Despite facing criticism in recent seasons, the Penrith Panthers silenced their doubters with a dominant grand final victory over the Storm, affirming their status as one of the greatest teams in rugby league history. Their achievement of winning four consecutive titles marks them as the first team to do so since the 1960s, allowing them to carry a confident, even cocky, demeanor that their success justifies.
The Storm entered the grand final as slight favorites and initially took the lead with the first try. However, they quickly found themselves outmatched by the Panthers, who showcased their remarkable depth and talent.
Winning four titles in the salary cap era is no small feat, and the coaching of Ivan Cleary has been pivotal in this accomplishment. Since their first championship in 2021, the Panthers have seen significant roster changes. Key players such as Stephen Crichton, Paul Momirovski, Matt Burton, Api Koroisau, Kurt Capewell, Viliame Kikau, Tyrone May, Spencer Leniu, and Brent Naden have all left, yet new talent has filled the gaps. This “next man up” mentality has allowed the Panthers to maintain their winning trajectory, drawing comparisons to the legendary Dragons team that dominated the 1950s and 1960s.
Remarkably, the Panthers managed much of the 2024 season without their key playmaker, Nathan Cleary, who appeared in only 13 of 27 matches due to injury. Despite this, the team excelled, and the camaraderie among players strengthened their resolve. The atmosphere at Bluebet Stadium has turned into a daunting challenge for any visiting team.
Dylan Edwards emerged as a standout fullback, eclipsing Blues captain James Tedesco with his exceptional running game, often racking up over 200 meters per match. His contributions significantly aided wingers Brian To’o and Sunia Turuva, who combined for 31 tries. In the centers, Izack Tago had a breakthrough season, and the Panthers also discovered a future star in Paul Alamoti, a former Bulldogs player who excelled in the grand final.
With Cleary sidelined, Jarome Luai stepped up as the primary playmaker, showcasing his skill and composure. Isaah Yeo redefined the lock position with his dynamic play, blending energy and passing abilities to ignite the backline. Liam Martin’s combination of aggression and work rate made him a crucial asset, particularly highlighted by his performance in the grand final, where he was the standout player.
The forward pack, featuring James Fisher-Harris and Moses Leota, dominated the opposition, while players like Lindsay Smith, Matt Eisenhuth, Mavrik Geyer, and the developing Liam Henry provided solid support. Hooker Mitch Kenny, although not flashy, was a consistent defensive presence, contributing significantly throughout the season.
Looking ahead to 2025, the Panthers face challenges with the impending departure of key players, including Turuva, Luai, and Fisher-Harris. Despite this, it would be unwise to underestimate the Panthers as they pursue a fifth consecutive title, with a wealth of young talent ready to step into important roles.
Key Players and Areas for Improvement:
Best Player: Dylan Edwards excelled this season, averaging over 200 running meters per game while proving to be a reliable last line of defense.
Needs to Lift: Moses Leota has been a cornerstone of the Panthers’ success, but with the loss of Fisher-Harris, he will need to elevate his game to keep the front line formidable.
