2024 Grand Final winner ?

[TruSaint]

Was it the fake Melb crowd recording to make them feel like they had some support?
I must ask why do they have to have this?
I know the Panthers had their bit too but it is supposed to be a neutral venue with no real home ground advantage.
On the Ch9 telecast did not see much of crowd coverage except going to a section of Penrith faithful.
Let the real Melb supporters get out there and cheer their team on naturally if the club is so great and we need a team based out of Melbourne.
I suppose like many other things I will never get over the Pay TV money in the game that kept them propped up in a AFL city, the wrestling, systematic salary cap rorts etc etc and jealousy of 20+ years just about making every final series and continual success.

It was the Vinni Mallini Cup buddy.

 

[Coffs dragon]

Once again Penrith showed what the model is to win in the modern era, a strong club throughout every grade, minimal imports, very good coaches, GM, and recruitment. Compare this to the Dragons, barring a decent coach, there is nothing else in common.

If there is a more humble, honest, down to Earth & great person in the NRL coaching ranks than Ivan Cleary, then I’m yet to see them.
All the success with the Panthers team can be attributed to his coaching & developing the skills in their nursery of talent.
He’s up there in the ranking of Coaching Greats.

 

[hewi]

At least someone is asking questions.

‘Every right to be upset’: NRL’s Flanagan biting ban put under microscope as Munster escapes

‘Every right to be upset’: NRL’s Flanagan biting ban put under microscope as Munster escapes

www.foxsports.com.au

 

[Dragon David]

Now this would be scary but I think that it can be done. Penrith to win 5 in a row next year. I cannot see a club beating them if they make it to the grand final. The only way the won't win it is they get beaten in the prelims. They will again be in the Top 4. They are a juggernaut and keep rolling on.

‘Get their acts together’: Glaring problem with rest of NRL can allow a Panthers five-peat

‘Get their acts together’: Glaring flaw with rest of NRL can allow a Panthers five-peat

www.foxsports.com.au

 

[56to66]

I think these terms modern game, salary cap is overused and overrated, we have all the video technology, this so called sports science, heart tracking, this tracking, that tracking, it was supposed to bring the game closer more competitive amongst all, but not so, you will always have someone finding a secret formula, sometimes it might be just simply pure talent unmatched and timing.
I thought Pete Sampras was the King of Tennis winning 14 grand slams, at that time you had many champions sharing grand slams, the likes of Andre Aggassi, Ivan Lendle, Stefan Edberg, Matt Wilander, the list is endless of various top 20 players winning grand slams throughout the 70, 80's and 90's, however only 3 players in the last 20 years have completely dominated the game of Tennis, Djokovic has won a record 24 majors, Nadal with 22 and Federer 20.
I believe the Panthers have struck gold with the coach, son, the talent pathways that they have developed, and the NRL bringing in more teams therefore diluting the player talent for the majority of all other NRL teams.
If all other NRL teams don't find a way, may it be innovative, technically to stop the Panthers, all teams have to go to next level and some, or we could be watching the next St George of the 50s and 60s.
The one club that has everything on the line to protect its Legacy is the St George Illawarra Dragons, everyone wants to say its a new team, I call BS, as we all know, Flanno and the coaching staff must act fast to stop them in 2026, if no one else can.
Also by the end of St George's great run, Souths Sydney Rabbits, went on to protect there legacy by winning in 1967,1968,1970 and 1971, losing the 1969 GF to the Tigers.
St George need to do the same!

 

[JubileeJeffro]

Now this would be scary but I think that it can be done. Penrith to win 5 in a row next year. I cannot see a club beating them if they make it to the grand final. The only way the won't win it is they get beaten in the prelims. They will again be in the Top 4. They are a juggernaut and keep rolling on.

‘Get their acts together’: Glaring problem with rest of NRL can allow a Panthers five-peat

‘Get their acts together’: Glaring flaw with rest of NRL can allow a Panthers five-peat

www.foxsports.com.au

The Penrith juniors production line will see them as a powerhouse for many years to come. Then they recruit smart. How good was Alomoti, nobody here rated him when it was floated the bulldogs didn’t want him. Now they drop in Talagi for next year.
Without a draft the comp remains the haves and the have nots, and unless you support the ‘haves’ the comp is becoming very boring

 

[justadragon]

Totally agree JJ, have a look at what is happening with the AFL right now, it's trade period and all the teams are into it and so are the fans, then it will be the 2025 Draft. Fair dinkum they are so far out in front of the NRL its not funny. I'm just waiting to see the reaction on this forum when our juniors and so called NRL elite players are choosing to go to PNG over us, I'm sure it will be that we are not a good destination club but PNG is, will have nothing to do with the $600 Mill our government is giving them, or should I say the taxpayers (you and me) are giving them. But hey its about promoting RL right !!

