The Panthers enter the 2025 season on the back of four straight premierships, and despite losing more key players in the off-season, they should not be counted out to make it five.
Season Preview
The Panthers are on the hunt for five straight premierships, and will still enter the season as one of the favourites despite another off-season of player losses.
Their premiership defence this year will arguably be the toughest they have had in recent years, as Jarome Luai moving to the Tigers will add increased pressure on Nathan Cleary. Cleary missed a significant chunk of last season, and will enter this year coming off a shoulder reconstruction. If he were to miss more time this year, the team may not be able to cover for him as easily in recent years with no Luai. As long as Cleary remains healthy and available, it would be no surprise to see the Panthers in the grand final once again.
The Panthers will also have to manage other big losses, including Sunia Turuva who is joining Luai at the Tigers, and front rower James Fisher-Harris, who has returned home to New Zealand. One of Jesse or Casey McLean will take over Turuva’s wing spot, with Penrith boasting multiple young, talented backs. Fisher-Harris is much tougher to replace as one of the best props in the game. Moses Leota will be relied upon more, while Lindsay Smith should take over the other starting front row role.
The five-eighth position is also still up for grabs. New signing Blaize Talagi has been tipped by many to take over that role, but Jack Cole played admirably when called upon last year. Brad Schneider is also a chance to start, but with whoever wears the No. 6 jersey, expect Cleary to take even more control.
Penrith will kick off their season in Las Vegas, taking on a Sharks side that will have premiership aspirations of their own after making the preliminary final last year. The new halves combination will take time to gel but the season opener will be a great opportunity to get early signs on how the defending premiers will go in 2025.
Best Signing
Embed from Getty ImagesBlaize Talagi could be a key addition for this team, but Isaiah Papali’i is a great signing. While he struggled for consistent form over the past two seasons at the Tigers, on a much better team Papali’i should be able to get back to his best. Papali’i won Dally M Second Rower of the Year in 2021, and if he can regain his best form, then he will be a constant threat in attack and be a strong asset for the best team in the competition.
Key Player
Embed from Getty ImagesIt might be cliche, but the Panthers’ season will likely be decided by Nathan Cleary. As discussed above, extra pressure will be on the star halfback after the departure of Luai. Penrith will be hoping that he can remain healthy, as if he misses any time the team will likely struggle. His kicking game is integral to the Panthers’ success, and the team’s attack will all run through him, as he still contributed 16 try assists in his 13 appearances last year.
Player to Watch
Embed from Getty ImagesWhichever McLean brother starts on the wing is likely in for a big year, but Liam Henry could take another leap after his first full season in 2024. Henry averaged 88 metres per game last year, while only playing between 30 to 40 minutes on average. With Fisher-Harris no longer in the team, there are minutes to go around in the front row, and if Henry sees an uptick in playing time, those numbers should see a large increase. Regardless, Henry will remain a key impact player off the bench.
