The Worst Nightmare Begin: Can the Panthers Still Make the NRL Finals……
The Worst Nightmare Begins: Can the Panthers Still Make the NRL Finals?
The Penrith Panthers’ 2025 NRL campaign has taken a dramatic and unexpected turn. Once dominant and feared, the reigning premiers now find themselves in unfamiliar territory—outside the top eight and battling injuries, form slumps, and mounting pressure. With key players sidelined and recent performances falling short of expectations, fans are asking the inevitable: can the Panthers still make the finals?
Mathematically, yes. But the road ahead is steep. Their remaining fixtures include clashes against several top-tier teams, and every game from here on is essentially must-win. The return of star players like Nathan Cleary could reignite their momentum, but even that may not be enough if cohesion and confidence don’t return quickly.
Despite the setbacks, the Panthers’ experience and championship pedigree can’t be overlooked. They’ve overcome adversity before, and their core group still possesses the talent to spark a late-season surge. However, with the competition tightening and every club hungry for a spot in the top eight, even a single slip-up could prove fatal.
The nightmare may have begun, but the Panthers’ fate is still in their hands. Only time will tell if they can wake up and rise once again.
