Penrith are through to yet another Grand Final. Here’s how the season unfolded…
Round 1: A tough start in Melbourne
A shortened pre-season and a trip to England takes it toll on Penrith, who fail to score a point against Melbourne to open the season. The Storm grind away and produce an 8-nil win.
Round 2: Panthers own the west
The Panthers play their first home game of the year and prove too good for arch rivals Parramatta, winning 26-18. The Eels score first, but the Panthers take control mid-way through the first half.
Round 3: Broncos no match
Brian To’o scores a double as Penrith dismantle Brisbane 34-12 in the first meeting of the two clubs since the 2023 Grand Final. Izack Tago also grabs a double in the six tries to two win.
Round 4: Mav debuts, Panthers get past Roosters
There’s huge publicity around Mavrik Geyer making his NRL debut, as the Panthers hold off a fast finishing Roosters to win 22-16 despite the absence of Nathan Cleary.
Round 5: Sea Eagles too good
The Panthers are disappointing against Manly at 4 Pines Park, with the Sea Eagles producing a 32-18 win. Dylan Edwards scores two tries, but it’s not enough to get Penrith the win.
Round 7: Panthers get it done in Bathurst
The Panthers race away to beat the Tigers 22-6 in front of 12,000 fans at Carrington Park in Bathurst. Sunia Turuva scores a double, while Paul Alamoti and James Fisher-Harris also cross.
Round 8: Panthers hold on in Townsville
The Panthers race to an 18-4 lead over North Queensland in Townsville, but fans face a nervous second half as the Cowboys mount a comeback. Penrith ultimately win 26-20.
Round 9: Panthers make Rabbit stew
No Cleary, no worries as the Panthers embarrass South Sydney 42-12 at Accor Stadium. The Rabbitohs race out to an early lead but are ultimately no match for Penrith.
Round 10: Cleary hurt, Panthers down Dogs
Nathan Cleary leaves the field injured as Penrith brush past Canterbury 16-10. Luke Garner and Brian To’o score tries for Penrith, with conversions and penalties proving the difference.
Round 11: No magic for Panthers
Dylan Edwards misses a last minute chance to send the Magic Round game against the Warriors to golden point, as the New Zealanders spring an upset and win 22-20 at Suncorp Stadium.
Round 12: Panthers demolish Sharks
The Panthers run rampant against the Sharks at PointsBet Stadium, producing a 42-0 thrashing with Jarome Luai standing up as the leader of the side. It’s Penrith’s best performance of the season.
Round 13: Dragons win in the wet
In wet conditions at BlueBet Stadium, St George-Illawarra spring a surprise and produce a 22-10 defeat of the Panthers. Penrith led 10-0 at the break before falling apart.
Round 14: Pointsfest as Panthers beat Sea Eagles
In a bizarre game, Brian To’o and Tommy Talau both score first half hat-tricks. Sunia Turuva bags a second half double, and Penrith down Manly 32-22 at BlueBet Stadium.
Round 15: Panthers get it done in Newcastle
Dylan Edwards stars as Penrith get past Newcastle 26-18 at McDonald Jones Stadium. The Panthers never seem overly troubled, but the Knights refuse to go away and keep it close.
Round 17: Cowboys win dour clash
Penrith’s wet weather record is again exposed, with the Cowboys producing a 16-6 win over the Panthers in rainy conditions at BlueBet Stadium. Brad Schneider scores Penrith’s only try.
Round 18: Doing the double on Brisbane
Brisbane edge to a 6-4 lead at half-time over Penrith, but fail to score a point in the second half. Brian To’o and Mitch Kenny grab second half four-pointers and the Panthers win 14-6.
Round 20: Cleary delivers in Golden Point
Nathan Cleary returns from injury and delivers a two-point field goal in Golden Point extra time to beat the Dolphins 28-26 in Penrith. Both scores grabbed four tries.
Round 21: Panthers demolish Dragons
Trent Toelau scores his first try in the NRL as the Panthers cruise past the Dragons 46-10 at WIN Stadium in Wollongong. Nathan Cleary bags three tries in the thrashing.
Round 22: Panthers fight hard to beat Knights
The Knights score first, but Penrith respond quickly and take control of the contest in front of more than 20,000 fans at BlueBet Stadium. The Panthers run out 22-14 victors.
Round 23: Miracle comeback at CommBank
Penrith produce a stunning comeback, grabbing three tries in the space of four minutes to beat Parramatta 36-34 at CommBank Stadium. Izack Tago bags the match-winner.
Round 24: Cleary hurt, Storm get home
A hush falls over BlueBet Stadium after Nathan Cleary leaves the field with a shoulder injury that would ultimately rule him out for the rest of the regular season. Melbourne win 24-22.
Round 25: Raiders spring an upset
It’s tough going for the Panthers in the nation’s capital, with the Raiders winning 22-18 courtesy of a late intercept try. The loss puts Penrith’s chances of a Home Final in doubt.
Round 26: Cleaners put through Bunnies
South Sydney are no match for a Penrith team desperate to get the back end of the season back on track. The Panthers take an 18-6 lead into the break and are never headed, winning 34-12.
Round 27: Scrappy, but enough
Penrith turn back the clock in a heritage jumper and down Gold Coast 18-12 at Penrith Park to secure a Home Final. It’s a shaky performance, but the win ensures the Panthers finish second.
Finals Week 1: Cleary masterclassÂ
Nathan Cleary returns and produces a stunning performance as the Panthers down the Roosters 30-10 in Penrith. Brian To’o, Izack Tago and Jarome Luai score tries in the opening 20 minutes to blow the Roosters away early. The Panthers lead 24-0 at the break and hold off the Roosters in the second half.
Finals Week 3: Isn’t it Grand?
Penrith qualify for their fifth straight Grand Final with a 26-6 demolition of Cronulla at Accor Stadium. Paul Alamoti scores the opening try but the Sharks stick with the Panthers, until the final 20 minutes when Ivan Cleary’s side starts to pull away. Ivan Cleary blows up in the post-match press conference over an obstruction call.
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