Western Weekender: 2022 NRL Grand Final Special Feature

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grand final news

FANS OUT IN FORCE TO SUPPORT TEAM

“We weren’t able to do it last year until way after the Premiership, which means that every one is enjoying it so much more this year,” he said.

More than 6,000 fans turned out in force to watch the Panthers be put through their paces at an open training session on Tuesday.

The popularity of the Panthers was certainly in no doubt as the city came out to celebrate the team making a third straight NRL Grand Final.

Watching the players train with parochial fans cheering on in the background was Panthers Chairman Peter Graham, who said there was a tremendous buzz right throughout the club.

“I think there are three groups of people that brought us together today and you’d have to start with the players,” he said.

“We’ve got such a wonderful history here –right from 1967 – of players who show up every week – good times, bad times – but they turn up. These boys are really a product of that.

“You’ve got this wonderful team and the team behind the team – Matt Cameron and his wonderful staff over at the Academy. And also, all of our coaching staff, physio staff and all of those people. They’ve all added to this.

“And finally it’s what we see here today… the fans. The fans have been loyal to this club right from the start and today is a pay off for them, another Grand Final opportunity on Sunday –it's just fantastic.”

Graham is also aware of how much it means to the fans to be able to celebrate this week given COVID-19 lockdowns in Sydney prevented such festivities last year.

“Everyone involved – the boys, the staff, the fans – they deserve this, they deserve to have this opportunity.”

Grand Final Week was officially launched on Monday on the shores of Sydney Harbour with representatives of the men’s and women’s Grand Finals, as well as fans.

It kicked off a huge week of formal ities, with the Grand Final back in full swing for the first time since 2019 after two COVID impacted lead-ups in recent years.

NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said the Grand Final would offer a tremendous culmina tion of the 2022 season.

“Grand Final Week is a celebration of the season, with the two remaining clubs in each of the NRL and NRLW Telstra Premierships compet ing to create a piece of history,” he said.

“We have the best sports competitions in the world and tribal clubs, brilliant athletes, loyal partners and passionate fans of rugby league will all converge in Sydney to cele brate this.”

– Additional reporting by Nathan Taylor

Panthers co-captain Nathan Cleary swamped by fans on Tuesday. Photo: Melinda Jane.

final word

Rugby league has a habit of delivering perfect scenarios and they don’t get much more perfect than a ‘Battle of the West’ on steroids for the Grand Final –the Panthers versus the Eels in a match that will cement the rivalry between these two clubs.

It is a rivalry that has bubbled away for years but successful periods were rarely played out in the same period, meaning the Panthers and Eels often avoided each other in the season’s biggest games.

Penrith were easybeats when Parramatta was dominating the early 1980s and by the time Phil Gould steered the Panthers to two straight Grand Finals in 1990 and 1991, times were lean for the Eels. It’s a scenario that continued to play out over the years back and forth.

That changed last year when Penrith pipped the Eels in one of the toughest Semi Finals you’ll ever see, followed up by a fresh instal ment three weeks ago in the opening weekend of the Finals. Those games put these two clubs on a collision cause of epic proportions.

Throw a few former Panthers now in Eels jerseys into the mix, along with the fact the Eels have beaten the Panthers twice this season, and you have all the storylines and sub-plots you need leading into Sunday’s decider.

As I predicted, last week's game against Souths was tight in the first half, but eventually Penrith’s dominance came to the fore. Yet again, they defended themselves to victory – and it’s a key note that the Panthers have conceded just three tries in this Finals series in a defensive showing not dissimilar to what they presented in 2021.

It doesn’t get talked about often but in an era where the NRL has desperately tried to make the game more about attack, Penrith has bucked the trend by focusing on defence (not that there’s too much wrong with the attack, either!).

A big question heading into the Grand Final is what Parramatta may have learned from that 27-8 loss in the first week of the Finals.

Certainly, you would think they’d try to give Nathan Cleary less time for his last-tackle kicks, something the Panthers may counter by kick ing regularly on the fourth tackle to ensure the game is played where they want it to be.

The inclusion of Nathan Brown, seemingly from left field, is obviously designed to throw as much at Cleary as possible right throughout the game in what is likely to be a relentless attack on his last tackle options.

It seems obvious to suggest the Panthers will

target Waqa Blake with plenty of high balls but you’d be foolish not to given what happened earlier in the Finals.

The other thing the Eels would have learned is that without their offloading game, things just don’t click. Their offloads have been a key factor of their success this season and were on show against both Canberra and North Queensland, but didn’t get all that much of a run against Penrith. It may be risky play, especially in big games, but the Eels can’t just put away one of the most dangerous aspects of their play.

Both sides proved last weekend that they can come from behind if need be, but in a Grand Final such opportunities may not present themselves.

I’m no coach, but holes were very much appearing in Penrith’s plan to start Mitch Kenny over Api Koroisau last weekend. I’m not sure if the ultimate victory will overshadow any potential change, but I’d certainly be starting Koroisau in a game such as this – jumping out of the blocks with your best 13 on the field has to be game plan.

The Panthers have lost Taylan May for this one but don’t lose all that much with the inclusion of Charlie Staines, who at least got the big game nerves out of the way last weekend.

A much bigger loss is Parramatta being with out Tom Opacic, who has been strong for them all season.

There’s part of me that can see Penrith doing what Melbourne did to them in 2020 and blowing the Eels out of the water in the first 20 minutes of the game.

But if Parramatta can find a way to make up for their lack of experience and aren’t caught up in the occasion, they could certainly get into the fight here.

Plenty of people want to read into Parramat ta’s two victories over Penrith this year as some sort of form guide; but I think their game when it mattered most in the Finals is more of an indication as to how things will go here.

Let’s not forget that in those regular season games, Nathan Cleary was sent off in one match while both sides scored four tries in the other, with goal kicking the difference.

In the end I think a few old rugby league clichés are at play here. You have to lose one to win one, and once you’ve won one, the experi ence counts for so much on game day.

Penrith just have too much class, too much experience and too much on their side not to get the job done here.

Tip: Panthers by 13.

The Panthers celebrate a try against Souths. Photo: NRL Images.

DODDS

2 |

| ACCOR

STADIUM | REFEREE: ASHLEY KLEIN | BUNKER: GRANT ATKINS

Dylan Edwards Charlie Staines

Izack Tago

Stephen Crichton

Brian To’o

Jarome Luai

Nathan Cleary (c)

Moses Leota

Apisai Koroisau

James Fisher-Harris

Viliame Kikau

Liam Martin

Isaah Yeo

Mitch Kenny Scott Sorensen

Spencer Leniu

Jaeman

Clint

Maika

Bailey

Dylan

the road to the big dance

ROUND 1

ROUND 2

ROUND 9

ROUND 10

ROUND 11

An eight match winning streak is ended when Parramatta records a 22-20 win over Penrith at BlueBet Stadium, Penrith’s first loss at the venue since 2019.

The Panthers turn it on in awful conditions in Magic Round, thumping a depleted Melbourne 32-6 at Suncorp Stadium. Izack Tago grabs a double.

A Jarome Luai double helps Penrith to an 18-0 half-time lead over the Roosters at the SCG. The Roosters offer little in the second half and the Panthers win 32-12.

Isaah Yeo scores in just the second minute to help Penrith take control against the Cowboys. The Panthers lead 16-0 at the break and win 22-0.

Filling in for Nathan Cleary, Sean O’Sullivan helps guide Penrith to a season-opening 28-6 win over Manly at BlueBet Stadium in front of 16,901 fans.

The Panthers hold off a strong finish from St George-Illawarra to record a 20-16 win at Kogarah. Viliame Kikau bags a double in the win.

Newcastle’s Mitchell Barnett is sent off in a high-scoring match at Carrington Park in Bathurst. The Panthers score five second half tries and win 38-20.

ROUND 3

Nathan Cleary plays for the first time in 2022, and despite an off night with the boot, leads the Panthers to a 26-12 win over South Sydney.

ROUND 4

Taylan May and Dylan Edwards score early tries as Penrith march to a 32-12 win over Canterbury at CommBank Stadium. Nathan Cleary kicks six from six.

Taylan May scores one of the tries of the season as Penrith record a 40-12 thrashing of Brisbane, winning their sixth straight game to start the year.

After a tight first half, Penrith pulls away from Canberra in the second half, scoring four tries in a 17 minute period to help set up a 36-6 thrashing.

Gold Coast take a surprise 4-0 lead into half-time, but the Panthers jump out of the blocks in the second half to eventually win 18-4.

Kurt Falls makes his NRL debut as an Origin-depleted Penrith surprises many by producing a 30-18 win over Canterbury at BlueBet Stadium.

ROUND 18

Nathan Cleary produces one of his best games of the season, tearing apart Newcastle at McDonald Jones Stadium. The Panthers win 42-6.

ROUND 19

The Panthers prove too good for the Warriors in Redcliffe, taking an 18-0 lead into half-time before a strong second half results in a 40-6 thrashing.

A controversial night at the foot of the Mountains sees the Panthers continue a strong winning run, defeating the Roosters 26-18.

ROUND 20 ROUND 21

An under-strength Penrith hold on to beat Wests Tigers 18-16 thanks to a late James Fisher-Harris try at CommBank Stadium.

Stephen Crichton is hurt in a fiery encounter that sees Penrith eventually out-pace Cronulla to record a 20-10 victory at BlueBet Stadium.

Nathan Cleary is sensationally sent off in a dramatic night at CommBank Stadium. Parramatta goes on to record a 34-10 victory in front of a strong crowd.

