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.
Zedman
Guest
Barba is playing like his best days are behind him,lucky he took the big money early. Don't recall the Dogs fighting too hard to keep him.
MAX
Guest
Had a fit Wallace and a fit Gillett been playing it would have been a better guide . It was sad to see that Ben Barba has become a virtual spectator
Albo
Guest
The key to their chances in September lies with Peter Wallace being available. He is their general in both attack & more importantly their defence. He makes them a 12 point better side when he is on the field. That's why their defence has improved so much from last year ( up until last night when without him and some early injury issues, their defence was pretty ordinary!). With him on the field they can be competitive in September ! Without him, they may well be cannon fodder, pending the number of pectoral injuries of the others at the time !!
MAX
Guest
Lady Luck was in attendance at Sportingbet Park. Like an over protective Aunty she showered gifts upon her favourite nephew and cast influence on pink decisions advantaging the Panthers to an early lead with little effort expended. I wish them no ill will but Penrith will be cannon fodder come September.
mick
Guest
I'm a 'people' and they are not my choice.
The eye
Guest
Great win,they really showed their western Sydney rivals Parra what's needed to be a contender.Fullbacks were the sublime and the ridiculous ..and that bust and flick from Jamie showed there's no longer a cat in the hat..