Two years ago on this same stage, the Grand Final was gone at half-time.
Melbourne used their wealth of experi ence against an overawed Penrith and by the time Ivan Cleary’s side realised they were in a season decider, the trophy engraver was hard at work.
In the space of 24 months, the pain of that October night has been used to transform this team into perhaps the greatest Penrith has ever produced – now back-to-back Premiers, just the second club in the NRL era to achieve such a feat and the first from the foot of the Mountains.
The match played out eerily similar to 2020, but with the roles very much reversed. This time it was Penrith with the experience, and it showed in an opening half onslaught that saw them leading 18-0 at half-time.
The game was over well before that. By the time Brian To’o scored his first try, seven minutes after Stephen Crichton opened the scoring, it was obvious nobody was beating the Panthers.
Penrith have been the dominant team in the NRL for three years now but they saved perhaps their best performance of this period for the Grand Final. With an 86 per cent completion rate, they starved the Eels of the ball and powered over the top of them like it was men against boys.
It was a game with 10 penalties and six set restarts but it felt like Penrith earned every one of their 28 points. There were no easy leg-ups and no shortcuts.
Much like the Storm did in 2020, Penrith put their foot on the accelerator in the opening stages of the second half, putting any question of an Eels revival to bed.
Ironically, To’o scored his second at the exact same time of the game that Ryan Papenhuyzen
sprinted away to put the Panthers out of the game 24 months earlier.
The 45th minute try came after a Waqa Blake mistake close to his own line. At the end of the ensuing set, Penrith produced a classy left-side move that ended with To’o crashing over out wide.
It was the most controversial moment of the Grand Final – referee Ashley Klein awarded the try, but then sent it to the Bunker for referral after a hint of obstruction. Grant Atkins ruled that Viliame Kikau didn’t interfere with Mitch ell Moses in the lead-up, giving the try the green lights.
With time and hope slipping away, Penrith’s 22-0 lead quickly became an unassailable 28-0 when Charlie Staines – in his first Grand Final – found a hole in Parramatta’s defence and cut through to score.
Dylan Edwards earned himself a try assist in the lead-up but just moments before he’d produced one of the cover tackles of the season
to stop Bailey Simonsson Scott Sattler-like down the touchline.
If there was any disappointment for Penrith, it would come in the final five minutes when Clint Gutherson and Jake Arthur bagged late tries. It was an understandable lapse of concentration, and mattered little in the big scheme of things.
For Penrith, the full-time siren cemented back-to-back titles for the first time in the club’s history.
It also signalled the end of the Penrith careers of Api Koroisau and Viliame Kikau, who exit the club having made an enormous impact during a stunning era of success. Both were clearly emotional as the celebrations got underway.
Also emotional was coach Ivan Cleary, who struggled to hold back tears as he rushed on to the field to be with his players.
The biggest hug was saved for son Nathan; the pair embracing in scenes reminiscent of what we witnessed at Suncorp Stadium 12 months earlier.
In the end it wasn’t the Grand Final for the ages many fans were hoping for. The Battle of the West became a one-sided affair that proved just who is the most dominant in this chapter of the long rivalry between the two clubs.
Penrith were never going to let this opportu nity slip through their fingers.
Nathan Cleary accepted the trophy post-
match, congratulating Parramatta on their season.
“We look forward to continuing those battles,” he said.
“To the fans... thank you so much. We’re so blessed to represent Penrith and can’t wait to party with you all.”
The Panthers celebrate Charlie Staines’ second half try. Photo: NRL Images. Taylan May and Jarome Luai celebrate with Ivan Cleary. Photo: NRL Images. Scott Sorensen celebrates scoring a try in the Grand Final. Photo: NRL Images.
Stadium on Sunday night, a joyful Cleary took to the field and was surrounded and embraced by his players and staff.
Two-time Premiership winning coach Ivan Cleary has openly discussed how emotional he felt in the lead up to last Sunday’s NRL Grand Final against Parramatta.
