Panthers embracing pressure as rivals jostle for premiership glory

The Penrith Panthers have embraced the pressure of premiership favouritism as they enter the finals series chasing a fifth title in six years. 

Representatives from each of the eight competing clubs descended on Sydney's Museum of Contemporary Art for Monday's launch of what promises to be an enthralling post-season. 

The absence of the Broncos means the premiership trophy is up for grabs and Penrith quickly emerged as the team to beat. 

Ivan Cleary's enter the finals in a familiar position, having secured their fourth minor premiership from the past seven seasons with a commanding victory over the Tigers on Sunday.

While they faltered at the final hurdle in 2020, they converted regular season dominance into finals glory in 2022 and 2023. 

Experienced forward Scott Sorensen said the squad will draw on past experience as they look to reclaim the premiership trophy. 

"As a club it's a big occasion [to win the minor premiership]," Sorensen told NRL.com. "It's a tough year so it's nice to take a moment and enjoy that but then it's straight back to work. We're excited for the next few weeks. 

"We don't feel any extra pressure. There's a top four that anyone could go after it and win it. We want to be playing the best teams on the biggest stage and we're looking forward to the next few weeks."

The Rabbitohs and Knights will kick off week one of the finals with a sudden-death clash at Allianz Stadium on Friday night. 

The Warriors will then host the Dolphins in a qualifying final on Saturday afternoon before the action returns to Allianz Stadium for an elimination final between the Sharks and Cowboys. 

The Panthers will then close out the weekend when they take on the Roosters at CommBank Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

While Penrith finished on top of the table, they haven't had it all their own way this season. 

Just for and against separated the Panthers and Warriors at the top of the ladder, with Andrew Webster's side toppling Penrith in Round 23. 

The Roosters then beat the Panthers the following week and will carry plenty of confidence from that result into Sunday's clash. 

"We're really clear on how we're going to play the game," Roosters captain James Tedesco said. "We've got a long preparation to Sunday, they're the team to beat and we're excited about that challenge. 

"That win gave us a pretty good template. We did all the simple things right and worked hard for each other. That's pretty important because that's what they do better than most teams. 

"With Daly [Cherry-Evans] controlling the game with his kicking, us completing well and winning field position. Then we have to go out and play our footy, you have to do that against Penrith, you can't play it too safe. You have to attack the game and we're looking to do that." 

Like Tedesco, Dolphins captain Tom Flegler has heard all the noise about the Panthers and Warriors. 

The Redcliffe club is preparing to play finals for the first time since their introduction to the NRL competition in 2023.

With the best young halfback in the game in Isaiya Katoa and attacking weapons across the park, many smart judges believe the Dolphins have the playing style to upset their more fancied rivals. 

While they have flown under the radar for large portions of the season, Saturday's trip to Auckland will provide a chance to step into the spotlight and prove their premiership credentials.

"They deserve to be out there as premiership favourites," Tom Flegler said of the Panthers and Warriors. "They've been great for large chunks of the year and they're tough teams. 

"Clubs would be lying if they said they don't try and replicate some of the standards that Penrith has set in the last few years. 

"We think we match up well with them and we're excited to have the chance to take them on. We've got the Warriors this week, I don't think there's a bigger challenge than going to Auckland and we're excited by the opportunity to show what we can do."

 

The optimism isn't confined to top-four teams, with those in the bottom four quietly confident of their chances of defying the odds. 

Cronulla are preparing to welcome back the NRL's try assist leader Braydon Trindall this weekend and have relished the underdog mindset in recent years. 

The Rabbitohs are riding a wave of emotion inspired by Jai Arrow's courageous battle with motor neurone disease, while the Knights have risen from last to title contender in the space of 12 months.

And the Cowboys have history on their side as they look to replicate their dream 2017 run from eighth to the grand final. 

"It feels like we've been written off," Brailey said. "It's okay, we all enjoy having that underdog mentality.

"We have to be better defensively. History shows the best defensive side wins games in the NRL and you look no further than Penrith to see the best defensive side for many years now. 

"We know on our best day we can challenge those top sides and beat the best sides so hopefully we can get back to that real quick."

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