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Penrith has been swept up in Grand Final fever again this week after Ivan Cleary’s side made their fifth consecutive NRL decider.
Proving it just doesn’t get old, homes and businesses have gone all out decorating in Panthers colours this week while thousands attended an open training session on Tuesday morning.
Penrith is the first club in 53 years to make five straight Grand Finals, mirroring the efforts of the legendary South Sydney side of the late 1960s and early 1970s.
“We’re so happy to be back in the Grand Final. It’s so hard to get there,” Cleary said.
“It’s surreal actually.”
Sunday night’s decider against the Storm gives Penrith the opportunity to exact revenge against the last side to beat them in a Grand Final.
Melbourne won 26-20 on that night in 2020 and taught Penrith a lesson when it came to experience in big games.
But the shoe could be on the other foot this time around.
Paul Alamoti, who plays in his first Grand Final on Sunday night, believes Penrith’s overall experience will get them across the line.
of the boys here have been at this stage before and won it,” he said.
“That’s probably the only edge we have at the moment, knowing a lot
“I was watching after the Storm game and they have only five players
Panthers Rookie of the Year contender
Liam Henry has been a spectator at Accor Stadium for the last couple of NRL deciders, but on Sunday evening he’ll get to live out his childhood dream when he finally gets to hit the pitch and play in the match.
Instead of celebrating after the game with his triumphant teammates, the 23-year-old will now get to be a part of the action when Panthers coach Ivan Cleary calls his number on Sunday night.
Speaking with the Weekender on Tuesday, an excited Henry said it doesn’t get much better than reaching a Grand Final in your first full rookie season.
“Coming to pre-season training in November, the goal was to be here on Grand Final Day and to do that is pretty special,” he said.
“This week has a been a little crazy. I’m still pinching myself. I can’t get my head around it just yet but I’m just trying to take every day in, embrace it and try not to think too far ahead.
“I just want to enjoy the week, I’m really excited!”
Fuelling Henry’s excitement ahead of Sunday’s match against the Melbourne Storm is his loving family, who hail from Blayney in the state’s Central West.
Henry said scores of his nearest and dearest will be hitting the Great Western Highway this weekend bound for the ‘big smoke’.
“The whole family is excited! They all came to last week’s game against Cronulla and were stoked. They’ll be there on Sunday with bells on, I reckon,” he said.
“There will be a few of them coming down. You could probably fill a couple of mini buses, but nah they’ll just drive down separately and stay at our place, so it should be a good day.”
And while many of his teammates will be chasing history by winning four consecutive competitions, Henry will be chasing a slice of his own as he goes for his first.
“I’d be stoked to achieve that,” Henry said.
“It’s something you think about and something you dream about as a kid and now that we have a shot at it, it’s very special. As I said before, I’m trying not to think too much about the result, I’m just worrying about the week. But it’s definitely something I’m looking forward to.”
Standing in Penrith’s way of another NRL title is the mighty Melbourne Storm, who beat Penrith twice in the regular season.
The young forward said he’s hopeful he and the boys can get the job done when it really counts.
“I think the Storm have been the benchmark all year. They’re the number one side and the Minor Premiers,” he said.
It wasn’t that long ago that Accor Stadium, the venue for this Sunday’s NRL Grand Final, was Paul Alamoti’s home ground as a member of the Canterbury Bulldogs.
The hardworking Panthers centre played 19 games with the Dogs last year – eight of those at home – but none of those fixtures will come close to what he’ll experience at the former Olympic stadium come Sunday night.
Last Saturday, when the full-time siren rang sending Penrith to a fifth straight decider, Alamoti had to put a lid on his celebrations even though – deep inside – he couldn’t contain his excitement at how far he has come as a player in the space of 12 months.
While his more experienced teammates knew the job was far from over, Alamoti tapered his joy somewhat as fans celebrated in the stands.
“That’s exactly how I felt, I just fed off the energy of the boys because they’ve been here for the last five years,” Alamoti told the Weekender
“I kind of kept the same feeling that they did, but afterwards – 20 minutes after the game – I stood there to soak it all in. I wanted to be present and understand where I’m at and what I’ve achieved. That’s when the emotion started to kick in, just the realisation where I was at.”
Alamoti, who has played 15 games for the Panthers this season, enjoyed the best game of his short career during last Saturday’s Preliminary Final against the Cronulla Sharks.
Not only did he score two important tries,
but Penrith coach Ivan Cleary made special mention of him during his post-match press conference.
Alamoti said he was happy that he was able to contribute to the result like he did.
“One of the best things is knowing that I was able to contribute to the game and put in a good performance for the boys, knowing they can trust me on such a big occasion,” he said.
“That game was probably the best prep I could get for a Grand Final and it was good knowing that we all performed well and we’re going into the game feeling good.”
Still residing in the family home in Revesby, family is hugely important to Alamoti and he’ll have plenty in the stands this Sunday at Accor Stadium.
“I’ve got a fair few tickets, a big turn-out,” he revealed.
“Normally my family come to watch me every week. My family has been there from the beginning since I started playing footy, so it will be no different this weekend.
“Not every player experiences a Grand Final, so for me to get here so early in my career – two years in –it’s very special.”
Mitch Kenny is not always considered one of the glamour players of rugby league, but come Sunday night there is no doubt he could prove to be a game breaker.
The 26-year-old first played in an NRL Grand Final in 2022, still serving as an understudy to a departing Api Koroisau, before he was given the reigns at hooker in 2023.
As Kenny prepares for his third Grand Final, his opposite number nine, Harry Grant, is getting ready for his first.
Grant is often labelled as one of the best hookers in the game, but Kenny has faith that his own game is enough to get his side the win.
“I don’t try to be anyone else,” Kenny said.
“He’s one of, if not the best hooker in the comp, he can do things that I think no one else can but I wouldn’t go out and try to emulate him at all, I’ll just do my job.
“I know my role, it’s pretty clear here at the team and when I do that well it adds value, so I’ll just be trying to do that for us.”
The city of Penrith is alive with decorations and is right behind the
team as they prepare to take their fourth Premiership, something Kenny said is a big motivator for the team.
“It’s massive for us,” Kenny said. “We always talk about, here as a footy club a goal of ours is to be a source of community pride and
I think because we are a little bit isolated out here and removed from the city that we feel like a community club.
“Walk the streets [and] people wear the jerseys, people decorate their house, it’s certainly a footy town and to have their support means the world to us so we are always trying to make them proud and having days like the open training session where they come out and you can see how proud they are of you is super special and it’s nice to connect with them.”
Preparation in Grand Final week is always going to be a little bit different from the usual week-to-week experience during the regular season, but Kenny said that embracing the difference helps to keep preparation on track.
“It is a bit different, and I think that is important to acknowledge,” Kenny said.
“If you try to ignore the fact that you’re playing a Grand Final and suppress the feelings and the stuff that comes with that I don’t think that will help but it’s important that while we are at training we are at training and we stay present and we aren’t looking too far ahead and just take things one drill, one training session, one day at a time.”
As for how Kenny thinks the game will go on Sunday, the Panthers will be bringing home the trophy.
“Penrith to win,” Kenny said. “I’ll take it by one, I’ll take it by anything!”
James Fisher-Harris is just 80 minutes away from finishing an NRL career that started all the way back on March 5, 2016.
Since then, he’s claimed three Premiership rings, played more than 200 NRL games for the Penrith club, won the Golden Boot, the Merv Cartwright Medal and become a mainstay of the New Zealand side.
To use the word glittering when discussing his career would be an understatement.
For his time at Penrith to end in another Grand Final? That’s the stuff of Hollywood scriptwriters, though those scriptwriters are well attuned to delivering history-making Panthers moments.
“It’s pretty good that this is my last – making another Grand Final,” Fisher-Harris told the Weekender
“It’s sort of sunk in that it’s my last game, but it does feel like just another week in some ways to be honest.”
As his time at Penrith nears its conclusion, it means Fisher-Harris’ desire to head home to his native New Zealand is getting closer, as is joining the Warriors for 2025.
But getting ahead of himself? Not in his nature.
“I’m just where my feet are at the moment,” he said.
“I’m just making the most of it, you can’t just be sad and sulking around the whole
time. I’m enjoying it.”
Meantime, Fisher-Harris admits he feels sorry for his Kiwis teammate Nelson Asofa-Solomona, who will miss Sunday’s Grand Final after being suspended by the NRL judiciary.
“It was a bit of a harsh one for him,” he said.
“Five weeks is a long time to be suspended. As a Kiwi teammate I feel sorry for him, but at the same time Lindsay Collins didn’t get to play much at all as a result of the hit.”
Fisher-Harris doesn’t expect Melbourne to be any less dangerous with Asofa-Solomona out.
“They’re there for a reason, they’ve been the best team all year,” he said.
“It’ll change a little bit but at the same time they’re there for a reason.”
There is one other factor driving
Penrith’s motivation this weekend: the 2020 loss to the Storm in the decider, and this Sunday’s opportunity for a slice of revenge.
“We were a young team then but it’s what we learned from that game that has kept us going and been a part of what we’ve been able to do,” he said.
But will it be mentioned in the lead-up, among the players who remain from that devastating October night four years ago?
“Maybe,” he says with a smile.
Jarome Luai may be wearing a Penrith jersey for the final time of his decorated Panthers career this Sunday night, but that doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll be leaving Penrith altogether.
Ahead of his fifth consecutive NRL Grand Final this weekend, the man of the moment has revealed to the Weekender that while he’ll be playing elsewhere next season, he’ll be
to grow up in the area as well and experience the greatness of Penrith.”
Luai’s family is hugely important to him. His three beautiful kids and his fiancé Bailey are the apple of his eye. The 27-year-old said he’s been blessed to have his family on this ‘last ride’ with him.
“That’s why I’m grateful to be here… I’m not making memories just for myself, my family’s along for this ride too and the success we’ve had means just as much to them as it does to me,” Luai said.
of memories, they’ve given them to my whole family too.”