In a match overshadowed by Ricky Stuart’s post-match press conference, Penrith prove too good for Canberra in the nation’s capital, 26-6.

Penrith are held scoreless for the only time this season, with Melbourne taking advantage of an under-strength home team to win 16-0.

Liam Martin proves the hero as the Panthers secure the Minor Premiership with a 26-22 win over South Sydney at Accor Stadium.

FINALS WEEK 1

Jarome Luai returns from injury and the Panthers demolish the Warriors in their last home game of the regular season, posting a 46-12 victory.

A host of players make their debut as the Panthers rest most of the first grade squad in the final round against the Cowboys.

Penrith go down 38-8.

Nathan Cleary returns from a five match suspension to produce a masterclass performance against western Sydney rivals Parramatta. Leading 7-6 at the break, the Panthers go on to record a 27-8 victory, their stoic defence a highlight of the opening weekend of the Finals.

After going down 12-0 to South Sydney early and their Premiership defence at risk of ending a week before the Grand Final, two crucial tries close to half-time put Penrith back in the game. They go on with the job in the second half, eventually winning 32-12 to qualify for the Grand Final.

the players

It was the most pivotal try of Penrith’s season so far, in fact it arguably could be regarded as one of their most important tries in club history.

Brian To’o’s intercept try in the 40th minute of last Saturday’s epic Preliminary Final against South Sydney was an instant game changer.

With the Panthers surprisingly down 12-6 as half-time approached, To’o snatched the ball 25 metres out from his line during a Rabbi tohs backline shift and managed to sprint away and score one of the best tries of the year.

The stunning four-pointer instantly put the Minor Premiers back in the game, and it ultimately saw them go on to end the Bunnies’ season.

Speaking with the Weekender on Tuesday, the try-scoring hero himself said it was the try that almost didn’t happen.

“Yeah, I was thinking I wasn’t going to make it, to be honest,” To’o said.

“Once I caught the ball I knew I wasn’t going all the way, but I was grateful to get the try in the end.”

After a tough first half that saw Penrith chas ing points, To’o said he was surprised he had enough energy to race 65 metres – palming off defenders as he raced Steven Bradbury style towards the finished line.

“I actually didn’t know what was happening, all I knew was that I was blowing after the first 10 steps,” To’o admitted.

“I just closed my eyes and hoped for the best.

“I swear it was luck.”

When To’o returned to the sheds at half-time, his teammates not only showered him with praise for levelling the game, but they also had

a little joke with him about his speed, or lack of it.

“They were just all laughing at me, saying ‘you weren’t going to make it, hey’. I replied, ‘I wasn’t,” To’o said.

Fortunately To’o did have enough speed and power to score, which in the end helped Penrith reach their third Grand Final in as many years.

The St Marys junior said he can’t believe he’ll be playing in his third season decider on Sunday night.

“It’s kind of weird because it hasn’t sunk in yet,” To’o said, preparing for the possibil ity of claiming a second Premiership ring.

“Being 24 and playing in three Grand Finals, it’s such a massive achievement and I’m really grateful for the opportunity and I’m just looking forward to the big occasion.”

While the majority of Penrith’s 17 will play in Grand Final number three this weekend, their opposition only has one player with Grand Final experience – Eels lock Ryan Matterson from his time at the Sydney Roosters.

To’o said despite Parramatta’s inexperience on the big stage, he’s expecting them to come out firing in the decider.

“They will definitely be looking to come play hard. I know this is their first Grand Final since 2009, but I know that they’ll be coming hard and be ready to play a big game against us,” he said.

“Anything can happen on game day, I guess. But it just feels like another game and it’s some thing I’m really looking forward to.

“I’m really happy, excited and nervous at the same time.”

NATHAN TAYLOR

Brian To’o scored a crucial try in the Preliminary Final. Photo: Melinda Jane.

GO THE PENRITH PANTHERS

Join the action and watch the excitement of the 2022 NRL Grand Final on the big screen at Penrith City Council’s live site in St Marys this Sunday with food trucks, entertainment, and face painting for the kids.

Free ticketed entry to the family-friendly, alcohol-free event at Kokoda car park and Coachmans Park in St Marys is available at: https://bit.ly/3DWAIxu

Pre-event entertainment: 3.30pm start Kick-off: 7.30pm.

BYO chairs or picnic blanket.

LONG, SEPARATED HISTORY WAS ALWAYS DESTINED TO COLLIDE

It’s taken 56 seasons but finally we have the first Golden West Grand Final – Penrith versus Parramatta.

The Panthers actually owe Sunday’s fierce rivals a debt of gratitude, not that history will be front of mind this week.

In 1966, when the NSWRL sought submis sions from District Clubs to join their ‘Big League’, Cronulla and Wentworthville were the better performing favourites. However, Penrith delegates Merv Cartwright and Ron Partridge argued their inclusion would have less impact on Parramatta’s junior competition and it worked!

So in 1967, Cronulla and Penrith joined the NSWRL – or Sydney First Grade Premiership, now the NRL – alongside 10 other teams, including Parramatta, who had been part of the previous expansion in 1947.

matt russell

As you’d expect for two teams separated by 35 kilometres of Great Western Highway and later M4 Motorway, these teams have since created one of the game’s great rivalries. Not that we’ve seen it often in the Finals, and never at this time of year!

In their 106 meetings so far, only four have been Finals. Parramatta won a Minor Prelimi nary Final in 1985 and an Elimination Final in 2000. There was last year’s classic Semi Final and the Week 1 Final this year, both won by Penrith.

Despite having two of the biggest junior districts in the world it’s been a long and diffi cult road to their first Grand Final meeting.

Parra’s first Premiership was 35 years in the making. Since the string of four Premierships in the 1980’s, the Eels’ 36-year drought is the longest of any current club.

Penrith went through 18 failed campaigns before making Finals in 1985 and then finally lifting the trophy in 1991. Other Premierships followed at significant spacing in 2003 and 2021.

A story that started with convenient geogra phy and continued through many lean years separated as club captains Steve Edge, Ray Price, Greg Alexander, Craig Gower, Nathan Cleary and Isaah Yeo lifted the trophy in differ ent eras.

Now their rivalry collides again. Is it back-toback titles for Penrith or ‘ding dong the witch is

dead again’ for Parramatta? The only certainty is these great clubs and feuding neighbors are about to play their biggest matchup.

STAT ATTACK 1 – Penrith’s Jarome Luai and Nathan Cleary become the first halves pairing to start three straight Grand Finals since Parramatta’s Brett Kenny and Peter Sterling.

Credit: Fox Sports Lab.

STAT ATTACK 2 – Penrith can become the first team since Parramatta (v Canterbury) to beat an opponent twice in the Finals after losing to them twice in the regular season.

Credit: Fox Sports Lab.

Jarome Luai and Nathan Cleary will create some rare history on Sunday. Photo: NRL Images.

Brought to

the players

EVERYONE’S TALKING ABOUT EDWARDS

NATHAN TAYLOR

This time last year Dylan Edwards was in a moon boot.

It was NRL Grand Final Week up on the Sunshine Coast and the severely under rated fullback was nursing – what would later be revealed to be – a broken foot in the hopes of playing in that coming Sunday’s blockbuster decider against South Sydney.

As the record books would show, Edwards put up one of the bravest performances in Grand Final history – not only winning himself a coveted Premiership ring in the process, but later the club’s prestigious John Farragher Award for Courage and Determination.

A year on and in Grand Final Week yet again, Edwards is fit, firing and in career-best form.

“It’s definitely chalk and cheese this year compared to last year,” Edwards admitted.

“I remember having one run all week last year. I had my fitness test on the Thursday and that was my one run. I was in the moon boot for the rest of it.”

If Penrith are to knock off arch-rivals Parramatta this Sunday night at Accor Stadium, Edwards will no doubt be one of the keys to the Panthers winning back-to-back titles.

While the entire city of Penrith is bursting with joy this week celebrating the club’s rare achievement of making three straight Grand Finals, Edwards was rather subdued when asked what he thought of the side’s incredible feat.

“I haven’t really thought about it, to be honest,” he said.

“It’s pretty special, I suppose, to be able to keep performing well each week and making it to the big dance is pretty special… pretty cool.”

The 26-year-old enjoyed one of the games of his career last Saturday night in Penrith’s thumping Preliminary Final win over the Rabbitohs.

Edwards was in just about everything that evening – running a whopping 287 metres and winning praise from the entire rugby league faithful.

Asked how he’s handling the attention as one of the game’s most consistent performers this season, the Bellingen Dorrigo Magpies was humble in his response.

“It’s nice mate but, in saying that, I play a team sport and I’m not here to win individual awards. I have a lot of people to thank in this team who make my job easier,” Edwards said.

“We’ve got a great squad who really like to learn, and I can’t rap the boys enough.”

Earlier this month, Edwards was bestowed the highest honour of his rugby league career so far – the 2022 Merv Cartwright Medal for Panthers Player of the Year.

Edwards said it was a special award to win after his standout regular season and some thing he’ll perhaps reflect on more when he hangs up the boots.

“It was nice to win, it’s definitely the best award I’ve ever won, that and the John Farragher Award I got last year,” he said.

“It’s very special and something I’ll reflect on later when I’m older.”

Panthers Player of the Year, Dylan Edwards. Photo: Melinda Jane.

RULE OF THREE: HOW PANTHERS TRIO HOLD KEY TO A WIN

Icall it the rule of three. Three players the Panthers will rely on to help keep the premiership trophy at Penrith and the three opposition players the Panthers have to keep quiet if they are to win back-to-back titles.

