LeagueNews.co | Robbie Hamilton
'The loss that launched Penrith dynasty': Painful defeat in 2020 grand final sets Panthers on path to greatness
In a scene reminiscent of a gladiator's defeat, Nathan Cleary was left distraught, Dylan Edwards shellshocked, and Moses Leota in tears as the Panthers lay strewn over the Accor Stadium turf after a heartbreaking 26-20 loss to the Melbourne Storm in the 2020 grand final.
For these warriors of the rugby league field, it was not the ending to their fairytale season they had envisioned.
But as they picked themselves up from the field of battle, Cleary now understands the significance of that defeat in laying the groundwork for Penrith's dynasty.
Fast forward four years, and the Panthers are on the cusp of a fourth-straight title as they prepare to face off against the Storm in Sunday's grand final.
The wise heads in the squad know that without the pain and heartbreak of 2020, they wouldn't be where they are today.
When asked about his memories of that fateful match, Edwards succinctly sums it up - it was a turning point in their journey to greatness.