In the 2025 NRL season, if the Penrith Panthers fail to make the grand final, there’s still a remarkable possibility—they could rise from 17th place to become minor premiers. While a grand final appearance is every club’s goal, securing the minor premiership would still mark a significant achievement, especially if it comes after a rocky start. History rarely sees such a dramatic ladder climb, but it’s not impossible. The Panthers have the squad depth, coaching experience, and resilience to do it.
Imagine this: the team that sat comfortably at the top all season becomes complacent, while the Panthers, hungry and underestimated, surge forward with relentless form. Week after week, they chip away at the ladder, building momentum, belief, and fear in opponents. In doing so, they could become the first team in NRL history to leap from 17th to 1st by the end of the regular season—displacing the top team who may have thought the job was already done. That kind of comeback would shake the league and prove that form and belief can override early setbacks. Even without a grand final, such a climb would define their 2025 campaign as one of the greatest turnarounds eve
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