Which is why - after an off-season where none of their big-name players left for richer contracts - there is interest in the two former farm hands who have broken through into Ivan Cleary's top side.
The Panthers boast one of the most settled squads in the NRL but journeyman forward Kalani Leuluai Going and all-action country kid Billy Phillips clearly did enough to impress over the summer to earn a spot in the side which thrashed Brisbane 26-0 in round one.
Both are in line to play in Saturday's meeting with Cronulla in Bathurst after going on very different journeys to arrive at the Panthers.
The nephew of New Zealand-born Leeds great Kylie Leuluai, utility forward Going could have been forgiven for thinking his hopes of playing regular NRL were over at the age of 29.
Going won the NSW Cup last year with a Warriors side that included Cleary's youngest son, Jett.
"I used to joke with Jett to tell his old man I'm the best tackle bag holder there is," Going said.
"I think Jett probably was putting in a good word for me."
Going spent time at the Canberra Raiders and with Tweed in the Queensland Cup before moving back to his home in Whangarei in northern New Zealand and taking up rugby union.
His interest in rekindling a career in league was sparked by training with Brady and Rob Rush, the sons of New Zealand sevens great Eric Rush, as he spent four years out of the game working on his uncle's farm.
"I was getting told what to do from my uncle and cousins, milking most mornings and doing a bit of everything really, but I was useless," Going said.
After playing one NRL match with the Warriors late in 2023, Going was named the NSW Cup player of the year last year, proving perhaps that agriculture wasn't his true calling.
The farm life has also provided Phillips, a 21-year-old lock from the town of Lake Cargelligo in the NSW Central West, with a solid grounding.
"We have sheep and crops - wheat, barley and oats - I joke with dad that every time I go home he always seems to have landmarking and shearing for me," Phillips said.
"I'm no good at it (shearing), I'm the one picking up the wool.
"I played one NRL game (last year) and (back home) I was a superstar with the amount of people who came up and congratulated me and wanted a photo or signature."
The bush has been a happy breeding ground for Penrith's dynasty, with Liam Martin, Matt Burton and Isaah Yeo, a player Phillips has earned comparisons to, all country kids who have been turned into stars by the Panthers.
"To lead into round one and be in the side, I thought it was a great opportunity and I hope I keep getting experience under my belt," Phillips said.
"I've learned heaps off 'Yeoy', just little things I can take into my game to make me a better player."
19°C