After becoming the first team since the early '80s Eels to win three premierships in a row last season, the Panthers will be aiming to break an almost six-decade record in 2024 with another title tilt.
But with a couple of new contenders emerging last season and some perennial heavyweights set to challenge again, there will be plenty of stiff competition for Ivan Cleary's men.
The NRL.com writers have put forward the team they think has the best chance to end Penrith's reign of dominance next season.
Which team has the best chance to end the Panthers' dynasty?
Brad Walter: The Warriors captured the imagination of most fans last season as they reached the finals for the first time since 2018 - and next year they look even stronger. Queensland Origin forward Kurt Capewell will join and Tongan enforcer Addin Fonua-Blake is still at the club for 2024, giving them a strong pack. In the backs, 2019 Golden Boot and Dally M winner Roger Tuivasa-Sheck has returned, along with Samoa’s 2022 World Cup utility Chanel Harris-Tavita, in a huge boost to the Warriors' depth. If Shaun Johnson and Wayde Egan can stay fit, the Warriors will have their best chance to win a premiership since 2011, when current Panthers coach Ivan Cleary took them to the grand final.
The Warriors fans belt out the team song!
Colleen Edwards: The Rabbitohs were a shock absentee from the eight last year, but in 2024 they should be a different beast. The Bunnies have the experience to contend – with big-name rep players right across the park and even probably coming off their bench – while they also have a healthy supply of x-factor, made only better by the recruitment of Jack Wighton. Latrell Mitchell and Tevita Tatola should, hopefully, spend a lot more time on the field rather than in the rehab room this time around, which will make a massive difference.
Corey Rosser: It's hard to look past the team that basically had Penrith beaten in last season's decider, before the Panthers pulled off a miraculous late comeback. When they are on, no team can rack up points like the Broncos can, and while they have lost some huge talent this off-season in the shape of Herbie Farnworth, Kurt Capewell and Tom Flegler, they have enough in the next group down to cover for it. I'm backing the pain of the blown opportunity in 2023 to drive Brisbane to go one better this time.
Dan Talintyre: The Roosters took a long time to hit their straps in 2023, but showed plenty of class and quality at the back end of the season and will enter 2024 quietly confident of a much-improved campaign. The arrival of Dom Young and Spencer Leniu will provide an uplift in their attacking potency as well as their middle forward rotation, while players like Terrell May and Siua Wong should go to another level with a full pre-season under their belts. Trent Robinson is one of the game’s greatest coaches and will have his side primed for a dramatic improvement.
NRL try time: Dom Young
Kelsey Hogan: Manly are a sleeping giant in 2024. They showed glimpses of being able to take it to the top teams last year and with some better injury luck could have been right in the mix. A move to the Northern Beaches could be just what Luke Brooks needs to reignite his passion for the game, and his partnership with Daly Cherry-Evans in the halves could be anything. Both men are excellent kickers and will give the Sea Eagles plenty of options in good-ball situations with their instinctive running game.
It will get the best out of me: Luke Brooks
Martin Lenehan: The Roosters overcame a sluggish start to sneak into the finals in seventh spot last season before knocking the Sharks out and going within a whisker of eliminating the Storm in Melbourne. Under Trent Robinson’s guidance the Roosters have become one of the powerhouses of the modern era, winning three premierships (2013, 2018, 2019) and have missed the finals just once in his 11-year reign. If they can keep Sam Walker, Brandon Smith and Luke Keary on the paddock for a majority of games then the attack should flow much better, with Joey Manu, James Tedesco and Dom Young set to cash in big time.
