Choice of jerseys? Training times? Inside the secret minor premiership perks

Penrith’s once tight grip on the minor premiership could cost them more than the $200,000 prize money. Find out what other concessions await the minor premiers of 2023.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – SEPTEMBER 26: James Tamou of the Panthers is presented with the JJ Giltinan Shield after winning the minor premiership during the round 20 NRL match between the Canterbury Bulldogs and the Penrith Panthers at ANZ Stadium on September 26, 2020 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

Penrith’s shock loss to Parramatta could cost the Panthers more than the $200,000 prize money on offer with a host of smaller benefits associated with taking out top spot at the end of the regular season.

The prize money has jumped to $200,000 – which the players will split with their club – but there are a stack of hidden perks that are on offer to the team which qualifies for the grand final from the highest spot on the premiership ladder.

Brisbane could snatch the minor premiership from Penrith’s clutches after the Panthers’ defeat to Parramatta on Thursday night.

Penrith premiership winner Luke Lewis said finishing the regular season on top of the ladder was a strong morale boaster.

“It’s a good feeling to win the minor premiership knowing you had a great season and finished on top,” Lewis said. “It’s not the be all and end all but it’s a great accolade to have as a player. It’s not a massive confidence booster because if you finish towards the top you’re still confident heading into the big games.”

Penrith have been the top seed in their past three grand final appearances which has allowed them to dictate a host of terms leading up to the grand final.

The Panthers took home the minor premiership in 2022. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

“As a player most of these don’t really matter come grand final day,” Lewis said. “Most times you’re able to wear your home jersey and we don’t generally think or care about what time you do captain’s run. You’re just excited to be playing on grand final day.”

The only real advantage Lewis believed could come into play is where your dressing room is situated. But that only comes when you play against a side such as South Sydney who use Sydney Olympic Park as a regular home base.

“The only real advantage would be if you came up against someone like South Sydney,” Lewis said. “They would be used go going into their change room, sitting in their regular spots and be in a bit of a routine. That is normal for them.

“But personally, I didn’t care too much about that sort of stuff. You’re just excited to be in a grand final and all you’re thinking about is winning the major prize.”

Originally published as Choice of jerseys? Training times? Inside the secret minor premiership perks