In what can only be described as a heartbreaking and dramatic conclusion, the Penrith Panthers have suffered their fourth straight loss in the 2025 NRL season, a result that has sent shockwaves through the rugby league community. The defeat, which came in the dying minutes of a thrilling encounter, has raised serious questions about the Panthers’ form and their ability to maintain the dominance that has been their trademark for the past few seasons. Despite the immense talent within their squad, the Panthers once again found themselves on the wrong side of a result, failing to secure the win in a game that they were expected to dominate. The match was defined by late drama, with missed opportunities, a few key mistakes, and a lack of composure under pressure proving to be the difference between the two sides.
The game started with Penrith looking determined to end their losing streak. Coming into the match as one of the favorites, they had everything to prove. After a series of uncharacteristic performances, the Panthers were desperate for a victory to regain their confidence and restore their reputation as one of the competition’s premier teams. Early on, it appeared as though the Panthers were going to put their recent struggles behind them. They had the lion’s share of possession and seemed to control the tempo of the match, with Nathan Cleary pulling the strings in the halves and the forward pack making significant inroads into the opposition’s defense.
Cleary, as always, was the focal point of the Panthers’ attack, but he was not alone. Isaah Yeo, the ever-reliable lock forward, led from the front with tireless runs and a calm, composed presence in defense. James Fisher-Harris was also dominant in the middle, making big meters with every carry and laying a solid foundation for the attacking players. Penrith’s defense, which has been one of their hallmarks over the past few seasons, was solid early on, with the Panthers not allowing the opposition to gain any real momentum in the opening stages.
However, as the first half wore on, cracks began to appear. Despite having all the territory and possession, the Panthers were unable to convert their dominance into points. Too many times, they found themselves coming up short in the attacking zone, with handling errors and a lack of execution preventing them from taking control of the game. This was especially evident in their execution near the try line. Cleary’s kicking game, usually a weapon that has set the standard in the NRL, was inconsistent, and the Panthers’ backs, including the dangerous Brian To’o and Josh Mansour, were kept quiet for much of the first 40 minutes.
The opposition, sensing an opportunity, grew in confidence as the game progressed. They began to exploit gaps in Penrith’s defense, taking advantage of the moments when the Panthers’ concentration faltered. While Penrith tried to wrestle back control, the game began to slip away from them. Their attacking structure appeared disjointed at times, and the calm, calculated approach they are known for was replaced with frustration. Even Cleary, usually so assured, seemed off his game at times, forcing passes that were not there or kicking into poorly-positioned areas of the field.
The second half began with Penrith once again pressing the attack. They had a chance to regroup, and there was still plenty of time left to turn the game around. Their intensity was certainly better, and they were able to get more points on the board, but they could never quite pull away. The opposition fought back bravely, refusing to buckle under the pressure, and kept themselves in the game with some timely plays and exceptional defense. Penrith was still dominant in terms of possession, but it was as if the pressure of securing a win had started to weigh on them.
At times, Penrith’s frustration was visible. With every attacking raid that ended in disappointment, the energy on the field seemed to ebb away. Some crucial errors crept into their game, further compounding the sense that they were playing with an air of desperation rather than control. Penrith was pressing, but it was clear they were trying too hard at times, and this played into the hands of their opponents.
The turning point came in the final minutes of the match. With the Panthers leading by a slim margin, they had a chance to put the game beyond reach. But once again, they faltered. A dropped ball in a critical moment gave the opposition an opportunity, and they seized it with both hands. In a frantic final few minutes, the momentum swung completely. With the Panthers scrambling to defend, the opposition capitalized on a perfectly executed set play that caught Penrith off guard. As the try was scored, the Penrith players were left stunned, and the crowd fell silent in disbelief.
The Panthers, who had been in control for most of the match, were now trailing with just moments remaining. In a desperate attempt to salvage the game, they threw everything at their opponents in the final minutes. Cleary tried to orchestrate one last attack, but it was all for naught. A fumbled pass, a missed opportunity, and a lack of composure under pressure sealed their fate. The final whistle blew, and the Panthers had lost again—this time in a game that they should have won. The result left fans and analysts alike scratching their heads, as this was the fourth consecutive defeat for the reigning NRL champions.
Penrith’s four-game losing streak is nothing short of shocking, considering their recent dominance in the competition. For a team that has been built on strong defense, disciplined attack, and calm execution, this slump is a stark contrast to what fans have come to expect from the Panthers. The loss raises serious concerns about their mental toughness and ability to deal with pressure. Over the past few seasons, the Panthers have been known for their ability to close out tight games and perform under pressure, but in recent weeks, those qualities have been absent.
The absence of key leadership and a lack of execution in key moments has been a recurring theme throughout this losing streak. Cleary, as the leader of the team, has looked a little off his game, unable to control the match in the way he has in the past. His kicking game, which has been a hallmark of his career, has been inconsistent, and his decision-making has been questioned on more than one occasion. While the Panthers still have a wealth of talent in their squad, their inability to execute at the crucial moments of games has cost them dearly.
For coach Ivan Cleary, this loss—and the fourth straight defeat—will undoubtedly raise questions about his side’s readiness and mental toughness. Despite having one of the most talented rosters in the competition, his team has struggled to deliver when it matters most. Cleary will have to address these concerns and find a way to restore confidence in his side ahead of the back end of the season. The Panthers are still a team with immense potential, but they will need to rediscover their winning ways if they are to remain contenders for the NRL premiership.
The loss also brings into question Penrith’s ability to handle adversity. They have been accustomed to success in recent years, but now they are being tested in a way that many did not expect. As other teams look to take advantage of their slump, Penrith will need to find answers quickly. The NRL is a competition where momentum is everything, and right now, the Panthers seem to have lost theirs.
As for the opposition, they will be savoring the victory, knowing that they have handed one of the best teams in the competition a stunning defeat. They played with poise and composure when it mattered most, and that made all the difference in the final result. For Penrith, however, the pain of this loss will linger, and the pressure is mounting. The road ahead looks difficult, and they will need to regroup, address their issues, and regain the form that made them champions. The NRL season is long, and anything can happen, but as it stands, Penrith’s recent run of form has left many wondering if their best is still yet to come—or if they are on the verge of a season-defining crisis.