Before the match I didn't think I would offer any sympathy for the Roosters - I haven't changed my mind.
To put it nicely, just like Manly in 1997 and Parramatta in 2001, the Roosters were arrogant in favourtism. They were overwhelming favourites, just like the teams mentioned, and yet they still managed to remove any thought of a loss from their heads.
The Panthers did exactly what they needed to - they kept the Roosters at bay, and hung in there despite repeat sets defending their line.
Tonight's victory is one for the underdogs - just like Newcastle's great Grand Finals of 1997 and 2001, every except the home town couldn't factor in the possibility of an underdog's win.
You talk about fairytale GFs - tonight was one of them and I'm glad I watched it.
As for the Knights not being in the Grand Final - that's because the Roosters completely outclassed and out-muscled the Knights in all aspects three weeks ago. Unfortunately for the Roosters their successes against the under-strength but otherwise excuseless Knights, and the week off, proved to work against them. A whole lot of momentum going into the Grand Final, based on the prospect of back-to-back titles - and Penrith snuck in there with no pressure and no "chance of winning" - they won, and it is to their credit.
Minichiello's two mistakes cost the Roosters - is this the man we want in an Australian jersey. Suggestions he is a quality fullback take a significant battering tonight. The fact most of his season has been mistake-free is insignificant - in the big games he crumbles, and that seems to be the honest trend. As for Scotty Sattler's tackle - that epitomised what the Panthers did all night - they stuck at it, made the simple tasks their focus, and put together a very good 80 minutes of football.
I take my hat off to the Panthers, and quietly chuckle at the prospect of Roosters making excuses for defeat at the final barrier to success - those Roosters fans magnanimous enough to accept their defeat as the product of being outplayed, and not managing to use their tactics effectively are to be commended.
Well done Panthers on a great performance - and to think Phil Gould thought they'd come last.....
