Penrith’s Premiership defence is over.
At least that’s what history says.
No team has lost five of their first six matches of the season and gone on to win the title. And we’re not just talking about the NRL era. It hasn’t happened once since 1908.
Penrith’s 30-to-12 loss to the Dolphins tonight squarely faces them off against that unfortunate piece of history.
But coach Ivan Cleary has bigger things to worry about.
The Panthers are a rabble, a shadow of their former selves. At this rate the unthinkable possibility of missing the Finals altogether is becoming a reality.
“I have faith in the boys and faith in the team, the club… it’s obviously a little challenging at the moment. That’s probably putting it mildly,” Cleary said.
“It’s tough times at the moment.”
Things that just haven’t gone wrong for Penrith in the past five years are going wrong now – and in a big way. At times, players who have been stoic in defence in previous seasons look like turnstiles. There’s poor errors, disappointing lack of awareness and judgement. The list goes on.
And with plenty of inexperience now making up Penrith’s roster, the reality of this being a year of reset is closing in fast.
“Our defence is not up to standard and that’s actually having a big effect on the rest of the game,” he said.
“There’s been too many weeks where we can’t defend our sets on the line and that probably gives the opposition confidence and takes ours away a little bit.
“It’s a little concerning for all of us. There’s a few questions that haven’t been answered there. We’ve got to get to work and make sure we improve it.”
The Dolphins led 18-6 at half-time after Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow scored twice in the first while, while Jake Averillo crossed while Paul Alamoti was in the sin bin.
Penrith’s only first half highlight came when Casey McLean scored off a smart Nathan Cleary grubber kick in the 10th minute.
Even Cleary’s attempt at a two-point field goal on the stroke of half-time was charged down. Nothing is clicking for a football team that appears lost for answers.
The Dolphins started the second half with a try through Connelly Lemuelu, opening up a 24-6 lead.
From there, Penrith capitulated. Schoolboy errors, missed tackles and wayward passes would be the tale for the remainder of the game. At times, it looked shambolic.
“I haven’t seen Penrith play like this since they wore brown and white,” Andrew Voss declared in Fox Sports commentary.
There was a bright, though comical moment when Moses Leota scored off a bizarre Jack Bostock error in the 72nd minute – but it was Penrith’s only second half highlight.
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow bagged his third try on the stroke of full-time, as Penrith conceded 30 points for the third time this season.
Penrith head to Allianz Stadium last night to face the Roosters, a side that has already beaten them once this season. It is not over-stating it to say that Penrith’s season is on the line.
The Panthers haven’t won in Australia since last year’s Grand Final with the side’s only victory this year coming in Las Vegas.
“Momentum is against us at the moment but we’ve got to make sure that when it turns, we capitalise on it,” Cleary said.
“If we can improve our defence it’ll give us a lot more confidence.
“It’s just a building process from there. I know it looks like doom and gloom but it can change quickly as well.”
Captain Isaah Yeo said it’s “tough going” but he had belief it would turn around.
“I think it’s a wonderful challenge ahead. There’s no point being a victim,” he said.
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.