It's Time. To create history. Will the Eels finally break the longest drought in NRL history (36 years) or will the Panthers become only the second team to win back to back in NRL history and done only once before this century (Roosters 2018-19)?
The Panthers join the Roosters and Storm as the only teams in NRL history to have been in three successive grand finals.
Since 2020, the Panthers have the most dominant three-year record in NRL history, winning 66 of their last 77 games (85.7%).
So, the Panthers will feel cheated if they don't prevail.
During that reign of dominance, the Panthers rarely lose with Cleary plays winning 52 of their last 57 games (91.2%) scoring at 28.3ppg and conceding only 11.47ppg. When Cleary doesn't play their winning rate drops to 70% (14/20) scoring on average score 20.35ppg conceding 16.5.
However, if any team can beat the Panthers it's the Eels.
They hold the best record against the Panthers in that three-year reign; despite winning only 3 from 8 (37.5%).
Over the last 3 years they have been the only team (along with Melbourne) to beat them more than once (3 times). And when Cleary plays the Eels are the only team to have beaten them more than once in three years (3 times).
The Eels can expect to be on the back-foot for a significant portion of the game under immense pressure. But, they showed in the Preliminary finals against the Cowboys, they can fight off the ropes and counterpunching dangerously with second-phase offloading, and fight like hell to defend their line with great courage under fire.
However, the Eels are also capable of pounding teams on the front-foot if given a sniff as they did to the Raiders two weeks ago in Finals Week 2 (40-4), and against the Panthers back in round twenty (34-10).
Over the last six weeks, the Eels have turned a corner after drawing a line in the sand.
They made every Eel fan proud in one of the most courageous fight backs against the Cowboys in recent memory. Showing guts and real steel.
If any Eels team can break the 36-year drought against The Best, it's this team.
Go You Eels!
Comments
Well ain't that a blast from the past . Gday SBBB .
Hi Sharkie long time no see great to see a post from you, how many years you been missing
Haha it's been a while AAE.
BOOMER!!!! Fantastic to see you old friend!
How are you? you should stick around, great crowd here!
Well done for the sharks GF a few years back, great win.
Hows hubby the eels man?
Hi Snake! I'm really good and so is the husband. He can't wait for Sunday!
And thanks. It was the best day and my dear old dad got to finally see them win a GF before he passed away. My sister and I (and our husband's) went with him to watch and it was glorious. I am hoping Parra can do it for you lot cause even though some of you have experienced it before, it has been a while and also the youngens haven't had a chance to. Fingers crossed.
Hey sharpies, haven't seen u around for years, well done to your club on a successful season. Hope you and your family are well mate. Cheers
Thanks Chief! Yeah we are all good and the husband is really excited for Sunday!!!
SBBB, In a blog the other day I mentioned you, so nice to see you post and see that those goon bags you used to drain haven't caught up with you, haha. You are missed.
Aww thanks My Bob. Haha. I actually went looking for that story about the goon bags (which were drunk when i was teen by the way...haha) one day and I think it's gone or atleast the photo is. Must be archived or something.
I haven't been on here for ages as I have been really busy with life and work but I just wanted to come on and wish you all the best of luck for Sunday. I really hope Parra win for you (and the husband).
I'm sure you are all wracked with nerves but try and enjoy the week regardless, as whatever happens you have the opportunity to cheer for your team on the big day. So exciting!
Anyway, good luck again!
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