The all-conquering Penrith Panthers are decided to make rugby league historical past in 2023 by turning into the primary workforce in 40 years to win three premierships in a row.
The Panthers went back-to-back final yr and have now set their sights on reaching an historic three-peat.
Not since Peter Sterling’s Parramatta Eels in 1981-83 has a workforce gained three consecutive premierships and no facet has managed the feat within the NRL period.
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The Brisbane Broncos (1997-98) and Sydney Roosters (2018-2019) are the latest groups to go gone back-to-back and the Panthers have made no secret of their need to go one higher.
“I positively assume it’s a little bit of motivation,” Panthers co-captain Isaah Yeo advised information.com.au of the prospect of a uncommon three-peat.
“It was mentioned initially of pre-season that we’ve clearly obtained that chance.
“There’s not many golf equipment within the NRL period which have had that chance to go three in a row and nobody’s been in a position to do it. It’s clearly laborious for a cause however all we will do is give ourselves one of the best alternative on the again finish of the season.
“That begins with an excellent pre-season then ensuring we take it week by week, which is a cliche however one thing we’ve executed rather well over the previous couple of seasons.
“The way in which we put together, protecting one another accountable and respecting the opposition — I really feel like we do these three issues rather well.”
Panthers fullback Dylan Edwards added: “We need to win once more. To win once more could be one thing particular.
“Everybody’s nonetheless actually hungry and desirous to be taught. If you wish to hold enhancing that’s an excellent signal.”
Sustained success could make even nice groups lose the starvation to win however Yeo mentioned there’s no probability Penrith will take their foot off the pedal this yr.
“I really feel like that’s what makes the group so good,” he mentioned.
“The very fact we’re ready to try this after success. You don’t win two in a row if in case you have that sense of complacency. However we don’t have that. It’s not a priority.
“It’s a great distance away but however pre-season’s been actually laborious and I don’t see any sense of complacency. I prefer to assume that’s not the case.”
Panthers legend and Fox League commentator Greg Alexander sees no cause by his former facet can’t three-peat.
“I haven’t seen something throughout the low season to counsel that they’ve misplaced that dedication and drive that it is advisable to win a comp,” Alexander advised information.com.au.
“Whenever you have a look at that massive hole when nobody was in a position to go back-to-back between the Broncos and the Roosters in 18-19, there was simply that one per cent of one thing lacking.
“Whether or not it was the need, I don’t assume that would be the concern for the Panthers. It’s a really skilled group of senior gamers that drive the tradition on the membership, which filters down proper all through. So something’s potential.
“In order for you it badly sufficient, you’ve obtained the expertise to do it. There’s no cause why it could actually’t occur.”
Alexander mentioned he could be “foolish to not” decide the Panthers to win the premiership and backed halfback Nathan Cleary to set the usual.
“Tons can occur in a protracted laborious season,” he mentioned.
“There’s rep footy to think about, there’s a complete lot of issues that may play a component in Penrith successful or not successful. But when all’s equal and so they hold their key gamers on the sphere, they’ll be laborious to beat once more.”
“I’m assured their gained’t be that one per cent of drive lacking as a result of Nathan is the kind of participant who doesn’t even take into consideration that one per cent.”
The Panthers have misplaced hooker Api Koroisau to the Tigers and back-rower Viliame Kikau to the Bulldogs, however are assured Mitch Kenny and new recruits Zac Hosking and Luke Garner could be succesful replacements.
Penrith will get its first hit out within the new look Pre-Season Problem, which kicks off on Thursday. The winner will decide up a cool $100,000 for his or her troubles.
The Panthers may also tackle Tremendous League champions St Helens within the World Cup Problem on Saturday 18 February
The winner of that conflict may also declare $100,000, that means the Panthers might feasibly be $200,000 richer by the tip of pre-season motion.
Watch the brand new look NRL Pre-Season unique to Fox League accessible on Kayo Sports activities. New to Kayo? Begin your free trial now >