With some key men both on and off the field due to depart as well as his side’s outright favouritism leading into the match, Cleary revealed just how emotionally invested he was in making sure Penrith’s greatest season on record had the ulti mate send off.
Seasons like the one this Panthers team just enjoyed are rare, and Cleary desperately wanted nothing more than for it to end in the most perfect way possible.
“I’m so proud, excited… it’s hard to put it into words – it’s definitely been an emotional 24 hours,” he said post-match.
“I got a bit emotional yesterday… I don’t even know why. I think it’s because this moment in time just won’t… this team won’t stay together. It’s such a great opportunity, such an amazing season, I suppose I just wanted it to go well on the biggest night.
“Honestly, I couldn’t ask for anything more, the boys were unbelievable.”
When the full-time siren sounded at Accor
His eyes were full of tears, not for the first time that weekend either.
“I had some quiet [emotional] moments on my own [over the weekend], a little bit in front of the boys. I don’t know, it just came over me… I don’t really know why,” Cleary said.
“But I do think it’s because we’ve done so well for so long and you just think that anyone can win on the big day – anyone can win any game – so I suppose I wanted today to go well, that’s how best I can explain it.”
Things did go well for Cleary and the Panthers, very well in fact, after his side produced one of the most dominant Grand Final performances in NRL history.
Before Parramatta ran in two very late consola tion tries, Cleary believes Penrith’s first 75 minutes was the best he’s ever seen his side in action.
“Yeah possibly,” Clearly nodded.
“Considering everything on the line, it was honestly a dream come true that first half. I just sat back and watched the boys go to work.
“I think we’ve learned a fair bit over the last couple of years in Grand Finals that we’ve played in, and we put that to good use. Not just tonight, but during the week the boys were unbelievable. I’m very lucky and blessed to be their coach.”
It was the performance everyone was hoping he would produce, and Panthers fullback Dylan Edwards delivered it on the grandest of stages.
On Sunday evening, following Penrith’s 28-12 demolition of the Parramatta Eels, the 26-yearold was bestowed one of the highest honours in the game, the Clive Churchill Medal.
After the best season of his career, the 2022 Merv Cartwright Medallist had one more stun ning performance up his sleeve and he saved it for when everyone was watching.
While several Panthers would have been worthy recipients of the Man of the Match prize, it was Edwards who stood out most.
When he made the Scott Sattler-like cover tackle on speedy Eels centre Bailey Simonsson midway through the second half, the 80,000+ people watching on at Accor Stadium turned to each other and said, ‘yep, Dyl’s just won the Clive’.
Upon accepting the award from Clive Church ill’s son Rod post-game, Edwards was his usual, humble and down to earth self – thanking sponsors before heaping a whole lot of praise on his teammates, supporters and family.
“Boys, firstly I’d like to thank you guys… I love all you boys, we definitely worked hard for this, and we’ll enjoy it,” he said.
“To all our fans who have showed up all year, we love you guys. We just want to make our community proud out there and hopefully we
did that. Last but not least, the families of all the squad members… you guys support us through thick and thin. You ride the rollercoaster with us, especially my partner Nadine. I’m so lucky to have you in my corner and I’ll be forever grateful.”
Following an outstanding regular season and Finals Series, Edwards was just about everyone’s pick for the Clive Churchill Medal leading into last Sunday’s Battle of the West Grand Final.
In the post-match press conference, the Bellingen Dorrigo Magpies junior once again
refused to talk about himself and his achieve ments, which resulted in Panthers co-captain Nathan Cleary throwing a cheeky double eye roll his way for his consistent humility.
“It’s a bit surreal at the moment… it’s honestly a credit to the rest of the team. They make my job incredibly easy… they do… I’m lucky to be a part of this team, they’re my brothers, and I love going to work each week,” Edwards said.
Two-time Premiership winning coach Ivan Cleary was over the moon for his hardworking fullback, who battled on with a broken foot in the corresponding game last season.
“Last year was the real making of him,” Cleary admitted.
