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Round Three: The Roosters

Rabbits20

Rabbits20

Immortal
Messages
42,695
Hey guys do you think Ipap will keep a big mins role on the left edge now with Martin back will he drop back to 50-55mins? Ipap I think has looked good to start the year. I mean you have Garner there though too.
 
K

Kilkenny

Coach
Messages
14,584
Rabbits20 said:
Hey guys do you think Ipap will keep a big mins role on the left edge now with Martin back will he drop back to 50-55mins? Ipap I think has looked good to start the year. I mean you have Garner there though too.
Click to expand...
He’s been terrific. Don’t know what Ivan’s plan for him is but he is a valuable cog in our machine however he is used.
 
K

Kilkenny

Coach
Messages
14,584
Probably a good time to get back to talking about the game ahead.

Every game is important but I think shapes up as our toughest game thus far.

The Roosters despite Reece Robson being available are still a little undermanned so I am hopeful we continue to improve and get the job done. A 3-0 start would be a great start to our season and sets us up nicely.

Our defence has been terrific thus far and I see no reason why that should not continue all things being equal. Hopefully we execute a bit better and capitalise on our opportunities when they come. If we play anywhere near what we are capable I can see us getting the job done.
 
Luke Bowden

Luke Bowden

First Grade
Messages
8,432
Kick early, kick to the corners and we win this with our defence.

Keeping the chooks outta good ball is what we need to do, they are a dangerous side.
 
Chins

Chins

First Grade
Messages
5,073
Marky Mark might pull off some bullshit and score a fantastic try....

But he'll also let in 3 or 4, Panthers by 20
 
C

ColdWetPanther

First Grade
Messages
5,096
I see this as being similar to other games against the Roosters recently. Get into the wrestle (as @Luke Bowden said, kick to corners, load up on defence) and wait for the Roosters to lose their discipline.
 
B

BossyC

Juniors
Messages
293
Kilkenny said:
Probably a good time to get back to talking about the game ahead.

Every game is important but I think shapes up as our toughest game thus far.

The Roosters despite Reece Robson being available are still a little undermanned so I am hopeful we continue to improve and get the job done. A 3-0 start would be a great start to our season and sets us up nicely.

Our defence has been terrific thus far and I see no reason why that should not continue all things being equal. Hopefully we execute a bit better and capitalise on our opportunities when they come. If we play anywhere near what we are capable I can see us getting the job done.
Click to expand...
Sometimes we are slow in gelling and getting our act together, but I believe we have done that after a strong effort against a well performed Rabbitoh group. It was great to see your lot put the Broncos to the sword, but the mighty Roosters will not be as easy. With Teddy typically leading from the front, and a improving combination between DCE and Sammy, we'll get the job done. I predict a low scoring game, Roosters 18, Panthers 6.
 
B

BossyC

Juniors
Messages
293
Luke Bowden said:
Kick early, kick to the corners and we win this with our defence.

Keeping the chooks outta good ball is what we need to do, they are a dangerous side.
Click to expand...
Our own defence has improved since the opening game against the Warriors. With Teddy typically leading from the front, and a improving combination between DCE and Sammy, we'll get the job done. I predict a low scoring game, Roosters 18, Panthers 6.
 
BxTom

BxTom

Bench
Messages
2,902
Oldpanther86 said:
I'm not reading your comments. Not even fun banter. Bring back the sharks fans.
Click to expand...
We have a good Easts fan - something Rooster or visa versa, that adds intelligence. The BossyC guy is obviously what's left in the dregs of the gene pool. I find that Trolls hate it when we talk about them and NOT to them. They feel deprived of relevance and makes our comments burn hotter...
 
Oldpanther86

Oldpanther86

Juniors
Messages
1,211
BxTom said:
We have a good Easts fan - something Rooster or visa versa, that adds intelligence. The BossyC guy is obviously what's left in the dregs of the gene pool. I find that Trolls hate it when we talk about them and NOT to them. They feel deprived of relevance and makes our comments burn hotter...
Click to expand...

Yeah you're right he's a good one.
 
B

BossyC

Juniors
Messages
293
Based on expert analysis for Round 3 of the 2026 NRL season, the Sydney Roosters v Penrith Panthers clash is widely seen as a blockbuster matchup with the Sydney Roosters entering as slight favourites to win, despite Penrith's dominant recent history in the fixture.

  • Betting Perspective: While Penrith has dominated the recent head-to-head (11 wins from the last 12), early 2026 betting markets favor the Roosters as a "smart" play or tight underdog.
  • Panthers Form: Experts note the Panthers are no longer deemed the same defensive force, having conceded high scores recently, allowing 28.3ppg at times during 2025/early 2026.
  • Roosters Momentum: The Roosters are coming off a period where they have shown, as they did in early 2025, an ability to overcome Penrith through sheer effort and capitalizing on opportunities.
  • Key Matchup: The battle between fullbacks Dylan Edwards (Panthers) and James Tedesco (Roosters) is viewed as a critical point, particularly regarding Origin contention and leading their respective teams.
  • Verdict: Expect a tight, high-intensity game where the home ground advantage for the Roosters may be the deciding factor.
 
W

Wetcats

Juniors
Messages
113

1. A Modern Dynasty: Four Straight Premierships (2021–2024)​

No other team in the salary‑cap era has come close to what Penrith achieved: four consecutive NRL premierships from 2021 to 2024. This run has been widely described as the benchmark for modern dominance and has even drawn comparisons to the legendary St George Dragons dynasty of the 1950s–60s. [australiaf...otball.com]
This level of sustained excellence is exceptionally rare in the NRL, where the salary cap is specifically designed to prevent exactly this kind of long‑term dominance.

