Achieving the Impossible: The Panthers Relive the 2023 Grand Final
In what has already gone down as one of the most unforgettable comebacks in NRL history, the Penrith Panthers etched their name further into rugby league folklore with their 2023 Grand Final victory over the Brisbane Broncos. As the dust settled on a heart-stopping clash, few could have imagined the drama, resilience, and raw belief that would define the night.
Now, months on, the Panthers players are reflecting on what many are calling the greatest Grand Final performance of the modern era.
“It still gives me chills,” said halfback Nathan Cleary, who orchestrated a stunning second-half comeback that left fans and commentators in awe. “We were down and out. Most teams don’t come back from that. But we had belief — and that belief never wavered.”
Down 24-8 with just 20 minutes remaining, Penrith looked set to concede the title to a rampant Broncos side that had dominated the second half. Ezra Mam’s explosive hat-trick had seemingly sealed it for Brisbane, and the Panthers’ hopes of a historic three-peat appeared shattered.
But then, as they have done so often under coach Ivan Cleary, the Panthers found something few teams possess: an unwavering commitment to their system and a calmness under pressure that belies the moment.
“I remember looking around and thinking, ‘This isn’t over,’” said Dylan Edwards, the ever-reliable fullback who once again proved his worth on the biggest stage. “We’ve trained for this. We’ve lived through tight games before. We just had to stick to our process.”
And stick they did.
What followed was a 20-minute masterclass. Cleary laid on a try for Moses Leota with a deft short ball, scored one himself with a solo effort that will live in Grand Final highlight reels for decades, and calmly slotted the conversion to give Penrith a miraculous 26-24 lead in the dying minutes.
The Broncos, shell-shocked and unable to wrest momentum back, watched as their dreams faded under the brilliance of a team that simply refused to quit.
“It’s hard to put into words what Nath did that night,” said Panthers captain Isaah Yeo. “He took control, inspired us, and led by example. That’s what champions do.”
For Cleary, it was redemption and validation rolled into one. Despite having already tasted premiership success in 2021 and 2022, his 2023 performance — complete with Clive Churchill Medal honours — elevated him into rarefied air.
“I just wanted to do my part for the team,” Cleary said humbly. “We’ve been through so much together, and to cap it off like that… it’s something I’ll carry forever.”
The significance of the win extended beyond the scoreboard. Penrith’s third consecutive premiership cemented their dynasty and placed them alongside the great NRL teams of the past. In an era defined by parity and unpredictability, their sustained excellence is nothing short of remarkable.
Coach Ivan Cleary, often understated in victory, paid tribute to the culture the club has built over the past five years.
“It’s about more than footy,” he said. “It’s about care, commitment, and consistency. These boys have worked for everything they’ve got. No one gave us anything — we earned it.”
As the 2024 season rolls on, the memories of that magical night in October continue to inspire the current squad. The Panthers know the target on their back is larger than ever, but they welcome it — because they know what they’re capable of.
For the fans, the 2023 Grand Final was a rollercoaster of emotion, culminating in ecstasy. For the players, it was a test of character, met with courage.
And for rugby league, it was a reminder of why the game captivates millions.
Because sometimes, when the odds are at their longest and hope is all but lost, champions rise — and achieve the impossible.