The Mole s NRL season previews: Penrith must overcome mental demons in quest for title
By The MoleFeb 10th, 2021
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So near yet so far for the Panthers last year - can they rise to the challenge again?
RECRUITMENT: Ivan Cleary has freshened up his squad, moving on veterans James Tamou, Josn Mansour, Zane Tetevano and Dean Whare and bringing in the likes of Matthew Eisenhuth, Robert Jennings, Paul Momirovski and Jaeman Salmon. If anything, they are stronger than last year.
STRENGTHS: A well balanced squad, two quick-fire halves in Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai and some great kids coming through.
Barrett v Cleary: Phone call ignites Burton saga Phil Gould has weighed in on the ugly Matt Burton saga as Trent Barrett and Nathan Cleary exchange words over the phone. READ WHAT WAS SAID
Rugby League by Paul Crawley
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Subscriber only Trent Barrett has let it be known to Ivan Cleary in no uncertain terms that he now works for Canterbury and not Penrith as the stand-off over promising youngster Matt Burton becomes increasingly hostile. Cleary is said to have warned his former assistant coach Barrett and the Bulldogs to back off. Sources have revealed that while the conversation did not get heated Barrett certainly held his ground up against his former boss, stating his case why he thinks it s in everyone s best interests to let Burton go now.
Penrith recruit Matt Eisenhuth says he's felt the immediate effects of team confidence at the Panthers that he couldn't find during his four-year stay with the Wests Tigers.
Five questions ahead of the NRL season A Set the default text size A Set large text size
Replay A Set the default text size A Set large text size
Here are some question I hope the upcoming NRL season will answer.
How will the Storm fare in the post-Cameron Smith era?
Albeit not confirmed, I think it’s fair to assume the Storm will be without their champion number nine for the 2021 season. Arguably the best player to ever play the game, it will be interesting to see how the Storm deal with it.
It’s not as if they aren’t used to greats retiring. Cooper Cronk and Billy Slater have both retired in recent years and the success hasn’t waned – they’ve found handy replacements (Jahrome Hughes and Ryan Papenhuyzen) – and I don’t think they have a bad replacement in a player named Harry Grant.
Whether they be a young prospect or a hardened veteran, it s always exciting when a player joins a new club.
An astute signing or two can often drastically change a club s fortunes, making the recruitment manager s job crucial.
There s been a flurry of movement over the summer, and as season 2021 draws nearer, NRL.com has named each team s key recruit.
Some will quickly become cornerstones in their fresh surroundings, while others may bide their time before showing their worth.
Brisbane Broncos
John Asiata
After the departures of prop Joe Ofahengaue and edge forward David Fifita, John Asiata s signing has helped bolster Brisbane s pack. Likely to push for a bench spot at first, the ex-Cowboy s ball-playing abilities will provide an extra element to their attack. He could work in tandem with Tevita Pangai jnr, a similarly skilful big man.