World News – AU – Panthers enter NRL grand final after tying record for wins over Rabbitohs

Penrith’s magic number emerged after making NRL history with a record 17 straight wins to make their first grand final in 17 years with a 20-16 win over South Sydney

In a tough preliminary final at ANZ Stadium, the Panthers held the Rabbitohs at arms length in front of a crowd of 30,116 – the NRL’s biggest attendance in Sydney this season Saturday’s game was the third preliminary final consecutive for the Souths, leaving empty-handed each time

The Panthers were leading 14-6 at halftime and were able to hold on as half-stars Cody Walker and Adam Reynolds did everything they could to keep the Rabbitohs alive Red hot five- eighth Walker produced one of the games of the season with seven minutes remaining, firing a ball to the left edge for Corey Allen who managed to score

Barely able to run after injuring his leg early in the half, Allen swept the celebrations with his teammates as he crunched in pain It was a brave performance for the South full-back who spent a nervous night in the back But the Panthers had done their homework on Wayne Bennett’s men and bravely defended

Half-back Nathan Cleary continued his remarkable form with the shoe, setting up two kicking tries for Brian To’o and Tyrone May in the first half The first was to tie Souths in the eighth minute when he set up a bomb that Alex Johnston couldn’t fight off, knocking down for To’o to clean up and mark

A stopped play under the posts with a short kick for May to pounce put the Panthers in the lead in the 28th minute, where they stayed until the end. Second rower Isaah Yeo also played, crossing the midfielder to place full-back Dylan Edwards for the match-sealing try in the 67th minute

Previously, Panthers hooker Api Koroisau was taken off the pitch with a shoulder injury after tackling Reynolds He was caught in the tunnel but returned after receiving a painful shot and should not be in doubt for Sunday’s grand final against Melbourne

However, there will be concerns for propeller James Fisher Harris after he was reported for a high shot midway through the first half The Panthers are set to welcome back second rower Viliame Kikau from suspension for the decision-maker at ANZ stadium

Penrith’s 17th consecutive victory is an NRL-era record – tying the Canterbury race in 2002 before they were stripped of all their points for breach of the salary cap

Penrith Panthers, South Sydney Rabbitohs, National Rugby League, Ivan Cleary, NRL Grand Final, Sydney Roosters, Melbourne Storm