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Late fightback sparks new hope for the Penrith Panthers after rampaging Melbourne Storm surged to a huge early lead with a dominant display in the NRL Grand Final

The Melbourne Storm, led by veteran captain Cameron Smith, have outclassed a young Penrith Panthers side to lead by 22 points in the second half of the historic 2020 NRL Grand Final.

After a rocky start and an error seconds into the match, the experienced team drew first blood three and a half minutes into the game.

Their dominance continued right through the first half and into the beginning of the second half. 

But just nine minutes before the end of the match, Melbourne conceded a penalty foul, pushing halfback Jahrome Hughes into the sin bin and giving Penrith the space to score their third try of the evening. 

Even though the Panthers came into the game with 17 straight wins and just one loss behind them, Storm were the hot favourites to win the match.

The primary concern among critics was the youth of the Penrith contigent, with most players in their early 20s and several in their first year of first grade football.

By 30 minutes in, Storm led the young Penrith side 14-0 at ANZ Stadium, after hours of wet weather and rain battered the field

By 30 minutes in, Storm led the young Penrith side 14-0 at ANZ Stadium, after hours of wet weather and rain battered the field

The Melbourne team, who have spent the better part of 2020 living, quarantining and training on the Sunshine Coast to escape Victoria's crippling lockdown, were granted permission to fly to Sydney on Saturday to rest up before the game. Pictured: Josh Addo-Carr

The Melbourne team, who have spent the better part of 2020 living, quarantining and training on the Sunshine Coast to escape Victoria's crippling lockdown, were granted permission to fly to Sydney on Saturday to rest up before the game. Pictured: Josh Addo-Carr

The Storm produced the first error of the evening, knocking on seconds after the 7.30pm kickoff.

But within three and a half minutes, Storm centre Justin Olam had found the line.  

Penrith utility Tyrone May used his foot to kick the ball out of his hands resulting in a controversial penalty try to the favourites.

Minutes later, Penrith also looked certain to score but were turned away on the line when the Storm defence rallied and denied Josh Mansour.  

Melbourne Storm captain Cameron Smith scored his first Grand Final try in the dying seconds of the first half, making him the highest point scorer in the history of NRL finals.

The star hooker, who has not yet confirmed if he is playing his final match ever, has been an early standout for the team, kicking three conversions and two penalty goals in the first half alone. 

Earlier this week, he indicated he hadn't felt the signal that it was 'time to retire' like some of his former teammates had felt before hanging up their boots.

During half time, Panthers coach Ivan Cleary said his young team still felt they could win the game, despite the scoreline.

Melbourne Storm captain Cameron Smith scored his first Grand Final try in the dying seconds of the first half, making him the highest point scorer in the history of NRL finals

Melbourne Storm captain Cameron Smith scored his first Grand Final try in the dying seconds of the first half, making him the highest point scorer in the history of NRL finals

During half time, Panthers coach Ivan Cleary said his young team still felt they could win the game, despite the scoreline

During half time, Panthers coach Ivan Cleary said his young team still felt they could win the game, despite the scoreline

The Melbourne Storm, led by veteran captain Cameron Smith, have outclassed a young Penrith Panthers side to lead by 22 points in the second half of the historic 2020 NRL Grand Final

The Melbourne Storm, led by veteran captain Cameron Smith, have outclassed a young Penrith Panthers side to lead by 22 points in the second half of the historic 2020 NRL Grand Final

'They know they can't let in any more points,' he told reporters on the field.  

But within minutes of the second half beginning, fullback Ryan Papehuyzen slipped past the defence to run the length of the field and score. 

Brian To'o eventually got points on the board for the Panthers, but the decision was met with criticism online and in the commentators box.

'He's got the rules wrong,' one of the commentators admitted as the bunker ruled it a try.

In the Melbourne Storm box, coach Craig Bellamy screamed at staff, before picking up his speaker and taking his frustration out on his colleagues on the ground. 

Amy Shark kicked off the pre-game entertainment with her hit single, I Said Hi.

The songstress looked chic in a long sleeve black crop and black leggings as rain cleared around her. 

