NRL Grand Final 2020: Dan Carter, Richie McCaw, Mick Fanning help inspire Panthers ahead of big game
Want some words of wisdom and inspiration? Then why not turn to the best. The Panthers have been ‘completely absorbed’ over the last month as three of the most respected sportsmen of all time lend a hand.
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Penrith are ready for the game of their lives with the revelation that three of the world’s greatest athletes have been helping the grand final outsiders prepare to make history.
All Black legends Dan Carter and Richie McCaw and three-time world surfing champion Mick Fanning have become instrumental behind-the-scenes figures throughout Penrith’s pursuit of the club’s first premiership in 17-years.
In the countdown to Sunday night‘s NRL grand final between the Panthers and the Melbourne Storm at ANZ Stadium, Carter delivered his final message of advice and inspiration to the Penrith squad on Saturday.
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Deliberately timed for maximum impact, Carter - the greatest All Blacks fly-half ever - spoke to the entire grand final squad via video before Penrith’s final training session of the entire year at Panthers Stadium.
Carter can charge up to $40,000 for a speaking engagement, but just before 11am, the 112-Test legend gave up his time to speak to the captivated Panthers players huddled together inside the stadium.
With authority, he spoke about “staying in the zone” and ”trusting each other.”
The Penrith players, notably goalkicker and playmaker Nathan Cleary, were completely absorbed as the highest-point scorer ever in Test match rugby spoke to the group about backing their judgement.
Carter signed off with a stirring, “Go Panthers”.
Carter is the third key-note speaker to address the Panthers in as many weeks with McCaw - the former All Blacks captain and one of world sports greatest leaders - addressing the players before their qualifying final win over the Roosters three weeks ago.
Cleary’s goalkicking coach and former Kiwi Test winger Daryl Halligan facilitated the introduction between Carter and McCaw speaking to the Panthers.
During the Panthers history-making 17-game winning-streak this season, Penrith coach Ivan Cleary has repeatedly included several key messages from McCaw’s life-story and documentary, Chasing Great, during team-talks and weekly game-plans.
McCaw has reiterated those points directly to the Penrith group in recent weeks, including making sure they understand that to “perform, you need to be willing to go to your dark places.”
The New Zealand-born Kiwis within the Penrith team have been particularly impacted by both Carter and McCaw’s advice.
Panthers enforcer James Fisher-Harris - who switched from rugby union to rugby league in the under-15’s - made mention of McCaw’s impact this week, without giving away just how personal the words of his sporting idol have become.
“I loved watching Richie McCaw, he’s up there and Jonah Lomu … guys like that,” Fisher-Harris said.
“Richie, he has a dig, he has a go … I saw his documentary, Chasing Great, which showed the mentality that he has and he’s a champion, so there is a lot to learn from someone like him.’’
Penrith assistant coach Trent Barrett spoke about the impact McCaw has had on the group.
“It was very good, it was about staying present and staying in the moment,‘’ Barrett said.
“Everyone has got a different role to play and that’s what we’ve trained for, to put ourselves in a position that we know when we’re under pressure, things are going to hold up.
“He spoke about that. He‘s one of the best, if not the best All Black that has ever played, so I immediately think the players have take something from him.’’
Fanning, a proud Penrith boy having grown-up at the foot of the mountains, spoke to the Panthers players before their tense preliminary final over South Sydney last weekend.
One of Australia‘s most respected and revered surfers, Fanning used his own elite-level experiences - both in surviving a shark attack - and as a former world number one to inspire the Panthers.
“Mick spoke about not worrying about the previous wave or the next wave, it’s what is happening now and where you need to be,’’ Barrett said.
“That resonated with everyone - and with Mick being from Penrith, he has a genuine connection to the place.
“He also spoke about particular players from the opposition, the attacking players who can be as “dangerous as a shark”, so we‘ve got to look after ourselves by always being alert and being ready to throw the first punch.’’