Luai has changed a lot as a person and as a player since his very first Grand Final appearance in 2020 to now his fifth in 2024, but one thing that hasn’t changed is his appreciation of being able to compete at the highest-level year in, year out.
“It has been a long year and I’m just really grateful to feel strong and to feel good leading into this game,” he said.
“Last year I was battling to
that.”
The Melbourne Storm pose a huge threat to Penrith’s chances of a four-peat. They were the team that were there at the start of this incredible dynasty five years ago and they could be the team to end it all.
Just how Luai reflects on the success of his final season at the Panthers will depend on what happens come 9.30pm this Sunday night.
“I want to enjoy this week because reaching this far is pretty special. I never take that lightly – the effort and the achievement that it takes to
Join the action and watch the excitement of the 2024 NRL Grand Final on the big screen at Penrith City Council’s live site in The Mondo this Sunday with food trucks, entertainment, and face painting for the kids.
This is an alcohol-free family-friendly event:
Pre-event entertainment: 6pm start Kick-off: 7.30pm.
Grab a bean bag or BYO chairs and picnic blankets.
Just in case you need a pointless stat to keep your mind at ease this week, consider this: In each of Penrith’s five Premiership wins, the team they ultimately defeated in the Grand Final had beaten them at some point in the same year.
In 1991, Canberra thrashed Penrith 20-0 at Bruce Stadium in Round 11, before turning it around in the Grand Final and winning 19-12.
In 2003, the Roosters downed Penrith 38-24, only for the result to be reversed on Grand Final Day.
We all know South Sydney produced an epic Qualifying Final win over Penrith in 2021, only to go down in the Grand Final a few weeks later. The Eels beat Penrith twice in the regular season in 2022, only to fall over in both the Qualifying Final and Grand Final, while in 2023 Brisbane opened the regular season with a win over Penrith – and we all know what happened in the decider.
Fitting then that the Storm has beaten the Panthers twice during this year’s regular season.
What does it all mean?
Nothing, really. But sometimes in Grand Final Week, you take all you can get.
Sunday night’s clash at Accor Stadium has all the makings of one of the great Grand Finals. Neither of these teams is underdone. Both are at virtually full strength, outside of Nelson Asofa-Solomona for Melbourne (suspended) and Scott Sorensen for Penrith (injury, though he may be a late starter). And both have been here, done that in terms of Grand Finals. Both teams came through the Finals relatively easy, both producing comfortable wins over the Sharks and Roosters. The form line couldn’t be more even.
There is no question the two best halfbacks in the competition come up against each other on Sunday night.
On one side of the field, the brilliance of Nathan Cleary – a year scarred by injury, yet he returns in the Finals and it just all clicks. If ever you wanted evidence this was his team, you only had to watch this Finals series unfold.
“The two best halfbacks in the competition come up against each other on
And Jahrome Hughes – almost a quiet achiever at times, he has exploded out of his shell this year and produced his best season
for the Storm. And just to cap it off, he plays his 150th first grade game in this Grand Final – and we all know how much the Storm love a milestone game.
Both Cleary and Hughes are the keys to the two most exciting spines in the game.
What a privilege it will be to see them go head to head on Sunday.
At fullback you’ve got the spectacular Ryan Papenhuyzen for Melbourne – it’s almost ninjalike how he slides through defensive lines and when he gets into open space, he’s almost impossible to stop.
Penrith’s Dylan Edwards may not be as quick but is there a better effort player in the game? When the chips are down and you need someone to produce something, Edwards will step up.
At five-eighth you’ve got the two cheekiest players on the field – Cameron Munster and Jarome Luai. Both know how to get the party
started but when it comes down to business, both can match the talk with ability. And at hooker, it’s hard to believe Harry Grant is playing in his first Grand Final. He has been brilliant for the Storm all year, and how gets his opportunity to deliver on the NRL’s biggest stage.
His opposite number in Mitch Kenny was almost unwanted by the Penrith fan base following the departure of Api Koroisau. There were signs he just wouldn’t make it. But Kenny now has two Premiership rings and has become one of the most vital cogs in this Penrith team.
But as exciting as those spines are, let’s get to where this game will be won: the forwards.
It’s why I believe the Panthers will emerge victorious on Sunday night.
The loss of Asofa-Solomona is huge for Melbourne, not just based on what he brings to the side each week, but purely his presence on the park helps the Storm grow an extra leg.
And as good as the likes of Josh King, Shawn Blore and especially Eliesa Katoa have been this season, this Penrith pack just packs a better punch.
James Fisher-Harris, in his final game for Penrith and determined to go out a winner.
Moses Leota, a little quite in recent weeks but always ready to explode on the big stage, as we saw in last year’s amazing Grand Final.
Liam Martin, who after an underwhelming season has been strong in the Finals and knows how to deliver when the stakes are high. There is regular Marto, and there is Finals Marto.
And of course, Isaah Yeo.
Without question the best lock in the game and coming off one of his best seasons, his running and footwork this year has been second to none.
The other battle of course is in the coach’s box.
Craig Bellamy is considered one of the greatest NRL coaches of all time, and there is no question that what he’s done with the Storm since arriving in 2003 is worthy of rugby league folklore. With the 2007 and 2009 stripped Premierships taken into account, Bellamy has guided the Storm to three Grand Final wins – 2012, 2017 and 2020.
And it would be that last Premiership that stings the man sitting nearby on Sunday night in the shape of Ivan Cleary, who too has won three Grand Finals with the Panthers.
“How
anyone could have wanted a Grand Final other than this is beyond me. If you love rugby league, this is the game you deserve.”
The 2020 Grand Final loss to the Storm probably hasn’t been talked about much this week, given what happened in the three years after. The Panthers are in no way defined by that defeat.
But I wouldn’t mind betting that Ivan Cleary has gathered the players still around from that game – Tip: Panthers by 2.
Travel on trains is included in your match ticket, simply show your ticket to staff when boarding services.
From Penrith, express trains will run from Penrith every 15 minutes from 1pm until 9.30pm – stopping at Seven Hills, Westmead, Parramatta, Granville, Lidcombe then Olympic Park.
Trains also run regularly to Lidcombe where you can head to Platform Zero for a direct train to Olympic Park, running every 10 minutes until late.
Getting home, limited-stop services will leave Olympic Park every 10 minutes until 11.30pm, then every 20 minutes until midnight – stopping at Lidcombe, Granville, Parramatta, Seven Hills, Blacktown and then all stations to Penrith and Emu Plains.
There is limited parking remaining at Accor Stadium on Sunday night, and parking must be pre-booked via the Sydney Olympic Park website.
Taxi ranks are located on Herb Elliott Avenue.
The TAB is struggling to split the Panthers and Storm heading into Sunday night’s decider.
As of Wednesday morning, the Storm were at $1.85 while the Panthers were outsiders at $2.00.
It was tighter at Sportsbet, where the Storm were $1.90 favourites with the Panthers at $1.94.
SportsBet has Jarome Hughes and
The famous Penrith Panthers Grand Final Day parade is back this Sunday from 10.00am at Jamison Park.
Fans are encouraged to decorate their cars in Panthers colours and theming, and take part in the parade.
Once it leaves Jamison Park, the car parade will make its way through Penrith.
If you aren’t taking part in the parade, fans are encouraged to gather at Jamison Park for an unofficial Grand Final pre-party and see the parade take off. Get there from 8.00am.
Nathan Cleary equal in betting for the Clive Churchill Medal at $4.50, with Cameron Munster on the next line of betting at $8.00 and Dylan Edwards and Harry Grant at $10.00.
Brian To’o is shortest in the anytime tryscorer market at $1.73.
If you’re having a bet this weekend, make sure you do so responsibly. Support is available.
1.00pm Gates Open
1.20pm NRL State Championship Grand Final Kick-Off
3.55pm NRLW Telstra Premiership Grand Final Kick-Off
6.30pm NRL Grand Final Pre-Game Show
7.30pm NRL Telstra Premiership Grand Final Kick-Off
9.30pm Post-match presentation
There are so many places around Penrith you can watch the game on Sunday night, including most of your favourite pubs and clubs. Here’s some of the highlights: Panthers Leagues Club: There is a ticketed event in The Backyard, which has sold out. The game will be shown on other screens throughout the club. The club is expected to be extremely busy post-game and entry may be restricted.
The Mondo: Penrith City Council is hosting a free family-friendly live site at The Mondo, between Westfield Penrith and The Joan in the Penrith CBD. The event is alcohol-free with
Nine’s Wide World of Sports will celebrate Grand Final Day with 16 hours of wall-to-wall live coverage of rugby league’s biggest day, culminating in the exclusive broadcast of the NRL Grand Final.
Grand Final Day starts live from 7.00am at Accor Stadium in Sydney with ‘Weekend Today’, which will be followed by ‘Wide World of Sports’ at 10.00am and ‘The Sunday Footy Show’ at 11.00am.
Nine will then broadcast
pre-event entertainment getting away at 6pm before the game at 7.30pm. Saints Leagues: The game will be live and loud at St Marys Leagues Club in the Saints Spors Bar. Pioneer Tavern: Watch the game at Panthers legend Mark Geyer’s favour- ite pub! The game will be on live and loud from 7.30pm.
Penrith RSL: The game will be live at Penrith RSL and you can take part in the NRL Finals Promotion, which gives you the chance to win a VB Bar Fridge. Simply purchase a VB on Grand Final Day for your chance to win. Prize also includes a VB shirt and stubby cooler.
all three grades, the pre-match entertainment and the postmatch presentation.
Fox League will not have
live coverage of the NRL Grand Final itself, but will still be on air throughout Grand Final Day. A replay with their own commentary airs at 9.30pm.
For those listening on radio, there’s a plethora of options with ABC 702, Triple M, 2GB, SEN and Koori Radio all calling the game.
The Sunday Telegraph and The Sun-Herald will both release special editions on Grand Final Day with wallto-wall coverage.
The post-game press conferences will be streamed on NRL.COM.
The Weekender will release a special edition of Extra Time on October 11.
Grammy nominated, multi-platinum chart-topping global superstar The Kid LAROI will headline the 2024 NRL and NRLW Telstra Premier- ship Grand Final Enter- tainment.
