NRL grand final form guide: Can Brisbane Broncos handle big-game pressure?
Can Nathan Cleary finish his career as rugby league’s greatest player? Do the Broncos have enough big-game know-how? Grand final burning questions
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Dean Ritchie runs his rule over the 2023 NRL grand final between the Penrith Panthers and Brisbane Broncos.
BURNING QUESTION 1
Can Nathan Cleary finish his career as rugby league’s greatest player?
Four straight grand finals, two premierships and three Origin wins has Cleary on a clear and sharp trajectory to the top. And he’s only 25.
He could be around for another decade. His performance against Melbourne was sublime.
Only the best have time and Cleary has patience and toughness. Is there a smarter footballer in the NRL?
Any halfback that can lead his side to, potentially, three successive titles must be rated among the greatest.
“He is doing things at 25 that some of the greatest players haven’t got close to,” said Cooper Cronk.
Penrith has so many options and answers, opposition teams seem powerless to stop their go-forward.
They are beautifully balanced and connected. Every player – from stars to bench players – plays a role.
Key players have left over the past four years, others simply step in and step up. Full credit to coach Ivan Cleary. Isaah Yeo’s contribution should never, ever be underestimated.
BURNING QUESTION 2
Can the Broncos handle big-game pressure?
Brisbane’s 42-12 walloping of the Warriors was a statement victory – a performance which showed Brisbane don’t fear, nor be intimidated, by anyone, not even Penrith.
There was a question mark hovering above Brisbane asking whether they could handle the pressure and intensity of big games.
Well, the answer is an emphatic yes.
They will look any opponent square in the eye. Brisbane has that cocky, we-can’t-be-beaten arrogance we saw when Alf, Gordie, Kev and Webcke were playing.
Reece Walsh’s speed over 40 metres is spectacular. I can’t recall such sizzling pace since the likes of Steve Mortimer, Steve Morris and Phil Blake were playing in the 1970s and ‘80s.
Walsh will ignite the decider like few can.
The Broncos showed remarkable speed, power and athleticism mixed with offloads and size. Middles Payne Haas, Tom Flegler and Pat Carrigan were enormous against the Warriors. This will be a grand final between two super heavyweights.
TEAM NEWS
Panthers star Jarome Luai came through the preliminary final despite suggestions he had returned too early from a dislocated shoulder.
He was replaced, as a precaution, during the second half by Jack Cogger.
Nathan Cleary has a finger injury and suffered a head wound but will certainly play the grand final.
The Panthers are likely to retain the same team, meaning Zac Hosking will miss out despite playing most of the season, while Tyrone Peachey will be 18th man.
The Broncos came through unscathed and should name an unchanged side for the grand final. Brisbane coach Kevin Walters had Walsh, Carrigan and Adam Reynolds finish the preliminary final on the bench as a precaution.
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Originally published as NRL grand final form guide: Can Brisbane Broncos handle big-game pressure?
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