NRL Grand Final 2022: Eels captain Clint Gutherson played final with broken hand
Parramatta captain Clint Gutherson played the preliminary and grand final with a broken bone. Latest news from the grand final.
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Thousands of Parramatta fans aren’t the only ones hurting.
It can be revealed that Eels co-captain Clint Gutherson played in the grand final with a broken hand.
In an indication of just how much the Parramatta fullback was willing to do to lead the Eels to the promised land, it’s understood Gutherson carried the injury into the game.
Gutherson, who is believed to have suffered the injury a fortnight ago, wore thick black strapping around his left hand in the premiership decider.
He was able to hide the injury from the scores of media which had put a permanent spotlight on the Eels 36-year fairytale mission throughout the week-long grand final build-up.
“Gutho will play it down, but he’s got a break there and I guess that was how much he wanted to win,’’ a club source told The Daily Telegraph.
While it may not be considered at the level of revered grand final heroics of the past, including South Sydney’s John Sattler playing with a broken jaw or Rabbitohs enforcer Sam Burgess with a fractured eye socket, Gutherson showed extreme resilience and unwavering fortitude to attack the football in his key role at the back with a busted hand.
In the 2nd, 3rd and 5th minute, Gutherson was peppered with a Jarome Luai kick, Nathan Cleary floating bomb and an Izack Tago grubber kick, all of which he retrieved without hiccup.
The Eels skipper never stopped trying, coming up with a full-body stop on a rampaging Brian To’o with six minutes to go and then a try for his side with four minutes remaining.
“A reward for so much effort,’’ Nine’s Andrew Johns said in praise of Gutherson.
“He is always there, as tough as they come Clint Gutherson.’’
Gutherson wasn’t the only walking wounded for the Eels.
The fallout from Parramatta’s heavy grand final loss will entail the news that star five-eighth Dylan Brown went close to missing the Eels preliminary final against the Cowboys due to back spasms.
With a history of back issues, Brown pulled up short during the team captain’s run - their final session of the week - ahead of their historic preliminary final win in Townsville.
The Kiwi International managed to play in the preliminary final, however Eels coach Brad Arthur’s continued selection of Jake Arthur on the bench was viewed within the Parramatta inner-sanctum as direct cover for Brown.
Adding to the Eels injury woes last night was the loss of centre Bailey Simonsson, who said he felt a “pop” when suffering a suspected dislocated shoulder in the second-half. - David Riccio
FULLTIME: PANTHERS ACHIEVE HISTORY
Back-to-back premiers. An absolute juggernaut at the start of a dynasty. They have now won every grade from SG Ball upwards this season, a feat never before achieved.
And that was incredibly impressive.
They’ve suffered just four defeats all season, and now delivered one of the great grand final performances.
They prevailed 28-12 - a scoreline which flattered the Eels, who tried valiantly but were well and truly overpowered.
A double to Brian To’o - and a mindblowing performance from Dylan Edwards, who surely has one hand on the Clive Churchill medal - seals an absolutely dominant premiership win.
Parramatta bravely fought until the end, but were well and truly battered in a fearsome first half when Moses Leota led Penrith’s attack into battle and the match was won.
What next? Penrith have already been installed as $4 favourites for next season. The dynasty is just beginning.
WILD ON-FIELD ACT FROM PITCH INVADER
A pitch invader ripped the advertisement off the goal-post pads as play continued at the opposite end of the field.
The man - in his 30s - ripped the right pad free and attempted to rip apart the other pad on the southern end of the field as he evaded security.
Eventually he was escorted from the field by security as play continued.
It tooks minutes for staff to put the goal-post pad back together. - Michael Carayannis
Some man just ran onto the pitch and tried to tear off the padding on the goalposts. #NRLGFpic.twitter.com/2cGNmsgNgP
— Brendan Bradford (@1bbradfo) October 2, 2022
77TH MINUTE: KING GUTHO, ARTHUR SCORE LATE
It’s a consolation try, but it’s a very nice consolation try - and probably no one more deserving than Clint Gutherson.
It’s been a nightmare evening for Parramatta, but they have fought to the end.
The departing Isaiah Papali’i steps back through some surprisingly flimsy Penrith defence and holds up a perfect offload that finds Gutherson who, as always, is backing up in support.
And just like that, the Eels go over again. Short midfield grubber from Moses, is followed by a deft kick from Will Penisini - and it’s Jake Arthur, who came on with only four minutes remaining, who latches on and scores a grand final try.
The result is done and dusted, but the Eels fans can be pleased that they’ve fought to the final whistle. Penrith lead 28-12.
68TH MINUTE: CLEARY DENIED!
With his 50th career try in his sights, Nathan Cleary breaks through the defensive line and grounds the ball an inch short of the tryline - and loses possession.
That would’ve been the icing on the take for Penrith, and their captain.
But he has 12 more minutes to have his moment - and potentially challenge Dyland Edwards for the Clive Churchill medal.
Although that ship may have sailed as well. Edwards has been absolutely everywhere!
