As NRL clubs look hopefully towards next season - we pessimistically ponder the worst-case scenario for each of the 17 teams in 2023.
12. Penrith Panthers: Dummy-half drama drags on
In 2019 the Panthers finished the season in 10th, missing the finals. From 2020 to 2022 they made three consecutive Grand Finals, winning two - not solely but in part thanks to Apisai Koroisau.
Koroisau returned to Penrith in 2020 after five seasons with Manly but now that he has become a Wests Tiger, and the premiers are looking a little skinny at dummy half.
Mitch Kenny is the front-runner to start at hooker next year, while his understudy Soni Luke and veteran Tyrone Peachey, whose versatility allows him to slot in anywhere, will be waiting in the wings.
At the moment, none of them come close to the representative-level quality of Koroisau and that lack of a premier nine may be what holds Penrith back from winning a historic three-peat.
Before I read this, I thought “the worst that can happen” would be the same for each club: injury to one of its spine.
However – Dolphins, Dragons, West and Warriors – all about the club pulling together. Cows and Roosters – the same (to a lesser degree).
Perhaps this tells us that the influence of the coach – his ability to plan, organise, motivate and control his squad – is at least as important as that of any one player.