The Penrith Panthers have won a fourth-straight NRL crown, defeating the Melbourne Storm 14-6 to claim their place in rugby league immortality. This is the first time in over half a century that a team has won four premierships in a row, but the Panthers had to claw their way to this feat.

After a cagey opening 20 minutes, Storm captain Harry Grant forced his way through for the opening try. Fullback Nick Meaney converted to give Melbourne a 6-0 lead, however this is where the joy would end for them.

Despite the Storm’s best defensive efforts, sustained pressure from Penrith and two tries in the final 15 minutes saw the Panthers take a narrow lead into the half-time break.

When the sides returned to the field, Melbourne’s Jack Howarth had a try ruled out on review. His arm was preventing the ball from being grounded, although that’s not how it appeared to those watching on Channel Nine.

“It’s down, it hit the ground,” Nine commentator Andrew Johns said.

As the game entered the final 20 minutes and the Storm were tiring, Paul Alamoti received a pass from Liam Martin and sealed the win for Penrith. Five minutes from full-time, Cameron Munster was reported after Alamoti alleged that the Storm five-eighth bit his forearm. TV footage showed that Alamoti’s arm did appear to be in Munster’s mouth.

Penrith held firm and shut out any hopes of a late Melbourne miracle to secure a well-deserved victory. The Panthers pounced on the Storm from the first whistle, none more so than Clive Churchill Medal winner, Liam Martin.

Unlike the ferocious win over Parramatta or the inevitability of last year’s comeback over Brisbane, this was a different kind of dominance. The Panthers showed once again why the NRL crown is placed firmly in Sydney’s west.

Earlier in the day, the Sydney Roosters held off a spirited Cronulla comeback in the NRLW Grand Final.

The Roosters held a 24-0 lead after 35 minutes and led by 18 points at the break. In the second half, Cronulla fought their way back and when Tiana Penitani scored with 10 minutes to go, the deficit was back to just four points.

The Sharks were circling amidst a box-office finish, but in the end Sydney’s resolve, coupled with a brilliant last-ditch interception by Tiana Davison, saw them hang on in a game for the ages.

Photo: ANZ Stadium, Sydney, Australia by Alex is available HERE and is used under a Creative Commons License. This image has not been modified.