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Penrith’s fate lay in their own hands in the final round of 2009 – a
straight shootout with Newcastle for the last remaining spot in the top
eight. But the Panthers crumbled 35-0 to the Knights in one of their
worst performances of the season. They will take heart from going so
close with such a young side and a raft of injuries that plagued the
squad throughout the year however. Coach Matt Elliott is finally
assured of his job and the Panthers enter 2010 with greater stability
than they have had in several years. The club has recruited well and a
finals spot beckons.