It certainly felt like the end for the Penrith Panthers. Once an impenetrable fortress, the team seemed to be on its last legs. The Panthers’ season appeared to unravel when Fletcher Sharpe muscled his way through five defenders in the fourth minute of a match, and Dylan Lucas carved up Penrith’s right edge for a first-half hat-trick. These moments signaled a potential collapse of a team that had been a dominant force in the NRL.
The atmosphere was tense, and even the usually composed coach, Ivan Cleary, acknowledged the team’s underperformance. “We have the potential to be doing much better,” Cleary admitted, adding that they could “only rely on potential for so long.” The solution, as Cleary bluntly put it, was simple: “Win games.”
The Panthers were indeed far from their best, languishing at the bottom of the ladder, a position they hadn’t found themselves in since 2007. The situation was reminiscent of 2019 when Cleary’s team was similarly struggling, but this time, the stakes were higher, and the expectations greater.
Cleary’s Challenge and the Turning Point
Following a 25-6 loss to the Knights in Bathurst, Cleary chose his moment to challenge his players. The specifics of his locker room address remain undisclosed, but it was clear that Cleary questioned whether his players had the drive to contend for a fifth consecutive title. According to sources, Cleary’s message was a wake-up call that set the tone for a turnaround.
Izack Tago, a Panthers center, described Cleary as “pretty angry,” noting that the team was deflated after the loss. Casey McLean, another center, mentioned that Cleary’s message was player-driven from that point on, with hooker Mitch Kenny emerging as an unsung hero. Kenny’s leadership and work ethic were pivotal during a period when the team’s Origin stars were away.
“Kenny kind of set the tone for all of us,” McLean said. “He’s the one that said, ‘We’re a lot better than this, we need to lift our standards’.”
The Role of Fresh Faces and Building Trust
Part of the Panthers’ resurgence can be attributed to the integration of new players into the team. The departures of key players like Sunia Turuva and Jarome Luai forced Penrith to adapt, with McLean and Jack Cole stepping into crucial roles. Paul Alamoti and Tom Jenkins also became mainstays in the backline, contributing to the team’s evolution.
The constant changes in the lineup initially resulted in miscommunication and a lack of trust on the field. However, as McLean noted, trust among players improved significantly over time. “Our trust for one another has come a long way,” he said. The team’s improved cohesion was evident in their defensive and offensive plays, which became more synchronized.
“The only way to explain Penrith’s attack is they’re probably running the same system they had for four or five years but there’s been multiple changes,” said Cooper Cronk. “It’s been slow. It’s been one-paced.”
Statistical Transformation and Strategic Adjustments
Statistically, the Panthers’ transformation is evident. Earlier in the season, they struggled with a low completion rate and frequent errors. After the Round 12 loss to the Knights, Penrith’s completion rate was 78.6 percent, ranking 11th in the league, and they were conceding 11.1 errors per game.
Since then, the Panthers have tightened their game, reducing errors and penalties while increasing their completion rate. This discipline has allowed them to return to the grinding style of play that has been their hallmark. The Panthers’ recent performances have been characterized by strategic game management, effective field position, and precise kicking.
“The thing with Penrith is they don’t beat themselves,” said Benji Marshall after a recent match.
Looking Ahead: Can the Panthers Sustain Their Momentum?
As the Panthers continue their resurgence, questions remain about their ability to maintain momentum and contend for a fifth-straight premiership. The development of younger players like McLean, Jenkins, and Talagi has been crucial, but the team must ensure they have enough energy for the final push in the season.
Isaah Yeo and Dylan Edwards have both acknowledged the challenges the team faced earlier in the season, but they remain optimistic. “It’s hard to say you were confident when you’re sitting in last place, but I still felt like we had that in us,” Yeo said.
Ultimately, the Panthers’ journey from the bottom of the ladder to potential premiership contenders is a testament to their resilience and adaptability. As the season progresses, the team will need to draw on their experience and newfound cohesion to achieve their goals.
“The energy tank could be zapped at any stage,” warned Cronk. “But if they do, it may be Ivan Cleary’s crowning glory.”
