NRL fans and commentators are frothing over the prospect of seeing the Panthers and Broncos battle in a preliminary final blockbuster – a rematch of the classic 2023 grand final. The Panthers put the Bulldogs to the sword on Sunday, sweeping into a sixth-straight prelim final with a 46-26 demolition job.
Just months after sitting dead-last at the end of Round 12, Ivan Cleary’s side are back and a realistic chance at a fifth-consecutive title. Already the first team to win four-straight titles in almost 60 years, the Panthers must re-write history as the only side to lift the trophy from outside the top four in the NRL-era.
Reece Walsh (L) and the Broncos will battle Nathan Cleary (R) and the Panthers in the NRL preliminary final. Image: Getty
Nathan Cleary was at his brilliant best on Sunday, kicking a 40-20, scoring a try and having a hand in almost everything Penrith produced. Paul Alamoti scored a hat-trick, vindicating the coach’s decision to axe Thomas Jenkins for the finals despite a stellar season.
Moses Leota, Lindsay Smith and Isaiah Papali’i were immense in the pack, while Brian To’o bagged a double and five-eighth Blaize Talagi also impressed on both sides of the ball. “It was pretty good. Very good,” coach Ivan Cleary said when asked if that was his side’s best 40 minutes all year.
“After last week it felt like every team member was playing well, so that gives you a lot of confidence. We connected well both sides of the ball in the first half.”
Panthers and Broncos set for preliminary final blockbuster
A record-breaking first 40 would have had Reece Walsh and the Brisbane Broncos taking notice. The Panthers and Broncos will battle next Sunday after the Melbourne Storm host the Cronulla Sharks on Friday night for a place in the grand final.
Panthers players celebrate a try in their win over the Bulldogs. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)
RELATED:
The last time the Panthers and Broncos played in a finals game was the 2023 decider when Brisbane led by 16 points in the second half, only for Cleary to produce one of the most incredible solo performances to get Penrith to a third-straight title. The Broncos were left devastated that day, and will fancy their chances of gaining some revenge at Suncorp Stadium next Sunday.
One person wrote on social media: “Pity next week isn’t the GF. Panthers vs Broncos.” Another commented: “Panthers v Broncos is going to be wild.” A third added: “What a game next weekend will be.” While a fourth wrote: “The Broncos vs Panthers match next Sunday afternoon will be box office and set to be far better than any potential grand final matchups. As a neutral fan, bring it on.”
The Panthers received a post-game boost when Liam Martin and Casey McLean were cleared of injury concerns. McLean grabbed his shoulder in the first half, while Martin left the field late in the game and appeared to be clutching his ribs.