Panthers deflect Elliott exit talk
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Staying put... Penrith coach Matt Elliott. (AAP: Action Photographics/Colin Whelan)
Penrith club officials have been forced to fend off speculation surrounding the future of coach Matthew Elliott ahead of the Panthers' final-round NRL clash against Manly this evening.
With fans preparing to farewell key quartet Rhys Wesser, Luke Rooney, Luke Priddis and Tony Puletua at CUA Stadium, the rumour mill spun into overdrive when Channel Nine reported Stephen Kearney was being lined up to replace Elliott.
Panthers chief Mick Leary moved quickly to quash any suggestions of a coaching overhaul, a day after Elliott sounded his intentions to commit his long-term future to the club.
"I have no idea where the rumour and innuendo has come from," Leary told Fox Sports. "There is no basis to it."
The Panthers are out of finals contention, while Manly can secure the minor premiership with a convincing win.
Elliott says there is one last chance in 2008 for the team to play its best football.
"One way of looking at it is the celebration of the contribution these special people have made to the organisation, and the team gets the opportunity to do what they haven't done in a bit and that's play their best footy," he said.
The Sea Eagles are on equal competition points with rivals Melbourne and Cronulla, but boast a superior points differential to the Storm and Sharks.
Manly prop Josh Perry says the Sea Eagles can no take their opponents lightly.
"We've got everything to play for really - we really want to get a minor premiership," he said.
"They're a really dangerous team... when someone's playing for their pride you have to really watch out for them."
