Bookies have Penrith Panthers in NRL premiership reckoning

Just seven weeks ago, Penrith looked ready to end their season with the dreaded timber cutlery. But after seven wins on the trot, the Panthers’ momentum even has the bookies paying attention.

Brent Naden celebrates after tearing into the Dragons. Image: AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts

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What a difference seven weeks can make in rugby league.

Backtrack to round 11 and the Penrith Panthers were paying $4 to win the wooden spoon and were despised $101 outsiders to win the competition.

The TAB has since reacted with one of the most dramatic adjustments to NRL betting markets in years.

On the back of seven straight victories, including Friday night’s thumping win over St George Illawarra, the Panthers are now $17 to win the title.

Brent Naden celebrates after tearing into the Dragons. Image: AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts

Last week they became only the third team in NRL history to lose six straight games and then win six straight in the same season.

To come from last after 10 rounds of the competition to make the finals was last achieved 20 years ago when the Broncos were last of 17 teams after 12 rounds but scraped into the 1999 playoffs.

The contributions of first-year rookies Brian To’o, Brent Naden and Mitch Kenny have made a huge difference to Penrith side that was written off after the opening 10 weeks.

To’o and Naden, who weren’t even in Penrith’s top 30 at the start of the year, now have six tries each in as many NRL games.

“Our young fellas are doing really well,” said coach Nathan Cleary, “Three rookies started tonight and when Liam Martin’s fit, he normally starts too.

“They have all contributed really strongly.”

The Dragons can do nothing to stop To'o. Image: AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts

Cleary said the emergence of To’o was symbolic of an evolving team who are now one victory away from equalling a club-record eight straight wins.

“He’s definitely one of the guys that helped us when we were struggling, came into the team and provided that boost,” said.

“(He) just loves playing, so grateful for the opportunity, has a huge following of family and friends and he’s a local kid.”

At the opposite end of the scale the St George Illawarra Dragons have been abandoned by punters.

They have gone from $13 to win the competition after the opening round to their current price of $251.

Originally published as Bookies have Penrith Panthers in NRL premiership reckoning