Panthers v Broncos: Same 17 for Cleary; Herbie good to go
As the Panthers look to become the first team in four decades to win three premierships in a row, the Broncos are in a decider for the first time since 2015 and looking to end a 17-year title drought.
Penrith were in devastating touch as they advanced to their fourth-straight grand final with a commanding 38-4 victory over the Storm, which is the biggest preliminary final winning margin achieved in the NRL era.
On the back of an 87 percent completion rate, the Panthers were able to flex their considerable attacking muscle, with Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo and Dylan Edwards all having a big influence on the match.
Twenty four hours later up in Brisbane, the Broncos put on a clinic of their own led by superstar fullback Reece Walsh, who tore the Warriors to pieces in a 42-12 win.
With 11 line breaks and 23 offloads to their name by full-time – all while still managing to complete 82 percent of their sets – Kevin Walters' side delivered a powerful message about their ability with ball in hand, ahead of facing a side who have been easily the best defensive unit in the competition this season.
As it's turned out the last game of the Telstra Premiership season will see a rematch of a clash which featured in the opening round back at the start of March, with the Broncos making a statement that night via a 13-12 defeat of the defending premiers.
Penrith got one back by way of a 15-4 victory at Suncorp Stadium 11 rounds later though.
The Panthers have won 50 percent of their 42 games at Accor Stadium, while the Broncos have won 16 of 34 at the venue.
Sign up for a free NRL Account to access this video and other exclusive content.
Sign UpAlready have an NRL Account?
Not sure? Learn more about an NRL Account .
Team News
Panthers: No late changes on game day as Ivan Cleary's side chase an elusive third-straight premiership. Five-eighth Jarome Luai (shoulder) is not 100 percent but will line up with Jack Cogger coming off the bench as a back-up for the Samoan international. Izack Tago (pectoral) got through the match last week and is good to go. Tyrone Peachey is 18th Man.
Broncos: The Broncos are 1-17 with no late changes. Herbie Farnworth has been given the all clear to take his place in the grand final side after completing the captain's run on Saturday. Farnworth left training on Monday with a hamstring injury. Broncos coach Kevin Walters said: "He's fine. He was just all a bit tight earlier in the week. Everyone's right to go again, which is great. We've got our best 17 out there and are ready to go." Veteran winger Corey Oates is 18th Man.
Match: Panthers v Broncos
Grand Final -
home Team
Panthers
away Team
Broncos
Team Lists
Backs
-
Fullback for Panthers is number 1 Dylan EdwardsFullback for Broncos is number 1 Reece Walsh
-
Winger for Panthers is number 2 Sunia TuruvaWinger for Broncos is number 2 Jesse Arthars
-
Centre for Panthers is number 3 Izack TagoCentre for Broncos is number 3 Kotoni Staggs
-
Centre for Panthers is number 4 Stephen CrichtonCentre for Broncos is number 4 Herbie Farnworth
-
Winger for Panthers is number 5 Brian To'oWinger for Broncos is number 5 Selwyn Cobbo
-
Five-Eighth for Panthers is number 6 Jarome LuaiFive-Eighth for Broncos is number 6 Ezra Mam
-
Halfback for Panthers is number 7 Nathan ClearyHalfback for Broncos is number 7 Adam Reynolds
Forwards
-
Prop for Panthers is number 8 Moses LeotaProp for Broncos is number 8 Thomas Flegler
-
Hooker for Panthers is number 9 Mitch KennyHooker for Broncos is number 9 Billy Walters
-
Prop for Panthers is number 10 James Fisher-HarrisProp for Broncos is number 10 Payne Haas
-
2nd Row for Panthers is number 11 Scott Sorensen2nd Row for Broncos is number 11 Kurt Capewell
-
2nd Row for Panthers is number 12 Liam Martin2nd Row for Broncos is number 12 Jordan Riki
-
Lock for Panthers is number 13 Isaah YeoLock for Broncos is number 13 Patrick Carrigan
Interchange
-
Interchange for Panthers is number 14 Jack CoggerInterchange for Broncos is number 14 Tyson Smoothy
-
Interchange for Panthers is number 15 Lindsay SmithInterchange for Broncos is number 15 Brendan Piakura
-
Interchange for Panthers is number 16 Spencer LeniuInterchange for Broncos is number 16 Kobe Hetherington
-
Interchange for Panthers is number 17 Luke GarnerInterchange for Broncos is number 17 Keenan Palasia
Reserves
-
Replacement for Panthers is number 18 Tyrone PeacheyReplacement for Broncos is number 18 Corey Oates
Match Officials
- Referee: Adam Gee
- Touch Judge: Chris Sutton
- Touch Judge: Dave Munro
- Senior Review Official: Ashley Klein
Last updated:
Stat Attack
- The Panthers have won their past eight finals matches.
- Brisbane have won six of the seven grand finals they have played in since entering the competition in 1988.
- Brian To’o has scored nine tries in his last five finals games.
- Reece Walsh has assisted 37 line breaks in 21 games this year.
- Penrith have won nine of their past 11 games at Accor Stadium.
- The Panthers have won five of their past six games against the Broncos.
- The Broncos have not won a finals game in Sydney since 2008.
- Panthers centre Stephen Crichton has scored a try in three consecutive grand finals.
- Broncos centre Kotoni Staggs will make his 100th NRL appearance.
- The Panthers have 13 players with grand final experience, compared with the Broncos two.
- Broncos halfback Adam Reynolds requires one point for 200 points in finals matches.
Match: Panthers v Broncos
Grand Final -
home Team
Panthers
1st Position
away Team
Broncos
2nd Position
Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney
Stats supplied by David Middleton, League Information Services, author of the official annual of the NRL.
