Trying to pick a side for Sunday night’s NRL Grand Final?
Well never fear because we here at Ladbrokes have you covered because by the time you’ll read this, you’ll be heading to the shops to pick up some Panthers merch.
There’s a strong case to be made for siding with the Panthers this weekend, although the reasons might be wearing a bit thin as they prepare for their fourth straight Grand Final.
Some of these reasons we’re just plucking from previous versions of this, just without the “plucky underdog” angle they had in 2020 and 2021.
They Are Going for History
In the NRL era, no team has won three straight premierships but that could change Sunday night.
Only the Roosters in 2018 and 2019 (and technically the Broncos in 1997 & 1998) went back to back under the NRL branding, but the Panthers could be the first team to do a three-peat in the modern game.
The Panthers will be looking to become the first team in 40 years to win three straight premierships and wouldn’t they just love to be the ones to match Parra’s achievement from the early 80’s.
There’s Nothing Wrong with Jumping on a Bandwagon
If you can’t beat them, join them.
After all, they’re only just getting started according to Gus.
They Are Home Grown
Say what you will about them, but the Panthers have produced plenty of good players through their juniors program.
They’ve brought the right ones through to the first grade side and boy has it paid off.
Queensland Has State of Origin
The Origin trophy has pretty much lived north of the Tweed for the last 17 years, maybe we just keep the NRL trophy on the southern side of the border?
Pat Cummins
Did you know the world’s No. 1 ranked Test bowler is a die-hard Panthers nut?
Despite being born in Westmead, just west of Parramatta, Pat Cummins and the rest of his family have bled black and yellow from day dot.
One look at Cummins’ Twitter profile suggests he doesn’t mind taking care of his sponsors, which was evident when he voiced his fanhood by promoting Kayo to all 300,000 of his (then) followers.
Because Blue Collar is the Best Collar
Do we really need more detail in this one?
Because They Beat the Roosters in 2003
Didn’t everyone love Scott Sattler’s tackle on Todd Byrne in that game?
Because They Beat the Storm
Ok this one is pretty much a carbon copy of 2021 but the point still stands, even if the Storm are not quite the Storm of yesteryear.
“The NRL conducted a survey a couple of years ago asking fans to choose which team they enjoyed beating the most.
Not surprisingly, the results ruled overwhelmingly in favour of the Storm – probably due to the collective dislike for Craig Bellamy and well, their success.
Fortunately, the mountain men sent the Storm packing in the Prelim, leaving us with a matchup that neutral fans can actually get excited about.”
Because Royce Simmons
For those too young to remember, Royce Simmons might just be one of the most famous names in Panthers history.
The young hooker from Gooloogong signed a contract with Penrith back in 1980 where he went on to play over 230 games in 11 seasons with the club.
Simmons famously proclaimed prior to the Panthers’ 1991 Grand Final win that he would happily share a beer with every single supporter after the game.
That gesture probably doesn’t apply to Penrith’s growing list of members today, but it’s that level of blokesmanship that really makes the Panthers hard to dislike, even after all their success.
Their Jerseys Are Great
Grand Finals are not decided by fashion points, but if they were, the Panthers would be starting a couple of points in front.
Not that there’s anything wrong with the Broncos jerseys but they’ve had better ones in previous years.
Compare that to the Panthers who churn out great jerseys every year sticking with a classic look.