Tough decisions pay off for the Panthers

ON DECEMBER 24 two years ago I wrote a column listing what I believed should be on Santa’s wish list of the 16 NRL clubs.

Part tongue-in-cheek, it was my reflection on what the various teams needed to be successful.

What I advocated for Penrith now makes interesting reading.

For the Panthers I suggested Phil Gould and Ivan Cleary needed a new mop and bucket so they could continue clearing the decks.

I did add, however, the rider that changing the culture would take some time.

In one aspect I was correct, but in regard to the time needed to change the culture I was well off.

In 2012 the Panthers won just eight games, finishing second last.

But more significantly, they used 33 players, 10 of whom were swept away at season’s end.

Among those leaving were internationals Michael Jennings and Luke Lewis, as well as inspirational fullback Michael Gordon.

NRL fans were stunned that a club in such on-field despair would cut ties with star quality of this ilk.

But it was part of the long-term plan Gould put in place when he accepted the position of football GM at the Panthers the previous year.

He knew the culture had to change, he was prepared to make tough decisions and he was well aware that criticism would follow.

So irrespective of the result of the finals, which kick off tonight, in my book the Panthers have been the success story of 2014.

Most NRL fans – me included – have been waiting all season for the Panthers’ bubble to burst.

But despite injuries, sus- pension and not a single current rep player in their squad, they continue to defy the odds.

They are entertaining, courageous, skilful and, patently, well coached.

While the Panthers may not be quite ready to win the Provan-Summons Trophy in 2014, that ultimate glory is not far away.