The NRL world has been in a state of disbelief every time the Panthers have taken to the field in 2025. Their record of 5 loses from 6 games places them second last on the ladder in a patch of form that nobody saw coming. Despite this, many fans still consider them in contention for the top eight, and possibly even another record breaking premiership.

However, the Panthers have already shown that their squad depth in 2025 isn’t quite at the same level that we have come to expect in recent years. We have already seen a number of their extended squad play this season due to the amount of injuries and suspensions they have recieved. But, the next man up mentality which has been so influential in their dynasty doesn’t seem to carry the same aura as it has done in previous years.

Typically we have seen the Panthers get off to a strong start and by the time state of origin hits, they have put themselves in a comfortable position towards the top of the table. Inevitably, when their star players depart to represent their state there is a dip in form, but the Panthers bwon’thave the luxury of being near the top of the table this time round. Every game from here on out is a must win for the Panthers if they are any hope of adding to their legacy.

In the next four games before Origin players head into camp the Panthers play the Roosters, Sea Eagles, Broncos and Cowboys. Each of those teams are capable of scoring plenty of points and with the current state of the Panthers defensive line it might be a tough ask for the reigning premiers to turn their fortunes around.

Last year the cut-off for teams to make the top eight was having won 12 matches, exactly half of their games throughout the season. With the Panthers sitting 1 win from 6 games, they would need to win these next four games in order to get to that 50% win percentage and put them back in contention for finals. However, if they are able to achieve that they will also be losing Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo, Dylan Edwards, Liam Martin and Brian To’o at a minimum to the NSW Blues just as they build momentum for the rest of the season.

To put it simply, the Panthers need to start winning now if they want to keep their season alive. No matter how good their record has been in previous years at some point the maths just becomes impossible and they will miss out on finals football all together. People would have laughed at you if you had predicted the Panthers to miss the top eight in 2025, but at this point it seems more likely than them turning things around and getting themselves back into the top half of the ladder.