 

[56to66]

Totally agree JJ, have a look at what is happening with the AFL right now, it's trade period and all the teams are into it and so are the fans, then it will be the 2025 Draft. Fair dinkum they are so far out in front of the NRL its not funny. I'm just waiting to see the reaction on this forum when our juniors and so called NRL elite players are choosing to go to PNG over us, I'm sure it will be that we are not a good destination club but PNG is, will have nothing to do with the $600 Mill our government is giving them, or should I say the taxpayers (you and me) are giving them. But hey its about promoting RL right !!

Back in the day, going through high school, whenever bringing up the 11 in a Row, I was criticised for living in the past, however as St George supporters, that's all we have now, however I am now reminded we no longer exist.
So all roads will lead to PNG, the NRL and the current government will do everything in there power to make it a success, I hope ends up at complete failure.

 

[justadragon]

Back in the day, going through high school, whenever bringing up the 11 in a Row, I was criticised for living in a past, however as St George supporters, that's all we have now, however I am now reminded we no longer exist.
So all roads will lead to PNG, the NRL and the current government will do everything in the power to make it a success, I hope ends up at complete failure.

Agree mate, whilst I would never knock the promotion of RL, in this case the manner in which its been done is the worrying part. We all know why this money is being sent to them. Also I'm not the type of person that would forget our history, I understand we cant live in the past but I still respect the glory days for what they were and the magnificent men that played in that Jersey. Always move forward, be humble and respect the past.

 

[Dragon David]

Agree mate, whilst I would never knock the promotion of RL, in this case the manner in which its been done is the worrying part. We all know why this money is being sent to them. Also I'm not the type of person that would forget our history, I understand we cant live in the past but I still respect the glory days for what they were and the magnificent men that played in that Jersey. Always move forward, be humble and respect the past.

Well, the expansion of the NRL with the Western Bears has come to a sudden stop as V'Landy's has made it clear that the Bears' bid could be unsuccessful after falling short in their bid document when it came to the NRL's financial requirements.

How is it then that the Australian Government through Albanese has mentioned that the Australian taxpayers money in the amount of $600 million will be allocated to help PNG come into the NRL? Is PNG then what the NRL want to be the 18th team? I don't understand it, maybe because I am dumb, but shouldn't we be helping the Bears in Perth rather than PNG?

Western Bears’ expansion bid rejected as shock NRL call blows expansion race wide open

Western Bears’ expansion bid rejected as shock NRL call blows expansion race wide open

www.foxsports.com.au

 

[justadragon]

Well, the expansion of the NRL with the Western Bears has come to a sudden stop as V'Landy's has made it clear that the Bears' bid could be unsuccessful after falling short in their bid document when it came to the NRL's financial requirements.

How is it then that the Australian Government through Albanese has mentioned that the Australian taxpayers money in the amount of $600 million will be allocated to help PNG come into the NRL? Is PNG then what the NRL want to be the 18th team? I don't understand it, maybe because I am dumb, but shouldn't we be helping the Bears in Perth rather than PNG?

Western Bears’ expansion bid rejected as shock NRL call blows expansion race wide open

Western Bears’ expansion bid rejected as shock NRL call blows expansion race wide open

www.foxsports.com.au

As I said before Dave, this is more of a political play than anything else, to be truthful in my opinion it has nothing to do with RL, its just masked up that way.

 

[56to66]

Well, the expansion of the NRL with the Western Bears has come to a sudden stop as V'Landy's has made it clear that the Bears' bid could be unsuccessful after falling short in their bid document when it came to the NRL's financial requirements.

How is it then that the Australian Government through Albanese has mentioned that the Australian taxpayers money in the amount of $600 million will be allocated to help PNG come into the NRL? Is PNG then what the NRL want to be the 18th team? I don't understand it, maybe because I am dumb, but shouldn't we be helping the Bears in Perth rather than PNG?

