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?
4. Season Grading
A+
Panthers fans will always remember the way the Grand Final went above all else, which is hugely unfortunate given the season that preceded the loss.
17 straight wins. One loss. One draw. Covid breaks. Rookies scoring tries for fun on debut. Stephen Crichton becoming a genuine star across a season. Dylan Edwards becoming an elite fullback. Jerome Luai delivered in a way few could have predicted.
I could literally run through 15+ players here and outline their seasons. JFH is now a genuine beast. James Tamou had a near career-best season. Viliame Kikau is borderline unstoppable. Kurt Capewell was a brilliant signing. Liam Martin is a hit man.
Isaah Yeo played Origin, Brian To'o looks like the next superstar winger. Josh Mansour was incredible. Api Koroisau completely changed the way the Panthers played and for mine was the buy of the season.
2020 was a near-perfect season for the Panthers. It will, unfortunately, be remembered as the year they "choked" in the Grand Final but with a young and talented side moving forward, there's nothing to say they won't be there in early October next year to avenge that Grand Final loss.