So, to kick things off, the three players I think will need to have a key role for Penrith are Dylan Edwards, Nathan Cleary and Api Koroisau.

I know I’ve just named the spine and it’s kind of an obvious selection, but it’s so true.

First up, the work Dylan Edwards does at full back is ridiculous. He’s playing in an era where we have freaks like James Tedesco and Tom ‘Turbo’ in the same position otherwise Edwards would be the incumbent NSW Origin fullback. Yes, he’s that good. He reads the play so well and his incredible fitness allows him to cover ground not every fullback can. His defence is also rocksolid and he barely drops a ball.

lang on league

with Peter Lang

Of course, Nathan Cleary is the key which fits every lock. At 24 he’s playing inspired football and is the general of the team. Cleary’s kicking game is superb, his bombs are explosive and his running game just keeps getting better. He sees the game in slow motion and if he spots a weakness, he’ll exploit it.

Finally, hooker Api Koroisau is in career best form. Nothing against Mitch Kenny but the side really comes alive when Api comes on. He’s smart, crafty, bamboozles the markers and knows when to run and when to pass. Close to the line, his decision making and passing game is near faultless.

On the other side of the fence, the three key players for the Parramatta Eels are Gutherson, Moses and Reagan Campbell-Gillard. Yes, you read that right, RCG is a key player not Reed Mahoney.

Fullback Clint Gutherson is an outstanding fullback and a great leader. He often inspires his team from the back with great saves and wonderful runs. He is a smart footballer who knows how to read a game.

Halfback Mitchell Moses is THE player the Eels cannot win without. He is their main kicking weapon and he creates most of Parramatta’s try

scoring opportunities. We saw the impact of him not being there in the Qualifying Final.

Finally, former Panther Reagan Campbell-Gil lard is the leader of the pack. When he’s on, eating up the metres up the middle, the rest of the Eels pack follows his example.

And that’s the rule of three….times two. Panthers to win by 8.

Dylan Edwards is one of the key players for Penrith this weekend. Photo: NRL Images.

After being a spectator for the last two NRL Grand Finals, lovable Panthers utility Mitch Kenny will finally get to experi ence what it’s like to play on the game’s biggest stage.

The 24-year-old back-up hooker will get his chance to shine on Grand Final Day when the Minor Premiers take on Parramatta at Accor Stadium on Sunday night.

Earlier this week, Kenny said he was “feeling alright” heading into the biggest match of his career, but was expecting to get quite anxious as the game draws near.

“I think in the back end of the week, as it normally happens with me, the nerves and excitement will kick in,” he told the Weekender

“I’ve got a few things to tick off during the week and a few training sessions to get through, and I want to be training really well and I’ll play well off the back of that.”

Kenny was in Penrith’s 2020 Grand Final squad but missed out on selection for the big game. He was also part of last year’s Finals Series in Queensland but was dramatically injured during the side’s Semi Final win over Parramatta in week two.

Kenny said he always believed the club would reach another Grand Final, so he could finally get his long-awaited chance.

“I was pretty optimistic we would because I’m here every day and I get to see what’s here and what’s coming through, so I suppose I did have

confidence in the players and the systems that we could keep getting ourselves back here,” he said.

“It takes a lot of hard work and humility and you can never get ahead of yourself because these things are so hard to get to.

“It’s a credit to the leaders in the club, the coaching staff and all the boys for buying in and working really hard in each of these three years. Because, they’ve been long years, and to keep doing it is pretty cool and to be part of it is very cool.”

Kenny will have several family members and friends in the crowd for his Grand Final debut this weekend.

The Windsor Wolves junior said he’ll try steer clear from his nearest and dearest during the week to remain focused on the job at hand and avoid distractions.

“My family are pretty stoked about it all, but I’ll try not to talk about it to them too much this week because I don’t want to get overawed by it,” Kenny said.

“But they are always proud watching me play and this will mean a lot to them.”

With the countdown well and truly on until Sunday night, Kenny said the 2022 Grand Final will be the pinnacle of his rugby league career so far.

“These are the games you want to be a part of and the moments you want to work towards,” he said.

“Yes it’s the Grand Final and it’s the biggest stage and all that, but to me it’s another game I get to play for the Panthers and I’ll do the same thing I do every week.”

Mitch Kenny will play in his first NRL Grand Final on Sunday. Photo: Melinda Jane.

NATHAN TAYLOR

legends

PULETUA WALKS DOWN MEMORY LANE

special group of players and a special team. There’s great staff in the background doing great things.”

Big Tony Puletua knows a thing or two about Grand Finals.

He was in the middle of his 211-game Penrith Panthers career when he secured a Premiership ring almost 20 years ago on Grand Final Day.

Later, he would play in two losing Grand Finals with St Helens in the UK Super League – both of them to Leeds at Old Trafford.

It’s obviously 2003 he remembers most. But he also remembers how close that side came to achieving what the 2022 Panthers are looking to do on Sunday night – win back-to-back titles.

The Panthers were just one win away from the Grand Final in 2004 when their Premiership defence came to a crashing halt at the hands of Canterbury.

“It was quite difficult because in 2003 nobody paid attention to us until we were at the business end of the season. We really made a statement that year,” Puletua told the Weekender

“The following year everyone had taken notice of us and everyone wants to knock off the champions. It just makes every single game harder than the previous year. It was very challenging and we almost got there.”

Puletua, who played 22 Tests for New Zealand, rode the classic Panthers roller coaster during his time with the club and knows how special this period is for the team and community.

“It's unbelievable what this group of players has done in these last three years,” he said.

“They've only lost a handful of games, it’s a very

Puletua remains a passionate Panthers supporter and says he can’t wait for Sunday’s Grand Final against Parramatta.

“It’s awesome at the moment. It feels great to see the success the club is having and this team and how well they’re going. It’s just great to see,” he said.

“I’m seeing it from a different perspective as a supporter – it’s a really good feeling and it’ll be even better when we smash Parra on Sunday.”

Puletua recalls a great rivalry with Parramatta during his 12 seasons at Penrith but admits it’s gone up a notch in recent seasons and will reach fever pitch on Sunday.

“It’s great for the game and great for western Sydney,” he said.

“This is the first time in history these two sides have met in the Grand Final. You’d think growing up in Penrith and Parramatta there would have been a lot more between these two but it’s the one and only at the moment... it’s exciting and I can’t wait for Sunday."

Puletua is predicting a Penrith win on Sunday, but says the side needs to be careful in how it handles preparations for the big game.

“It’s obviously a big week going into the Grand Final. I just remember that week for us in 2003 it was just about soaking it all in and just enjoying the week,” he said.

“Everything comes at you during the week, you just need to sit back and know you’ve done all the work throughout the year to get you there and it’s a matter of enjoying the week.”

Tony Puletua with the trophy after the 2003 decider.

Photo: Action Photographics.

TROY DODDS

creating history

PANTHERS CHASING

Winning back-to-back titles is rare in the modern era, with only one team since the NRL was formed in 1998 managing to win Premierships two years in a row.

That team was the Sydney Roosters, who with Cooper Cronk at halfback were too good for Melbourne 21-8 in 2018 and backed it up 12 months later to beat Canberra 14-8.

Brisbane would like to also lay claim to backto-back titles, having won the Super League Grand Final over Cronulla in 1997 before winning the first trophy in the NRL in 1998.

The Broncos' feat of 1992-1993 is certainly not in question, winning back-to-back Grand Finals over St George during a powerhouse era that really saw Brisbane come of age in the first grade competition.

Canberra did it in 1989 and 1990, falling just short of a threepeat when Penrith spoiled the party in 1991.

The Bulldogs were back-to-back winners in 1984 and 1985, while Parramatta won three titles in a row back in the early 1980s.

In the eras before that, consecutive Prem ierships were not so rare – especially with less

OF

teams and lopsided competitions. But there is no question that managing to do it these days is an extraordinary feat – with salary caps, player movements and general hunger and desire all playing a role.

South Sydney coach Jason Demetriou, whose side was tossed out of Premiership contention by Penrith last weekend, certainly admires the rare feat the Panthers may achieve this week end.

“The competitor in me wants to hate Penrith, I really do. But the coach in me is so respectful of what they do," he said.

“It is a credit to Ivan and their club and what they have been able to produce for the last few years.

“They are the benchmark."

Nine commentator and rugby league immor tal Andrew Johns is convinced the Panthers are about to go back-to-back.

“I think they’re going to win,” he said.

He's not alone – the betting markets have the Panthers at short odds to win the title on Sunday night.

They've been Premiership favourites for the entire season.

Family Law

Fathers

a special relationship

that

father, and acknowledge how hard it can be at times.

The Sydney Roosters were the last team to go back-to-back.

Photo: NRL Images. Brisbane won back-to-back titles in 1992 and 1993.

Photo: NRL Images.

the coaches

TROY DODDS

Ivan Cleary all but confirmed his status as Penrith’s most successful coach in history when the club won last year’s title. Now, he has a chance to enter Panthers immortality by securing back-to-back Premierships.

In his four seasons back at the club, Cleary has guided the Panthers to three Grand Finals. Along the way he’s improved his win percentage to be behind only Ron Willey in club history. He left fellow Premiership winners Phil Gould and John Lang in his wake some time ago.

Cleary will coach Penrith for the 200th time on Sunday night against Parramatta. It is a milestone many thought impossible when he was dramatically sacked in 2015; only to be brought back by then-Chairman Dave O’Neill four years later in a shrewd gamble that has paid off in extraordinary ways.

