Monday night’s brilliant 35-34 win over a desperate Broncos side sees the Penrith Panthers move back to a share of the lead on the NRL premiership table.
The Panthers join the Bulldogs and Sea Eagles on 26 competition points, four points clear of the Rabbitohs, Warriors and Roosters.
The race for the minor premiership now looks like a race of three, and for non-fans of the Dogs and Eagles, the Panthers seem to have the people on their side.
Australians typically love an underdog, and the Panthers fit the bill perfectly. NRL fans that aren’t aligned with the Dogs or Eagles have taken to social media to back the Panthers for top spot.
Gus Gould, Ivan Cleary and company have the club firing on all cylinders as they have proven to be years ahead of the much publicised five-year plan.
Likeable players such as Matt Moylan, Tyrone Peachey and Josh Mansour have fans tuning in.
Despite suggestions that the Panthers have been gifted a lop-sided draw, the men from the foot of the mountains are great value for their share of the competition lead.
Although they remain big outsiders in the race for top spot, you can’t help but admire the work being put in at the Penrith club.
Fans and media experts alike questioned Gould’s sanity when he tapped Luke Lewis and Michael Jennings on the shoulder and let them sign for the Sharks and Roosters respectively, but both moves now look a masterstroke.
Although both are still playing State of Origin football, the money tied up in two players has been spread over multiple players, creating depth that hasn’t been seen at the club in many years.
The Panthers will be tested over the remaining rounds of the premiership as they face the Roosters, Bulldogs, Storm, Eagles and Warriors.
Regardless of where they end up, the Panthers have surely entertained fans of not only their club, but the rugby league community in general.
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