“To be able to go through what he did last year, it showed that much courage. As much physical as mental, to put his hand up and say, ‘I’m playing’, when we honestly didn’t think he would.
“If he can get through that, he can get through anything. I’m stoked for him; he totally deserves it.”
Edwards becomes Penrith’s third ever Clive Churchill Medallist behind Nathan Cleary (2021) and Luke Priddis (2003).
front of him – but Crichton produces a stun ning tackle from behind that dislodges the ball – robbing the Eels of a chance to reduce the margin.
Penrith’s 28-12 win over the Eels in the 2022 Grand Final will never be forgotten. Here’s the five key moments that decided the big one:
11th minute: Crichton gets avalanche underway
Having dominated the opening stages, Penrith are desperate to get on the board. The chance comes in the 11th minute when Stephen Crichton scores yet another Grand Final try – beginning a strong point-scoring period of the game for Penrith. After some good lead-up work from Isaah Yeo and Nathan Cleary, eventual Clive Churchill Medal winner Dylan Edwards gets the ball 30 metres out. He starts moving to the right, spots Crichton on his left and slips him the ball. Critter slides straight through the Eels’ defence and goes on a 25 metre run to open the scoring, leaving Clint Gutherson in his wake.
47th minute: Bunker’s big call
The lottery of obstruction in rugby league rears its head in the 47th minute, when The Bunker clears a Brian To’o try much to the despair of Parramatta players and fans. Referee Ashley Klein initially awards the try, despite Clint Gutherson and Mitch Moses pleading with him to send it upstairs as no try. Replays reveal an incident involving Viliame Kikau and Mitch Moses, with some believing Moses was
denied an opportunity to defend by Kikau, who ran through the line as a decoy. The Bunker looks at the incident but eventually clears it.
“The ball is caught on the outside. Viliame Kikau is through the gap, Mitchell Moses then elects to grab around his waist, which makes it a defensive decision.” In the end, it was a judge ment call – but a big one in Penrith’s favour.
55th minute: Sivo spills his lollies
Desperate to get back into game, a crucial period begins with a try-saving tackle from Penrith centre Stephen Crichton. Maika Sivo gets the ball for Parramatta and appears destined to score – as he has done so often before. Sivo steps inside Nathan Cleary and Dylan Edwards and can only see the line in
Penrith are attacking Parramatta’s line, up 22-0 with 23 minutes on the clock. Waqa Blake defuses a Cleary bomb and Parramatta, knowing time is against them, start chancing their arm. Reed Mahoney puts through a little kick for Bailey Simonsson, who sets off down field. He seems destined to score, out-pacing Api Koroisau and Charlie Staines and heading down the western touchline. Dylan Edwards has rushed across field and brings Simonsson down and into touch with a brilliant cover tackle. It is a crucial moment – not only does it stop a certain Parramatta try, but the Panthers score again soon after to stop any chance of an Eels comeback.
59th minute: Staines seals it Up 22-0 and with time running out for the Eels, the Panthers again attack the line knowing that one more try would seal the Grand Final. Isaah Yeo makes some solid yards on the fourth tackle, forcing the Eels’ defence to retreat. He gets a sneaky offload away to Cleary who after a quick dummy is able to release the ball to Dylan Edwards. Fresh from his incredible try-saving tackle just a set earlier, Edwards draws the defence and then gets the ball away to Charlie Staines, who wrong-foots Clint Gutherson and crashes over for his first Grand Final try. It puts Penrith up 28-0.
Dylan Edwards makes an inspirational tackle in the Grand Final. Photo: NRL Images.
