Penrith Panthers.
Match
Venue
Time
Tickets
Weather
Broadcast
Kayo Sports [LIVE] 
NRL Live Pass [LIVE]
ABC Sydney 702AM [LIVE] 
Team and Match Officials have been updated.
Facebook
Twitter
Youtube
Websites