Parramatta trail 28-0.
58TH MINUTE: SIVO’S HORROR, EDWARDS CHANNELS SATTLER
When it’s not your night, it’s not your night.
Parramatta have grimly defended, been on the rough end of a couple of 50-50 calls and been physically battered by Penrith.
But they’ve not made many mistakes. Until now.
With the tryline begging, and the ball in the hands of their most explosive runner - Maika Sivo - Eels fans rose to their feet desperate for something to cheer about.
Sivo stepped inside the defence and needed only to fall over the tryline, only to have the ball slip from his grasp under pressure from Penrith’s Stephen Crichton.
That’s a brutal error, on a brutal night.
Two minutes later, Dylan Brown comes up with his own version of the Scott Sattler tackle - bundling Bailey Simmonson into touch with a phenomenal defensive play to nullify a smart piece of work from Reed Mahoney to put Simmonson away.
Simmonson now looks done for the night, leaving the field with what appears a rib injury.
What a tackle.
And it leads to the game-sealing try - if that hadn’t already happened - with Charlie Staines crossing out wide as Yeo goes to Cleary, and onto Edwards, who puts the winger across.With 20 minutes remaining, Penrith leads 28-0 and the champagne is no longer on ice.
47TH MINUTE: TO’O CLAIMS CONTROVERSIAL SECOND
Brian To’o goes over for his second - and it looked as though the video referee may intervene and strip the try for an obstruction.
Viliame Kikau’s decoy run thunders into Mitchell Moses and the star halfback appeals to the referee.
But, to the surprise of the legends in the Channel 9 commentary team, it is ruled that Moses made a ‘defensive decision’ to tackle Kikau and the try stands.
“All year that has been a no-try,” says a mystified Andrew Johns in commentary.
“The biggest game of the year? We make it up and change it.”
Can Parramatta fight back in this contest? It seems a pipe dream at this stage.
Because they’ve been absolutely battered from pillar to post in almost every facet of the game.
And if you want a stat that highlights just how one-sided this battle has been - have a go at this one.
Brian To’o - on his own - outran the entire Eels’ pack in the first half.
Updates during halftime:
— Jason Oliver (@JasonNRL) October 2, 2022
Brian To’o - 177 running metres
Eels starting pack - 165 running metres
LUAI ACT OF FOUL PLAY MISSED
Was this one missed by the match officials?
Eagle-eyed social media types have picked up a suspicious incident involving Penrith star Jarome Luai - where he appears to launch a kick near the ruck.
Channel 9 showed no further replays, making it impossible to deduce whether Parramatta’s Isaiah Papalii was the intended target of Luai’s boot, or whether he was looking to plant his foot on the mark where the tackle was being made.
Luai has engaged in a running battle with referee Ashley Klein and the touch judges, despite Penrith’s rampant try-scoring start to the grand final, which looks like it will put pressure on Manly’s 40-0 win over Melbourne as the biggest grand final victory in history.
Watch the right foot kick from Luai and not picked up in the first tackle @FOXNRL@NRLonNine#nrlgrandfinal#grub#nrlpantherseelspic.twitter.com/2EDIEd5bQw
— SixOverCoverAgainstTheSpin (@toddyor73) October 2, 2022
@NRL are you kidding me luai just stomped on a player and nothing!! Someone needs to put one on that joke of a player
— Jason Watson (@Jaseywat) October 2, 2022
Don’t let luai the grub score! Such a dog kicking an eels player on the ground #nrlgrandfinal
— Jaimee Campbell (@jaimee1989) October 2, 2022
HALFTIME: PENRITH HAS ONE HAND ON TROPHY
Wow. That was an absolute masterclass from Penrith.
It’s 18-0, and to be honest, that feels generous to Parramatta because that was an incredible onslaught from the defending premiers.
What is most remarkable is that the Eels haven’t played especially poorly. They’ve made just two errors, and simply haven’t had enough possession to trouble Penrith in any way, shape or form.
Penrith scored early through Stephen Crichton, enjoyed more than 60 per cent of possession, scored again through the unstoppable Brian To’o, and hammered Mitchell Moses split-seconds after every kick that was sent skyward.
And then they appeared to break the spirits of the mostly Parra-heavy sell-out crowd with a Scott Sorensen grand final delivery.
From 18-0 down, you’d say the Eels require a miracle. Did Parramatta Jesus make it to Accor Stadium tonight? His services are required.
Just about the only thing which didn’t go to plan for the Panthers? Some genuine highway robbery that denied Viliame Kikau a try late in the half.
Kikau couldn’t have gone closer to scoring in his Panthers farewell - with a guaranteed try knocked from his grasp by Waqa Blake.
Kikau had latched onto a Jarome Luai grubber, producing a bit of fancy footwork himself, and looked certain to capitalise before Blake intervened.
28TH MINUTE: TRYTIME!
That’s three tries in little more than 15 minutes, and this time it is Scott Sorensen who reaps the rewards, on the back of a delightful Nathan Cleary grubber.
