NRL: Puletua embodies the quiet but stalwart Panther

Frank Puletua is tackled by the Knights defence. Photo / Getty Images

An image of Frank Puletua cradling a baby hangs alongside Jarryd Hayne and Fuifui Moimoi at an exhibition celebrating the NRL's diverse cultural heritage.

As a Samoan born in Auckland, the Penrith Panthers prop embodies the competition's entrenched Pacific Island influence. Yet he still appears slightly out of place among the NRL's superstars, for Puletua also represents the club stalwart whose toil rarely justifies headlines.

Should Puletua record his 150th game for the Panthers tomorrow against the Warriors - he was named on an extended nine-man bench - the milestone will barely register outside CUA Stadium.

Puletua, 32, and off-contract at the end of the season, risks joining Nathan Cayless and Steve Price in retirement - though without the tributes reserved for those front row veterans. Price's farewell was muted by a heel injury that denied him one last hit-up at Mt Smart. Cayless, who played his 250th game for Parramatta in Auckland last weekend, might also finish prematurely unless the Eels can recapture the form that carried them to the 2009 grand final.

Ironically, Puletua could enjoy the most appropriate departure if his contract is not renewed. The Panthers are joint competition leaders and look assured of going deep into the post-season.

Puletua senses similarities to the 2003 premiership-winning team, even if he watched that campaign develop from central Sydney.

In a quirk of fate, Puletua joined South Sydney in 2002 for two seasons before returning to the Panthers, the club he debuted for on Anzac Day 1998.

"The feeling's really good. We've taken a lot of confidence from the last 10 or so rounds," he said. "We've also got a lot of depth. The St George game proves we've got players that can fill the void when players are on rep duty.

"They stood up for the boys, that's exactly what you need."

Puletua fits that temporary job description to a tee. He has been required for only seven games this season, the Panthers hardly need propping up with Petero Civoniceva and Tim Grant starting and Northland's Sam McKendry adding impact off the bench.

Civoniceva's State of Origin commitments offered Puletua an opening against the Dragons and now Grant's busted ankle during that 12-8 win on Monday should see him log game time against the Warriors. But if he misses out when Matt Elliott finalises his interchange, Puletua won't get despondent.

"At the moment I'm just enjoying my time with the boys," he said, unsure of whether he would go around again in 2011.

With Civoniceva opting not to return to Brisbane and rookies Grant and McKendry groomed for the long haul Puletua might finally be surplus to requirements.

Puletua is probably just as valuable off the field as he urges the youngsters to prepare for life after football.

An established artist, Puletua runs his own graphic design business and is currently showing his own art works at a Sydney gallery.

"You have to have a plan, I reiterate that to the boys. I've seen a lot of my mates leave the game and do it tough."

Meanwhile, the Warriors task looks far from straightforward as they seek to cement their place in the top eight by extending their winning streak to four.

The Panthers won 40-12 at Auckland in April and should have their full complement of Origin players backing up from last night. Civoniceva, Michael Gordon and Michael Jennings are confirmed. Lock Luke Lewis is nursing a corked thigh but is expected to be available.

- NZPA