24 matches: 11 wins, 12 losses, 1 draw
Top point scorer: Michael Gordon – 126 [3 tries, 57 goals]
Top try scorer: Michael Jennings – 17
Player of the Year: Trent Waterhouse
Stats: themightypanthers.com/season2009.htm
After starting the season slowly with two straight losses (which included a tight loss to the Bulldogs whom were later stripped their competition points for having 14 player on the field at one time), the Panthers had by Round 8 developed a 50/50 record. More wins had them briefly in the top 4 at the end of May.
However, a string of inconsistent results would see them yo-yo in and out of the top eight as the season wore on, however with one month left in the regular rounds, Penrith were holding a spot in the eight.
Two heavy losses in the last month had them fall out of the eight but heading into the final round the equation was rather simple – a win by the ninth placed Panthers would leapfrog their opponents in the eighth placed Knights. However, the Panthers would fail in this assignment, and furthermore finish the season at the end of a 35-0 loss.
The signing of Luke Walsh in mid-season was seen as a smart recruitment, with his performances at halfback making them more potent in attack. Meanwhile, Michael Jennings continued his ascendance into one of the competition’s more potent backline players, crossing for 17 tries and also being rewarded with his State of Origin debut for New South Wales.
In the lower grades, both the reserve grade (Windsor Wolves) team and Under 20s teams did not qualify for the finals.
The Mighty Panthers 