No team since Jack Gibson's mighty Eels of 1981-3 has won three straight premierships and it will be a massive task for the Panthers following the loss of key personnel.Back in the era of the Eels, there was no salary cap and rival clubs didn't peck away at the club the way they have with the Panthers.Penrith still has a mighty roster - probably the best in the NRL, a wise coach in Ivan Cleary and plenty of depth to cover injuries and State of Origin - so they could easily achieve the feat. 2022 finishing position: Premiers - Gains: Luke Garner (Wests Tigers), Tyrone Peachey (Wests Tigers), Zac Hosking (Broncos), Jack Cogger (Huddersfield). Losses: Apisai Koroisau (Wests Tigers), Viliame Kikau (Bulldogs), Isaiya Katoa (Dolphins), Robert Jennings (Dolphins), J'maine Hopgood (Eels), Sean O'Sullivan (Dolphins), Charlie Staines (Wests Tigers).Biggest loss - Api Koroisau will be a massive loss for the premiers - even in the World Club Challenge, their attack looked flat without him. Mitch Kenny is a solid player but lacks Koroisau's brilliance out of dummy half.Greatest strength - The leadership of the most dominant player in the NRL, Nathan Cleary, a strong top 17 and plenty of depth gives the Panthers a really good shot at winning yet another title.
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