The Panthers are coming: Five key stats that define Penrith's miracle finals run

Jed Wells

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The Panthers are coming: Five key stats that define Penrith's miracle finals run image

The Penrith Panthers are a real chance at winning the NRL premiership. 

While this might not sound too crazy, considering they have already won four in a row, this finals run seemed impossible as recently as midway through the season, where they looked more likely to contend for the wooden spoon. 

But with a stunning run of nine-straight victories from Ivan Cleary's men quickly turning the competition on its head, here are five key statistics that will define the Panthers' premiership hopes.

13 PLACES

At the conclusion of Round 12 in this year's footy season, the Penrith Panthers looked dead and buried, sitting last on the NRL ladder. 

It appeared that the magic had run out in the west, a dramatic fall from grace for the reigning premiers. 

But heading into Round 24, the team now sits in fourth place, having risen a remarkable 13 places in 11 weeks as they regain their form. 

Five points below the Storm and the Bulldogs who both sit on 36 at second and third, the Panthers will have their work cut out for them if they want to move any higher on the ladder, but claiming a top four finish considering their early season woes will be crucial to their success.

15.6 POINTS

The average margin of victory across the Panthers' nine-game win streak. 

Penrith haven't just been beating teams of late, they've been destroying them, winning by an average of more than two tries. 

They have also scored 30 or more points in their last five contests, including a 48-point effort as they thrashed the Newcastle Knights. 

Traditionally known for their grit and grind style of play, this high-octane offence represents somewhat of an adjustment for the Panthers, and one that will be welcome as they look to take on some dominant teams in the top eight. 

8-0 RECORD 

This is how the Panthers have fared in 2025 when they have had their first-choice spine available - they haven't lost yet. 

In games this year that feature Dylan Edwards, Blaize Talagi, Nathan Cleary and Mitch Kenny in the starting 13, the Panthers are undefeated, accounting for eight of their 12 wins on the season.

For Penrith, this is an incredibly encouraging sign, with each of the four key positions looking to be healthy heading in to finals footy. 

If this form is representative of their true capabilities, then another premiership is well within reach.

10.1 PER CENT

Since the Penrith Panthers' run of top-tier success began in 2020, when they would make but lose the Grand Final, one of their true pillars has been Isaah Yeo.

So consistent has the team's captain been that he has missed just 10.1 per cent of Penrith's games in the last half decade.

This is why Yeo's shoulder injury, suffered against the Gold Coast Titans, could be potentially devastating for the team in pursuit of greatness.

While coach Ivan Cleary backs him to be back in time for the finals, the Panthers potentially missing one of their most important players will undoubtedly be weighing on the minds of their fans come finals time.

2 TEAMS

If the Panthers were to go all the way this year, it would be their fifth-straight premiership, having already won in 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024.

This would propel them into incredibly rare air, with only two teams in history to ever win five or more premierships in a row.

Penrith would join the South Sydney Rabbitohs, who won from 1925-1929, and the St. George Dragons, premiers from 1956 to 1966. 

The bar is high for the Panthers, with history awaiting Nathan Cleary's men, and the chance to return to the top of the mountain once more could be a perfect inspiration, or an unwanted distraction for the team.

Jed Wells

Jed is a writer and social media producer, who has a keen interest in the intersection of sports and popular culture, especially basketball.