Nobody has coached Penrith in more games than Cleary. Earlier this year he went past Royce Simmons (177), and Cleary’s record is unlikely to be beaten for decades to come, if ever.

Cleary has already created club history by guiding Penrith to three straight deciders. But he can grab another first on Sunday night if Penrith collect the title – it’ll be the first time the club has won back-to-back Premierships.

“It feels awesome. It’s fantastic,” Cleary said of reaching the Grand Final again.

“It doesn’t happen every day to make any Grand Final so we’re not too worried about

what we’ve done or what we might be able to do. Just to reach a Grand Final is a huge achievement.

“It’s a long, hard season. So many things go into it and you have so many ups and downs and different phases throughout the year.”

Cleary is sharing this period of success with a playing group that has become extremely close since his return to the club.

“I’m so grateful to be with this group and to be able to enjoy the week and have another crack at winning the title,” he said.

“It’s going to be fun times. We’ve got to embrace it and enjoy it but prepare well, like we have done right throughout the year.”

Cleary enjoys this special period even more given where he’s come from.

Tagged with being a development coach for much of his career, he came to Penrith in 2012 during what were lean times for the club.

The Panthers finished second last that season, ironically ahead of Parramatta who claimed the wooden spoon.

How so much has changed in western Sydney in the space of a decade.

The Panthers finished 11th in 2013 before reaching the 2014 Finals, Cleary finally starting to make the side his own.

An injury-plagued 2015 followed, with Cleary ultimately sacked by then football manager Phil Gould in one of the more bizarre rugby league decisions.

In 2019 Cleary returned to finish what he started, and he’s enjoying a long-lasting laugh over a band of doubters who have now been forever silenced.

Ivan Cleary will coach his 200th game for Penrith on Sunday. Photo: NRL Images.

the coaches ARTHUR SILENCES CRITICS IN STYLE

TROY DODDS

Penrith coach Ivan Cleary is getting very used to Grand Finals and preparing for the biggest game of the year, but this is new territory for Parramatta mentor Brad Arthur.

Under pressure for his Finals record in recent years and with his job somewhat in question, Arthur has guided Parramatta to their first Grand Final since 2009 and is now a shot of ending the club’s 36-year Premiership drought.

Arthur said he was thrilled to qualify for the season decider after nine seasons in charge of the club.

“I’m really happy for the boys. They made a lot of sacrifices along the way,” he said.

“We wanted it real bad. You could see that.”

Parramatta has got to the Grand Final the hard way, losing their first Qualifying Final to Penrith, losing the opportunity for a week off. They then thrashed Canberra at CommBank Stadium before heading to Townsville to take on the Cowboys.

North Queensland appeared headed for victory when they took an eight point lead but Parramatta simply wouldn’t go away.

“They’re a very good team and they’ve played well all year but I felt like we were in control,” Arthur said after the game.

“I felt like they looked a bit tired and out on their feet. We felt if we got possession and field position we would finish over the top of them.”

Arthur will forever enter Eels immortality if he can guide the club to its first Premiership since 1986 on Sunday night.

It would definitively end talk that Parramatta are too inconsistent to win a title.

Despite rumours that his head was on the chop ping block if Parramatta didn’t make the Grand Final this year, Arthur is adamant he hasn’t been distracted by it.

“I haven’t been worried about my future because I know the boys have got my back,” he said.

“We need to be excited about the opportunity that we’ve got and the occasion that it’s going to be during the week and enjoy it.

“I’ve got no idea how to handle it because I haven’t been there before but we’re just going to take it a day at a time and when we get there we’re going to have a real crack at that 80 minutes and hopefully I’ve got a real smile on my face at the end of the game.”

Arthur said he knows how much a Premiership would mean to the fans.

“I know they’ve been waiting a while,” he said.

“It’s a reward for them in supporting our team, but we’ve still got 80 minutes ahead.”

Parramatta coach Brad Arthur has silenced his doubters.

Photo: NRL Images.

HISTORY MAKERS

fearless predictions

BIG NEV

Clive Churchill Medal winner: Dylan Edwards

troy dodds

TIP: Panthers by 13

Clive Churchill Medal winner: Dylan Edwards

nathan taylor

TIP: Panthers by 8 Clive Churchill Medal winner: Nathan Cleary

MELISSA MCINTOSH

ian garton

TIP: Panthers by 18 Clive Churchill Medal winner: Api Koroisau

luke priddis matt russell

john thain

Channel Nine Host

Western Weekender Editor

Western Weekender Rugby League Writer

2003 Clive Churchill Medal Winner

Fox League Commentator

Penrith City Councillor

Panthers super fan

Federal Member for Lindsay

Garton Group McDonald’s

TIP: Panthers by 2 Clive Churchill Medal winner: Isaah Yeo

TIP: Panthers by 14 Clive Churchill Medal winner: Dylan Edwards

TIP: Panthers by 14 Clive Churchill Medal winner: Dylan Edwards

TIP: Panthers by 10 Clive Churchill Medal winner: Dylan Edwards

TIP: Panthers by 20

TIP: Panthers by 14 Clive Churchill Medal winner: Dylan Edwards

TRICIA HITCHEN

greg alexander

jamie soward

daniel mckinnon

stuart ayres

zac bailey HANS BOR

MATT ELLIOTT ANDREW VOSS

The Strong program, run by the PCYC, is a FREE program for 14-20 year old’s in the Penrith community and will help teach them about Health, Fitness & wellbeing.

This program is a youth driven community project with a youth committee.

This program involves giving the youth a FREE club and gym memberships + free merchandise (pictured). They will also receive access to our Monday and Friday program with our trainer Beni, who will write them up a program and show them the ins and outs of the gym while being the person to rely on and mentor the youth.

PCYC Club Manager Tristan Summerhayes said the program was also a way of building relationships between youth & increasing socialisation after a long period of lockdowns.

“It gives them an interest, something that all the other kids can talk about to and do with each other, and it allows them to be a part of something really life changing and that’s what I love about it,” he said. This Strong program also involves frequent presentations with Mentors, Nutritionists, speakers, or coaches to help empower the youth.

Kirk from Knockout nutrition, who hosted the first presentation said ‘ I had the privilege of being able to present my knowledge on nutrition to the youth involved in the strong program. It’s great to see the kids learn healthy habits in training and healthy lifestyle choices also’.

If you, or you know of anyone would be interested in joining STRONG. Please contact 4732 1755 or Penrith@pcycnsw.org.au

Mayor of Penrith

Panthers 1991 Premiership Winner

Former Panthers and NSW Player

Former Penrith Panthers Head Coach

Fox League Commentator

Penrith Panthers Ground Announcer

Western Weekender Celebrity Tipping Champion

Complete Legal & Conveyancing

State Member for Penrith

TIP: Panthers by 12 Clive Churchill Medal winner: Dylan Edwards

TIP: Panthers by 2 Clive Churchill Medal winner: Nathan Cleary

TIP: Panthers by 13 Clive Churchill Medal winner: Dylan Edwards

TIP: Panthers by 8 Clive Churchill Medal winner: Dylan Edwards

TIP: Panthers by 7 Clive Churchill Medal winner: Dylan Edwards

TIP: Panthers by 10 Clive Churchill Medal winner: Dylan Edwards

TIP: Panthers by 13 Clive Churchill Medal winner: Dylan Edwards

TIP: Panthers by 1 Clive Churchill Medal winner: Dylan Edwards

TIP: Panthers by 11 Clive Churchill Medal winner: Isaah Yeo

Gym + Fitness seems very difficult to start for a young personbut a new PCYC program is set to have a significant impact on Penrith youths, thanks to the help of a Youth Opportunitiesgrant.

guide

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SUNDAY

GETTING TO THE BIG GAME

The best way to get to the NRL Grand Final at Accor Stadium is via public transport.

Free train travel is included in all Grand Final tickets. Express and limit ed-stop trains to Olympic Park will run regularly from Central and Western Line stations to get you to the game, with frequent return services running after the match to get you home. From Olympic Park station, the stadium is a short 10-minute walk away.

Sydney Olympic Park Major Event Buses will run on all nine routes to Olympic Park frequently from around 11.35am, depending on the route. Return services will run after full-time to get you home.

If you have to drive, you’ll need to pre-book parking ahead of time to secure a space as car parks in the precinct will fill quickly. Pre-book online at Sydney Olympic Park’s website, available until 11.59pm the night before the event. Alternatively, consider parking at a nearby station commuter car park and continuing your trip by train to Olympic Park.

BIG GAMES ALL DAY

The NRLW Grand Final will see the Newcastle Knights battle the Parramatta Eels.

The Knights qualified for the season decider with a 30-6 win over St George-Illawarra last Sunday, while the Eels upset the Roosters 24-10.

The NRL’s State Championship game will see the Penrith Panthers take on the Norths Devils.

The match sees the winner of the NSW Cup Grand Final play the winner of the QLD Cup Grand Final.

The TAB as well as all the major corporate bookmakers have plenty of markets available for the NRL Grand Final on Sunday.

The TAB has Penrith as $1.38 favourites, with Parramatta outsiders at $3.10 (odds correct as of Wednesday 10am).

Nathan Cleary is the favourite for the Clive Churchill Medal at $2.75, with

THE BETTING

Dylan Edwards at $8.00, Isaah Yeo at $9.00 and Mitchell Moses at $10.00 (odds correct as of Wednesday 10am).

