After four-straight premierships and five-straight grand finals, the Penrith Panthers’ dynasty has come to an end following a 16-14 loss to the Brisbane Broncos — who will now face the Storm in the decider next week.
The Panthers looked like they were going to run away with it after a near-flawless first half in which Paul Alamoti and Nathan Cleary starred.
Alamoti was the Panthers’ grand final hero last year, scored a hat-trick in last week’s semi-final and once again stood up for his side.
But some silly errors late in the game opened the door for the Broncos to pounce and ultimately the Panthers couldn’t hold on.
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Read below for foxsports.com.au’s Panthers player ratings.
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Cleary v Mam KICKS OFF! Bin or no bin? | 00:43
1. DYLAN EDWARDS – 7.5
Wasn’t his most dominant performance but was still solid, playing a hand in both of the Panthers’ tries and also saving a Reece Walsh 40/20.
2. PAUL ALAMOTI – 9
Went looking for work early and was rewarded with a first-half double. Played a hand in a tackle that forced a Broncos error, then when the Panthers marched down the other field he scores the first try of the game with a one-handed put-down in the corner. He backed that up with a second, beating Ezra Mam and jumping over Reece Walsh on his way to the line. “When he has been needed for the Penrith Panthers, he has stood up,” Fox League expert analyst Cooper Cronk said in commentary. Finished with a game-high of 228 metres off 25 runs, nine tackle busts and two linebreaks.
3. IZACK TAGO – 7.5
Set up both of Alamoti’s tries — the second with a perfectly-timed bat-on. Also had some big moments in defence with 20 tackles, one of which forced an error from Gehamat Shibashaki.
4. CASEY MCLEAN – 6.5
The Broncos put a target on him and so had limited impact on the game. Looked like he was going to score a runaway try after intercepting a Reece Walsh pass only to be called off-side.
5. BRIAN TO’O – 8
Was his usual workhorse self, finishing with 208 runs off 23 tackles, and also very safe in defence — defused every kick that came his way. In a rare error for To’o, the star winger lost the ball in a one-on-one steal.
6. BLAIZE TALAGI – 5.5
The 20-year-old has come leaps and bounds this year but his inexperience was on show in crucial moments. Knocked on inside Penrith’s half, threw a poor ball to Luke Garner and caused a couple of Broncos six-agains — one of which led to a try that levelled scores in the final five minutes. Never stopped trying though and will be better for the experience.
7. NATHAN CLEARY – 7.5
Was outstanding for most of the game, but the Panthers needed their main man to take control in the final few minutes — the two-point field goal plans ended up in shambles. Cleary was still one of Penrith’s most influential players. Nailed his two sideline conversions and had some huge moments in defence. Led the charge that took Josiah Karapani over the sideline, forced an error from Reece Walsh and produced a try-saver on Payne Haas.
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8. MOSES LEOTA – 7.5
Had a couple of charging runs but the Panthers probably needed more from their main enforcer. Finished with 98 metres and 26 tackles.
9. MITCH KENNY – 7.5
The workhorse hooker was his usual rock-solid self, finishing with a game-high of 44 tackles and just one miss. He did, however, knock on and Penrith’s captain’s challenge was ultimately lost on that.
10. LINDSAY SMITH – 8
Massive effort from this rising star, who seemed to keep popping up to take the tough carries or make the tough tackles. Finished with 112 metres — the most of any Panthers forward — and 29 tackles.
Prelim disaster – Sorensen OUT early! | 00:30
11. SCOTT SORENSEN – N/A
Was ruled out of the game in the opening two minutes after his head collided with a teammate’s.
12. LIAM MARTIN – 7
A true enforcer, whose aggression proved to be an asset for the Panthers at different times. But he was caught out defensively in Xavier Willison’s try after he overran from marker and left the field immediately after.
13. ISAAH YEO – 7.5
Can’t fault his effort with the co-captain often taking a run when everyone was out on their feet. Had a nice linebreak but the Panthers needed more damaging runs from him. Finished with an impressive 38 tackles — no misses.
14. BRAD SCHNEIDER – N/A
Only played six minutes so had little opportunity to make a mark on the game.
15. LIAM HENRY – 6.5
Tried hard but was also penalised for high contact, which helped the Broncos march down the field and score.
16. ISAIAH PAPALI’I – 7.5
One of two Penrith forwards to make over 100 metres. But had some silly moments like, knocking on off the kick-off in the final three minutes of the first half… he would’ve breathed a sigh of relief when Cleary saved a try on the next set.
17. LUKE GARNER – 7.5
Injected into the game much earlier than anticipated to replace Scott Sorensen (head knock) and did a great job filling big shoes. Picked up a shoulder injury in second half but soldiered on.
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