The Penrith Panthers possess an air of invincibility that is characteristic of the truly great teams in rugby league history. This aura is reminiscent of the dominance exhibited by the Melbourne Storm during the era of the Big Three, the Brisbane Broncos in the 1990s, the Canberra Raiders under the leadership of Mal Meninga, and the Parramatta Eels and Canterbury Bulldogs during their prime in the 1980s. These teams had the rare ability to appear down and out, only to rise again and snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
The Panthers demonstrated this exact quality in Round 23 when they faced the Parramatta Eels at CommBank Stadium. With just seven minutes left on the clock, Penrith found themselves trailing by 14 points, a situation that would seem insurmountable for most teams. However, the Panthers are not like most teams. They possess a calm confidence that allows them to execute their game plan without succumbing to panic, even when time is running out.
The Eels, who believed they had secured the win, were left stunned as Penrith launched a late-game assault that ultimately saw them emerge victorious. In those final few minutes, the Panthers exhibited a blend of patience and precision, managing to avoid the desperation plays that often accompany attempts at a last-minute comeback. Their final try, which came under contentious circumstances due to a questionable decoy run, sealed their win and underscored the team’s ability to capitalize on any opportunity.
With key players like Dylan Edwards and James Fisher-Harris expected to return to the lineup soon, the Panthers are increasingly being seen as favorites to claim their fourth consecutive premiership. The team’s resilience and knack for pulling off wins in challenging situations only bolster this perception.
While Penrith’s place in the finals seems all but assured, the battle for the eighth and final spot in the playoffs is far from decided. Several teams are vying for that last position, and it’s anyone’s guess who will ultimately claim it. The Dolphins currently have a slight edge, but the Dragons are proving to be stubborn opponents, refusing to concede defeat easily. Meanwhile, the Brisbane Broncos have made a surprising resurgence, and teams like Canberra and Newcastle remain in the mix, despite their struggles with offensive consistency.
As the season progresses, each team’s standing in the Power Rankings becomes clearer. The Panthers, unsurprisingly, maintain their top spot, with their narrow win over the Eels serving as both a testament to their dominance and a reminder that even the best teams have moments of vulnerability. Yet, unlike other teams, the Panthers have an uncanny ability to navigate through those vulnerable moments and still come out on top. Whether it’s Nathan Cleary, Isaiah Yeo, or another key player stepping up when it matters most, Penrith consistently finds a way to secure victory.
Following the Panthers, the Melbourne Storm hold the second position in the Power Rankings. Despite a somewhat lackluster performance against the Rabbitohs, where they allowed South Sydney to claw back into the game after leading comfortably, the Storm remain one of the most formidable teams in the league. Coach Craig Bellamy is known for his high standards, and he will likely use the close call as a teaching moment to ensure his team doesn’t lose focus in future matches, especially with a crucial game against Penrith looming.
The Roosters, who had a bye in Round 23, are ranked third. The break comes at a perfect time for the team, allowing them to recover from the physical toll of the season and prepare for a critical four-week stretch that will determine their final standing heading into the playoffs. Their focus will be on securing a top-four spot, with the hope of positioning themselves for a strong playoff run.
The Bulldogs, sitting in fourth place, have adopted a strategy of fielding a smaller, more mobile forward pack this season, a decision that has paid off. In their recent match against the Dragons, all of their starting forwards, including Josh Curran, who led the team with 208 running meters, surpassed the 100-meter mark. This approach has allowed them to compete effectively against larger opponents, showcasing their adaptability and resilience as they continue to push for success.