Penrith winger Brian To'o is favourite to score the first try.

THE ENTERTAINMENT

The NRL Grand Final Pre-Game Show will beheadlined by the heart and soul of Australian rockand roll, Jimmy Barnes, with friends includingARIA-winning singer-songwriters, the mightyDiesel and special guest Josh Teskey, alongsideaward-winning Indigenous singer-songwriterEmma Donovan.

Break-out Eurovision 2022 star Sheldon Riley willbring his spectacular style to Accor Stadium with acinematic and unique performance.

Australian hip-hop legends Bliss n Eso (featuringJOY.) will perform their hit, ‘Moments’, paying tribute to the game’s retiringplayers.

Jimmy Barnes said: “Grand Final Day is a chance for us to all come togetherand celebrate with the best of the best. I can’t wait to perform with an excitingall-Australian Pre-Game Show line up in front of a full house again.”

MATCH DAY SCHEDULE

1pm Gates Open

1.20pm NRL State Championship Grand Final Kick Off

3.20pm NRLW Grand Final Pre-Game Show

3.55pm NRLW Telstra Women’s Premiership Grand Final Kick Off

6.30pm NRL Grand Final Pre-Game Show

7.30pm NRL Telstra Premiership Grand Final Kick Off

THE ANTHEM

Musical theatre star Alinta Chidzey will perform the National Anthem atSunday's Grand Final.

She’s currently appearing in ‘Moulin Rouge! The Musical’ at Sydney’sCapitol Theatre.

“What an honour it is to sing the National Anthem before one of the mostexciting games in Australian sport,” she said.

“Just before the Grand Final game kicks off is so electrifying as it’s whenall the nerves and excitement are at a peak. The whole stadium comestogether, united in anticipation, before it all begins.”

THE COVERAGE

The Nine Network’s coverage of Grand Final Day will begin at 10am with a special edition of ‘Sports Sunday’ followed by ‘The Sunday Footy Show’. They’ll then broadcast the NRL State Championship match, the NRLW Grand Final and the NRL Grand Final.

Nine has exclusive rights to broadcast the NRL Grand Final, but Fox League will still present Grand Final Day coverage.

Live coverage anchored by Lara Pitt (pictured) will begin at 1pm. Fox will broadcast the NRL State Championship match, the NRLW Grand Final and offer pre and post match analysis of the NRL Grand Final.

On radio, 2GB will present a five-hour Grand Final preview on Saturday from 1pm. They’ll be on air from Sunday at 1pm and will call all three Grand Finals.

The game will also be broadcast on ABC 702, Triple M and SEN.

Entry to Panthers Leagues Club on Sunday, October 2 will be for Leagues Club members only due to the huge crowds expected throughout the day and into the night.

Panthers will host a ticketed event in The Backyard with all the action on massive outdoor screens, along with plenty of activities for the kids.

Tickets are $20 and include a complimentary drink. Doors open at 1pm. Buy tickets from the Panthers Leagues Club website or the club directly.

WATCH THE GAME AT PANTHERS

Panthers is also hosting a Grand Final Brunch with Mark Geyer and Craig Gower among the guests. The event will be held in the EVAN Theatre from 11am. Buy tickets from the Panthers Leagues Club website or the club directly.

the commentator

FITTING GRAND FINAL FOR NINE’S MAIN MAN

NATHAN TAYLOR

As a proud western Sydney boy, Channel Nine commentator Mat Thompson is salivating at the chance of not only call ing his first NRL Grand Final on Sunday, but one that involves two passionate western Sydney teams.

“For a westie like me to have two western suburbs teams clashing in a Grand Final, it’s a fitting way to call my first one,” Thompson told the Weekender

Born and bred in Penrith, Thompson grew up in St Clair and Glenmore Park and went to school at Emmaus Catholic College and St Marys Senior High.

He’s had a long affiliation with the Penrith Cricket Club, having played there for many years, and he frequents the area as much as he can.

“I’m proud to be from the area. I think the Penrith area makes a significant contribution to the state of NSW. It was a bit smaller when I was younger, but it’s a thriving area now,” Thompson said.

“While I’m impartial, I think it’s good to see

the Panthers doing so well because I think the local area deserves a team to be proud of. I can say the same about Parramatta too.”

Thompson joined Nine’s rugby league commentary team several years ago, and his star has continued to rise since taking over fulltime from the great Ray ‘Rabs’ Warren earlier this year.

Thompson called his first State of Origin series this season, and will make his NRL Grand Final debut this Sunday when the Panthers and Eels do battle at Accor Stadium.

Thompson said he’s picked up a lot from his legendary predecessor over the years, but in the end, every broadcaster has their own style.

“I think everyone has their own way. Every broadcaster will have their own style or own way of preparing, which works for them. Then I think you refine that over the years of experi ence,” he said.

“So, Rabs would have his own way of doing things – he’s big on the historical stuff and I’ve taken a leaf out of this book. He always turned up to the game with notes and was across everything and that’s certainly important to me also.”

With his first NRL Grand Final approaching fast, Thompson said he’ll sit down on Friday

and begin collating inter esting information and angles for the biggest game of the season.

“I’ve seen a lot of both teams throughout the year, so I’m pretty well acquainted with them both. But probably on Friday I’ll start putting pen to paper and look at some historical stuff in particular,” he said.

“Grand Finals are important events, so I’ll start searching for some interesting angles as well maybe. But ultimately, the game itself is going to be such a good game that it probably carries itself.”

RESPECT

The current success being experienced by the Penrith Panthers already marks a golden period for the club, but a win in Sunday’s Grand Final against the Eels will confirm their status as one of the great teams of the modern era.

It will be time for the mainstream rugby league media to talk about Penrith on the same level they do as the Roosters and Storm, not have them one rung lower on the ladder as they tend to now.

Penrith is now the NRL’s powerhouse club. They’re on the verge of becoming just the second club in the NRL era to win back-toback titles. Sellout games, top players, huge membership numbers. Three lower grade Premierships this year. And part of an NRL Grand Final that sold out quicker than most at the Olympic Stadium.

Rugby league’s sleeping giant is well and truly awake.

And history will show this period of success was even more remarkable given what the game and the world was going through at the time.

In 2020, the Panthers finished Minor Premiers and reached the Grand Final despite the enor mous disruption presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In 2021, COVID again reared its head, and Penrith again rose above the disruption of the entire competition moving to Queensland to go on and win the Premiership.

History will show it was one of the toughest Premiership runs in history, with a first-up loss to Souths in the Finals forcing Ivan Cleary’s side to do it the hard way.

Despite being battered and bruised by injury, the Panthers forced their way in to the Grand

And now, in 2022, Penrith have produced one of the more remarkable Premiership defences we’ve ever seen, easily claiming the NRL Minor Premiership.

They now face arch rivals Parramatta in a Grand Final for the ages; an opportunity to cement themselves as one of the greatest sides rugby league has ever seen.

And at the top of the tree is a father-son duo whose impact on Penrith is already at legendary status and will forever remain in club folklore.

Victory or defeat on Sunday night at Accor Stadium will certainly not define this era, but it does offer the potential to officially cement a golden period never before experienced at the foot of the Mountains.

Nathan and Ivan Cleary with the trophy last year. Photo: NRL Images.

PANTHERS TRAINER IN THE CLEAR

! No case to answer: It’s become very clear now that the whole Pete Green story that emerged this week was blown way out of proportion. The Panthers trainer has absolute ly no case to answer and the player involved in the alleged sledge, Souths’ Jed Cartwright, has confirmed there was no issue. It’s clear John Cartwright, while trying to protect his son, went way over the top without the facts. And Fox League’s flagship show, ‘NRL 360’, has plenty to answer for in the way it handled the story too. Truth is the only one who should be under the NRL’s microscope is Cody Walker, whose approach to Green at full-time was out of line.

! NRL snubs the west: It’s been intriguing to note this week that all of the official Grand Final formalities are in the city, with western Sydney largely ignored except for team-spe cific events around Penrith and Parramatta. The official Grand Final launch, match officials announcement, Fan Fest, Dally M Awards, Grand Final media conference and Grand Fi nal Lunch have all been Sydney-based. While much of this has been set in stone for some time, you’d think the NRL would introduce more western Sydney events regardless of the teams competing, given the region is the lifeblood of the game.

! Nine’s Grand Final response: Channel Nine argues it didn’t snub last week’s NSW Cup Grand Final despite not airing it on Sun day afternoon. The network says it asked the NSWRL to move the Grand Final to Saturday so it avoided clashing with the NRLW Prelimi nary Finals and other commitments, but there was a lack of appetite for that to occur. There’s no question the situation can't be repeated next year – it was an embarrassment that the NSW Cup decider couldn't be watched on TV.

! New arrival: Panthers five-eighth Jarome Luai is a Dad for the third time, with his

partner giving birth to beautiful little Halo (pictured) on Monday.

! Let us sing: Panthers fans loudly belting out ‘Go The Mighty Panthers’ have been cut off at both Finals games so far with the stadium audio switching to post-match interviews, which can barely be heard anyway. Let’s hope when it comes to the Grand Final, the winning team’s song can be played in full.

! Spotted: 2003 Premiership-winning skip per Craig Gower living it up in Lou Zivanovic’s private suite at Accor Stadium last Saturday night.

! Spotted: Panthers enforcer Viliame Kikau sorting out a fresh passport in the Sydney CBD before running in to his future boss, Phil Gould.