Amy Shark kicked off the pre-game entertainment with her hit single, I Said Hi

Amy Shark kicked off the pre-game entertainment with her hit single, I Said Hi

The songstress looked chic in a long sleeve black crop and black leggings as rain cleared around her

The songstress looked chic in a long sleeve black crop and black leggings as rain cleared around her

Panthers fans packed local pubs and bars to celebrate the Grand Final on Sunday afternoon

Panthers fans packed local pubs and bars to celebrate the Grand Final on Sunday afternoon

The Melbourne team, who have spent the better part of 2020 living, quarantining and training on the Sunshine Coast to escape Victoria's lockdown, were granted permission to fly to Sydney on Saturday to rest up before the game.

The same courtesy was not offered last weekend to their Canberra Raiders competitors, who crashed out of the competition hours after flying into Brisbane for the preliminary final.

The Sunshine State did not grant them an exemption to fly in early for the match. 

As per Queensland's quarantine rules, Storm players and staff were ordered to remain in their hotel rooms until arriving at ANZ stadium for Sunday night's game. 

They appeared nothing short of energetic as they made their way around the sheds hours before kickoff. 

Meanwhile the Panthers travelled the hour from Panthers, at the foot of the Blue Mountains, after they were greeted by hordes of fans. 

Pictured: A Storm fan dressed their dog up ahead of the Grand Final match

Pictured: A Storm fan dressed their dog up ahead of the Grand Final match

The Melbourne team, who have spent the better part of 2020 living, quarantining and training on the Sunshine Coast to escape Victoria's crippling lockdown, were granted permission to fly to Sydney on Saturday to rest up before the game

The Melbourne team, who have spent the better part of 2020 living, quarantining and training on the Sunshine Coast to escape Victoria's crippling lockdown, were granted permission to fly to Sydney on Saturday to rest up before the game

Pictured: Jerome Luai celebrating with Josh MansourPictured: Viliame Kikau with Josh Mansour

Penrith Panthers players celebrated scoring a try in the corner - before the referee determined it was actually not a try

Penrith fans have gone all out since last Saturday, when the team edged out South Sydney Rabbitohs for a spot in the big dance. 

Local businesses and devout fans have been living in their jerseys, decorating their homes and buildings with balloons, streamers and even baking themed snacks to celebrate their team's first Grand Final appearance in 17 years.  

One local family told Daily Mail Australia the household had been buzzing with 'a special kind of energy' since last weekend.

'This whole season has been different. We knew it would come,' they said.

'This team is special.'

On Sunday morning they stocked the fridge with alcohol, blew up balloons in black, red, yellow and green and attached streamers to their roof, certain their team would be victorious.  

The Penrith Panthers made their first Grand Final appearance in 1990 under the guidance of coach Phil Gould, but lost to a star-studded Canberra Raiders outfit.

Just 12 months later, a rematch Grand Final yielded very different results, and the boys from the foot of the mountains secured their first premiership win.

Melbourne has stormed into an early - and controversial - lead against the Penrith Panthers in the NRL 's historic 2020 Grand Final

Melbourne has stormed into an early - and controversial - lead against the Penrith Panthers in the NRL 's historic 2020 Grand Final

Local businesses and devout fans have been living in their jerseys, decorating their homes and buildings with balloons, streamers and even baking themed snacks to celebrate their team's first Grand Final appearance in 17 years

Local businesses and devout fans have been living in their jerseys, decorating their homes and buildings with balloons, streamers and even baking themed snacks to celebrate their team's first Grand Final appearance in 17 years

Penrith fans have gone all out since last Saturday, when the team edged out South Sydney Rabbitohs for a spot in the big dance

Penrith fans have gone all out since last Saturday, when the team edged out South Sydney Rabbitohs for a spot in the big dance

Reporter is forced to abandon her NRL Grand Final report after being swamped by boisterous Panthers fans 

A Channel 9 reporter was forced to abandon her coverage of the NRL Grand Final on Sunday night as she was swamped by boisterous Penrith Panthers fans.

Alice Monfries quickly cut away from her segment at Panthers HQ in Sydney's west just one hour before the game after she was inundated by enthusiastic fans.

'I don't even know if you can hear me right now, but they are feeling very confident,' she said. 

In the background, one fan performed a 'shoey' for the 6pm news bulletin - which entails drinking alcohol directly from a shoe.  

'In fact, they say the rain is a good omen — 17 years ago they last took the trophy home in a wet Grand Final,' she said. 

