NRL Grand Finals: Panthers and Roosters Reach Historic Milestones

The 2024 NRL grand final draws attention as the Penrith Panthers seek to secure a historic fourth consecutive title against the Melbourne Storm. The atmosphere is charged with anticipation, particularly in Western Sydney, home territory for the Panthers. The city is adorned with team colors and memorabilia as fans rally around their team.

Jess Fox, an Olympic gold medallist from Penrith, expressed her pride in the team’s journey. “There’s a special energy, a pride, a sense of belonging and connection that comes from supporting our team,” Fox remarked, highlighting the community’s enthusiasm. The Panthers, under Coach Ivan Cleary, have faced a challenging season marred by injuries but remain determined as they vie for another championship.

Meanwhile, Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai conclude their noteworthy pairing in the halves for Penrith, boasting an impressive 87.5% win percentage over their careers together. Their collaboration has been instrumental in the team’s success, marking them as one of the most formidable pairings since 1980.

On the other side, the Melbourne Storm is poised to challenge the Panthers, with several new players stepping into the spotlight. Lazarus Vaalepu makes history as the least experienced player in a grand final, with only six top-grade games to his credit.

Additionally, the NRL Women’s Premiership concluded with the Sydney Roosters capturing their second title by overcoming the Cronulla Sharks in a thrilling match. The Roosters secured a 32-28 victory following a nail-biting game that saw them withstand a strong second-half comeback from the Sharks.

Fullback Sam Bremner, making her return to the game this season, cemented her legacy with her first NRLW premiership. Olivia Kernick played a pivotal role in the Roosters’ triumph, scoring a crucial try in the final minutes to secure the win.

Oryn Keeley was a standout performer for Newtown in a different final against the Norths Devils, scoring a decisive try that led to their victory. The Jets had hoped for back-to-back wins following their recent NSW Cup triumph, but Keeley’s two-try effort ensured a narrow win for the Queensland Cup champions.