Preparations for 2010 are under way, where they hope to break a six-year semi-final drought.

The squad has been in pre-season training five times a week for five weeks.

The players will have a two-week festive season break before returning in the new year to prepare for trial games starting on February20 against Parramatta at CUA Stadium.

Australian Kangaroos representatives have been given time off and return in January.

Panthers coach Matt Elliott described the pre-season as productive.

``It's taken a while to build, but this is strongest squad I've had in my time at the club,'' he told the Star last week.

``We have a squad of 26 players who are all genuine first-grade contenders, which is a fantastic thing to have.''

Penrith have bought well with the signings of well-established players David Simmons, Travis Burns, Daine Laurie, Kevin Kingston, Nigel Plum and Adrian Purtell.

Elliott said: ``They have assimilated well into the squad and made good progress.

``The feedback I'm getting is that they're enjoying their time here and have made it a stimulating environment for the rest of the squad.''

The NRL released dates and times for the first five rounds last week.

Panthers open the season at home against Canberra on March 13, followed by North Queensland (away), Melbourne (home), Newcastle (away) and Roosters (home).

``We've got some difficult road trips to start off with,'' Elliott said.

``But we have to do those road trips anyway.

'`If we play well, it give us the opportunity to set up our season.''

The Panthers were poised to make the top eight last season but faded away with heavy losses against Parramatta and Newcastle.

Elliott said: ``Our main goal next season is to develop consistency. The last few games were disappointing for us and we lost a few key players.

'`But we won't have that excuse in 2010.

``We have a lot of young players who will go into 2010 with experience.''

The halves dilemma has been resolved with preferred halfback Luke Walsh, while five-eighths Wade Graham and Travis Burns will be a selection headache for Elliott.

``I'll have plenty of options to consider come mid-February,'' he said.

``Our fans will have a lot to be excited about of the style of football we'll play.''