Ivan Cleary's Strategy Secures Penrith's Grand Final Victory
- The Penrith Panthers won their fourth consecutive NRL premiership by defeating the Melbourne Storm 14-6.
- Cameron Smith credited Ivan Cleary's game plan, particularly the inside ball strategy, for exploiting Melbourne's fatigued defense.
- Coach Cleary emphasized the importance of resilience and overcoming complacency, marking this victory as the toughest in their recent history.
In Sydney, Australia, the Penrith Panthers secured their fourth consecutive NRL premiership, defeating the Melbourne Storm 14-6. Melbourne Storm legend Cameron Smith highlighted a strategic move by coach Ivan Cleary, which involved the Panthers' halves, Jarome Luai and Nathan Cleary, frequently switching the ball back inside. This tactic exploited the fatigue of Melbourne's defenders, leading to a crucial try by Liam Martin just before halftime. Cleary praised his team's resilience, noting that this victory was their toughest yet, especially after a challenging season marked by a post-Origin slump and Nathan Cleary's shoulder injury. The win was a testament to the team's ability to overcome complacency and improve their defensive performance during the finals, culminating in a remarkable achievement in their dynasty of success.