Pressure, pressure, pressure. Penrith is applying all of it. And Parramatta are barely in the contest at this point.
From about the 10th minute of this game, Penrith have been strangling their opponents out of the grand final.
They spent five minutes battering the Eels’ defensive line, with repeat sets - and six-agains - the only ways for Parramatta to keep them out.
But there was no stopping Cleary and Sorensen, who push the lead out to 18-0 after 29 minutes.
Parramatta need something of a miracle to stem the bloodflow here. Nathan Brown - the hired heavy picked to rattle Cleary - is on the bench.
But it might be hard for Brown to rattle anyone if the game is over by the time he gets out there.
18TH MINUTE: PANTHERS RUNNING RIOT
This is ominous for Parramatta - as Brian To’o charges over for Penrith’s second with brute force.
Viliame Kikau runs a hard decoy line and sucked in enough of Parramatta’s defence to create space out to the left, and from there it’s a simple catch-and-pass which ends up with To’o barging over the top of Clint Gutherson, who’d come across in cover defence.
But more than the scoreboard - which is starting to look concerning for long-suffering Eels fans, at 10-0 - the biggest issue for Brad Arthur is the effort areas and the gaps opening up around the field.
Penrith went the length of the field in that set, with Dylan Edwards making a mockery of the Eels’ kick defence to start a monster set.
Is last week’s energy-sapping win in Townsville, and the 85% humidity it was played in, starting to take its toll?
Nathan Cleary missed the sideline conversion - but was given a second chance to make the score 12-0 when Penrith were awarded a penalty after a Gutherson drop-out sailed over the sideline.
Parramatta are hanging on for dear life right now.
“(Possession) will turn, but they need to hang in until it turns. And it turns from hard work,” says league legend Andrew Johns.
11TH MINUTE: The Panthers are IN - with Stephen Crichton notching the first try of the match.
And that’s a devastating early blow, considering how physical the start to this match has been.
Ultimately it’s quite a soft defensive effort, with Penrith spreading the ball to the right and Crichton bursting through the tackle of Dylan Brown and then sidestepping Clint Gutherson.
Cleary converts, to put Penrith 6-0 ahead.
Already, it had appeared Penrith were taking this game to the place they love it the most: the grind.
They’re winning the physical contest and slowly starting to dominate the field position battle.
Their best attacking raid had finished with Maika Sivo snatching an intercept - and on the back of that play, Parramatta attempted a surprise tactic.
Dylan Brown kicked early and deep for halves partner Mitchell Moses, who is narrowly beaten to the ball by Brian To’o, but that’s a play that indicates the Eels are willing to try the unexpected tonight.
They’ll need to, as they’re now playing from behind.
GUS GOULD BRUSHED BY NINE
It was a commentary changing of the guard as Channel Nine dropped a grand-final bombshell of their own by axing Phil Gould in favour of Queensland coach Billy Slater for the trademark pre-match address.
And the free-to-air giant continued to surprise, hauling Parramatta legend Peter Sterling out of retirement for a cameo call of his beloved Eels in the 2022 NRL grand final against the Panthers at Accor Stadium.
For the best part of two decades, the iconic Gould has been the big gun of Nine’s big-match coverage. The Last Word was his word. The master orator became famous for his pre-match State of Origin addresses and they were so good, so spine tingling, Gould’s one-man show was soon replicated in the centre of Accor Stadium on NRL grand final day.
But just when you expected to see Gould appear under the posts for his stirring, Churchillian address, it was Slater who took centre stage.
Kaboom. It was akin to batting after Bradman.
Slick and smart, Slater, clearly stamped as the long-term poster boy of Nine’s coverage, held his own. The Maroons mentor looked nervous, and his address lacked the sense of theatre that Gould has a masterful knack of whipping up, but there were no major gaffes as he delivered his maiden The Last Word.
Slater then produced a Gus-like walk across the turf, trying to engage the viewer without possessing quite the same pomp or authority as Gould. - Peter Badel
5TH MINUTE: Five minutes in, and this has been a bruising in encounter
Reed Mahoney has twice hit Nathan Cleary following his kicks - and the Panthers skipper took exception to the treatment.
Penrith return fire at the end of Parramatta’s first set, with Mitchell Moses put on his backside following heavy contact from Viliame Kikau.
This has been a physical opening few minutes. Was it ever going to be different?
Cleary has already launched one of his terrifying wobbling bombs, which was expertly taken care of by Clint Gutherson.
But surely it won’t be long before those floaters start heading the way of Waqa Blake?
7.33PM - EELS, PANTHERS EXPLODE
We’re on!
Parramatta have easily got the crowd support - 36 years of pain has brought fans from all corners of the world, and they’ve all ended up in Homebush.
If the pre-game cheers are anything to go by, the Eels have a 60-40 split - with Penrith walking out to a wall of boos.
In 80 minutes we’ll have a winner. And it will either end a 36-year premiership drought, or confirm the status of one of the modern game’s greatest dynasties.
