Despite getting off to what seemed like the perfect start in Round 1, former Origin representative Tim Mannah doesn’t expect Penrith to enjoy another dominant season.
The Panthers took care of the Cowboys 24 to 0 on Saturday night, but Mannah believes there were warning signs that will worry head coach Ivan Cleary.
“Watching the game on the weekend, I don’t think Penrith are going to be as good as last year,” Mannah said on SEN Gold Coast’s Pat and Heals.
“They’re still going to have a good season, but they won’t have the same run.
“There were a few signs for me with their attack which pointed to everything not working as perfectly as it did last year.
“The run they had last year was pretty special and I can’t see that happening again.”
Cowboys coach Todd Payten echoed Mannah’s thoughts post-game on Saturday night, saying that his side was “lucky” that the Panthers didn’t beat his hapless outfit by a lot more.
Penrith finished the 2020 season with only one loss to their name and are expected to contend for the premiership again this year.
