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

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

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

Here’s who excelled and who disappointed as the Panthers made history by becoming just the second team in NRL history to win back-to-back premierships.

PENRITH PANTHERS

DYLAN EDWARDS 9

Won the Clive Churchill Medal as he finished an outstanding season with an outstanding performance. He had 277 running yards, three line break assists, two try assists and eight tackle breaks.

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

CHARLIE STAINES 6.5

The Panthers winger didn’t miss a beat in a typically solid performance, scoring a second half attempt to bridge Penrith’s defeat.

IZACK TAGO 6.5

Provided the assist for both of Brian To’o’s attempts and was busy as usual. Startled by a large shot shortly after the break, he returned to the field in time to join the party.

STEPHEN CRICHTON 9

It took him less than 20 minutes to score his second try in as many Grand Final appearances with a stellar line break that ripped the Eels’ defense wide open.

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

BRIAN TO’O 9

Scored the try that reversed Penrith in the preliminary final and was back on the scoreboard on Sunday, with some typically brilliant finishes.

Embodied the Panthers’ dominance as he achieved 177m running in the first half, while the Eels starter pack ran 165m together.

Brian To’o took a double as Penrith defeated Parramatta 28-12 in a dominant display

JAROME LUAI 7.5

In the first half Parramatta must have felt at times that there were two Jarome Luais on the pitch at the same time. The Panthers five-eight was at its best, playing the game on the front foot and as the reigning Prime Ministers put relentless pressure on Parramatta’s backline.

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

NATHAN CLEAR 9

Parramatta had sworn to get to Cleary early to disrupt his trap game. In reality, the Panthers maestro may not even have to wash his Grand Final jersey before framing it, as he was rarely bothered by the Eels.

Has orchestrated the Panthers’ attack both with de Steeden in his hands and his boot, and the two missed conversions are hardly a footnote.

A champion player in a championship team.

MOSES LEOTA 8

Put some big hits in early doors that set the tone for the game as he rocked Parramatta with some savage blows. A limitless supply of energy during the 80 minutes.

MITCH KENNY 6

Did a successful job early doors before Api Koroisau got off the bench.

JAMES FISHER-HARRIS 7

He collected 192 running meters while leading the submission together with Leota de Eels. One of Penrith’s most important unsung heroes.

VILIAME KIKAU 8

When he played his last game for the Panthers, the great Fijian was determined to bow to a climax. He did just that. Swated Parramatta defenders like flies with some monster bears in the first half and posed a constant attacking threat as a decoy.

LIAM MARTIN 8

Crowned Penrith’s cards with 46 and was a constant thorn in Parramatta’s side.

ISAAH YEO 8

Mr Penrith’s Reliability once again performed on the biggest podium of all, doing his job with minimal fuss as he churned through 189 total yards and posted 31 tackles. Now a back-to-back premiership winning captain.

Isaah Yeo was in the thick of it for the Panthers as they won a second consecutive Grand Final after beating South Sydney 12 months ago

APISAI KOROISAU 8

Another Panther to peak. Started on the bench as is customary in the finals, but immediately made his presence felt when he came on the pitch when Penrith turned the screw.

SCOTT SORENSEN 7

The perfect backup for Leota and Fisher-Harris, bringing the same relentless intensity to the party and stepping on the board when needed. Had a Grand Final attempt within minutes of coming up.

SPENCER LENIU 7

He managed more than 100 meters despite playing just over 20 minutes and showed no sign of struggle after the brutal blow he received from Taane Milne last week.

JAEMAN SALMON 6

The job was pretty much done by the time he can get to Tago and he had very little to do.

PARRAMATTA AAL

CLINTON GUTHERSON 3

His stats may look good, but it was a terrible performance by the Parra skipper. The incredible decision to go for short outings twice led straight to eight runs, had three rookie fielding errors and lost a couple of times in defense. It was a nice try in the end, but when it mattered most, Parra’s most influential player was not influential at all.

MAIKA SIVO 5

He ran the entire game, but a few rookie mistakes – including dropping a ball cold over the try line – marred his performance. Was brilliant under the high ball but the two blatant mistakes are too many to overlook.

