3 minute read
All the details of Penrith's 10-6 win over Melbourne in the second NRL preliminary final, setting up a grand final date with South Sydney.
SNAPSHOT OF THE SECOND NRL PRELIMINARY FINAL:
* Result: Penrith bt Melbourne 10-6 at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane.
* Key moment: Penrith set the template for their upset win when they stunned Melbourne with a heads-up kick from Nathan Cleary which found an unmarked Stephen Crichton in the second minute to open the scoring. It gave the Panthers a perfect start that the Storm never recovered from.
* Key stat: Melbourne's 15 errors. Too often the Storm simply handed possession over including bombed tries to Reimis Smith and George Jennings.
* Injuries/suspensions: Melbourne's Reimis Smith was placed on report for a high shot while Harry Grant was also reported for a late crusher tackle on Dylan Edwards. The Storm also lost Christian Welch and Brandon Smith to concussion in the first half. Penrith halfback Nathan Cleary is on report for a first-half dangerous throw.
* What's next? Penrith are through to the grand final against South Sydney at Suncorp Stadium next Sunday night. Melbourne's season is over.