Penrith Panthers legend and Triple M’s own Ryan Girdler joined The Rush Hour with Gus, Jude & Wendell after his old side lost the Western Sydney derby against Parramatta Eels.
Though the biggest talking point wasn’t the result as the Panthers rotated their squad ahead of finals and the Eels’ season already over.
The dislocated shoulder to Penrith star Jarome Luai is the storyline that has grabbed all the headlines.
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Though as reported on the Sydney Morning Herald, Luai is expected to return in time for the preliminary finals but the concern is the Panthers history without him if he’s actually out for the season.
“The record without Jarome is not so good,” said Girdler.
With the five-eighth in the side the Panthers have a win rate of 88.5% (77 wins, 9 losses), whilst it drops heavily without him 53.8% (7 wins, 6 losses).
“He’s obviously their barometer in relation to energy,
“We know how much of a talent he is and how well he combines with Nathan [Cleary], especially in the back end of the season.”
Speaking on the game, Girds was also a bit concerned by the overall performance, though understanding that a few key players had been rested.
“Usually they fight to the death over a game.
“The way they fell away last night surprised a few people, there’s some work to do.
“But I’m not hitting the panic button.”