Penrith Panthers still tipped for NRL spoon in 2008

Penrith Panthers, wooden spooners in 2007 NRL after taking a premiership only a few short years ago in 2003 look to be struggling again in 2008.

Players have left the club, the likes of Craig Gower, Peter Wallace and Joel Clinton - it will certainly be a tough ask for the Western Sydney Rugby League club. New coach Matt Elliott has a mammoth task and will rely heavily on assistants such as Ryan Girdler.

They will need good support from their usually large and vocal crowd, because any slight dip in early form could really derail the campaign long before it starts.