It was one of the most remarkable seasons from any team in the history of the NYC. Under the helm of first year coach Cameron Ciraldo, Penrith dominated the competition and broke or equalled numerous records on the way to their second premiership. Their 23 wins is the most in one season by a club, they finished the regular season with the second best defensive record of all time, their four losses were the equal least of all time and they are the only team to finish on 44 competition points. All this while using 37 players during the season, the third most of any side.
After a shaky start in which they had two wins and two losses, Penrith solidified themselves as the team to beat, only losing twice over the next 20 rounds. The 2015 Panthers didn’t win on the back of a dominant “superstar” like some NYC sides of the past. They relied on consistent team play and outstanding defence. Only 10 times did they concede over 20 points, just three of those games they conceded over 30. Nor did they have a dominant tryscorer. No player scored a hat trick for Penrith in 2015. In most games you would see multiple try scorers, with players scoring doubles a somewhat rarity. Five players scored 10 or more tries, with three players topping their tryscoring list with 14 each. With a heavy turnover of players throughout the year, Penrith were able to stick to their successful structures, a credit to the coaching staff and coach of the year Ciraldo.
The Panthers finished the season as deserving premiers and minor premiers. With a number of players still eligible for the NYC in 2016, Penrith will look to be a force again next season.
Standout Players
Tyrone May was a consistent worker for the Panthers all year. He played almost every position and lead Penrith in tries, tackles, supports and line break assists. Brent Naden was dynamic from either fullback or centre, as he ran for 3,261 metres at an average of 155 per game. Up front Moses Leota led the way, with 30 offloads, 2,986 metres and 487 tackles.
Top Pointscorer
Dylan Edwards was another consistent performer for the Panthers. Like May, Edwards played a number of positions and proved to be a handy goalkicker, kicking at 76% for the year. He scored eight tries and kicked 52 goals for 136 points.
Top Tryscorers
As mentioned earlier three players, Fuimanu Enese, Maliko Filino and Tyrone May, topped Penrith’s tryscoring list with 14 tries a piece.
Best Win
Round 20 – defeated Canberra 64-8.
It was complete domination by the Panthers on a sunny Penrith morning in July. The premiers scored 11 tries (all but one converted), ran for 1,823 metres, made 10 line breaks and completed 81.1% of their sets. In typical Penrith fashion, a few late changes didn’t sway the home side, as they got on with the job and decimated a hapless Raiders’ outfit.
Graduates
Waqa Blake (2013-2014 – 29 games, 28 tries, 112 points)
A Fijian-born, Perth junior, Blake enjoyed a fruitful NYC career with Penrith, almost scoring a try a game and winning a premiership. He made his NRL debut in Round 5 and played for City in 2015.
Reagan Campbell-Gillard (2012-2013 – 41 games, 4 tries, 16 points)
Another member of the Panthers’ 2013 premiership winning side, Campbell-Gillard was outstanding in his debut NRL season. Penrith’s rookie of the year, he represented City and the Prime Minister’s XIII in 2015.
George Jennings (2012-2013 – 29 games, 11 tries, 44 points)
The middle brother of the Jennings’ clan, George played centre in the Panthers’ 2013 premiership winning side. Made his NRL debut in Round 1, scoring a try.
Robert Jennings (2014-2015 – 9 games, 4 tries, 16 points)
The youngest of the Jennings’ brothers, Robert made his NRL debut a few weeks after George. A Junior Kangaroo and NSW U20s rep in 2015, he scored a try in Penrith’s 2015 Grand Final win.
Sione Katoa (2014-2015 – 27 games, 5 tries, 20 points)
Made his NRL debut in Round 26 after spending the majority of 2015 in the NSW Cup. A Junior Kiwi in 2015, Katoa missed the 2015 NYC Grand Final through injury.
Chris Smith (2013-2014 – 43 games, 17 tries, 68 points)
A Northern Territory junior, Smith made his NRL debut in Round 26. He represented the Australian Schoolboys in 2012.
Player to Watch in 2016
In the Grand Final, Jarome Luai showed why he’s a player to keep an eye on next year. He scored a fantastic individual try in the second half, showcasing his footwork and pace, to help the Panthers’ to the title. Filling in at halfback for Nathan Cleary, who was on Australian Schoolboys duties, Luai later saved a certain Manly try. A talented player who will probably spend time in the NSW Cup in 2016.
Representative Honours
Oliver Clark – New South Wales under-20s
Nathan Cleary – Australian Schoolboys
James Fisher-Harris – Junior Kiwis
Robert Jennings – Junior Kangaroos (1 try, 4 points), New South Wales under-20s
Sione Katoa – Junior Kiwis
Brent Naden – New South Wales under-20s
18TH MAN 