Panthers hooker Mitch Kenny says he awakened on Thursday feeling like he was a child on Christmas Day, however Sea Eagles skipper Daly Cherry-Evans has warned the 4 travelling groups that they higher win subsequent weekend in any other case they’re in for a brutal journey again dwelling.
The pattern dimension is so small that it’s virtually not value contemplating, however each groups that misplaced in Vegas final 12 months – the Broncos and Rabbitohs – missed the highest eight, whereas the Roosters and Sea Eagles made the finals and performed one another in week two.
It’s nothing to learn into, however the gamers concerned within the two video games at Allegiant Stadium within the US have nonetheless been in a position to cross on essential info, one thing that Sharks captain Cameron McInnes took benefit of throughout Origin camp final 12 months.
Cherry-Evans mentioned he hadn’t been contacted by many gamers about what to anticipate in Sin Metropolis, however he did have a easy message for the 4 groups concerned.
“Not on a participant stage however extra on a training and logistical stage,” he replied when requested if gamers had reached out.
“I perceive there’s been a good bit of discuss between different golf equipment on learn how to finest handle the scenario and learn how to get probably the most out of the journey, your preparation and restoration, the amenities and every part else happening behind the scenes.
“I suppose the groups that gained final 12 months could also be getting their brains picked greater than the others, however I don’t know.
“I communicate very extremely of how enjoyable it was, and to any of the gamers going this 12 months, I simply say ‘get pleasure from it’. It’s going to be a tremendous expertise, however be sure to win as a result of it’s a protracted technique to go to not get the factors.
“I’m glad we did it as soon as however I’m glad we’re not going again once more this 12 months, solely due to the journey and the emotional toll it took.”
Subsequent week’s recreation in opposition to the Sharks is the most recent chapter in Penrith’s unimaginable story as they chase a fifth title in a row.
It’s a brand new feeling for the champions who boast loads of nation youngsters who’re strangers to the brilliant lights they’ll expertise on the primary strip in Vegas, and the enormity of the event is beginning to hit dwelling.
“I awakened this morning like a child on Christmas Day,” Kenny mentioned at Sydney Airport.
“It will likely be a protracted flight, however I’m trying ahead to getting over there.
“We’ve been making an attempt to not get too far forward of ourselves and never get swept up in all this, however now that we’re on the airport and heading over, it’s getting actual, so I’m fairly pumped.”
It’s the second 12 months in a row the Panthers have needed to fly abroad in February, with Penrith taking place in a controversial World Membership Problem 12 months in the past.
Coach Ivan Cleary lamented the dearth of preparation his aspect has loved over the previous two pre-seasons – they’d one trial match however didn’t play most of their stars and can have one other on Friday when the NRL squad is abroad – with the premiers beginning the 2024 NRL season with a loss to the Storm.
“It’s just a little totally different as a result of it’s a a lot greater time distinction (in comparison with the UK the place it felt very totally different to Sydney). We really feel like that will likely be an excellent expertise in that sense,” he mentioned forward of the flight.
“It’s extra about preparation and enjoying a recreation with out a trial recreation that has occurred to us the previous two years now, however we really feel like we’re on high of that.”
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