NRL grand final 2022 in photos: Fans, celebrations, great moments in Panthers v Eels

If ever there was a game to capture the high and lows of being a fan it was the 2022 NRL grand final. We take a look at the colour of the game and emotions of the fans in this photo special.

The many faces of a rugby league grand final.

It was a battle of the west between two famous rugby league clubs with some of the most loyal and passionate fans in the game.

And while the Penrith Panthers dominated, the match will long be remembered by rugby league fans.

For the Panthers there were cheers, wild celebrations and partying through the night.

For the Eels the aftermath was far more muted, although two late tries salvaged pride for the side at one stage on track to be the first team since 2008 to be scoreless in a grand final.

The emotion of the Eels fans during the match was clear to see.

Panthers players celebrate with the Premiership Trophy. Pic: Getty

In contrast, minor Premiers Penrith’s had plenty to celebrate from the get-go as they rom ped hyome to take the 2022 grand final at Sydney Olympic Park 28-12 after leading 18-0 at halftime.

The victory saw the Panthers successfully defend the title they won a year ago in the 2021 decider and the club secure a bag full of titles this season after wins in the under 18s, under 20s, NSW Cup and Interstate Challenge championships.

Fans came in all ages. Pic: David Swift.

Fans cheering Penrith on.

Penrith also became only the second team in the NRL era to win back-to-back titles.

In total, 82,415 sport fans made the trek to watch the grand final play out.

Some could not have been happier. Others left devastated.

We take a look at some of photos that capture the colour of the game and celebrations and the emotions of both clubs loyal and passionate fans as season 2022 of the NRL came to a finish.

Brian To'o and Stephen Crichton celebrate with fans.

Delighted Penrith fans take to the streets. Pic: David Swift.

The emotion was plan to see at Accor Stadium. Pic: David Swift.

Fans on an emotional ride during the NRL gran final.

Fans during the game.

Penrith fans getting into the atmosphere. .

Penrith fans celebrating in the streets of Penrith after their team won the match.

Maika Sivo and Waqa Blake of the Eels line up for the national anthem.

Rival fans at the match.

Brian To'o of the Panthers high fives with fans.

Mitchell Moses of the Eels.

Coach Ivan Cleary and son Nathan.

A bloodied Ryan Matterson of the Eels.

Fans of all ages were at the match.

Panthers fans in full throttle.

The many faces of a rugby league grand final.

Nathan Cleary of the Panthers and Mitchell Moses of the Eels embrace after the match.

Eels fan during the game

Penrith faithful arrive at BlueBet Stadium.

Penrith fans celebrate a try.

The Panthers celebrate with the NRL Premiership Trophy.

A pitch invaded removes padding from the goalposts.

Panthers celebrate winning.

Winners are grinners. Jarome Luai of the Panthers celebrates with the Samoa flag.

Maika Sivo of the Eels.

Brian To'o of the Panthers scoring.

Isaah Yeo of the Panthers is tackled during the match.

The Panthers celebrate with the trophy.

Fans are in the stadium.

Happy Penrith fans.

Even happier Penrith players.

Originally published as NRL grand final 2022 in photos: Fans, celebrations, great moments in Panthers v Eels