The Penrith Panthers experienced a significant turning point in their season last Sunday, succumbing to the Brisbane Broncos, marking the first time in 99 matches that they let go of a lead of 10 points or more at Suncorp Stadium. This unexpected loss could be attributed to various factors, including potential complacency as they eyed the grand final or fatigue from their journey from the bottom of the standings in round 12 to the finals.
Despite concerns around the Panthers’ ability to secure a fifth consecutive title, the Melbourne Storm will be relieved by their exit from the competition. The Panthers had a rocky start to the season, achieving only three victories from their first nine games. This tough beginning put immense pressure on the team, especially as they faced a series of must-win matches throughout the remainder of the season.
In addition to their slow start, injuries to crucial players like James Fisher-Harris, Jarome Luai, and Suni Turuva hampered their chances of success as the season progressed. However, Nathan Cleary showcased remarkable resilience, playing through injuries and captaining the team effectively in tight games, illustrating his central role in their title defence.
Young talents such as Blaize Talagi are emerging, promising a bright future for the Panthers, while veteran fullback Dylan Edwards continued to put in exceptional performances. Additionally, the wingers Brian To’o, Tom Jenkins, and Paul Alamoti combined for an impressive total of 38 tries.
The franchise has also witnessed the rise of Casey McLean, a promising centre who tallied 16 tries and proved instrumental in creating opportunities. Isaah Yeo maintained his reputation as one of the premier lock forwards in the game, linking the attack seamlessly. The back row benefited from the strong performances of Isaiah Papali’i and Liam Martin, while Mitch Kenny’s hard work at hooker kept the team competitive.
Looking ahead, Cleary sustained his status as a key player under pressure, demonstrating top-tier professionalism. Nevertheless, Izack Tago’s performance fell short compared to his previous season, with only seven tries across 25 matches, setting high expectations for his comeback in 2026.
The Panthers have yet to officially announce new signings for 2026 and face the challenge of losing Mavrik Geyer to Wests Tigers and Brad Schneider to the Dolphins. As they regroup, the Panthers have the talent and potential to rebound and remain contenders in the upcoming season.