The theory seems unlikely given they\u2019ll rest their stars at some point, but that might be the only way they lose a game given they\u2019ve scored more points and conceded fewer than the other 16 clubs through five rounds.<\/p>\n
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WHAT’S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.<\/p>\n
The way they\u2019re playing is a joy to watch and a nightmare to play against, but centre Paul Alamoti says this version of Penrith isn\u2019t the best it can be.<\/p>\n
The Panthers look unstoppable right now, but Paul Alamoti has warned rival teams that they will only get better. Picture: Paul Alamoti Darrian Traynor\/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve always said that the sky\u2019s the limit,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re searching for perfection, but it\u2019s an illusion because you\u2019ll never get there.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf we continue to try to get better each day, that\u2019s all we can be in control of and focus on at this stage. <\/p>\n
\u201cThings are obviously heading in the right direction with the way that we\u2019re playing and how things are looking on the field, but we know internally that there\u2019s still a long way to go.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere are still 20 rounds to go and there\u2019s still stuff in our game that we need to work on. We\u2019re heading in the right direction, but we\u2019re not getting too ahead of ourselves. Every team is still trying to get better, and we\u2019re in the same position.\u201d<\/p>\n
However, Storm rival Cameron Munster feels the Panthers can give an undefeated season a hell of a shake. <\/p>\n
\u201cI can\u2019t see why not,\u201d Munster said when asked if the Panthers could go undefeated.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI know they talk about the Origin period and stuff, but at the same time they\u2019ve got good personnel, they\u2019re very hungry, their system is working at the moment and they\u2019re humming.\u201d<\/p>\n
Moses given warning for treatment of ref | 04:05<\/p>\n
The ball movement on their left edge has been exceptional, with young gun Casey McLean rocketing into Origin contention after his dazzling display against the Storm, while winger Tom Jenkins has a record 12 tries through five games.<\/p>\n
Five-eighth Blaize Talagi has played a big part in all of that as he gains more confidence after his first year at the club saw them last on the ladder after 12 rounds.<\/p>\n
Blaize Talagi has played a key role in Penrith\u2019s hot start on the left edge. Picture: Brendon Thorne\/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images<\/p>\n
\u201cI feel like we\u2019re seeing things and we\u2019re not afraid to take them. I think our fundamentals are showing out there,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cEveryone is always alive and ready to take whatever comes on. We\u2019re seeing things and we\u2019re ready to take it and it\u2019s coming off.<\/p>\n
\u201cI feel like I\u2019m seeing it, but I\u2019m also not afraid to take it. That\u2019s been an evolution in my game. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s still not perfect. I\u2019m still growing as a player, but I feel like we\u2019ve come a long way and that\u2019s thanks to Ivan (coach Ivan Cleary) for trusting us.\u201d<\/p>\n
New attack coach Ben Harden has played a key role in the team scoring 190 points in five matches, while their defence is back to its brilliant best after conceding just eight points per game so far.<\/p>\n
While the Panthers have given up 40 points over the first five rounds, there are nine clubs who have already conceded at least 40 in a single game this season, with some of those teams doing it twice.<\/p>\n
Penrith\u2019s defence has allowed just eight points per game this season. Picture: Darrian Traynor\/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images<\/p>\n
Alamoti says they can still improve on both sides of the ball – a terrifying thought for rival teams, with Storm star Cameron Munster saying he can\u2019t see why the Panthers won\u2019t go undefeated. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve got a new attack coach so that\u2019s a bit different and we\u2019re trying to adapt to his style of game play and what we\u2019re trying to achieve out of that,\u201d Alamoti said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve obviously scored a few points over the first couple of weeks, but there are still little pockets of our game that we think we\u2019re going to get better in.<\/p>\n
\u201cDefensively, we leaked 20 points two weeks ago and another 10 points last week. Everyone wants to keep the other team to zero, so that\u2019s the goal.\u201d<\/p>\n
– Martin Gabor <\/p>\n
QLD remain firm in NRL expansion plans | 01:10<\/p>\n
MOSES COPS CAPTAINCY CRITIQUE AFTER REF WARNING<\/p>\n
Parramatta Eels skipper Mitchell Moses has been called out for touching referee Peter Gough three times after he was sent an official warning by the NRL over his constant badgering of referees. <\/p>\n
Moses had a running battle with Gough in the Eels\u2019 22-20 golden point loss to the Tigers in Round 5, taking issue with a number of contentious calls, before trying to make amends by gently patting him on the back and arm on multiple occasions. <\/p>\n
Under NRL rules no player is allowed to touch the referee for any reason, while the NRL has taken issue with Moses for continuously debating decisions, despite the fact he is captain. <\/p>\n
Discussing the warning on NRL 360 host Braith Anasta said he had heard the NRL\u2019s issue was with \u201cthe badgering… more so than the touching, but combined.\u201d <\/p>\n
Gorden Tallis was no stranger to referee altercations during his career, but thinks Moses\u2019 indiscretions were on the lighter side. <\/p>\n
\u201cLook, I know you\u2019re not supposed to do it and it wasn\u2019t the other guy in the Balmain jersey, that patted him on the head, big Blocker (Steve Roach),\u201d Tallis said. <\/p>\n
MORE NRL NEWS<\/p>\n
PREDICTED BLUES TEAM: Laurie\u2019s gamble with TEN changes, $85k rise complete<\/a><\/p>\n PREDICTED QLD TEAM: Man to fill Walsh void as star returns amid seven changes<\/a><\/p>\n TEAMS RD 6: Flanno\u2019s bold Dragons call; Broncos\u2019 big changes as exiled Dog back <\/a><\/p>\n Mitchell Moses was sent an official warning.Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n \u201cI know it\u2019s not a great look and it does filter down. But maybe a warning letter, say, listen, you can\u2019t touch them, but I don\u2019t think it\u2019s that bad.\u201d <\/p>\n The Daily Telegraph\u2019s Dave Riccio commended the NRL\u2019s decision to protect the referees against physical and emotional abuse and encourage people to continue pursuing the often thankless task.<\/p>\n \u201cI think it\u2019s necessary because match officials are so pivotal to the game,\u201d Riccio said. <\/p>\n \u201cAnd we bag them. We absolutely give them hell. We bag that crap out of them, but they\u2019re absolutely pivotal to the game.\u201d<\/p>\n