LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
In the lead-up to the NRL grand final in 2023, Penrith is on the verge of making history.
They have the opportunity to become the first team in 40 years to win three consecutive premierships, a feat that hasn't been accomplished since St George's 11 straight wins.
Defense has always been emphasized as the key to winning premierships, and this holds true for Penrith.
Since 2006, only four teams with a worse defensive record than their grand final opponents have managed to secure victory.
When the pressure is on, defense can be relied upon more than attack, and this plays to Penrith's strengths.
Throughout the season, they have conceded an average of just 13.00 points per game, contrasting with the Broncos' 17.71.
History shows that teams that concede more than four points per game than their opponents rarely come out on top in the grand final.
Penrith's strong defense has been instrumental in their rise over the past four seasons.
They have consistently kept their opponents to 14 points or fewer in a season, with the Panthers accounting for four out of the six teams that have achieved this since 2020.
In their nine finals appearances over the last three years, Penrith has only conceded 12 tries.