NRL preliminary final player ratings: Who starred, flopped in Storm v Panthers?

A young gun’s move to the wing has given Penrith the threat on both sides of the field that other teams can only dream of. Who starred and who flopped in the preliminary final? Have your say.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA – SEPTEMBER 25: Stephen Crichton of the Panthers celebrates with his teammates after scoring a try during the NRL Preliminary Final match between the Melbourne Storm and the Penrith Panthers at Suncorp Stadium on September 25, 2021 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Avenging last year’s grand final loss, the Penrith Panthers have produced an extraordinary defensive effort to deny minor premiers Melbourne Storm.

The Panthers stunned the Storm as early as the third minute when Stephen Crichton scooted over in the corner. Nathan Cleary then converted to give them a 6-0 lead.

Storm’s quest to get a shot at back-to-back titles started to unravel when they lost Christian Welch and Brandon Smith in the opening half.

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Brian To’o extended early in the second half as a huge upset looked on the cards.

It was a very uncharacteristic Storm with countless errors, particularly when in dominant attacking positions.

Storm fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen went over in the 64th minute to keep the contest alive.

But from there the Panthers were relentless with the defensive wall as Storm continued to rack up the errors.

Check out who stood tall on the battlefield and who didn’t?

Our expert Nick Campton rates every player from Saturday’s NRL preliminary final. PLUS, HAVE YOUR SAY.