He’s the understudy to a champion, but Brad Schneider knows his moment could come at any second this Sunday night.
And if chaos does ensue at any point – in the name of Nathan Cleary’s shoulder – Schneider’s job will be keeping his head while others are losing theirs.
Schneider, brought to the club this year to fill similar shoes to that of Jack Cogger and Sean O’Sullivan in recent seasons, has played more first grade games than he expected when he joined the club at the back end of last year.
The former Raiders Rookie of the Year has played 14 games for Penrith this season, most of them in Cleary’s absence.
But for the Finals, he has simply warmed the bench and joined the rest of the rugby league world in watching Cleary’s left shoulder.
Playing a total of nine minutes in two games, he knows his role is to sit and hope he’s not called on.
“You never really want anything to go wrong but it’s about being ready for anything,” the 23-year-old said.
“Rugby league is a funny old sport and things can change pretty quickly. I’ve just got to be open minded and ready to go wherever.
“The last few weeks have been pretty amazing. It’s a very good experience and I’m excited for this week.”
Schneider has spent the year soaking up the experience, admitting he was a little nervous coming into the champion Penrith team at first.
“Coming into a team like this is a bit nerve-racking but I’ve got a lot of confidence out of it,” said Schneider, who is contracted to the club until at least the end of next season.
“They instil a lot of confidence in me and tell me to back myself, so it’s been really good.”
And has the master been working with the apprentice?
“Nathan was a very good help for me but I don’t think he wanted to give me too much and overload what I do,” he said.
“I’ve only just come into the team this year, so he’s just tried to keep it simple for me.
“But I’ve tried to pick his brain a bit, and he’s helped me with little things here and there.”
Regardless of what happens on Sunday night, it would be fitting if Schneider did enter the arena at some stage – to ensure he’s credited the game.
After all, his role in the 2024 season cannot be under-stated.
Troy Dodds
Troy Dodds is the Weekender's Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia's leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.