A Panther ready to pounce
August 22nd 2008 05:31
Jennings (middle) is once again displaying great form
Michael Jennings is quite the unique individual.
The Panthers centre has been cast as a future State of Origin player by none other than Qld legend Petero Civoncieva, all the while experiencing some of Penrith's most humiliating moments in their 44 year history.
When the Panthers finished with the wooden spoon in 2007, the pain was somewhat easier to take when Jennings burst on to the scene.
His performances last season led him to being earmarked as a future Kangaroo tourist after scoring 15 tries in his debut year at the foot of the mountains.
After a year full of disappointment, Jennings was the spark that ultimately gave coach Matthew Elliott reason to believe in season 2008.
While there have still been some edgy moments - including a 60 point drubbing at the hands of the Raiders two weeks ago - Elliott’s belief has stood firm.
And its little wonder why with the roster at his disposal.
The Panthers still have eight players that have won an Origin series, grand-finals and tri-nations tournaments.
But it is Jennings that carries the flag for the future of Elliott's men.
He is once again their leading try scorer with 12 four pointers next to his name. He no doubt represents the dawn of a new era for the black cats who are still licking their wounds from last season's humiliation.
Whether it be his speed off the mark or his tenacity to smash the strongest of opponents to the ground, Jennings is the man that can re-ignite Penrith's ailing finals hopes and provide the clubs first premiership since their fairytale year of 2003.
If Jennings is to spark the revival and enhance his rapidly growing reputation, there is no better test than this Monday night against reigning premiers the Melbourne Storm.
The Panthers will play a side that has disposed of premiership aspirants Manly and the Sydney Roosters in consecutive weeks.
They come up against an opponent who boost 16 representative players who are seeking their third minor premiership in as many seasons.
To turn Penrith's mission impossible, the Storm have a terrific record in Monday night football, winning eight from ten with one draw.
For Jennings, this is the acid test for the 186cm, 89kg excitement machine.
The young Panthers dynamo will most likely clash with superstar Israel Folau in the centres. A match-up that is as enticing as any Mundine - Green rivalry.
Although Melbourne will be heavily favoured to dispose of Penrith, Jennings' tussle with the young Qld and Australian international will prove if he is really up to the mantle of representing his state and country, all the while leading a bunch of promising youngsters into the future.
No doubt Jennings will throw out every move possible against a side capable of taking more punishment than any 'Saw' victims and still win by 20 or so points.
Whatever the score line, Jennings will be keen to remain standing against one of the most exciting prospects the NRL has ever witnessed.
With both Jennings and Folau running around in Rugby League, one feels the future of this code is in safe hands.
| 50 |
| Vote |
subscribe to this blog
