Panthers

In a thrilling matchup in Germany, the Carolina Panthers secured their second consecutive victory, defeating the New York Giants 20-17 in overtime. Eddy Pineiro sealed the win with a 36-yard field goal. The Giants, now sitting at 2-8, won the coin toss to begin overtime but faced an immediate setback. On the very first play, rookie running back Tyrone Tracy fumbled the ball, allowing Panthers linebacker Josey Jewell to recover it at the 23-yard line. This victory marks the first time this season that the Panthers, now 3-7, have won back-to-back games, showcasing a significant turnaround for the team.

Penrith co-captain Isaah Yeo has expressed his disappointment over the team's decision to forgo the World Club Challenge, a title that remains elusive for the Panthers. The club has officially informed the NRL that they will not be able to compete for the prestigious trophy after securing their fourth consecutive premiership by defeating Melbourne in the recent grand final. The Panthers were set to face the winner of the Super League decider between Wigan and Hull KR, which is scheduled for Sunday (AEDT). However, the team's upcoming trip to Las Vegas for the opening round of the 2025 season has created a scheduling conflict. The World Club Challenge typically takes place just before the NRL regular season begins, either in England or Australia, making it impossible for Penrith to participate this year. Yeo's sentiments reflect the team's desire to claim the only major trophy that has eluded them, highlighting the bittersweet nature of their recent achievements.

**Panthers Achieve Historic Fourth Consecutive NRL Title with Win Over Storm** In a thrilling showdown between the top two NRL teams of the last decade, the Penrith Panthers triumphed over the Melbourne Storm with a score of 14-6 in the grand final held at Accor Stadium. This victory marks a historic achievement, as the Panthers become the first team since St George (1956-1966) to secure four consecutive premierships. The match drew a crowd of 80,156 in Sydney, with Nathan Cleary once again showcasing his leadership, while Liam Martin was awarded the Clive Churchill Medal for being the standout player of the match. The atmosphere was electric as local rapper The Kid Laroi wrapped up his performance with a rendition of INXS’s "Never Tear Us Apart." The anticipation built as both teams entered the field to the iconic sounds of AC/DC, with Penrith choosing "Hells Bells" and Melbourne opting for "Thunderstruck." It was a fitting prelude to a clash between two high-energy teams ready to battle for supremacy.

**NRL Grand Final 2024: Melbourne Storm vs. Penrith Panthers – Live Updates** - Updates from the championship match at Accor Stadium - Kick-off time in Sydney is set for 7:30 PM AEST - Share your thoughts via email at jonathan.howcroft.casual@theguardian.com The toss has just taken place, and the Panthers will kick off. Let's hope that Tui Kamikamica or Eliesa Katoa emerge from that initial collision without any injuries. Ivan Cleary has fielded his strongest starting lineup, but the inclusion of Brad Schneider on the bench indicates that Nathan Cleary is not at full fitness after re-injuring his shoulder last week. Scott Sorensen has been cleared to start following a late fitness test, while Matt Eisenhuth has been named the unfortunate 18th man.

**Classic NRL Grand Final Awaits as Panthers and Storm Face Off** A potential four-peat for the Penrith Panthers looms on the horizon, a feat that would surpass even the most remarkable achievements in modern rugby league. Meanwhile, a victory for the Melbourne Storm would necessitate a reevaluation of recent history in the sport. The Panthers have established themselves as the pinnacle of contemporary rugby league, having claimed the last three premierships. Their dominance was solidified by their previous encounter with the Storm in the 2020 grand final, where they fell short despite a valiant 20-point comeback. This year, as Melbourne returns to the grand final stage, they stand as the Panthers' most formidable adversary. It is fitting that the team that initiated Penrith's rise could also be the one to halt it. Four years ago, the Storm triumphed in the only grand final contested between these two teams, a match played in front of a limited crowd due to COVID-19 restrictions. The Panthers left that day with a sense of unfulfilled potential, having showcased their resilience in the second half but ultimately missing out on the trophy. Since then, they have maintained their excellence, securing three consecutive premierships and cementing their status at the top of the sport. As the grand final approaches, all eyes will be on this classic showdown, where history is set to be made.

**Pink Panthers: Penrith Set to Make History with NRL Grand Final Kit** As the Penrith Panthers aim for an unprecedented fourth consecutive premiership, they will don a striking pink jersey for the NRL grand final, marking a historic first for the league. Known for their traditional black and coal-colored kits, the Panthers will trade their usual colors for a vibrant pink, a choice that reflects both a unique moment in their history and a practical decision based on the match-up. The Panthers' pink strip comes about due to the Melbourne Storm finishing as minor premiers, allowing them to wear their blue and purple home jerseys. With the Storm's colors being too similar to Penrith's standard black, the Panthers will showcase their alternative kit in the highly anticipated match. Throughout their history, the Panthers have sported a variety of kit designs, from the brown jerseys of the NSWRL era to the colorful "liquorice allsorts" jerseys of the early 2000s. This latest iteration adds another chapter to their colorful legacy, promising to bring a fresh and lively aesthetic to the grand final stage. Fans can expect a visually striking event as the teams clash for the championship title.

How do we bid farewell to this remarkable Panthers team? The only way we know how. Regardless of what unfolds from this point forward, the team will inevitably change. Yet, Penrith fans are acutely aware of how fortunate we’ve been. I can still recall the beginning. Perched high in the stands, the cold concrete pressing against my back, I found myself with my head in my hands as the players trudged off at half-time. The 2020 NRL grand final felt like a lost cause, the dream already extinguished. True fandom isn’t built on celebrating victories alone. It’s shaped in the crucible of disappointment. We’ve experienced our share of heartache, enduring the lean years and coming close on multiple occasions. In that moment, it felt as though we were witnessing the end of something special—another near miss. One thing was clear: opportunities like this are rare, and you never know when you might find yourself in this position again.

The Florida Panthers, recent champions of the Stanley Cup, have reached an agreement to extend their operating contract with Broward County for an additional five years. This extension guarantees that the team will continue to play in the area until at least 2033, with the possibility of remaining even longer.

In a dominant performance, the Edmonton Oilers defeated the Florida Panthers 5-1, forcing a Game 7 in the Stanley Cup Final. Star player Leon Draisaitl made a significant impact in the final, helping his team secure the crucial win. The series will now head back to South Florida for the deciding game, as both teams battle it out for the ultimate prize in hockey.

**Key Match-Ups: Deciding Factors in the 2024 NRL Grand Final** As the 2024 NRL Grand Final approaches, the stage is set for an intense showdown between the Melbourne Storm and the Penrith Panthers. This highly anticipated clash promises to be a thrilling contest, with several key match-ups likely to determine the outcome of the premiership decider. Both teams have showcased their strengths throughout the season, and it will be the individual battles on the field that could tip the scales. From the forward packs to the playmakers, each position holds significance in the quest for glory. The Storm, known for their tactical prowess and resilience, will rely on their experienced players to guide them through the pressure of the grand final. Meanwhile, the Panthers, with their dynamic style and youthful energy, will look to capitalize on any opportunities that arise. As the teams prepare to face off, fans can expect a fierce competition, with every tackle, pass, and decision potentially influencing the final result. The grand final is not just a game; it’s a culmination of hard work, strategy, and determination from both sides. In the end, it will be the execution of game plans and the ability to adapt under pressure that will ultimately decide who lifts the trophy. The excitement is palpable as we await this epic battle for the NRL championship.