Penrith fans get the party started after the Panthers SMASH Parramatta

Penrith fans get the party started after the Panthers SMASH Parramatta to win back-to-back premierships – and shattered Eels fans make an early exit as their 36-year wait continues

  • Penrith fans have kickstarted their premiership party after Sunday’s triumph 
  • The Panthers absolutely smashed Parramatta to win back-to-back premierships 
  • Jubilant supporters got the party started soon after the final whistle in Sydney
  • Meanwhile, disappointed Parramatta fans headed home early on Sunday 

The party has well and truly started for Penrith fans after the Panthers stamped themselves as one of the greatest sides in NRL history with a thumping win over Parramatta Eels.

Entering Sunday’s final looking to become one of the few teams to achieve back-to-back premierships, the Panthers absolutely stormed past their western Sydney rivals to clinch a 16-point win at Accor Stadium.

Their victory has onset debate as to where they stand in the pantheon of great NRL sides, but for now Penrith fans are basking in their side’s latest triumph.

The same Panthers supporter takes his top off during wild celebrations

Penrith fans got the party started on Sunday night after their premiership triumph

A Penrith supporter stands on a chair at the Leagues Club with spirits high in Sydney

A Penrith supporter stands on a chair at the Leagues Club with spirits high in Sydney

Two Penrith Panthers fans embrace after their side's sensational performance on Sunday

Two Penrith Panthers fans embrace after their side’s sensational performance on Sunday

A young Penrith fan will have happy memories to last a lifetime after back-to-back triumphs

A young Penrith fan will have happy memories to last a lifetime after back-to-back triumphs

A group of Penrith supporters can't wipe the smiles off their faces after their big win

A group of Penrith supporters can’t wipe the smiles off their faces after their big win

Over at the Panthers Leagues Club, supporters were in a jubilant mood, celebrating arm in arm as drinks were flowing. One very merry fan removed his top and waved it above his head in wild scenes.

Meanwhile, at the Parramatta Leagues Club, the mood was far more dejected, with disappointed fans heading home early, having been put through a torrid evening of football. 

An elated Nathan Cleary said it was an honour to play for the Penrith fanbase shortly after their 28-12 victory.

However, disappointed Parramatta fans headed home for an early night following the game

However, disappointed Parramatta fans headed home for an early night following the game

It was an evening to forget for the Eels, who were outclassed from start to finish on Sunday

It was an evening to forget for the Eels, who were outclassed from start to finish on Sunday

Parramatta were hoping to see their 36-year wait come to an end but will have to wait longer

Parramatta were hoping to see their 36-year wait come to an end but will have to wait longer

‘I think our first half was the best we have ever played. I was thinking that today when I woke up,’ he said on Channel Nine.

‘I thought we have put some really good seasons together but we have never really come off. That’s the best game we could play. I think the first half was just about that.

‘It is a privilege to put on Penrith jersey. Everyone is starting to understand to represent the area, the community gets right behind it. Again I’m so blessed.’

Penrith fullback Dylan Edwards won the Clive Churchill Medal as the best player in the NRL grand final.

The Panthers’ understated No.1 set up two tries in Sunday night’s 28-12 win over Parramatta which sealed back-to-back titles for Penrith.

Panthers co-captain Isaah Yeo celebrates with his daughter and fans at Accor Stadium

Panthers co-captain Isaah Yeo celebrates with his daughter and fans at Accor Stadium

Stephen Crichton poses for a photograph with Penrith supports after the final whistle

Stephen Crichton poses for a photograph with Penrith supports after the final whistle

It was a gutsy tackle late in the game to deny Eels centre Bailey Simonsson a try, however, which typified Edwards’ grit and determination.

The fullback clocked 228 metres with the ball in hand and was critical to helping get the Panthers’ sets off to the right start.

‘Thank you boys, I love all you,’ Edwards said. ‘We worked hard for this and we will enjoy it.

‘We definitely wouldn’t be here without a bunch of great boys in the (wider) squad. We wanted to make our community proud out there and hopefully we did that.

Eels coach Brad Arthur said: ‘They (Penrith) played too well in the first half and too fast for us.

‘I said to the boys right now is not the time to review or dissect, we just got beaten by a better team.’

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