A proud Kamilaroi man and die-hard South Sydney Rabbi- tohs fan who grew up in Sydney’s southern suburbs, The Kid LAROI most recently released the deluxe version of his hit
album, ‘The First time’, which included his latest single, ‘Girls’. The Kid LAROI just completed the North American leg of The First Time Tour, pack ing venues in 31 cities. This Novem ber, he will return to Australia with special guests Quavo ONEFOURand for a massive arena run of live shows.
Smoking is not permitted anywhere in the stadium, except in designated smoking areas. This includes electronic cigarettes personal vaporisers, electronic nicotine delivery systems, or other battery powered vaporisers.
Accor Stadium is a cashless venue with all trans-
actions at food outlets, bars and merchandise areas via cards only. There are no ATMs at the venue. Bag sizes are limited to 30cm x 40cm and all bags are subject to security checks on entry. For safety reasons, strollers and prams are not permitted into the stadium’s seating bowl.
Strollers and prams may be cloaked with Accor Stadium staff. There are First Aid facilities located through out the stadium. Please speak to one of the event staff on the day for assistance locating them. Fans can get free access to high speed Wi-Fi when at Accor Stadium.
Grand Final Day will be full of epic footy games with a clash between NSW State Champions, the Newtown Jets, and the QLD State Champions, the Norths Devils, to see who will get the bragging rights as the number one state, followed by the NRLW Grand Final between the Cronulla Sutherland Sharks and the Sydney Roosters before the mighty Penrith Panthers take on the Melbourne Storm.
The Jets are coming off a tight win against the North Sydney Bears, 28-22, whereas the Devils are sitting a bit prettier with a conclusive win against the Redcliffe Dolphins, 34-20.
It’s hard to go past the Jets for the win as they aim to claim the ninth State Championship Cup, having last won in 2019.
The Devils last played in the State Championship in 2022 but didn’t manage the win, however they hold the weight of Queensland on their back as the state’s only team involved in Grand Final Day.
Keep an eye on Jets halfback Niwhai Puru who can break open any game and Devils second rower Oryn Keeley who just took home the Devils’ player of the year award despite missing some of the season to play for the NRL Dolphins team.
My tip: Jets to win in a close game.
Coverage for the State Championship starts at 1pm on Channel Nine for a 1.20pm kick-off.
The NRLW Grand Final is set to be a big one
they beat the Brisbane Broncos 14-0 in last week’s Preliminary Final.
having squashed the Newcastle Knights’ chance at a three-peat in a 25-16 win.
The last time these two sides met was at the start of September where the Roosters delivered a 40-0 flogging, something Roosters Coach John Strange said won’t make his team complacent.
“We caught them off guard that day to be perfectly honest,” Strange said.
“Things went our way, our girls played well but there was a few things that went our way and I don’t think they were super up for it because they were already four points clear at the time.
“Their mindset has readjusted. They were leading the comp after six rounds by four points, they’ve got strike everywehre.
“I think its going to be a really tough game for us.”
The Sharks are getting excited for their first Grand Final Week according to Coach Tony Herman.
“We will enjoy the start to the week and work really hard and put out a good performance next week,” Herman said.
Keep an eye out on Roosters fullback Sam Bremner who was pulled out of retirement to play another season; the veteran has won many accolades in the game but is yet to grab a Premiership, so expect a big game.
As for the Sharks it’s hard to look past fiveeighth/fullback Emma Tonegato who can rip the game open.
My tip: Roosters to win by a try.
The
ever Grand Final in their first year in the NRLW after
One of the game’s top referees Ashley Klein will return to the Grand Final arena when he officiates this Sunday night’s Premiership decider between Penrith and Melbourne at Accor Stadium.
Klein, who will referee his third NRL Grand Final, was awarded the coveted gig on Tuesday by NRL Executive General Manager – Elite Competitions Graham Annesley and General Manager Elite Officiating Jarrod Maxwell.
“Like players, referees work hard all year with the aim of appearing on Grand Final Day,” Annesley said.
“On behalf of the NRL, I congratulate all of the Match Officials appointed and wish them all the best for Sunday.”
Maxwell said Klein is highly experienced, having successfully refereed the entire State of Origin series earlier this year.
“Ashley has been excellent in the Finals Series and comes with enormous experience in big games. He refereed in all three State of Origins this year and has shown the required consistency and aptitude throughout 2024,” he said.
“Only very recently, Ashley celebrated his 400th game as an NRL referee. He has also refereed in 28 Finals matches and 17 State of Origins. That experience will be invaluable in a Premiership decider.”
Joining Klein on the field will be touch judges David Munro and Chris Sutton, while Grant Atkins will be the Bunker Review Official.
Klein said he was looking forward to returning to the middle on the game’s biggest day.
“This one means a lot,” he said.
“Obviously there was the disappointment of last year, but that also gave me the motivation to go into this year and perform and make it back and I’m pretty excited to be going out there on Sunday to officiate what will hopefully be a fantastic game with the top two teams in the competition.”
Returning to the NRL Bunker on Grand Final Day is Grant Atkins, a former teacher at Penola Catholic College in Emu Plains. The local father said being behind the wheel of the Bunker is a different type of beast.
“It’s a different atmosphere altogether, it’s a different type of officiating effectively,” he said.
“There’s obviously the pressure of expectation of perfection out of the Bunker compared to on field where you get a little more latitude.”
Like most seasons, officiating has been under extreme scrutiny this year with a number of questionable decisions getting under the skin of fans, players and coaches.
Just last weekend, Panthers coach Ivan Cleary blasted the Bunker in his post-match press conference over a controversial decision to deny Sunia Turuva a try against the Sharks.
The Roosters are looking to grab their second premiership after last winning one in 2021
Coverage for the game starts at 3.10pm on Channel Nine for a 3.55pm kick off.
Grand Final Day is not complete without some good food and to make it even better, Panthersthemed food.
Here’s a few places we have found that will help you get in the Panthers’ spirit come game time on Sunday night.
Gourmet Meat Company
Gourmet Meat Company is offering a footy finals pack for $180. It includes six premium scotch fillet steaks, 2kg of beef sausages, 2kg of BBQ rissoles, 2kgs of marinated chicken wings and 12 wagyu beef burger patties. Make sure to order ahead of time in store or online at www.gourmetmeatcompany.com.au to ensure you get your hands on this pack.
Percy Plunkett
Pick up some Panthers-themed doughnuts at Percy Plunkett this weekend. DM Percy Plunkett on Instagram, @percy_plunkett,
now to get your order of black, red, green and yellow doughnuts. Four packs for $30 to be picked up on Sunday with some individual doughnuts for sale on Sunday until sold out!
East Blaxland Butchery
East Blaxland Butchery has brought back their Panthers-themed sausages ahead of the Grand Final. They have black (beef, cheese and vegemite), yellow (Malaysian chicken curry), red (Memphis BBQ beef) and green (basil pesto chicken) sausages
available for purchase. You can also get 1kg of Panthers sausages for $20. They are also offering a Grand Final meat pack for $99, which includes four sirloin steaks, eight lamb loins, 12 thin sausages and eight chicken kebabs. Purchase in store or head to their website to place an order now at www.eastblaxlandbutchery.com.au.
Donut King Nepean Village
Donut King in Nepean Village will have $20 ‘Go Panthers!’ donut boxes. It will have 12 donuts with six cinnamon and six traditional iced donuts, two strawberry, two chocolate and two caramel with a ‘Go Panthers!’ edible message. These packs must be pre-ordered and will be available to pick up on the Sunday morning of the game. Message the Donut King Nepean Village Facebook page to order, but get in quick before stock runs out!
Paris Diana Cakes
Paris Diana Cakes is encouraging Penrith to show their support with some delicious Panthers-themed cupcakes. Get a six pack for $30, a 12 pack for $55 and a 24 pack for $100. Contact the team to order on parisdianacakes@gmail.com or call them on 4731 2514.
Sweets by Kath
Sweets by Kath is offering Panthers cupcakes and will be selling eight cupcakes for $25. You’ll get four chocolate and four vanilla with Panthers decorations. Make sure to pre-order on their Facebook page to secure yours now.
October 5. They have a limit on the number you can get, so make sure to get in quick! You can get nine for $28 or individually for $3.50 or build a footy fanatic pack for $40.
Crottys Bakery
Crottys Bakery have their Panthers cupcakes ready to go! Get a six pack for $25, but they have limited stock, so make sure to pre-order now. They will be selling the cupcakes individually for $4.50 until Saturday or until stock runs out!
will have Grand Final donuts available for walk in purchases only on Saturday,
or
TIP: Storm by 8
Clive
TIP: Panthers by 8
Clive
TIP: Panthers by 8
TIP: Panthers by 4
A shortened pre-season and a trip to England takes it toll on Penrith, who fail to score a point against Melbourne to open the season. The Storm grind away and produce an 8-nil win.
The Panthers play their first home game of the year and prove too good for arch rivals Parramatta, winning 26-18. The Eels score first, but the Panthers take control mid-way through the first half.
around
The Panthers are disappointing against Manly at 4 Pines Park, with the Sea Eagles producing a 32-18 win. Dylan Edwards scores two tries, but it’s not enough to get Penrith the win.
The Panthers race away to beat the Tigers 22-6 in front of 12,000 fans at Carrington Park in Bathurst. Sunia Turuva scores a double, while Paul Alamoti and James Fisher-Harris
Nathan Cleary leaves the field injured as Penrith brush past Canterbury 16-10. Luke Garner and Brian To’o score tries for Penrith, with conversions and penalties proving the difference.
The
In a bizarre game, Brian To’o and Tommy Talau both score first half hat-tricks. Sunia Turuva bags a second half double, and Penrith down Manly 32-22 at BlueBet Stadium.
Nathan Cleary returns from injury and delivers a two-point field goal in Golden Point extra time to beat the Dolphins 28-26 in Penrith. Both teams grabbed four tries.
A hush falls over BlueBet Stadium after Nathan Cleary leaves the field with a shoulder injury that would ultimately rule him out for the rest of the regular season. Melbourne win 24-22.
