The NRL Grand Final 2024 was more than just another match; it was the culmination of excellence, ambition, and deep-rooted rivalry, underscored by the spectacular performance of the Penrith Panthers as they seized their fourth consecutive premiership. With the atmosphere charged and fans buzzing, the Panthers not only secured their victory against the Melbourne Storm with a score of 14-6 but also cemented their legacy by achieving something no other club had done before.
This decisive victory placed Penrith at the pinnacle of rugby league history, something the players and fans will surely reveled in for years to come. Notably, this historic achievement was not just about numbers; it was about the heart and soul of rugby, the connection between the players and their supporters, and the culture they have built at the club.
Andrew Johns, one of the game's immortals, could hardly contain his excitement over the duo of Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai - proclaiming them the best halves combination the game has ever seen. “They are the greatest halves combination we've seen,” Johns stated reverently. Such accolades carry weight, especially when considering the rich history of league legends.
Not to be overlooked, Channel 9's controversial decision to sideline Phil Gould from the grand final commentary left many fans scratching their heads. Veteran broadcaster Peter Peters labeled the demotion “insulting,” drawing parallels to the exclusion of cricket commentator Richie Benaud from major events. Peters criticized the decision, emphasizing Gould's extensive knowledge and authority. "To leave him out of the grand final match commentary is like Channel 9 leaving the late, great Richie Benaud out of the cricket coverage when he was at his prime. It's insulting," he lamented.
While the grand final is often framed as not just about the game, but the spectacle, the attendance didn’t go unnoticed either. Despite some empty seats reported, the event attracted 80,156 fans to Accor Stadium, demonstrating ample support for the Panthers. Discussions about the empty seats were rife, with some attributing them to the night time scheduling and the local interest dynamics, especially considering the Panthers' success fatigue.
Then there was the spectacle of the most exclusive suite at the Accor Stadium. Guests included Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, and NSW Premier Chris Minns, all gathered to witness rugby league's hallmark event. The straightforward nature of the NRL's grand final atmosphere stood in stark juxtaposition to the ostentation of the AFL's events, establishing the NRL as less of a networking hub and more of a straightforward celebration of football.
Politically savvy moves weren’t just limited to politicians attracting votes; even entertainment made its mark with The Kid Laroi performing pre-match. This move attracted both criticism and praise, especially after the AFL had controversially opted for Katy Perry the previous week.
This 2024 NRL Grand Final will hold its spot not just on the trophy list, but also within the narratives of the great game itself - as the Penrith Panthers continue to forge paths where few others tread, igniting camaraderie among fans, players, and figures from all facets of society. The future outlook for Nathan Cleary, who now contemplates working with new teammates after the departure of Luai, sparks curiosity about the next chapter of Penrith's legacy.
Whether Cleary will reach the immortal status envisioned by Johns remains to be seen, but with the foundation laid by this current team, there’s little doubt the Panthers are here to stay. They’ve turned the grand final scene from just being about winning to creating memories shared by generations.
