Become a Creator today!Start creating today - Share your story with the world!
Start for free
00:00:00
00:00:01
Tackles and Tinnies - E33 - Penrith Panthers 2025 Review & 2026 Preview
17 Plays3 months ago
Penrith finished 7th in 2025… and somehow still felt like the team nobody wants to see in September.
In this episode of our 2026 NRL mini-series, Ryan breaks down what actually went wrong (and what still screams “system club”) — because the Panthers don’t do chaos, they do standards.
We get into:
- 2025 recap: how a 7th-place finish still didn’t feel like “the end”
- The Panthers’ identity: why they’re still built to strangle games late
- The 2026 draw: it’s the 3rd-hardest SOS and the first month is pure smoke (Broncos, Sharks, Roosters, Eels, Storm, Bulldogs)
- The double-ups: Broncos, Storm, Roosters, Bulldogs, Raiders, Warriors, Tigers, Eels — no freebies
- Key pillars still holding it together (Cleary/Yeo/Edwards energy)
- Our ladder call: Panthers bounce back into the top 2 conversation
Cap or Fact: the Panthers’ system is still the safest bet in the comp… even with a brutal draw.
Panthers fans — where’ve you got them finishing in 2026? Are they back in the top 4… or are we clinging to the dynasty?
Recommended
Transcript
Podcast Introduction and Overview
00:00:01
Tackles and Tinnies
Tackles and tinnies, welcome back to the podcast. For those who don't know me, my my name is Ryan and we're going through every single team from the 2025 season looking at how they played in regards to their review and their prospects leading into the 2026 season. We're going from the bottom of the table from 2025, from the Newcastle Knights, all the way to the very top with the Canberra Raiders. And each team, we're breaking them down, looking at how they're going, their prospects for the future, and how they went overall.
00:00:30
Tackles and Tinnies
Today's one's going to be a big one. It's the Penrith Panthers. and we're going to give the utmost respect to this dynasty of a team, arguably the best team of all time. And in my eyes, it is. so I'm going to do my very, very best to make it the best podcast possible for you Penrith Panthers fans. But again, I want to hear from you guys in the comments. I want to hear the engagement. I want to hear your rebuttals to my takes. That helps me get known in the algorithm. But again, I love just talking footy.
00:00:57
Tackles and Tinnies
And I want to give you guys justice. Please let me know in the comments below.
Panthers' Performance Review 2025
00:01:03
Tackles and Tinnies
if I'm cap or I'm fact regarding everything, those are regular listeners, you know what i'm talking about there. But let's get straight into the 2025 review, such a 2026 preview for the Penrith Panthers.
00:01:15
Tackles and Tinnies
So how they went in 2025. They got seventh on the ladder with 13 wins, one draw and 10 losses with a point differentiation of 107. scored 576 conceded only 469.
00:01:26
Tackles and Tinnies
They were
00:01:28
Tackles and Tinnies
and conceded only four hundred and sixty nine they were 6-6 at home and 7-4 away with a home stretch of the last five final games being two wins and three losses. And they had nine tight games total for the entire season.
00:01:46
Tackles and Tinnies
This year for the Penrith Panthers, and I know you pantherhan Panthers fans were quite frustrated, particularly in the first 12 rounds. It was a tale of two stories. You literally... flick the switch, and we'll get to that very
Leadership Shifts and Team Dynamics
00:01:58
Tackles and Tinnies
shortly. But I think the main point to have was at the start of the, or the end of the 2024 season, were fantastic, obviously, and they lost a key few players, those guys being Fish, Luai, Taruva. They're going into a new era with new younger players, unproven players, always had the talent to be a top eight side, but they weren't the juggernaut steamrolling every single team.
00:02:24
Tackles and Tinnies
And I think after they lost a few games, I think the league had a look at the Penrith Panthers and thought, hey, these guys are vulnerable and they're actually beatable. And that provided confidence to everyone.
00:02:36
Tackles and Tinnies
And I think the Panthers themselves were almost self-doubting themselves. And I want to go through this... little article that I found on nrl.com from the author being Cameron Mee.
00:02:47
Tackles and Tinnies
The title of this from nrl.com was Brutal Cleary Blast Save the Season. So here's quote the saying, Pernod of the Panthers being dead laughed after 12 rounds and still finishing with any respect on the name is psycho behavior.
00:03:03
Tackles and Tinnies
And the turning point, not a miracle play. Apparently, it was Cleary ripping into them. So after round 12, he essentially got everyone into training. And again, I'll elaborate into the story right now.
00:03:15
Tackles and Tinnies
So what the what actually happened when Cleary blasted them? Standards versus buys vibes. Penrith don't do, we'll be all right. They do, you're embarrassing the jersey. We need to lift.
00:03:29
Tackles and Tinnies
That's just standards. That's winning pedigree. That's dynasty talk. That is, we have to do better for our fans. Well, you guys listening right now, we need to be up the top and we are not setting those standards right now. And again, this is around round 12 when they're at the bottom of the ladder.
00:03:48
Tackles and Tinnies
There's a leadership shift. So clearly isn't just the best half in the comp. Here's the temperature gauge. When he cracks, it means the groups fall below that line and that standard of what the Penrith Panthers are.
00:04:00
Tackles and Tinnies
And accountability culture. So the best teams aren't the ones who never slump. They're the ones who don't let the slump become their identity. Again, after 12 rounds, they're becoming dead last. And with a team that went to the grand final five years in row, winning four championships in a row,
00:04:18
Tackles and Tinnies
I think that's amazing leadership and amazing culture by their best player. So why a blast works for Penrith, according to Michael Mee. Sorry, Cameron Mee.
00:04:29
Tackles and Tinnies
But it wouldn't let work for everybody else. Again, if I was to be a younger team, upcoming team, that could potentially, I'm not saying this is definitely true, but let's say the Newcastle Knights, they definitely came last. And you could probably look at the culture that they had towards the back end of the year. When their heads were down and the momentum was not for them, they were just losing games left run center and getting blown off the park.