Dylan Edwards stars as Penrith get past Newcastle 26-18 at McDonald Jones Stadium. The Panthers never seem overly troubled, but the Knights refuse to go away and keep it close.
Trent Toelau scores his first try in the NRL as the Panthers cruise past the Dragons 46-10 at WIN Stadium in Wollongong. Nathan Cleary bags three tries in the thrashing.
It’s tough going for the Panthers in the nation’s capital, with the Raiders winning 22-18 courtesy of a late intercept try. The loss puts Penrith’s chances of a Home Final in doubt.
Nathan Cleary returns and produces a stunning performance as the Panthers down the Roosters 30-10 in Penrith. Brian To’o, Izack Tago and Jarome Luai score tries in the opening 20 minutes to blow the Roosters away early. The Panthers lead 24-0 at the break and hold off the Roosters in the second half.
Penrith’s wet weather record is again exposed, with the Cowboys producing a 16-6 win over the Panthers in rainy conditions at BlueBet Stadium. Brad Schneider scores Penrith’s only try.
The Knights score first, but Penrith respond quickly and take control of the contest in front of more than 20,000 fans at BlueBet Stadium. The Panthers run out 22-14 victors.
South Sydney are no match for a Penrith team desperate to get the back end of the season back on track. The Panthers take an 18-6 lead into the break and are never headed, winning 34-12.
Brisbane edge to a 6-4 lead at half-time over Penrith, but fail to score a point in the second half. Brian To’o and Mitch Kenny grab second half four-pointers and the Panthers win 14-6.
Penrith produce a stunning comeback, grabbing three tries in the space of four minutes to beat Parramatta 36-34 at CommBank Stadium. Izack Tago bags the match-winner.
Penrith turn back the clock in a heritage jumper and down Gold Coast 18-12 at Penrith Park to secure a Home Final. It’s a shaky performance, but the win ensures the Panthers finish second.
3
Thousands of loyal Penrith fans packed into BlueBet Stadium on Tuesday to watch their side train ahead of Sunday’s Grand Final.
Fans were able to see the side train under the watchful eye of Ivan Cleary, before players posed for photos and signed autographs...
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There’s a photo of Daine Laurie going around, I’m sure you’ve all seen it, it’s made the rounds before the last three Grand Finals. It’s a picture of Laurie wearing a Penrith jersey while giving a big thumbs up out of his car window.
It was so controversial in 2021 because he was playing for the Wests Tigers at the time. He even had to issue an apology to Tigers supporters and explain to them that he was only wearing a Penrith jersey because he was happy his ‘good mates’ had just won the competition.
Now while Laurie may not be in the starting 17 when the Panthers run out to face the Melbourne Storm this Sunday, this year, the photo, which is being used again by a betting agency, at least makes sense.
He returned to the foot of the mountains at the end of 2023 and in 2024 Laurie has had a hand in helping the team he loves so much, reach their fifth straight Grand Final.
with Peter Lang
Laurie played 16 first grade games this season and at one stage was in such red-hot form that coach Ivan Cleary had to find a spot for him somewhere in the team.
Unfortunately, Laurie ended up on the wing for a couple of weeks, now unfortunately wing is not his
strongest position and he was dropped shortly after.
However, there’s no doubt he put in several Man-of-the-Match performances which helped the team get enough wins to finish second at the end of the regular season.
Laurie along with 11 other players can be proud that they played a big part in helping the NRL side reach the ‘big dance’ once again.
Let’s remember rugby league is a team sport and despite superstars like Nathan Cleary, Dylan Edwards and Isaah Yeo playing a bigger role than others when the team runs on to the field, without their 16 teammates each week, they could
not win a game on their own.
At the end of each year, only 17 players will get to play in the Grand Final. Other players like Daine Laurie, Trent Toelau, Jack Cole or even Mavrik Geyer will all watch the game from the sideline but they are as much a part of the team as the players who will run out on to the surface at Accor Stadium.
Whether it’s one game, two or 16 like Daine Laurie, I’d like to salute every player who played first grade for the Panthers in 2024.
I’d also like to acknowledge every player who trained with the team since last November.
opposed sessions or filled in when the superstars were missing during State of Origin.
You all deserve a pat on the back.
Congratulations boys, you all played your part. Now it’s time for the final 17 to do their bit.
The players who ran decoy plays at training, who participated in
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Here is the full list of players and the amount of first grade games they played for Penrith in 2024. Trent Toelau (13 games), Mavrik Geyer (12 games), Jack Cole (eight games), Taylan May (eight games), Casey McLean (seven games), Luron Patea (three games), Luke Sommerton (three games), Jesse McLean (two games), Soni Luke (two games), Tyrone Peachey (two games), Preston Riki (one game).
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As we stand on the brink of our fifth consecutive Grand Final, I am filled with immense pride and excitement for our club, our players, and most importantly, our dedicated members and fans. This achievement is nothing short of extraordinary and speaks volumes about the hard work and determination that defines the Panthers.
I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each of you. Our club isn’t just a team; it’s a community. Your unwavering support fuels
our passion and ambition, and we strive to be a source of pride for all of you.
A special thank you goes out to our corporate partners, especially MyPlace, our principal partner. Your commitment to the Panthers allows us to reach new heights and ensures that we can continue to provide the best for our community.
As we dive into Grand Final Week, I encourage all our fans to embrace the excitement, wear your Panthers colours with pride, and celebrate
the journey we’ve taken together. This is your moment, too!
I want to take a moment to recognise our incredible playing group, particularly as we prepare to farewell Jarome Luai, James Fisher-Harris, and Sunia Turuva. Their contributions to our club have been invaluable, and they’ll always be Panthers.
I also want to acknowledge Ivan Cleary, whose leadership has guided us to this remarkable achievement. Leading a team to five straight Grand Finals is a
testament to his vision and dedication, and we are grateful for his leadership.
Starting this week, through our stint at CommBank Stadium and then to a world-class Penrith Stadium, we need the unwavering support of our members and fans more than ever. You are the heart of this club.
Let’s enjoy this week. Thank you for being part of our Panthers family.
Together, let’s make this Grand Final unforgettable!
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! NRL rejects the west: I can reveal today that high level approaches were made to the NRL in July about holding official Grand Final fan events in western Sydney, and more specifically Penrith. With the Panthers on the verge of a fifth straight Grand Final appearance, school holidays scheduled and western Sydney being the home of rugby league’s core fan base, it made sense. But the NRL chose to ignore the plea, which had the backing of Panthers, and pushed ahead with holding its official Fan Fast at the Overseas Passenger Terminal in Sydney this week and a Footy Fest at Bondi Beach on Saturday. Even if Penrith hadn’t made the Grand Final, holding events in western Sydney should be a key part of the NRL’s strategy. You’ve got prime locations like Parramatta Square, Gipps Street and Tench Reserve to potentially hold massive events.
! Grand Final Launch: To top it off, the NRL held its Grand Final Launch (below) at Campbell’s Cove at The Rocks on Monday night, with former winger Josh Mansour Penrith’s representative.
! Legends share a brew: Tooheys will continue to be poured at bars at Panthers until 2031 after the club announced it had extended its partnership with Lion for a further seven years. With a rich history in supporting the club, Tooheys has been a proud partner of the Panthers for over 22 years, and the 2027 season will mark an astonishing 50 years of partnership with the Panthers Group. “Tooheys has been deeply embedded in the Panthers’ journey for over two decades, and the upcoming 50-year milestone in 2027 is a testament to the strength of our relationship,” Managing Director at Lion Australia, James Brindley said. “We share a common bond with the club and the Penrith community, and we’re excited to continue supporting the Panthers as they build on their success and inspire the next generation of fans. Good luck to the team!” The partnership extends across the clubs within the Panthers Group as well as the Pullman Sydney Penrith and Western Sydney Conference Centre. This collaboration, which was announced last Friday, will continue to strengthen the connection between the Pan-
thers and its loyal fan base. “Our partnership with the Tooheys brand has thrived because of our mutual values, including teamwork, innovation, outstanding results and a dedication to serving our community,” Panthers Rugby League CEO, Matt Cameron said. “I’d hate to take Tooheys off the tap and put another brand on. We’d probably lose half of our customers, so we can’t afford to do that!” Group CEO Brian Fletcher added. The new contract was celebrated by club legends Royce Simmons and Steve Carter, who shared a Tooheys at the announcement.
! Pretty in pink: The Panthers will wear their pink jersey for the first time in a Grand Final on Sunday night, with Melbourne given the right to play in their home jumper given where they finished on the ladder at the end of the regular season. With the NRL concerned of a clash between the two teams’ playing strips,
the Panthers will revert to their pink jersey for the decider.
! Spotted: Panthers back-up half-back Brad Schneider heading into Osso at Panthers for dinner on Sunday night.
! Three years in Brisbane: The Panthers’ recent deal to play a home game at Magic Round is actually a three-year agreement, meaning the club will host games at Suncorp Stadium in 2025, 2026 and 2027. There is no plan to extend the deal, with the club to return to its usual suite of home games from 2028.
! Final look at Accor: Melbourne and Penrith will both hold their Captain’s Runs at Accor Stadium on Saturday, 24 hours out from the big game on Sunday night. Storm coach Craig Bellamy will get the final word, holding his press conference after Ivan Cleary.
! Cleary escapes fine: I’m told the NRL was unhappy with the way in which Ivan Cleary addressed last Saturday night’s Bunker blunder in relation to the Sunia Turuva no try, but felt it couldn’t take any
action by way of a fine given his core point was right. Head of Football Graham Annesley confirmed on Monday that the try should have been awarded.
! Council deserves a wrap: Penrith City Council has been slammed in recent years for being slow off the mark when it comes to celebrating the Panthers. But they deserve to be commended this year – they were on the ball, with free materials available for fans even before the side had made the Grand Final and banners and flags adorning the city.
! Magic milestones: It was great to see the respect the Panthers showed Isaah Yeo by allowing him to walk out solo on to Accor Stadium last Saturday night. It was also a terrific milestone for Dylan Edwards – who celebrated his 150th game with his kids on the field after full-time.
