As the Penrith Panthers prepare to face the North Queensland Cowboys this weekend, winger Paul Alamoti has emphasized the need for greater consistency and execution as the reigning premiers look to recapture their trademark form.
Speaking at a mid-week press conference, Alamoti was candid about where the Panthers stand and what’s needed ahead of their Round 10 showdown at BlueBet Stadium. While Penrith sit within reach of the top four, recent performances have raised questions about their rhythm and ability to string together dominant displays week after week.
“We’ve had some good games, but it’s about maintaining that level each week,” Alamoti said. “At this point in the season, we know what we’re capable of, but we need to build consistency—not just across games but within each game.”
Reflecting on Recent Form
The Panthers are coming off a mixed month that has included both comprehensive wins and narrow losses. Injuries and squad rotations have tested the team’s depth, but according to Alamoti, that’s no excuse.
“We’re not satisfied with where we’re at,” he said. “Everyone’s got injuries and challenges—it’s about how you respond. That’s something Ivan [Cleary] has really driven into us this week. We’ve got to get back to being relentless from start to finish.”
Alamoti, who joined the Panthers from the Bulldogs ahead of the 2024 season, has steadily found his footing within Penrith’s disciplined structure. Known for his powerful running and defensive work rate, the 20-year-old has added a fresh dimension to the Panthers’ edge attack.
But he’s quick to credit the systems around him.
“Coming into a team like this, you learn pretty fast how high the standards are,” he said. “The boys here have set the bar over the last few years. It’s about buying into that and doing your job.”
Previewing the Cowboys Clash
Saturday night’s match presents a key opportunity for Penrith to assert themselves against a Cowboys outfit that’s also been inconsistent but dangerous. North Queensland boast firepower across the park, with Scott Drinkwater and Valentine Holmes capable of turning the game in an instant.
“They’re a team that can hurt you if you switch off even for a moment,” Alamoti warned. “We’ve watched a lot of their footage this week, and it’s clear they play with freedom, especially in attack. We’ve got to be sharp and disciplined.”
Defensively, the Panthers have remained among the league’s stingiest sides, but Alamoti said the group is still chasing a complete performance—something they’ll need if they hope to contain the Cowboys’ unpredictable style.
“It starts with our line speed and communication,” he explained. “We’ve got a lot of trust in each other, but we can’t afford to be passive. If we control the ruck and play our brand of footy, we’ll be hard to beat.”
Internal Competition and Focus
With several young players pushing for minutes and stars returning from injury, Alamoti said the internal competition for spots has kept the squad hungry.
“There’s pressure every week, and that’s a good thing,” he said. “No one’s spot is guaranteed, so you’ve got to train hard and perform. It keeps everyone on edge in a positive way.”
Asked about his personal goals for the remainder of the season, Alamoti kept it team-first.
“I just want to do my job and help us win,” he said. “Whether that’s making tough carries, defending well, or finishing tries—it’s about contributing to the team. We all want to be there come finals, but to get there, we’ve got to be better week in, week out.”
Final Word
As Penrith looks to sharpen its title defense, Alamoti’s message is clear: consistency will be the key. And with the Cowboys looming, the time to find it is now.
“We know what’s at stake,” he said. “It’s about turning up with the right attitude and delivering for 80 minutes.