collected some of the best post-match comments from those involved with Sunday’s NRL Grand Final between Penrith and Parramatta. Here’s what the key people said:
“I’m lucky to even be part of this team. They’re my brothers and I love going to work with them each week.” Dylan Edwards
“I was really grateful to have another opportunity to play in a Grand Final and really happy that we got the win.” Brian To’o
“Parra are our sons.” James Fisher-Harris
“They’re a great team and they made us pay. I’m super proud to be able to lead this club here. It’s really disappointing but that’s footy, someone has to lose and unfortunately it was us tonight.” Clint Gutherson
“It’s been 11 years and I’ve loved every moment. I’ve been pretty privileged to work with such a great group of people. They’re such a pleasure to coach, so it’s really cool to have this moment now. I’ve learned lessons every day.” Cameron Ciraldo
“It took me six or seven years to win my first Grand Final. It took me a while to get here, so I’m privileged to be a part of it and enjoyed every second of it.” Isaah Yeo
worked
where
am now,
just the best, living the dream!” Scott Sorensen
don’t think
ever seen a team work as well together as this team. There’s just no ego. Nobody got ahead of themselves. Their football improved.” Brad Fittler
“They destroyed and demoralised, winning pretty with speed and finesse one moment, while triumphing ugly with power and toughness the next. Essentially, the wolves starved Parramatta of possession. It was a game for the hunters, not the Hamlets. There was little indecision from the Panthers. In fact, there were times when their play was too instinctive.”
“It promised to be a western Sydney epic but turned into an 80-minute lap of honour for the defending premiers, the match effectively put to bed the moment Panthers winger Brian To’o dived over for his side’s second try of the night... Penrith’s two premierships confirm their standing as one of the great teams of the NRL era. Any era, really.” Andrew Webster (journalist)
“They’re a very good team. They played very well that first half. They played too fast for us. We’re disappointed. We were beaten by a better team, they were too good for us tonight. It was a tough road to get here and maybe the tough road took a toll on us.”
Brad Arthur
“To achieve something like that, back-toback, is crazy. I love these boys and I’m blessed to be part of this group.” Jarome Luai
“The coach just said to come out and start fast. We wanted to put a statement on the game.” Moses Leota
“They’re so consistent. They leave their egos at the door, they come in and get on well and do everything for the team.”
Ivan Cleary
“I think that first half was the best we’ve ever played. It’s a privilege to put on a Penrith jersey.”
Nathan Cleary
Roy Masters
The dust had barely settled on the Panthers’ emphatic 28-12 win over the Eels last Sunday when Penrith supporters, myself included, started to think about one more waltz at the big dance in 2023. Yep, I’m talking about a sporting feat which is hard to achieve but not impossible and that’s winning premierships three years in a row.
Now I know what you’re all think ing. I’m getting carried away with the back-to-back Premiership win and the endorphins going off in my head are making me say stupid things.
But let’s look at it logically for a moment. Sure, two key players are leaving the team. Two superstar players in Villiame Kikau and Apisai Koroisau. However, most of the team will still be the same next year.
First up is recently crowned Clive Churchill winner Dylan Edwards, he’ll be back, as will Brian To’o, Izack Tago, Stephen Crichton, Taylan May, Jarome Luai, Nathan Cleary, James Fisher-Harris, Mitch Kenny, Moses Leota, Liam Martin, Scott Sorensen, Isaah Yeo and Spencer Leniu.
Not a bad group of players if you ask me. The only doubt is over Jaeman Salmon, who is yet to re-sign.
A look at the coaching staff
shows that both assistant coaches in Cameron Ciraldo and Andrew Webster are moving on to take-up head coaching roles elsewhere but the main man, head coach Ivan Cleary is also going nowhere.
Now while Api cannot be replaced, there are two players who can fill the breach and yes, it will take both Mitch Kenny and Soni Luke to cover for Koroisau’s loss.
I think both Kenny and Luke can do it as a combo. Kenny with his defence and Luke with his running game.
As for the backrow loss of Kikau, well, again the signing of Luke Garner will help fill the void and once again, if he works in tandem with Scott Sorensen, problem solved.
At the end of the day, it’s good to
have a small turnover of players each year. It keeps everyone hungry. Don’t forget Penrith did win the NSW Cup, Jersey Flegg and SG Ball Grand Finals as well.
There’s some pretty handy players waiting for their opportunity, while a few new faces in the coaches box will also keep things fresh in the coaching department. Bring on the three-peat.
Penrith’s Premiership window remains very much open. Photo: NRL Images.
