NRL grand final penpix: Penrith
PENPIX OF THE PENRITH SQUAD FOR THE 2022 NRL GRAND FINAL
Fullback - Dylan Edwards
Age: 26
NRL games: 104
The fittest man at the club is as involved in the first minute as he is in the last. The ultimate professional and one of the game's best custodians who Ivan Cleary would not swap for anyone.
Winger - Charlie Staines
Age: 21
NRL games: 37
The Forbes flyer is known at Penrith as 'Ferrari'. He is quick, agile and can sniff out a try. Gets a deserved grand final opportunity due to an injury to Taylan May.
Centre - Izack Tago
Age: 20
NRL games: 31
The St Marys junior has made the left centre position his own in a breakout season. He creates and finishes with aplomb and will be on a high after making Samoa's World Cup squad.
Centre - Stephen Crichton
Age: 22
NRL games: 75
A graceful centre who is silky and smooth across the ground. Will forever be remembered for his match-winning intercept try in the 2021 decider which showcased his big-game credentials.
Winger - Brian To'o
Age: 24
NRL games: 69
A rampaging ball of muscle. The man known as 'Bizza' is busy and blockbusting in his approach to wing play. Regularly clocks up 200m per game and one of the world's best in his position.
Five-eighth - Jarome Luai
Age: 25
NRL games: 84
He has fire in his belly and flair to match. Nathan Cleary's right-hand man has a skip in his step and a wonderful short kicking game. His passion for Penrith is matched by his performance.
Halfback - Nathan Cleary (co-captain)
Age: 24
NRL games: 136
The master and commander of the Panthers outfit is on track to become one of the game's greatest halves. Blessed with an array of skills, his soaring bombs will give the Eels back five nightmares.
Prop - Moses Leota
Age: 27
NRL games: 122
The powerhouse prop is unsung, but so often unassailable. Opposition teams have found out time and again that you do not get past him. Another tribute to the Penrith pathway system.
Hooker - Api Koroisau
Age: 29
NRL games: 169
The only player at the club to have won two NRL grand finals, the wily rake is the guru of guile. His crafty manoeuvres have deceived many. Has a penchant for changing games in big moments.
Prop - James Fisher-Harris
Age: 26
NRL games: 156
The spiritual leader of the forward pack. The Fish, as he is known, has a ferocity in his play and a look in his eye that harks back to the 1980s. A player who makes his teammates feel 10-feet tall.
Second-rower - Viliame Kikau
Age: 27
NRL games: 122
The tall Fijian can do it all. A brilliant line runner who has soft hands any top-line half would be proud of. Plays with real physicality and will be keen to go out on a high in his last game for the club.
Second-rower - Liam Martin
Age: 25
NRL games: 85
The Panthers' Mr Reliable. When there is a try to be scored or a crucial tackle to be made, the man who hails from Temora is often on hand to deliver. Rugged and ruthless.
Lock - Isaah Yeo (co-captain)
Age: 27
NRL games: 195
The link between the forwards and the backs who functions as a third playmaker, the rangy lock forward is the linchpin of the side. The most experienced Panther and a club legend.
Interchange:
Mitch Kenny - The former Penrith groundskeeper is the perfect bench utility. Can play dummy-half when required and ensures no momentum is lost when he enters the fray.
Scott Sorensen - Built like a Greek god and plays with the same power as his famous uncles Dane and Kurt Sorensen. Since arriving at Penrith in 2021 has won 36 of the 42 games he has played.
Spencer Leniu - Chased a Nathan Cleary kick to score like his life depended on it in the preliminary final, a play that summed him up. Gives the team a second wind when he comes on.
Jaeman Salmon - Has handled August's brutal sledge from Canberra coach Ricky Stuart with class. The 23-year-old playmaker starred for NSW under-20s this year and will be ready if called on in halves.