00:04:53
Tackles and Tinnies
The Penrith Panthers were losing games, but decided to flick a switch, change the script, retell their stories and see if they could actually get back into the eight, let alone win a championship. And again, we'll get to that very shortly.
Return to Defensive Play Style
00:05:08
Tackles and Tinnies
So why the blast works at Penrith? Penrith have earned the right to talk to the team regarding how they win together, how they train in hardship, and the group knows the message is about standards, not ego.
00:05:21
Tackles and Tinnies
Again, i'd mess I made the comparison with the Newcastle Knights with potentially weaker culture. Cleary and the other leadership group at the Penrith Panthers, Isaiah Yeo, Liam Marden, Dylan Edwards, again, a few other boys could rail off, Brian Toto.
00:05:38
Tackles and Tinnies
Those the type of guys who set the stands, and i guarantee they would all be having a hard, firm talk, particularly guys like Isaiah Yeo and Cleary, who are their two leaders. So what changed after that moment? So let's go to round 13.
00:05:51
Tackles and Tinnies
So on-field identity reset. So they went back to boring footy, completions, kick pressure, repeat sets, strangling their games. They're not there to look pretty. They're just there to win. They had to win their games.
00:06:04
Tackles and Tinnies
So they went less sideways and they went more so north to south. Stop searching for miracle plays. We're going to win the middle, earn momentum, crush everyone in defense. So defensive first mentality. Panerith are the best when they don't try to outscore you. They break your spirit.
00:06:23
Tackles and Tinnies
In turn, how did Cleary's performance shape the back half of the season? So when Panthers were wobbling, Cleary had to be the organizer and the spark, the calm and emotional leader. That's why some patches, we wouldn't look like hesitation over controlling when the pack wasn't rolling.
00:06:40
Tackles and Tinnies
Or the opposite, forcing it because the team needed a circuit breaker. But the key, he dragged them back to their original identity. That's the halfback difference. That is the winning culture difference. That is the best halfback in the game, arguably the best player in the game.
Fan Engagement and Player Changes
00:06:56
Tackles and Tinnies
I thought that was a really great little insight by Cameron Mee from NRL.com. So fantastic journaling by him. What are your thoughts, Penrith Panthers fans and ino NRL fans alike,
00:07:07
Tackles and Tinnies
What were your thoughts on the Penrith Panthers season for 2025? It's definitely a tale of two scripts. Tell me about the resiliency that they showed. Tell me about the woeful play that they had in patches.
00:07:20
Tackles and Tinnies
Tell me your thoughts on if it's a dynasty, is the dynasty still there for 2026? I want to hear your thoughts in the comments below. Now, roster movements.
00:07:30
Tackles and Tinnies
So their key gains in 2025, they signed Blaise Talangi. He came from the Parramatta Eels. He was looking to be their long-term number six. Can definitely play anywhere in the outside backs, which he was proven to do so at the Parramatta Eels.
00:07:44
Tackles and Tinnies
So young, so raw. Definitely has some growing pains and still arguably is having growing pains. However, huge monumental upside. Very good compliment to Nathan Cleary's steady ship.
00:07:56
Tackles and Tinnies
Blaise Talangi is a very good runner of the football. Isaiah Papali'i, he came from the Tigers, proving gun in the past, being a Dallium second row of the year. He was coming off the but off the bench majority of the season, being a middle edge hybrid.
00:08:12
Tackles and Tinnies
I thought he was fantastic after that round 12 hardship talk, I guess you could say. And that was proven dividends in the Pacific Nations Cup, starting on the edge in the second row.
00:08:25
Tackles and Tinnies
I thought he was fantastic in the back end of the year. Very underrated. Great signing for them. Paul Adamotti, again, signed from the Dogs. Dogs?
00:08:36
Tackles and Tinnies
Yeah, what can we say about them? They lost a huge beneficiary beneficiary on the wing slash center. My God, he was good. When he got given the chance, Ivan Cleary dropped him for a few rounds there. Milky Jenkins got that call up.
00:08:51
Tackles and Tinnies
And then at the very back end of the year, Ivan decided to put Paul back into the team. Bloody hell, he was good. Try scoring wizard, aerial acrobat, so strong in contact.
00:09:03
Tackles and Tinnies
We'll talk about him later on when we get to other segments, but definitely giving roses to Paul Alamotti. Kept him in so many games, particularly in the final series. Another guy was Liam Henry, Preston Rickey, Riley Price, all packed depth, particularly Liam Henry. I thought he was very, very good for them losing Fisher Harris as well.
00:09:23
Tackles and Tinnies
So 2026 games. So Tom LAA, Jack Cogger, Kalani Going, Freddie Luskett, three of those boys being LAA, Going and Luskett, all coming from the Warriors.
00:09:37
Tackles and Tinnies
And Jack Cogger is returning from the Newcastle Knights. As you guys may remember, he was a a pivotal factor in one of their grand final runs not too many years ago.
00:09:48
Tackles and Tinnies
Good pickups in the forward rotation. I think that's gonna definitely help their stocks, particularly when during origin time. I really like the Kalani Goeung signing. I think he's gonna be very good for them. Does he make the top 19?
00:10:01
Tackles and Tinnies
So guys who aren't too aware, there's been a proposed rule change in regards to the new interchange bench. Instead of having four players on the bench, You potentially can have now six, but only four out of the six players can be activated. So Jersey 18 and 19, for example, would then go to emergency players like they currently have now.
00:10:23
Tackles and Tinnies
However, it definitely changes the tactics of the game. Again, I'll get to the top 19 players later on in this podcast.
Contract Status and Team Stability
00:10:32
Tackles and Tinnies
2026 losses.
00:10:34
Tackles and Tinnies
So David Falle, he's gone to the Dragons. Maverick Guyer. He's gone to the Tigers.
00:10:40
Tackles and Tinnies
Zach Lamott. I'm not too sure about that guy. Brisbane Tigers. Dane Laurie, huge loss in my opinion. He was the backup for Dylan Edwards. Could literally chuck him anywhere. Great utility off the bench as well. Could play 5'8". He's gone the Canberra Raiders.
