When Tom Jenkins sprinted 70 metres to the line in the 65th minute at Allianz Stadium, the winger's fourth try underscored a truth the entire competition now understands: the Penrith Panthers have arrived for 2026 with a ferocity that leaves little room for doubt.
Jenkins bagged four tries in a 40-4 victory over the Sydney Roosters as the Panthers proved themselves simply brilliant, making it three from three to start the season. Penrith have won their three games by a combined score of 92-10, the team's most one-sided opening three rounds by points differential since Ivan Cleary returned as coach in 2019.
What's striking is not merely the scoreline but the manner of victory. Nine of the Panthers' players ran for more than 100 metres, led by four-try hero Thomas Jenkins with 189 metres and centre Paul Alamoti with 170 metres. The Panthers had 54 per cent of possession and completed 23 of 23 sets, taking a stranglehold on the match. Defensive discipline remains equally impressive; Penrith got through the first 137 minutes of their season before conceding their only try, conceding an average of three points per game.
For Jenkins personally, the night represents something deeper than statistical dominance. After returning to the club from Newcastle to prove himself as a reliable performer, he was dropped by Cleary for the elimination final against the Warriors, with Paul Alamoti favoured on the wing, and was overlooked for the next two finals games including the preliminary final loss against Brisbane. Rather than fracturing under that rejection, Jenkins has returned this season as a linchpin of the Panthers' attack. Speaking after the Round 1 victory, Jenkins noted the pre-season focus on working with centre Casey McLean on how they could improve, describing how assistant coach Peter Wallace puts faith in the outside backs so they feel comfortable taking their moments when they arrive.
The Panthers' dominance also reflects the stability they enter the season with for the first time in five years, no longer defending a premiership title and starting with a stable line-up. With captain Isaah Yeo anchoring the side alongside halfback Nathan Cleary, fullback Dylan Edwards, prop Moses Leota, boom centre Casey McLean and five-eighth Blaize Talagi, Penrith possess the structural foundation to sustain this pressure. The partnership between Cleary and Talagi is playing a key role in Penrith's success this season.
Yet the calendar tells a cautionary tale. The Panthers face significant travel this season with trips to the Northern Territory, New Zealand, Victoria, and three trips to Queensland, which could take a toll. How they manage the State of Origin period and navigate injury setbacks remains an open question. Star back-rower Liam Martin missed the opening round with a calf injury suffered in pre-season before his return to face the Sharks in Round 2.
For now, though, the Penrith story is one of clarity and execution. The Roosters brought a restructured spine to Allianz Stadium with genuine ambitions; they left with nothing. The Panthers left with a benchmark that will define the season ahead.