Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Luke Priddis, the only Penrith player with grand final experience, was their hero as they upset the odds to beat the holders 18-6 in the climax to the Australian season.
Priddis set up two tries and scored one as the Panthers clinched their first title since 1991, setting up a confrontation with the British champions next February. The hooker made the break for the first of Luke Rooney's two tries and the only score of a brutally tough and fast first half.
The strongly fancied Roosters looked to be taking the initiative for most of the second half as they started to force mistakes from a Penrith side running out of fit players.
Shannon Heggarty's try tied the scores and it took some awesome defence from the Panthers to steady the ship.
But then the Roosters' full-back, Anthony Minichiello, dropped a kick and from that possession Priddis found his way over the line from dummy half.
Six minutes from time, with the Roosters expecting a drop-goal attempt, Priddis threw a long pass for Rooney's second and the Panthers were home.
That denied Adrian Morley his chance to become the first Englishman since Malcolm Reilly 30 years ago to win back-to-back grand finals in Australia. He did not deserve to be on the losing side after his powerful contribution.
Sydney: A. Minichiello, Byrne, Cross, Hegarty, Walker, Fittler, Finch, Cayless, Wing, Catic, Morely, Fitzgibbon, Ricketson. Replacements: Crocker, Lomu, Robinson, Flannery.
Penrith: Wesser, L. Lewis, Girdler, Whatuira, Rooney, Campbell, Gower, Clinton, Priddis, Lang, Galuvao, T. Puletua, Sattler. Replacements: Ross, Waterhouse, Rodney, Swain.
Referee: Bill Harrigan (Australia).
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments