- Penrith skipper Isaah Yeo was gracious in the win
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Panthers captain Isaah Yeo was praised for making a stunning gesture to his rivals after Penrith’s historic 14-6 win over the Storm in the NRL grand final.
In a drama-filled grand final, which included a caustic accusation and controversy over the bunkers, Penrith drew away in front of a crowd of 80,156 at the Accor Stadium late on Sunday evening.
The victory makes them only the third team in history to claim four consecutive premierships, and the first since the great St. George team won 11 in a row from 1956 to 1966.
As players celebrated at full-time, Yeo showed why he is considered such a role model for younger players.
The skipper could be seen walking towards the shattered Stormstars, helping them off the grass and comforting them.
One reporter asked him if he made this classy gesture because he had experienced defeat in a decider.
“Yeah, probably, I’ve been on the other side and it’s a bleak feeling,” Yeo replied.
“They’ve had an unreal season, finishing minor premiers with three wins, so definitely a season to be proud of.
Issah Yeo pictured himself helping Storm players off the pitch as his teammates celebrated
Yeo said afterwards that the Storm can be proud of their efforts in 2024
“But I feel like I’ve done that most of the time. I’m obviously excited for my group, but I also feel a little for them.
“I was just saying how good of a season they’ve had and yeah, try to do that most years to be honest.”
Yeo declared that Penrith’s four-peat will never be repeated after sealing their status as rugby league’s best team in almost 60 years.
“I’ll be surprised (if it happens again),” Yeo said.
‘The salary cap makes it such a special group.
“We may not be the prettiest team when we’ve played all season, but I feel like our play at the back is holding up so well.
Penrith sealed their status as rugby league’s best team in almost 60 years
“We just back our defense so much. We really believed in our defense and we showed that over the last five years.”
Penrith players wore all four premiership rings after the match, following wins over South Sydney, Parramatta and Brisbane since 2021.
“I’m just looking at some guys with four rings on their hands, how did this happen,” coach Ivan Cleary said.
“It just feels like it validates everything we’ve done and what we’ve tried to become tonight. I couldn’t be prouder.’