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Message: [QUOTE="Big Pete, post: 3677250, member: 1899"] It was a war of attrition and in the end, Penrith proved they're without a doubt the most dominant force the game has ever seen. Even against the former juggernauts in Bellamy's Melbourne, they were a clear level above despite a gallant effort from the Storm. For the Panthers, it was largely the same story we've seen before. They're so effective at playing through their set and nobody has yet to figure out how to stop the roll on. The one change was Nathan Cleary who all things considered, was unlucky not to receive a third CC medal considering he made 28 runs, 30 tackles and 18 kicks to go with his 72 touches of the footy. We normally don't see Cleary touch the ball so often and while it didn't result in any line-breaks it just kept things rolling for the Panthers. Melbourne too were obsessed with Cleary, so much so, they targeted that side relentlessly. It did pay dividends early when Grant went over after Martin couldn't make the second effort but it was a rare blemish. Not only did Cleary make 30 odd tackles, but Tago made 37 just to show how much Melbourne went after Cleary and were hell-bent to make that inside play to Coates work. Penrith were better across the park, but I'd say the forwards proved the biggest difference. Particularly in the middle, Yeo had a field day with Melbourne whereas the Storm rarely made any inroads and were found wanting. The loss of Asofa-Solomona didn't help but I think it's just a limatation of the side. Loiero has come a long way, but he clearly pales in comparison to Yeo who appears to be modelling his game after. That's where Utoikamanu could be a major asset. Difficult to imagine that the Storm will gain a player of Stefano's calibre without losing anyone of notoriety. I still see plenty of improvement in them and would not be shocked to see them in the mix. Meanwhile Penrith say farewell to Luai, Fisher-Harris & Turuva. Ordinarily losing players of that calibre would spell the end of the dynasty but Penrith are so unbelievable that they'll likely saddle for their fifth straight premiership. In Edwards, To'o, Cleary, Leota, Martin, Yeo they have such a strong core and if the likes of Smith and co. keep developing it's difficult picturing the Canterburys, Cronullas etc. improving enough to challenge them. [/QUOTE]

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