The Penrith Panthers have put themselves right back in the frame for NRL premiership glory, and their current form suggests they’re not just making up the numbers—they’re genuine contenders. That may not sound shocking for a team with four consecutive titles already in the bag, but context is everything. As recently as the middle of the season, the Panthers were languishing near the bottom of the ladder, looking more like a side destined for the wooden spoon than for grand final day.
What has unfolded since then is nothing short of a rugby league miracle. Through a combination of grit, improved execution, and unwavering belief, Penrith has stormed into the finals, toppling some of the competition’s best along the way. And while their resurgence has been thrilling to watch, the numbers tell the real story. Here are five key statistics that define the Panthers’ extraordinary turnaround.
1. From Worst to First in Defence
Midway through the season, Penrith’s defence was leaking points at an alarming rate, ranking among the bottom four in the competition. Fast forward to the finals, and they boast the best defensive record over the last two months. Their average points conceded dropped from nearly 24 per game to under 12—a dramatic transformation that’s been the foundation of their winning run.
2. Completion Rate Consistency
Earlier in the season, errors and sloppy ball-handling constantly crippled their momentum. Since the turnaround began, the Panthers have lifted their completion rate to an impressive 85%, a figure that has allowed them to control possession and dictate the tempo. It’s no coincidence that this newfound discipline has coincided with their surge up the ladder.
3. Dominance in the Middle
The Panthers’ forward pack has rediscovered its bite, with yardage stats reflecting a complete reversal in fortunes. They’re now averaging 1,650 run metres per match—up from just 1,380 in their early-season struggles. That extra go-forward has given their halves more time and space, allowing the attack to click into gear.
4. The Clutch Factor
One of the most telling indicators of a team’s resilience is how they perform in tight games. In the first half of the season, Penrith lost five matches by six points or fewer. In their finals push, they’ve won all three games decided by less than a converted try, showing a newfound composure under pressure.
5. Try-Scoring Revival
A stuttering attack was another early-season headache, with the Panthers ranked 12th in tries scored by Round 12. Since then, they’ve averaged five tries a game, with key strike players returning to form and their set plays firing with precision. Their ability to score from anywhere on the park has once again made them one of the most dangerous attacking teams in the competition.
This finals run has been a blend of statistical improvement and intangible grit. Few outside the foot of the mountains would have predicted such a turnaround, but Penrith’s belief never wavered. Now, with momentum on their side, they have the confidence and form to chase yet another premiership.
From the brink of irrelevance to the cusp of history, the Panthers have shown that in rugby league, seasons aren’t defined in May—they’re decided in September.