'Nearly impossible' task after title team decimated

Stephen Crichton, Matt Burton, Api Koroisau, Kurt Capewell, Viliame Kikau, Tyrone May, Spencer Leniu, Brent Naden and Paul Momirovski … that's nine members of the 2021 grand final team that began the Panthers dynasty who have now moved on.Throw in the likes of Daine Laurie, Josh Mansour, Charlie Staines, Jack Cogger, James Tamou, J'maine Hopgood, Sean O'Sullivan, Zane Tetavano, Jaeman Salmon, Tom Jenkins, Jack Hetherington and Robert Jennings who have also been poached by rival clubs and it's remarkable that the Panthers have managed to keep winning, becoming the first team to produce a premiership three-peat in four decades.You win one comp and the salary cap makes it tough to go back-to-back as players want more money - and some move elsewhere.Win two and it's tougher - win three and it's nearly impossible - yet the Panthers have such a great system they will still start the new year as title favourites.The departure of Crichton and Leniu - two men at the heart and soul of the Panthers machine - will hit hard in 2024.The team has only signed three 'back-up' players who add depth but little else, although the livewire Daine Lauire could be a surprise packet in his second coming at the Panthers.The numbers were immaculate as the Panthers swept away the competition to make it three straight titles this season.They had the league's most tackle breaks, best completion rate, most kick metres, most forced dropouts, most kick return metres, conceded least points and least tries and had most try assists.But having their strength and depth sapped year by year as they continue winning, it is getting that little bit tough each time to keep the dream alive.

What really caused Bulldogs star's sudden exit

Bulldogs general manager Phil Gould has explained the sudden exit of star outside back Brent Naden, which quickly followed news of coach Trent Barrett's resignation.In a tumultuous week for the Belmore club, Naden added a twist when he turned up unannounced on the Wests Tigers team list that was unveiled at 4pm on Tuesday.So rushed was the move that neither the Bulldogs nor the Tigers had time to announce it before it was revealed to the world when the team lists were published.It sparked instant speculation that Naden had quit the Bulldogs in protest as soon as he could after it was announced that Barrett was no longer the head coach.Speaking on Wide World of Sports' Six Tackles with Gus podcast, Gould set the record straight, explaining that the Tigers had been circling Naden since the summer and that Gould himself had decided to offer the player the chance for a change of scenery on Friday, when Barrett was still at the helm."So Brent Naden, we had an approach - we had several approaches actually during the summer months," Gould said.

Panthers Bulldogs rift intensifies

THE rift between the Bulldogs and Panthers is about to explode yet again with star centre Brent Naden set to sign a massive deal to move to Belmore. The Panthers are already fuming at losing up-and-comers Jack Hetherington and Matt Burton to their former assistant coach Trent Barrett at the Dogs and the departure of controversial but talented centre Naden is set to push Penrith off the edge. Sources have told Wide World of Sports that Naden is close to signing a rich three-year contract with Canterbury. Barrett is desperate for more strike power out wide and Naden, a tall, speedy centre fits the bill perfectly. The Tigers and Eels are also keen on Naden but he wants to link up again with Barrett, who was assistant coach at Penrith last year.