00:10:53
Tackles and Tinnies
Riley Price. Zach Lippowisk. I've definitely butchered that, guys, but he's gone to Catlins. Please correct me in the comments. Brad Snyder. He's gone to the Dolphins.
00:11:03
Tackles and Tinnies
Great utility pickup for the Dolphins, by the way. Go check out that in Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or Spotify for the Dolphins preview slash review. But yeah, I think Brad Slider, underrated player for you guys, for the Penrith Panthers. Big pickup for the Dolphins.
00:11:20
Tackles and Tinnies
Luke Somerton, my team, the Gold Coast Titans. Great pickup for them. Can play hooker. Again, Mitch Kenny cemented that spot definitely. But again, it'll be interesting to see if Somerton can get a crack at the Gold Coast Titans.
00:11:35
Tackles and Tinnies
And Trent has gone to the Melbourne Storm. I'm just going to rail off their current players under contract and majority of them are through to 2027 with some players contracted to 2028.
00:11:50
Tackles and Tinnies
But if I say it, I'll talk through some certain players here and there, but I'm just going to draw rattle off these as fast as I can. Billy Scott, he's there to 2027. Blaise Talangi, he's there to 2027. Brian Toto, 2027.
00:12:04
Tackles and Tinnies
Casey McLean, 2028, along with his his brother, Jesse McLean, there to 2028. Casey in particular, very big resurgence in the back end of the year.
00:12:15
Tackles and Tinnies
Still so young. He's like 20 years old. Only getting better, only growing in confidence, or still learning his position at center, can definitely play in the wing. Arguably his best position is on the wing, but I think for this particular team, I like Paul Alamotti on the wing.
00:12:32
Tackles and Tinnies
Casey McLean, very, very good. We'll talk about him later on. Dylan Edwards, what can we say? Australia, New South Wales, representative. Very good there to 2028. Talked about Freddie Lussick coming in to 2026. Isaiah Yeo to 2027. IPAP 2027.
00:12:45
Tackles and Tinnies
isaiah yo to twenty twenty seven ipa twenty twenty seven Isaac Targo, he got that big extension over Stephen Crichton to 2028. Jack Cogger, new recruit, back to 2028.
00:12:56
Tackles and Tinnies
Jack Cole, who'll be fighting for a position on the interchange bench, back up to Cleary slash Talonghi, he's there to 2026. Jackson Edgar, he's there to 2028. McLean, already talked about him, 2028. Kalani Goeing, one year signing, just got picked up, he's there to 2026. Liam Henry, 2026.
00:13:13
Tackles and Tinnies
liam henry twenty twenty six Liam Martin, he's there to 2027. Big year for Liam Martin, I think, coming this year. lot to prove. Lindsey Smith, 2026, was very, very Gardner, 2026, he was very, very good. luke gardner twenty twenty six he was very very good Patea there to 2027. I thought he was a very good young gun coming through the ranks.
00:13:34
Tackles and Tinnies
Matt Eisenhuth, steady hand at 2026. Mitch Kenny, 2027. Very, very good. Very underrated. 2027. Moses Liotta, 2027. Nathan Cleary, 2027. Definitely looking to put an extension towards him. Alamotti, he's 2027. twenty twenty seven nathan cleary twenty twenty seven definitely looking to put an extension towards him pull outmoi he's at twenty twenty seven Luke Sorensen, very underrated as well. Hardworking. Adonis Greek body there in 2026.
00:14:01
Tackles and Tinnies
Definitely getting older, but yeah still serviceable. Fanua there to 2027. LA, 2026. And milkman Tommy Jenkins there to 2026. Probably look to re-sign him as well. What are thoughts on their current depth, guys?
00:14:17
Tackles and Tinnies
Again, not too many guys signed past 2027.
00:14:21
Tackles and Tinnies
Guys who are looking re-up for 2026, definitely guys like Tommy Jenkins off the top of my head, Jack Cole. These are the type of guys you probably want to give him a one- to two-year extension to.
00:14:32
Tackles and Tinnies
And obviously, Nathan Cleary, you definitely want to be signing him long-term. But again, got some depth now in the Haas with Jack Cole and Cogger. IPAP, again, only gaining confidence.
00:14:43
Tackles and Tinnies
Sorensen, hopefully more,
Season End Reflections and Future Potential
00:14:46
Tackles and Tinnies
let's say healthier. He's had a few injuries last year. Depth is looking good. Can their young guys from the Warriors also kick on?
00:14:54
Tackles and Tinnies
The next ways of middles for them, obviously with Lyota doing a lot of damage in the past six years, they're looking very strong for the foreseeable future.
00:15:05
Tackles and Tinnies
As we mentioned earlier on the podcast, the tale of two stories on how they went, but again, their defense is their calling card and always will be their calling card.
00:15:16
Tackles and Tinnies
The Panthers attack was looking predictable at times, and I think they tried changing at the start of the year, but if the wheel aim broke, why try to fix it?
00:15:27
Tackles and Tinnies
I think there was growing pains not having Luai there at the start of the year, but they did adapt later on. Their edge combos overall had some few changes with Casey McLean, Paul Alamotti, Thomas Jenkins, yeah Dane Laurie there filling in, obviously losing to Roover as well.
00:15:45
Tackles and Tinnies
Again, they needed time to figure out their new identity with losing some key players for several years now. It's finally the first time in many years where they haven't lost really anyone in their top 17, which is great for you guys.
00:16:03
Tackles and Tinnies
Overall vibe, their floor stayed high, but they didn't fall off a cliff. Well, they actually did fall for Cliff. They fell all the way down to 17. But the Cliff, I feel like it was one foot off the Cliff. It wasn't necessarily two feet off and we're free falling. They managed to stumble forward and then climb there all the way back into relevancy and got back to that, oh my God, we do not want to work the Penrith Panthers in the first few rounds of the final series.
00:16:29
Tackles and Tinnies
Again, they could play anywhere between first to eighth, and that's the scary part. They don't care where they finish because, again, if you rewatch that finals, which I just did before starting this podcast with the Brisbane Broncos versus the Penrith Panthers, they very well had that game under wraps, and they were so close to going back to a grand final appearance.
