Panthers hammer Broncos in grand final rematch as Walsh floored by facial injury

IZACK FOR BLUES: Nathan Cleary was asked over the summer who the big improver would be at the Panthers, and he nominated Izack Tago. Cleary even predicted he would be in the NSW Origin conversation. Tago sure is now after two tries and an excellent try-saver on Selwyn Cobbo. Tom Trbojevic, Latrell Mitchell, possibly Jack Wighton, Stephen Crichton, Kotoni Staggs, Bradman Best, and maybe Joseph Suaalii are all centre options for the Blues. Tago would more than hold his own, especially with his right-side chemistry with Cleary.

CLEARY MASTERCLASS: How many times can we pump up Nathan Cleary? Who cares if he continues to play the way he does. The Broncos had no answers for the halfback who was excellent at calling the shots in attack. How he held the ball up for Izack Tago’s second try had to be seen to be believed.

WHAT TO MAKE OF THE BRONCOS: The scoreline was a proper hammering. But Brisbane were already without Payne Haas and Adam Reynolds – their best prop and skipper – and had to get by without superstar Reece Walsh for basically 76 minutes. At least they kept having a dig and trying to create late in the game. They will get better. Selwyn Cobbo had a crack.

Kevin Walters on Reece Walsh injury and Broncos defeat: “He’s not too good in there. He’s having trouble seeing. He has a big gash. He tried to get back on, but wasn’t right. We pulled him from the game. We faced adversity early and we didn’t handle it as well as we should have. I couldn’t really see [the incident] because my eyes aren’t that great. It’s one of those things that happen.”

Penrith coach Ivan Cleary on the strong win: “It’s hard to back up good performances at the start of the year. In that regard it was very pleasing. It was stop-start at the beginning of the game, we got into some rhythm, the boys were disciplined with the ball, we made some good defensive stands, and started the second half well. But it was sloppy in the end. All in all it was a pretty good performance.”

IZACK FOR BLUES: Nathan Cleary was asked over the summer who the big improver would be at the Panthers, and he nominated Izack Tago. Cleary even predicted he would be in the NSW Origin conversation. Tago sure is now after two tries and an excellent try-saver on Selwyn Cobbo. Tom Trbojevic, Latrell Mitchell, possibly Jack Wighton, Stephen Crichton, Kotoni Staggs, Bradman Best, and maybe Joseph Suaalii are all centre options for the Blues. Tago would more than hold his own, especially with his right-side chemistry with Cleary.

CLEARY MASTERCLASS: How many times can we pump up Nathan Cleary? Who cares if he continues to play the way he does. The Broncos had no answers for the halfback who was excellent at calling the shots in attack. How he held the ball up for Izack Tago’s second try had to be seen to be believed.

WHAT TO MAKE OF THE BRONCOS: The scoreline was a proper hammering. But Brisbane were already without Payne Haas and Adam Reynolds – their best prop and skipper – and had to get by without superstar Reece Walsh for basically 76 minutes. At least they kept having a dig and trying to create late in the game. They will get better. Selwyn Cobbo had a crack.

You have to wonder if the loss of Reece Walsh after just two minutes would have made a serious difference for the Broncos.

The grand final rematch finished 34-12 to the Panthers.

Taylan May gets into a scuffle during the Panthers big win over BrisbaneCredit: Getty Images

Brisbane were not helped whe they lost their golden boy fullback Walsh to blurred vision. He butted heads with Taylan May who was told by referee Gerard Sutton he should have made more of an effort to get lower, and was placed on report.

Time will tell if May is charged.

Walsh passed his HIA, but struggled to see because of the swelling beneath his left eye. He dropped a ball cold when a trainer threw one to him on the sideline midway through the first half.

Nathan Cleary put on a masterclass, with his short ball for Izack Tago’s second try a ripper. Tago bagged a double and mowed down Selwyn Cobbo to generate some deserved NSW Origin hype.

The Panthers look good. Brisbane did well to not concede 50. They were already without their best prop and skipper, Payne Haas and Adam Reynolds, for the trip west.

The premiers had the luxury of giving their two skippers an nearly mark. Life is good.

How often do Penrith get the chance to give their skippers an early mark?

Nathan Cleary and Isaah Yeo were given spells with just under ten minutes remaining. Cleary received a standing ovation from the locals.

Penrith will be sitting back hoping South Sydney bash the Sydney Roosters tomorrow night. The Chooks and Panthers lock horns next Thursday.

Taylan May has passed his HIA, and Daine Laurie is getting some late, late minutes for Cleary.

The Broncos are in again. You have to hand it to them for continuing to have a crack.

They are finally getting a bit of ball and creating chances.

Jesse Arthars shrugged off Dylan Edwards to complete a long-range try.

Brisbane trail 34-12.

Deine Mariner has hit back for the Broncos. Like Brian To’o up the other end of the field a few minutes earlier, Mariner evaded several defenders to miraculously score.

Selwyn Cobbo charged down field and was mowed down by Izack Tago, but the Broncos made sure they came away from a rare trip upfield with points.

Panthers lead 34-6 with just over 20 minutes remaining.

How on earth did Brian To’o get the ball down for his second? That’s two in four minutes for the pint-sized powerhouse.

He caught the ball and had about four Broncos defenders to beat, and somehow slipped past them.

This is ugly. Kevvy and Brisbane and Queensland will be hating this.

To be fair, the Broncos were already without their skipper and best prop and now their superstar fullback.

How do Penrith look without Jamesd Fisher-Harris – he is out with a shoulder injury – Nathan Cleary and Dylan Edwards?

Brian To’o is on the scoreboard when sliding over in the left corner.

The Panthers forced a dropout, successfully challenged the Broncos had knocked on, and scored the next set.

Everything is going right for the Panthers.

Nathan Cleary is earning plenty of rave reviews in the commentary box.

After 48 minutes, it’s Penrith up 28-2.

Brisbane officials have confirmed Reece Walsh will not return in the second half.

Walsh passed his HIA, but the swelling below his eye has caused issues with his sight.

What a huge blow for the Broncos.

Given the weight of possession, the Pennies could notch the half century. And we all know the stat about teams that concede 50 points and their premiership hopes.

Coach Kevin Walters has shifted Kotoni Staggs to left centre where poor old Brendan Piakura was exposed several times.