Can you believe the Panthers will compete in their fifth straight Grand Final on Sunday night?
There’s part of me that still can’t. Anyone who has been a fan long enough to go through the tough times, will know what I mean.
To understand just how big this achievement is, you have to step back in time.
No team since the mighty South Sydney Rabbitohs of the late 1960s and early 1970s has competed in five straight Grand Finals.
And it’s quite possible no other team will do it again for another 50 years.
This is a Penrith team in elite company.
And while it is impossible to compare the modern day Panthers with the St George Dragons side that won 11 consecutive Premierships from 1956 to 1966, there is no question that Ivan Cleary’s side is in the same conversation in terms of greatest ever teams.
It will not be until this era is long gone that people pay the Panthers the respect they deserve for this run of success.
There’s still too many people declaring this Grand Final run ‘boring’, but at least the silly claims of the side being arrogant have now disappeared.
The secret to success at Penrith has been waiting in the shadows all along.
Phil Gould arriving back at Penrith as General Manager almost a decade later.
Gould would steel Penrith for the time ahead, and his part in this era of success should not be under-rated.
One of the key appointments was Matt Cameron, who was brought in to restructure the
And then there’s Ivan Cleary.
There’s so many Ivan Cleary stories that will be told once this era is put to bed, but the only one that really matters is that he answered former Chairman Dave O’Neill’s phone call in mid-2018.
It was the sliding doors moment that changed
And so as we prepare to take on the Melbourne Storm this Sunday night, the enormity of what
This is a footy side that will not rest on its past. The most foolish thing anyone could do this
SUNDAY 6TH OCTOBER
•$25 Bu et Breakfast & House beer, house wine, mimosa or soft drink - 7am - 10am
•Lunch special – ‘Panther burger ’
•Open until late
•Free L ive Music
•Watch
•Free
•Watch
•Sur f & Tur f Ra le – Tickets on sale 3pm
•$2,000 Members Instant Cash Draw - 6:30pm
•Hype Boys following the game
• Four Paws Cocktail
•Watch the Grand Final Live & Loud
• Bottomless Brunch from 11am
•$25 Lunch & Beer / Wine – 1pm – 5pm
•Free L ive Music
•Watch the Grand Final Live & Loud
• Ticketed Event – Sold Out
•Watch the Grand Final Live & Loud
• Four Paws Cocktail
• Ticketed Event – Be quick - L imited tickets available
Moments matter in Grand Finals. Here’s the top five moments from Penrith’s seven Grand Final appearances...
5. Left to Rooney (2003)
With Penrith up 12-6 in wet conditions and the 2003 Grand Final entering its knockout stages, a moment of magic from two Lukes – Priddis and Rooney – would wrap up an historic win for the Mountain men over the Roosters. With Penrith attacking the line, everyone expected Priddis to quickly get the ball back to Craig Gower for a field goal. Instead, he shifted left from dummy half, took a couple of steps and then threw a long ball out to Rooney who went over in the corner untouched. It was a dummy to die for – and killed off the Roosters.
4. Royce gets the winner (1991)
With Penrith up 13-12 over a champion Canberra side and the clock ticking down in the Grand Final, a moment of magic from Royce Simmons in his final game would seal Penrith’s first Premiership. Canberra opted for a short, low line drop-out, desperate to get the ball back, but it took a perfect bounce for big Mark Geyer, who weaved through the defence, then found Simmons out wide. He got past fullback Gary Belcher and planted the ball – before immediately jumping into the embrace of Geyer. If Penrith hadn’t already won the Grand Final, that moment sealed it for sure.
3. Crichton’s intercept (2021)
With the scores locked at 8-all in the 2021 decider, it was Stephen Crichton who blew the game wide open and set up Penrith’s first Premiership win since 2003. South Sydney playmaker Cody Walker was desperately
searching for space on the left side, quickly shuffling the ball to his outside backs when Crichton plucked it out of the air and raced away to score a famous try with 14 minutes left on the clock. Nathan Cleary’s conversion gave the Panthers a 14-8 advantage, and it turned out to be enough come full-time, with Penrith winning 14-12.
2. The Sattler tackle (2003)
With the scores locked at 6-all mid-way through the second half, the 2003 Grand Final between Penrith and the Roosters was precariously placed. When winger Todd Byrne started racing down the touchline at the Olympic stadium, it appeared he would streak away to score – but one man had other ideas. Lock Scott Sattler came across in cover, executing a perfect tackle around Byrne’s legs and bundling him into touch. The tackle entered Grand Final folklore, while for Penrith it inspired them to go on and win the club’s
1.
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.
According to Panthers legend Greg Alexander, the heartbreak of the previous year played a significant role in his side’s mindset ahead of the 1991 decider.
“I think it was all of us realising that
we probably wasted a chance in 1990 and these chances don’t come along all that often,” he said.
“I’d been playing seven or eight years by the time we hit 1991. It was ‘we need to win this’ because we might not get another chance.”
So many things went against Penrith 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?”
Alexander remembers the feeling at half-time well.
“Even though we scored the first try
there was no doubt they were on top at half-time,” he said.
“And apart from a few desperate defensive situations, they could have been more than 12-6 in front quite easily.
“At half-time, there was a concern. We didn’t walk into the sheds with our heads up... it took Royce and Gus... Royce got up and made an impassioned speech about what we needed to do and Gus had his say.
“We went out and in the second half we barely let them into our half. We were very dominant.”
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.
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 dropout, 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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
Last year, most of the 2003 Grand Final team gathered in Penrith to celebrate the club’s famous win 20 years prior.
In an interview with the Weekender back in May 2023, two-try hero Luke Rooney said he’s still a fan of the team and loves watching
games alongside his son, who is a Panthers fanatic.
“Yes, I still support them and, even though I live in Melbourne, my son is a mad Panthers supporter,” the 40-year-old said.
“We both watch all the games and the last two years have been unbelievable especially.”
Luke Priddis, who was crowned Man of the Match, said he’s one of many players who have never watched the entire game back.
“I don’t think most blokes would have watched it from start to finish… there’s enough stuff on social media that summarises the game pretty well and I was lucky enough to be a part of it,” he said.
“Whenever you win a Grand Final, it’s always something special that you cherish.”
TROY DODDS
Afour-peat must start with the first, and as Penrith prepare for a slice of history at Accor Stadium on Sunday night, it’s intriguing to remember that this incredible Premiership run started in – of all places – Queensland.
The NRL relocated all of its teams to the sunshine state mid-way through the 2021 season after COVID-19 wreaked havoc through New South Wales, forcing the state into its second lockdown.
Penrith powered their way through the remainder of the season, quickly grabbing Premiership favouritism before a stunning surprise in the first week of the Finals changed everything.
The Panthers faced the Rabbitohs in the Qualifying Final at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville, and all was going to plan early when Stephen Crichton scored the opening try.
But Souths worked their way into the game, crossing through Cody Walker in the first half and Jaxson Paulo in the second to set up a 16-10 win – on a night where five penalty goals were kicked between the two sides.
The loss put Penrith into dangerous territory – with some experts labelling them ‘done’
– as they started a mission to go the ‘long way around’ and try to make the Grand Final from the other side of the draw.
It was off to BB Print Stadium in Mackay for a Semi Final showdown with Parramatta – and showdown is putting it lightly. In one of the most tightly contested Finals you could imagine, Penrith emerged 8-6 winners after a scoreless second half. The Panthers’ defensive performance was something special, and would ultimately be part of what defined the side’s run to the Premiership.
A Preliminary Final clash with now competition favourites Melbourne was next – and again it was a tightly contested affair, that had fans back in Penrith on the edge of their seats.
Crichton bagged an early try thanks to a sneaky kick from Nathan Cleary to the right wing, but it wouldn’t be until Brian To’o scored in the 42nd minute that the scoreboard attendant would be troubled again.
Ryan Papenhuyzen finally scored for Melbourne in the 62nd minute, with the final 18 minutes becoming a warrior-like defensive performance from the Panthers to hold on for a 10-6 win, and qualify for the 2021 Grand Final.
It was on to the decider – the Panthers and Rabbitohs in
decided the Grand Final and secured Penrith’s third Premiership.
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
It was a Grand Final for the ages.
After a bruising opening period, Penrith were first to score when Matt Burton found space in the 16th minute.
The Rabbitohs hit back to level the scores soon after when Cody Walker produced some of his trademark solo brilliance just four minutes later.
The Panthers took an 8-6 lead into the break when Cleary kicked a penalty goal in the 32nd minute. Souths came out strong in the second half and were unlucky not to find the tryline, but did manage to level the scores through a penalty goal just four minutes into the period.
The Rabbitohs looked like they were about to create something down their left side when the game took a dramatic twist – Crichton intercepting a wayward Walker pass to race into Grand Final immortality. Alex Johnston scored with just six minutes to go but Reynolds couldn’t land the conversion, leaving Penrith 14-12 up.
There were incredible scenes of emotion at full-time as the Panthers celebrated a hard fought victory over a newfound arch rival.
Nathan Cleary was awarded the
It was the Grand Final Penrith and Parramatta fans had been both dreaming of and dreading for more than 50 years – the ultimate Battle of the West.
With back-to-back premierships on the line, the Panthers were firm favourites heading into their third consecutive decider.
After losing on the same ground two years earlier to the Storm and winning up in Brisbane the year prior, Penrith were determined to finally give their home fans the end-of-year celebration they thoroughly deserved.
In front of a sold-out crowd at Accor Stadium, the match played out eerily similar to the 2020 decider, 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 lead 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 up the scoring, it was obvious nobody was beating the Panthers.
Penrith had been the dominant team in the NRL for three years, 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.
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.
To’o’s 45th minute try – his second of the evening – 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.
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.
If there was any disappointment for Penrith, it would come in the final five minutes when Clint Gutherson and Jake Arthur bagged tries.
For Penrith, the full-time siren cemented back-to-back titles for the first time in the club’s history.
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.
