08/10/2024
๐๐ฒ๐๐ผ๐ป๐ฑ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฆ๐ฐ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฏ๐ผ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฑ: ๐๐๐จ๐จ๐ค๐ฃ๐จ ๐๐ง๐ค๐ข ๐ ๐พ๐๐๐ข๐ฅ๐๐ค๐ฃ ๐๐๐๐ข
Thereโs something special about witnessing a team win four grand finals in a row. For my beloved NRL team, the Penrith Panthers, itโs clear their success is about far more than skill or โthe systemโโitโs the culture theyโve built, family-oriented in every sense of the word.
The energy was palpable at Sundayโs grand final. Whether we were on the attack or defending our line, ahead or behind, our supporters were loud, passionate, and unwavering. The belief didnโt falter based on the scoreboardโit was rooted in the teamโs strength and the connections theyโve built with each other, their loved ones, and the broader community.
But unfortunately, like moths to a flame, success attracts critics. Social media was quickly swamped with claims that the referees were biased, that the win was predetermined, riggedโTall Poppy Syndrome at its finest. ๐๐ด๐ผ ๐ฐ๐๐๐๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐ฑ๐ผ๐๐ป ๐ผ๐๐ต๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ ๐ถ๐ป ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐๐ผ ๐ณ๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐ถ๐๐๐ฒ๐น๐ณ.
Is it any wonder that the opinions of others are one of the greatest thieves of dreams?
But as they say, actions speak louder than words, and something magical happens when you recognise your purpose is far greater than yourselfโin that moment, you rise above the noise.
This Panthers team has faced player losses year on year due to the salary cap and will once again part ways with more stalwarts after this season. But resentment? There is none. The motto is simple: โOnce a Panther, always a Panther.โ Interviewed afterward, the playersโ messages were consistent: they just wanted to send their mates off as they deservedโwith pride, respect, and as part of the family.
But something else stood out on Sunday. It wasnโt just the clinical display of executing the โgame planโ or the ridiculous level of skill. It was ๐๐ฟ๐๐๐. It was ๐น๐ผ๐๐ฎ๐น๐๐. It was on the field and in the stands.
This game heralded a dynasty but also bucked current trendsโthe team stood tall, united. No blame game and no fickle โfair-weatherโ fans. This unwavering support through both the highs and the lows is what really makes the difference. True supporters stand by their team when they need it most, not just in the moments of victory. (Just listen to the video).
Sundayโs game also reinforced the power of immersion. Watching from the sidelines or on TV doesnโt compare to being surrounded by thousands of fans, experiencing every moment together. Itโs not just a gameโitโs about creating memories with those you love, in an atmosphere where every cheer, every chant, and every moment is shared. Those are the moments that last long after the final whistle is blown.
The lessons? There are many.
The importance of culture. The impact of a coach. Trust. Belief. Loyalty.
Success isnโt about a single win. Itโs about what is sustained over timeโthrough highs, lows, and even criticism. When youโve built something strong, like this team has, the outside voices donโt matter. Itโs YOUR inner voice, your desires and resolve that counts.
And sharing it with those you love...makes it all the more sweeter. ๐ค๐๐โค๏ธ
