Penrith’s right edge hope defensive woes behind them
Scott Bailey |
Penrith’s right-edge defence believe they have finally turned a corner, finding much-needed cohesion as the four-time premiers fight to get their season back on track.
Saturday’s clash with North Queensland looms as crucial for the Panthers, with a bye next week meaning a win would help put them on the edge of the top eight.
Heavily criticised for their defence over the opening rounds, the Panthers let in points at more than double the rate they did between 2020 and 2024.
But while all eyes were on Penrith’s attack clicking again in the 32-8 win over Brisbane last week, the most notable improvement has been their defence.
On the right side in particular, the Panthers gave up 16 tries across their first seven games of the year.
It was the kind of form that one stage had centre Izack Tago dropped to the bench with he and winger Paul Alamoti leaking tries next to Liam Martin and Nathan Cleary.
Since Tago’s return to the starting side a fortnight ago, the Panthers haven’t let in a try down that side.
“The bit of cohesion has definitely grown in the past couple of weeks for whatever reason,” Alamoti said.
“At the beginning of the year we struggled to get that, but now we’re getting a bit of cohesion and connection … that definitely helps in games.”
Penrith’s edge defence has not been helped by some changes, with Cleary missing the best part of two games with concussion.
“That obviously plays a part, but we have always believed whoever comes into whatever role in a squad we know they will do a job,” Alamoti said.
“It was pretty tough, the Panthers’ defensive record speaks for itself over the past couple of years. We’ve built everything on the back of defence.”
Alamoti said the side had also taken plenty away from denying Brisbane repeatedly early in Magic Round.
That confidence will be needed on Saturday in Townsville.
The Cowboys left edge is one of the most lethal in the competition, with Tom Dearden, Jaxon Purdue and Murray Taulagi firing down that side.
Fullback Scott Drinkwater has been dangerous on both sides of the ruck this year, while second-rower Jeremiah Nanai has made a statement after being dropped early in the year.
His battle with Martin looms as State of Origin coming early.
“I’ve been able to play alongside him with the Aussies and we’ve had our fair bit of competition in Origin and when he is at the Cows,” Martin said of Nanai.
“He is such a quality opposition. He is still young but the stuff he does is just freakish.
“He’s a bit of an allrounder in terms of his football ability. He has footwork and power, he’s tough to handle.”
AAP
