Wayde Egan finished off the Panthers’ 32-16 preliminary final win against North Queensland Cowboys at Allianz Stadium on Friday by diving over for a try after a looping offload from team mate Tyrone May.

Panthers NYC coach Cam Ciraldo made a late adjustment to his side with Egan moved into starting hooker and Soni Luke dropped to the bench. 

Another tough decision the coach will have to make again this weekend between the two players.

Soni Luke was man-of-the-match in the Panthers grand final win last year but a serious shoulder injury in 2016 has allowed Wayde to show his talent and push for a starting spot on Sunday.

Wayde has had good season with a knack for getting across the line, scoring eleven tries for in 2016, and for someone who handles the ball at dummy half or at first receiver, he has an impressive record of only three errors all year.

Wayde’s three brothers Brock, Cooper and Tallon along with parents Kyle and Jo will be sitting in the grandstands at ANZ Staduim on Sunday cheering the Panthers on for a win.

Father Kyle Egan said they will have to make their way from New Zealand, where son Cooper is touring with a Group 10 rep side, to the grand final.

He said the Panthers’ under 20s had been good all year with the next challenge just to finish the season off with a premiership on Sunday.

The NRL’s Grand final day starts with the Holden Cup between Penrith Panthers and Sydney Roosters at 1.35pm.

The State Championship grand final follows at 3.40pm, between Illawarra Cutters and Burleigh Bears.

Melbourne Storm take on the Cronulla Sharks in the main event at 7.15pm,