PLAYER RATINGS: Who starred and who flopped in NRL grand final Penrith Panthers vs Parramatta Eels

PLAYER RATINGS: See who starred and who flopped in the NRL grand final as Penrith completely dominated Parramatta – with FOUR Panthers stars getting 9 out of 10

  • Penrith’s domination reflected in several almost-perfect ratings
  • In contrast, only three Parramatta players scored more than six out of 10 

The Panthers have stormed to their second straight NRL premiership in a display so dominant the grand final was practically over by halftime. 

There were standout efforts right across the park from Penrith, who crushed the opposition in every facet of the game – while the Eels only had one or two bright spots as their title drought continues into its 37th year.  

PENRITH PANTHERS

DYLAN EDWARDS 9

Won the Clive Churchill Medal as he capped an outstanding season with an outstanding performance. He racked up 277 running metres, three line break assists, two try assists and eight tackle breaks. 

He set up Stephen Crichton’s first try and put in a try-saving tackle as he chased down Bailey Simonsson in the second half with the Panthers 28-0 to the good. 

CHARLIE STAINES 6.5

The Panthers winger didn’t put a foot wrong in a typically solid performance and scored a second-half try to cap Penrith’s rout.

IZACK TAGO 6.5

Delivered the assist for both of Brian To’o’s tries and was busy as usual. Rocked by a big shot shortly after the break, he returned to the field in time to join in with the celebrations. 

STEPHEN CRICHTON 9

Took him less than 20 minutes to notch his second try in as many Grand Final appearances with a superb line break that split the Eels defence wide open. 

Made a crucial defensive play in the second half, as he knocked the footy out of Maika Sivo’s grasp when the Eels winger looked set to score. 

BRIAN TO’O 9

Scored the try that turned the preliminary final Penrith’s way and was on the scoreboard again on Sunday, with a pair of typically brilliant finishes.

Epitomised the Panthers’ dominance as he racked up 177 running metres in the first half, while the Eels starting pack combined ran for 165 metres.  

JAROME LUAI 7.5

At times during the first half Parramatta must have felt there were two Jarome Luais on the field at the same time. The Panthers five-eight was at his best, playing the game on the front foot and as the reigning premiers put Parramatta’s backline under relentless pressure.

Lucky to escape sanctions from referee Ashley Klein for kicking Isaiah Papali’i in the first half.

NATHAN CLEARY 9

Parramatta had vowed to get to Cleary early doors to disrupt his kicking game. In truth, the Panthers maestro may not have even to wash his Grand Final jersey before he frames it as he was seldom troubled by the Eels.

Orchestrated the Panthers’ attack both with the Steeden in his hands and off his boot and the two missed conversions are barely a footnote. 

A champion player in a champion team. 

MOSES LEOTA 8

Put some big hits in early doors that set the tone for the game, as he rocked Parramatta with some ferocious blow. A boundless supply of energy throughout the 80 minutes. 

MITCH KENNY 6

Did an accomplished job early doors before Api Koroisau came off the interchange bench.

JAMES FISHER-HARRIS 7

Racked up 192 running metres as he combined with Leota to run the Eels into submission. One of Penrith’s main unsung heroes. 

VILIAME KIKAU 8

Playing his last game for the Panthers, the big Fijian was determined to bow out on a high he did just that. Swatted Parramatta defenders aside like flies with a couple of monster carries in the first half and was a constant attacking threat as decoy runner. 

LIAM MARTIN 8

Topped Penrith’s tackling charts with 46 and was a constant thorn in Parramatta’s side. 

ISAAH YEO 8

Penrith’s Mr Reliability performed yet again on the biggest stage of all, doing his job with minimum fuss as he churned through 189 total metres and put in 31 tackles. Now a back-to-back premiership winning captain. 

APISAI KOROISAU 8

Another Panther to sign off on a high. Started on the bench as it’s become common during the finals, but immediately made his presence felt once he came on the field as Penrith turned the screw. 

SCOTT SORENSEN 7

Provided the perfect back-up for Leota and Fisher-Harris, bringing the same ferocious intensity to the party and stepping up to the plate when needed. Had a Grand Final try within minutes of coming on. 

SPENCER LENIU 7

Racked up over 100 running metres despite playing just over 20 minutes and showed no sign of struggling after the brutal blow he copped from Taane Milne last week. 

JAEMAN SALMON 6

The job was all but done by the time he can in for Tago and had very little to do.

 

PARRAMATTA EELS

CLINTON GUTHERSON 3 

 

MAIKA SIVO 5

 

WILL PENISINI 3

 

BAILEY SIMONSSON 6

 

WAQA BLAKE 2

 

DYLAN BROWN 3

 

MITCHELL MOSES 3

 

REAGAN CAMPBELL-GILLARD 4

 

REED MAHONEY 6

 

JUNIOR PAULO 6

 

SHAUN LANE 6.5

 

ISAIAH PAPALI’I 7

 

MARATA NIUKORE 2 

 

NATHAN BROWN 4

 

JAKE ARTHUR 1

 

OREGON KAUFUSI 4

 

RYAN MATTERSON 7.5

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