In 2020 a lack of big game experience cost the Panthers in the decider, but State of Origin stars Jarome Luai and Kurt Capewell say that won't be the case this year.

After the rampant success of last season's 17 straight wins on a march to the NRL grand final, the Panthers went from three State of Origin players in 2020 to seven representatives in 2021.

Luai as well as Brian To'o, Api Koroisau and Liam Martin made their debuts for NSW this year while Nathan Cleary, Capewell and Isaah Yeo added more representative games to their tally.

Intense finals wins against Sydney Roosters and South Sydney in last year's preliminary final, as well as a loss to the Rabbitohs a fortnight ago and a gritty win over Parramatta has intensified the lessons.

Heading into Saturday's grand final qualifier against their 2020 foes at Suncorp Stadium, the Panthers are adamant they're in a better place than last year to shock the Melbourne giants who have been in four of the past five deciders.

"They've been in a lot of big games and they've been on the right side of the results in a lot of those big games so it's something that's new for us," said Queensland Origin forward Capewell.

"Having the finals experience last year and a fair few of our players gone on to play Origin and in bigger games, now with that bit of experience our team will be a bit better equipped."

Last year's 26-20 loss to September specialists Melbourne in the NRL grand final was a reminder of how far the Panthers had to grow as a young side.

But the Storm have had their changes too, losing champion skipper Cameron Smith but continuing their remarkable consistency without him.

Saturday's preliminary final will be one of the first times this season they'll be full-strength, while the Panthers are bruised and battered after their 8-6 win over Parramatta last weekend.

But as has become typical of Penrith, their energy is high and vibrant five-eighth Luai says they're are a better team in 2021.

"It's one thing to say it but it's another thing to do it against a Melbourne side who do put a lot of pressure on you," he said.

"We need to bring our A game to be able to beat those guys.

"We've got a lot more big game experience under our belt and some of us have played Origin as well so I think that's helped us a bit in terms of leadership.

"We're still a young side but we've got plenty of confidence in what we can do against Melbourne."

Australian Associated Press