00:16:50
Tackles and Tinnies
So, so close. But, again, they don't care where they finish as long as they make the top eight, personally. Over-under performance for 2025, who did well in my opinion? Dylan Edwards.
00:17:02
Tackles and Tinnies
He's still monumental. He's fantastic at fullback. Great ball runner. Very, very good in defense. Arguably the best fullback in defense in the game. Still very good linking player in regards to passing the ball.
00:17:16
Tackles and Tinnies
I thought he took more of a leadership role in 2025. All the roses dy and Dylan Edwards. Still one of the best fullbacks in game. Brian Toto, he was good, not great.
00:17:28
Tackles and Tinnies
Obviously still monumental in his yardage, but I think teams are definitely making his life harder, getting him good ball. I think Brian Toto did perform very well, and particularly for New South Wales. However, I'm expecting him to have a very big bounce back here in 2026.
00:17:45
Tackles and Tinnies
He's been very good for you guys for the past five years, though. Liam Marner, remain one of the best edge back rollers in the game. He's the defensive anchor. He's that dog. He's the guy who's their asshole in the team. I think you guys can agree with that. He's the guy you hate to play against, but the guy you love if he's on your team.
00:18:04
Tackles and Tinnies
I thought Lindsay Smith stepped up in a legitimate starting middle role. Very solid overall. Australian representative. Yeah, very, very good for Lindsay Smith.
00:18:17
Tackles and Tinnies
Modern day front roller in my eyes. What are your thoughts Lindsay Smith, guys? Let me know in the comments. IPAP, my eyes, Mr. Reliable, Mr. Fix-It, start him, put him on the bench, put him on the edge, put him in the middle.
00:18:30
Tackles and Tinnies
Yeah, very big bounce back season coming from the West Tigers. And again, you got those roses and recognition in the back end of the year, starting for the New Zealand international team, the Pac Nations.
00:18:40
Tackles and Tinnies
One of their better players as well in my eyes.
00:18:43
Tackles and Tinnies
Underrated, or sorry, overrated slash underdeveloped slash question marks for these type of players. I think Blaise Talangi, I think he was a bit hit and miss. He was a bit rocks and diamonds.
00:18:56
Tackles and Tinnies
To be expected. To be expected. He didn't play much 5'8 for the Parramatta Eels. He did play coming up through the ranks here and there. However, there's definitely going be growing pains playing in a very strict and regimented system that is the Penrith Panthers, particularly in defense.
00:19:12
Tackles and Tinnies
He's always got to have a good strong running game, but playing alongside the best orchestrator in the game in Nathan Cleary, I thought there was going to be growing pains, as you guys can probably relate to as well. Definitely rocks and diamonds here and there, but he's only going to get better.
00:19:26
Tackles and Tinnies
He's so young, so talented, so athletic. Another preseason under his belt. Big things to blaze to lung in 2026.
00:19:34
Tackles and Tinnies
Again, same with the outside backs. I thought Alamotti was inconsistent, hence the dropping halfway through the season. Casey McLean, inconsistent as well, but definitely had a huge resurgence in the back end of the year.
00:19:46
Tackles and Tinnies
Absolute gun. Arguably one of the best outside backs in the game now. so so fast. I didn't realize he was so quick. Unreal. Definitely Case McLean, mainstay.
00:19:58
Tackles and Tinnies
Targo. Isaac Targo. Definitely rocks and diamonds for 2025. Inconsistent in defense, inconsistent in attack, but when he was on on his given day, definitely very good.
00:20:12
Tackles and Tinnies
Very underrated. in patches, overrated in other patches. Targo need more consistency for 2026. Milkman, Thomas Jenkins, again, sort of popped up out of nowhere.
00:20:27
Tackles and Tinnies
Bit of a folk hero as well. Supercoach Darling made so much cash for so many people on Supercoach. thank you, Thomas Jenkins. We're very unlucky to get dropped, hence why there's question marks regarding his role for 2026.
00:20:40
Tackles and Tinnies
Does he make that top 19 utility outside backbench spot? You guys have to wait further on in the segments to find out there. But yeah, pretty good for a guy that essentially popped out of nowhere. But again, question marks regarding his role for 2026.
00:20:55
Tackles and Tinnies
Now, Nathan Cleary, how did he play? Now, I've got a bigger segment for this one because, again, I think he deserves the most recognition. In my eyes, particularly the first 12 rounds, as we mentioned earlier on, he looked more human than usual because Panthers weren't rolling every single week.
00:21:12
Tackles and Tinnies
Again, new players trying to change their system to be less predictable. Again, look at Queensland sort of negating that Panthers attack. Again, bit different looking at superstar players on a week-to-week basis, but they did look more human, particularly in Nathan Cleary in the first half of the season.
00:21:31
Tackles and Tinnies
Cleary's best moments were still the same DNA regarding the Prentice Panthers. He was best when he was just ball hogging, essentially, is the best way to describe it.
00:21:40
Tackles and Tinnies
Dictating where everyone needs to go doing the drop under plays, and then looking to pass to the outside backs. Very controlled in patches, but did look predictable here and there. Definitely looked better in the back half of the season and particularly the final series.
00:21:55
Tackles and Tinnies
But again, as we mentioned earlier, when the Penrith Panthers were at their lowest, I thought he was fantastic, particular particularly with that article we talked about earlier on regarding his leadership qualities, bringing all the boys in, giving a big rev up. You're disappointing the jersey. We have to do better.
00:22:14
Tackles and Tinnies
I thought that was fantastic by him.
00:22:16
Tackles and Tinnies
Can he be more consistent in 2026? I think yes. I think definitely yes. I think Blaise Talangi now with another offseason alongside him.
00:22:27
Tackles and Tinnies
Again, no real changes to their seven or start best 17, which is obviously going to help them a lot in terms of cohesion and consistency. I think he's got a lot to prove in regards to the New South Wales arena. Again, with that's a whole and other conversational point.
