Penrith five-eighth Jarome Luai says the Panthers' previous experience of playing in big games gives them an edge over Parramatta.
Penrith are confident prop Spencer Leniu will be passed fit to play in Sunday's grand final as five-eighth Jarome Luai claimed the Panthers' experience in big games gave them an edge over Parramatta.
Leniu was sent for two head injury assessments during the Panthers' preliminary final win over South Sydney but showed no lingering effects of concussion when he saw the club's doctor on Monday.
The prop will be monitored during the week and the indication is he will be cleared to play against the Eels on Sunday.
Leniu, along with Luai, forms part of a 13-strong Penrith contingent aiming to claim back-to-back titles after last year's victory over South Sydney.
In contrast, only two players in Parramatta's side - back-rower Ryan Matterson (Sydney Roosters, 2018) and utility back Bailey Simonsson (Canberra, 2019) have played in a grand final.
"I think it is (an advantage) in terms of experience and what to expect," Luai said.
"A lot of us have played in some big games and it's definitely helped us at times this year and it's going to help us.
"We know what they (the Eels) are capable of at their best, so it's pretty scary. They've got a great side and they've shown it all year."
This year's grand final is a marketer's dream given the Panthers are aiming to become just the second side in the NRL era to win back-to-back premierships.
On the other side of the coin, the Eels are hoping to end a title drought that stretches back to 1986 after surging into their first grand final since 2009.
Both clubs represent strong league hotbeds and the rivalry has become even more heated in recent years as they prepare to meet in a grand final for the first time.
"Western Sydney are real lovers of the game, and the fans are really passionate about their two teams," Luai said.
"I think it's a really good thing that these two teams are in the grand final.
"Fans have been waiting a while to see something like this so I'm really excited to be a part of it all.
"There's going to be a lot of noise made from the fans. At the end of the day, the squad that rocks up has a job to do.
"If we don't get that job done then it's going to be a waste."
