NRL legend Cameron Smith says the “biggest threat” facing Penrith’s hopes of claiming back-to-back premierships will be whether the young squad becomes complacent after last year’s success.
Smith, the NRL’s games record holder, knows all about premiership success, having won on grand final day on five occasions, although two were later taken away due to Melbourne’s infamous salary cap breach.
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Speaking at NRL’s Magic Round launch today, Smith was queried on what he thought of Penrith’s chances to achieve the rare feat heading into season 2022.
Smith claimed his last premiership in a win against Penrith during the 2020 NRL grand final, in what was his last game ever in rugby league.
He said it was important the young Panthers squad didn’t lose its hunger.
“They’ve got a really young squad who I’d like to think are still hungry and not satisfied with winning the competition and then just turning up in 2022,” Smith said.
“That will be the biggest threat for the Panthers this year.
“I wouldn’t say they’re complacent, but being satisfied with winning the competition in 2021.”