NRL Premiership Winner Blasts ‘Rubbish’ Claims About Panthers After Winning Streak Ends — “People Forget How Good This Team Really Is!”
The rugby league world has been buzzing after the Penrith Panthers’ incredible NRL winning streak finally came to an end, but not everyone is impressed by the reactions pouring in. A former NRL premiership winner has fired back at critics calling the Panthers’ dominance “overrated,” labelling the comments as nothing more than “rubbish.”
For years, the Penrith Panthers have stood as the benchmark for consistency and excellence in the National Rugby League (NRL). Under coach Ivan Cleary, the team built an era of dominance that saw them capture multiple premierships and redefine what success looks like in modern rugby league. But after their recent defeat — a narrow loss that ended one of the longest active streaks in NRL history — online critics were quick to question whether Penrith’s dynasty had finally come to an end.
That didn’t sit well with a former NRL premiership-winning star, who took to the media to defend the reigning champions. “It’s absolute rubbish to suggest the Panthers are finished,” the ex-player said. “One loss doesn’t define a club that has been the gold standard for years. People forget how good this team really is because they’ve set such a high bar for themselves.”
He continued, “When you dominate for as long as they have, people start waiting for you to fail. The moment you slip, they call it a downfall — but it’s just sport. You win some, you lose some. The Panthers are still the team everyone fears.”
The passionate defence resonated with fans who felt the criticism was unfair. Despite the setback, Penrith remain near the top of the ladder and continue to boast one of the most complete squads in the NRL. Key players like Nathan Cleary, Dylan Edwards, and Isaah Yeo have been instrumental in maintaining the side’s trademark discipline, resilience, and tactical brilliance.
NRL analysts have also weighed in, noting that the Panthers’ recent loss might actually be a blessing in disguise. “Sometimes a defeat like this reignites the fire,” one commentator observed. “It reminds the players that every team is hunting them — and that pressure keeps them sharp.”
Even rival fans can’t deny the club’s impact. Over the last four seasons, Penrith have rewritten records, produced superstar talent, and built a culture that other clubs envy. The idea that one loss could tarnish such a legacy, many argue, simply doesn’t add up.
As the Panthers look ahead to their next fixture, the message from inside the camp is clear — the dynasty isn’t dead, it’s just resetting. “We’ve been here before,” one senior player said. “We know what it takes to bounce back.”
If history is any indication, writing off the Penrith Panthers is never a smart move. The reigning champions may have stumbled, but the fire still burns bright in the foot of the mountains — and the NRL world should beware.
