Andrew Johns has cast serious doubt over the Penrith Panthers' ability to successfully complete the five-peat, despite their late season resurgence.
On a recent episode of the Sunday Footy Show, the rugby league Immortal expressed his concern about their recent performances.
"I don’t think they can win it," he said.
"They’ve had two golden-point games. They’ve gone to absolute war."
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The Panthers will head to Homebush to take on the Bulldogs on Thursday night, with only two-games remaining before the finals begin.
"Now this week - Thursday night - they play the Bulldogs at Accor [Stadium]," he said.
"They finish with St. George Illawarra, then they’ve got to go into sudden death.
"To win it, you have to win four games in a row. Too hard."
After 12-rounds, Penrith were coming last, but they've since won nine of their last 11 games to keep their season alive.
He warned that fatigue from the gruelling regular season could catch up with the Panthers at the worst possible time.
Also on the panel, Cameron Smith was quick to remind Johns of just how dangerous Penrith remain.
"If there’s any club in the competition that can handle it… I think they’re still a chance," he said.
The Panthers push for a fifth-straight premiership remains one of the biggest storylines of 2025.