Sure, Sattler will go down in NRL history for his now famous defensive effort on a flying Todd Byrne.

But he will never forget the special feeling witnessing teammate Martin Lang savour their shock win over Sydney Roosters 18 years ago with his father and Panthers coach John.

And Sattler, no stranger to a strong family rugby league bond, reckons that's why he is hoping current Penrith mentor Ivan Cleary and his son, Panthers playmaker Nathan, get to experience it after Sunday's NRL grand final against South Sydney.

A childhood South Sydney fan thanks to his dad John who famously steered the Rabbitohs to the 1970 premiership nursing a broken jaw, Sattler grew up idolising the club.

"Since I have been able to walk I have followed the Bunnies," he said.

"My childhood was listening to my father sing Rabbitohs songs and wearing his jerseys trying to emulate Bob McCarthy."

But his time at the Panthers still tugs at the heart strings.

Especially that moment in 2003.

"Martin Lang and I are very close. I remember running across to him (at fulltime) to celebrate but I saw his dad moving toward him," Sattler said.

"We all stopped and allowed them to have that moment.

"It would be pretty special to coach your son and win a premiership with him.

"It would be great to see Ivan and Nathan feel the way the Langs did on that night.

"But I want all the players and the Penrith community to feel what we did in 2003, shutting down Mulgoa Road and the fans just going crazy."

A win may also earn bragging rights over his sledging dad.

At 79, John Sattler is battling away after suffering a stroke and still feeling the effects of his tough career and a 1979 car accident.

But he has an extra spring in his step after his beloved South Sydney romped into this year's final - just ask his son.

"There has already been a bit of sledging between me and dad this week," Sattler laughed.

"He captained the team to wins (from 1967, 1968, 1970-71) and it took them 40-odd years to play another grand final (2014).

"When I rang him on Sunday he said he was just glad it didn't take another 40-odd years to make another grand final.

"And he is a huge fan of (coach) Wayne Bennett. He captained Wayne when Australia toured New Zealand in 1971, has a lot of respect for him.

"So he is good. There have been a lot of chapters in his life that has affected him over the years but ... he is as fit as a Mallee bull and tough as a two-dollar steak."

While his dad will no doubt be feeling even getter after a South Sydney win on Sunday, Sattler admits he won't know how to feel.

"There are divided loyalties for me," he said.

"I think from a purely rugby league analytical point of view Penrith will probably win ... but either way I win and either way I will be disappointed."

Australian Associated Press