LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
In a stark display of the brutal realities of professional sport, Penrith Panthers star Nathan Cleary has shed light on the stark differences between the powerhouse club of today and the glory days of their first NRL premiership win in 2021.
The recent departure of James Fisher-Harris to the Warriors marks yet another blow to the Panthers, with over half of the players from their 2021 grand final victory now gone or on their way out.
Since their triumphant three-peat and four consecutive grand final appearances starting in 2020, the Panthers roster has undergone a significant overhaul.
Out of the 17 players who took the field in the 2021 grand final, only seven remain.
The exodus includes key figures like Api Koroisau, Stephen Crichton, and Matt Burton, leaving Cleary, Isaah Yeo, and a handful of others to carry the torch of past successes.
While fans may be feeling the heat over these changes, Cleary's somber reminder is a timely one - in the world of Rugby League, roster turnover is simply a fact of life, especially when navigating the constraints of the salary cap.
As the Panthers navigate this era of change, they will have to lean on their remaining core group of players to steer the ship through turbulent waters.
With Cleary leading the charge, they will no doubt look to weather the storm and emerge stronger on the other side.