Another year, another halfback whose career looks set to be revitalised by taking the leap and joining the Panthers.
Standing in for the injured Nathan Cleary, former Raiders halfback Brad Schneider was excellent on his Penrith debut on Thursday night.
The 23-year-old recorded a try assists, a tackle break and an offload, playing a huge part in his side’s won over a strong Roosters outfit.
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Schneider looks set to become the latest halfback to flourish under the tutelage of Ivan Cleary.
Jack Cogger had an hugely successful one-year stint at the foot of the mountain in 2023, winning a premiership and becoming an unsung hero in the grand final following Jarome Luai’s shoulder injury.
Before him was Sean O’Sullivan, who also impressed enough to earn a contract with the NRL newcomers, the Dolphins ahead of the 2023 season.
Schneider departed the Raiders in 2023, looking for regular starting minutes before signing with Hull KR in the Super League.
But an offer to join the three-time premiers is one you can’t refuse and his move is set to pay dividends.
When asked why playmakers seem to improve in the Penrith system, Ivan Cleary wasn’t exactly sure.
“All three are good players and good people, and I just think the rest of the team all do their job as well,” Cleary said in the post-match press conference.
“I don’t know if they see it as a bit of a challenge as well, we’ve got great leadership here and everyone just does their job.
“Whether you’ve got Nathan or Fish (Fisher-Harris) or Sorensen or whoever else in there, it’s all the same, we play as a team and everyone’s together.
“Maybe that’s how it works.”
Meanwhile, Isaah Yeo was asked if his team’s style felt different with Schneider calling the shots in the No.7.
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“It’s different in aspects and parts but our system and the culture we’ve got at the club it allows people to come in and do their job,” Yeo said.
“We expect that too, we expect that because of how hard they train and prepare and that will give them confidence to perform and do their job.
“It’s obviously different but in a sense it simplifies everyone’s role… we just really nail down on what we know works and what wins games.”
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