Is This the Team to Get the Panthers’ Dynasty Back on Track? Penrith’s Best 17 on Paper Raises Big Belief
Before the kick-off, before the noise, and before the trophies are chased again, there is belief — belief in the boys who wear the black, belief in the bond they share, and belief that Penrith’s story is far from finished. After seasons of dominance that reshaped the modern NRL, the Panthers now find themselves at a familiar crossroads: reset, reload, and rise again. On paper, their best 17 suggests the fire still burns.
At the heart of that belief is Nathan Cleary, the general who remains the standard-bearer for rugby league excellence. Cleary’s presence alone lifts Penrith from contender to genuine threat. His composure under pressure, elite kicking game, and unmatched control of tempo make the Panthers dangerous in any match, at any venue. Alongside him, Jarome Luai continues to bring unpredictability and edge. When Luai is confident and aggressive, Penrith’s attack gains a rhythm that few teams can handle.
Out wide, Penrith’s back five remains one of the competition’s most balanced units. Dylan Edwards, now an established leader, sets the tone with relentless effort and positional excellence. He doesn’t just return the ball — he wins metres, wins moments, and wins trust. On the wings, speed and finishing class ensure opportunities are rarely wasted, while the centres provide that crucial mix of power and finesse that has long defined Penrith’s attacking identity.
The engine room, however, is where belief turns into conviction. Penrith’s forward pack has always been built on work rate, discipline, and unity rather than sheer size alone. Isaah Yeo, the captain and spiritual heartbeat of the side, remains irreplaceable. His ability to link play, defend tirelessly, and lead through action gives the Panthers their spine. Around him, the rotation of middle forwards provides punch through the middle while maintaining the high standards that have become the club’s trademark.
At dummy-half, Mitch Kenny epitomises the Panthers’ culture. He may not be the flashiest No.9 in the competition, but his toughness, awareness, and commitment to the system make him invaluable. He does the unseen work — the tackles, the clean service, the defensive reads — that allow the stars around him to shine.
What truly raises belief, though, is Penrith’s depth and mentality. The next man up philosophy is no cliché here; it is a lived reality. Young players entering the best 17 don’t look overawed — they look prepared. That comes from years of development, trust in pathways, and a coaching system that prioritises clarity over chaos. Penrith don’t panic under pressure; they trust their process.
Defensively, this side still has the tools to strangle opponents. Line speed, communication, and discipline remain non-negotiable. When the Panthers defend as one, they drain belief from the opposition — a hallmark of their premiership years. Attack then becomes a reward for patience, not a gamble.
Of course, dynasties are not sustained on paper alone. Injuries, form swings, and the hunger of chasing teams will test Penrith again. Rivals have studied them, challenged them, and learned from them. But belief is a powerful thing — and this squad has earned it.
On paper, Penrith’s best 17 looks like more than a rebuild. It looks like a reminder. A reminder of standards set, battles won, and chapters still unwritten. The dynasty may have been questioned, but it has not been buried. And as long as belief lives in the black jersey, Penrith’s story is far from over. 🖤🐾
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