The Penrith Panthers have won the 2022 NRL Grand Final 28-12 against the Parramatta Eels, making them the second NRL team this century to go back-to-back.
The Parramatta Eels were fighting for their life at Accor Stadium in Sydney, not unlike this earth-shattering photo of Jimmy Barnes performing as part of the pre-game entertainment. It’s giving me, who is deeply allergic to nuts, accidentally eating chocolate made from hazelnuts.
Go off! Photo credit: Channel Nine.
Brian To’o extended the Panthers’ lead and upped the score by four points and minutes later, Nathan Cleary added a penalty goal from right in front. The defending premiers were leading 12-0.
Then it was Scott Sorensen‘s time to shine, grabbing the ball that Cleary kicked into goddamn empty space and scoring a try — the Panthers were leading 18-0.
scored the first try for the Panthers about 20 minutes into the match, bringing the score to 6-0.
The second half didn’t start with a bang for the Panthers after they conceded a penalty. But minutes later, To’o went off and scored a controversial try that was reviewed for a hot minute, before it was given to the Panthers — the lead extended to 22-0.
Things weren’t looking good for Eels fans, unfortunately. They were giving it a red hot go but the Panthers were just too damn strong — much like the relationship between these creatures in the animal kingdom, if I may say so. A panther would conquer an eel any day of the week.
But in the final minutes of the game, captain got the Eels off zero. Thank God, ‘cos it would’ve been a wee bit embarrassing if they scored zilch in the grand final.
And there was more good news to come for the Eels — nailed a try.
It wasn’t enough to make a comeback, however, with the Panthers going on to win their fourth premiership.
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