Penrith remains confident that they are not experiencing a form slump and believes they can reverse their late-season decline, asserting that only slight adjustments are necessary for success in crucial moments.
The Panthers began this season with unprecedented dominance, clinching 12 of their first 13 matches with an impressive average victory margin of 17 points.
However, the team has stumbled recently, securing just three wins out of their last eight, putting them in contention for a top-two finish.
Their back-to-back losses to the Warriors and Sydney Roosters, alongside Isaah Yeo's pec injury, have made the competition considerably more competitive.
"I know there's things people have been saying, like 'they're in a slump' or 'they can't win without Yeo'," said forward Scott Sorensen to AAP.
"Everyone's entitled to their opinion. But I know what happens in here and the conversations that happen every single day.
"You can't control what people say but I feel like they are (overreacting) ... It was 12-6 against Roosters. Warriors obviously punched us in the face.
"But if you watch that game closely, we're coming after them at the end. It's not like getting flogged 30-nil."
A review of Penrith's season indicates a notable decline in their yardage over the last two months, with less control in the middle.
The team is making five fewer tackles per game and facing increased defensive responsibilities after previously dominating possession early in the season.
These outcomes have coincided with the Origin period, during which several key players have been injured, including Dylan Edwards and Yeo.
The team's attack has also shifted, with Yeo being a crucial link, while hooker Mitch Kenny is injured, and Jack Cogger has stepped in for Blaize Talagi at five-eighth.
Additionally, the NRL implemented changes midway through 2026 that reduced set restarts across the league.
"We handled all the six agains and how fast it was, really well," Edwards, who made his return last week, stated.
"Now they've dropped off a little bit, you've just got to adapt.
"It's hard to be up for a full season. There are a lot of factors that go into one.
"Origin obviously causes disruptions, the scheduling, lack of training, lack of cohesion, travel.
"You can take your pick, but we do enough work to be able to put in performances and keep getting better."
Penrith will see Casey McLean return against Melbourne on Thursday, while Paul Alamoti (hamstring) and Kenny (leg) are expected back for finals.
If all goes well, Yeo may be the only player on the sidelines, likely returning just in time for the knockout finals if surgery isn't needed.
"We haven't been as sharp as we'd like and we've got a few things to work on," noted Sorensen.
"But we're not sitting here talking about changing game plans or the team. It's just simple things we want to sharpen up.
"A fortnight ago we were playing the Raiders in Mudgee, and we had a really good performance.
"The boys are pretty dialled in. We know what we need to do."