00:22:44
Tackles and Tinnies
I thought he was good, not great for Australia. I think he's going to have a really big bounce back year for 2026. I'm very scared in fading him an NRL super coach, but...
00:22:57
Tackles and Tinnies
Penrith Panthers fans, what are your thoughts regarding Nathan Cleary for the 2025 season? Give me a rating out of 10 for Cleary. I'm going to say overall, he was an eight and a half.
00:23:09
Tackles and Tinnies
In past years, he was close to a 10. I think the first half of the season, he was probably around a seven. I like how he brought the boys back in, gave him a rev up, even himself having some accountability.
00:23:22
Tackles and Tinnies
Definitely looked fantastic. Definitely looked like that Nathan Cleary of old in previous seasons, particularly the final series and though all those wins they must have to have.
00:23:33
Tackles and Tinnies
Clinical, great kicking game, 8.5 out of 10. What are your thoughts, guys? Let me know in the comments below. Now, for the people who haven't i heard my other previews slash reviews for this mini-series, we've been looking at the Fox Sports strength of schedule.
2026 Challenges and Predictions
00:23:48
Tackles and Tinnies
So this is, again, from Fox Sports. They give a ranking regarding home games, teams they're playing in the top eight, teams they play in the bottom four, double-up games. All these come into an equation and gives them a definitive number where they rank on a scale.
00:24:04
Tackles and Tinnies
So according to the Fox Sports Strength of Schedule, their difficult rate rating is the third hardest. So they have double ups against the Roosters, who should be very good in 2026, in my eyes, with all their new recruits.
00:24:18
Tackles and Tinnies
Bulldogs should only be better now with Galvin, another offseason, potentially Smokey, Stephen Crichton at fullback. Bulldogs will definitely be better. Leo Thompson, another huge addition for them. Warriors should be better. Metcalf coming back.
00:24:32
Tackles and Tinnies
Mitchell Barnett coming back. All their younger fellas, another year of development. Warriors should be better. Still top eight quality team. Brisbane Broncos obviously beat them in the the prelim final.
00:24:45
Tackles and Tinnies
They won the grand final. What can we say? They're going to be a very hard matchup as well. Canberra is... Obviously, they got first place, lost Jamal Fogarty. Obviously, that's detrimental to their overall attacking flair.
00:24:59
Tackles and Tinnies
However, they're still going to be gun. They're still be going to be very hard game. West Tigers, same thing, should be better, gained some good recruits in Kai Pierce-Paul. Adam Dewey is going to have a full season at halfback. Jerome Luai is going more another season-level.
00:25:15
Tackles and Tinnies
With the team, Benji Marshall is going to have more time proving his systems in. Tigers should be better. Won't be a walk in the park. Melbourne Storm, top four quality team. Shouldn't ever have enough to talk about that. Even with the losses of Pappenhausen, Cartola, and Nass, they're still going to be gone.
00:25:31
Tackles and Tinnies
Parramatta Eels. Pfft. Not the highest team to judge. Guys, go listen to my Parramatta Eels review slash preview. I even know where to rank them for 2026. Honestly, they could be second last or they could be in the top eight.
00:25:45
Tackles and Tinnies
I have no idea where to rank them, but they will be tough. They will be gritty. They always give Penrith Panthers a hard time. So Games vs 2025 team for the Penrith Panthers against top eight teams, it is 13.
00:25:59
Tackles and Tinnies
Games vs 2025 top four teams, which will be eight. Games versus bottom four teams, which is four. And during origin, they'll have one origin-affected game against the Rabideaus.
00:26:10
Tackles and Tinnies
Rabideaus will probably lose Latrell, Mitchell, Cameron Murray off the top of my head, where you Penrith Panthers will lose. Probably Dylan Edwards, probably Brian Toto, probably an Nathan Cleary, probably Isaiah Yeo, probably Liam Martin, maybe missing another guy, but that's five off the top of my head.
00:26:28
Tackles and Tinnies
That will be a tough game for you guys. However, on the run home, seven of the last nine are effectively at home, which is very low travel. And I've mentioned this on my other previews slash reviews. In my opinion, travel is probably the biggest killer for consistency and game efficiency, I guess you could say.
00:26:47
Tackles and Tinnies
Having to go travel so you're not at home with your family and friends, you're not getting your consistent routine in regarding to waking up your own bed. I think sleep is the most underrated quality for an athlete.
00:27:00
Tackles and Tinnies
for the people who don't know that anyway. I also think that seeing or seeing your normal training facility, seeing your normal physios at your training facility, all this normality that you're having on a consistent basis makes your game preparation better, meaning that seven of the last nine home games, seven effectively out of the last nine home games will be better for you guys on the run home.
00:27:24
Tackles and Tinnies
What your thoughts there, guys? Third hardest schedule. I don't think it matters for Penrith Panthers personally. i think they're that good. I think they have a lot of hard double-up games, but they are winnable for you guys.
00:27:39
Tackles and Tinnies
You guys should be better for 2026. Let me know your thoughts. Now, updated 2026 top So when I did this originally in all these episodes,
00:27:52
Tackles and Tinnies
templates, I did a top 17. There's definitely now a top 19 more than likely happening. This is 11th of January, might I add. I don't think there's going to be much change in regards to your top 17.
00:28:05
Tackles and Tinnies
I think your top 19 is going to be a little more interesting, but I'll smash through these. At fullback, I've got Dylan Edwards, said and forget, arguably one of the, well, probably a top three fullback in the game.
00:28:18
Tackles and Tinnies
He's your mainstay there. Old reliable. On the wing. I've got Brian Toto, Paul Alamotti. Again, no change from that prelim final. Brian Toto, fantastic meter reader, fantastic finisher, great energy, great culture guy.
00:28:34
Tackles and Tinnies
Mainstay, said and forget. Paul Alamotti obviously got dropped halfway through the season, as I mentioned before, for Milky Jenkins. However, I think Paul Alamotti has that monumental upside, which was proven multiple times, scored that double in that prelim against the Brisbane Broncos. Fantastic meter readage, acrobat finishes, very good in contact. Paul Alamotti, my eyes, said and forget.
