One down, 24 to go.

The first eight games of the 2021 NRL season didn't just provide us with our initial set of winners and losers, it raised another series of questions.

With each of the league's 16 teams set to do battle again this weekend, we attempted to answer the major issues facing their playing lists and coaches alike.

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Penrith Panthers

Is Saturday afternoon just another chance to boost their points differential?

After an opening week win of 24-0 and a points differential of, you guessed it, plus 24, the Panthers will again have their claws out ahead of their clash with the Bulldogs.

As Canterbury leaked 32 points to the Knights in the season's first week, Ivan Cleary's men will feel that their head-to-head clash is another fantastic opportunity to boost their +/- column.

Last season, Penrith finished with a 100% record against the Dogs, running in eight tries to nil in their 42-0 win in the final round of the home and away season.

If last week is a true indicator, both sides can expect history to repeat itself in 2021.

Realistically, Penrith should cruise past the Dogs and Sea Eagles a fortnight later, and if they beat Melbourne in Round 3, they should be 4-0 when they face the Raiders at home in week 5. Despite previously suggesting that Canberra will hold an identical record at this future stage of the season, Penrith's points differential should have them atop the Green Machine on the table.

It may appear arrogant, but Rounds 2 and 4 should be considered nothing more than banana peels for Ivan Cleary and his big cats.

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