KEY POINTS:
Home: Credit Union Australia Stadium
Premierships: 2 ('91,'03)
Last year: 12th.
In: Brendan Worth (Knights), Nathan Smith (Raiders), Peewee Moke (Sharks).
Out: Preston Campbell (Titans), Luke Swain (Titans), Danny Galea (Tigers), Brett Howland (retired), David McLean (released), Craig Stapleton (Sharks), Lee Hookey (released)
Coach: Mathew Elliott
Scouting Report
The Panthers have lost the brilliant Preston Campbell and brought in, well, a bloke called Peewee.
On the face of it, not great business.
But the club has brought in coach Matt Elliott from Canberra. Elliott is renowned as a defensive whiz, which he'll need to be since the Panthers leaked 105 tries last year.
Boasting Frank Pritchard, Joel Clinton, Trent Waterhouse and the Puletua brothers, the pack is big on size and international experience. But Craig Gower, Rhys Wesser and Luke Rooney apart, the backs look lightweight.
Coach Mathew Elliott will almost certainly say
"Craig has served his punishment and I think it's time we all moved on."
Elliott probably won't say
"Craig, how bout we throw down a couple and then pop over to Junior Pearce's house for a barbie."
Reasons to be cheerful
Peewee Moke might not be a household name but it sure does bring a smile to the face. The centre's never played a first grade game and might not this year, but let's hope he gets his chance.
Reasons to be fearful
The Panthers will depend heavily on their renowned nursery if injuries are a factor. And Brett Firman doesn't inspire much confidence at five-eight.
Prediction
12th. Elliott has his work cut out.