00:28:56
Tackles and Tinnies
Casey McLean, Isaac Tungo, international representative for their respective countries and nations. Both fantastic in contact, particularly Casey McLean. I love the way he runs the ball with that vigour and grunt.
00:29:09
Tackles and Tinnies
Isaac Targo, good upside in regards to his footwork. Good linkage play to his outside man. If he can be more consistent with his defence, I think, yeah, absolute gun.
00:29:20
Tackles and Tinnies
But yeah, their back five does not change. Also that doesn't change in their team is their halves. I think Blaise Talami, set and forget at 5'8", another off-season, should be better.
00:29:31
Tackles and Tinnies
in regards to his repetitions, international representative for his respective nation, Nathan Cleary, halfback, set and forget, captain or co-captain with Isaiah Yeo.
00:29:44
Tackles and Tinnies
He's your mainstay controller of the team. He's there but he's your ball hog and well and truly well-deserved ball hog. He's your goal kicker. He's your best player, arguably the best player in the comp.
00:29:56
Tackles and Tinnies
All the roses for Nathan Cleary. I'm hoping for a 10 out of 10 season in the regular season. When it comes to origin, I'm hoping for a 5 out of 10 performance. Go Queensland. In the front row, I've got Moses Liotta and Lindsay Smith. I don't see any change there as well.
00:30:10
Tackles and Tinnies
Two set and forget players. Moses Liotta, he's your pack leader. He's your alpha male. he's the He's the big dog in the pack. Yeah, hard hard, fast running from him. I'm expecting great things from Liotta.
00:30:23
Tackles and Tinnies
Lindsay Smith, international representative for Australia. yeah Good mobile, modern-day front rower. Very consistent, very good player. Don't forget, number 10.
00:30:35
Tackles and Tinnies
Mitch Kenny is your hooker. One of the best defenders in the league, in my opinion. Such underrated service on dummy half. Where does Mitch Kenny rank in regards to top hookers in the competition?
00:30:48
Tackles and Tinnies
His running game is, like, not electric. But I tell you what, all the intangibles that he provides... his defense and his aggression in defense. Is it too high to say that he might be the third best hooker in the comp?
00:31:04
Tackles and Tinnies
Harry Grant, number one. Number two, you're probably looking number two you're probably looking at a guy like Blake Braley from the Sharkies.
00:31:20
Tackles and Tinnies
Got Recy Robson. He's up there. He's definitely a top five hooker. Yeah, I'd say top five for Mitch Kenny. What do you guys think? Tell me in the comments below. Where does Mitch Kenny rank in regards to the hooking position?
00:31:33
Tackles and Tinnies
In the second row, Liam Martin, second set and forget. He's your other pack leader. He's your edge defender. He's your guy. He's your third man in. If there's any sort of biff or tuffle, you got Liam Martin in there. He's the guy you hate playing against, it but you love him in your team. Penderth Panthers fans, I guarantee he's probably one of your favorite players.
00:31:55
Tackles and Tinnies
Scotty Sorensen could easily be switched out for Isaiah Papali'i, but I think IPAP provides more impact off the bench. That's a toss-up.
00:32:05
Tackles and Tinnies
Who would you guys pick? who would you be Would you pick Scotty Sorensen in regards to his reliability that he's had for many, many years, or would you just go out and out, best player out of the two in IPAP,
00:32:19
Tackles and Tinnies
Let me know in the comments. I think things are now changed where with the top 19 where you probably could have a guy like Scott Sorensen who is an out and out second row. Definitely could play in middle, don't get me wrong.
00:32:31
Tackles and Tinnies
And for the New Zealand national team, Scott Sorensen came off the bench and IPAP did start second row. That's an interesting conversation point as well.
00:32:40
Tackles and Tinnies
Yeah, I'm going to keep Scott Sorensen there at second row and I'll have Ipap off the bench. Starting lock, number 13, your co-captain, fantastic leader, great ball playing, linking sort of role, can run the ball like a front row if you need to unreal in defense, fantastic motor, got the pedigree, as as i as Isaiah Yeo, Mr Yeo,
00:33:05
Tackles and Tinnies
mr yo Australian representative, New South Wales representative, co-captain for Penrith Panthers. I thought he had a fantastic year, probably a nine out of 10 for Isaiah Yeo. He's that good.
00:33:18
Tackles and Tinnies
I'm so jealous that he's on the Penrith Panthers. Absolute mainstay, so underrated.
00:33:22
Tackles and Tinnies
On the interchange bench, this was tough because there's many guys we could talk about here. Now, with the 19-man squad, with the six-person interchange,
00:33:33
Tackles and Tinnies
In my opinion, each team's probably going to have an out-and-out half on their bench, and there's some guys who'll be pushing for that position. Now, the debate is between Jack Cogger and Jack Cole.
00:33:47
Tackles and Tinnies
At the moment, I've got Jack Cole being the incumbent is the only reason why out of the two currently. He knows the system more so in recent times with the new cattle of crop where Jack Cogger was in a previous era with that team. Jack Cogger could very well be the utility player there, but currently I've got Jack Cole being the 6-7-9 utility, number 14 off the bench.
00:34:13
Tackles and Tinnies
At number 15, I've got Isaiah Papali'i. I've already talked about him in depth. Middle edge impact, provides great leg speed, good in contact, number 15.
00:34:22
Tackles and Tinnies
Very well good start, though. I've got Luke Gardner, reliable back rower. Low-key, very good. I didn't like watched a fair few Panthers games, don't get me wrong, but I really spent a lot of time because I was looking at getting in my super coach team.
00:34:36
Tackles and Tinnies
Luke Gardner can definitely play center as well. Both are more-esque type of archetype there. Very reliable, very reliable. Definitely pushing for a starting position on any other team.
00:34:49
Tackles and Tinnies
But I just think Isaiah Papali'i and Liam Martin, and Scott Sorensen have that on lock at the moment. But definitely with Origen, Luke Gardner could definitely start.
