The Mole’s ratings: One Panthers star that ‘failed to deliver’ when it mattered most
Newcastle is through to its first grand final since 2001 as the Panthers deal with the reality of missing out on two premierships in a row.
The Panthers went into the Accor Stadium preliminary final as red-hot favourites, but an injury to Nathan Cleary led to the demise of the NRL’s powerhouse club.
Kalyn Ponga, Francis Manuleleua and Jermaine McEwen in front of Newcastle’s fans. Getty Images
The Mole has rated every player from the Knights and Panthers final.
1. Kalyn Ponga
Dangerous as always in attack but his defence - notably one desperate tackle on McLean over the line - won the Knights the game. Rating: 8
2. Dominic Young
Scored his customary try and always dangerous when given any room to move. Rating: 7
3. Dane Gagai
The oldest man on the field used his class and experience to good effect in a tidy performance. Rating: 7
4. Bradman Best
At his devastating best, setting up his team’s first try and making several other telling bursts. Rating: 8
5. Greg Marzhew
The tank-like winger did his job well, running the Knights out of trouble several times deep in their own territory. Rating: 7
6. Fletcher Sharpe
A match-winner all year, was surprisingly quiet… was he saving himself for the big one next week? Rating: 5.5
Sandon Smith and Fletcher Sharpe. NRL Imagery
7. Sandon Smith
Played the game of his life, scoring two clever solo tries to prove the difference between the teams. Rating: 9
8. Tyson Frizell
Overcame a couple of early errors to use his experience up the middle to good effect. Rating: 6
9. Phoenix Crossland
Have to feel for him - sent off for a totally accidental hip drop on Cleary… would it have been the same if he’d tackled a ‘no name’? Rating: 3
10. Cody Hopwood
In the biggest game of his life, made the most of his short stint in the middle early in the game. Rating: 6.5
11. Jermaine McEwen
Stamped himself as a danger man for the grand final with a powerhouse performance, setting up Young’s try and producing some ferocious hits in defence. Rating: 8
12. Francis Manuleleua
Another youngster to shine, scoring his team’s opening try and providing a highlight with a try-saver on To’o. Rating: 7.5
13. Mathew Croker
‘No frills’ forward gave it his all and came up with some fine effort players that inspired his teammates. Rating: 7
14. Harrison Graham
Got 48 minutes - probably more than he expected - but was kept fairly quiet. Rating: 4
15. Lachlan Crouch
Added plenty of his enthusiasm and intensity when given his chance off the bench. Rating: 6
16. Pasami Saulo
Made just five runs in his 25 minutes off the bench. Rating: 4
17. Dylan Lucas
Still working on regaining his fitness, got little game time but will be better for it next week. Rating: 4
Penrith Panthers
Penrith celebrate Lindsay Smith’s try. Getty Images
1. Dylan Edwards
One of the best of a team off their game despite suffering a knee injury early in the match, defending well and having a try disallowed. Rating: 7.5
2. Thomas Jenkins
Got few chances in the red zone but still ran for nearly 200 metres. Did come up with three errors, though. Rating: 6
3. Blaize Talagi
A mixed bag - let in the Knights’ first try when Best pushed him off, then scored the Panthers’ first from a Cogger grubber before an Achilles injury forced him off the field. Rating: 6.5
4. Casey McLean
Came within millimetres of getting the Panthers a win late in the game when he was held up in a desperate lunge for glory. Rating: 7
5. Brian To’o
Like Jenkins, had few chances as the Panthers failed to take advantage of their extra man but still ran with power and purpose. Rating: 7
Brian To’o. NRL Imagery
6. Jack Cole
Youngster a little bit out of his depth on the big stage - did little in attack. Rating: 5
14. Jack Cogger
Filled Cleary’s boots well, setting up his team’s first try and steering them around the park intelligently. Rating: 7
8. Moses Leota
Worked hard but the well-disciplined Knights defence kept him to under 100 run metres - a mighty effort. Rating: 6.5
9. Mitch Kenny
Mitch Kenny (left) with his Panthers teammates. NRL Imagery
One run for five metres - really needed to take control from dummy half when the Knights lost a man and failed to deliver. Did top the tackle count. Rating: 5
16. Liam Henry
Only got 30 minutes of game time but still ran for over 100 metres - a solid effort. Rating: 7
15. Scott Sorensen
Got a late run in the starting side but failed to make the most of it - just seven runs for 60 metres. Rating: 5
12. Liam Martin
His run of 17 wins from 20 finals came to a shuddering halt - but not for want of trying with his aggressive game producing some good moments. Rating: 7
13. Isaah Yeo
Ran for 175 metres - more than any forward on the field - in a desperate attempt to shake the Panthers out of their lethargy. Rating: 7.5
7. Nathan Cleary
Nathan Cleary of the Panthers is attended to by trainers. Getty Images
Lasted just 10 minutes when he came off the bench before breaking his leg in a hip drop… a real tragedy. Rating: 1
10. Lindsay Smith
Scored a determined try and worked hard - but received little support from his fellow forwards. Rating: 7
11. Isaiah Papali’i
One of the better Panthers with 135 run metres, troubling the Knights out wide. Rating: 7
17. Billy Phillips
Got 27 minutes when activated as an extra reserve following Cleary’s injury from foul play but made a mere two runs in that time. Rating: 3
18. Luke Garner
Came on late and made a crucial error when the Panthers were a chance of a late try. Rating: 2
