Few teams in professional sport embody resilience quite like the Penrith Panthers. In recent years, they have established themselves as a rugby league powerhouse, dominating the NRL landscape with relentless consistency. But even for dynasties, the path isn’t always smooth. The 2025 season has been one of uncharacteristic struggle for the Panthers, raising eyebrows and questions from both pundits and fans. Their drop down the ladder, at one point finding themselves hovering near the bottom four, triggered fears that their era of dominance might be over. However, if history has taught us anything about this club, it’s that Penrith never stays down for long. There is a quiet defiance in their DNA, an ability to regroup, recalibrate, and roar back with devastating intensity. And despite their early stumbles, the Panthers remain very much in contention to claw their way into the finals—and possibly beyond.
The beginning of the 2025 campaign was jarring. A combination of injury setbacks, a few surprise losses, and a seeming lack of cohesion left the Panthers looking unlike the formidable side that had reached four consecutive grand finals in the early 2020s. Critics were quick to suggest that the golden era had passed, that fatigue had finally caught up with a team that had, for so long, set an impossibly high bar for consistency. The departure of several key players in recent seasons, combined with the evolving nature of rival teams, only added to the skepticism. Suddenly, every dropped ball, every defensive lapse, was interpreted through the lens of decline.
But writing off Penrith is a mistake many have made before—and regretted. There is a cultural core to this club that transcends temporary form. It is rooted in the leadership of players like Isaah Yeo, the strategic mind of coach Ivan Cleary, and a developmental system that continues to produce top-tier talent. When the chips are down, the Panthers do not implode. Instead, they rely on their systems, their trust in each other, and an unshakable belief that they are capable of more. That belief has started to bear fruit in the second half of the season.
Over the past two months, the Panthers have shown flickers—then flashes—of their old selves. Their defense has tightened, their attack has begun to click again, and some of the young players brought into the squad have started to grow into their roles. This resurgence hasn’t been spectacular in the traditional sense—it has been gritty, grinding, and often ugly. But it has been effective. A team that was once languishing in the bottom four is now edging closer to the top eight, reminding the rest of the league that form is temporary, but class is permanent.
What sets Penrith apart is their mental toughness. This is a team that understands what it takes to win—how to absorb pressure, how to play ugly when needed, and how to pull themselves back from the brink. Their spine, even with changes, continues to exert influence in key moments. Dylan Edwards, ever the workhorse at fullback, remains one of the most reliable players in the league. His positional awareness and defensive efforts have been a steadying force amid the chaos. Nathan Cleary, though hampered by injuries earlier in the year, is gradually rediscovering his rhythm. His kicking game, once again, is dictating tempo and territory, and his calm under pressure continues to inspire those around him.
Then there are the unsung heroes—the forwards who make the tough carries, the backs who commit to defensive reads, and the bench players who bring energy and impact. Penrith doesn’t rely on flash; it relies on unity. That’s what makes their climb up the ladder feel not just plausible, but likely. Each win adds to the momentum, each gritty performance reaffirms their belief. There’s something dangerous about a great team with something to prove. The Panthers are no longer the hunters; they are the hunted who’ve found themselves wounded, but far from defeated.
There is also an advantage to being doubted. For years, Penrith carried the weight of expectation. Every win was met with the question of whether they could keep it going. Now, with many assuming their fall is inevitable, the Panthers have the rare opportunity to play with a chip on their shoulder. That edge, combined with their experience in high-stakes games, could be a decisive factor in the race to the finals. While other teams may peak too early or crumble under the growing pressure of finals qualification, Penrith’s slow burn could see them arriving at the postseason as one of the most battle-hardened sides in the competition.
Critically, they have managed to stay in the fight despite their early slump. The NRL is unforgiving—just a couple of poor games can define a season. But Penrith has weathered the worst of the storm and still find themselves within striking distance. Their recent victories against fellow finals contenders have not only boosted their own position but also dented the momentum of their rivals. Each round has become a strategic battle, and Penrith’s experience in navigating such scenarios is invaluable.
Moreover, their coaching staff remains among the best in the business. Ivan Cleary is not merely a motivator; he is a tactician. He understands his team’s limitations, but more importantly, he knows how to turn them into strengths. His adjustments during matches, his faith in emerging players, and his emphasis on discipline continue to pay dividends. The Panthers may no longer have the raw dominance of earlier seasons, but they possess a deep tactical intelligence that allows them to outthink and outlast opponents.
Looking ahead, their path to the finals is not easy, but it is clear. They must continue their current trajectory, focusing on one game at a time, controlling the controllables, and leaning into the aspects of their game that have historically served them well—structured sets, defensive resilience, and relentless pressure. They may not blow teams off the park like they once did, but they are rediscovering how to win the games that matter most. If they do make the finals—and all signs suggest they can—the rest of the competition will be wary. Nobody wants to face a resurgent Panthers side with nothing to lose and everything to prove.
The Penrith Panthers’ story in 2025 is no longer about dominance; it is about determination. It is a story of a great team being tested, of champions learning to rebuild in real time. The very struggles they’ve faced this year could be what makes them even more dangerous come finals. Adversity has a way of sharpening focus and galvanizing unity, and in Penrith’s case, it seems to have reignited a fire that many assumed was fading. The climb from the bottom to the finals isn’t just possible for this team—it’s increasingly probable. And if there’s one team tough enough, smart enough, and proud enough to do it, it’s the Panthers.