00:35:00
Tackles and Tinnies
and Number 17, young middle. I've got Liam Henry. Yeah, one of the first front rowers coming off the bench. Very reliable. Going to be a big loss going to the Perth Bears in 2027.
00:35:13
Tackles and Tinnies
But yeah, he will definitely be there for 2026. As my number 18, okay, I've got Thomas Jenkins. He's your utility outside back. Definitely was starting there for half of the year at least.
00:35:26
Tackles and Tinnies
Was pushing for that finals run series where Paul Amoliti just popped him at the very end there. Could start in a pinch. Yeah, got a bit of X factor in him. Bit of folk hero in him as well. Thomas Jenkins, utility outside back.
00:35:40
Tackles and Tinnies
And then I've got two guys who are fighting for one position. I've got Matt Eisenhuth, old reliable, Mr. Consistent, or I've got Kalani going.
00:35:52
Tackles and Tinnies
Bit more upside, new recruit, edge hooker lock. For that reason alone with the upside play, I'm going Kalani going. I think he could provide, again, bit more utility value, a bit more athleticism.
00:36:07
Tackles and Tinnies
I think athleticism is always going to be the key. And again, you don't always have to play him. okay But again, I think Kalani going in that regard makes the top 19 over Matt Eisenhooth.
00:36:20
Tackles and Tinnies
You've got some guys like Tom Allee, Jack Cogger, Freddie Lussick, Jesse McLean, Pataya as well. He had a crack here and there last year. All these guys will be sniffing around to make the top 19. So spots aren't up for grabs currently. But if an injury or origin pops up, these guys will be pushing in there for sure.
00:36:42
Tackles and Tinnies
As I mentioned before, Isaiah Papalihi, in regards to Smoke, he's making the top 10. or let's say the starting team or the top 19, but Puppley definitely a Smokey to make a start.
00:36:54
Tackles and Tinnies
And Gardner as well could also be pushing for a starting position over Scott Sorensen. IPAP, could he play 80 minutes? Yes. Do I want him playing 80 minutes? No.
00:37:03
Tackles and Tinnies
Hence why I like the versatility off the bench impact forward. Also, another one to note is the utility outside back on the extended bench. I think Jesse McLean versus Thomas Jenkins. I think Jesse McLean being signed there to 2028 says a lot about what the Penrith Panthers think about him.
00:37:22
Tackles and Tinnies
He was definitely fighting for that position against his brother, Casey McLean. At the start of 2025. However, due to the fact that Thomas Jenkins proved that he was that good in the 2025 season and again, just missed out in the finals run.
00:37:39
Tackles and Tinnies
I got Thomas Jenkins over Jesse McLean, but going off the contract situation, I wouldn't be surprised if Jesse McLean gets a run at some point in the 2026 season.
00:37:50
Tackles and Tinnies
As I mentioned before, there's a bit of a half slash utility battle on the bench with Jack Cogger versus Jack Cole, the Battle of the Jacks, both fighting for that Cleary backup jersey when he goes to origin or if there's an injury. Cleary has had injuries in the past year or two.
00:38:07
Tackles and Tinnies
it'd be interesting where Cogger or Cole, who gets that backup jersey or who gets that utility role off the bench. Let me know in the comments, the Battle of the Jacks.
00:38:20
Tackles and Tinnies
Hooker depth, you got Lussick, Billy Scott. Again, you can put Jack Cole, Jack Cogger there in a pinch. Who's going to be the backup hooker if, or even Kalani going, if Mitch Kenny goes down?
00:38:33
Tackles and Tinnies
Again, i want to hear from you Panthers fans. You probably know more about me regarding this. Who is going to be the backup hooker if Mitch Kenny goes down? it going to be a Lussick? Is it going to be a Billy Scott?
00:38:43
Tackles and Tinnies
Is it going to be a Jack Cole, Jack Cogger, Kalani going? Let me know in the comments. And again, the young middles coming through, but all pretty much from the Warriors, LA, Going, Henry, Smith, Lussick. Yeah, all these young fellas coming through could all play in the middle slash edge. Who is going to get that extended bench spot? Who's going to be the next man up?
00:39:08
Tackles and Tinnies
Let me know in the comments, guys. Plenty of smoky chat for the Penrith Panthers in 2026. You love having guys pushing for positions. Now, 2026 storylines. We've already talked about Blaze Talanghi little bit, but I do see him improving a lot. But is he going to be a top four quality 5'8 in 2026? In my other previews slash reviews for all these other teams I've done so far,
00:39:36
Tackles and Tinnies
The league is so tight, in my opinion. One or two wins can put you in the top four, which is literally the Penrith Panthers with 33 competition points. And all they needed was to get two wins. Yeah, two wins would have got them to 37 points, which would have been fourth place.
00:39:55
Tackles and Tinnies
However, if they lost two more times, they would have been literally 10th or 11th. So again, the league is so, so close. which says a lot. Is Blaze Talangi top four quality, particularly if Cleary goes down? Can he handle the ship?
00:40:11
Tackles and Tinnies
I say at this stage, no Does he have the upside to be a top four quality number six? Yes. But again, Cleary is the guy there. Blaze just needs to be complimentary to his game.
00:40:27
Tackles and Tinnies
But can Blaze be a top four number six? Let me know in the comments, guys. Does probably make the best edge rotation in the comp with guys like Liam Martin, guys like Isaiah Yeo. Again, you can shift guys like Gardner in there as well.
00:40:44
Tackles and Tinnies
Scotty Sorensen, again, arguably one of the better second-rolls or more underrated players in the game. Do they make one of the better packs?
00:40:54
Tackles and Tinnies
I'm going to say...
00:40:57
Tackles and Tinnies
I'm going to say fact. Their defense, again, I think their DNA is their defense. Papali, again, another year in the system, another year gaining confidence, particularly after that New Zealand starting role and winning the PAC nations.
00:41:13
Tackles and Tinnies
I think it is one of the better PACs in the comp, let alone better edges, particularly if Nathan Cleary can give them good ball. Now, how quickly do the new middles in Henry, well, Henry's little a little bit of mainstay, but he's still quite young.