! McRae’s Panthers comeback: Scott McRae (pictured right) is back from the wilderness, with the former Panthers ground announcer to MC a fan brunch on Grand Final Day at the Leagues Club. McRae was axed as the announcer for home games at the end

of the 2019 season after more than 20 years behind the microphone.

! COVID caution: All journalists attending Penrith’s media session on Tuesday had to un dertake a rapid COVID-19 test on arrival, with the Panthers and NRL taking no risks ahead

of the big game on Sunday night. COVID tests for journos attending interview opportunities have been the norm for most of the season but are rarely policed. Tuesday was different with the Panthers facilitating testing on arrival.

! Popular MP: Recent dramas surround ing Stuart Ayres certainly haven’t harmed his popularity with Penrith fans. Ayres was even signing autographs and taking selfies with supporters at the team’s open training session on Tuesday. They haven't forgotten who the driving force behind the likely new stadium in Penrith is.

! Crashing the party: It certainly wasn’t deliberate but the Panthers ironically stayed in Parramatta the night before the Preliminary Final last Friday night and couldn’t ignore the party-like atmosphere on the streets. Safe to say, they won’t be staying in Parramatta on Saturday night – choosing more friendly terri tory ahead of the Grand Final.

! Get in touch: If you spot something I should know at the Grand Final, email maskedpanther@westernweekender.com.au.

Trainer Pete Green (centre). Photo: Melinda Jane.

WITH THE MASKED PANTHER

Brought to you by

premiership honour roll

1910

1911

Easts

1913 Easts

1914 Souths

1915 Balmain Souths

Souths

1916  Balmain

1917 Balmain  Souths

1918  Souths Wests

1919 Balmain Easts

1920  Balmain Souths

1921 Norths Glebe

1922 Norths 35 Glebe

1923 Easts 15 Souths

1924 Balmain 3 Souths

1925 Souths Wests

1926 Souths 11 University

1927 Souths 20 St George

1928 Souths 26 Easts

1929 Souths 30 Newtown

Easts Wests

Easts Wests

Souths Annandale

Balmain Norths

Balmain Wests

Balmain Norths

Souths Annandale

Balmain Norths

Final Balmain Annandale

Final Norths University

15,000 Norths St George

12,180 Easts University

15,000 Balmain Newtown

Final Souths Newtown

21,000 Souths St George

12,000 Souths University

24,966 St George Newtown

16,360 Souths  University

1930 Wests 27 St George 2 12,178 Wests University

1931 Souths  12 Easts 7 27,104 Easts University

1932 Souths 19 Wests 12 16,925 Souths  Norths

1933 Newtown 18 St George 5 18,080 Newtown Wests

1934 Wests 15 Easts 12 25,174 Easts University

1935 Easts 19 Souths 3 22,106 Easts University

1936  Easts 32 Balmain  12 14,395 Easts University

1937 Easts  Souths / St George No Final Easts University

1938 Canterbury  19 Easts  6 20,287 Canterbury St George

1939 Balmain 33 Souths 4 26,972 Balmain Newtown

1940 Easts 24 Canterbury 14 24,167 Easts Wests

1941 St George 31 Easts 14 39,957 Easts Norths

1942 Canterbury 11 St George 9 26,171 Canterbury Wests

1943 Newtown 34 Norths 7 60,992 Newtown Canterbury

1944 Balmain 12 Newtown 8 24,186 Newtown Canterbury

1945  Easts 22 Balmain 18 44,585 Easts Souths

1946 Balmain 13 St George 12 32,296 St George Souths

1947 Balmain  13 Canterbury 9 29,292 Canterbury  Parramatta

1948 Wests 8 Balmain 5 29,122 Wests Norths

1949 St George 19 Souths 12 56,534 Souths Easts

Wests

1950 Souths

Souths

Wests

Souths

Souths

Souths

Souths Norths

Souths Norths

Wests Parramatta

Wests

Parramatta

Wests

65,959

Parramatta

1977  St George

1977+ St George 22 Parramatta 0 48,828

1978 Manly  11 Cronulla 11 51,510

1978+ Manly  16 Cronulla 0 33,552

1979 St George  17 Canterbury 13 50,991 St George Norths

1980  Canterbury 18 Easts 4 52,881 Easts Penrith

1981 Parramatta 20 Newtown 11 57,333 Easts Balmain

1982  Parramatta 21 Manly  8 52,186 Parramatta Canberra

1983  Parramatta 18 Manly  6 40,285 Manly Wests

1984 Canterbury 6 Parramatta 4 47,076 Canterbury Wests

1985  Canterbury 7 St George 6 44,569 St George Illawarra

1986  Parramatta 4 Canterbury 2 45,843 Parramatta Illawarra

1987  Manly  18 Canberra 8 50,201 Manly  Wests

1988  Canterbury 24 Balmain 12 40,000 Cronulla Wests

1989  Canberra 19 Balmain 14 40,500 Souths Illawarra

1990  Canberra 18 Penrith 14 41,535 Canberra Souths

1991  Penrith 19 Canberra 12 41,815 Penrith Gold Coast

1992  Brisbane 28 St George 8 41,560 Brisbane Gold Coast

1993  Brisbane 14 St George 6 42,329 Canterbury Gold Coast

1994  Canberra 36 Canterbury 12 42,234 Canterbury Balmain

1995  Bulldogs 17 Manly  4 41,127 Manly  North Queensland

1996 Manly  20 St George 8 40,985 Manly  South Queensland

1997 Newcastle 22 Manly  16 42,482 Manly  South Queensland

1997* Brisbane 26 Cronulla 8 58,912 Brisbane North Queensland

1998  Brisbane 38 Canterbury 12 40,857 Brisbane Wests

1999  Melbourne 20 St George Illawarra 18 107,999 Cronulla Wests

2000  Brisbane 14 Sydney Roosters 6 94,277 Brisbane North Queensland

2001  Newcastle 30 Parramatta 24 90,414 Parramatta Penrith

2002  Sydney Roosters 30 Warriors 8 80,130 Warriors Canterbury

2003  Penrith 18 Sydney Roosters 6 81,166 Penrith Souths

2004  Canterbury 16 Sydney Roosters 13 82,127 Sydney Roosters Souths

2005  Wests Tigers 30 North Queensland 16 82,453 Parramatta Newcastle

2006  Brisbane 15 Melbourne 8 79,609 Melbourne# Souths

2007  Melbourne# 34 Manly 8 81,392 Melbourne# Penrith

Manly 40 Melbourne 0 80,388 Melbourne# Canterbury

Melbourne# 23 Parramatta 16 82,538 St George Illawarra Roosters

2010  St GeorgeIllawarra 32 Sydney Roosters 8 82,334 St George Illawarra Melbourne

2011  Manly  24 Warriors 10 81,988 Melbourne Gold Coast

Melbourne 14 Canterbury 4 82,976 Canterbury Parramatta

Sydney Roosters 26 Manly  18 81,491 Sydney Roosters Parramatta

Souths 30 Canterbury 6 83,833 Sydney Roosters Sharks

North Queensland 17 Brisbane 16 82,758 Sydney Roosters Newcastle

Cronulla 14 Melbourne 12 83,625 Melbourne Newcastle

Melbourne 34 North Queensland 6 79,722 Melbourne Newcastle

Sydney Roosters 21 Melbourne  6 82,688 Sydney Roosters Parramatta

Sydney Roosters 14 Canberra 8 82,922 Melbourne Gold Coast

Melbourne 26 Penrith 20 37,303 Penrith Brisbane

Penrith 14 Souths 12 39,322 Melbourne Canterbury

RINGS WORTH $10K EACH

WINNING PLAYERS WILL WEAR THE BLING

The Premiership rings that will be presented to the 17 successful players on Sunday night have been designed by Affinity Diamonds in Sydney. They’re worth approxi mately $10,000 each.

And this year, rugby league royalty assisted with the design. Ray Warren, who recently retired from broad casting, was involved in the process.

“I told them I’m a sports commentator – I have no experience in designing

rings,” Warren told The Sydney Morning Herald “But, anyway, now I have.”

Affinity Diamonds founder and Chief Executive Sam Rahme said it was terrific to have such a well-known personality of the game involved.

“Each year, I pick someone who’s done something worthy in the game,” he told the Herald “Ray’s done so much, so in his retirement year we thought he’d be perfect. We

asked him to come up with something big and blingy that can be worn on special occasions. He did well. It’s a nice-looking ring.”

The stunning ring features Norm Provan and Arthur Summons’ famous embrace on the side.

It is made of solid white gold and encrusted with two carats of diamonds plus red rubies.

The rubies symbolise St George’s incredible 11 Prem ierships in a row.

!KLEIN’S DECIDER

NEW LIVE SITE

Penrith City Council is inviting locals to cheer the Panthers at a free, family friendly live site at St Marys.

From 3.30pm on Sunday, October 2 at Kokoda Place car park and Coachmans Park in St Marys, fans will be able to grab a seat as they ready themselves for kick-off at 7.30pm.

The live site is ticketed to ensure everyone gets the best seat in the house.

There will be food trucks, entertainment, and face painting for the kids at the alcohol-free event. A limited number of chairs will be avail able but you can bring your camp chairs, picnic blankets and of course your loudest cheers as the Penrith Panthers take on the Eels in the ‘Battle of the West’.

For more details and free tickets, for the live site in St Marys on Sunday, go to: https://bit. ly/3DWAIxu.

FAN’S JOY CLEARY HANDS OVER JERSEY

Nathan Cleary handed over his training jersey to a happy supporter in the crowd at Penrith’s fan day at BlueBet Stadium on Tuesday morning.

