- Melbourne running back appeared to mock Panthers players
- Celebrations continued after winning the 2020 NRL Grand Final
- Jahrome Hughes later stated that he “meant no disrespect.”
- Vision has been used to motivate the Panthers’ playing group.
It may have been five years ago, but Penrith players haven’t forgotten Jahrome Hughes’ wild sledging after Melbourne won the 2020 NRL grand final.
New Zealand international Hughes was a key figure as the Storm denied a fast-finishing Panthers team, and in the celebrations that followed the halfback appeared to mock the likes of Brian To’o and former center Stephen Crichton for their socially upbringing. disadvantaged in Mt Druitt.
Hughes later apologized and stated that “there was no disrespect” but that was not the response from Ivan Cleary’s men.
In recent years, vision has been shown to motivate the group of players, and it’s safe to assume it would have been implemented this week as the Panthers fight for a fourth consecutive premiership.
This comes as neither manager was willing to make outlandish statements in the run-up to Sunday’s decider.
Craig Bellamy declared that “Penrith have grown significantly” since suffering defeat five years ago as favourites, while Cleary claimed falling short helped create his team’s dynasty.
“It was definitely an important part of our trip,” he said. ‘A fuse was lit because we wanted to make sure we learned from it.
“We had a very good run that season, but they taught us a lesson that day. Not only during the Storm, but on great occasions.
Melbourne Storm halfback Jahrome Hughes (left) was convicted at the end of the 2020 grand final but still ended up with a premiership ring.
In the celebrations that followed, Jahrome Hughes appeared to mock the likes of Brian To’o (left) and former center Stephen Crichton for their Mt Druitt roots.
Star running back Nathan Cleary agreed with his father, believing the loss has helped his teammates reach new heights.
“At that moment I felt like it was the worst thing that had ever happened.” Cleary told NRL.com.
‘If you look back, we needed it at the time. “We have been able to get out of that situation and learn a lot.”
Fullback Dylan Edwards was on the same page, admitting Melbourne “made the jump” on Penrith after leading 26-0, and that his team were “taught a lesson in what grand finals are all about”.
Meanwhile, if they win on Sunday, Penrith will be crowned the best rugby league team in almost 60 years.
Not since the great St George’s team of the last century has a team come so close to four consecutive titles, following their record 11 premierships between 1956 and 1966.
The grand final will also be the last game in Panthers colors for center Jarome Luai and enforcer James Fisher-Harris, who will play with the Tigers and Warriors from 2025.
“I think that’s why we’ve been able to have sustained success… because we never look back,” co-captain Isaah Yeo said.