Rugby league: how Dan Carter and Richie McCaw were used to inspire NRL finalist Penrith Panthers

Blacks greats Dan Carter and Richie McCaw were recruited by the Panthers to help them prepare for their bid to win tonight’s NRL grand final against the Melbourne Storm.

The Sydney Telegraph has revealed some of the advice the two All Blacks World Cup winners gave Penrith’s team.

But while Carter exclaimed “Go Panthers,” it appears McCaw has one foot in both fields of the grand finale.

Carter, who reportedly charges up to $ 40,000 for a speech, gave the Panthers a free Zoom speech before their final workout with Ivan Cleary, who was also a top finalist with the New Zealand Warriors as a player and coach.

Carter emphasized “staying in the zone” and “trusting each other” with Panthers pivot and goal kicker Nathan Cleary particularly “engrossed.” Nathan Cleary was growing up in New Zealand when Carter and McCaw were at the peak of their powers in the All Blacks.

During the week, it was revealed that McCaw has been a visitor to Camp Storm in recent years and has played a significant role in helping its legendary captain Cameron Smith deal with public criticism.

But like Carter, his bow kick coach, Daryl Halligan, a former Kiwi, pushed him to help the Panthers. McCaw spoke with the team prior to his playoff win over the Roosters.

Northlander James Fisher-Harris, who has had a brilliant season in the NRL leading the Panthers group, said the documentary on McCaw titled Chasing cool had a great impact.

Coach Cleary has used his messages in team conversations and game plans.

“I loved seeing Richie McCaw, he’s up there with Jonah Lomu … guys like that,” he said.

“Richie, he wants, he wants … I saw his documentary that showed the mentality that he has and he is a champion, so there is a lot to learn from someone like him.”

Panthers assistant Trent Barrett said McCaw was strong at “staying present and staying in the moment.”

“Everyone has a different role to play and that’s what we’ve trained ourselves to do, to put ourselves in a position that we know when we’re under pressure, things are going to hold up,” Barrett said.

“He talked about it. He’s one of the best, if not the best All Black I’ve ever played, so I immediately think the players have to take something from him.”

The Panthers claimed the prime minister this year, thanks to a record streak of 17 straight wins.

They have also recruited Australian surfing world champion Mick Fanning, who comes from Penrith, to inspire them. Fanning told the team to keep an eye out for key opposition players who could be as “dangerous as a shark.”