LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
The Panthers fans' behavior towards Adam Reynolds during the post-match ceremony was deemed as "classless" by onlookers.
Despite their team's third-consecutive NRL premiership win, the fans tarnished the celebration by booing Reynolds, who had a forgettable night on the field.
Reynolds made several crucial mistakes, including a failed short line dropout and kicking out on the full, which ultimately contributed to the Panthers' victory.
Meanwhile, Nathan Cleary, the mastermind behind the biggest comeback in grand final history, orchestrated a remarkable turnaround for the Panthers.
Trailing by 16 points with only 15 minutes remaining, Cleary orchestrated two tries before scoring the match-winning try himself, securing their 26-24 victory.
For Reynolds, it was a second NRL decider loss, and the devastation was evident on his face at full-time.
However, the Panthers fans' behavior towards him during the runner-up speech was widely criticized.
The boos resonated throughout the stadium, overshadowing the moment of acknowledgment for Reynolds and his team's efforts.
The incident highlights the passion and intensity of rugby league fandom, but it also raises questions about sportsmanship and respect for the opposition.
Regardless of the outcome, athletes deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, especially during moments of defeat.
The Panthers organization later issued an apology for the fans' behavior, acknowledging that it was unacceptable and not reflective of the values they uphold.
They vowed to address the issue internally and ensure that such incidents do not occur in the future.
This incident serves as a reminder that while rugby league is a fiercely competitive sport, it is essential to maintain sportsmanship and respect for all players, regardless of the team they represent.
The actions of a few should not overshadow the achievements and efforts of the athletes on the field.