Cleary magic delivers Penrith triple titles

NRL
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Penrith Panthers v Brisbane Broncos

The Penrith Panthers have capped off the largest comeback in Grand Final history to record a third straight Premiership win by defeating the Broncos 26-24 in the 2023 Grand Final decider.

Nathan Cleary put in one of the all time greatest Grand Final performances in dragging his side to the most unlikely of wins!

Cleary's 76th minute try and conversion capped off a comeback that needs to be seen to be believed!

Ezra Mam's 10 minute hattrick looked certain to have set the Broncos on their way to ending their title drought with 25 minutes to go. He had the Clive Churchill medal in his grasp until Cleary's aforementioned try.

A magnificent, and tense, first half saw Penrith dominate for large portions, yet only lead 8-6 at halftime. Tom Flegler's 38th minute try completely changed the momentum of the game and looked to be the moment Brisbane started their path to Premiership glory.

The Broncos crossed early in the second half via a brilliant, individual effort by Ezra Mam. He would cross for his second just eight minutes later, and for his third on the very next set.

Reece Walsh awoke from his first half slumber and looked set to make those of us who suggested he was playing below par, look foolish in the second stanza. His break to put Mam over looked like the moment the title was won.

Nathan Cleary's breakin the 62nd minute put Moses Leota over. He then kicked a 40/20 before having a huge hand in Stephen Crichton's 67th minute try.

Cleary himself scored the match winner in the 76th minute sending half of the 80,000 in attendance into raptures.

There was no way to do this game justice in a review. If you haven't seen this game, you need to source the replay right away!

Nathan Cleary! Penrith! What a night!

This was the best Grand Final since 2015 and I am really leaning toward it being better.

Penrith Panthers 26 - Brisbane Broncos 24

Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney Olympic Park / Wanngal
Crowd: 81947
Halftime Score: Penrith Panthers 8 Brisbane Broncos 6

LeagueUnlimited.com Players of the Match:
3 points - Nathan Cleary
2 points - Ezra Mam
1 points - Dylan Edwards

PENRITH PANTHERS (26)
Tries: Mitch Kenny, Stephen Crichton, Nathan Cleary, Moses Leota
Field Goals:
Two Point Field Goals:
Conversions: Stephen Crichton (1/1), Nathan Cleary (3/3)
Penalty Goals: Nathan Cleary (1/1)

BRISBANE BRONCOS (24)
Tries: Thomas Flegler, Ezra Mam (3)
Field Goals:
Two Point Field Goals:
Conversions: Adam Reynolds (4/4)
Penalty Goals:


See how it happened in our Match Centre