Fox League experts believe the best defence in the NRL puts the Panthers in the box seat for a three-peat, but if the young Broncos can be fearless it may be enough to cause a Grand Final upset.
The Panthers have the edge in experience playing in their fourth straight grand final, with Nathan Cleary leading the charge, but the exuberance of the Broncos’ youthful side led by Reece Walsh are better placed than most to break them down.
Read on for Fox League’s Expert Grand Final Tips.
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MATTY JOHNS
WHO WINS & WHY?: Panthers – I’ve gone Penrith but it’s really close. I’m hoping, but it could be one of the great grand finals. Penrith’s familiarity with each other, watching how they form up and the combinations that they have got. I think they are a side that are pragmatic, know what it takes and I just see less errors in Penrith.
FINAL SCORE:
CLIVE CHURCHILL MEDALLIST: Dylan Edwards – With all the talk on Reece Walsh, it would not surprise me to see Edwards go back-to-back.
Inexperience to hurt young Broncos side? | 01:01
COOPER CRONK
WHO WINS & WHY?: Panthers – The best defence we have ever seen shuts down the Broncos attack. Defensively, Penrith will come up with a plan to nullify the Broncos strengths. Penrith are one of the best teams we have ever seen so if you are 1 or 2% off that risk vs. reward and execution, the Panthers are going to overwhelm you. So, I’m going to say Penrith (wins).
FINAL SCORE: 15-8
CLIVE CHURCHILL MEDALLIST: James Fisher-Harris
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MAL MENINGA
WHO WINS & WHY?: Broncos – It’ll be the battle of the two hookers. Mitch Kenny or Billy Walters? Who wins that battle wins the game. Everyone else cancels themselves out as far as influence is concerned. The game will probably need a field goal specialist also!
FINAL SCORE: 23-22
CLIVE CHURCHILL MEDALLIST: Billy Walters
WHERE ARE PANTHERS VULNERABLE?: They aren’t vulnerable. Belief is there strength.
WHERE ARE BRONCOS VULNERABLE?: Inexperience maybe. If they remain fearless, it might be enough to win.
PANTHERS GAMEBREAKER: 17 players’ mindset
BRONCOS GAMEBREAKER: 17 players’ mindset
MARK CARROLL
WHO WINS & WHY?: Broncos – Fitness. Athleticism. No fear of mistake
FINAL SCORE: 24-12
CLIVE CHURCHILL MEDALLIST: Patrick Carrigan
WHERE ARE PANTHERS VULNERABLE?: Offloads hurts their defence system.
WHERE ARE BRONCOS VULNERABLE?: Outside wingers run in. Need to work up and slide.
PANTHERS GAMEBREAKER: Dylan Edwards
BRONCOS GAMEBREAKER: Reece Walsh
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Ivan’s Penrith reflect on 2020 GF defeat | 00:41
ANTHONY GRIFFIN
WHO WINS & WHY?: Broncos – The Broncos have so much firepower and speed right across the park. Adam Reynolds’ experience is a perfect blend with the class of Haas, Carrigan, Walsh, Staggs, Farnworth, Cobbo, Mam. Brisbane’s offloads will also trouble Penrith.
FINAL SCORE: 18 – 12
CLIVE CHURCHILL MEDALLIST: Adam Reynolds
WHERE ARE PANTHERS VULNERABLE?: Penrith are vulnerable to offloads. The Eels troubled them in their last defeat with offloads and second phase attack. Brisbane have strike all over the park and can feed off the back of offloads from Haas, Flegler and Carrigan.
WHERE ARE BRONCOS VULNERABLE?: Brisbane are Vulnerable through lack of grand final experience. Reynolds and Capewell have both won grand finals but the majority are going into the unknown. Penrith on the other hand are pros, they know exactly what’s required and how to handle the occasion. The Panthers won’t beat themselves but the Broncs’ big risk is they might.
PANTHERS GAMEBREAKER: Stephen Crichton
BRONCOS GAMEBREAKER: Reece Walsh
GEOFF TOOVEY
WHO WINS & WHY?: Panthers – too clinical
FINAL SCORE: 18 -14
CLIVE CHURCHILL MEDALLIST: Isaah Yeo
WHERE ARE PANTHERS VULNERABLE?: Injured players playing. Jarome Luai and Izack Tago could be targeted.
WHERE ARE BRONCOS VULNERABLE?: Youth in key positions. Reece Walsh and Ezra Mam don’t fear making mistakes.
PANTHERS GAMEBREAKER: Liam Martin
BRONCOS GAMEBREAKER: Patrick Carrigan
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‘Reyno leaves bigger legacy at Brisbane’ | 00:53
BILLY MOORE
WHO WINS & WHY?: Panthers – Experience, all been there and done it before.
FINAL SCORE: 24-18
CLIVE CHURCHILL MEDALLIST: Reece Walsh – only fifth to do it in a losing side!
WHERE ARE PANTHERS VULNERABLE?: If Brisbane do a State of Origin job in defence and get to Yeo and Cleary they can get a lead and unsettle the Panthers’ rhythm!
WHERE ARE BRONCOS VULNERABLE?: If the bench doesn’t make an impact it will force the Broncos’ middle rotation to change. And the Broncos must defend their mistakes!
PANTHERS GAMEBREAKER: Jarome Luai
BRONCOS GAMEBREAKER: Reece Walsh
MATT RUSSELL
WHO WINS & WHY?: Panthers – Best Defence. Fort Knox of the NRL.
FINAL SCORE: Penrith 28-12.
CLIVE CHURCHILL MEDALLIST: Liam Martin.
WHERE ARE PANTHERS VULNERABLE?: High ball to wingers.
WHERE ARE BRONCOS VULNERABLE?: Defensive pressure as they look to offload, push passes.
PANTHERS GAMEBREAKER: Dylan Edwards on a kick return.
BRONCOS GAMEBREAKER: Selwyn Cobbo when given any room.
From Wooden Spoon to GF in 3 years! | 03:27
MICHAEL CARAYANNIS
WHO WINS & WHY?: Panthers – Penrith will out-gun Brisbane in the middle which will give their stars more chances with the ball.
FINAL SCORE: Penrith 28-18
CLIVE CHURCHILL MEDALLIST: Nathan Cleary
WHERE ARE PANTHERS VULNERABLE?: Penrith have not had to come from behind on too many occasions. If Brisbane can start fast it may expose the Panthers to a situation they are not accustomed to.
WHERE ARE BRONCOS VULNERABLE?: Most of their players are untested on the biggest stage. They will need to handle the pressure.
PANTHERS GAMEBREAKER: Stephen Crichton
BRONCOS GAMEBREAKER: Kotoni Staggs
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