By worldlive 
So shock: It’s has happened! “What’s gonna be left” Panthers lose their heart and soul, now bitter rivals are favourites to take their crown as well…
The Penrith Panthers, one of the most dominant NRL teams of recent years, are facing a period of significant transition.
Their once-unbreakable dynasty is now under threat as key departures leave them vulnerable, and their fiercest rivals are primed to seize the opportunity.
The End of an Era?
Over the past few seasons, the Panthers have been the gold standard in the NRL, securing three consecutive premierships and establishing themselves as the team to beat.
Their success was built on a foundation of homegrown talent, defensive resilience, and a winning culture instilled by coach Ivan Cleary. However, with the departure of some of their most influential figures, the team now faces its biggest challenge yet—staying at the top.
The most notable loss is Jarome Luai, the charismatic and electrifying playmaker who has been a crucial part of the Panthers’ success.
Luai’s leadership, creativity, and chemistry with Nathan Cleary made him a core component of the team’s attack. Now, he has taken his talents to the Wests Tigers, a club desperate to turn its fortunes around.
His move not only weakens Penrith but strengthens a competitor, making the Panthers’ road to another title significantly harder.
Another major departure is James Fisher-Harris, the heart and soul of the Panthers’ forward pack. Known for his relentless aggression and unmatched work ethic, Fisher-Harris has been the enforcer Penrith relied upon in the toughest moments.
His move to the New Zealand Warriors gives them a much-needed boost in the pack while leaving a glaring hole in Penrith’s forward dominance.
Rivals Smell Blood
With the Panthers losing two of their key players, their bitter rivals see an opportunity to dethrone them. Teams that have been knocking on the door of premiership success are now in prime position to take over.
- Brisbane Broncos – After falling short in last year’s Grand Final against Penrith, the Broncos are hungry for revenge. Led by Reece Walsh, Adam Reynolds, and Payne Haas, the Broncos have the firepower to finally claim the title that slipped through their fingers.
- Cronulla Sharks – The addition of Addin Fonua-Blake has given the Sharks a massive boost in their forward pack. His impact has already been felt, and with a squad featuring Nicho Hynes and a solid defensive structure, Cronulla is emerging as a serious threat.
- Canterbury Bulldogs – Once a struggling side, the Bulldogs have transformed into a formidable contender, thanks to their smart recruitment and improved performances. The arrival of Stephen Crichton has added a premiership-winning mentality, and their recent finals appearance suggests they are ready to challenge for the title.
The Panthers’ Response
Despite these setbacks, the Panthers are not a team that will simply roll over. They still have Nathan Cleary, one of the game’s most influential halfbacks, and coach Ivan Cleary remains committed to keeping the team competitive.
They will need to rely on their depth, young talent, and their championship-winning experience to stay in the race.
New leaders must emerge. Players like Dylan Edwards, Isaah Yeo, and Liam Martin will have to take on even greater responsibility, both on and off the field. The Panthers will also need to develop new combinations and adjust their style of play to account for the missing pieces.
Can the Panthers Defy the Odds?
Losing Luai and Fisher-Harris is a significant blow, but great teams find a way to adapt. The 2025 season will be a defining one for Penrith.
If they can overcome these challenges and still compete for the title, it will be a testament to their resilience and the strength of their system. However, with their rivals growing stronger, the road ahead is more difficult than ever.
One thing is certain: the chase for the NRL premiership is wide open, and the battle to dethrone the Panthers has never been more intense.