Your complete guide to the 2021 NRL Grand Final
Will it be glory, glory to South Sydney? Or will Panther Pride win out?
Wide World of Sports and Sportzone have brought rugby league fans the must-listen interviews in the lead-up to the NRL Grand Final on Sunday October 3.
In the Rabbitohs camp, celebrated coach Wayne Bennett is ending his tenure in the role this season.
Bennett paid tribute to club owner Russell Crowe, telling Ben Fordham “he’s a great guy to work with”.
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South Sydney Rabbitohs chairman Nick Pappas told James Willis Bennett will be missed, given his “uncanny ability” to connect with the young stars.
“Wayne is unbelievable – he’s everything that he is painted to be in the media and more.
“We wanted a seamless transition from the master coach to his successor, and we have that in Jason [Demetriou].”
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Rabbitohs star Benji Marshall credits his wife and coach Wayne Bennett for his chance at winning another Premiership, after guiding the West Tigers to a stunning Grand Final win in 2005.
The 36-year-old told Ben Fordham he was going to retire before his wife encouraged him to call Bennett.
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Meanwhile, the Panthers will be chasing the club’s first premiership since 2003.
Second-rower Trent Waterhouse played a key role in the victory over the Roosters 18 years ago, and told James Willis the key to another Penrith victory will be how they handle the breakneck speed of a Grand Final.
“It does go quick … you’ve got to be ready to go from the kick-off.”
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Penrith Panthers co-captain Isaah Yeo told Mark Levy and Brad Fittler with the Grand Final held at Suncorp Stadium in Queensland this year, the team are missing out on soaking up their hometown atmosphere.
“Penrith’s a real football community, and it’s obviously a special occasion for everyone back home there and we’re … not there to witness it.
“I just hope we’re doing them proud, and giving them something to cheer about on Sunday.”
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Image: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images