Dylan Edwards was awarded the Clive Churchill Medal for his scintillating performance, while skipper 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.”
It was a Grand Final for the ages, capped off with a moment rivalling Kyle Feldt’s last minute try for the Cowboys in 2015, or Darren Albert’s miracle four-pointer in 1997.
The roar around Accor Stadium when Nathan Cleary crossed in the 76th minute to win the game for Penrith was deafening.
With the try and subsequent conversion, Cleary had not only brought the Panthers back from the dead to win the season decider but had put the icing on one of the most memorable 20 minute periods of his career.
There was only 18 minutes left on the clock when Cleary decided to take the game by both hands and deliver a performance that will be talked about for decades to come.
A smart play to set up a try for Moses Leota, a 40/20, a clever decision to force a penalty from a Brisbane drop-out and his own personal
four-pointer were the highlights of his heroics.
Earlier, the Grand Final appeared gone.
With the game precariously placed at 8-6 to Penrith early in the second half, Ezra Mam stepped up in an unstoppable 10 minute period to put Brisbane into a Premiership-winning position.
Mam scored three straight tries –carving up the Penrith defence with blistering speed to give the Broncos a 24-8 lead.
It should have been enough.
“It’s just hard to get your head around what actually happened. It’s very disappointing,” Brisbane coach Kevin Walters said.
Somehow the Broncos went from a commanding lead with Mam’s name on the prestigious Clive Churchill Medal to a brutal collapse that had long-lasting impacts.
Nobody could have seen Penrith’s comeback on the horizon.
Not when inspirational co-captain Isaah Yeo was forced from the field for a Head Injury Assessment and Jarome Luai’s shoulder finally gave
way in the midst of Mam’s hat-trick. Scott Sorensen, too, was forced from the field after a head knock.
The momentum just shouldn’t have turned, and yet it did.
“I must say I was a little worried half-way through that second half,” Panthers coach Ivan Cleary said post-match.
“One thing I’d never doubt is these boys’ ability to keep fighting. There was still a long time to go and that was the important part. If they had have jumped to 24-8 with 15 to go I don’t think we would have come back.”
It had been a pulsating opening half to the Grand Final but nobody could have imagined what would unfold in the second 40 minutes.
Brisbane had talked up their big game experience all week despite it coming from other arenas like Origin, but nerves were evident in the opening period. They put themselves under pressure with a raft of errors, but Penrith struggled to capitalise.
The opening try came in the 17th minute when a short drop-out somehow bounced into the hands of
Mitch Kenny who scored his first try of the season. With Cleary getting attention in back play, Stephen Crichton grabbed the conversion to give Penrith a 6-0 advantage.
It became 8-0 in the 29th minute when Cleary resumed the kicking duties and potted a penalty goal, but Brisbane started to get into the game more in the period closing in on half-time.
When Thomas Flegler barged his way over in the 38th minute, it felt like a reward for Brisbane’s entire season more than anything else –they had toiled and toiled, and finally got what they needed.
In the end it was the 29th minute penalty goal that proved the difference. Both teams scored four tries, and landed four conversions. Dig deeper though and it is likely Penrith’s 97 per cent completion rate – freakish in any game, let alone a Grand Final – that ensured they were still within a chance of winning and sending the more than 81,000 fans at Accor Stadium into a state of disbelief.
For Penrith, the victory ensured their place in rugby league folklore –a third straight Premiership, the first team in the NRL era to achieve such a feat.
When building a champion team, you need at least three things: a good coach, good players and good management. From the architects themselves, this is how Penrith achieved what many clubs before them have failed to do...
Trust the process
Sporting clubs all over the world achieve success in many different ways. Some like to spend money buying talent for a quick fix, while others put their funds towards development for longer lasting success.
What works for some clubs, may not for others.
In the case of the Penrith Panthers, they are all about the process or the system, which many would say has been the biggest key to their golden run over the past five seasons.
Penrith Panthers CEO Matt Cameron, a former school teacher and NRL assistant coach, remembers like it was yesterday the development pathway he put in place when he arrived more than a decade ago.
The vision, ‘Project 2015’, was designed to future-proof the club for long-term success.
“The single biggest thing about ‘Project 2015’ was alignment and that was talking to Ivan [Cleary] and understanding what he looks for in a player and aligning our recruitment strategies with what the head coach was looking for; aligning our developing programs with what
the head coach was looking for,” Cameron told the Weekender
“A great example is Lindsay Smith. We had a program called Junior Elite Training School (JETS) and Lindsay was our youngest JET at 14-years-old.
“Now, if the program is lined up the way it should be, a player like Lindsay should progress all the way through to first grade.
“If everyone knows what we’re looking for and we all agree to it and we all stick to it, then we should produce good people and good players.”
This strategy didn’t just work with Smith –who will play in his second NRL Grand Final this weekend – but dozens of players that have worn the Panthers jersey.
And while Cameron is the person many people point to for the current state of the club, he knows that it takes a team of good, intelligent and hardworking people to build a dynasty.
“Everyone thinks this is an overnight success. It’s taken us 10 years and a hell of a lot of people and a hell of a long time to get the club to where it is now,” Cameron said.
“People often just see the footy team out there, but they don’t see the layers upon layers involved in building a successful business because that’s what we are, a business.
“I say to people all the time, our business is no different to your business. It’s just when we get it right, we’re on the back page of the paper and sometimes when we mess it up, we’re on the front page of the paper.
“But it’s a business like everyone’s else’s business and it starts at the top with good
governance, good management, good people and then collectively being aligned with what we want to achieve.”
No club in the NRL era has achieved what Penrith has over the past five years, and while Cameron knows that Premierships won’t always come every year, if you’re patient and stick to the process, sustained success will.
“If you talk to Ivan, we don’t talk about winning. We talk about the process. We are a process-driven team, club, business – however you look at it,” Cameron said.
“The reality is, 16 teams won’t win a Grand Final every year and the success our club has had over the past five years has been absolutely phenomenal, it’s like rarefied air. But we’re not silly enough to think we can do it for 10 seasons in-a-row.
“The challenge is to be a really consistent, process-driven business that achieves good results every year, to put ourselves in the window of playing Grand Finals every year.”
“We copped a few knocks, but everyone stuck together” – Jim Jones
Success doesn’t happen overnight and in the case of the Penrith Panthers, it’s taken the better part of a decade to get to where they are today.
Jim Jones has been Recruitment Manager at the Panthers since the early 1990s and has been responsible for scouting some of the game’s biggest names over that period.
In fact, more than a dozen players in Penrith’s current Grand Final team were identified as teenage prospects by the soon-to-be 70-yearold.
Take Liam Martin for instance, a tough kid from country NSW who has gone on to win multiple premierships as well as represent his state and country.
“Marto came down to do work experience. I remember Royce Simmons’ brother rang me and said, ‘I’ve got a young bloke who wants to come down and do a bit of work experience’,” Jones told the Weekender
“So, he came over, I showed him around, gave him a bit of gear and I said, ‘Do you want to have a run?’. He said, ‘Yeah’, and he went out and busted a few.”
Stories like Martin’s journey to the Panthers is just one of many that Jones has in his repertoire, and he’s proud to share them.
“You can get these kids into the system, but it’s up to them to do the work and train and play and take the knocks and injuries,” Jones said.
“You can identify them and give them the opportunity, but they’re the ones that do it.”
While Jones is largely responsible for plucking
these teens from footy clubs from all over the state and country, it takes a whole army of people to develop them into first graders.
“It’s a credit to the club and the system. Matty Cameron and the whole Board, the staff over at the Academy, Gus who was the architect of building the Academy, plus you can’t underestimate Ivan Cleary and the coaching side of things,” Jones said.
“Ivan’s proven to be one of the best coaches in the game and the players respect him and play for him. It was a great move to get him back.”
But none of what you see now at the Panthers happened without a solid plan and plenty of blood, sweat and tears. Jones recalled a meeting some 10 years ago that outlined Penrith’s vision for the future.
“We had a long-term plan. Matt Cameron sat us down and said, ‘Right, we’re going to work hard with the Junior League and work hard with Western Division’ and that’s how we got players like Yeoy (Isaah Yeo), Liam Martin, Matty Burton and Charlie Staines,” he said.
“We were patient. We stuck through the hard times, and I think the reward now is seeing what we’ve done over the past five or six years.
“Other clubs aren’t as patient, and they sack everyone and start again. They think that
“We were patient. We stuck through the hard times, and I think the reward now is seeing what we’ve done over the past five or six years”
fixes everything. But we pick and stick here at Penrith, we pick and stick. Loyalty is a big magic word. I’ve showed loyalty to the club, and they’ve shown it to me.”
The $5 coffee that changed everything
Former Penrith Panthers Chairman Dave O’Neill has fond memories of his near decade involved with the club, but there’s one moment that will stay with him forever. One moment that changed the course of not only the Panthers, but the rugby league world as we know it.
their coach Anthony Griffin mere weeks out from the NRL Finals. It was a shock decision, especially considering the Panthers were sitting fourth at the time.
With rumours swirling as to who would be Penrith’s next head coach, O’Neill wondered to himself if an old flame could be the one to reignite the Panthers into the next generation.
“I was involved with Ivan when he first came to the club in 2012, so I knew he had a passion for that side,” O’Neill told the Weekender
“I struck up a friendship with him and I knew he ‘got’ what Penrith was about. Penrith is a small community and has a big nursery, but you’ve got to understand those cultures in there – especially the diverse culture around the Penrith area.
“Obviously, it didn’t work out with ‘Hook’ (Anthony Griffin). I thought he was a good guy, but he had different ideas to us. We had one shot at getting Ivan back.”
In 2018, Ivan Cleary was enjoying his second season in charge of the Wests Tigers. But with media reports suggesting his son Nathan was on the radar of the Concord-based club, O’Neill knew he had to reconnect with his old mate before it was too late.
thought to myself… ‘what if I asked him to coach Penrith again?’. At the time, we had an interim coach in Cameron Ciraldo.