If Penrith are victorious, it’ll be back-to-back premierships on the back of three straight grand finals. It’ll complete a clean sweep of title wins from SG Ball up, and signals a dominance that should last for another decade.
But Brad Arthur and his Eels present a serious hurdle tonight. Can they do it?
We’re about to find out.
7.00PM - THE WILD EEL READY TO ‘CAUSE CARNAGE’
Nathan Brown is the ‘hired heavy’ who is ready to cause carnage, with Nathan Cleary in his sights - and a couple of premiership champions believe his selection could be a masterstroke.
Brown hasn’t played first grade since round 17 and has been picked for his ability to put pressure on Penrith’s skipper.
It was that strategy which prompted some to speculate the veteran could be promoted to the starting lineup. Brad Arthur resisted those calls, and instead Brown will be used off the bench - perhaps after half an hour, when reinforcements can make their mark.
“He is the hired heavy and his job is to go out there and cause some carnage, particularly at the No.7 (Cleary),” Brisbane legend Corey Parker said on Fox League.
“He’s going to have to get through some big boppers in (Penrith props James) Fisher-Harris and (Moses) Leota, because they know what’s coming.”
Melbourne and Sydney Roosters great Cooper Cronk said Brown brought a hattrick of traits that could have Penrith sweating tonight.
“If you’re going to unsettle Penrith you need physicality, you need ball playing and you need legspeed. He has all three,” Cronk said.
“Wind him up and let him go. He’s got the ability to break it open.”
Added Parker: “It could be a masterstroke. It could come down to one of those bench players coming up with a big play.”
6.30PM - CONFIRMED: PARRA, PENRITH PULL LAST-MINUTE SWITCHES
Penrith coach Ivan Cleary has stuck with a winning formula and will start Mitch Kenny at hooker, leaving Api Koroisau on the bench for the grand final against Parramatta at Accor Stadium.
Two-time premiership-winner Koroisau was on Tuesday named to start at hooker, but will instead revert to the bench - where he’s started throughout the finals and made an immediate impact after coming on in after about 20 minutes in two Penrith two victories.
Parramatta, meanwhile, also made a late change - but it’s not the one you may have expected.
Rumours had been swirling that firebrand Nathan Brown, recalled after a lengthy absence from first grade, could be injected into Brad Arthur’s starting 13.
But he remains benched, with Marata Niukore earning a promotion - replacing Ryan Matterson at lock.
Matterson and Brown will spearhead the Eels’ punch off the bench, in a bid to combat the impact of Penrith’s interchange.
5.32PM - KNIGHTS SEAL HISTORIC NRLW TITLE
Tamika Upton and Millie Boyle were touted as the Knights in shining armour who could turn around Newcastle’s fortunes after they finished with the wooden spoon in the inaugural season.
And all it look was a few months for the former Broncos to turn despair into silverware as Newcastle went from winless earlier in the year to NRLW champions after they pummelled Parramatta 32-12.
Boyle and Upton were part of the Broncos juggernaut, helping the Queensland side to titles in 2019 and 2020 before they made the move to the Hunter this season.
They have been an integral part of the turnaround and were again two of their best performers when it mattered most, with Boyle leading from the front with a game-high 235 metres.
But it was Upton who lit things up with a dazzling solo effort to become the leading try-scorer in competition history, while she also set up a four-pointer in the first half.
FOR FULL GRAND FINAL MATCH REPORT CLICK HERE
JT’S GRAND FINAL KICKING FAIL
Retired NRL great Johnathan Thurston suffered a kicking fail when he tried to recreate his famous 2015 grand final conversion attempt.
At halftime of the state championship match between Penrith Panthers and North Devils, Thurston grabbed a kicking tee and set up a kick from the sideline, 20m out.
But, without boots and overdressed for the occasion, Thurston sprayed his kick short and left.
The kick was from the same spot of that from the 2015 decider against Brisbane, when the Cowboys legend’s last-minute conversion attempt to win the game, cannoned back off the post and sent the game into extra time.
WATCH THE VIDEO IN THE PLAYER ABOVE
4.45PM - KNIGHTS CLOSE IN ON MAIDEN NRLW TITLE
Newcastle is 35 minutes away from a maiden NRLW title after a stirring first-half fightback on Sunday.
After underdogs Parramatta struck first through hooker Brooke Anderson just 12 minutes into the contest, it was near one-way traffic from the Knights.
Sustained pressure on the Eels’ tryline finally paid dividends when the Knights hit back through Kiana Takairangi on the right wing five minutes later.
Soon after, the Knights were in front when Emmanita Paki repeated the damage on the left wing.
And when Romy Teitzel burst onto a short ball in the shadows of halftime to score a converted try next to the sticks, the Knights had piled on 14 straight points.
4.25PM: PANTHER’S PERSEVERANCE PAYS OFF AS NRL AWAITS
By Paul Crawley
The player tipped to take over from Api Koroisau next year has spoken about his incredible journey of perseverance after starring in Penrith’s smashing State Championship victory.
