“And the reasons I’d say that is because of his leadership around the team, his work ethic and work rate, and he’s skilful and smart,” Hagan said.

Yeo hates the limelight. He says that is the reason he loves living and playing at the foot of the mountains.

“I feel like the town suits me. I don’t like being in the spotlight much, I like doing my own thing, and Penrith allows me to do that because it’s a blue collar,” Yeo told the Herald.

Yeo thanked his coaches for having the belief in him his entire career. Cleary gave Yeo his debut in 2014 when “I don’t think anybody at Penrith thought I was going to debut”.

He praised Anthony Griffin for respecting his work ethic, and how ‘Hook’ simplified everything, “and wanted you to run hard and tackle hard, and I did that”.

Yeo is known as the box ticker. The last two boxes to tick are being a Panther for life and playing 300 games.

Loading

Ivan Cleary is certainly delighted to work with the lock forward every week, who is part of the mini No.13 revolution where the middle men have taken on more of an extra play-making role.

Coach Cleary pointed out Yeo played a big part in setting up the Panthers’ first try last week against the Eels.

As for Yeo reaching 200 games, Cleary said: “He always looked the reliable type, but he is so much more than that now – he has become a real pillar of our team and our club.”

Carter’s record could have been higher had he not retired at 31. Now 52, Carter sits ahead of Craig Gower (238) and Royce Simmons (237), with Greg Alexander on 228.

The Raiders were shocked this week when club legend Jack Wighton informed them he would test the open market. Wighton will miss the Panthers clash through suspension, but maybe Yeo could get in his ear after full-time and remind him of how wonderful it would be to end his career where it started.

Stream the NRL Premiership 2023 live and free on 9Now.

Sports news, results and expert commentary. Sign up for our Sport newsletter.