Luke Garner is just one win away from becoming only the third player of the modern NRL era to go straight from a wooden spoon to premiership winner.
Snapped up by Penrith from struggling Wests Tigers last year, Garner has a chance to go from barely winning a game in 2022 to lifting the trophy this year.
The journey from last place to grand-final winner has only been accomplished by Brenko Lee (Gold Coast to Melbourne, 2020) and English forward Harvey Howard (Western Suburbs to Brisbane, 2000) during the NRL-era, dating back to 1998.
Tevita Pangai, Robbie Rochow, Siosaia Vave, Ryley Jacks, Justin Holbrook and Aseri Lang are others to make similar jumps, but none featured in their grand-final sides.
"It's a very different spot to where I was 12 months ago," Garner said.
"It's exciting, looking forward to the week.
"I obviously knew they were a strong team and set up for long-term success. I still had to put in a lot of work to get us into this spot."
Garner had also been pursued by Parramatta when off contract last year, but said the call from former coach Ivan Cleary was too hard to resist.
"It's pretty hard to say no to Ivan," Garner said.
"I always got along with him really well at Tigers. Seeing how well the boys were doing, I knew they were a great bunch of fellas. It's really hard to say no to that.
"They make it really enjoyable with everything they do. We do work hard. Everyone does things with good intentions."
A similar turnaround could also await Tyrone Peachey, who was brought back to the Panthers from the Tigers at the end of last season.
Peachey has played 15 games for Penrith this year, but has become the unlucky man squeezed out by Jarome Luai's return as the Panthers keep Jack Cogger on the bench as halves cover.
Garner is expected to keep his bench spot for the decider, with he and Zac Hosking having jostled to be Penrith's bench second-rower this year.
Hosking has played 21 games to Garner's 11, but Garner's versatility and ability to play centre has him in front at the business end of the season.
"Me and Hosko are tight as, we have that competitive spirit as well. We are always pushing each other at training," Garner said.
"Ivan just chucked me on the bench this week. I guess I can cover a bit of centre and back row, that probably helps my case.
"We'll see what happens next week."
