SUNDAY OCTOBER 6th ACCOR STADIUM SYDNEY
Accor Stadium, Sydney – A Historic NRL Showdown Awaits
Accor Stadium will host a historic showdown on Sunday as the two top teams of the modern era face off in a grand final for the ages.
Panthers Seek Historic Fifth Straight Grand Final
Defending champions Penrith are on the brink of becoming the first team since South Sydney’s legendary run from 1967-71 to reach five consecutive grand finals, while Melbourne, the minor premiers, are set for their fifth decider in the last nine seasons. Between them, the Panthers and Storm have featured in seven of the last eight grand finals, with only the Roosters and Raiders breaking their dominance in 2019.
Preliminary Final Nerves Before Grand Final Triumphs
Both grand finalists secured impressive preliminary final victories, though not without some nervous moments as the Roosters and Sharks staged second-half comebacks that kept Storm and Panthers fans on edge.
Ultimately, it was the brilliance of Jahrome Hughes and Cameron Munster that helped the Storm pull away from the Roosters, while Nathan Cleary’s commanding performance on Saturday night sealed the Panthers’ triumph over the Sharks.
Star Match-Ups to Watch: Cleary vs. Hughes, Fullback Duel
Among the many enticing match-ups in the grand final, the battle between Cleary and Luai versus Hughes and Munster is a standout, worth the price of admission alone. Meanwhile, fullbacks Dylan Edwards and Ryan Papenhuyzen are poised to play pivotal roles.
Both No.1s are former Clive Churchill Medal winners for best on ground in a grand final, and both have the ability to turn the game in an instant.
Injury Concerns and Judiciary Drama Ahead of the Decider
The Panthers had a nervous moment when Cleary grabbed his shoulder after a late tackle against the Sharks, but he reassured everyone post-match that he’ll be fit to play. Meanwhile, back-rower Scott Sorensen is hopeful of returning after missing the last two games with a hamstring injury.
Melbourne’s concerns revolve around the judiciary rather than injuries, as powerhouse Nelson Asofa-Solomona was found guilty of a Grade 3 Careless High Tackle on Monday night and received a five-match suspension.
2024 Showdowns and Past Grand Final History
The Storm claimed both encounters with the Panthers in 2024, securing an 8-0 shutout in Round 1 and edging a 24-22 victory in Round 24 at BlueBet Stadium, thanks to a late Nick Meaney penalty goal.
Craig Bellamy’s side also triumphed in the only grand final between the two clubs in 2020, but the Panthers have dominated the competition since, now standing on the brink of history as they aim to become the first team since the legendary Dragons (1956-66) to win four consecutive premierships.
Storm
1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. William Warbrick 3. Jack Howarth 4. Nick Meaney 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Tui Kamikamica 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Trent Loiero 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Christian Welch 16. Lazarus Vaalepu 17. Alec MacDonald 18. Grant Anderson 19. Joe Chan 20. Kane Bradley 21. Tepai Moeroa 22. Sualauvi Faalogo
Panthers
1. Dylan Edwards 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Izack Tago 4. Paul Alamoti 5. Brian To’o 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Luke Garner 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Brad Schneider 15. Lindsay Smith 16. Liam Henry 17. Matt Eisenhuth 18. Casey McLean 19. Scott Sorensen 20. Trent Toelau 21. Daine Laurie 22. Luke Sommerton
Referee, Ashley Klein, Touch Judges, Dave Munro, Chris Sutton, Bunker, Grant Atkins.
Storm’s Offensive Firepower and Panthers’ Quest for History
The Storm have scored 213 points in their past five games.
The Panthers can become the first club in 58 years to win four consecutive grand finals.
The Storm have 4 players who have played a total of nine grand finals.
The Panthers have 13 players who have played a total of 39 grand finals.
Player Milestones and Key Stats to Watch
Storm halfback Jahrome Hughes is set to play his 150th NRL game.
Panthers winger Brian To’o has scored nine tries in 11 games against the Storm.
Storm fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen has crossed the line in all four games he’s played at Accor Stadium.
The Panthers have won 11 of their last 13 matches at Accor Stadium.
Bellamy Equals Coaching Record as Panthers’ Defence Stands Strong
Craig Bellamy will match Wayne Bennett’s record of 10 grand final appearances as coach.
The Panthers have allowed an average of just 9.6 points in their last 11 finals games.
Prediction
This game will be close I think, and it could come down to one special moment, whether by an official or a player. I hope it is not the officials who decide this match.
Referee Ashley Klein can have an enormous influence on the outcome of the grand final, as has been true of all match officials before him. More than any errors that might be made, these days the man with the whistle can change the momentum of a game through his interpretation of the ‘Six Again’ rule.
Anyway I am going with the Storm.
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