LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Penrith Panthers head coach Ivan Cleary has acknowledged that the depth in his squad for the 2025 season has become younger due to a recent round of departures at the end of 2024.
The NRL salary cap was not designed to allow a team to win four premierships in a row, and attempting a fifth championship may prove to be a challenge for the Panthers.
Following a loss to the Melbourne Storm, the Panthers have only managed one win in their first three games of the season, with two losses after returning from Las Vegas.
The absence of key players such as Nathan Cleary, who was sidelined due to Category 1 concussion symptoms, and Dylan Edwards, who was out with an injury, has added to the team's struggles.
In the grand final rematch against the Storm, Cleary had to be replaced by 18th man Blaize Talagi, who partnered with Jack Cole in the halves.
The Panthers will now have to face upcoming challenges without some of their star players, making their path to success more difficult.
The team's lack of experience and depth has raised concerns about their ability to maintain their winning streak in the upcoming season.
Despite their previous successes, the Panthers are now facing a tough road ahead as they strive to compete at the same level as their rivals.
Cleary's acknowledgment of the team's current situation highlights the challenges they will need to overcome in order to remain competitive in the NRL.
Overall, the Panthers' struggles in the early stages of the 2025 season underscore the impact of player departures and injuries on the team's performance.
As they navigate a tough schedule in the coming weeks, the Panthers will need to rely on their younger players and remaining key personnel to step up and fill the void left by their absent teammates.