Player ratings for the Penrith Panthers team in their Telstra Premiership grand final clash with the Melbourne Storm at ANZ Stadium.
1. Dylan Edwards: Initially got the team's sets rolling with strong kick returns. Racked up more than 130 metres in the first half alone and was positionally sound. Quieter in the second term. 6.5/10
2. Josh Mansour: Lacked his usual attacking punch but warmed up in the later stages. Fended off by Suli Vunivalu as he streaked away to score but touched down himself in the 73rd minute. 6
14. Tyrone May: Conceded a penalty try in the fourth minute after dislodging the ball from Justin Olam with his boot, though he was set to score anyway. A forward pass and windburn from Ryan Papenhuyzen contributed to an unhappy night. Benched for the last 19 minutes. 3
4. Stephen Crichton: Scored tries for fun all season and bagged one late, but perhaps cost Penrith a couple in the first half - pinged for an obstruction and then held up over the line. Threatened in the final quarter. 5.5
5. Brian To'o: Came looking for work and had a few bustling charges. By and large, though, the winger was well-handled compared to his lofty metre-munching standards. Did well to score from a grubber. 6
6. Jarome Luai: A non-factor until late, then burst to life to give the Panthers an unlikely sniff. Most dangerous running the ball and only started doing it when the margin had blown out. 6.5
Luai lofts a pass over to Mansour
7. Nathan Cleary: Took the right option almost every time this year, but got it horribly wrong with a looping pass that Vunivalu intercepted. Burned by Papenhuyzen as the fullback dashed clear to score early in the second half. An unfortunate finish to a sterling season. 5
8. James Tamou: No lack of effort in his first 25-minute stint as he made 18 tackles – the most of anyone at that stage. Wasn't sighted again until the death. 5.5
9. Api Koroisau: Couldn't quite replicate last week's performance with momentum going against his side. Unluckily caused a try on the stroke of half-time by whacking the ball from Cam Smith's grasp, only for the Melbourne hooker to pick up the scraps and dive over. 6
10. James Fisher-Harris: Produced 75 metres in his first 30 minutes. Dented the line but was forced back occasionally in rare scenes. His late hit on Brandon Smith gifted the Storm a penalty goal. 6
11. Viliame Kikau: Looked likely in the opening exchanges despite receiving plenty of attention. Errors plagued him as the match wore on. 5.5
Crichton steps back inside to score
12. Liam Martin: Toiled hard, with 71 metres and 32 tackles, but unable to leave a mark. 5.5
13. Isaah Yeo: Can hold his head high. Produced some strong carries and tackles and set up a try with a grubber in the 55th minute. 7
Interchange
3. Brent Naden: Tough ask to come on with the team so far behind, but brought spark on the right edge with Penrith chasing points. Made 76 metres. 6
15. Kurt Capewell: Limited impact from the interchange. 4
16. Moses Leota: Knocked on at an inopportune time early in the second half. Brought his customary energy when injected. 5.5
17. Zane Tetevano: His presence wasn't felt in difficult circumstances. Four carries for 26 metres and 13 tackles. 4
The views in this article do not necessarily express the opinions of the NRL, ARLC, NRL clubs or state associations.
