PENPIX OF PENRITH PANTHERS' TEAM FOR THE NRL GRAND FINAL
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Fullback: Dylan Edwards
Age: 28 Games: 150 Tries: 52 Finals: 16
It's been a season of ups and downs for workmanlike Edwards - picked for his State of Origin debut but hampered by a knee issue since NSW's series win. But appears to be rediscovering his best at the right time, and remains critical defensively in the back-field.
Wing: Sunia Turuva
Age: 22 Games: 51 Tries: 29 Finals: 5
A ball of energy on the left wing, he's been back to his best returning from a spell working on his defence in NSW Cup. Leaves Penrith for Wests Tigers next season so will be eager to go out on the right note.
Centre: Izack Tago
Age: 22 Games: 73 Tries: 34 Finals: 7
Has had a down season by his standards but his pace and size make him a potent attacking threat on the right edge. Prone to a defensive error here and there so must be on his game marking up on breakout Storm player Jack Howarth.
Centre: Paul Alamoti
Age: 20 Games: 34 Tries: 9 Finals: 2
Entered the season playing second fiddle to Taylan May, and could finish it with a maiden premiership ring. Has proven a more than handy replacement for Stephen Crichton, and is the only Panthers starter playing in his first decider.
Wing: Brian To'o
Age: 26 Games: 116 Tries: 80 Finals: 14
There's no denying it anymore - he's one of the greatest wingers in modern history. Reliable, powerful out of yardage and a strong finisher, he impacts games in ways wingers never used to.
Five-eighth: Jarome Luai
Age: 27 Games: 130 Tries: 25 Finals: 14
The flamboyant five-eighth has hit top gear this season, vital amid Nathan Cleary's injury struggles. His impending arrival at Wests Tigers marks the end of an era as Penrith's star halves pairing disbands. Arguably the highest-profile player to leave the club amid five years of dominance.
Halfback: Nathan ClearyÂ
Age: 26 Games: 171 Tries: 61 Finals: 21
Penrith's most important player, their best across two finals wins in 2024, and their saviour in last year's decider. The stoic superstar No.7 is carrying a shoulder problem highly likely to require off-season surgery, and any mid-game aggravation could torpedo the Panthers' hopes of four straight grand final wins.
Prop: Moses Leota
Age: 29 Games: 174 Tries: 14 Finals: 17
Crucial to setting the tone and helping Penrith capitalise on their advantage over Melbourne's middle forwards, an advantage that has only grown since Nelson Asofa-Solomona lost his battle at the judiciary.
Hooker: Mitch Kenny
Age: 26 Games: 106 Tries: 4 Finals: 11
Not as flashy as predecessor Api Koroisau but doesn't need to be as long as he's making his tackles in the middle and providing good service out of dummy-half. Was the unlikely first try-scorer in last year's pulsating decider.
Prop: James Fisher-Harris
Age: 28 Games: 202 Tries: 16 Finals: 21
The fearsome enforcer plays his last game before returning home to the Warriors. Has been among the NRL's best front-rowers for the past five years, and will be raring to be unleashed on a Storm pack that lacks the Panthers' punch.
Second Row: Luke Garner
Age: 29 Games: 103 Tries: 31 Finals: 5
His career-best form could keep Scott Sorensen out of the starting side if the three-time premiership winner recovers in time to play. Has gone from journeyman to bonafide winner in two seasons at Penrith and is likely to shift to the centres in the event of a back-line injury.
Second Row: Liam Martin
Age: 27 Games: 125 Tries: 26 Finals: 15
The Panthers' pest-in-chief, known for relishing physical contact and one-on-one battles. Melbourne five-eighth Cameron Munster has laid the groundwork for another chapter in their rivalry by claiming the pair did not get on well during their time playing for Australia.
Lock: Isaah Yeo
Age: 29 Games: 244 Tries: 31 Finals: 21
The elder statesman and inspirational leader. Broke the all-time record for most Penrith games last week and is the team's linchpin in the middle of the field with his silky hands. Will be remembered as one of the clubs' all-time greats.
Steve Carter presented Isaah Yeo his record-breaking jersey prior to the Preliminary Final victory ��— Penrith Panthers ��� (@PenrithPanthers) #pantherpride � #letsride pic.twitter.com/rw2HuD2TWfSeptember 30, 2024
Interchange: Brad Schneider
Age: 23 Games: 26 Tries: 5 Finals: 2
The former Raider's level of involvement will hinge on Cleary's shoulder injury - he could be called on to combat a mid-game crisis, or could go unused altogether.
Interchange: Lindsay Smith
Age: 24 Games: 53 Tries: 4 Finals: 5
The lanky Smith has quietly pieced together a great season from the bench, showcasing his potential as a ball-player, and can provide cover for an edge in the event of an injury.
Interchange: Liam Henry
Age: 23 Games: 26 Tries: 2 Finals: 2
Penrith's presumptive rookie of the year has enjoyed a fruitful first season as a bench middle, notably coming within three shots of the NRL-era record for most tackles in a game. One of only four Panthers named in the 17 for their first grand final.
Interchange: Matthew EisenhuthÂ
Age: 32 Games: 135 Tries: 5 Finals: 3
Could finally make an appearance on the big day after being the hard-luck story across Penrith's three grand final wins. Sorensen will nudge him out of the side if he recovers from a hamstring injury in time to play.
Replacement: Casey McLean
Age: 18 Games: 7 Tries: 3 Finals: 0
Tipped as a future star of the Panthers' back-line. Will only play in the event of multiple game-ending head knocks or one caused by an act of foul play resulting in a sin bin.
Australian Associated Press