NRL 2023: Penrith Panthers season preview
How do you improve perfection? The Panthers crushed the rest of the competition with a mix of skill, power and a youthful arrogance that has divided people within NRL circles into two camps; you love them or loathe them.
Some of their antics have been questionable in the past, but there’s just no denying that this team is one of the greatest to grace the NRL. When a club enjoys this much success it is perhaps inevitable that it will attract more than its fair share of critics.
But will the dynasty soon come to an end while their rivals pick at their bones in hopes of pushing them back into the pack, or will the empire Ivan Cleary and company built at the foot of the mountains endure?
The sports news below is a preview of Penrith’s season – including their best 17, the key to their success and the predicted finish for 2023.
MORE: PENRITH’S TOP 30 SQUAD | PENRITH’S ROUND ONE PREDICTED TEAM LIST
BEST 17th
| position | player |
|---|---|
| 1. | Dylan Edwards |
| 2. | Taylor May |
| 3. | Izack Tago |
| 4. | Stephen Crichton |
| 5. | Brian To’o |
| 6. | Jarome Luai |
| 7. | Nathan Cleary |
| 8th. | Moses Leota |
| 9. | Mitch Kenny |
| 10 | James Fisher-Harris |
| 11. | Luke Garner |
| 12. | Liam Martin |
| 13. | Isaah Yeo |
| 14 | Sonie Luke |
| 15 | Spencer Leniu |
| 16 | Scott Sorensen |
| 17 | Jaeman salmon |
SQUAD CHANGES
Winnings:
Luke Garner (West Tigers), Tyrone Peachey (West Tigers), Zac Hosking (Broncos), Jack Cogger (Huddersfield)
Losses:
Apisai Koroisau (Wests Tigers), Viliame Kikau (Bulldogs), Isaiya Katoa (Dolphins), Robert Jennings (Dolphins), J’maine Hopgood (Eels), Sean O’Sullivan (Dolphins), Charlie Staines (Wests Tigers), Christian Crichton (unsigned)
DEPTH RATING
There’s a reason the Panthers have reached the grand final three times in a row and are the favorites to claim the Premier League again in 2023 – they have star quality all over the park.
Dylan Edwards has established himself as an integral part of the puzzle as a full-back, making kick-return meter one of his top priorities as he always gets his side’s sets off to a strong start.
Their backline is rife with strikes as the duo of Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai dictate everything from behind a fearsome pack the envy of the comp.
The Panthers have suffered the loss of key players from their Premiership-winning side after Matt Burton and Kurt Capewell left in 2022.
That didn’t stop them as they went on to win 20 of their 24 regular-season games last season before clinching another title against Parramatta.
This season they lost Api Koroisau and Viliame Kikau which will present them with their toughest challenge yet by remaining the strongest force in the NRL.
To replace the sly No9, Penrith will step up from the inside as Mitch Kenny and Soni Luke are expected to work together to close the gap.
MORE: West Tigers name Api Koroisau captain for 2023 | Phil Gould denies reports about Rookie
In the meantime, they’ve recruited externally to fill the Fijian backrower’s rather large shoes with Luke Garner, Zac Hosking and newly hired Tyrone Peachey.
However, the most significant test may not come on the field but behind the scenes at Penrith.
The manager has lost two of his most trusted advisers in Cameron Ciraldo and Andrew Webster, both of whom have pursued opportunities as head coaches at other clubs. The impact of their exits remains to be seen.
Strengthen: Spine / Forward
Weaknesses: hooker
Evaluation: 9/10
THE KEY
Nathan Cleary made 17 appearances for the Panthers in 2022 as representative duties, injuries and suspensions limited his time in the NRL. It was the first time he had missed 20 or more games in a season since 2018.
His three attempts were the least he has managed since his debut season in 2016, while his running and kicking yards also fell short of what can be expected from him.
But beyond looking at the stats, Cleary remained the best halfback of the game, keeping the ball on the ball with his towering bombs and precise short kicking game while being the orchestrator for the league’s best attack.
The 25-year-old has an innate ability to slow the pace of the game while chaos reigns around him. It proved crucial time and time again during Penrith’s golden run and looks set to continue.
MORE: World Club Challenge 2023 – Penrith Panthers vs St Helens Preview
BEGINNERS WATCH
A little older and a little more experienced than many of the players on this list, Preston Riki has an NRL debut within reach by 2023.
With 45 reserve appearances for the Warriors, Redcliffe and Panthers, the 24-year-old edge forward is pushing his chance and has an impressive resume behind him.
Riki was a standout figure in Penrith’s NSW Cup Premiership-winning side last year, scoring seven tries and averaging 74 yards per game.
With the likes of Kikau and J’maine Hopgood moving on in late 2022, Penrith has a few vacancies in their back row rotation and Riki is hoping he can help fill the gap.
Whilst he is currently on only a train and trial deal, Riki understands Penrith culture and the club know exactly what to expect from him having starred in his reserve outfit.
DANGER TIME
Rounds 1-5: Broncos[H]Rabbits[H]Bye, eels[A]robber[A]
It’s a tough start for the Premiers with Parramatta and South Sydney within the first month.
The Broncos should also pose a threat in the opening game as the Panthers adjust to their new normal, while Canberra’s big pack should make for a physical fight in round five.
They have a bye three weeks into the season, which can provide a welcome early breather or serve to disrupt the momentum they’ve created.
PREDICTED END: 1
Although Penrith may be catching up with the rest of the pack after losing two key members of her consecutive Premier League-winning side and suffering major staff turnover, they will still be the League team to beat applies when it comes to the three peat.