They’ve lengthy been thought of NRL leaders in terms of coaching services, however even Penrith had been blown away when world sporting royalty rolled out the blue carpet for them earlier than their World Membership Problem bid.
European and English champions Manchester Metropolis, full with 16 soccer fields and a full-sized indoor pitch, hosted the three-time NRL premiers on Monday evening (AEDT) earlier than their conflict with Wigan.
As a substitute of Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri gracing the advanced, it was Nathan Cleary, Jarome Luai and Dylan Edwards who got an access-all-areas go to the $380 million facility.
“It’s insanity,” Panthers halfback and staunch Manchester United fan Nathan Cleary stated. “It’s a totally totally different world and such a special scale to what we’re used to again residence. To be in amongst that and be capable of prepare there, we had been very privileged.”
The Panthers and Manchester Metropolis have struck up an in depth affiliation just lately: each are chasing a fourth straight title of their home leagues and the Sky Blues even had Panthers stars interviewed on Etihad Stadium earlier than their 1-1 draw with Chelsea on the weekend.
The membership had been friends of Metropolis for the essential Premier League match, which noticed Pep Guardiola’s aspect fall 4 factors behind Liverpool within the standings, albeit with a sport in hand.
Nathan Cleary at Manchester Metropolis’s coaching advanced.Credit score: Penrith Panthers
“It was just a little bit eerie and you already know it’s a spot of greatness,” Panthers five-eighth Jarome Luai stated. “It was an ideal expertise for all of us and hopefully we will do it once more.”
Mentioned hooker Mitch Kenny: “It was fairly mind-blowing. They’re clearly a world-class organisation and everybody is aware of Man Metropolis, whether or not you’re a soccer or soccer fan. It’s nonetheless a little bit of a fanboy second simply being in there. It’s so elite and so they do issues so grand over right here.”