2. The Ivan Cleary Era: Culture, Pathways & System Excellence​

Under coach Ivan Cleary, Penrith underwent a complete organisational transformation. Cleary rebuilt the club around:
  • Elite junior pathways
  • A suffocating defensive system
  • A culture where excellence is the expectation, not the exception
Analysts describe this revamp as “revolutionary,” turning Penrith from perennial underachievers into the competition’s undisputed benchmark. [australiaf...otball.com]

3. Nathan Cleary: The Best Big‑Game Player in the NRL​

Nathan Cleary has repeatedly dominated on the highest stage — from the famous 2023 grand final comeback to consistent match‑winning performances in finals footy. His teammates and analysts regularly highlight his:
  • Game management
  • Defensive commitment
  • Ability to produce clutch plays under pressure
He has built a reputation as the most reliable big‑moment player of his generation. [penrithpan...ers.com.au]
And in 2026, he continued to outclass elite opponents like Reece Walsh in high‑profile matchups. [7news.com.au]

4. Best Defensive Side in the NRL​

Multiple analyses emphasise Penrith’s defence as the foundation of their dominance. High completion rates, system trust, and tactical discipline have consistently made them the hardest team in the league to break down. [bing.com]
This defensive identity has been sustained across seasons — not just as a short‑term spike.

5. Star Power Across the Park – Not Just One Player​

Penrith’s success isn’t just Cleary. Their “big three” — Dylan Edwards, Nathan Cleary, and Isaah Yeo — continue to dominate games, with Edwards in particular starting the 2026 season in explosive form. Brian To’o, a four‑time premiership winner, also remains instrumental. [7news.com.au]
This depth of talent allows them to consistently outclass elite opponents, even when rivals are in peak form.

6. Continued Dominance in 2026​

Even after four premierships, Penrith hasn’t dropped off. They opened the 2026 season undefeated and sat in the top three of the NRL ladder early in the year. [bing.com]
Games like their 26–0 demolition of the Broncos in March 2026 reinforced that the dynasty is still alive and kicking. [7news.com.au]

In Summary​

Penrith has a strong claim to being the greatest NRL team ever because they combine:
  • Historic achievements (4 straight premierships)
  • Elite coaching and development systems
  • Generational stars like Nathan Cleary
  • Unmatched defensive structure
  • Ongoing success even after the dynasty years
Few teams in any era — salary‑cap or not — have achieved this level of sustained excellence.
If you want, I can also put together:
  • A comparison against other great NRL sides
  • A timeline of Penrith’s rise
  • A hype-style Panthers fan summary
Just tell me what you prefer!
 
BxTom

BxTom

Bench
Messages
2,902
Wetcats said:

1. A Modern Dynasty: Four Straight Premierships (2021–2024)​

No other team in the salary‑cap era has come close to what Penrith achieved: four consecutive NRL premierships from 2021 to 2024. This run has been widely described as the benchmark for modern dominance and has even drawn comparisons to the legendary St George Dragons dynasty of the 1950s–60s. [australiaf...otball.com]
This level of sustained excellence is exceptionally rare in the NRL, where the salary cap is specifically designed to prevent exactly this kind of long‑term dominance.

2. The Ivan Cleary Era: Culture, Pathways & System Excellence​

Under coach Ivan Cleary, Penrith underwent a complete organisational transformation. Cleary rebuilt the club around:
  • Elite junior pathways
  • A suffocating defensive system
  • A culture where excellence is the expectation, not the exception
Analysts describe this revamp as “revolutionary,” turning Penrith from perennial underachievers into the competition’s undisputed benchmark. [australiaf...otball.com]

3. Nathan Cleary: The Best Big‑Game Player in the NRL​

Nathan Cleary has repeatedly dominated on the highest stage — from the famous 2023 grand final comeback to consistent match‑winning performances in finals footy. His teammates and analysts regularly highlight his:
  • Game management
  • Defensive commitment
  • Ability to produce clutch plays under pressure
He has built a reputation as the most reliable big‑moment player of his generation. [penrithpan...ers.com.au]
And in 2026, he continued to outclass elite opponents like Reece Walsh in high‑profile matchups. [7news.com.au]

4. Best Defensive Side in the NRL​

Multiple analyses emphasise Penrith’s defence as the foundation of their dominance. High completion rates, system trust, and tactical discipline have consistently made them the hardest team in the league to break down. [bing.com]
This defensive identity has been sustained across seasons — not just as a short‑term spike.

5. Star Power Across the Park – Not Just One Player​

Penrith’s success isn’t just Cleary. Their “big three” — Dylan Edwards, Nathan Cleary, and Isaah Yeo — continue to dominate games, with Edwards in particular starting the 2026 season in explosive form. Brian To’o, a four‑time premiership winner, also remains instrumental. [7news.com.au]
This depth of talent allows them to consistently outclass elite opponents, even when rivals are in peak form.

6. Continued Dominance in 2026​

Even after four premierships, Penrith hasn’t dropped off. They opened the 2026 season undefeated and sat in the top three of the NRL ladder early in the year. [bing.com]
Games like their 26–0 demolition of the Broncos in March 2026 reinforced that the dynasty is still alive and kicking. [7news.com.au]

In Summary​

Penrith has a strong claim to being the greatest NRL team ever because they combine:
  • Historic achievements (4 straight premierships)
  • Elite coaching and development systems
  • Generational stars like Nathan Cleary
  • Unmatched defensive structure
  • Ongoing success even after the dynasty years
Few teams in any era — salary‑cap or not — have achieved this level of sustained excellence.
If you want, I can also put together:
  • A comparison against other great NRL sides
  • A timeline of Penrith’s rise
  • A hype-style Panthers fan summary
Just tell me what you prefer!
Click to expand...
We's pretty good, eh.
 
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