The powerhouse Panthers kicked off grand final day with a bang after romping to a 44-10 win over Norths Devils in a game where dummy half Soni Luke showcased his outstanding potential.
In a red hot reserve grade side that featured a stack of NRL experience, the Panthers led 18-0 at halftime and never looked in danger as they finished eight tries to two winners.
There was some great performers across the park but none better than dynamic No 9 who is expected to see far more NRL next year when Koroisau departs for Wests Tigers.
Luke has also been selected to represent Tonga at the upcoming World Cup.
He was tremendous setting up three tries and scoring another.
In the forwards J’maine Hopgood was the official man of the match, while Matt Eisenhuth, Preston Riki and Eddie Blacker were all strong.
Out wide flying Fijian Sunia Turuva also showed why he is considered an NRL star of the future with a try and running for a game-high 187m.
The Devils tried hard to compete but were up against it from the outset after going into the final without the experienced halves Tyrone Roberts and Tyson Gamble.
With Koroisau heading to Tigers next season, Luke showed everyone why the Panthers have no need to panic.
The 26-year-old finally made his NRL debut earlier this year after a long tough road where he endured a stack of injuries including three shoulder reconstructions and a torn pectoral.
A local Mt Druitt product, he’s now being rewarded for his persistence.
Luke came through the same junior team James Fisher-Harris and Dylan Edwards, and was a year up from Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai.
Like Koroisau, he is incredibly skilful and sharp. But persistence has been his greatest strength.
“It has been a bit of a journey to get here but it makes it a little bit sweeter too,” Luke said.
“I haven’t really dwelled on it too much. But on the bus today, yeah, just was looking back to this time last year.
“We were in lockdown here in NSW.
“I had nothing going.
“I was kind of begging (NSW Cup coach) Peter Wallace for a train and trial.”
He said while Ivan Cleary has given no guarantees about next year he knew the opportunity was ahead of him.
“I don’t know if the club is getting anyone but me and Mitch (Kenny) will go hard,” he said.
“He has been there and done his trade for the last couple of years.
“I think I have still got a lot of work to do if I want to nail a spot in that 17 but it will be head down bum up when I get back for preseason.”
4.15PM HOW GUTHO WAS DROPPED FOR WEARING SLIPPERS
By Brent Read
If Rob Gutherson had his way, his son Clint would be a Wallaby by now, possibly with a couple of Olympic Games under his belt. Instead, he is preparing to lead Parramatta into the most important game in their recent history.
“He played soccer, he played rugby – he went to England for schoolboys rugby, played for Australia in the Commonwealth (Youth) Games in the Isle of Man,” Rob Gutherson said.
“Then he had to pick league or union. I would have preferred him to play rugby but there was no pathway at the time. I used to play a bit of rugby myself and he seemed better at rugby.
“As it developed, it hasn’t turned out that way.”
Rob Gutherson acknowledges things have worked out for the best. His son has become an NRL star, is about to play in a grand final and has set his young family up for life.
Talk to those close to Gutherson and you get the sense he was going to be a star whatever code he chose. The only thing standing in his way has now become arguably his greatest strength – his training ethic.
Geoff Riddington, his coach at the Collaroy Cougars, picks up the story.
“He just did things you didn’t expect,” Riddington said. “He was so natural. You wouldn’t believe it but he wasn’t a real good trainer in those days, I must say. He was a shocker.
“He was captain of my under-13s rugby side and he kept wearing slippers to training. I said ‘mate, you can’t wear those, I am going to have to drop you’.
“He wore them again so I dropped him. His dad Rob Gutho called me up and said Clint wasn’t real happy at getting dropped.
“I said the reason he got dropped was because he kept wearing slippers. We put him back as captain and we won the comp. He was that dominating in all aspects of play.
“He was very interesting to coach because he was just so talented.”
While Gutherson was a union star, Manly had also picked up the scent.
He worked his way through the Sea Eagles pathways and seemed destined to spend a long time at the club alongside good mate Jake Trbojevic, only to leave after the Sea Eagles hit salary-cap difficulties.
It was a shock to the system but again, it has possibly been for the best. Gutherson has been a dominant presence for Parramatta and if the Eels are to break their long drought, he will need to be one of the best players on the field.
His father insists if his son is nervous, he isn’t showing it. Gutherson and his family, with their two dogs in tow, recently moved back into his parents’ home on Sydney’s northern beaches while they build a dream house of their own.
The Guthersons have effectively split the house in two. The only common area is the kitchen.
It has given Rob a bird’s eye view of his son preparing for the biggest night of his life.
“He is determined, he is loyal, he is naughty, he is good, he is bad. He is just one of those kids, everyone laughs with him. He has never been in trouble, never done anything wrong. I am happy with the way it unfolded. That is the way it was and how it has turned out. It has been good for him and good for his young family.”
3.11PM: PANTHERS’ PERFECT START TO GRAND FINAL DAY
By Paul Crawley
The Penrith Panthers kicked off grand final day with a bang after romping to a 44-10 victory over Norths Devils in the State Championship.
