10 talking points for the Panthers in 2023

They're on track to become one of the most dominant sides in recent history and are most definitely the team to beat again in 2023. 

The Panthers achieved remarkable back-to-back titles with a crushing grand final win against arch-rivals Parramatta to signal their intent of continuing on their dominance in the competition.

NRL.com reflects on some key moments for the Panthers in 2022 and how they have everything in place to continue their successful run next season.

Winning formula

After three grand finals and two premierships, the Panthers know what works and that sort of formula makes it hard for any side to catch them. 

The mental edge for all players part of the Panthers in 2023 is there again regardless of who has left and who will arrive. 

The difference with this premiership-winning side under Ivan Cleary is evolution.

Many clubs don't evolve after making a grand final or winning a title but not in Penrith's case with the development system in Sydney's west ensuring when one departs another is ready to step up to the plate. 

A 40-year record in sight

Penrith's remarkable run of form for the past three years has them well-placed to chase an elusive three titles in a row - a feat last achieved by Parramatta in 1983.

To put it in perspective, none of the squad members were born and Ivan Cleary was just 11 years old.

The record will be the talking point throughout the 2023 season - can the Panthers do it?

They certainly have the cattle to, and if motivation is a problem - which has showed no signs of being - then this type of record could just be the kicker for the team.

New assistants, new ideas

Ivan Cleary has announced his new assistant coaches at the Panthers after the departures of Cameron Ciraldo (Bulldogs) and Andrew Webster (Warriors) with Peter Wallace and Ben Gardiner coming on board.

The strategy left by Ciraldo and Webster will remain for Cleary but adding other voices will help the Panthers with their need to evolve again next season. 

Wallace has gone through a similiar journey to Ciraldo since retiring in 2018 and is coming off winning a title with the Panthers in NSW Cup. 

Gardiner is coming across from the Wests Tigers and was an assistant alongside Michael Maguire and New Zealand's Test team. 

The Clearys' package deal

A monumental day in the club's history came in April with Ivan and Nathan Cleary extending their stay until at least the end of 2027.

Love them or loathe them, this family partnership is here to stay and just how many premierships they can achieve together in the years to come is the big question. 

Kenny ready for lead

Api Koroisau was lost by the Panthers once before but never in the position where the club had just achieved back-to-back titles.

His departure is a big one for the defending premiers but quietly they've been planning for his exit both on and off the field.

Mitch Kenny's increased game time in 2022 was no coincidence while his promotion to start throughout the finals series is also an indication of what's to come. 

After plying his trade under Koroisau for three seasons, Kenny now gets the chance to step up.

While it's unlikely he'll be as effective as Koroisau, the Panthers will be smart enough to work around that and evolve in other areas of their game. 

The fortress remains

The change of plans around the refurbishment of BlueBet Stadium is a major win for Panthers players and fans who were otherwise going to sacrifice the next two years of home-ground advantage.

It was announced in July that instead of knocking down the venue for an upgrade, construction is likely to begin next door at Penrith Paceway. 

The Panthers were going to have to play their matches at CommBank Stadium in Eels territory had the original plan been ticked off. 

They'll now remain at BlueBet Stadium, where they've lost just two games in the past three years. 

Edwards' retention a boost

The Panthers locked in Dylan Edwards to a two-year contract extension in January and already got a wise investment return with another premiership and a Clive Churchill medal to match. 

Edwards' 2022 season was his best yet and if Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai are half responsible for bringing the fans through the gates then the Panthers fullback isn't far off from being held in the same light.

Edwards has found his own game and with that brings consistency. It might not be as flashy and brilliant as Kalyn Ponga or James Tedesco but it's equally as impressive to watch an underrated fullback go to work each week.

A peach of a recruit

Tyrone Peachey's return to Penrith isn't a major signing but coach Ivan Cleary will know better than most how to get the best out of the former NSW utility. 

Cleary recruited Peachey to the Panthers in 2014, where he played his best footy that led him to three NSW appearances four years later. 

Peachey has struggled to settle on a position since leaving the Panthers but with Mitch Kenny set for the dummy half role more permanently in 2023, a permanent spot on the bench for Peachey appears likely.

May's day 

Taylan May missed the 2022 grand final due to a hamstring injury but his maiden season was among the highlights for the Panthers with 16 tries in 21 games.

Another local junior who slotted into first grade with ease, May will be wary of second-year syndrome but like teammate Izack Tago, has the players around him to ensure it won't be a problem. 

The departure of Charlie Staines to the Wests Tigers is a clear indicator the club views May as a long-term prospect with Brian To'o to occupy the other wing. 

Kikau's spot hotly contested

Replacing the power and X-factor of Viliame Kikau will be no easy feat so it will be interesting to see whether Ivan Cleary goes for impact or a high work rate player on the left edge next season.

Luke Garner and Zac Hosking are arriving at Penrith to put up their hand to replace Kikau but don't discount the club's other options led by two-time premiership winner Scott Sorensen and Chris Smith.

Sorensen should get first crack at the job after his stellar performances off the bench over the past two seasons for the Panthers while Smith did a solid job in his return to the club.

Young gun Mavrick Geyer also had massive raps on him during the 2022 pre-season but didn't make his NRL debut in the end and will be in the mix.

Both Garner and Hosking are equally as talented while Ipswich product Ativalu Lisati is signed with the club for next season.