CAPTAIN Nathan Cleary says Penrith are “streets ahead” of last season after remaining undefeated with a humbling of Sydney Roosters.
With their 40-4 win at Allianz Stadium, the Panthers have scored 92 points and conceded just 10 in their three games so far.
“I think we’re definitely ahead but … completing at 90 percent definitely helps,” Cleary said.
“That unlocks a lot of our attacking flair, I would say. Again, I still think there’s a long way to go. It’s round three.
“But in terms of this point, definitely compared to last year, we’re streets ahead.
“Our whole spine had surgery last year so they were all a bit underdone and weren’t able to build that combination.
“We were able to do that this pre-season and I think the more we get our legs under us and get a bit more confidence in what we’re doing, the better we’ll get.
“I definitely still think there’s a long way to go but, yeah, (I’m) pretty happy with where we are at the moment.”
Roosters coach Trent Robinson lamented: “It’s a big lesson for us around: how do you play the style you want, things not go your way and then get back to that.
“We just couldn’t get it back into control there.”