Cleary was without question the most popular player on Tuesday, with fans desperate to grab an autograph or selfie with the halfback.

The Origin star eventually took off his training jersey and gave it to an adoring youngster who’d come out to watch the training session.

NO TICKETS LEFT FOR GF

The NRL Grand Final between Penrith and Parramatta is officially a sell-out.

More than 83,000 fans will pack into Accor Stadium after the last tickets were sold shortly after the final General Public alloca tion was released on Tuesday.

“The Grand Final teams represent the beating heart of rugby league. Clubs that represent modern day Australia. Confident, vibrant and growing communities. Heart land areas that have more kids picking up a football for the first time than ever before,” NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said.

“The demand for tickets has been over whelming.”

PHIL GOULD TALKING ABOUT THIS SUNDAY’S GRAND FINAL

Corporate partners of the Penrith Panthers are being well looked after this week with many attending events put on by the club.

The highlight is the Grand Final Luncheon which will be held at the EVAN Theatre today (Friday, September 30).

Club legends Tony Puletua, Scott Sattler, Greg Alexander and Royce Simmons will all be part of the special event.

An auction is also due to be held to raise money for Panthers on the Prowl.

Other events include func tions prior to the game at Sydney Olympic Park.

Klein and Grant Atkins refereed the Preliminary Finals last weekend with Klein ultimately getting the nod for the decider.

Phil Henderson and Drew Oultram will be the sideline officials, meaning all three on-field officials who were in charge of the Panthers versus Rabbitohs game last weekend will back-up in the big one.

Grant Atkins will be in The Bunker for the Grand Final.

Klein said his previous big game experience would help calm the nerves ahead of the season decider.

“I’m really looking forward to Sunday. I actually live in western Sydney... you can feel it in the street already, everyone’s really excited,” he said.

He added that it’ll be business as usual once the formalities of the week are over.

“After Friday when we do our last training session my focus will be on Sunday’s game,” he said.

Head of Football Graham Annesley said it was impor tant to respect the work of referees.

“It’s a thankless task. It’s a job that people train for many years for,” he said.

RULED OUT

The Panthers confirmed on Tuesday that Taylan May would not play in Sunday’s Grand Final.

The try scoring machine suffered a hamstring injury in the Qualifying Final against Parramatta.

Before naming the side on Tuesday, Penrith confirmed May had not recovered from the injury in time.

PUBS ALLOWED TO STAY OPEN LATER

The NSW Government has extended trading hours for venues across New South Wales for the Grand Final on Sunday.

Minister for Hospitality and Racing Kevin Anderson said the later trading will enable fans to watch all the action of the season decider on the big screens in venues and continue celebrating later into the night.

“There’s always a buzz around this time of year with the Grand Final weekend being one of the biggest events on our sporting calendar,” Mr Anderson said.

“The Grand Final is a huge day for our venues and a boost to the State’s economy, so standard opening hours for hotels and clubs will be extended this Sunday from 10pm to midnight.

“Venues can also trade later for other upcom ing major sports events including FIFA World Cup football finals and ICC Men’s T20 World Cup cricket finals.”

Venues already approved to trade during or beyond the extended hours can operate as usual. Hotels and clubs must still comply with any individual trading restrictions.

Ashley Klein will referee Sunday’s NRL Grand Final between Penrith and Parramatta.

“I think we will remember this one for a long, long time”

fans back the panthers

Good luck to the PenrithPanthers in your GrandFinal match against theParramatta Eels. Myhusband has been a fan for30 years growing up in thePenrith area and myselffor 15 years since I met himand was living in Penrith.A moment in history tohopefully have four divisions win the #pantherpridePremiership!

Lauren Standen & family

ThankyouPanthersfor puttingupyourbestefforts eachandeveryweekfor yourfans!Highs,lows,I have loved it all! Panthers always!Panthersforever! Panthers 2022!!!

I’m incredibly proud to be aPanthers supporter. The skill,dedication and mental fortitude they display every weekis awe inspiring. I can’t waitto cheer you on at the GrandFinal this Sunday. You’re 80mins away from back-to-backPremierships and a recordfour wins across all grades ofleague. SG Ball, Jersey Fleggand NSW Cup and NRL firstgrade. YTB!!!

Best of luck Panthers! Weare so proud our little clubare ready to make historyby being in the driver’s seatfor a second Premiership.consecutive Be strong, gohard and show the NRLwhy we are the Pride of theWest. We stand by you allthe way as we have done foras long as we can remember.Let’s do this. We are so gladwe are here for the ride withyou.

theGoget‘em!!Youboyshave whatopportunitytoaccomplish onlytwoteamsinthepast30 years have, back-to-backPremierships. With three grandfinalappearancesinarow,two Minor Premierships and onePremiership in the past threeyears the Penrith dynasty is theuponus.Let’sgooutandshow NRLworldandtherestofthe whatbeingapantherisall about. PENRITH AREWE READY READY!!!

Good luck Panthers. If you play like you did last week, you’ll definitely win. Yes, we are ready ready!!

Bryony Rudd

Fenton Moonboot

Kellie Winser

Jason Venderley

GothemightyPanthersin the Grand Final. We have lovedwatchingyouin 2022andcheeringloudand proudatthegames.Let’s beatthoseslipperyEelson Sunday.Wehaveenjoyed playingthetrumpetand drumsduringthegamesto showourstrongsupport.

All your hard work bothindividually and as a teamis a testament to the resultsyou’ve all produced allyear long! Bring home thetrophy for yourselves, yourfamilies and your community, as a fan for decadeswe couldn’t be more proudof all of you, Go Panthers!

Congratulations to PenrithPanthers. We wish youall the best for the GrandFinal against Parramatta.You have already done usproud. Me and my husbandare really big fans of thePanthers. Wish we couldgo to the game on Sundaybut will be watching youplay. Been supporters eversince we were little!

Leslie Duarte

I have been a Panther fansince the their first year inthe first grade competitionin 1967. Back in those dayswe attended every home andaway game. I have been thereand watched them thoughgood and bad and never wavered my support. It has beenan exciting three years andI hope that my Panthers canbring it home again this year.I wish you boys all the best.Go the mighty Panthers. Dous proud once again.

Crameri Family

Well done this season Panthers. Good luck in the Grand Final on Sunday. Bring home this Trophy for us again.

Lynette Bills

Samantha Sloan

Jenny Bangel

Congratulations on your success so far. You have done Penrith proud. Have a great game!

fans back the panthers

EMILY FESZCZUK

Black, red, yellow and green can be spot ted around the streets as Grand Final fever has spread around the city.

Penrith Panthers fans have decorated their homes and businesses to show their support ahead of Sunday’s game against the Parramatta Eels.

Neil Kumar has adorned his Penrith home with his favourite players to display his Panther Pride.

“I have supported the team for 25 years and when my son Lachlan was born, I wanted to teach him to love the footy culture,” Mr Kumar said.

“We have decorated the last few years and this year we put them up at the end of Round 25 which has proven to work in our favour.”

Streamers, balloons, and flags have been hung up in shops around town, so you know you are deep in panther territory.

Stanton and Taylor Real Estate, Tattersalls Hotel and Commonwealth Bank are just a few of the businesses in the centre of Penrith getting in the spirit.

With COVID restrictions impacting the last two Grand Finals, loyal fans will be taking full advantage of this year’s festivities.

Michele and John Andrew have been longtime supporters of the team for 30 years.

The South Penrith couple also wasted no time in decking out their house two weeks ago.

“People asked us why we were decorating if

Panthers didn’t get in the Grand Final, but I said it didn’t matter because they were still going to be Minor Premiers,” Ms Andrew said.

“Even if they didn’t make it or don’t win you have to be grateful for their effort and show your full support for the team.”

Beaming with pride, Ms Andrew told the

Weekender that there is something special about the current group of players which she believes can bring it home for a second consec utive year.

“Over the years we have seen a lot of players and this team is very community minded, they gel well together and are very down to earth.

Whenever you see them, they are always happy to talk to the supporters and they are just a talented bunch of athletes,” she said.

Both the Kumar and Andrew families will be among the thousands of fans roaring for the Panthers in the sold-out Battle of the West NRL Grand Final at Accor Stadium.

Neil and Lachlan Kumar at their home in Penrith.

Photo: Melinda Jane

Michele and John Andrew at their South Penrith home. Photo: Melinda Jane.

five of the best

Penrith and Parramatta have played some extraordinary matches over the years. In fact, with 106 games played, Penrith has played Parramatta more than any other side in the competition. We look back at five of the best clashes between these two western Sydney rivals...

5. 2022: Panthers 27 Eels 8

In a match billed as the biggest game Panthers Stadium had ever hosted, Penrith and Parramatta met in a Qualifying Final in the opening weekend of the 2022 Finals. A Nathan Cleary field goal proved the difference in a tight first half, with the Panthers going into the sheds leading 7-6. Penrith got the better of their rivals in the second half, with Brian To'o, Dylan Edwards and James Fisher-Harris all scoring to give the home team a 27-8 win in front of 21,863 fans. Mitchell Moses left the field under HIA rules mid-way through the second half in what was an at times fiery encounter, with Penrith winger Taylan May sin-binned in the first half for a high shot.

4. 1984: Panthers 22 Eels 10

May 27, 1984 saw a long Penrith losing streak to Parramatta finally come to an end. Penrith's only win against the Eels in the preceding seven seasons had come in a mid-week KB Cup match in 1982. But in a Round 13 match at Belmore Sports Ground, Penrith finally broke the drought with an impressive 22-10

for Penrith, who kept the Eels to just one try through Glenn Mansfield. After years of owning the west, the Eels' crown had finally fallen.

