Panthers hit with curse, Lewis and Civoncieva stand united
June 14th 2008 08:03
In a world of pain - Michael Jennings gets injured in the loss to the Roosters
Penrith coach Matthew Elliot could only sit back and pack in what was arguably one of the unluckiest, albeit painful performances you would see from the Panthers last night.
In some of the most bizarre circumstances, anyone who watched the Panthers get plucked by the Roosters would have told you this match had a curse written all over the men from the mountain.
Despite Penrith hardmen Luke Lewis and Petero Civoncieva relieving the tension somewhat, the Panthers in the end were left licking their wounds much like the victims of the Burma massacre.
One by one, the Panthers were getting dispensed all over the park. First it was Tony Puletua, then Michael Jennings and unfortunetly Luke Priddis felt the misfortune of black Friday.
Elliot, never one to rest peacefully, suddenly has enough stress on his hands that could put prime minister Kevin Rudd's schedule to shame.
The stress kept building on Elliot's chest as the Sydney Roosters showed no dicency to Penrith's cause on the night. The likes of Mason, Tupou and O'Meley having field days in the forwards while Penrith started licking a wound that kept bleeding and bleeding.
Poor old Civoncieva's tank was on empty as patience in attack from players such as Luke Lewis non-existant being twenty behind on the scoreboard.
Trying to lift their troops, both Lewis and Civoncieva fought hard to the very end but it was to no avail. They fought nonetheless though and that in itself shows the guts and glory that those two have in tough situations.
They don't care who's in or out. They'll be there from minute one all through to the dying seconds of any match they play. No arguments.
They'll smile after a defeat knowing there are better days to come for the black cats of Penrith. That's all they can hope to be in times like these.
Sure, the Panthers are now in a spot of bother with injuries and all, but through all the nonsense comes a lesson about building better conscience with one another.
A side purely of momentum, the Panthers must learn to ignore the rotten responses they recieve from the media and fans alike and concentrate on the things that will get the side victory the following week.
Despite all the controversy that seems to circle the Panthers, it seems they are yet to build the thick layer of skin that will keep them focused with the job on hand. These past few seasons have seen the men from the mountain pull up shocking performances that are sometimes not an NRL standard.
It's sad and frustrating to see that a team full of experience and superstars keeps under achieving the way they have. Sections of the club will blame the coach or the administration but it's all up to the players.
It's a tragedy to see the likes of Priddis and Jennings get injured last night but its also sad to see only two men put in the hard yards to inspire a side seldom on confidence.
The likes of Civoncieva and Lewis provide the fuel and the fire for their team to really eye a return to the top eight. The rest of the fuel though needs to light up if they are to realise premiership aspiratons.
You really have to admire the way both Lewis and Civoncieva never seem to drop their label. Even though getting a victory last night looked forlorn, they never seize to amaze in the effort they put in.
After the Blues shocker on Wednesday night, Lewis may realise the sensation of putting on a NSW jersey once again. He has got all the skills to deal the Maroons a heck of a lot of problems in defence and attack.
While some will grab their hair and tear it out, both Lewis and Civoncieva will stand, pacing every challenge that comes their way. Thankful to be playing the game they love.
All seventeen individuals that take the field against the Dragons next week must stand alongside both Lewis and Civoncieva, and answer the call that is the NRL week in week out.
It's the only way they will rescue a season that looked so promising two or so weeks ago.
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