Picked by some at the beginning of 2013 to finish at the bottom of the National Rugby League table, the resurgent Penrith Panthers sit one spot out of the top eight after 16 rounds.
A shopping spree by coach Ivan Cleary and general manager Phil Gould saw the Panthers nab the likes of James Segeyaro, Sika Manu and Lewis Brown for the new year, all of them great players and winners in their own right.
But the question was if Cleary could get the mix right and make Penrith a competitive side their fans could be proud of.
At this stage, the fans are happy with where their side is headed.
They have unearthed a whole bunch of fearless kids too. The rise of youngsters like Matt Moylan, Adam Docker and Isaac John means the club is in safe hands for 2014. It also shouldn’t be forgotten that Lachlan Coote still has to come back into the team too, with Jamie Soward, Elijah Taylor and Tyrone Peachey signing on for the next campaign.
But this isn’t a yarn spruiking Penrith for 2014. Cleary’s men have a chance to make a run this year as well.
Consistency hasn’t always been this side’s strong point, but that didn’t stop them from churning out an impressive win over the St George Illawarra Dragons in the wet on Saturday night.
The Panthers didn’t win with flash, trick shots or touch football. They were patient and wore the Dragons down.
With a 6-8 record, the Panthers sit with a group of three other teams on 16 points. Those other sides are the Newcastle Knights, the New Zealand Warriors and the Canberra Raiders.
Both the Knights and the Warriors were impressive over the weekend, and it won’t be long before the Raiders find their mojo again, once they get back to the nation’s capital.
It is an understatement to say the Panthers need to keep their good form going. But what happens over the next month will define Penrith’s season.
There are no easy games in the NRL, but Penrith might just have one of the easiest run-ins of the 16 clubs.
Over the next month, they face the Gold Coast, Parramatta, Newcastle and the Cronulla Sharks. Wins against the Titans and the Eels would be expected, and if the Panthers can claim a victory against the Knights at home or the Sharks, they’ll be pretty happy with themselves.
This run of games will also see them contest in winnable matches against North Queensland, Brisbane and the Warriors.
Seven wins would see Penrith finish with 30 competition points after 26 rounds. Even six victories could be enough for the mountain men. If results go as expected over the next few months, they could finish as high as sixth with a 6-4 record, and could easily scrape into the final eight with a 5-5 record.
Penrith’s next challenge is a trip to Darwin to face the Titans, who are still reeling after being lapped by the Knights at Hunter Stadium on Sunday. Adding to the Gold Coast’s woes is the injury to star centre Jamal Idris.
The Panthers can control their own fate if they can continue being competitive. But this is the NRL after all, and nothing is guaranteed.
If Penrith don’t take their chances now, the window will close and it will all be over for another season.
MorshusApprentice
Guest
Belief has returned! We are going into games knowing we can and trying hard to win. We were far from our best against the Dragons but it was indeed pleasing to see us grind it out. We cannot afford not to use these next games as a platform for good form.
Dr C.Goode
Guest
Well in fairness, after looking at their roster of nobodies, I thought they'd be in the mix for it with Eels and Dragons. However 6 wins should be enough to avoid it because Eels have gone backwards under Stuart and will be lucky to win 5 games.
Luke M
Guest
I had a feeling at the start of the year after Jennings left, that what the Panthers lacked in game breaking ability they would more than make up for in team spirit and sheer will to win and be competitive. I have been proved right so far. I am very proud of my team's efforts this year. Some gems have also been uncovered, Moylan, Roberts, John, Docker. Segeyaro can be a superstar. Dave Simmons has been absolutely brilliant. Bravo Panthers.
ThatGuyYouLike
Guest
You actually thought they were going to win the spoon?
Dr C.Goode
Guest
No chance this year, they've over achieved already by avoiding the spoon. They should aim for 10 wins and build on that for a run at the 8 next year.
Jason
Guest
Bad move to get rid of Kingston, the man is the defensive heart of this team, I say move him to the back row and bring in Segeyaro to start at hooker.
turbodewd
Guest
I think next month will also decide the fate of another 10 clubs. Talk about stating the obvious :^) the Panthers will beat the Titans easily.
The eye
Guest
Gutsiest side in the league,if only some of that would rub off onto the Raiders,Sharks and Cowboys who have some players not putting in...and it reflects poorly on their coaching.