Penrith Panthers Dominate Grand Final Rematch Against Brisbane Broncos: Walsh Sidelined Early Due to Head Injury

The Penrith Panthers showcased their dominance in a thrilling rematch against the Brisbane Broncos, securing a convincing 34-12 victory. The star-studded Panthers, led by standout player Nathan Cleary, delivered a masterclass performance that left fans in awe from start to finish. The match, which took place in front of a packed home crowd, saw the injury-ridden Broncos facing an uphill battle right from the initial moments.

Unfortunately for the Broncos, their woes were compounded early on as star fullback Reece Walsh suffered a severe head injury just five minutes into the game. The clash with Taylan May led to a significant gash on Walsh’s face, resulting in him being sidelined for the remainder of the match. Despite passing his HIA, Walsh experienced vision issues and was eventually ruled out at halftime, pending further scans on Friday.

Meanwhile, Cleary, the linchpin of the Panthers’ attack, put on a clinic with a stellar display. The halfback orchestrated three crucial tries in the first half alone, showcasing his playmaking prowess and strategic brilliance. Cleary’s unparalleled performance included setting up Izack Tago‘s try on the stroke of halftime through a series of deceptive moves that left the Broncos defense reeling.

As the match progressed, Cleary continued to shine, contributing to two more tries in the second half, both finished off expertly by Brian To'o. The Panthers’ dominant showing prompted coach Ivan Cleary to give his son, Nathan, an early mark in the 72nd minute, a testament to the team’s commanding lead and performance.

Amongst the standout performances, Moses Leota emerged as a pivotal figure for the Panthers, stepping up in the absence of James Fisher-Harris to lead the forward pack with authority. Leota’s contributions, coupled with Cleary’s wizardry, ensured the Panthers maintained their stronghold on the match and secured a resounding victory over the Brisbane Broncos.