In a red hot reserve grade side that featured a stack of NRL experience showcasing the club’s incredible depth, the Panthers raced to a 18-0 halftime lead and never looked in danger of letting it go as they finished eight tries to two winners.
There was some great performers across the park but none better than dynamic dummy half Soni Luke who is expected to see far more NRL next year when Api Koroisau departs for Wests Tigers.
Luke was tremendous setting up three tries and scoring another in a wonderful individual effort.
In the forwards J’maine Hopgood was the official man of the match, while Matt Eisenhuth, Preston Riki and Eddie Blacker were all strong.
Out wide flying Fijian Sunia Turuva again showed why he is considered an NRL star of the future with a try and running for a game high 187m.
The Devils tried hard to compete but were up against it from the outset after going into the final without the experienced halves Tyrone Roberts and Tyson Gamble who were out injured.
PLAYER TO WATCH
With Koroisau heading to Tigers next season, Luke showed everyone why the Panthers have no need to panic.
Luke was outstanding out of dummy half with a dominant first half, scoring a fantastic solo try and laying on another with a clever grubber kick for Hopgood.
While he was sin binned for a professional foul in the second half the score was already out to 26-0 at that point, and when he returned he laid on another try with more great work.
The 26-year-old finally made his NRL debut earlier this year against Canberra after a long tough road where he endured a stack of injuries including three shoulder reconstructions and a torn pectoral.
A local Mt Druitt product, he’s now being rewarded for his persistence.
Luke came through the same junior team as the like of James Fisher-Harris and Dylan Edwards, and was a year up from Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai, and he looks set for plenty more NRL.
POWERHOUSE PANTHERS
In the modern game under salary cap restrictions it is a massive credit to the Panthers how they have largely developed a rugby league powerhouse with such limited outide big name signings.
And the abundance of depth just runs through the grades.
They’d already won the SG Ball, Jersey Flegg and NSW Cup grand finals this season, with the NRL team in its third straight decider.
In the State Championship it was a complete mismatch.
Hopgood (173m), Eisenhuth (128m), Riki (124m) and Blacker (120m) all ran for well over 100m, while in comparison the Devils’ Brendan Paikura had the most with 102m.
The Devils went into the match as the only Queensland team on show on grand final day, but they simply had no answer to the powerhouse Panthers.
The Panthers scored three unanswered first half tries to Hopgood, Luke and Eddie Blacker, and had two others disallowed.
From there they cruised further ahead with early second half tries to John Faiumu and Robert Jennings as the score blew out to 26-0.
DEVILS OUT OF GAS
The Devils had won seven straight to take out their Queensland grand final.
But by the time they turned up at Accor Stadium it was clear they were out of gas.
Skipper Jack Ahearn and his team created plenty of opportunities but too often let themselves down with a crucial mistake.
The finally go on the board with just 15 minutes left in the game when Tony Tumusa crossed with the Panthers a man down with Luke in the bin.
The scored another late through Rashaun Denny.
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OFFICIAL GRAND FINAL JERSEYS CONFIRMED
By Dean Ritchie
Penrith in black, Parramatta in gold.
The Daily Telegraph can reveal the official jumper colours worn by both sides in this evening’s massive NRL grand final.
Penrith has elected against wearing their pink strip and will don the black with white piping.
Given the Panthers had first choice of jersey colour – because they finished higher on the competition ladder — the NRL told Parramatta to wear their gold strip, with blue piping, to ensure there isn’t a clash of colours.
Penrith will wear black shorts and socks while Parramatta will be in blue shorts and socks.
Parramatta will wear their predominantly blue jumper – with gold piping — for the women’s grand final against a Newcastle side electing to don their white strip coupled with red and blue.
Penrith will run out in their pink jumper for the NRL State Cup game against a Norths Devils side who wear light blue jerseys.
2.10PM: STATE CHAMPIONSHIP: PANTHERS PURRING
Grand final day looks like getting off to a super start for the Panthers, with Penrith racking up a big lead at half-time of the State Championship.
The Panthers’ NSW Cup side leads Queensland Cup champions Norths 18-0, with dummy half Soni Luke looking sharp.
Apisai Koroisau may be off to the Tigers but back-up hooker Soni Luke is putting on a show on the biggest stage right now! 🤩
— Fox League (@FOXNRL) October 2, 2022
The crafty hooker has a try and assist early as the Panthers run riot in the State Championship ðŸ¾
Watch LIVE on Fox Sports 502 or @kayosportspic.twitter.com/UZth0y2Fup
1.22PM: BIG BLOW FOR NORTHS AS GF DAY KICKS OFF
Queensland champions and Brisbane Broncos feeder club Norths Devils have suffered a huge injury blow ahead of its State Championship showdown against Penrith which kicks off grand final day at Accor Stadium.
Knights-bound five-eighth Tyson Gamble is the latest casualty for the Devils who had already lost his halves partner Tyrone Roberts and try-scoring machine Brayden McGrady to injury for the Penrith clash.
