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Penrith Panthers became the first team in six decades to win four consecutive National Rugby League titles on Sunday after beating rivals Melbourne Storm 14-6 in front of 80,000 fans at Stadium Australia.
In a tense and physical grand final, the Panthers managed three tries and their strong defense limited the Storm to just one.
Only two other teams in the competition’s 117-year history have achieved this feat, most recently the legendary St. George, who won 11 titles in a row from 1956 to 1966.
“No one is going to do that again (win four in a row),” Panthers star Jarome Luai said.
“Winning a grand final is something very special. I can’t put it into words.”
The Storm led for most of the first half but ran out of gas and were unable to repeat their stirring performances from the 2020 grand final when they comfortably defeated the Panthers.
“They are the best so they are hard to beat and you have to be at your best for the whole 80 minutes,” said Storm centre-back Jahrome Hughes.
After finishing two games without a lead at the end of the regular season, including a 2-0 record against the Panthers, the Storm entered the grand final as slight favorites.
The early exchange was dominated by stubborn defense until the stalemate was broken in the 22nd minute when Storm captain Harry Grant pushed over the line.
But the Panthers quickly hit back with a try from Sunia Turuva, brilliantly initiated by star half-back Nathan Cleary, who took his place despite a shoulder injury.
Cleary was involved again when he sent Liam Martin over the line as the Panthers went into halftime with a 10-6 lead.
A tiring Storm side faced a daunting task against the Panthers, who had not lost a final after leading at the break for 20 years.
Paul Alamoti gave the Panthers a stranglehold when he crossed into the right corner in the 60th minute, and their defense held firm to secure their sixth title.
Earlier, the Sydney Roosters survived a furious rally from the Cronulla Sharks to claim the NRL women’s title after a thrilling 32-28 win.
The Roosters led 24-0 at half-time before the grand final began with the Sharks making it four draws in a row.
But a try from Olivia Kernick in the final minutes secured the Roosters a second title.
tl/dh