Maika Sivo butchered Parramatta’s best chance when he dropped the ball with a gaping try-line

WILL PENISINI 4

Parra’s most promising up-and-coming player was kept quiet throughout the match, although he put in a nice gobber for Jake Arthur’s attempt when the match was already lost. For someone who is one of the better defensive centers in the game, he missed too many tackles – but he will be better for the outing and no doubt be a crucial player for years to come.

BAILEY SIMONSSON 6.5

An absolute head-scratcher as to why he was left out of the team for part of this season for Blake. The former Canberra aviator put in some good yards from the defensive half of the team and was quite good in defence. Unfortunately for him, all he’ll remember is what seemed to be an incredibly painful dislocated shoulder inflicted by Dylan Edwards’ Scott Sattler-esque tackle as he sighted the try-line.

WAQA BLAKE 2

Another forgettable game for the much-maligned player, who is clearly an Arthur favorite despite a slew of mistakes filled with appearances throughout the season. Often came out of position in defence, dropped a ball at the start of the second half leading to Penrith’s game-breaking attempt and failed to offer his usual passage from the second half.

DYLAN BROWN 5

After his best season ever, Brown took the chances he got and looked very dangerous when he let the ball go – he made six tackle breaks. However, was discovered a few times in defense and barely got involved in the trap game.

MITCHELL MOSES 5

Wasn’t really the halves’ fault for this loss. Did a lot of kicking, but not much of it was particularly effective. Didn’t do much wrong. But didn’t get a chance to do much good either.

Mitchell Moses kicked a lot, but none of it was particularly effective

REAGAN CAMPBELL-GILLARD 3

stinky. Thoroughly outplayed by his ex-teammates at Penrith, he often clung to the air in defense when he missed five tackles. Was expecting a huge game after a great year but sadly saved his worst for last.

REED MAHONE 6.5

The little guy made a mountain of tackles (56) as expected, but didn’t have the usual dummy half presence given the lack of energy he had. It was his last game as an eel, and it will be terrible to finish on such a low – but he gave 100 percent until the final whistle.

JUNIOR PAULO 6

Wasn’t a bad match on paper, but he and Campbell-Gillard were so thoroughly outplayed by their counterparts that it’s hard to score higher. Just the two loads, and he just didn’t seem to have the usual pep in his step.

SHAUN JOB 6.5

A huge effort especially in the first half, and he looked really dangerous with the ball in hand, while not many of his teammates did. Continued on the defensive and is one of the few who can hold his head high.

Shaun Lane put in a great first half performance for Parramatta on Sunday night

ISIAAH PAPALI’I 7.5

What an achievement. Another person who played his last game for the Eels makes you wonder why the club didn’t give him an open checkbook. He threw himself into the attack at work, often targeting Viliame Kikau, breaking a line and trying to provide assist for his troubles. Did a lot of work in defense as that was easily Parramatta’s best player.

MARATA NIUKORE 3

It’s a mystery why he started the match when Matterson is one of the key players in the game. He played 40 minutes and although he defended vigorously, he didn’t offer much to influence the outcome of the match.

Marata Niukore (right) was a surprising inclusion in the starting lineup for the Eels

NATHAN BROWN 4

He played just 26 minutes and looked sharp when he ran, with half of his yards coming after contact. Brad Arthur hasn’t given him a chance for most of the season, nor has he given him any chance to influence this game. His last game as an eel?

JAKE ARTHUR 3

Came on with five minutes to go and scored a nice try – but it didn’t affect the result. Why the hell was he sitting on the side?

OREGON KAUFUSI 4

Played limited minutes but tackled very well. His last game as an eel is one to be forgotten quickly, and the club will greatly miss the depth he offers throughout the season.

RYAN MATTERSON 7.5″

Should have started? Matterson was dropped on the bench but was one of Eels’ best players both offensively and defensively. Made 75 yards from contact and three offloads, barely making a mistake as he slammed away for 45 tackles. Another person who can absolutely hold his head high.