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Message: [QUOTE="Broncoman, post: 2628795, member: 7803"] [B]2003 Grand Final, Penrith Panthers V Sydney Roosters, 5th October 2003 [/B]After finishing with the spoon in 2001, 12th in 2002 and coming last 2 rounds into 2003 the men from the mountains climbed the summit and defeated the highly fancied Roosters 18-6 in a memorable and classic grand final played in wet challenging conditions. This game is remembered as being one of the best grand finals ever played and why wouldn't it be. A high quality game with few mistakes considering the conditions played at a good pace coupled with pulverising defence. [B]1st half; [/B]Penrith controlled the first half very well getting the better of the Roosters territorially asking questions of the defence but some superb defence from the Roosters meant that it was always going to take something special to break the line. This was never being shown as the Roosters hammered Penrith with tremendous force on their own line. Penrith were looking more likely to score as the kicking game of Gower and Campbell found the ingoal whilst the kicking of Fittler and Finch usually found Penrith backs or there was no-one really running onto it. The Panthers finally broke through for the first score in the 30th minute as Priddis got a chance to run from dummy half as the Roosters were offside, he broke through and skilfully slowed down and drew Minichiello and sent winger Rooney over to score. Girdler playing in his only grand final landed the goal and Penrith lead 6-0. No further score was added in the last 10 minutes before the break and Penrith went into halftime ahead 6-0. [B]2nd Half; [/B]The Roosters came out fired up and ready to change the game around and they got the reward as Hegarty went over to score just after the break. Fitzgibbon landed the goal and the score was locked. Penrith clicked into gear and after Minichiello dropped a simple kick Penrith had a golden opportunity to take back the lead and another knock on from Byrne gave Penrith another chance. The Roosters defence held firm and Penrith lost ground and they looked out of sorts as a grubber kick was charged and Byrne went down the sideline with lock Sattler chasing him but Sattler made a superb covering tackle that stopped a certain try. Despite this outstanding moment the Roosters continued to press the Panthers line but Penrith's morale and confidence was most certainly lifted by Sattler. After Mini dropped another bomb Penrith this time took their chance as Priddis scooted from dummy half and planted the ball down next to the posts regaining the lead with 15 minutes to go. Both sides like 1997 strived for victory as if their lives depended on it as everyone inside the stadium and watching on TV rode every moment. Penrith at last put their stamp on it as they were given an extra set with 7 minutes to go after Crocker charged down a field goal attempt. Penrith fooled the Roosters into thinking they were going for the field goal but Priddis cut out the Roosters left defence and sent Rooney over for his second. Campbell landed the goal from touch and Penrith held an 18-6 lead that they were never going to lose. The score remained unchanged at fulltime and Penrith had won their second premiership sparking massive celebrations that were going to last for weeks. [B]Notes - [/B]There was been better hookers than Luke Priddis but I don't think there has been a better hooker performance than what Priddis put up that night. He scored a try set up the others and made close to 50 tackles. Easily the best on the park and a deserving CCM winner. - The Sattler tackle was undoubtedly a highlight and it showed Penrith's determination but I don't feel it was a turning point as momentum didn't swing the Panthers way but it undoubtedly lifted the Panthers confidence. Byrne didn't take of with any great speed and Sattler covered him well and his timing was spot on. - Todd Byrne is the winner of Pete's Turner award. Gave away silly penalties, dropped a few kicks and was run down by a lock - I feel the Priddis, Gower and Campbell combo combined with Penrith's go forward won the game and was the difference. Players like Clinton, Galuvao and Puletua had probably the best year of their careers in 2003 [B]Penrith Panthers 18: [/B]2 tries by Luke Rooney and a try by Luke Priddis, 2 goals by Preston Campbell and a goal by Ryan Girdler [B]Sydney Roosters 6: [/B]Try by Shannon Hegarty and a goal by Craig Fitzgibbon [B]Penrith Panthers [/B]1: Rhys Wesser 2: Luke Lewis 3: Paul Whatuira 4: Ryan Girdler 5: Luke Rooney 6: Preston Campbell 7: Craig Gower 8: Joel Clinton 9: Luke Priddis 10: Martin Lang 11: Joe Gauvao 12: Tony Puletau 13: Scott Sattler 14: Ben Ross 15: Trent Waterhouse 16: Shane Rodney 17: Luke Swain Coach: John Lang [B]Sydney Roosters [/B]1: Anthony Minichiello 2: Todd Byrne 3: Ryan Cross 4: Shannon Hegarty 5: Chris Walker 6: Brad Fittler (captain) 7: Craig Wing 8: Jason Cayless 9: Michael Crocker 10: Ned Catic 11: Adrian Morely 12: Craig Fitzgibbon 13: Luke Ricketson 14: Brett Finch 15: Andrew Lomu 16: Chad Robinson 17: Chris Flannery Coach: Ricky Stuart [/QUOTE]

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