Panthers pups battle second year syndrome

Penrith halves Te Maire Martin and Nathan Cleary say their NRL opposition know what to expect from them in their second year of first grade.

Penrith halves Nathan Cleary and Te Maire Martin are feeling the bite of the dreaded second year syndrome and admit they have to add more string to their bow.

After enjoying breakout rookie NRL seasons in 2016, both of the Panthers' young playmakers have found life hard going as their side limped out of the blocks to be 2-5.

Both said opposition sides knew what to expect from them and they needed to find variation to work around the heightened spotlight on them.