Penrith's off-season contract battles could prove a blessing in disguise with coach Ivan Cleary eying a distraction-free title defence with futures sorted.
The Panthers insist they are a new team after a summer of raids from rivals, as they aim to become just the second NRL side to go back-to-back in three decades.
Often, defending premiers feel the pinch of the salary cap in a season after the grand final as they battle to hold onto their rising stars.
But in a busy summer, the Panthers have already accepted the high-profile losses of Viliame Kikau and Apisai Koroisau for 2023 to deals they could never match.
Paul Momirovski and Tyrone May also exited the club, with only 13 of their grand final winning squad likely to run out in round one against Manly.
But Penrith can see an upside.
Dylan Edwards and Mitch Kenny have both re-signed as part of the club's long-term spine, leaving no members of their grand final side with their future undecided beyond 2022.
"Hopefully (it works in our favour) ... We're pretty settled like that," Cleary told AAP.
"Before it was probably about 'how will he play when he is moving to another team the next year?'.
"We've seen enough to know that's not the case or an issue.
"We have a few guys off contract in 2023 ... but we'll try and get it done before the season really hots up at the end.
"And if we can't do that, then we'll just wait."
Those negotiations are expected to include longer deals for the likes of Brian To'o, Stephen Crichton and Liam Martin with all expiring in 2023.
But as is consistent with their approach, they won't let talks become a distraction at key points in the season.
Penrith took a similar approach in 2021, locking in State of Origin duo Isaah Yeo and Jarome Luai alongside Crichton in February and confirming Matt Burton's looming exit.
It meant next to no distraction throughout their premiership success, with Scott Sorensen and Moses Leota the only men to do contracts mid-season.
Kurt Capewell's future was therefore the only real headline act, as well as the late move to bring Tevita Pangai in for the title assault.
Cleary said it had been something the club had made a point to do in recent seasons.
"(That mentality) is a bit both ways. The players are keen to get it sorted as well," Cleary said.
"They don't want it dragging on either.
"Sometimes it can help the club and the agent when there is a bit of negotiating (while games) going on.
"But for us over the last few years, we're looking to try and get it done at a certain point in the season or we'll leave it to after."
