Penrith will be hoping it won’t be a case of history repeating itself in the grand final when they try to avenge their 2020 loss to Melbourne this weekend.
Four years before their incredible dynasty started, the Panthers suffered heartbreak in the decider when they went down 26-20 to the Storm.
Ivan Cleary’s side were blown away on the big stage by Cameron Smith and co as the Victorian club claimed their first premiership since 2017.
A shocking start saw the Storm pile on 22 unanswered points in the first half to all but assure themselves as the premiers, before having to fend off a late fightback from the Panthers which ultimately fell short.
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Storm not buying into impressive Panthers record ahead of decider
Just eight players remain at the foot of the mountains from that game to emphasise just how much churn their roster has gone through because of their successes.
Josh Mansour, Stephen Crichton, Tyrone May, James Tamou, Api Koroisau and Viliame Kikau are no longer in the starting side, while Brent Naden, Kurt Capewell and Zane Tetevano have also moved on.
However, Melbourne have undergone even more changes in their lineup since that 2020 premiership with just Ryan Papenhuyzen, Cameron Munster, Jahrome Hughes and Christian Welch able to bank on their experience from that decider.
In Penrith’s quest to claim a fourth consecutive title they will have to do what they have been unable to achieve so far this year - beat the Storm.
In their two most recent meetings, Craig Bellamy has gotten the better of the Panthers after previously slipping to three heavy defeats to their rivals last year.
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Although Melbourne skipper Harry Grant stated that there could be little gleamed from their current unbeaten run against the reigning premiers.
"We’re preparing for all scenarios this week," Grant said.
"I think they’re a different team this time of the year. They’ve had some games that have rolled on and learnt a few things and changed because of them.
"We definitely don’t [look into our record against them this season] too much because I know that we’re a different side as well."
The first time the rivals met this year was in the opening round of the campaign where the Storm battled their way to an 8-0 win, before they toppled the Panthers 24-22 in a match which was headlined by the shoulder injury to Nathan Cleary.
