LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
In a brutal display of dominance, the Penrith Panthers "monstered" the Melbourne Storm in a record thrashing during the preliminary finals.
This resounding 36-4 victory has put the Panthers on the brink of creating history, as they now have the opportunity to become the first team since the 1981-83 Parramatta Eels to win three consecutive premierships in the NRL era.
The Panthers' achievement of making four straight grand finals also places them in an elite group, alongside the 2006-09 Storm, the 1981-84 Eels, the 1967-71 Rabbitohs, and the 1956-66 Dragons.
The rivalry between the Panthers and the Storm, which began with the 2020 Grand Final and continued with the 2021 prelim, was evident as the Storm attempted to unsettle their opponents.
However, the Panthers remained unfazed and quickly responded to the Storm's opening try with one of their own, scored by Brian To'o in the third minute.