00:41:28
Tackles and Tinnies
Freddie Lussick, LAA, Kalani going. Are these guys going to be ready to go during the origin period when those senior players need to be rested or are playing in their game?
00:41:42
Tackles and Tinnies
Let me know in the comments, guys. Are guys like LAA, Lussick going, coming from the Warriors, good enough? and ready enough to make the phase two of the Penrith Panthers, the next era of the Penrith Panthers. Let me know in the comments.
Predicted League Outcome and Competition
00:41:56
Tackles and Tinnies
Now, this is hard, and I've just mentioned before, but the 2026 ladder prediction for the Penrith Panthers, I've just mentioned there's so much transparency about the league.
00:42:07
Tackles and Tinnies
Two wins, they're in the top four. Two losses, they're like 10th. Where do they finish in 2026? Penrith Panthers fans, I deserve a like and a follow for this comment because I got them finished second to fourth in 2026.
00:42:23
Tackles and Tinnies
Even with the third hardest draw in the comp, they've still got their core in Edwards Cleary, Isaiah Yeo, Liam Martin, b Brian Toto. They've got younger fellas developing in Casey McLean and Blaise Talanghi.
00:42:39
Tackles and Tinnies
And they've got guys like IPAP only gaining confidence and Paul Alamotti, again, going gangbusters in the final series. But again, that's going to help them a lot.
00:42:51
Tackles and Tinnies
And no major losses, as I just reiterated before. Probably their biggest loss in my eyes would be Dane Laurie being the backup for... Dylan Edwards or could definitely play 5'8 if need be.
00:43:03
Tackles and Tinnies
Very good running game. Would have been probably the ideal utility outside back off the bench because, again, he could play 1-6. But, again, overall, for the first time in many years, you guys have stolen some young fellas from the Warriors and really haven't lost anyone.
00:43:21
Tackles and Tinnies
And identified Talanghi six, again, if he's not developing right, you could definitely look at guys like Cole and Kogger to fill a job there if Talanghi needs to be moved.
00:43:33
Tackles and Tinnies
I don't see him getting moved, don't get me wrong, but at least you have half depth. yeah You've got two guys definitely being able to fill a role, particularly during the origin period or if Cleary goes down.
00:43:44
Tackles and Tinnies
Now, this is the regular on the show, guys, who haven't listened to my show before, but cap or fact, this is ChatGPT's prediction on the Penrith Panthers, and I'll just give my opinion on that.
00:43:55
Tackles and Tinnies
So, cap or fact, the Panthers being last at one stage proves the comps tighter than ever. Fact, I've been preaching this all podcast. There has been, this is probably the best thing phase rugby league has ever been in. Last year in 2025 proved that there's so much transparency throughout the league. I think it's only going to be even better in 2026. I honestly think last place is going to be like one or two losses away from getting last.
00:44:25
Tackles and Tinnies
Any team can make the eight this year. Every team is that good. There's some teams who are a little bit below, but in regards to teams on paper, I don't see why not.
00:44:36
Tackles and Tinnies
Again, you're only one injury away from dropping off the face of the earth and missing the top eight. So, cap of fact, definitely fact. Next one, cap of fact. Cleary didn't play worse. He just had to do more.
00:44:48
Tackles and Tinnies
Oh, I think it's a bit of a combination of both. i think... Yeah, definitely a combination of both. I think the whole team was underperforming. I think the confidence was down after getting a few losses.
00:45:00
Tackles and Tinnies
And it's pretty hard when you think about it, Panthers fans. Every single game, people want to bury you. You're the team to beat. People want to say, hey, we got the head of the Penrith Panthers.
00:45:13
Tackles and Tinnies
We're the next man up. You're getting the best version of every single team every single week in regards to their preparation. Cleary did have a little bit of a down patch in regards to his form, probably due to the fact that he was, again, injuries.
00:45:28
Tackles and Tinnies
But he proved dividends in the back half of the year when it mattered most, just missing out on the grand final again. But did he play worse?
00:45:39
Tackles and Tinnies
I'm going to say cap. I think the whole team was worse. And the last one, cap of fact, Penrith's down year is still everyone's pretty good year. Well, bloody oath. Imagine you're coming dead last and then you can still make the top eight after 12 rounds. That just proves the pedigree, the winning culture, the dynasty that is the Penrith Panthers.
00:46:00
Tackles and Tinnies
Yeah, i'm going to say, I'm going say fat, definitely. It's definitely a pretty good year for other teams who can't rebound for such a hard, transparent league. All these injuries, all these origin stars, all these max restings. Guys, you literally rested, I think, what, 16 out of your 17 players that one round. I think Eisenhuth was the captain for that game.
00:46:24
Tackles and Tinnies
Crazy. Like, No one else does that. So just saying, it shows how good you guys are and the culture that you guys have overall at the Penrith Panthers.
00:46:36
Tackles and Tinnies
But guys, that's the podcast. That's the 2025 review slash 2026 preview for the Penrith Panthers. I want to hear from you guys. Let us know how we went. Am I capping?
00:46:48
Tackles and Tinnies
Am I telling the truth? Am I over-exaggerating? Am I on the money? Panthers second to fourth in 2026. Let me know in the comments. But guys, on here to I want you guys to like this podcast, like it on YouTube, follow me on all social media platforms, Tackles and Tinnies.
00:47:08
Tackles and Tinnies
Again, more that you guys do this helps me on the algorithm, keeps me motivated. I can do more stuff. I can hopefully one day get some players on here like you see on all the major podcasting. I love doing this.
00:47:21
Tackles and Tinnies
The guys who don't know me, I'm a school teacher. I talk for a living. So this is a bit of a side hustle. But hey, if we're just talking shit and having a good time at the same time, I'll do this for free for the rest of my life.
00:47:33
Tackles and Tinnies
Tackles and tinnies. I love you all. Like, subscribe, share it. We'll see you in the next one. And the next podcast would be the New Zealand Warriors. My God, that's going to be an interesting one, particularly with the losses and the gains for the Panthers in that season.
00:47:50
Tackles and Tinnies
Talk to you guys later. Happy 11th of January.