The sting of last year’s preliminary final defeat to the Brisbane Broncos continues to resonate within the Penrith Panthers camp, shaping their pre-season preparations and fueling a renewed focus on closing out games. Although not dwelling on the past, the Panthers are dissecting key moments from that 30-9 loss, identifying areas for improvement as they aim to reclaim the NRL premiership. The Broncos’ ability to finish strong, a characteristic they consistently demonstrated throughout the 2024 season, is a particular point of emphasis for Ivan Cleary’s side.
The Panthers, four-time consecutive premiers, were ultimately undone by a combination of factors in that preliminary final, including a failure to capitalize on opportunities and a strong finish from the Broncos. A key takeaway for Penrith is addressing their consistency over the full 80 minutes, something the Broncos excelled at. The team is using “snippets” from the game in pre-season training, focusing on specific areas rather than a comprehensive review, according to reports. This strategic approach aims to harness the lessons learned without becoming consumed by the disappointment of the loss.
One crucial period identified by analysts was the 16th minute of the second half, when the Panthers held an eight-point lead but were subjected to a relentless attacking barrage from the Broncos. The Panthers endured three sets and 15 consecutive tackles defending their line, a testament to Brisbane’s relentless pressure. This sequence highlighted a vulnerability in Penrith’s defense and underscored the Broncos’ ability to wear down opponents in the closing stages of a match.
Throughout the 2024 season, both teams demonstrated a clear preference for attacking down their left edges. The Broncos proved particularly potent in this area, scoring a league-leading 65 tries down their left channel, while the Panthers ranked third with 54 tries. Still, Penrith struggled to find joy attacking Brisbane’s right side, featuring Casey McLean and Blaize Talagi, and repeatedly directed play that way. A near-miss, where a Nathan Cleary grubber kick narrowly failed to fall into Penrith’s hands, further illustrated the fine margins that decided the contest.
A pivotal moment occurred in the 61st minute when Ezra Mam conceded a penalty for an escort, presenting Penrith with a golden opportunity to extend their lead. However, Cleary opted to take the tap instead of kicking for goal, a decision questioned by commentators like Cooper Cronk. The subsequent left-side shift broke down when Luke Garner failed to secure a short ball from Cleary, shifting momentum back to the Broncos. With Brisbane building momentum, Penrith were unable to regain control.
The final play of the season saw Cleary attempting a two-point field goal to force the game into golden point, but his attempt fell short. The scramble for position left him under pressure, forcing a Hail Mary pass to Edwards. This mirrored a similar situation in 2022, when Cleary missed a clutch field goal attempt against the Parramatta Eels, prompting a week of dedicated practice on long-range drop punts. However, mindful of his hamstring concerns, Cleary has scaled back the intensity of those training sessions.
According to reports, Cleary senior believes there’s a renewed “fire” within the Panthers squad, fueled by the disappointment of last year’s result. “It was a different feeling last year, for sure,” he said. “I feel like there was definitely some fire in that. It certainly looks that way.” This suggests a heightened level of motivation and determination as the Panthers prepare for the 2025 season.
The Panthers’ pre-season focus on specific moments from the Broncos loss, coupled with a renewed emphasis on finishing games strongly, indicates a clear strategy to address the shortcomings that cost them a chance at a fifth consecutive premiership. As they glance ahead, the team will be aiming to translate these lessons into improved performance and a return to premiership contention. The ability to learn from past mistakes and adapt their game plan will be crucial as they navigate the challenges of the upcoming season.
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