“So we sat around and had a coffee, and we didn’t even speak about Nathan. We were talking about other things and then the next minute I was asking if he’d come back. He said ‘yeah’, and the rest is history, really.”
Cleary returning to Penrith was a massive and complicated process, with numerous parties needing to sign off on the deal.
“I had to bring that to the CEO and Gus and then to the Board, who were unanimous that Ivan was the man,” O’Neill said
“Then it was up to Brian [Fletcher] to finalise the deal with Ivan’s management. It was a big process and a tough time at the Panthers. But a $5 coffee and the rest is history.”
When Cleary returned in 2019, not everything went to plan. The side struggled in his comeback year and Cleary would later admit he’d almost given coaching away due to the stress of that season.
O’Neill, too, was struggling but not once did he or anyone at the Panthers for that matter waver, that Cleary was the right man for the job.
“The first year he came back, it was a tough time. I know I had plenty of sleepless nights over it,” O’Neill admitted.
The year was 2018 and Penrith had just sacked
“I knew Ivan was always uncomfortable coaching against Nathan and everyone thought he’d eventually go and play for the Wests Tigers,” O’Neill said.
“The night before I caught up with him, I
“Even though we had a lot of tough times in 2019, there was never any discussion whether we made a bad decision in getting Ivan back. Ivan was the person, the man.”
Like the old saying goes, ‘tough times don’t last, tough people do’ and Penrith would eventually come out the other side in a huge way.
In 2020, a year after Cleary’s return, the Panthers would play in their first NRL Grand Final in 17 years before eventually taking out the Premiership in 2021.
Four months later, in February 2022, O’Neill would depart the Panthers after falling short of being re-elected to the Board.
Despite not being involved with the club in a professional capacity, O’Neill will always be credited for being one of the pivotal architects of Building the Champions.
“Ivan and I are still good friends, and we catch up every now and then, but I let him do what he does and I’m just a proud fan,” O’Neill said ahead of Penrith’s fifth consecutive decider.
“The current Board are doing an amazing job, and the current management have taken the club to the next level.
“I had good times there, but my time is up, and I’ve moved on. I’m so proud to see Penrith be Penrith. There’s no reason why this dynasty will end on Sunday. It’s got plenty of momentum going forward.”
These are the moments in time, sliding doors scenarios if you like, that helped define Penrith’s incredible run of success.
The New Zealand Warriors make a huge call and allow coach Ivan Cleary to finish his contract with the club a year early, opening the door for a switch to Penrith in 2012.
JULY 1, 2012
Parramatta assistant coach Matt Cameron departs the club after 15 years to join the Penrith Panthers as High Performance Manager. He becomes responsible for the alignment of the Junior Pathways and the NRL program, setting the club up for the success it enjoys today.
After a brief stint with the Wests Tigers in 2015, he returned to Penrith and would rise through the ranks of the club, and is now the footy club’s CEO.
A day that could have derailed a golden era at Penrith. Phil Gould dramatically sacks Ivan Cleary as head coach.
“In the middle of the season I was a bit worried about him. We spoke and I thought he needed a break,” Gould said.
“But Ivan said he was motivated to keep going. He wanted to keep going but we knew things had to improve. We’ve been talking about it for a few months. I just got a gut feel it was the right time.”
Anthony Griffin is appointed as Cleary’s replacement.
28, 2011 OCTOBER 19, 2015 JUNE 4, 2016
“While we were discussing the potential to extend Ivan’s contract over the last week, it became apparent to both parties that Ivan had a chance to secure his long-term coaching career with Penrith immediately and that we were not in a position at the moment to guarantee a similar term,” Warriors CEO Wayne Scurrah said at the time.
“Given the circumstances, it also became clear to both of us that it wouldn’t have been in anyone’s interests for Ivan to fulfil the last year of his contract with the Vodafone Warriors when he had an immediate opportunity offering him significant security elsewhere.”
General Manager Phil Gould called a press conference to announce Cleary would coach Penrith from 2012.
Cleary proceeds to take the Warriors all the way to the 2011 Grand Final, going down to Manly 24-10.
Anthony Griffin hands a 19-year-old Nathan Cleary his NRL debut for one of the game’s most daunting tasks: Melbourne in Melbourne.
The Storm win 24-6 in an uneventful game in front of 11,116 fans at AAMI Park. It wasn’t exactly
star is born stuff, but Cleary’s debut at five-eighth alongside Jamie Soward would kickstart a new era at Penrith.
Soward never returned to first grade, and the number seven jersey was handed to Cleary. He’s held it ever since.
The Western Weekender breaks the biggest rugby league story of 2018: The Panthers want Ivan Cleary back in charge.
It followed Anthony Griffin’s shock departure from Penrith just weeks out from the Finals.
It was the ultimate power play from Chairman Dave O’Neill, and a sign that Phil Gould’s control of the club was weakening.
O’Neill had sounded out Cleary, who was coaching Wests Tigers, about a return to the club – and the opportunity to create a dynasty with son Nathan, who it was feared would depart the foot of the Mountains.
One of the great rugby league dramas ensued, but on October 29, 2018 the Panthers got their man – confirming Cleary would re-join Penrith on a mammoth five-year deal ahead of the 2019 season.
Penrith’s incredible run in the COVID-impacted 2020 season ends at the final hurdle, when Melbourne win the Grand Final 26-20. But a stirring fightback that sees Penrith score three tries in 11 minutes at the end of the game provides a glimpse into the future. A team of boys had been beaten, but a team of men would emerge.
Penrith produce an NRL powerplay and re-sign coach Ivan Cleary and champion son Nathan Cleary until the end of the 2027 season.
“On behalf of all at Penrith Panthers, I’d like to congratulate Ivan and Nathan on their contract extensions and say how pleased we are to have secured them both on long-term deals,” Chairman Peter Graham said.
“As a club we’re excited to see the fatherand-son duo remain
together at Panthers, and we’re delighted to see them re-sign on the same occasion.”
It’s a moment that stops any speculation about the future of the Clearys before it began, and allowed the team to focus solely on building a championship football team on the field.
Penrith come through the most dramatic of Finals runs to beat South Sydney 14-12 in the Grand Final at Suncorp Stadium. Forever remembered for Stephen Crichton’s iconic intercept in the second half, the Panthers break an 18-year Premiership drought on a night of redemption for so many people.
Penrith make it back-to-back titles with probably the best premiership defence in 50 years, downing Parramatta 28-12 to cap off a dominant season.
Chairman Dave O’Neill, watching from his lounge room in Penrith, is vindicated for his one-man crusade to bring Ivan Cleary back to the club, while Cleary himself gets the Premiership monkey off his back.
For a city in lockdown, it provides the ultimate moment of celebration – but it was just the beginning.
Penrith become the first club in more than 50 years to reach five straight Grand Finals after beating Cronulla 26-6 in the Preliminary Final.
Nathan Cleary enters rugby league immortality, spearheading a stunning comeback against Brisbane to ensure Penrith claim a third straight title. The Panthers win 26-24 to complete the first three-peat of the modern era.
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50. Jump Around – House Of Pain
Hotel Key – Old Dominion
Chicken Fried – Zac Brown Band 18. Toes – Zac Brown Band
19. Flowers – Miley Cyrus
20. Things That We Drink To – Morgan Evens 21. I Was Jack (You Were Diane) – Jake Own 22. A Bar Song (Tipsy) – Shaboozey
23. This Feeling – The Chainsmokers
24. Eye Of The Tiger – Survivor
25. T.N.T. – AC/DC
26. Are You Gonna Be My Girl – Jet
27. Carnival – Kanye West
28. Dilemma – Nelly, Kelly Rowland
29. Hot In Herre – Nelly
30. All I Do Is Win – DJ Khaled
31. Titanium – David Guetta, Sia
32. Mr Brightside – The Killers
33. Feels Like Summer – Childish Gambino
34. Feet Don’t Fail Me Now – Jay Crookes
35. What You Get Is What You See – Tina Turner
36. Feels Like Woah – Wesley Dean
37. Tubthumping – Chumbawamba
38. We Are The Champions – Queen
39. Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again – The Angels
40. What’s My Scene – Hoodoo Gurus
41. Let Me Entertain You – Robbie Williams
42. Rock or Bust – AC/DC
43. Epic – Faith No More
44. No Second Prize – Jimmy Barnes
45. Shoot To Thrill – AC/DC
46. Back In Black – AC/DC
47. All Fired Up – Pat Benatar
48. Paradise City – Guns N’ Roses
49. My House – Flo Rida
51. Sweet Caroline – Neil Diamond
52. My Hero – Foo Fighters
53. Big Gun – AC/DC
54. Panama – Van Halen
55. YMCA – Village People
56. Working Class Man – Jimmy Barnes
57. Wild Thing – The Troggs
58. Freeze-Frame – The J Geils Band
59. Bound For Glory – Angry Anderson
60. King Of The Mountain – Midnight Oil
61. Eyes Of A Panther – Steel Panther
62. Start Me Up – The Rolling Stones
63. Run To Paradise – Choirboys
64. I Want It All – Queen
65. My Hero – Foo Fighters
66. Whiskey Glasses – Morgan Wallen
67. Good Times – Jimmy Barnes
68. Have You Ever Seen The Rain – Creedence Clearwater Revival
69. That’s My Team – Hoodoo Gurus
70. Dancing In The Dark – Bruce Springstreen
71. You’re The Voice – John Farnham
72. Hit Me With Your Best Shot – Pat Benetar
73. The Champion – Carrie Underwood
74.
Just as the Panthers have had a phenomenal season this year, their efforts have been mirrored on the sidelines by the Pantherettes.
Despite being one of the few remaining squads left in the NRL, choreographer Kati Watson said the Pantherettes’ involvement in game days – from performing to meeting the fans – has only grown, citing this year as her favourite yet.
“Being my fourth year running the Pantherettes, I have felt like every year has been sensational, because obviously the Panthers have just done so well and my squad every year has been phenomenal, but there is just something about this year and the 2024 season that has just been so unbelievably indescribable. It’s been a total dream,” she said.
