REVEALED: The former Shark's sledge that caused a Panthers dynasty

Contributor
Jed Wells
REVEALED: The former Shark's sledge that caused a Panthers dynasty image

The Penrith Panthers are currently in pursuit of an incredible fifth-straight premiership, having finished on top of the league every season since 2021. 

Whether it was dominant displays against the Eels and Storm, close calls versus the Rabbitohs or a historic comeback over the Broncos, the Panthers have consistently found ways to win over the past half-decade. 

But was an ill-timed sledge from a Cronulla Sharks player the catalyst for one of the most dominant runs in NRL history?

The former Shark's sledge that caused a Panthers dynasty

It's hard to pin down four-straight seasons of NRL dominance to one moment, but a sledge from former Cronulla Sharks centre Will Chambers could be behind the Panthers dynasty. 

As Penrith led his squad 36-0 in 2021, Chambers riffled off a quote towards the Panthers that would end up ageing incredibly poorly for him. 

"Worry about winning one of these [premiership rings], bra," on-field microphones captured Chambers saying while pointing towards his finger. 

Of course, they did worry about that, winning four in a row for good measure. 

"It was a bit of banter," Panthers star Nathan Cleary said of the Chambers comment.

"He started talking, then a few of us returned serve.

"You have to respect everything he’s done in the game, he’s had a very successful career, and it’s always good when there’s a bit of lip going around. It makes it enjoyable."

The Panthers are now in pursuit of their fifth-straight prem, and while things haven't gotten off to a flying start - hitting the bottom of the ladder earlier this season - two big wins in their last three games have them trending in the right direction.