For the first 20 minutes against the Roosters last Saturday night, it looked like Penrith’s losing streak would potentially stretch to six games.
But as the half drew on, signs of the Penrith side we’ve come to know so well over the past five years started to emerge.
By the time the full-time siren sounded, the Panthers had cleared the cobwebs and posted a 40-12 victory.
The importance of the game last Saturday was shown when coach Ivan Cleary opted to sit on the sideline for the contest, riding every moment at Allianz Stadium.
The relief on the players’ faces at the end of the game was obvious.
But whether or not we can declare “the Panthers are back” will likely not be decided until the winner of Saturday night’s clash between Penrith and Manly is decided.
The Panthers must back-up last week’s win with another stellar performance, especially with the Origin period looming.
Unfortunately, they will have to do it without inspirational hooker Mitch Kenny, who was sidelined by the NRL’s Match Review Committee. Losing Kenny is a big blow. He has been one of Penrith’s best this season and his leadership credentials have started rising to the fore.
But thankfully his suspension comes at a time when a couple of other players who we’ve been waiting to fire have finally started to show positive signs.
The much maligned Blaize Talagi had his best game in Penrith colours last weekend and he appeared to grab an enormous amount of confidence from the win, and from his first try in Penrith colours in the NRL. Perhaps more than anything he needed to prove to himself that he could partner Nathan Cleary moving forward – and he certainly did that against the Roosters.
Also producing his best game last weekend was Isaiah Papali’i, who while only playing 35 minutes delivered an impressive work rate and a four-pointer.
So has it all started to click? Let’s hope so.
Manly are in something of a slump at the moment. That 42-12 thumping of the Cowboys in Round 1 that had the entire competition talking now seems well in the distance. They’ve lost three straight games now to Melbourne, Cronulla and the Dragons and while Anthony Seibold is pointing to a packed schedule as part of the reason, there can be no doubt that the Daly Cherry-Evans saga has an impact on the side – and their star number seven.
The Sea Eagles will be without the inspirational Jake Trbojevic for this clash after he suffered a Category 1 head knock against the Dragons last Thursday night, but brother Tom returns from injury in a big boost.
Teams going into the bye – like Manly are this weekend – are always dangerous.
There’s the psychological factor of the win being worth four points, and given the side’s recent form, Manly will be clutching to anything to give themselves the advantage this Saturday night.
The Panthers are yet to win at CommBank Stadium since making it their temporary home at the start of the season, and they’ll be desperate to turn that around.
I liked what I saw from Penrith last Saturday. And more importantly I liked that they had to work for it. It took time for Ivan Cleary’s side to find their feet in the game and they got rid of the recent poor form in real time.
I haven’t seen much from Manly over the last month to suggest they’ll improve enough.
Tip: Panthers by 12.
Penrith and Manly play at CommBank Stadium on Saturday, April 26 at 7.35pm. The game is live on Fox Sports, Kayo, Radio 2GB and ABC 702.
Troy Dodds
Troy Dodds is the Weekender's Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia's leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.