Stuck for options, Matt Elliott threw the no. 7 jersey at Luke Lewis who performed well but never seemed a long term option for the club.
After Craig Gowers departure to French Rugby Union, the Panthers have really struggled to find a new, consistent halfback.
“The halves is certainly one that I can’t get defensive about when asked that question and there’s some decisions that need to be made there,” Elliott said.
“I really feel that I know who is going to be in (the halves), it’s just where they line up and how we actually use those guys.
“Luke Lewis did a fantastic job (last season) for a guy that had never played that position … probably after a while the responsibilities of playing halfback distracted him from playing his best football.
“Then we’ve got guys like Jarrod Sammutt who I know can make a huge difference to this team and we’ve got some other kids biting at their heels.”
It seems that the pivot role is one position that looks to be more certain; with boom rookie Wade Graham set to keep his No.6 spot. Another option for Penrith maybe fellow rookie Lachlan Coote, soon to return from a knee injury. While currently seen as a fullback, the player could be moulded to play halfback and could form a lethal combination with Graham if given the chance.
If Coote should get the chance and succeed, it could see Sammutt given the fullback role – something he is also no stranger too and wouldn’t be out of place.
“It should be another week or so before I can do some defence work so I should be alright for the trials,” said Coote; the Panthers to play their first trial against Parramatta in Griffith on February 14.
“Matty’s just been moving us around a bit in opposed sessions, playing a bit of fullback, a bit of wing. We don’t really know who’s going to be there at the moment, it all depends on what happens in the trials.”