Western Bears’ expansion bid rejected as shock NRL call blows expansion race wide open

Western Bears’ expansion bid rejected as shock NRL call blows expansion race wide open

www.foxsports.com.au

Geopolitics refers to the study of how geography, economics, and politics influence international relations and global power dynamics. It looks at how physical features (like land, resources, and strategic locations) impact the political behavior of states, and how nations compete for influence over regions, trade routes, and natural resources. This field encompasses themes like territorial disputes, regional conflicts, alliances, energy security, and the competition for control over strategic areas (such as the South China Sea or the Arctic).
Key contemporary topics in geopolitics include:
U.S.-China rivalry, especially in the Asia-Pacific region.This is why a PNG team is coming to the NRL and not the Bears, also the current economic climate the Bears might have to wait for a while
Russia’s influence in Europe and its war in Ukraine.
Energy politics, particularly concerning oil and gas pipelines and renewable resources.
The role of international institutions (e.g., the United Nations, NATO, and the EU) in mediating or exacerbating conflicts.
Climate change and its impact on global security, migration, and resource distribution.

 

[blacksafake]

Surely Albo will be gone by this stage & under a new government this idea of throwing money at PMG will change.

 

[Dragons4me]

Surely Albo will be gone by this stage & under a new government this idea of throwing money at PMG will change.

Don't think so. I think this has bipartisan support. Australian government sees this as a much cheaper, easier and more effective way to secure PNG support against China's expansion into the area. It's a gamble but rugby league in PNG has fanatical support with the locals. Good luck to them but unless a PNG team bases itself in Australia, the distance will be too huge a hurdle to do frequently, and defeats the very reason to bring them into the comp.

 

[justadragon]

Don't think so. I think this has bipartisan support. Australian government sees this as a much cheaper, easier and more effective way to secure PNG support against China's expansion into the area. It's a gamble but rugby league in PNG has fanatical support with the locals. Good luck to them but unless a PNG team bases itself in Australia, the distance will be too huge a hurdle to do frequently, and defeats the very reason to bring them into the comp.

Both major parties are in unison over China's expansion, the unfortunate reality is RL is being exploited to establish a military strategic position. I'm sure V'landys and Abdo are aware of this but the kickbacks somehow outweigh the true situation. The Bears apparently had too much of a low ball offer for NRL Central, so I'm wondering if they will approach the government for support, at least the state government. It was funny how easily they got dismissed, my suspicion is they want PNG fast tracked into the comp.

 

[56to66]

Don't think so. I think this has bipartisan support. Australian government sees this as a much cheaper, easier and more effective way to secure PNG support against China's expansion into the area. It's a gamble but rugby league in PNG has fanatical support with the locals. Good luck to them but unless a PNG team bases itself in Australia, the distance will be too huge a hurdle to do frequently, and defeats the very reason to bring them into the comp.

I like your idea, I think being based near Western Syndeys new Airport, would be Ideal, they could play four games at PNG and there remaining home games at Penriths new Stadium.
Instead of those Panther players being snapped up by the Bullcheats, PNG could be another great option for future players from the greater West.

 

[Dragon David]

While the Panthers have won 4 premierships in a row, they have yet to win a Club Championship with St Helens and Wigan beating them in previous attempts. They won't win next year either as they won't be playing it as per -

‘Just so hard’: Panthers defend abandoning World Club Challenge as star disappointed by call

‘Just so hard’: Panthers defend abandoning World Club Challenge as star disappointed by call

www.foxsports.com.au

 

[JubileeJeffro]

Nobody really cares about this world club challenge anyway, it’s a nothing game

 

[Slippery Morris]

So glad Panthers won it to make it 4 in a row but they can stop now. The Storm pulled every dirty play from the book in the first 20 and Panthers just repelled it. They are an exceptional team. Ivan is an absolute phenomenal coach and one of the best I have seen in my lifetime. To win 4 when your team gets stripped quality players is pretty special. However losing Luai will hurt them more than any I feel.

 

[Slippery Morris]

Why were Panthers considered for Vegas. Pretty dumb call by the NRL. I feel the Club Challenge is more important than the Rd 1 game. You actually win a trophy and are recognised as the best rugby league team in the world. Winning Rd 1 in Vegas does not guarantee you finals footy?

They can send the St George Illawarra Dragons to play the World Club Challenge. We seem to have a 100% win record in that final. We can show the Panthers how it's done....lol