Very proud of the boys effort in the face of the worst refereeing since Gomozel
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Proud of the season but disappointed in the performance tonight. Regardless of the poor refereeing we never ever looked like we were in it.
A long way to go
Obviously not happy with the result.
I thought we struggled to keep our composure when things went against us early, and that let the Storm build a large enough lead to prevent being run down, even if we did go close.
Some questionable refereeing, especially during the first half. I will rewatch the game when I get home tomorrow before saying too much about it though.
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It is a shame that they lost the composure that had done them so well in earlier games. When they found themselves down early in the first half, for whatever reason, they started to play panic football. By the time they got their composure back in the second half, it was too late. I had been concerned that the occassion of this game would get into their heads.
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well what can one say except a very big well done to the team for their efforts and outcomes for the year.
Thank you to them, the sponsors and more importantly all of our supporters who despite Covid remained loyal and continued to support the team
On the game, its sad to say but despite a ref, officials and calls going against us we cannot blame anyone for the result except ourselves. Giving any opponent let alone Storm a 22 point lead puts you in a bad spot and its a game where we abandoned process in the first half from over enthusiasm , poor execution and just dumb decisions.
And despite at every setback in the first half, we were at points playing so much better than them and they were not causing us any issues at all and believe the playing group will be hurting most today about having missed winning that game.
What does the future look like for the team?
I hope the group learn from what happened yesterday and the entire year and on reflection how Covid might have worked in our favour by restricting the entire group and forcing them to train/travel and socialise in a completely different and unique way and begs the question if it worked so well for us would it be the āmodelā for the years ahead?
Thank you to the efforts of the players leaving the group this year and coaches and support staff.
Congrats to the players who changed and were prepared to change their game
Lots to be proud of for the year lots where we can improve and will need to do if we want to be a side which is consistently in the Top 4
Thank you to all the posters on here who again have contributed points of views and valued opinions.
Till next year
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I think SBF has pretty well summed it up. I donāt think most of the refās calls were actually wrong - with a couple of exceptions - but we never got a break until the game was well & truly out of reach. We dug our own grave through lack of composure & panicked decisions to chase the scoreboard when there was no need. By the time we finally did get a bit of luck, it was too late.
For all that, I was immensely proud of how the team stuck it out & fought back so well. When the score blew out to 26-0 just after half time, I thought we might be in for an absolute flogging.
All credit to Melbourne. They were too good. Their first half was fantastic. Every time they got a sniff, they made us pay. They really are an amazing club, and their consistency year in year out is astounding. Theyāre worthy champions.
Weāve got a lot of guys free to negotiate with other clubs after next weekend. I hope weāll keep most or all of them. If we can, Iām confident weāll do well over the next few years. Hopefully, a Premiership isnāt far away.
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Well we dared to dream, but it was not to be. We were foiled by a combination of our errors, the officials desperate desire for every 50/50 call to go to the storm & the āprofessionalismā of the storm, being able to hold up the game every time they need to, & using the HIA as a vehicle for virtual unlimited interchange.
I have been very supportive of IC, in both his first stint here before he got tired, and again this time around. But he lost his nerve when the it really counted & it was no coincidence that arguably our worst two performances came when he went away from the plan and went for the āsafeā option of TMay for Naden. Upsetting the applecart at the critical point of sudden death is often the undoing of much hard work.
OK, it was a great year for the Panthers, and we deservedly won the minor premiership & gave ourselves a shot at the title. The fact that we came up 6 points short, does not mean we failed, not by a long shot.
Well done by our players, coaches and admin, and to all the fans. It was a great ride &, whilst we have had a couple of mis-steps before in terms of dynasties coming on the back of some successes, hereās hoping we can build on what has been achieved now and we can be a force for the next few years.
My dream did not come true, but, based on my dream, I had backed us to make the GF some weeks back, and backed Sauce to score a try, so, although my multis didnāt win me a fortune, I cam out in front on the punt. Ironically,.NC scoringt hat last try cost me $'s, as I also have Sauce to score the last try 
In what has been a pretty bleak year otherwise, the footy kept me happy, and I got to spend the GF at ANZ with my 2 sons, which was a pretty special moment, and when I got home, my wife was there to say bad luck, so lifeās good!
Go the Panthers!!!
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Panther Pride Man of the Match voting is now open Lots of quality commentary above. So, as the disappointment abates, albeit frustratingly slowly, itās probably good to be philosophical about that match (rather than banging heads against walls). It was a fantastic season for Penrith, way above anyoneās realistic expectations. And it was a season that looked like being killed off virtually before it had gotten underway. So, Iām thankful for that. We certainly left our worst game for the most important time, and that should be a huge learning experience for the team. In summary, A for effort, C for execution (in the most part).
I thought that for the first disallowed try, when Crichton was judged have impeded the defence, the defender (Lee?) moved sideways and grabbed Crichton, so Crichton couldnāt continue his run through the line. And for Cameron Smithās try, I would be hard to convince that the bloke playing the ball (Solomona?) rose before playing the ball; in the process he effectively pushed forward and took one of the defenders out of play. Finally, Clearyās intercepted lob was an effective 12-point turnaround; some mistakes have HUGE consequences.
Thanks to the wise contributors on this forum, people who have probably forgotten more about RL than Iāll ever know. I go to the PenrithPanthers web site for the official news, and to PantherPride for the news behind the news. I hope that it is bigger and stronger for the next season.
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The good news: my streak of picking the winner as I enter ANZ stadium remains intact (19 consecutive years now)
The bad news: it wasnāt the result I (or anyone else on this forum) wanted.
Iād been confident all week, but unfortunately that sinking feeling hit me before I got to my seat.
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I wasnāt at the game last night, Mutley, but I know EXACTLY what you mean.
But Iām confident weāre at the start of something special. Iām already looking forward to next year!
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Rewatching the game now. A few points:
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We were the better side for the opening 20 & last 30. Unfortunately our inability to capitalise on early opportunities gave Storm the space they needed to take command in the middle 30 minutes.
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We started to make uncharacteristic errors & started to panic when we got behind, the Storm took their opportunities. Overall, an immature performance.
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I donāt have a problem with any of the penalties against us, but question how we didnāt get more early, with the Storm being regularly offside & laying in the ruck.
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The only try I have a question over is Vunavaluās. I would have thought his kick to Chrichtonās chest during the intercept would have been worthy of a penalty. That one decision could have changed the game.
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Credit to Papenhuyzen, his try after wrong footing Cleary, and his tap back from over the sideline were 2 big plays that essentially put the result beyond reach for us.
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Tyrone May should only be starting if we have no other option, he is a bench utility to cover several positions, not a starting centre, lock, hooker, or any other position
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