Round 13: Panthers v Eels preview
Who would have thought these same two teams who just under three years ago were competing for the premiership, would now find themselves fighting to even stay in top-eight contention?
Of course, that scenario was far more realistic for the Eels entering this year after a 2024 season that saw them narrowly avoid the wooden spoon.
But for the Panthers, even the biggest sceptics of the four-time defending premiers wouldn't have expected this dramatic of a decline.
The biggest issue for Penrith at the moment is that unlike previous years, where the Origin period has been a challenge but one the Panthers have been able to absorb given their strong starts to the season, this time around the fallen giants of the NRL are vulnerable.
The Panthers enter Round 13 sitting in last place after a 25-6 loss to the Knights in an Origin-impacted Bathurst clash, although the Titans only sit ahead of them as they have already had two byes.
Nonetheless, there is still hope for Penrith given its favourable draw in the coming weeks but even if Origin-depleted, a match-up against the Kalyn Ponga-less Knights would have been a more than winnable game for the Panthers of old.
Desperate to return to the winner's circle, Ivan Cleary has named all his Origin stars to back up while in a surprising call, Paul Alamoti has been dropped to NSW Cup.
Elsewhere, Scott Sorensen returns from suspension which sees Izack Tago shift to centre while impressive rookie Harrison Hassett retains his bench spot after a standout debut.
As for Parramatta, Mitchell Moses and Zac Lomax have been named to play despite being on Origin duty.
That sees Dean Hawkins move to the reserves and Sean Russell shift from the wing to centre to replace Will Penisini (concussion).
Meanwhile, Youngster Joash Papalii remains on the bench after some classy touches in his NRL debut.
Last meeting: Round 23 2024 - Eels 34 Panthers 36
Who to watch: Two young guns on the rise come up against their former teams on Sunday afternoon. For Blaize Talagi, even in defeat last week, he looked one of Penrith's most dangerous players when he touched the ball. But the draw with North Queensland was a breakout game for Talagi and it was his last partnering Nathan Cleary. With Cleary expected to back up from Origin, Talagi should be in a position again to play second fiddle to his experienced halves partner while continuing to grow in confidence as he did in Townsville when he scored a try and set up four others.
On the flipside, Isaiah Iongi's development was blocked at Penrith with the young fullback stuck behind Dylan Edwards but he has well and truly made the No.1 jumper his own at Parramatta. Iongi had another standout game for the Eels in last week's win over Manly. The 21-year-old may still be relatively small in stature, but he doesn't let it stop him from taking on the line with the tenacity of Edwards while he is just as committed in defence. While Edwards doesn't look like slowing down anytime soon for Penrith, it would be fitting if Iongi reminded Penrith what could have been with a strong performance on Sunday as the Panthers look on the verge of a transitional period at the club.
Favourite: The Panthers are expected to prove too desperate for the Eels on Sunday afternoon, paying around $1.60.
My tip: It is hard to tip the Panthers after what they dished up last week and the omission of Alamoti is a perplexing one given he has been one of the team's most consistent performers, particularly when it comes to yardage out of his own end. In saying all of that, this is a desperate Penrith team and provided Cleary and co. back up, the defending premiers should be able to do just enough. Panthers by 4.
