Brent Naden is Penrith’s lucky charm – the man who has run out 17 times this year and is still yet to taste defeat.

The 24-year-old is the unbeatable man in the Panthers’ squad who has found a home for himself at right centre this year.

A first-choice pick at the start of the year, Naden scored Penrith’s first try of the year against the Sydney Roosters in round one.

He was then squeezed out of the side for Stephen Crichton in round three, missing Penrith’s draw with Newcastle on the return from COVID shutdown and later loss against Parramatta.

He then returned on the wing in round seven, having not missed a game since as Penrith chalked up 16 straight victories to equal the record for a salary cap compliant side in the NRL era.

“I don’t want to jinx it. I’m touching wood,” Naden said.

“The boys haven’t noticed it. I didn’t even know it until someone outside the club told me a few weeks ago.

“I was there (at training before the losses), so if the team loses I lose.”

Fullback Dylan Edwards has also won every game he’s played this year with 12, while Tyrone May’s record stands at 14-0.

But their records are not as impressive as Naden’s, nor his ability to hold his spot in Penrith’s 17.

A rookie last year whose debut coincided with the team going on a mid-season streak of seven straight wins, Naden expected to fight it out with Crichton for a spot in 2020.

Instead, his form has been so impressive in recent months that he has held out former Kiwi centre and veteran Dean Whare on the right edge.

With Whare fit since round 19, coach Ivan Cleary has chose to stick with Naden after 12 tries in 17 games this year.

“I owe a lot to Deano,” Naden said.

“Every session after training I am asking Deano what would he would do here or what would he would do in this situation.

“He has helped me out a lot in the background. He is one of the best blokes you would meet.”