The Penrith Panthers have had an incredible run over the past five years.
After finishing outside the top eight the year before, they advanced to the Grand Final in 2020. They then went on an amazing and historic three-year run of Premierships in 2021, 2022, and 2023.
We anticipated that the Panthers would slow down to a more leisurely pace in 2024, but instead they secured the second seed and easily defeated the Roosters to advance to the Grand Final.
As one of the most dominant teams in NRL history, they are on the cusp of winning four straight Premierships, and it is difficult to see any of them slow down or give up.
However, based on the list of players who left at the end of the season, which I consider to be the truth, it’s difficult to believe that the Panthers will win the next season.
And I understand; when Stephen Crichton and Spencer Leniu left last year, we also stated as much, but things aren’t the same this time around.
Jahrome Luai is a lot larger component of the puzzle and a much harder pill to swallow. He has perhaps been the Panthers finest player in 2024.
While their star big man James Fisher-Harris secured a contract with his home team, the New Zealand Warriors, Luai took a massive deal with the Wests Tigers from 2025.
Those are the losses from which recovery is considerably more difficult. Your chances are harmed by those losses.
It’s safe to say that the Panthers will be influential for many years to come. You stand as good a chance as any as long as you have Isaah Yeo, Dylan Edwards, and Nathan Cleary on your side.
However, with a forward like Fisher-Harris and a playmaker of Luai’s caliber, it seems probable that the blow will lessen considerably the following season.
Who will take up the slack if Cleary gets hurt?
Who is the new enforcer for the Panthers?
They are still with Penrith for the time being, and the Panthers want to send them off victorious and raise their fourth trophy in a row on the Premiership pedestal.