Hidden 'pressure' Panthers felt as cameras rolled

When Penrith's stars were informed their 2023 season would make the big screen in a three-part Stan series titled Undisputed, it came with an undeniable pressure.

Having won back-to-back premierships, the Panthers side already had the weight of expectation trying to complete a three-peat and then learned before the finals series that their campaign would be available for all to see.

Panthers co-captain Nathan Cleary admits it wouldn't have been a great watch if the side didn't complete an extraordinary comeback against the Broncos in the decider.

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"I was pretty excited (when I found out about it) but I think it put a bit of pressure on to try and actually win it, it wouldn't have been that good if we lost," he told Wide World of Sports.

"... Originally when we found out, everyone was talking about it but once it gets into the flow of things you don't notice the cameras too much, you don't really notice what's happening then you actually remember after the grand final all that it was recorded."

Cleary's halves partner, Jarome Luai, plays a prominent role in episode one, as the audience is given an insight into his injury blow.

The 27-year-old dislocated his shoulder in round 26, with uncertainty around whether he'd make it back for the grand final.

Episode one of Undisputed will premiere on 9Now at 12pm on Friday.

Luai's determination was clear to see though, aiming for recovery inside four weeks. 

Despite the setback, the five-eighth knew there'd be success around the corner. 

"We were still in season at the time (of filming), so we were heading to the finals series, my shoulder was injured so I was battling to come back," he said.

"Obviously I was keen to be apart of it, I knew something special was going to be at the end of the road so just to be part of it all and watch it will be pretty special."

For Luai, the biggest satisfaction from the series came from seeing his family feature. 

"I get to see my kids on the big screen, which was pretty cool. My family is a pretty big part of my life and to tell that story behind the scenes and what we're like at home is pretty cool," he said.

"They haven't (seen it) yet, my five year old will know and he probably won't stop watching his own face. He's a bit like his mum I'll say," he added with a laugh.

"It's pretty cool to see them up there and show a bit of what people don't normally see."