Penrith’s dream of three consecutive NRL premierships is just 80 minutes away after defeating Melbourne 38-4 to advance to the grand final.
The Panthers have advanced to their fourth consecutive finale, becoming only the fifth team to do so since the grand finals began in 1954, after hammering a rudderless Storm in front of 35,578 at Accor Stadium on Friday night.
It would take a brave person to bet against Ivan Cleary’s side repeating the feat on Sunday week, with the winner of Saturday’s preliminary final between Brisbane and the Warriors as their opponents.
If it wasn’t enough to make them worried, livewire five-eighth Jarome Luai was granted an early start after emerging unhurt in his first game back from a dislocated shoulder.
The Panthers had a near-perfect night, winning the largest preliminary final in the NRL era.
On Friday night, they hardly got out of second gear and made quick work of a Storm team lacking power and panache.
Any hope Melbourne had as $5 outsiders rested on their ability to be disciplined and immaculate in order to prevent Penrith from getting into their stride.
Their patience lasted just more than two minutes, when Marion Seve conceded a penalty, allowing the Panthers to charge and end their set with Brian To’o going over in the corner.
