History will be made at Accor Stadium on Sunday as two of the greatest teams of the modern era face off in an epic grand final. Reigning champions Penrith are the first team since the South Sydney Rabbitohs (1967-71) to reach five consecutive grand finals. Meanwhile, minor premiers Melbourne will play in their fifth grand final in nine seasons.
Since 2016, either the Panthers or the Storm have featured in seven of the last eight grand finals, with only the Roosters and Raiders interrupting their dominance in 2019. Both teams secured impressive preliminary final victories, but not without a few tense moments as the Roosters and Sharks mounted strong second-half challenges. The Storm, led by Jahrome Hughes and Cameron Munster, eventually pulled away from the Roosters, while Nathan Cleary’s brilliance helped Penrith hold off the Sharks.
The highly anticipated match-up between Cleary and Luai on one side, and Hughes and Munster on the other, promises to be a highlight. Fullbacks Dylan Edwards and Ryan Papenhuyzen, both previous Clive Churchill Medal winners, will also be crucial players in the final.
Penrith had a scare when Cleary appeared to injure his shoulder late in the game against the Sharks, but he insists he will be fit to play. Meanwhile, back-rower Scott Sorensen hopes to return from a hamstring injury. Melbourne’s main concern is the suspension of Nelson Asofa-Solomona, who was banned for five matches following a high tackle charge.
The Storm have already beaten the Panthers twice this year, winning 8-0 in Round 1 and 24-22 in Round 24 thanks to a late penalty goal. Melbourne also claimed victory in the 2020 grand final, the only previous decider between these two teams. However, Penrith have been unstoppable since then and are on the brink of becoming the first team since the Dragons (1956-66) to win four straight premierships.
I’m tipping some Nathan Cleary brilliance in golden point will be enough to get the Panthers across the line, and keep their premiership streak alive! Panthers by 1 point.
Remember to get into Jersey’s Megastore this week to get all your officially licensed supporter gear before what is sure to be a grand final for the ages!! Jersey’s Megastore, for all things footy!
