Panthers 2023 preview: Rugby league history beckons for ‘dynasty’ hopefuls

Three in a row. Now there’s a rugby league achievement very few have achieved. None in the modern era either—not since the Parramatta Eels in the 1980s, in fact. Penrith could very well forge rugby league history this year.

Looking back, there’s actually been very few rugby league three-peats ever.

There is, of course, the St George Dragons and their eleven in a row between 1956 and 1966. That’s a feat no team will repeat again, The Sporting Base is sure of that. The aforementioned Eels in the ’80s too. Earlier than that, the Rabbitohs (still just South Sydney with no moniker for two of them) won thrice between 1953 and 1955. Easts managed it in the 1910s and 1930s, and Souths won five straight in the 1920s. Then there’s the last: Balmain claiming three from 1915 to 1917.

One thing is very clear—it has gotten harder and harder to achieve for any top-flight footy team. Gone are the domination days of the 20s, 30s, and 50s. Except, here stand the Panthers, looking all the world like the best chance to actually lift three NRL premierships in a row and truly mark themselves as the dynasty team of the 21st century.

Last year’s finish: 1st, 20 wins and four losses

Last ten NRL campaigns: 1st (Premiers), 2nd (Premiers), 1st (Runners-up), 10th, 6th (Semi), 7th (Semi), 6th (Semi), 11th, 4th (Prelim), 10th

Predicted Round 1 lineup

1. Dylan Edwards
2. Taylan May
3. Izack Tago
4. Stephen Crichton
5. Brian To’o
6. Jarome Luai
7. Nathan Cleary
8. Moses Leota
9. Mitch Kenny
10. James Fisher-Harris
11. Luke Garner
12. Liam Martin
13. Isaah Yeo
14. Soni Luke
15. Spencer Leniu
16. Scott Sorensen
17. Jaeman Salmon

Coach: Ivan Cleary

Biggest losses: Apisai Koroisau, Viliame Kikau Biggest gain: Luke Garner

How 2023 is looking for Penrith

For a team The Sporting Base is tipping to make National Rugby League history, the start of 2023 hasn’t actually been the best stretch for the Panthers, particularly in regards to recruitment and retention.

While Ivan Cleary managed to grab Luke Garner for the second row, he’s only replacing the outgoing Viliame Kikau, and that’s not even the worst exit either; championship hooker Apisai Koroisau has walked out the door too, joining the rebuilding Wests Tigers for a hefty pay packet after winning two in a row.

Then there’s the 13-12 upset loss to St. Helen’s in the Club World Championship.

All that aside, the Panthers still shape as the biggest chance for the title. Nathan Cleary is the best halfback in the game with only Nicho Hynes in the same realm, and the rest of the western machine is dripping with international and Origin talents.

The one big question mark is how Koroisau’s departure affects Cleary. We’ve already seen some shaky signs at the World Cup over the offseason and that shock St. Helen’s defeat wasn’t the biggest confidence booster for how he plays with different service from rake. But, even with these worries, we’ll repeat—Cleary is the best halfback in the game. His father builds the Panthers’ plan around his already scintillating son, giving him license to truly control matches in a way we’ve not much in rugby league.

The Roosters, Rabbitohs, Sharks, and Cowboys all look like they could challenge Penrith over the season. But in any one-on-one elimination game, you’d back the dynasty-bound Panthers every time. And that’s what we’re doing for 2023.

Predicted 2023 finish: 1st

First five: Panthers (H), Rabbitohs (H), BYE, Eels (A), Raiders (A)

TopSport odds: Premiers $4, Make Top 4: $1.43, Make Final 8: $1.10, Miss The Top 8: $7

Pass mark: Nothing but a third straight title for this hopeful NRL dynasty. Download Our Free NRL App

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