Penrith Panthers

Toyota Cup ReportAs Panthers Toyota Cup coach for 2008, I wish to record what a pleasure and a privilege itwas to coach such a great group of young Rugby League players. I experienced a year thatwas full of fun, laughs and laced with a whole lot of exciting football moments. The playerswere always learning and developing as young men, both on and off the field. The respectthey showed me throughout a long season made my life so much richer. Honesty andrespect may be old-fashioned commodities, but they sure do go a long way! I thank you.This season there were some outstanding achievements made by Penrith in the ToyotaCup. A total of thirty-seven players represented the Panthers in the competition, withseven of them – Joseph Paulo, Wade Graham, Lachlan Coote, Sam McKendry, MasadaIosefa, Daniel Penese and William Isa – going on to debut in the NRL.2008 was a very long season for most of the players, starting in November when we touredthe UK. The team won all three games, including a 10-6 victory over Leeds in the 20’sWorld Club Challenge.Squad members forged some very close bonds and their never-say-die attitude helpedthem win some close games. To me, the most memorable was the win against SouthSydney when we came from 24-6 down with 18 minutes remaining to win 30-24 right onthe final siren.Weldon, Strength and Conditioning Coach MatthewRyan, Trainers Ron Sinclair and Mark Savage, TeamManager John Killen, Steve Freeborn who did sucha commendable job with Stats and Gear, and TonyMartin, Ray Wiggins and the Ball Boys. I would alsolike to make special mention of the help and supportwe got week-in, week-out around the footy officefrom Ray, Coreen and Trish.Steve GeorgallisToyota Cup CoachTo participate in the Toyota Cup players must eitherbe in a job, studying or learning a trade. On behalf ofthe entire Panthers 2008 Toyota Cup squad, I thank Lou Zivanovic for all his support of thejuniors, both financially and by providing some players with employment. Lou, the playerswish to acknowledge all the behind-the-scenes work you do on their behalf.Finally, to the Board, Mathew Elliott, Wayne Collins, Matt Adamson, Carl Jennings, MickLeary, Jim Jones, Peter Mulholland and all the Staff at the Football Office (Anne, Sheila,Sharon and Shannon) – thank you for your unconditional help and support. I also extendmy sincere thanks to all the sponsors, supporters, families of the players, Junior Leagueand, most importantly, the volunteer staff for their hard work throughout the year.We performed very well throughout the year, finishing equal second on the Toyota Cupcompetition ladder. However, in the finals series we came up short. After their effortsthrough the season I believe the players deserved a better outcome, but some inconsistentperformances in the last two months did not help when it mattered most.Panthers Player of the Year Award went to Jamie Theoharous, a great leader and, I believe, achampion in the making. Jamie is a local junior who always gives his best. His team-matessimply love playing with him and if you see him on the field you are left with the feelingthat he was born to play the Greatest Game of All. I wish Jamie every future success.Often, a team’s results reflect the efforts of their off-field staff. I acknowledge the consistenthard work of my coaching personnel that contributed so much and in so many ways to awonderful, happy and thoroughly enjoyable year. I must thank our Assistant Coach Michael12