Brought to you by
! Panthers party hard: Nobody can deny that the Panthers know how to party. The celebrations in the dressing room after the game were absolutely epic as the reality of what was achieved started to set in. The team didn't arrive back in Penrith until well after 1am, joining a private function at the EVAN Theatre. Viliame Kikau was clearly best on ground at the event. While a few hours' sleep was achieved by some on Monday morning, a chunk of the playing group was back on deck after the BlueBet Stadium fan day, heading to the Log Cabin and Duck Duck Goose on Monday, along with other venues, as the cele brations rolled on.
! O’Neill joins celebrations: One familiar face on the field after the Grand Final was former Panthers Chairman Dave O’Neill. He missed out on the fanfare of winning the Premiership last year due to the lockdown in Sydney and the relocation of the competition to Queensland. It was only fitting that despite being voted off the Board earlier this year, he had the opportunity to participate in the cele brations. O’Neill also travelled back to Penrith with the rest of the Board late on Sunday night.
!
Cleary's Dally M snub: He may be one of the most popular and marketable players in the game but Nathan Cleary wasn’t even invited to the Dally M Awards last Wednesday night. While his suspension meant he was nev er going to win the game’s highest individual honour, it seems odd he wouldn’t be at the game’s night of nights. I’m told Cleary enjoyed some dinner at Goji instead.
! Panthers on parade: Well done to all who got involved with the car parade that left from Jamison Park on Sunday morning. For an unofficial event not organised by the club, it was a stunning success with so much Panther
pride and spirit on display (pictured below). The perfect way to kick-off Grand Final Day.
! Streaming success: While Channel Nine would be concerned about the low TV ratings for the Grand Final, they’re over the moon with the streaming figures. The game attracted a record streaming audience of 389,000 on 9Now.
! Yeo’s big honour: Isaah Yeo will vice-cap tain the Australian side at the World Cup after being named in the Kangaroos squad on Monday. Nathan Cleary was also named in the squad along with Liam Martin, both of
! Noisy night: The staff at the Mercure Hotel at Panthers certainly don’t miss a beat. They left free ear plugs in every room on Grand Final night (pictured above), getting ahead of potential complaints due to noise in the precinct from the Grand Final celebrations.
! Spotted: 2003 Grand Final winners Luke Priddis, Rhys Wesser and Luke Swain all cheering hard for the Panthers at Accor Stadi um on Sunday night.
! ‘Today Show’ in town: Plenty of Penrith fans had an early start to Grand Final weekend when they headed down to Panthers Leagues
Club on Friday morning for a live broadcast from the ‘Today Show’ (pictured above). We're told Karl Stefanovic was a big fan of Chopstix or Fork.
! Eels ban Panthers: Parramatta Leagues Club refused entry to anyone wearing a Pen rith jersey on Grand Final Day. Panthers had no such rules, with all welcome.
! Back in the mix: Don’t be surprised if former Penrith hooker Brad Drew has a big role with the club next year, while Hayden Knowles is a chance of returning to the foot of the Mountains as a trainer.
! Summer masked: See you next week! My column continues through the off-season.
whom will make their Kangaroos debut at the tournament. Dylan Edwards has been named as a standby player. Nathan Cleary celebrates in the dressing room. Photo: NRL Images.Penrith Panthers’ 2022 Telstra NRL Premiership victory with these official licensed Premiership rings, available only from The Bradford Exchange. The men’s ring captures the power of the Penrith Panthers in gleaming 18K gold plate. The official team logo is magnificently recreated in rich, full colour, surrounded by the proud title “NRL Premiers 2022”. The sculpted word “PREMIERS” powers up in full dimensional glory. The iconic NRL emblem accents each side of the ring, while the date and score of the Grand Final are masterfully engraved on the inner band. The elegant twin-band design of the women’s ring shimmers in 18K gold plate and features an open heart, which frames the team logo in brilliant team-colours. The top of the heart is accented with glittering crystals for a look of pure, sparkling elegance. Two pavé-set ribbons of crystals wrap around the ring’s band, while the uplifting statement “NRL PREMIERS 2022” is expertly engraved inside the band.
