NRL 2021: Panthers boss Dave O’Neill fires back at his club’s critics who doubt premiership chances

Despite falling heart-breakingly short of a premiership in 2020, Panthers chairman Dave O’Neill has been left shocked at the negativity surrounding his club’s chances this season.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 25: James Fisher-Harris of the Panthers and team mates look dejected after losing the 2020 NRL Grand Final match between the Penrith Panthers and the Melbourne Storm at ANZ Stadium on October 25, 2020 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

“See you in October.”

These are the four provocative words a fired-up Panthers chairman Dave O’Neill has sent directly to his club’s increasing cluster of critics.

Despite reaching last year’s grand final and being premiership favourites in the betting markets, O’Neill has been left shocked at the negativity surrounding his club’s premiership chances this season.

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The Clearys almost pulled off a great premiership story in 2020.

This despite O’Neill conceding his club “over-achieved” last year.

“I think everybody just thinks we got lucky last year,” O’Neill said.

“They were waiting for us to fall over, really.

“I find it funny that everybody writes us off but everybody wants to steal all our players.

“Everybody bags us but every time someone comes off (contract) there are 10 clubs looking for (the player).

“Everyone has written us off. Look, at the end of the day, we really overachieved last year, didn’t we?”

“I saw how much work they put in behind the scenes. They were switched on, they weren’t lucky. Our problem is going to be working how to keep everybody.”

Asked for his blunt message to Penrith’s critics, O’Neill said: “See you in October.”

Just last week, former champion halfback Cooper Cronk all but dismissed Penrith’s title chances this season.

“Penrith will play finals, but I think they drop down a peg or two,” Cronk said.

Can the Panthers go one better in 2021? (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

O’Neill responded on Thursday.

“To be honest, it’s all outside noise. It’s doesn’t come from within. You don’t really listen to it anyway. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion,” O’Neill said.

“We will definitely be very competitive again and preparing for hopefully the best. We’re happy.

“You can’t win every year but you want to be up there every year. That’s where we have changed our directive. We want to be competitive year-in, year-out.

“Someone said the other that Cooper Cronk bagged us. I didn’t even read it but you guys (media) have got to find content.”

The Panthers are favourites with the punters and bookies to take the 2021 honours.

Penrith’s ability to compete again has come into question given the club lost two senior forwards – James Tamou to Wests Tigers and Zane Tetavano to England.

Even Panthers deputy chairman and club legend Greg Alexander admitted last week: “We need to add a couple more players to the list and front-row is one of those positions where I think we need add another body.”

“Everyone has written us off because they think we’ve lost all our forwards,” O’Neill said.

“But we’ve only lost one or two.

“Tamou got a cracking deal at Wests Tigers and we wish him all the best, great bloke, great family man. That’s how it is. We just move forward.”

Dave O'Neill is confident his team has what it takes to win it all.

Despite O’Neill’s comments, the TAB has posted Penrith as $5 premiership favourites ahead of Souths ($6), Melbourne ($6.50), Sydney Roosters ($6.50) and Canberra ($11).

“The Panthers will start the season their shortest-ever quote before round one in TAB betting history,” said TAB’s Matt Jenkins.

“Punters and TAB bookies believe they have the right team to go one better this year.

“Penrith has the best spine which will be suited with the new six again rules. They also have the most mobile forward pack led by James Fisher-Harris, who will go all day.

“They will be a much more experienced squad after their narrow grand final loss and are now boosted by the contract extension of gun centre Stephen Crichton.”

Penrith compete in a trial match against neighbours Parramatta on Saturday night at Panthers Stadium.