In one of the best games of 2021, Penrith edged a battle royale of a Grand Final against South Sydney to end an 18-year wait for Premiership glory. Souths hung in there against a tide of Panthers’ pressure but ultimately Penrith had just enough to edge an enthralling contest.
Major Talking Points:
1. Cleary comes of age
It wasn’t an eye-catching performance from Nathan Cleary, but it was an assured one as the next big thing fulfilled his potential with a first Premiership win. He kicked masterfully all game helping build the pressure which eventually culminated in a Penrith triumph. He also moved the ball sharply in attack stretching the Rabbitohs defence again and again. His composure when kicking goals also proved the difference.
2. Bunnies hold on against powerful Panthers pack
The story of the game was Souths holding on against wave after wave of Penrith pressure which originated in the pack. The Penrith big boys stole a march on their opposite numbers constantly carrying the game into the South Sydney half making it hard for the Rabbitohs to test the Penrith line. That said, Souths hung in there when under huge pressure and took their chances at the other end of the field to truly make a game of it.
3. The long game pays off
For years, Penrith have had the best youngsters in the league and year on year they’ve gotten closer and closer to Premiership glory. They didn’t panic when things went wrong but instead trusted the development of young stars like Nathan Cleary even letting go of James Maloney ahead of last season. It finally paid of today as they used the experience of last year’s Grand Final defeat to end their near two decade long wait for glory and perhaps it’ll be the first of many.
Player Ratings:
Penrith
1 Dylan Edwards – 7
2 Stephen Crichton – 8
3 Paul Momirovski – 7
4 Matt Burton – 8
5 Brian To’o – 8
6 Jarome Luai – 7
7 Nathan Cleary – 9
8 Moses Leota – 8
9 Apisai Koroisau – 8
10 James Fisher-Harris – 8
17 Liam Martin – 7
12 Kurt Capewell – 8
13 Isaah Yeo – 8
Substitutes
11 Viliame Kikau – 8
14 Tyrone May – 7
15 Scott Sorensen – 8
16 Spencer Leniu – 6
Souths
1 Blake Taaffe – 7
2 Alex Johnston – 8
3 Dane Gagai – 6
4 Campbell Graham – 7
5 Jaxson Paulo – 6
6 Cody Walker – 8
7 Adam Reynolds – 8
8 Mark Nicholls – 7
9 Damien Cook – 7
10 Tevita Tatola – 7
11 Keaon Koloamatangi – 7
12 Jaydn Su’a – 6
13 Cameron Murray – 7
Substitutes
14 Benji Marshall – 6
15 Jacob Host – 6
16 Tom Burgess – 8
17 Jai Arrow – 6