One of the most significant games of the season was their final one at Penrith Park. Having been a Pantherette herself before becoming their choreographer in 2021, Watson said it was completely surreal, and she loved being able to go through it with the squad.
“I’m not going to lie, I definitely shed a few tears the morning of the
final home game for Penrith Park, because for me, who used to be a Pantherette myself, I thought, ‘This is where it all began’,” she said.
“The Pantherettes were dressed in different costumes from over the years of the Penrith Pantherettes, and the crowd just loved it.”
It was this game which also led the Panthers into the Finals.
Though for the Pantherettes, who were able to perform at both matches against the Roosters and the Sharks, nerves were well and truly present, the girls couldn’t be more excited to be heading into yet another NRL
Grand Final at Accor Stadium this Sunday night.
Whilst much of the squad has been involved in a number of Grand Finals over the years, for second-year Pantherette Maddie Malkoun, it will be her first.
“All the girls talk about is how good
it was and how good it is to experience a Grand Final, so I’m just so excited to get that experience and the atmosphere of it all,” she said.
“It’s all just so exciting, and it’s so new.”
Also in her second year as a Pantherette, Summer Stone will be returning for back-to-back Grand Finals, and she couldn’t be more excited.
“Being a Panthers supporter first and their cheerleader second, I definitely am extremely proud,” she said.
“I know there’s going to be a couple of tears on the field. I don’t know when they’re going to come, but I can feel it coming!”
Nine-year veteran Kaylee Burns will be performing in her fifth and last Grand Final with the Pantherettes this year, and is keen to have it all end on a high note after riding the recent wave of success.
“Being with the squad for nine years and doing nine seasons, I think it’s just insane that more than half my time, I’ve been able to experience Grand Finals,” she said.
“I’m really nervous, because I’m like, ‘Can we bring four home?’. But, I’m praying that we can do it, and I’m really, really excited, because this will be the year I hang up my poms. It’s my last season, so I really hope we can finish with a bang!”
We are so proud to be from Penrith and of our beloved Panthers. Five Grand Finals in a row = extraordinary. A three-peat already achieved but the absolute icing on the cake would be winning the 4th against the Storm. Time to avenge 2020. What a way to farewell Jarome, JFH and Sunia.
We wish our Panthers all the best for Sunday night. We know they’ll do us proud and hopefully we will be celebrating with them on a lap of honour at Accor when that full-time siren goes.
Meagan Miller
Play hard and be the best on the day. Love you, guys. And let’s get this FOUR PEAT done and dusted. #PANTHERFORLIFE
- Bridgette Beard
My 80-year-old Mum is a Panthers supporter. My husband and I are Panthers die-hards.
Both our daughters are Panther girls. Now our three grandchildren are Panther kids.
We’ve watched through all the bad, good and fantastic years. And all of us will be watching on Sunday! Cheering and clapping through every single minute.
I was blessed to be part of our 2003 win, but you guys have beyondexceededanyone’s expectations. Let’s make it four!
- Rob Weaver
The Penrith community is right behind you once again. Our favourite week of the year. Five grand finals in a row with a chance to make it four premierships. You’ve got this. Go the Mighty Panthers!
LET’S GO PANTHERS!!! Bring that trophy back home to where it belongs.- Emma McKenzie
GO THE MIGHTY PANTHERS.
You are better than those bad Storm players. Touch wood that you aren’t losing against those Storm players. But at least you didn’t get the wooden spoon. Go Panthers.
- Caleb Dunlop
Ivan you’re a legend!
Congratulations to you and the team, your achievements are outstanding. You have been my team for many years.
I’m a season ticket holder, and I’ve watched the path to glory over and over. I have every confidence you can beat the Storm. Good luck, I love you all!
Thank you for representing the club and our beautiful town with so much class and dignity while being humble and grateful in your success. All the other clubs are in awe and just envy what you’ve achieved. The people of Penrith have so much pride and respect and look up to you. The ride the past five years has been nothing short of remarkable. You give hope to those doing it tough in our community. We all stand as one behind you and wish you all the best. Please thank the Storm appropriately for the defeat in 2020 by bringing back the trophy.
Boys, elevatedyou’ve the Panthers but also the city of Penrith. What you have achieved is priceless and whenever the outcome on Sunday, the city, the people and myself are behind you. Let’s gooooo!
- Shamus Davies
Congratulations on making it to 5th Grand Final after the win over Sharks last night, which I was at the game to witness it. Congratulations to Isaah Yeo on surpassing Steve Carter‘s 243 and became all time most capped Panthers. Good Luck in Grand Final and remember your game plan and focus on for 80 minutes and play hard and win games on defence and attack. Time for revenge from 2020 loss to Storm. You can do it boys ! Go Panthers!
What a wonderful journey you boys have been on. Win or lose look at what you have achieved - GREATNESS. Let’s go boys! Up the riff! 4peat baby! - Cindy
Stay strong, just keep doing you. You are about to make history for the first time in a long time. Proud of all of you. To the three leaving the Panthers, you will forever be a Panther, we all love you all and will miss seeing you every weekend. Stay strong, safe and much love to you all. You got this Panthers, Bring it home where it belongs.
Winmill
Will be cheering you on from Dalmeny, on the far south coast of NSW. We know you can make it 4 in a row. But whatever happens you boys have done us proud. Best of luck on Sunday. Go Panthers! - Patricia Prus
Hey guys, we are all behind you in your run for a 4peat. It’s revenge for 2020 ! Just know, no matter what happens, your fans won’t ever let you down. We will be there cheering and crying and experiencing all the emotions with you. God bless and best of luck! – Katie Hope
Wishing you good luck on Grand Final day. I am a big fan and hope you bring the trophy home for the fourth time. Go the Mighty Panthers! - Michael
Good luck mighty Panthers can’t wait to see you smash the Storm and bring home the 4 peat! I’ll be right there cheering you all on. Enjoy your last game Romey, Tito and Fish. Gonna miss you boys running out there each week. How about two tries BIZZA!
Melbourne forward Nelson
Asofa-Solomona will miss Sunday night’s Grand Final after he failed to have a high tackle charge downgraded at the NRL judiciary.
Former Penrith coach and General Manager Phil Gould has declared Sunday’s Grand Final will be one for the ages.
“The similarity about these two teams is that they have systems that they believe in,” Gould told Nine’s ‘100% Footy’.
“They’re different, it’s a different type of football, but both teams are committed to their particular system and it consistently wins.
“I think it will be an epic Grand Final.”
Gould said it was no surprise that the Panthers and Storm would face-off in the decider.
“We could have played this game in February,” he joked.
“They are the best in the competition. They are both built on high energy, high fitness.
“They’ve had two great games this season so far.
“There’s nothing between them.”
Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary says his coach and father Ivan doesn’t change much during Grand Final Week.
“Nah he’s the same as usual, probably a bit happier to be honest,” he told the Weekender on Tuesday.
“I’m super proud of him. It’s been a big journey for him and he’s put so much time and effort into this club, being able to create the culture that we have today.
The Storm rolled the dice and fronted the judiciary on Monday night in an unlikely attempt to free the big forward, who was sin-binned in the opening minutes of Melbourne’s win over the Roosters last Friday night. He would have had to achieve a ‘double downgrade’ to be free to play in the Grand Final.
!WARM DAY FOR THE BIG ONE
Sydney is set to turn on a stunning day for Sunday’s Grand Final between Penrith and Melbourne.
The Bureau is predicting a top of 29 degrees at Sydney Olympic Park on Sunday, with no chance of rain and only light winds around.
It’ll be similar conditions to last year when warm weather greeted the Panthers and Broncos for what was ultimately a classic contest.
In the end, the judiciary panel took only a short time
to find him guilty of the grade three charge and suspended him for five matches.
“Obviously I’m very disappointed with the result, but I had a fair hearing. All my energy will go towards my team to get the result,” Asofa-Solomona said after the hearing.
RING REVEALED
Rugby league’s newest Immortal, Ron Coote, has helped design this year’s Premiership ring, that will be given to the winners of Sunday’s Grand Final.
Each ring is encrusted with two carats of diamonds and feature an image of a young Coote on one side, according to The Daily Telegraph
The rings are valued at $10,000 each and are not available to purchase by the public.
Clubs can purchase additional rings for wider squad members or players.
Coote joins an illustrious list of people who have helped design the ring with Affinity Diamonds, including the likes of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and legendary commentator Ray Warren.
The presenting of the rings has become a tradition after the NRL Grand Final.
For many Penrith players, it could be their fourth ring after winning season deciders in 2021, 2022 and 2023.
will release a
of
Running High’ podcast today. Troy Dodds and Nathan Taylor will preview Sunday’s big game, plus talk to some of the Penrith players chasing a slice of rugby league history. Search Western
wherever you listen to podcasts, or head to www. westernweekender.com.au/ podcast to stream or download the episode.
Remember those Taylor Swift light up wristbands that made her shows in Sydney so spectacular?
They’re back for the Grand Final!
Make sure you grab your light up wristband when entering Accor Stadium on Sunday afternoon. They’ll light up when tries are scored and during special moments of the match on Sunday evening.
“I’m really proud of him and just grateful to be on this journey alongside of him.”
This Sunday marks the fifth Grand Final the Clearys will compete in together as player and coach.
“I don’t agree with the exercise of the judgement in this case.”
He’s the understudy to a champion, but Brad Schneider knows his moment could come at any second this Sunday night.
And if chaos does ensue at any point – in the name of Nathan Cleary’s shoulder –Schneider’s job will be keeping his head while others are
losing theirs.
“You never really want anything to go wrong but it’s about being ready for anything,” the 23-year-old told the Weekender
“Rugby league is a funny old sport and things can change pretty quickly. I’ve just got to be open minded and ready to go wherever. The last few weeks have been pretty amazing. It’s a very good experience and I’m excited for this week.” Schneider has spent the year soaking up the experience, admitting he was a little nervous coming into the champion Penrith team at first.
“Coming into a team like this is a bit nerve-racking but I’ve got a lot of confidence out of it,” said Schneider.
“They instil a lot of confidence in me and tell me to back myself, so it’s been really good.”
