In a surprising turn during a grand final rematch, league icon Billy Slater reflected on Penrith’s impressive comeback against Melbourne despite star halfback Nathan Cleary’s early exit due to injury. Cleary was knocked out within the first ten minutes, leaving the Panthers in a precarious position as the Storm established a 14-0 lead. Nevertheless, the defending champions rallied and eventually took the lead at 16-14 before the Storm secured a 30-24 victory.
Slater, commenting on Nine’s The Billy Slater podcast, lauded the Panthers’ resilience, highlighting their capacity to adapt under adversity. “It was a courageous effort from the Panthers,” he remarked, crediting their ability to rejuvenate young talent from the local area despite significant off-season losses. With Cleary off the field, Penrith adjusted their strategy, introducing Blaize Talagi into the halves alongside another young player, Jack Cole, both of whom he believed performed admirably.
What struck Slater as curious was that Penrith appeared to elevate their game in Cleary’s absence, leading him to ponder whether Melbourne had eased their intensity or if the Panthers had simply upped their pressure. He concluded that the performance was commendable, suggesting that the team that lost might have felt prouder than the victors.
Post-match, Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy expressed his disappointment, acknowledging his team’s early success but lamenting a dip in performance, attributing it to complacency following Cleary’s injury. He conveyed that while they recognised Penrith’s determination, there was a sense of relief within the Storm at Cleary’s absence, which potentially undermined their focus.
Bellamy’s mixed feelings about the win were evident, as despite remaining undefeated, he reflected on the need for his team to consistently maintain their momentum, indicating a deeper concern about their performance standards.