After four-straight premierships and five-straight grand finals, the Penrith Panthers\u2019 dynasty has come to an end following a 16-14 loss to the Brisbane Broncos \u2014 who will now face the Storm in the decider next week.<\/p>\n
The Panthers looked like they were going to run away with it after a near-flawless first half in which Paul Alamoti and Nathan Cleary starred. <\/p>\n
Alamoti was the Panthers\u2019 grand final hero last year, scored a hat-trick in last week\u2019s semi-final and once again stood up for his side. <\/p>\n
But some silly errors late in the game opened the door for the Broncos to pounce and ultimately the Panthers couldn\u2019t hold on. <\/p>\n
WHAT’S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.<\/p>\n
Read below for foxsports.com.au\u2019s Panthers player ratings.<\/p>\n
Watch every game of the NRL Telstra Premiership Finals Series before the Grand Final, LIVE with no ad-breaks during play on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.<\/a><\/p>\n Cleary v Mam KICKS OFF! Bin or no bin? | 00:43<\/p>\n 1. DYLAN EDWARDS – 7.5<\/p>\n Wasn\u2019t his most dominant performance but was still solid, playing a hand in both of the Panthers\u2019 tries and also saving a Reece Walsh 40\/20.<\/p>\n 2. PAUL ALAMOTI – 9<\/p>\n Went looking for work early and was rewarded with a first-half double. Played a hand in a tackle that forced a Broncos error, then when the Panthers marched down the other field he scores the first try of the game with a one-handed put-down in the corner. He backed that up with a second, beating Ezra Mam and jumping over Reece Walsh on his way to the line. \u201cWhen he has been needed for the Penrith Panthers, he has stood up,\u201d Fox League expert analyst Cooper Cronk said in commentary. Finished with a game-high of 228 metres off 25 runs, nine tackle busts and two linebreaks. <\/p>\n 3. IZACK TAGO – 7.5<\/p>\n Set up both of Alamoti\u2019s tries \u2014 the second with a perfectly-timed bat-on. Also had some big moments in defence with 20 tackles, one of which forced an error from Gehamat Shibashaki. <\/p>\n 4. CASEY MCLEAN – 6.5<\/p>\n The Broncos put a target on him and so had limited impact on the game. Looked like he was going to score a runaway try after intercepting a Reece Walsh pass only to be called off-side. <\/p>\n 5. BRIAN TO\u2019O – 8<\/p>\n Was his usual workhorse self, finishing with 208 runs off 23 tackles, and also very safe in defence \u2014 defused every kick that came his way. In a rare error for To\u2019o, the star winger lost the ball in a one-on-one steal.<\/p>\n 6. BLAIZE TALAGI – 5.5<\/p>\n The 20-year-old has come leaps and bounds this year but his inexperience was on show in crucial moments. Knocked on inside Penrith\u2019s half, threw a poor ball to Luke Garner and caused a couple of Broncos six-agains \u2014 one of which led to a try that levelled scores in the final five minutes. Never stopped trying though and will be better for the experience.<\/p>\n 7. NATHAN CLEARY – 7.5<\/p>\n Was outstanding for most of the game, but the Panthers needed their main man to take control in the final few minutes \u2014 the two-point field goal plans ended up in shambles. Cleary was still one of Penrith\u2019s most influential players. Nailed his two sideline conversions and had some huge moments in defence. Led the charge that took Josiah Karapani over the sideline, forced an error from Reece Walsh and produced a try-saver on Payne Haas. <\/p>\n MORE NRL NEWS<\/p>\n DYNASTY OVER: Reynolds\u2019 clutch kick ends\u2019 Panthers\u2019 reign in miracle comeback<\/a><\/p>\n AVENGERS: Munster show as Storm beat Sharks to seal Grand Final berth in thriller<\/a><\/p>\n SHARKS RATINGS: Marquee stars misfire; unheralded forwards stand tall<\/a><\/p>\n