We know the Panthers are good. But this key factor explains why they’re so far ahead of the pack

July 24, 2026 — 3:50pm

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The single most decisive factor in building an NRL dynasty?

It’s right up there alongside club culture, a factory line of rugby league talent, meticulous roster management and a couple of Clearys.

“Keeping your players on the paddock,” four-time premiership-winning Penrith coach Ivan Cleary says.

“Managing their bodies and workloads – honestly, I can tell you that so much of the decision-making I make, the day-to-day decisions, it’s all revolving around keeping players fit and healthy.”

This is arguably the most instructive lens through which to view Penrith’s premiership chances, and how their current form line compares to those in each of their 2021-24 title-winning campaigns and last season’s outlier (where they still made a preliminary final).

The Panthers’ form of late – including Thursday’s gritty win over Parramatta with two sin-bins – has been several shades short of perfection. But the bookmakers still have them pegged as prohibitive premiership favourites.

Only the brave and the stupid are putting their money anywhere else. The Panthers’ recent run of mixed form has been viewed far and wide as little more than an Origin period wobble.

Most importantly, throughout the most dominant first five months of an NRL season since the same team’s efforts in 2022, the Panthers’ playing squad has remained in remarkably good health.

Aside from Dylan Edwards being ruled out this week by a shoulder........

© Brisbane Times