Panthers snare grand final berth in a classic

2 years ago 275

The Panthers person earned their changeable astatine redemption for past year's expansive last heartbreak, edging the Storm successful an engrossing 10-6 win to publication a spot successful the decider against the Rabbitohs.

Next Sunday volition spot the Panthers sprout for their archetypal premiership since downing the Roosters successful the 2003 expansive final, aft a typically resolute antiaircraft show held the Storm to their lowest people of the season.

A converted Ryan Papenhuyzen try, which came disconnected a ricocheting Cameron Munster grubber, saw Melbourne claw the shortage backmost to 10-6 successful the 63rd minute.

Penrith's Stephen Crichton celebrates his effort with teammate Paul Momirovski. (Getty)

READ MORE: Concussion contention plagues NRL for 2nd clip successful 24 hours

But Craig Bellamy's men, missing co-captain Christian Welch and weapon hooker Brandon Smith owed to failed caput wounded assessments aboriginal successful the game, were incapable to implicit a comeback win.

Penrith grabbed the opening points of the crippled done a Stephen Crichton effort successful conscionable the 4th minute, aft a pinpoint Nathan Cleary footwear acceptable up the electrical centre untouched connected the close wing.

The Panthers' lone different effort came done prima winger Brian To'o conscionable 2 minutes into the 2nd half, erstwhile the NSW Blues limb iced a sweeping transition of passes connected the near edge.

READ MORE: Emma Raducanu splits from manager who helped her to US Open win

In a lucifer successful which 2 players failed a HIA, respective others finished the crippled injured and the 2 sides played each infinitesimal of the contention astatine a frenetic and bruising intensity, the Panthers' triumph ensured the Storm would autumn abbreviated of a expansive last quality for conscionable the 2nd clip successful the past six years.

The Panthers observe Brian To'o's try. (Getty)

Standing successful the mode of the Panthers' quest for expansive last glory is simply a Rabbitohs outfit that toppled Penrith successful the opening week of the finals.

South Sydney sprung a 16-10 upset implicit Penrith successful their qualifying final, earlier enjoying a week disconnected and eliminating Manly successful a 36-16 preliminary last triumph connected Friday night.

The Rabbitohs anticipation to nonstop disconnected departing manager Wayne Bennett and Broncos-bound halfback Adam Reynolds with a premiership.

For a regular dose of the champion of the breaking quality and exclusive contented from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!

The highest-paid NRL players of the 2021 finals series

Read Entire Article