Penrith’s magic number has emerged after making NRL history with a record-equalling 17-straight wins to make their first grand final in 17 years with a 20-16 victory over South Sydney.
In a tough preliminary final at ANZ Stadium, the Panthers kept the Rabbitohs at arm’s length in front of a crowd of 30,116 – the biggest NRL attendance in Sydney this season.
Saturday’s match was the third preliminary final in a row for Souths, coming away empty-handed on each occasion.
The Panthers led 14-6 at halftime and managed to hold on as star halves Cody Walker and Adam Reynolds tried all they could to keep the Rabbitohs alive.
Red hot five-eighth Walker produced one of the plays of the season with seven minutes remaining, shooting a ball to the left edge for Corey Allen who toed it through to score.
Barely able to run after copping a leg injury at the start of the half, Allen brushed away celebrations with teammates as he buckled in pain.
It was a brave performance for the Souths fullback who had a nervy night at the back.
But the Panthers had done their homework on Wayne Bennett’s men and defended bravely.
Halfback Nathan Cleary continued his remarkable form with the boot, setting up two tries from kicks for Brian To’o and Tyrone May in the first half.
The first was to draw level with Souths in the eighth minute when he put up a bomb that Alex Johnston couldn’t wrangle, knocking on for To’o to clean up and score.
A set play under the posts with a short kick for May to pounce on put the Panthers in the lead in the 28th minute, where they stayed until the end.
Second-rower Isaah Yeo also starred, breaking through the middle of the field to set fullback Dylan Edwards up for the game-sealing try in the 67th minute.
Earlier, livewire Panthers hooker Api Koroisau was taken from the field with a shoulder injury after making a tackle on Reynolds.
He was taken up the tunnel but returned after getting a painkilling shot and is not expected to be in doubt for Sunday’s grand final against Melbourne.
However, there will be concerns for prop James Fisher Harris after he was put on report for a high shot midway through the first half.
The Panthers are set to welcome back second-rower Viliame Kikau from suspension for the decider at ANZ Stadium.
Penrith’s 17th win in a row is an NRL-era record – matching Canterbury’s run in 2002 before they were stripped of all their points for salary cap breaches.
Harry Selassie
Roar Rookie
Nathan Cleary did not have the running success against Souths that he had two weeks before but his ability with the boot was superb. Penrith don't make many mistakes and they came through despite being pushed to the limits in both finals matches versus the Roosters and now the Rabbitohs. But in each Penrith had the resilience to hold on for the win. Now comes their toughest test yet against the Storm. Will the Panthers have the speed to keep up with the Storm?
mushi
Roar Guru
It wasn't really walker who produced the play. You read the article and it sounds like Walker created it, when really he blew up a try scoring opportunity and Allan rescued it. If we're crediting Walker with that try we may as well put in a shout out to the cobbler who made Allan's boots.
Albo
Roar Rookie
I too think it is only right that the top two teams throughout the season proper should play out the Grand Final. The Storm will be very tough to beat with all their big match experience and the GOAT running their game. The Panthers will need to cut out all those errors they made last night and have a good strategy to expose the Storm's weaknesses. A good start is vital, but if enthusiasm and fitness counts for anything , the Panthers will be a chance.
Chris.P.Bacon
Guest
Congratulations Penrith. Good to see you boys make the GF after such a long hiatus - time to take the Provan-Summons Trophy back to the mountains! :thumbup:
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
I think the two best teams in the comp are in the GF. That's as it should be. The Storm will be deserved favs and it's going to be an incredibly tough task for the Mountain Men to match them. It will be very interesting to see the Panthers game plan. The Storm are certainly beatable but you need the right plan and you have to execute. The Panthers left three trys on the table last night. They can't afford to leave even one against Melbourne.
Mon
Guest
Terrible pass leads to try scoring opportunity. Hence great play. Fortune.. skill.. rugby league. What’s your point?
Chris
Roar Pro
Kikau will be a big in for the Panthers, not keen at all to see him run at us again. But I can't wait for this game. Their only encounter this season was in Round 6 or 7 and even back when the Panthers beat Melbourne it was touted as a Grand Final preview. Can't wait. UP THE PURPLE RAIN!!!
Watda
Guest
You got that right...a tackle on half way and it’s an all in love fest....Storm will win and Cam the GOAT.....well he deserves it
Caractacus
Guest
‘Walker produced one of the plays of the season’....it was a terrible pass that fortunately for Souths Allen managed to turn into a try scoring opportunity.
Flexis
Roar Rookie
Be pretty magic if they could take the record in the GF. Also be nice to take the controversy out of it. Geez they’re gonna have to play well though. I don’t think playing like tonight gets them over the Storm.
JVGO
Guest
This will be the bear hug GF. A lot of big guys holding each other and dancing around. They call it the 5 second waltz.
Joey
Guest
Very close in the end. Rabbitohs only needed to “drop” it over the line one more time and they would have had it.
Noosa Duck
Roar Rookie
they bombed 3 tries during the Game as well. Good luck to them, a bunch of young kids many of whom have come through the grades together, it has been a remarkable effort. I had my doubts about Ivan Cleary as a coach but he has proven me wrong so far.