Penrith have won their second straight minor premiership, winning the trophy with two rounds left in the regular season.
Despite stumbling in the past few weeks, losing three of their last four games, results falling their way this weekend have allowed the Panthers to secure the title.
After starting 2016 with a two-point loss away to Canberra, the Panthers would go on a competition record equalling 13-game winning streak to firmly establish themselves as the competition heavyweights for the second year running.
A draw with Cronulla in Round 18 broke Penrith’s winning streak and a loss to the Warriors in Round 21 ended their streak at a competition record 17 games undefeated.
Nathan Cleary and Dylan Edwards started the season with Penrith’s Holden Cup side, both eventually moving up to the NRL.
A number of other Panthers, including Oliver Clark, Tyrone May and Corey Waddell, have also made the step up to Penrith’s Intrust Super Premiership side.
The minor premiership win is a credit to the coaching of Cameron Ciraldo and the strength of Penrith’s depth. The club has used 38 players this year, the fourth most of any team.
NYC Minor Premiers
2008 Canberra
2009 Manly
2010 South Sydney
2011 Warriors
2012 Canterbury
2013 Canberra
2014 Newcastle
2015 Penrith
2016 Penrith
18TH MAN 