YEO BACKS DEPARTING STARS TO SHINE

Panthers co-captain Isaah Yeo expects departing Premiership-winning players Stephen Crichton and Spencer Leniu to be highly motivated to go out with another ring on their finger later this season.

Like Matt Burton, Kurt Capewell, Api Koroisau and Viliame Kikau before them, Crichton and Leniu will be hoping to finish their successful careers at Penrith in the best way possible, with another NRL Premiership.

Crichton made his decision to leave the Panthers back in January, while barnstorming interchange prop Leniu informed his teammates on Monday morning that 2023 would be his last year as a Panther.

Speaking with Extra Time on Wednesday, Yeo said he was “disappointed” to see someone of Leniu’s potential leave the club.

“You can’t wrap him enough for what he gives us off the bench. He’s a wonderful player at such a young age, but that’s the business of rugby league,” the World Cup-winning lock said.

“He’s got an opportunity at wherever he’s going and it’s just a better one for him. Whether it be financial or more of a starting position, all I know is that he’s done a wonderful job for us and I’m sure he’ll be highly motivated – as will ‘Critta’ – to go out on a high.”

If the mighty Panthers are to win three successive first grade competitions, they’ll need to be up for the challenge.

Not only has the club lost some experience and depth in the off-season, but nearly every other rival in the NRL has strengthened their rosters to hopefully take down the juggernaut that is Penrith.

Yeo said while it’s still too early to tell whether this Premiership defence will be harder than last year’s, he does expect a tough and close season ahead.

“I just feel like every defending season is hard – whether this one is any different to the others, I’m not sure yet, but I feel like a lot of the teams in the NRL have strengthened their rosters and have another year of experience under their belts,” the 28-year-old said.

“I feel like it’s going to be a really tough season and a really close one, which will be great for the fans and as players, it’s wonderful too as we get to compete.”

Penrith fans will be hoping their side can get back on track against the Brisbane Broncos on Friday night after slipping up against St Helens in the World Club Challenge a fortnight ago.

Yeo said while the result was “obviously disappointing”, he was impressed with his side’s fitness levels and how they fought back from being 12-0 down.

“We have a lot to work on but I feel like, in terms of our fitness, we were the one’s coming home strong and scoring tries at the death to keep us in it,” he said.

“It was a disappointing loss, but I felt like we will be better for the run, and we’ll need to be against the Broncos this week because they’ve had all pre-season to prepare and I have no doubt they’ve had this game circled since mid-November. Bring on the challenge!”

Ithought I’d take a different path this week and open the 2023 NRL Premiership season by gazing into my crystal ball and predicting who the winners will be at the 2023 Merv Cartwright Medal, set to be held in the all-new Western Sydney Conference Centre at Panthers later this year.

Well there’s no point in doing this at the end of the season, that would be too easy.

Ok let’s see how good this newly polished crystal ball of mine is...

New Category – Best New Recruit of the Year: ZAC HOSKING. He came with little fanfare but I predict that Hosking will have a breakout season at 26 years-of-age.

Runner-up: Luke Garner.

NSW Cup Player of the Year: MAVRIK GEYER. Geyer finished an injury-riddled 2022 as number 18 for first grade. He will get his opportunity in the top grade this season but will also shine in his first full season in reserve grade too.

Runner-up: Isaah Longi.

Ben Alexander Rookie of the Year: SUNIA TURUVA. With Taylan May injured, Turuva will have ample opportunity this year to show his speed, footwork and uncanny ability to get to the tryline and he’ll show it all in first grade. Reminds me very much of Rhys Wesser.

Runner-up: Jesse McLean.

Members Player of the Year: DYLAN EDWARDS. A fan favourite and he will get the distinct honour of winning back-to-back Members Awards. When the supporters find a favourite, they usually stick with him for a while so why wouldn’t you pick Dyl again? Lock him in.

Runner-up: Brian To’o.

John Farragher Award for Cour age and Determination: MOSES LEOTA. I’ve known John for years and he always rewards effort and determination, not necessarily the player with the highest profile. Well this season, it’s Leota’s turn. Like his front row partner, Leota is relentless with his charging runs and the way he belted the Eels in the Grand Final last year was a taste of things to come.

Runner up: Scott Sorensen.

Merv Cartwright Medal: JAROME LUAI. I’ve got a feeling based on what he’s said in the pre-season that Luai is ready to explode in 2023. He knows that with Api Koroisau gone a lot of pressure will be on Nathan Cleary, so I can really see Luai rising to another level with his kicking game, especially close to the line. I can also see him using his footwork more to bamboozle the defence and therefore create and score more tries than ever before.

Runner-up: Dylan Edwards.

Now remember if you thought last year was good, you ain’t seen noth ing yet!