The Eels lose plenty of experience with Reed Mahoney, Marata Niukore and Isaiah Papali’i leaving the club for the Bulldogs, Warriors and Wests Tigers respectively, but youngsters like Arthur and Penisini will be better players.
Speaking of Papali’i, he wore a stray boot to the body from Jarome Luai midway through the first half.
Jarome Luai gives Isaiah Papali’i a nudge with his right boot.Credit:Twitter
Luai was frustrated with Papali’i for a few minutes approaching the half hour, and after Brian To’o was tackled by the Eels back-rower, Luai leaned in and gave him a nudge with his knee.
While it wasn’t as bad as Cameron Munster’s kick to Joey Manu’s head in the 2018 grand final, which resulted in a $1400 fine, the Penrith five-eighth is also a chance to be fined.
Eels officials certainly noticed the incident and were asking about it at half-time.
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While it was not to be for Parramatta, their western Sydney neighbours are entering a wonderful era.
The 28-12 NRL victory capped a fantastic season for a club that also won silverware in the SG Ball, Jersey Flegg and NSW Cup competitions.
The reserve-grade team went on to win the State Championship earlier in the day.
They have worked hard for their success, and there is no reason the good times will not continue for many years to come.
Who can seriously tip against Penrith chasing three titles on the trot in 2023?
Even some dubious refereeing calls went their way with claims Mitchell Moses was obstructed by Viliame Kikau when To’o scored a second try. And a Cleary strip on Shaun Lane even finished in their favour.
Penrith will never forget their second title. Nor will young Arthur.
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