Available for a limited time only, the men’s ring can be yours for just 5 instalments of $59.99 or $299.95, plus $19.99 postage and handling. The women’s ring is available for just 5 instalments of $49.99 or $249.95, plus $19.99 postage and handling. Each is
Photographer Melinda Jane captured some familiar faces, some very tired players and thousands of ecstatic fans the morning after the Grand Final at BlueBet Stadium.
Eager to continue celebrating the 28-12 win over Parramatta at Accor Stadium, fans packed into Penrith’s traditional home to congratulate coach Ivan Cleary and the playing group.
The Telstra Premiership trophy was presented to the fans, who broke into a cheeky “we hate Parra” chant before the morning concluded.
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Season 2022 was another extraordinary year at the foot of the Mountains. To be only the second club in 30 years to win back-to-back titles is an enormous achievement, and one put down to hard work and determination across the board. We reflect on the year’s best in our Extra Time Awards for 2022…
While he’s been getting stronger and more valuable with each and every season he plays, 2022 was the making of fullback Dylan Edwards.
After a career plagued with injury, the 26-year-old Merv Cartwright Medallist played all but two games this season, scoring nine tries overall and running, on average, 223 metres per game.
Edwards was one of the contenders for this year’s coveted Dally M Medal, but he ultimately got the best acco lade of all when he was named Clive Churchill Medallist in last Sunday’s NRL Grand Final.
With another couple of years left on
his current contract, you can expect Edwards to continue his upward trajectory of being one of Penrith’s best every week.
2021 winner: Nathan ClearyEven though he officially debuted in 2021, 2022 was winger Taylan May’s recognised rookie season. Nicknamed ‘Tiny’, the 21-year-old played his first game in Round 3 and kept his spot through to Round 22 when injury briefly struck.
May would quickly return to the line-up, scoring two tries against the New Zealand Warriors in Round 24 to notch up 16 tries for the season –the most of any player this year.
May played his first Finals game in 2022 and was robbed of more games after injuring himself against Parramatta.
After he serves his two-game suspension for an off-field incident next season, May will be one of the first players picked in Ivan Cleary’s side.
2021 winner: Charlie Staines
Extra Time Win of the Year: v Rabbitohs, Round 23
While Penrith and South Sydney have enjoyed many thrilling encoun ters in recent years, their late season clash at Accor Stadium was one of the best.
The second Grand Final rematch of the year had just about everything and more. With Penrith down on troops – namely Nathan Cleary, Jarome Luai and James Fisher-Harris – and coming off a loss to Melbourne the week prior, all they needed to do was win to secure the club the Minor Premiership.
With the Rabbitohs and Panthers locked up in the dying stages, it took unlikely hero Liam Martin, who had a couple of tries denied earlier in the match, to break the deadlock in the 78th minute.
2021 winner: v Storm, Prelimi nary Final
Extra Time Moment of the Year: Panthers go back-to-back
It was the Grand Final everyone craved – Penrith v Parramatta. Who would win the ultimate Battle of the
West? Coming off their best regular season in history, Penrith were firm favourites to get the job done at Accor Stadium last Sunday evening.
In front of more than 82,000 fans and up 18-0 at half-time, the Panthers had one hand on the trophy before they put their foot down in the second half to go on and secure backto-back premierships and the club’s fourth overall.
It was a wonderful night that supporters missed out on last year, but it was worth every bit of the wait!
2021 winner: Panthers win third NRL Premiership
Extra Time Headline Event of the Year: Panthers win all four grades
It had never been done before and will likely never be done again, a club winning all four major competitions in the single season. Not only did the Panthers win the 2022 NRL Premier ship, but they also racked up the NSW Cup title, the Jersey Flegg Cup title and the SG Ball Cup title in the same season. The monumental feat only further proves that strong junior development and systems are the key ingredients to sustained success.
2021 winner: NRL relocates to Queensland
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