Home Ground: CommBank Stadium Parramatta

Coach: Ivan Cleary

TAB odds: Premiers: $4.75

The PANTHERS achieved a remarkable feat, securing their fourth consecutive premiership by defeating the Melbourne Storm in the grand final. Their impressive winning streak shows no signs of abating, but could Ivan Cleary's team possibly achieve a fifth consecutive premiership in 2025?

As a prosperous club they have created a dynasty and broken records. It is 29 years since the game had back-to-back premiers (Brisbane 1992-93); 40 years since the last three-peat (Parramatta 1981-83), and; 58 years since a team won four in a row (St George 1956-66). A legacy is more than championships or titles; it's about the individuals and the team, who you represent, and what you believe in.

Yet again they will have to deal with some key departures due to their sustained success, although with NATHAN CLEARY in full flow, the Panthers will be confident of re-writing history in the NRL once again. The majority of NRL fans, and probably the NRL itself will be saying, please NO. Nevertheless, they are pivotal standard of excellence, and competing clubs must elevate their performance to surpass them.

Jarome Luai and James Fisher-Harris have been integral to the team's success over the past four years and their absence will be significantly felt. Luai and Cleary formed a highly effective halves partnership, but Luai has elected to pursue a solo career with the Wests Tigers. Meanwhile, Fisher-Harris received an early release from his contract due to compassionate circumstances and has joined the New Zealand WARRIORS. Sunia Turuva will also need to be replaced on the wing, with the Fijian flyer joining Luai at the TIGERS.

That won't stop the PANTHERS production line who are brilliant at developing young talent through their own youth pathways program. Not only have Penrith impressed in their ability to unveil some of the best talent in the game, but they've remained dominant as more and more players are whisked away by other clubs. It's much easier to retain this talent when you are highly successful, but will the men from the foot of the Mountain find themselves a little vulnerable with every side aiming to knock them off their pedestal?

BLAIZE TALAGI has been signed from Parramatta and should get the nod to partner CLEARY, with JACK COLE and BRAD SCHNEIDER also in the running. SUNIA TURUVA  is likely to be replaced on the wing by either CASEY or JESSE MCLEAN  following his move to the Tigers. LINDSAY SMITH  is set to replace JAMES FISHER-HARRIS up front, while new recruit ISAIAH PAPALI'I will likely earn a spot on the edge ahead of SCOTT SORENSON. It's highly likely PENRITH pitch the flag and firmly establish a Top four spot early in the season, so don't expect them to fold any time soon. With IVAN CLEARY at the pinnacle of his coaching career and his son one of the best in the game, stopping them will just as difficult this time around. However, we don't see them winning a 5th title.

First five: Sharks (LV), Roosters (H), Storm (A), Rabbitohs (A), Cowboys (H)

Last year's finish: 2nd (Premiers)

Predicted 2025 finish: 4th

PREDICTED STARTING SIDE

1. DYLAN EDWARDS

2. CASEY MCLEAN

3. IZACK TAGO

4. PAUL ALAMOTI

5. BRIAN TO'O

6. BLAIZE TALAGI

7. NATHAN CLEARY

8. MOSES LEOTA

9. Mitch KENNY

10. Lindsay SMITH

11. ISAIAH PAPALII

12. LIAM MARTIN

13. ISAAH YEO

14. JACK COLE

15. SCOTT SORENSEN

16. LIAM HENRY

17. LUKE GARNER

PRE SEASON: Saturday 8 Feb

Panthers v Raiders at Sharks Stadium 7:30pm

Fri 21 Feb

Sea Eagles v Panthers at Leichhardt Oval 6:00pm