The power of nine: Cleary, JFH and mates emulate Eels

And then there were nine.

Penrith's four-year stretch of reach grand finals has featured nine players as mainstays in the side - a feat that equals them with Parramatta during their four-year consecutive grand final run 40 years ago. 

Panthers co-captains Isaah Yeo and Nathan Cleary join forwards James Fisher-Harris, Moses Leota, Liam Martin and outside backs Jarome Luai, Stephen Crichton, Brian To'o and Dylan Edwards to feature in every decider since 2020. 

Parramatta's four-year period of reaching deciders included nine mainstays in their side including Peter Sterling, Michael Cronin and Eric Grothe.

Ahead of looking to emulate the Eels in the '80s with a three-peat against the Broncos on Sunday, the core group know a rare achievement awaits them should they clinch victory. 

“That’s really special and I really like hearing that," Yeo told NRL.com.

"Obviously we've had to go through a lot of stuff as well together to get there. Like it hasn't all been good. But when you're looking at those people either side of you on the big stage, it gives you a lot of confidence.

"They're happy to take a little bit less to stay in the team and we've created a really special bond with. I think that's a really nice part of it, everyone's first thought is to re-sign here before they look elsewhere.

"And obviously it helps injury-wise. We've been able to stay relatively healthy with one and other during that time. So that always helps success-wise as well."

Panthers winger Brian To'o said the 2020 grand final loss to Melbourne had fuelled the side's biggest names to ensure a defeat on rugby league's greatest day would not occur again in future deciders.

"I think that says a lot about the club, they always give us the tools and the techniques and the little things to help us do what we do best," he said.

"The past four years have been amazing, we’ve obviously had a few players come and go but everyone’s been played their own part.

"We always try and keep each other accountable and that’s the will that everyone wants to put in. Everyone’s willing to put in the hard work and out the team first."

The figure is set to drop to eight in 2024 with Stephen Crichton lining up to play his 100th and final game for the Panthers on Sunday.

Crichton could become a three-time premiership winner ahead of joining Canterbury all by the age of 23.

"I think it’s just a massive credit to Ivan on the culture he has built here for the boys," Crichton said.

"He’s built it from the start and it just shows how much the boys are willing to buy in and train hard to get the result that we want.

"There’s still a lot of talent coming through so the club will continue to be in good hands with the younger boys.

"I’m pretty excited to end the season on a high and finish the way we want to."