Changes to our squad today:
— NorthsDevilsRLFC (@NorthsDevilsRL) October 2, 2022
Tyson Gamble (knee) is out. Rashaun Denny is named on the wing, Jack Ahearn to the halves and Matthew Milson to fullback.
Jerome Veve into the starting team with Viko Puliuvea off the bench.#UpTheDevshttps://t.co/t13LP7kkad
EELS ARMY BEGIN MARCH TO NRL GRAND FINAL
The blue and gold army has begun its journey to Accor Stadium with around 1000 supporters marching from the Parramatta League’s Club to the train station ahead of the battle of the west.
Chanting “Parra, Parra”, fans made the early start around midday ahead of tonight’s battle of the west between the Eels and Penrith.
— Dean Hardman (@dhardmanturf) October 2, 2022
SUPERBOOT’S BRUTAL BOMB WARNING FOR JITTERY EEL
By David Riccio and Brent Read
NRL superboot Matt Burton has declared Nathan Cleary boasts a bomb that is more lethal and with greater accuracy than his own.
In a chilling warning to the Eels catchers, including Waqa Blake and Clint Gutherson, Burton has declared Cleary has the unique ability to perfect his virtually impossible to catch floating bombs, from anywhere on the field.
Burton’s insight has emerged as Blake acknowledged Cleary would be targeting him under the high ball in Sunday’s sold-out grand final at Accor Stadium.
“He’s (Cleary) got the floater worked out. He’s been worrying teams with it all year, so I think he’s going to be worrying Parra with it on Sunday, for sure,’’ Burton said.
“He’s got them down-pat.
“He can point them up from any part of the field and land them in the same spot every time.
“He’s more precise than me.
“I’m sure Waqa has been working all week knowing that Nath is going to come out and put a few up. I’m sure he’ll be up for it — but those bombs of Nath’s he can land anywhere, really.
“When I was at Penrith (in 2021), there were a few of us kickers that used to always hang around and put them up. But Nath could put them up and onto the spot he wanted every time, no matter where he was on the field.
“If he wanted to put a floater up to a corner, he would land them there every time.
“The accuracy he has with them is something else.”
Blake, who began his career alongside Cleary at Penrith, knows what is coming.
However, Blake said he isn’t fazed by the aerial raid from Cleary in the premiership decider, despite spilling three Cleary bombs when the two teams last met.
“No doubt he’s going to be putting them up for me,’’ Blake said.
“It’s just me and him. I’ve just got to get under it and catch it.
“Nobody kicks it better than he does.
“When Sunday comes, I’ve got to worry about my own game first.
“Being on the wing, I’ve got to be in position at the back on their last tackle, I’ve got to be able to finish opportunities and be on the end of the line in defence.’’
Eels coach Brad Arthur said it was unfair to place the onus of defusing Cleary‘s kick solely on Blake.
He pointed out that kick-pressure from the rest of the Parramatta playing squad before Cleary strikes the ball is paramount.
“The reason why he (Cleary) is a very good player is you can try to limit the damage he can do to you but you can’t stop him,” Arthur said.
“That is what makes these blokes special. They keep finding ways.
“You can find a way to minimize his damage but he will find a way.
“We have a few things we have worked on.
“We are just going to have to keep competing hard, keep turning up for each other.
“The only thing we can control is how we respond to it. If something doesn’t go right, we have to respond in the best possible fashion.”
Panthers winger Charlie Staines has the privileged position of standing on the same side as Cleary and watching the nightmare for the opposition unfold.
Asked for a tip on how he would defuse a Cleary bomb, Staines said simply: “I don‘t know, just watch the ball and do your best.”
NRL GRAND FINAL EXPERT TIPS
It’s here!
NRL Grand Final day has arrived, with Penrith and Parramatta set to compete for rugby league’s biggest prize in a blockbuster decider.
But before the action really kicks off, see who our NRL experts are predicting for all the day’s big moments.
Scroll down for our expert tips on the winner, first try and Clive Churchill Medal.
ANTHONY ALBANESE
Prime Minister
PENRITH by 14
First tryscorer: Clint Gutherson
CC Medal winner: Isaah Yeo
Penrith have been the best side this year and will benefit from GF and origin experience
BRENDAN BRADFORD
Code Sports
PENRITH by 12
First tryscorer: Charlie Staines
CC Medal winner: Dylan Edwards
Feels like Parra played their grand final last week. Meanwhile, even when down by 12 against the Rabbits, the Panthers never felt out of it. Their meeting in the first week of the finals is the blueprint for this one.
MICHAEL CARAYANNIS
News Corp Australia
PENRITH by 10
First tryscorer: Isaah Yeo
CC Medal winner: Dylan Edwards
Even when the Panthers were a little bit off last week, they were still good. If it all comes together again on Sunday, there is no stopping them even if Parramatta play to their best.
PAUL CRAWLEY
News Corp Australia
PENRITH by 8
First tryscorer: Shaun Lane
CC Medal winner: Dylan Edwards
Why? Penrith has been the standout team all year, are fit and fresh and proven on the big stage.
