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Penrith fans get the party started after the Panthers beat Parramatta to win consecutive premierships – and shattered Eels fans step out early as their 36-year wait continues
- Penrith fans kick-started their premiership party after Sunday’s triumph
- The Panthers absolutely beat Parramatta to win consecutive premierships
- Jubilant supporters started the celebration shortly after the final whistle in Sydney
- Meanwhile, disappointed Parramatta fans went home early on Sunday
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The party really got going for Penrith fans after the Panthers labeled themselves one of the greatest sides in NRL history with a thumping victory over Parramatta Eels.
Entering Sunday’s final, the Panthers wanted to be one of the few teams to achieve consecutive premierships, absolutely storming past their western Sydney rivals to take a 16-point win at Accor Stadium.
Their win has sparked debate about where they stand in the pantheon of great NRL sides, but for now, Penrith fans are basking in the latest triumph on their part.
Penrith fans got the party started on Sunday night after their premiership victory
A Penrith supporter stands on a seat at the Leagues Club with a high spirit in Sydney
Two Penrith Panthers fans embrace after their sensational performance on Sunday
A young Penrith fan will have happy memories that last a lifetime after successive wins
A group of Penrith supporters can’t wipe the smiles from their faces after their big win
At the Panthers Leagues Club, supporters were in a state of jubilation, celebrating arm in arm as the drinks flowed. A very merry fan took off his top and waved it above his head in wild scenes.
Meanwhile, the mood at the Parramatta Leagues Club was much more depressed, with disappointed fans heading home early after a scorching night of football.
A delighted Nathan Cleary said it was an honor to play for the Penrith fanbase shortly after their 28-12 win.
Disappointed Parramatta fans, however, went home early after the game
It was an evening to quickly forget for the Eels, who were outclassed from start to finish on Sunday
Parramatta hoped their 36-year wait would come to an end, but will have to wait longer
“I think our first half was the best we’ve ever played. That’s what I thought when I woke up today,” he told Channel Nine.
“I thought we had some really good seasons together, but we never really worked it out. That’s the best game we could play. I think the first half was about that.
‘It is a privilege to put on Penrith’s jersey. Everyone is starting to understand to represent the area, the community is right behind it. I am so blessed again.’
Penrith fullback Dylan Edwards won the Clive Churchill Medal for best player in the NRL Grand Final.
The understated No. 1 of the Panthers put up two tries in Sunday night’s 28-12 win over Parramatta to seal Penrith’s titles in a row.
Panthers co-captain Isaah Yeo celebrates with his daughter and fans at Accor Stadium
Stephen Crichton poses for a photo with support from Penrith after the final whistle
However, it was a daring tackle at the end of the game to deny Eels center Bailey Simonsson a try, which, however, was indicative of Edwards’ perseverance and determination.
The fullback clocked 228 yards with the ball in hand and was instrumental in getting the Panthers off to a good start.
“Thank you guys, I love you all,” Edwards said. “We worked hard for this and we are going to enjoy it.
“We certainly wouldn’t be here without some great guys in the (wider) roster. We wanted to make our community there proud and hopefully we did.
Eels coach Brad Arthur said: “They (Penrith) played too well and too fast for us in the first half.
“I told the boys that now is not the time to judge or dissect, we have just been beaten by a better team.”