The Penrith Panthers may be experiencing a dip in form in the current NRL season, but history proves that writing them off too early is a mistake. Despite a string of challenging performances and questions surrounding their depth without key players, the Panthers have shown time and again that they possess the resilience and talent to turn things around—and make a serious finals push.
In recent years, Penrith has built a reputation as one of the NRL’s most consistent and toughest clubs. They’ve made the finals multiple times, including back-to-back premierships in 2021 and 2022. Even when hit by injuries, squad changes, or off-field distractions, their structure and culture have helped them rise above adversity.
Key players like Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo, and Dylan Edwards provide a solid backbone for the team, while head coach Ivan Cleary has proven his tactical brilliance under pressure. With the return of injured stars on the horizon and a softer schedule in the latter part of the season, Penrith’s chances of storming back into finals contention are far from impossible.
The NRL is a competition built on momentum, and few clubs know how to build it better than the Panthers. Their recent slump may dominate headlines now, but don’t be surprised if Penrith claws their way back—because if history has shown anything, it’s that the Panthers never stay down for long.