COOPER CRONK
Fox League expert
PENRITH by 18
First tryscorer: Dylan Edwards
CC Medal winner: Dylan Edwards
Brutal and close contest for 60 minutes. Panthers to score multiple late tries and run away with it.
RAY HADLEY
2GB host
PENRITH by 8
First tryscorer: Brian To’o
CC Medal winner: Dylan Edwards
Parramatta has found form through the semis, but the Panthers will be much better this week – they will take the second-half form against Souths into this game.
MATTY JOHNS
Fox League expert
PENRITH by 8
First tryscorer: Viliame Kikau
CC Medal winner: Nathan Cleary
Best side all year. As favourites, they will bring in a pragmatic approach, going about their processes.
PAUL KENT
NRL 360
PENRITH by 14
First tryscorer: Isaah Yeo
CC Medal winner: Liam Martin
Penrith have been playing at a level above other teams all season. They are fit, surprisingly fresh, which is all they needed to be to ensure another premiership based on that.
FATIMA KDOUH
News Corp Australia
PENRITH by 10
First tryscorer: Brian To’o
CC Medal winner: Nathan Cleary
Penrith know how to win and what it takes to deliver in the big games. Parramatta’s grand final inexperience will hurt them.
TRAVIS MEYN
News Corp Australia
PENRITH by 12
First tryscorer: Brian To’o
CC Medal winner: Nathan Cleary
The Eels have played their hearts out to get to the decider but Penrith are too good a team to let this opportunity slip.
LACHLAN MCKIRDY
Code Sports
PENRITH by 8
First tryscorer: Stephen Crichton
CC Medal Winner: Isaah Yeo
Penrith have shown across the past two seasons they can step up for the important games – and this weekend will be no different. Will join the small list of teams to go back-to-back thanks to their players having more experience in the big moments.
COREY PARKER
Fox League expert
PENRITH by 4
First tryscorer: Brian To’o
CC Medal winner: Dylan Edwards
This will be a super game that will have a huge talking point at the end. I get the feeling something big is coming. Parra have won two out of three against Penrith this year and won’t be worried.
LARA PITT
Fox League
PENRITH by 10
First Tryscorer: Viliame Kikau
CC Medal: Nathan Cleary
The Eels will go with Penrith as they did in week 1 of finals until Nathan Cleary’s kicking game eventually breaks them. The Panthers are too confident and calm, having been there on grand final day the past two years.
BRENT READ
News Corp Australia
PARRAMATTA by 4
First tryscorer: Will Penisini
CC Medal winner: Mitchell Moses
Why? Destiny is on their side. The Eels have waited 36 years to win another premiership and it feels like their time has now arrived. South Sydney had the Panthers on the rack in the opening half last weekend. Parramatta will finish them off.
DAVID RICCIO
News Corp Australia
PENRITH by 4
First tryscorer: Izack Tago
CC Medal winner: Dylan Edwards
This will be tight. But ultimately, I worry the Eels trip “the long way round” to the grand final will cost them when it matters. The Panthers are fresh and fit and boast the best No.7 in the comp.
STEVE ROACH
Fox League expert
PENRITH by 7
First tryscorer: Stephen Crichton
CC Medal winner: Isaiah Yeo
Penrith have been the best team for past two years and know how to get the job done
PHIL ROTHFIELD
News Corp Australia
PARRAMATTA by 4
First tryscorer: Waqa Blake
CC Medal winner: Clint Gutherson
The Eels have beaten the Panthers twice this year. Parramatta showed championship-winning defence against the Cowboys last week.
ANDREW VOSS
Fox League
PENRITH by 7
First tryscorer: Brian To’o
CC Medal winner: Dylan Edwards
The Panthers have been the best team for more than a season now. Would need to play poorly to lose.
PAMELA WHALEY
Code Sports
PARRAMATTA by 10
First tryscorer: Shaun Lane
CC Medal winner: Mitch Moses
There’s a new determination about Parramatta that makes me believe they can beat Penrith one more time this year. It seems more likely they’ll get up for a decider against their arch rivals than it is we’ll see another team go back-to-back so soon after the Roosters did it in 2019.
JIM WILSON
2GB Drive
PENRITH by 10
First tryscorer: Brian To’o
CC Medal winner: Nathan Cleary
The Eels were superb against the Cowboys and so deserve to be in the big one but the Panthers are a machine and will be too strong and complete an extraordinary season across the NRL and NSWRL competitions.
JESS YATES
Fox League
PENRITH by 4
First tryscorer: Brian To’o
CC Medal winner: Nathan Cleary
The Panthers have been the benchmark all season. Their grand final experience will give them the edge.
BOO BAILEY
News Corp Australia
PENRITH BY 14
First tryscorer: Brian To’o
CC Medal winner: Clive Cleary
Im afraid it’ll be “ding, dong the witch is still alive” for a plucky Parra as the big cats go back to black!
Originally published as NRL Grand Final 2022: Eels captain Clint Gutherson played final with broken hand
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