Predicted Finish: 11th
Actual Finish: 1st
Fair to say I missed in a big way here. I had no idea that Penrith would be a player in 2020. They lost Maloney, their forwards seemed soft and I doubted Ivan Cleary. Which sides shall I enjoy with my serving of crow?
2. Lowlights
- Back to the distractions: Ultimately the off-field distractions didn't derail the Panthers in 2020, but they very well could have. In any other situation, they absolutely would have. I'm hoping that the 2021 season is played under very relaxed restrictions compared to last year, but there's a chance it won't be. The Panthers can't have their star player being suspended for such a ridiculous reason again. They can't have players partying whilst supposed to be in the game-saving bubble. Don't tempt fate is what I'm saying.
- Slow start in the decider: The Panthers ran out onto ANZ Stadium on October 25th looking ready to run through walls. Fast forward to halftime and the Storm walked into the break with a 22-0 lead and the game looked over. Papenhuyzen's incredible try in the second half made it 26-0 and the title was decided. Only two late sin bins brought the Panthers back into a game they were never truly in. That was an unfortunate way for the Panthers season to end all things considered.
