Penrith's 2003 grand final saviour Scott Sattler says the lessons from his iconic game-changing tackle remain applicable to the upcoming NRL showpiece.
Sattler famously cut down Todd Byrne with a scything cover tackle in the second half of 2003's grand final when the Roosters winger appeared certain to score. The Panthers went on to win 18-6.
"Our win in 2003 was not about that one moment. It was one of those little battles that emerges across the field," Sattler told AAP.
"The lesson is that, in big games in particular, you've got to win those little battles.
"There was a tackle that (Penrith hooker) Luke Priddis made on (Roosters utility) Craig Wing in the second half that nobody talks about.
"Wing throws a dummy and goes straight through but if Priddis doesn't tackle him he scores in the corner ... it's another one of those key moments that emerges."
Sattler said little had changed ahead of Sunday's grand final between Penrith and Parramatta.
While trailing 12-6 in last week's preliminary final, Panthers winger Brian To'o raced away to score on the cusp of halftime in his side's 32-12 win over South Sydney swatting Rabbitohs playmaker Cody Walker away like a fly.
"That was one of those classic little battles, and Brian To'o won," Sattler said.
"This Penrith side wins the little battles because they have so many players that want to make a difference."
Sattler remembers the response of his teammates to his own tackle like it was yesterday.
"Ryan Girdler put the grubber in that ricocheted, and then Freddy (Brad Fittler) put through a beautiful pass to Todd Byrne.
"After the tackle Girds comes over and pats me on the head and says, 'Thanks'. Girds and I weren't getting any younger and it was possibly going to be the only chance we'd get to play in a grand final.
"They spoke to our coach Johnny Lang after the game and he said, "I would have been disappointed if Satts didn't get him'. That made me feel that the coach had faith in me."
Sattler has followed the progress of the current Panthers side and said they showcase traits that remind him of the 2003 team.
"We were super fit, patient and knew that in the last 10 minutes we could overwhelm teams.
"This Penrith team is so patient. They are the masters of composure.
"They put one foot on your throat and the minute you think it is off they put the other foot on."
