2026 Season

They’ve had some good wins against good teams eg Melbourne in Melbourne, Penrith specifically are just their kryptonite.
 
The thing I've seen with Penrith is that 3rd and 4th defender on either side of whichever way the ball is passed from the attacking side they rush up quick which then takes away a 2 pass from hooker. Makes attacking teams go back to the middle in which we know they are pretty staunch at defending. Pretty easy to count numbers when you always make the attack central.
 
Yep and so the only team which has been able to really trouble them consistently in big games is Brisbane, the side which is best at gapping teams through the middle via the Incredible Hulk impersonator they have at prop + with the most blistering pace out wide. And they’re unpredictable.

Horrific matchup for Cronulla, who play with a lot of structure & don’t have the level of individual brilliance some other top 8 sides have.
 
They’ve had some good wins against good teams eg Melbourne in Melbourne, Penrith specifically are just their kryptonite.
Aside from 2016* I still wouldn’t trust them against Melbourne in the finals, I think they thumped them one time 37-10
Then last years 22-14 win
 
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Sharks lacked the X factor to beat Penrith.
Solid side on paper but don't have a genuine superstar to give them the extra spark that the Broncos did last year.

Panthers even after 2 rounds look like the team to beat once again.
 
I’m not sure what it is, but I get very little satisfaction watching the Sharks.
They seem destined for 5th. Struggle against the emerging top teams, bully everyone else.

Penrith look refreshed. Talagi looks a lot better this season.
Storm also look determined to go one better this year.



PVL sitting at home stroking his fresh cut…”more tries. More ads. More money. More Blowouts. Wanna stop the momentum? How about that kick off rule change I proposed?”.
 
IMO the 6-man bench has been a big success so far.

Games aren't being ruined by a couple of injuries, and coaches have more tactical options, which is interesting. Plus, there are more opportunities to give different players debuts.
Yeah it’s working really well.
 
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