The Penrith Panthers have won their way through to the NRL Grand Final, upsetting minor premiers Melbourne Storm 10-6 in a low-scoring affair at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday evening.
It was an incredible defensive performance from the Panthers who were too good for their counterparts in the hot Brisbane conditions, as the Storm consistently delivered uncharacteristic fumbles throughout the clash.
The Preliminary Final was moved to an earlier time to accommodate for the Melbourne viewership on the clash, however, the Storm didn't get their fans off to a good start.
The Panthers’ Nathan Cleary helped kick off the scoring, finding space where there was none to hit the perfect kick to find winger Stephen Critchton wide open, who scored the first try of the match.
The Storm had more to contend with than just off-form after Brandon Smith was ruled out late in the first half, the Storm’s second casualty after Christian Welch was taken off with concussion earlier on.
The players were clearly physically wrecked in the dying minutes of the first half after plenty of open play, the Panthers taking a six-point lead into the much needed main break.
Penrith added to their incredible form in the second half, starting brightly as Brian To’o scored their second try and gave Penrith a 10-point margin.
Just as it was looking as if it may not be the Storm’s night, Ryan Papenhuyzen was able to get on the end of a short kick from Cameron Munster, and the conversion saw a four-point margin with 25 minutes to play.
Melbourne were full of running from that point forward and looked as if they might have the energy to get over the top, but, as they have been all season, the Panthers were resolute in defence and managed to hold the final four-point margin.
They’ll now line up against the Rabbitohs next Sunday in the NRL Grand Final, after South Sydney were too good for the Sea Eagles on Friday night, recording a 20-point win.