The Panthers have secured a special slice of history by becoming the first team in 40 years to win three consecutive premierships after an astonishing comeback in the 2023 grand final.
The Broncos looked home and hosed with 15 minutes left to play but there was still one more twist to come as gun halfback Nathan Cleary inspired a come-from-behind victory.
While Cleary was the star of the show, cementing his greatness with a second Clive Churchill Medal, there were plenty of other stunning grand final performances, along with a few flops.
READ MORE: Cleary snatches grand final for Panthers
READ MORE: Broncos rinsed for horror grand final error
RECAP: How the 2023 NRL grand final unfolded
Wide World of Sports The Mole points them out with fearless grand final player ratings.
PENRITH PANTHERS
1. Dylan Edwards
Ran for nearly 300 metres in a typical Edwards big-game performance.
Rating: 8
2. Sunia Turuva
Got few chances but did his job running the ball from the back, making 150 metres.
Rating: 6.5
3. Izack Tago
Solid without being spectacular, defending solidly against the speedy Broncos outside backs.
Rating: 7
4. Stephen Crichton
In his final game as a Panther, made it four tries in four grand finals and came up with some massive plays.
Rating: 8.5
5. Brian To'o
Ran like a steam train when his team was in trouble, getting them into enemy territory time and again.
Rating: 8
6. Jarome Luai
Struggled with his nagging shoulder before being taken from the field after 50 minutes.
Rating: 5
7. Nathan Cleary
After a curiously quiet first 40 minutes, came to life in the second half with two try assists and a 40/20… and then the solo try that won it.
Rating: 9
8. Moses Leota
Gave one of his best performances as a Panther, making the hard yards and scoring the try that got the team back from the brink.
Rating: 8
9. Mitch Kenny
Under-rated player, scored the game's opening try and was busy at dummyhalf – but missed a worrying 11 tackles.
Rating: 7
10. James Fisher-Harris
Ran for more metres than any Panthers forward and a tower of strength in the middle in defence.
Rating: 8
11. Scott Sorensen
Quiet game by his standards, only making 57 metres, but came up with the intercept that sealed it at the death.
Rating: 6
12. Liam Martin
Another Panther down on his game, missing a couple of vital tackles but running the ball strongly.
Rating: 6
13. Isaah Yeo
Solid without being spectacular, working hard in his 68 minutes on the field.
Rating: 7
14. Jack Cogger
Got half an hour and did the right thing, giving Cleary the ball in time and space.
Rating: 5
15. Lindsay Smith
One of a host of Panthers to miss Ezra Mam in his golden patch and did little with the ball.
Rating: 5
16. Spencer Leniu
Only got 22 minutes of game time, defended strongly but had little impact in attack.
Rating: 5
17. Luke Garner
Also played 22 minutes and couldn't really get into the game.
Rating: 4.5
BRISBANE BRONCOS
1. Reece Walsh
Made some mistakes in the first half but put the Broncos in a position to win the game with some massive plays in the second.
Rating: 8
2. Jesse Arthars
The least rated of the four wingers on the field but had a fine game, highlighted by a first half line break.
Rating: 7.5
3. Kotoni Staggs
Ran strongly but finished a close second in a fascinating battle with Crichton.
Rating: 6.5
4. Herbie Farnworth
Completed his best-ever season in the NRL with a classy performance, running the ball with power and purpose.
Rating: 7
5. Selwyn Cobbo
Seemed to suffer a bit of stage fright on the game's biggest night, down on his form of earlier this season.
Rating: 5.5
6. Ezra Mam
His three second half tries gave the Broncos every chance to win the premiership – way too fast for the Panthers out wide in a blistering game.
Rating: 9
7. Adam Reynolds
Overcame a painful first-half groin injury to lead the Broncos in fine style. Kicking superb – in general play and for goal.
Rating: 8
8. Thomas Flegler
Out-muscled the Panthers up front, scoring his team's first try, making the hard yards and getting away some good offloads.
Rating: 8.5
9. Billy Walters
Played his part in the the Broncos' strong performance, kicking a 40/20 and directing play from dummyhalf.
Rating: 7
10. Payne Haas
Usually known for his attack, topped the Broncos' tackle count but also made some telling runs.
Rating: 8
11. Kurt Capewell
Not a happy night against his former club, making little yardage and missing a vital tackle on Cleary.
Rating: 6
12. Jordan Riki
Strong and aggressive, he troubled the Panthers defence on the edge.
Rating: 7
13. Patrick Carrigan
Tried his heart out to stem the Penrith tide, running for 150 metres and making some vital tackles.
Rating: 7.5
14. Tyson Smoothy
Created the Broncos' opening try but caused little other trouble from dummyhalf.
Rating: 5
15. Brendan Piakura
Made just two runs for 14 metres in his 20 minutes on the field.
Rating: 4
16. Kobe Hetherington
Did little in attack from the bench but did come up with one wonderful trysaving tackle.
Rating: 5
17. Keenan Palasia
The most effective of the Broncos' bench men, running for 150 metres.
Rating: 6
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