Panthers' temporary home change may harm title defense

The Penrith Panthers are facing challenges this season as they have temporarily moved their home games to Commbank Stadium. This change is due to a $300 million redevelopment of their usual ground, BlueBet Stadium, which is located in Penrith. In their first game at Commbank Stadium, the Panthers surprisingly lost to the Sydney Roosters, a team considered underdogs. Former players believe that this move could weaken the Panthers' chances of winning the premiership. Matt Johns noted that playing at Penrith Park used to intimidate opponents, giving them an advantage before the game even began. Johns compared the situation to the Brisbane Broncos' past moves, suggesting that a familiar, tough home ground can significantly affect game outcomes. He mentioned that teams used to dread playing at Penrith Park and would often arrive feeling defeated. Cooper Cronk, another NRL great, echoed these sentiments. He stated that while the Panthers are capable of playing well anywhere, other teams will feel less pressure without having to face them in their usual intimidating environment. Overall, the Panthers' shift to a different stadium may impact their performance this season as rival teams could gain more confidence when playing against them.