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Penrith gamers nonetheless bear in mind their first grand-final rematch.
It was March 2021, and proper again in the beginning of the Panthers’ dynasty.
Up towards Melbourne, Panthers gamers had performed a forensic assessment of their 26-20 defeat to the Storm within the earlier yr’s decider within the months earlier than.
“We wished to not draw back from it,” winger Brian To’o recalled this week.
“It was onerous and painful.
“Nevertheless it laid the muse for us and the place we are actually.”
Nearly to a person, Penrith gamers nonetheless regard the 2020 grand ultimate and the battles with Melbourne that adopted as a giant a part of the making of them.
They strived to develop into extra aggressive, smug and prepared to face up for his or her mates.
“We used that grand ultimate (as motivation) for each sport that yr (in 2021),” five-eighth Jarome Luai stated.
“Not simply once we performed Melbourne.
“We took issues out of that sport that we are going to use till we cease taking part in. There have been nice classes out of that sport.”
Finally, Penrith gained that 2021 grand-final rematch, with Viliame Kikau getting off the ground to dash and make a last-second try-saving sort out.
Afterwards, the Panthers second-rower described in nice element how the ache of the 2020 defeat had pushed him throughout the sphere.
The 12-10 victory was important.
It not solely helped Penrith win 12 straight to begin 2021, however shifted the stability of rugby league energy away from the Storm to the Panthers.
The edges met once more within the 2021 preliminary ultimate and Penrith saved their kind to say a brutal 10-6 win over Melbourne.
They beat South Sydney within the following week’s grand ultimate and lifted the trophy once more within the two years since.
Come Thursday evening, Brisbane have an opportunity to make an analogous assertion.
Their job has been made tougher with Adam Reynolds and Payne Haas each out with knee accidents.
And whereas Broncos gamers had been advised this week by coach Kevin Walters to close up store about final yr’s grand ultimate, it’s clear they’re pushed by it.
Winger Jesse Arthars admitted as a lot final week earlier than the order was set in stone.
Brisbane have additionally spent nice time reviewing the defeat, and what Nathan Cleary did to steal the trophy throughout a loopy 20-minute interval on October 1 final yr.
Second-rower Jordan Riki admitted final month the evaluations had been gut-wrenching, whereas Reece Walsh has additionally spoken of the sport as an open wound.
“I felt in that sport I most likely wasn’t concerned as a lot as I wished to be and that was credit score to Penrith and their defence,” Walsh stated simply earlier than season’s eve.
“The scars are nonetheless hurting however we’re utilizing that for the season forward. We’re maintaining that wound open.”
A victory for Brisbane is not going to win them the trophy they let slip from their grasp final yr, however one take a look at Penrith’s reign reveals an announcement trend-setting assertion could be made within the much-anticipated rematches.
“Possibly (Brisbane’s) method of processing it’s flushing it,” To’o stated.
“No matter works for them … however I do know they’re undoubtedly going to be motivated to do extra this yr.”
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