Penrith's NRL minor premiers are adamant a pared back grand final week will be an advantage for them leading into Sunday's decider by eliminating extra events that drain energy.
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In a season where nothing is normal, a week of celebrations leading into the decider has been significantly scaled back with no grand final fan events at Darling Harbour and no lavish Dally M ceremony.
James Tamou, Api Koroisau and Zane Tetevano have all been there and done that at previous clubs.
And as the only three Panthers with grand-final experience - they know how taxing it can be to a young team.
"The grand final is going to be a bit different, obviously we're in the bubble which might be even better than in the past," Tamou, who won the 2015 premiership with North Queensland, said.
"You go through these things, grand final breakfast and all of that stuff and it takes a lot of energy out of you before you get to the playing field.
"It's probably better for both sides... I would say we need to stick to our game and do what we've been doing all year and don't get caught up in it."
On Tuesday, the Panthers named their side to face the Storm with star second-rower Viliame Kikau to return from suspension.
Brent Naden has been named in the centres with Tyrone May on the bench, although that was the same case last week before they were switched prior to kick off.
Any advantage would be a huge coup for the Panthers who are well behind the Storm on grand final experience.
By comparison, nine Melbourne players will run onto ANZ Stadium on Sunday who played in and won the 2017 premiership.
Eleven played in the 2018 grand final, losing to the Sydney Roosters.
However, Koroisau believes the unusual circumstances of 2020 will play into Penrith's hands because it's a new experience for everyone.
The Panthers hooker played in South Sydney's drought-breaking 2014 premiership win but this season is a far cry from those chaotic celebrations.
"It just evens the playing field because neither team has done this before, it's a first for both teams," he said.
"We'll just go into the game pretty fresh, not doing as many promos and events.
"It does take it out of you during the week. To be able to roll in fresh will be a first for both teams."
Australian Associated Press
