‘Not up to standard’: Panthers get some relief from the MRC amid horror form slump

There’s been more fallout from Penrith’s loss to the Dolphins with a key outside back charged by the match review committee.

Penrith’s season from hell has enjoyed a rare reprieve with grand final hero Paul Alamoti avoiding a ban for his high shot on Dolphins forward Tom Gilbert during Thursday night’s loss in Brisbane.

The four-time defending premiers have now lost five-straight games, with Penrith having to create their own slice of history if they want to extend their incredible reign, with no team winning a comp after starting a season 1-5.

The Panthers were without Brian To’o, Mitch Kenny and Jack Cole for their trip to Queensland, but they will have Alamoti for next week’s game against the Roosters after he was sent to the sin bin for making direct contact to Gilbert’s head.

Alamoti will have to pay $1000 if he accepts the early guilty plea for his grade 1 careless high tackle charge.

Paul Alamoti was sent to the sin bin for this high tackle in the first half.

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The Panthers have plenty of other concerns after another underwhelming display where their rejigged spine failed to gel.

The 2012 Storm side lost five games in a row but went on to win the grand final, ironically ending their losing streak against Penrith, as they won eight on the trot on their way to the title.

The Panthers will have to produce an almighty turnaround to save their season, but coach Ivan Cleary hasn’t given up yet.

“I have faith in the boys, I have faith in the team and the club,” he said.

“It’s obviously a little challenging at the moment, and that’s putting it mildly.

“We’re just not playing well enough for long enough. We need to turn that around, but once we do, I feel like we can get it going. It’s tough times at the moment.”

The biggest issue for them right now is their defence which has been the foundation of their sustained success.

The Panthers have conceded 170 points through the opening six rounds, while it took them 17 matches to concede that many in 2021 when their dynasty began.

The Dolphins picked them apart on the edges in the first half, with Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow’s speed too much for them to handle.

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow had a field day against the Panthers. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

“It’s pretty obvious that our defence is not up to standard, and that’s having a big effect on the rest of the game,” Cleary said.

“That’s too many weeks where we can’t defend our line early in the game which gives the opposition confidence and takes ours away.

“It’s something we have historically been so good at, so that’s probably a little concerning for all of us.

“There are a few questions that haven’t been answered there, so that’s what we’ve got to do.

“We’ve got to get to work and make sure we improve it, because if we don’t, the same thing is going to keep happening.”

Halfback Nathan Cleary tried to do everything he could on Thursday, but even he couldn’t inspire another trademark comeback as passes hit the ground and kicks went into touch to leave fans across the country stunned.

“It’s certainly uncharted since Nathan and I have become captains,” veteran lock Isaah Yeo said.

“I think it’s a wonderful challenge ahead and there’s no point being a victim towards it.”

Originally published as ‘Not up to standard’: Panthers get some relief from the MRC amid horror form slump