3. 2003: Panthers 40 Eels 22

The final match of the 2003 regular season would see a Battle of the West played in front of 22,304 fans at Panthers Stadium. The Eels needed to win to make the Finals, while a Penrith victory would give them the Minor Premiership. The Eels were still in the game at half-time, down 24-16, but the eventual Premiers would pull away in the second half to record an impressive 40-22 victory. Rhys Wesser would score three tries that afternoon, while Ryan Girdler bagged six goals in a match that also saw him sin-binned.

2. 2011: Panthers 23 Eels 22

Nobody could forget the incredible night at Panthers Stadium in July 2011, when Penrith produced an incredible Golden Point victory to spoil Nathan Hindmarsh's 300th game. Michael Jennings and Lachlan Coote combined for a stunning try right on full-time to send the match to overtime. There was just one second on the clock when Penrith played the ball for the final time, and as the siren sounded Jennings put in a little kick for Coote to touch down for his second try of the evening. Six minutes in to Golden Point, Luke Walsh landed a brilliant field goal to secure a win and send the crowd crazy.

1. 2021: Panthers 8 Eels 6

In one of the most memorable Finals games of all-time, not a single point was scored in the second half of a nail-biting clash at BB Print Stadium in Mackay. Only 6,011 fans were in attendance to watch the match, played in Queensland due to COVID lockdowns in Sydney, but every one of them witnessed a fero

cious match that every fan on the edge of their seats. Kurt Capewell scored Penrith's only try of the game, while Waqa Blake grabbed a fourpointer for Parramatta. In the end, a Nathan Cleary penalty goal proved the difference. The Eels were close to scoring right on full-time, but it wasn't to be – Penrith holding on to win.

Kurt Capewell takes the ball up in the 2001 Finals. Photo: NRL Images.

NSW CUP SIDE HUNTS ANOTHER TROPHY THIS SUNDAY

Fresh off the back of their thrilling 29-22 win over the Canterbury Bulldogs in the Knock-On Effect NSW Cup Grand Final, the Penrith Panthers will look to add another trophy to the collection in Sunday after noon’s State Championship final.

As NSW Cup Premiers, the Panthers will take on the Queensland Cup Premiers, Norths Devils, in the opening match on NRL Grand Final Day.

It will be a record third State Championship appearance for the Panthers following their victory over the Papua New Guinea Hunters in 2017, as well as a loss to the Northern Pride in the inaugural match in 2014. Christian Crichton is the only remaining player from that day who will take the field against the Devils.

lower grades report

with Lachlan Jeffery

@LachlanJeffery

The Panthers will go into the match full of confidence after their win over the Bulldogs, despite not playing at their best. Peter Wallace has made a couple of changes to that side, with Tom Jenkins returning at centre with Jack Cole replacing Sean O’Sullivan in the halves, while Luke Sommerton will replace Alec Susino on the bench.

It will be a tough game for Penrith, with the Devils having claimed back-to-back Prem ierships in the Queensland Cup and fielding several players with NRL experience, including former Panthers hooker Kierran Moseley, who will be lining up opposite NSW Cup man of the match Soni Luke.

There will also be plenty of first grade expe rience in the halves, with Penrith’s Kurt Falls lining up against the Devils’ Tyson Gamble and Tyrone Roberts.

The match will give the Panthers a chance to add more silverware to their rapidly-filling trophy cabinet in 2022, having won the SG Ball

title early in the season, as well as winning the Jersey Flegg decider in golden point against Newcastle and being awarded the Flowers Memorial Pennant for the first time since 2018

as NSWRL Club Champions before their NSW Cup win over Canterbury.

The State Championship will kick off Grand Final Day at Accor Stadium at 1.30pm.

The Panthers celebrate winning the NSW Cup title last weekend. Photo: NRL Images.

been there, done that!

2022 PANTHERS FOLLOW FAMOUS PATH

The Penrith Panthers of 2022 will run onto Accor Stadium on Sunday night trying to create their own slice of club history, but there are a select few who have been there and done it before.

The teams of 1991 and 2003 became history makers at Penrith, while the 2021 side broke an 18-year Premiership drought, setting up many of the players in that side to be on the verge of winning back-to-back Premiership rings on Sunday night.

Going from pretenders to Premiers

The front page of the Weekender on Friday, September 20 1991 said it all – ‘bound for glory’.

Inside, another headline read ‘Panthers to win’.

It was a Grand Final Penrith was always destined to claim.

After going down to the Raiders in 1990, Penrith walked onto the Sydney Football Stadium pitch a much more mature looking team than the one that tasted heartbreak on the very same turf 12 months earlier.

So many things went against

One of the big talking points out of the Grand Final was the awarding of the Clive Churchill Medal to Canberra’s Bradley Clyde. Royce Simmons would tell the Weekender years later who he believed should have been handed the prestigious prize that day.

“Greg Alexander was the player of the match. His kicking game was outstanding and his leadership was fantastic,” Simmons said.

Finally, another title heads west Penrith’s 18-6 Grand Final triumph over the Sydney Roosters on October 5, 2003 was one of the most magical days in club history.

Despite finishing the regular season as Minor Premiers, Penrith still went into the decider against the Roosters as underdogs.

It was no surprise, perhaps, given this Penrith side had finished last just two years earlier, and didn’t make the Finals in 2002. Many simply didn’t believe the Panthers had what it took.

But in front of a crowd of 81,166 at a very wet Telstra Stadium, the ‘men in black’ were simply superb and produced memories that will last a lifetime.

talked about to this day. Penrith winger Luke Rooney won the hearts of many on the back of his two-try performance, while eventual Clive Churchill Medallist Luke Priddis not only set up two tries that evening but bagged one himself in an heroic effort in sluggish conditions.

Fan favourite Ryan Girdler, who limped off injured in the second half, summed up the enormity of the occasion on behalf of all Panthers players and supporters.

“We’ve been here through the bad times, and that’s what makes it so special,” he said.

Interviewed by Channel Nine’s Andrew Voss as the siren sounded in the background, coach John Lang declared: “I just hope I don’t wake up tomorrow and it’s still Sunday”.

Penrith partied for days following the club’s second Grand Final win, and thousands turned out on November 28 to celebrate one last time with a victory parade through the city’s streets, before the off-season officially began.

Incredible win inspires locked down city A Stephen Crichton intercept 14 minutes from full-time will forever be remembered as the moment that decided the 2021 Grand Final and secured Penrith’s third Premiership.

It was a Grand Final for the ages – one decided on defence in a year where blowout scorelines and attack dominated the NRL season.

Penrith’s kicking game was superb – both Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai producing gamebreaking moments with their boots that helped determine the outcome.

Cleary was named the Clive Churchill Medal list for best player on ground. In an emotional moment, it was presented by his father and coach Ivan.

With his busted shoulder in tow, Cleary bounced back from missing a crucial tackle that resulted in Souths’ first try to win an ongo ing battle with Cody Walker and produce some brilliant defensive moments when it mattered most.

It was a Grand Final that will be remembered more for being the finale of an incredible three weeks for the winning team. Penrith scored just five tries in their last three matches of the season but still managed to claim the title.

There were incredible scenes of emotion at full-time as the Panthers celebrated a hard fought victory over a newfound arch rival.

in the big one – Mark Geyer was sent to the sin bin, the Raiders scored a try off a controversial refereeing decision, and Mal Meninga was having a stellar game.

At half-time, with his side down 12-6, Penrith coach Phil Gould delivered an almighty spray to his players. Rumour has it the speech finished with the words: “Are you going to be losers?”

The second half was terrific from Penrith, but with 10 minutes to go, the scores were locked at 12-all and it was anyone’s game.

Then, the man they call Brandy stepped in.

Greg Alexander potted a 38 metre field goal that would give Penrith a 13-12 lead and the advantage heading into the final stages of the game.

The Panthers built pressure and the rest is history – the forced line drop-out, the short restart, the Geyer run, the Simmons try –magic. Alexander confirmed victory with a sideline conversion that gave the Panthers an unassailable 19-12 lead.

“They worked really hard for that – right from the Grand Final day the previous year,” Gould told the Weekender years later.

“It was a wonderful day for the club, it was a wonderful day for the city and it really put Penrith on the map.”

Back at Panthers Leagues Club, the party was epic.

A huge blow-up Panther had guarded the club for much of the week, welcoming fans on Grand Final Day who watched the match on 55 screens throughout the club. A Grand Final Disco was held at Reactor One.

The Panthers won 14-12 but not before a late scare with South Sydney halfback Adam Reynolds missing a sideline conversion four minutes from full-time that would have levelled the scores.

While the Panthers celebrated in front of 39,322 fans at Suncorp Stadium, back home in Penrith the streets erupted despite the COVID lockdown – hundreds of cars lining Mulgoa Road with horns blaring to mark the Premier

The game – which is regarded by many as one of the greatest rugby league Grand Finals in history – produced highlight after highlight, with Scott Sattler’s remarkable try-saving cover tackle on Roosters winger Todd Byrne still

The Panthers celebrate at Suncorp Stadium after winning the 2021 Grand Final.

Photo: NRL Images.

The post-match celebration in the dressing rooms after the 1991 decider. Photo: NRL Images.

The 2003 Penrith Panthers celebrate their Grand Final win. Photo: NRL Images.