A pair of legends have floated two big solutions for the Panthers after losing a key star until at least the start of the finals series.
Meanwhile, a shock role has been floated for Latrell Mitchell while the Dogs’ halves revolution has been put under the microscope.
Read below for the biggest talking points ahead of all the NRL’s Round 24 action!
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How do the Panthers fill their gaping Isaah Yeo hole?
Ivan Cleary’s side were handed a hammer blow when their star lock grabbed at his arm during a tackle in Penrith’s loss to the Warriors.
Initial fears were he’d suffered a season-ending injury, but it was later confirmed he would not require surgery and could return in four to six weeks.
It’s a risky return window, according to Cooper Cronk — who still believes the Panthers have what it takes to win the premiership without the Kangaroos skipper.
“Without him, they can still win. Four to six for a pec… for a position that he plays in, it’s going to be dodgy whether it gets back to full strength,” Cronk said on the Matty and Cronk podcast.
“But you know what, have a throw at the stumps. Have a crack, he is professional and he just might be able to do it.”
But the question still remains — how can Penrith make up for losing one of the NRL’s elite players?
When their teamsheet was unveiled on Tuesday afternoon, talented middle forward Lindsay Smith was named at lock, with Jack Cogger at five-eighth.
Blaze Talagi has shuffled down the pecking order under Cleary’s tutelage due to his perceived defensive issues, with Jack Cole starting over him in Round 23.
However, Cronk urged the Panthers to take a different approach and instead keep Cogger on the bench.
“They can still win it, but they came back to the field a little bit… the combination is like clockwork with Yeo and Cleary,” he explained.
