5. Prediction
3rd
I can't find a single reason to suggest a meaningful drop for the Panthers. They were excellent in 2020 and come into the new year with a near identical side. Tamou and Mansour are big losses but neither are earth shattering.
Nathan Cleary was the form player of the competition last year, despite what the awards say, and enters 2021 as the most important player in the competition. His halves partner Jarome Luai is one of the game's most exciting young players.
They have the perfect forward pack for the new rules. They're big, yet agile and capable of playing big minutes. Kikau is set to run riot in 2021 while Martin and Yeo can both play 80 minutes to great success.
I'm a little worried re the prop rotation however after what Ivan Cleary delivered last year, I'm in no way doubting him. JFH was a monster last year and is now an elite level prop.
The backline of Edwards, To'o, Crichton, May/Naden and Staines shapes as arguably the competition's most lethal. To'o and Staines may battle it out for top try scoring honours. Crichton will be the best centre in the game by year's end, if he's not already.
Api Koroisau is lethal from dummy half and will tear sides to shreds under the new rules. He completely transformed the Panthers upon his return to the club in 2020.
Simply put, anything less than a comfortable top four finish would be a disaster. They're stacked from 1-13 and beyond. This is a club who couldn't find a spot for Josh Mansour in their backline.
They could very well be there again on Grand Final Day in October.
