EXCLUSIVE: Billy Slater asserts Panthers have the potential to ‘genuinely challenge’ for another premiership as they surge up the ladder

Billy Slater is convinced that the Penrith Panthers still have the potential to mount a strong challenge for another premiership following their impressive victory against the Warriors.

The reigning champions faced a significant hurdle with five State of Origin stars absent during their journey to Auckland. Despite this, they secured a gritty 28-18 win.

Not long ago, Penrith found themselves at the bottom of the NRL ladder, but they have since climbed into the top eight and once again appear to be a genuine contender for the finals.

Prior to last Saturday’s showdown, the Warriors had only experienced three defeats throughout the season, proving to be a tough challenge for many teams.

However, Slater suggests that this victory could be the catalyst the Panthers need to regain their glory.

“To travel to New Zealand and take on a top-four team without five of your key players is a remarkable achievement. It’s the sort of performance that can change a season and really unite a squad,” he commented on Nine’s The Billy Slater Podcast.

“This victory could prove to be significant for the team, and now that they’re sitting in the top eight, they can see the opportunity ahead. Wouldn’t it be the case that other teams will be looking over their shoulders now?

“If they can maintain their position within the top eight leading up to September, they could genuinely challenge for another premiership – they are a formidable side.”

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The reigning premiers will be anxiously monitoring the fitness of Nathan Cleary, who sustained a groin injury while with the Blues leading up to last Wednesday’s Origin clash. However, they can be optimistic when reviewing their upcoming draw.

Penrith faces a challenging match in round 17 against the ladder-leading Bulldogs, but they have a seemingly manageable run home – at least on paper – with fixtures against the Eels, Rabbitohs, Tigers, Titans, Knights, and Dragons still on the calendar.

Yet again, the nature of this year’s competition reveals that a couple of solid performances can dramatically revamp your position on the ladder.

“It’s incredibly close – just four competition points separate 15th from sixth,” Slater remarked.

“If you manage to string together a good month of footy, you could find yourself in the top eight and competing for finals.”

Currently, the ladder’s top spots appear to be stable, with a six-point gap between the Warriors (24 points) in fourth place and the Broncos (18 points) in fifth.

Below that, it’s chaos, as the Sharks and Roosters sit locked on 18 points with byes in hand, while the Panthers follow closely with 17 points after an earlier bye this season.

Manly, St George Illawarra, and the injury-plagued Dolphins find themselves stuck on 16 points, although the Dolphins still hold two byes.

North Queensland sits on 15 points and could just as easily turn the tide given the talent in their squad, while the Knights, Tigers, Eels, and Rabbitohs are clustered on 14 points.

Currently, the Titans are languishing on just 12 points, but a string of victories could very well see them back in contention for a surprise finals berth.

With the standings so tight, the difference between making the finals and missing out could hinge on points differential or, in Penrith’s case, an early-season draw.