Penrith players have partied into the early hours of the morning after last night’s stunning Grand Final win over Parramatta.
The Panthers have become just the second team in the NRL era to win back-to-back titles after the 28-12 thrashing of their western Sydney rivals.
Parramatta were never in the contest, outclassed by a team that has confirmed its status as one of the greats.
Dylan Edwards was awarded the Clive Churchill Medal, capping off a stunning season with a first class Grand Final performance.
The players arrived back to Panthers Leagues Club after 1am and partied through the night with family, friends and the club’s staff.
They then made the trip over to BlueBet Stadium where thousands of fans gathered this morning.
Panthers coach Ivan Cleary said it was an emotional victory, particularly given the changes the club is facing on and off the field next season.
“It’s hard to put it into words,” he said.
“This team won’t stay together. It was such a great opportunity and such an amazing season, I just wanted it to go well on the biggest night.”
Cleary said he understood the enormity of Penrith’s current success.
“It’s been an unbelievable season for our club,” he said.
“I just can’t wait to spend the next couple of days with these guys.
Troy Dodds is the Weekender’s Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.
