It seems a little mind-boggling to say, but there’s every chance the Penrith Panthers march their way to a fifth straight NRL premiership – a feat barely ever achieved in rugby league, and never in the modern era.
But, here we are — this Sporting Base writer is pretty certain they could do it, and you’d be hard pressed to find many rugby league fans that disagree at this point in the 2020s.
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The only thing that may stop the brakes (outside other teams like the Storm or Sharks hitting a higher level) is the star power lost this season. The Panthers have been picked apart roster-wise every season for years now as they wrangle the salary cap, but losing Cleary’s deputy Jarome Luai may be the stinging blow to the dynasty.
That’s not to say Cleary can’t dominate along, but Luai staying fit and playing through the year while Cleary was sidelined for much of 2024 arguably won them their fourth. Without him, it may be a big fall in star power in the 6s and 7s should Cleary be out again.
Either way, Ivan Cleary has proven he can continue restocking the ranks with championship power and megastars like Dylan Edwards, Brian To’o, and captain Isaah Yeo remain. Lock them in as title contenders, easily.
Round 1 side: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Casey McLean 3. Izack Tago 4. Paul Alamoti 5. Brian To’o 6. Jack Cole 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. Lindsay Smith 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo Bench: 14. Daine Laurie 15. Scott Sorensen 16. Liam Henry 17. Luke Garner
Coach: Ivan Cleary (seventh year)
Biggest loss: James Fisher-Harris, Jarome Luai Biggest gain: Blaize Talagi, Isaiah Papali’i
First five: Sharks (Las Vegas), Roosters (H), Storm (A), Rabbitohs (A), Cowboys (H)
Last year’s finish: 2nd (and Premiers)
Predicted 2025 finish: 2nd
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TopSport odds: Premiers: $4.50, Top 4: $1.57, Final 8: $1.12, Most Losses: $251
