Interchange for the better: How Salmon found his groove with Panthers

When Jaeman Salmon turned up to the Panthers at the start of the 2021 pre-season, his career was at a crossroads after failing to make a major impact during his three years at Parramatta.

Salmon made 17 appearances for the Eels during that period as Dylan Brown and Mitchell Moses began to take control of the side after a disastrous 2018 campaign that ended with the wooden spoon.

He was barely sighted in his final season at the Eels before landing a one-year deal to join the Panthers but a part of him is pleased for his former teammates that they’ve reached the decider.

“I do speak to the boys every now and then [but] I won’t speak to them this week,” Salmon said.

“There’s a good bunch of lads there and I made lifetime friends. There’s a bit of pressure [on them] but I think they’ve risen above it and they are playing good footy.

“They’ve silenced a lot of doubters. I looked to Mitch Moses and Gutho [Clint Gutherson]. Gutho was a good trainer and always led from the front.

“Mitch is a smart player and we used to go through my reserve grade video together. It’s good to see those boys make the GF.”

Salmon hails from the Sutherland Shire but says the past five years in Sydney’s west has him well immersed in the rivalry between Sunday's combatants.

“They have their differences and similarities,” Salmon said.

“I’ve experienced both sides and coming from the Shire you didn’t know how strong the rivalry is.

“It’s definitely real, both the fans hate each other. I don’t know who hates each other more.”

Salmon has endured a controversial season off the field following comments made by Raiders coach Ricky Stuart after the Round 21 clash in Canberra, but on Sunday he will live out a childhood dream.

For all the adversity he’s faced early in his career, the 23-year-old has the Panthers to thank for helping him make changes, including a positional switch, that’s helped resurrect his career.

“When I came to the club at the start of last year I never thought I’d be lacing up the boots for a grand final,” Salmon said.

“I was a five-eighth growing up and could always see myself transitioning to the second row.

“I was playing a bit of fullback and centre in the pre-season but Penrith just threw me in there and I think I’m suited. I like playing there.”

Off contract after the NRL Grand Final, Salmon was tight-lipped on his next move but said there were plans underway that would be revealed after the decider.