NRL 2023, NRL Grand Final, match preview, statistics, analysis, team lists, Panthers v Broncos

Author: NRL.com
Timestamp: Sun 1 Oct 2023, 06:31 PM

As the Panthers look to become the first team in four decades to win three premierships in a row, the Broncos are in a decider for the first time since 2015 and looking to end a 17-year title drought.

Penrith were in devastating touch as they advanced to their fourth-straight grand final with a commanding 38-4 victory over the Storm, which is the biggest preliminary final winning margin achieved in the NRL era.

On the back of an 87 percent completion rate, the Panthers were able to flex their considerable attacking muscle, with Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo and Dylan Edwards all having a big influence on the match.

Twenty four hours later up in Brisbane, the Broncos put on a clinic of their own led by superstar fullback Reece Walsh, who tore the Warriors to pieces in a 42-12 win.

With 11 line breaks and 23 offloads to their name by full-time – all while still managing to complete 82 percent of their sets – Kevin Walters' side delivered a powerful message about their ability with ball in hand, ahead of facing a side who have been easily the best defensive unit in the competition this season.

As it's turned out the last game of the Telstra Premiership season will see a rematch of a clash which featured in the opening round back at the start of March, with the Broncos making a statement that night via a 13-12 defeat of the defending premiers.

Penrith got one back by way of a 15-4 victory at Suncorp Stadium 11 rounds later though.

The Panthers have won 50 percent of their 42 games at Accor Stadium, while the Broncos have won 16 of 34 at the venue.

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Team News

Panthers: No late changes on game day as Ivan Cleary's side chase an elusive third-straight premiership. Five-eighth Jarome Luai (shoulder) is not 100 percent but will line up with Jack Cogger coming off the bench as a back-up for the Samoan international. Izack Tago (pectoral) got through the match last week and is good to go. Tyrone Peachey is 18th Man.

Broncos: The Broncos are 1-17 with no late changes. Herbie Farnworth has been given the all clear to take his place in the grand final side after completing the captain's run on Saturday. Farnworth left training on Monday with a hamstring injury. Broncos coach Kevin Walters said: "He's fine. He was just all a bit tight earlier in the week. Everyone's right to go again, which is great. We've got our best 17 out there and are ready to go." Veteran winger Corey Oates is 18th Man.

Grand Final - Grand Final - Sunday 1 Oct

Full Time

Panthers

Broncos

Team Lists

Backs

Fullback for Panthers is number 1 Dylan Edwards

Fullback for Broncos is number 1 Reece Walsh
Winger for Panthers is number 2 Sunia Turuva

Winger for Broncos is number 2 Jesse Arthars
Centre for Panthers is number 3 Izack Tago

Centre for Broncos is number 3 Kotoni Staggs
Centre for Panthers is number 4 Stephen Crichton

Centre for Broncos is number 4 Herbie Farnworth
Winger for Panthers is number 5 Brian To'o

Winger for Broncos is number 5 Selwyn Cobbo
Five-Eighth for Panthers is number 6 Jarome Luai

Five-Eighth for Broncos is number 6 Ezra Mam
Halfback for Panthers is number 7 Nathan Cleary

Halfback for Broncos is number 7 Adam Reynolds

Forwards

Prop for Panthers is number 8 Moses Leota

Prop for Broncos is number 8 Thomas Flegler
Hooker for Panthers is number 9 Mitch Kenny

Hooker for Broncos is number 9 Billy Walters
Prop for Panthers is number 10 James Fisher-Harris

Prop for Broncos is number 10 Payne Haas
2nd Row for Panthers is number 11 Scott Sorensen

2nd Row for Broncos is number 11 Kurt Capewell
2nd Row for Panthers is number 12 Liam Martin

2nd Row for Broncos is number 12 Jordan Riki
Lock for Panthers is number 13 Isaah Yeo

Lock for Broncos is number 13 Patrick Carrigan

Interchange

Interchange for Panthers is number 14 Jack Cogger

Interchange for Broncos is number 14 Tyson Smoothy
Interchange for Panthers is number 15 Lindsay Smith

Interchange for Broncos is number 15 Brendan Piakura
Interchange for Panthers is number 16 Spencer Leniu

Interchange for Broncos is number 16 Kobe Hetherington
Interchange for Panthers is number 17 Luke Garner

Interchange for Broncos is number 17 Keenan Palasia

Reserves

Replacement for Panthers is number 18 Tyrone Peachey

Replacement for Broncos is number 18 Corey Oates

Match Officials

Referee: Adam Gee
Touch Judge: Chris Sutton
Touch Judge: Dave Munro
Senior Review Official: Ashley Klein

Last updated: 12/8/2023 1:10:35 AM

Stat Attack

The Panthers have won their past eight finals matches.
Brisbane have won six of the seven grand finals they have played in since entering the competition in 1988.
Brian To’o has scored nine tries in his last five finals games.
Reece Walsh has assisted 37 line breaks in 21 games this year.
Penrith have won nine of their past 11 games at Accor Stadium.
The Panthers have won five of their past six games against the Broncos.
The Broncos have not won a finals game in Sydney since 2008.
Panthers centre Stephen Crichton has scored a try in three consecutive grand finals.
Broncos centre Kotoni Staggs will make his 100th NRL appearance.
The Panthers have 13 players with grand final experience, compared with the Broncos two.
Broncos halfback Adam Reynolds requires one point for 200 points in finals matches.