Penrith Panthers

SG Ball ReportThe 2008 Panthers SG Ball team continued the successful development programsof the Penrith club. The side enjoyed a highly successful campaign throughthe season proper, winning seven of their ten matches. Memorable wins to thePanthers during the season included a 44-16 decimation of a strong Illawarrateam and a 54-16 win over the Central Coast, a game in which talented fullbackAli Beale crossed for three spectacular tries. Unfortunately, injuries to keyplaymakers Sam Jones and Shane Smith and leading tryscorer Ulise Fahina latein the season brought a premature end to the team’s finals challenge. After agallant effort in their quarterfinal clash, Penrith were eventually defeated by astrong Canberra Raiders team.Penrith SG Ball players were a conspicuous presence in the NSW Under-18team, with four Panther cubs, Wade Graham, Lachlan Coote, Evrett Vaurasi andMatthew Wright earning the coveted sky blue jumper. Both Graham and Cootewent on to make their first grade debuts later in the season, both acquittingthemselves in the manner of seasoned veterans at the top level.At the end of the season, all SG Ball squad members remained in training in theEdge program, in preparation for the 2009 Toyota Cup campaign. The Edge isan after-school program structured to help younger team members with weighttraining. A composite team of SG Ball and select Harold Matthews playerswould later play a representative fixture against the BARLA touring team. On abitterly cold night at Western Weekender Stadium, St Marys, the young Panthersoutmuscled their English adversaries 32-10.Coach – Alex MelvillePenrith Panthers Representative Awards were:SG Ball Most Improved Player – Zac BohanSG Ball Most Outstanding Player – Evrett Vaurasi22Wade GrahamJunior Club: Blacktown CityDate of Birth: 25th October 1990Harold Matthews: 2005, 2006 (Captain &Most Outstanding Player)SG Ball: 2007, 2008