NRL grand final 2023 explained: All your questions answered

The Panthers have pulled off a thrilling escape in the 2023 NRL grand final – so what does the result mean and what happens next?

It was the dramatic finish that left the Panthers cheering, the Broncos disheartened and fans in shock.

Penrith on October 1, 2023 became the first side in 40 years to claim three consecutive premierships after a 26-24 victory over Brisbane at Sydney’s Accor Stadium.

What does the result mean and what happens now?

All your questions answered >>>

WHO WON THE 2023 NRL GRAND FINAL?

Penrith Panthers claimed a 26-24 victory over the Brisbane Broncos at Sydney’s Accor Stadium in front of a crowd of 81,947 on October 1, 2023.

It was the Panthers’ third straight title and their fifth overall.

Chasing a seventh title, Brisbane have now lost their past two deciders in dramatic fashion after a golden point defeat in the 2015 showdown against the North Queensland Cowboys.

The match was quickly hailed as one of the best deciders ever, sparking hype that the Panthers/Broncos rivalry could be one to watch in coming seasons.

Here are the full player ratings for each team.

The Panthers players and coaching staff celebrate victory in their dressing room with close friends and family. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

WHO SCORED A TRY IN THE GRAND FINAL?

For the Broncos, Tom Flegler scored the first one before Ezra Mam scored a hat-trick.

For the Panthers they got tries from Mitch Kenny, Moses Leota, Stephen Crichton and Nathan Cleary.

Here is the LIVE BLOG of how the match unfolded.

HOW MANY TIMES HAVE PENRITH WON THE GRAND FINAL?

The Panthers are the first team in the NRL era (since 1998) to claim three successive NRL grand final wins.

They beat the South Sydney Rabbitohs 14-12 in 2021, and Parramatta Eels 28-12 in 2022.

Now with five NRL crowns, Penrith are also the first club since the Eels in 1981-83 to win three titles in a row.

Penrith won in 1991, 2003 and 2021-23.

The all-time record for most straight grand final wins remains St George Dragons from 1956-66.

Download the Panthers’ victory team poster HERE.

HOW DID THE PANTHERS PLAYERS CELEBRATE?

Before making the 45 kilometre trek back to their home base, players streamed onto Accor Stadium just after midnight to continue celebrations.

Superstar Nathan Cleary was spotted posing for photos with surf champion Mick Fanning, sporting his Clive Churchill Medal and his 2023 premiership.

SCENES 🏆🏆🏆#pantherpride 🐾 pic.twitter.com/JbxS76u7np

— Penrith Panthers 🏆🏆 (@PenrithPanthers) October 1, 2023

Departing star centre Stephen Crichton one-upped Cleary in the bling states. Crichton showed off all three premiership rings, the Provan Summons trophy and a UFC style championship belt that had the word ‘undisputed’ on the front.

Earlier in the sheds, players decked in Polynesia candy leis and sporting ski goggles belted out the team song, a rendition of Queen’s ‘We Are The Champions’.

However the Panthers also gagged some players from using social media following the controversies of 2022.

The Panthers were also accused of taking a shot at Broncos fullback Reece Walsh after the win.

The championship belt on full display. Picture: Getty Images

READ THE FULL REPORT

WHAT WERE THE BIGGEST CONTROVERSIES?

Referee Adam Gee was widely regarded as having a good game, allowing the contest to flow.

For the Broncos the biggest talking point was about how they let their 24-8 lead slip.

For the Panthers the question centred on Nathan Cleary - where does he rank among the best halfbacks ever?

And can Penrith shoot for No.4 in 2024?

There was also controversy when Broncos captain Adam Reynolds failed to congratulate the Panthers in his post-match speech, though he later took to social media to apologise for the oversight.

WHAT WENT WRONG FOR THE BRONCOS?

While the Panthers entered the showdown as favourites based on their experience, Brisbane came armed with a young line-up and carefree approach.

However they needed to show defensive steel early to hold back Penrith.

Their chance came just before halftime when Tom Flegler crashed over, and an Ezra Mam hat-trick in the 15 minutes after the break looked to break the game open.

Reece Walsh was left dejected. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

The Broncos, sparked by Reece Walsh and powered by prop Payne Haas, led 24-8 with less than 20 minutes to go.

Enter Nathan Cleary.

The halfback was able to deliver a string of clutch plays.

Brisbane, meanwhile, didn’t quite hold their nerve when it was needed to wind down the clock.

The final 20 minutes of the contest were broken down here.

WHO IS NATHAN CLEARY?

Nathan Cleary is the Panthers’ star halfback, claiming the Clive Churchill Medal for player of the match.

The 25-year-old set up one try, kicked a 40/20 and scored the try that put his side ahead late in the contest.

Cleary’s dad and coach is Ivan Cleary, who had led the Panthers to the past three premierships and had his own decorated NRL career.

WHO IS KEVIN WALTERS?

Kevin Walters is the Broncos’ coach and would have been the first person in the NRL era to win a title as a player and a coach.

A club great at Brisbane who starred in a string of premiership wins, overcoming personal tragedy along the way, Walters took over as coach in 2021.

After the grand final loss Walters declared his side would be back bigger and better in 2024.

WHO IS EZRA MAM?

Ezra Mam leaves the field after his star showing. Picture: David Swift

Broncos five-eighth Ezra Mam, 20, was 15 minutes away from winning the Clive Churchill Medal.

His hat-trick had all but got the Broncos over the line before a late surge from the Panthers spoiled the party.

Sydney-born Mam, who moved to Queensland and grew up in Ipswich, enjoyed a breakout year in 2023, scoring 18 tries.

Originally published as NRL grand final 2023 explained: All your questions answered