Alice Monfries quickly cut away from her segment at Panthers HQ in Sydney's west just one hour before the game after she was inundated by enthusiastic fans

Alice Monfries quickly cut away from her segment at Panthers HQ in Sydney's west just one hour before the game after she was inundated by enthusiastic fans

Rain has battered much of the east coast all weekend, almost forcing the postponement of the AFL Grand Final in Brisbane and making for difficult conditions for Sunday's big NRL match. 

But the Panthers won a Grand Final in 2003 in similar weather conditions against Sydney Roosters.  

'We are almost at capacity here at Penrith Stadium, close to 2000 people… I'm going to throw back to you before I get mobbed,' Monfries told Peter Overton on Sunday. 

But the last time the club tasted victory was in 2003, when the then minor premiers secured a shock win over the Sydney Roosters.

Given the youth of the current 2020 side, most of the men would've been pre-schoolers and toddlers at the time.  

Meanwhile Melbourne Storm have been largely considered the most dominant NRL club in modern history.

With appearances in five of the last 10 Grand Finals, there was mounting concern a young Panthers contingent simply couldn't beat a side with so much experience.

The club notoriously had the 2007 and 2009 premierships wiped from the record after admitting to breaching the salary cap, but went on to win again in 2012 and 2017.  

Fans of the game packed into ANZ Stadium on Sunday night, which could only facilitate 40,000 people due to COVID-19 restrictions. 

One eager Penrither Panthers fan performed a 'shoey' ahead of the game on Sunday night

One eager Penrither Panthers fan performed a 'shoey' ahead of the game on Sunday night

Fans look on during the 2020 NRL Grand Final match between the Penrith Panthers and the Melbourne Storm at ANZ Stadium on October 25

Fans look on during the 2020 NRL Grand Final match between the Penrith Panthers and the Melbourne Storm at ANZ Stadium on October 25

More fans were welcomed at the Panthers' home stadium back in Penrith, where tickets were sold for diehard fans to watch the game on the big screens.

Local pubs and clubs were also brimming with patrons - all wearing their club colours.

Meanwhile in Melbourne, fans were discouraged from heading out of home to watch the game anywhere as the city fights to get a second wave of COVID-19 under control.

Premier Daniel Andrews was expected to ease restrictions on Sunday, but reneged on the promise after a spike in infections. 

The NRL very nearly never had a 2020 season when the pandemic all but shut down Australia in late March.

The game was suspended for two months as figureheads worked hard to figure out a way to make the game sustainable during a pandemic.

On May 28, the code became the first to restart, alongside strict player protocols and a bubble which kept players isolated.  

Josh Mansour of the Panthers crosses over in an attempt to score a try during the NRL Grand Final but  the referee ultimately determined it was no try

Josh Mansour of the Panthers crosses over in an attempt to score a try during the NRL Grand Final but  the referee ultimately determined it was no try

'Completely wrong choice': Amy Shark is cruelly trolled on social media for her 'terrible' and 'boring' performance at the NRL Grand Final alongside INXS' Andrew Farriss and Kirk Pengilly 

Australian singer-songwriter Amy Shark kicked off the pre-game entertainment for the NRL Grand Final in Sydney on Sunday.

The 34-year-old multiple Aria Award-winner took to the stage in a black crop top and skinny jeans, and performed a number of her hits, including 2020's Everybody Rise.

However, she was cruelly trolled on Twitter, with many suggesting her 'vibe' wasn't worthy of a Grand Final performance.

'Completely wrong choice': Amy Shark, 34, was cruelly trolled on Twitter for her 'terrible' and 'boring' performance at the NRL Grand Final in Sydney on Sunday (pictured)

'Completely wrong choice': Amy Shark, 34, was cruelly trolled on Twitter for her 'terrible' and 'boring' performance at the NRL Grand Final in Sydney on Sunday  

'I'm not a fan of Amy Shark - and acknowledge she is very talented - but the Triple J vibe really isn't Grand Final entertainment-worthy,' one wrote. 

Another agreed, posting: 'Amy Shark... beautiful girl and talented, but completely wrong for the NRL Grand Final,' alongside the hashtag 'boring'. 

Others were rather blunt, commenting with the likes of 'shocking' and 'Is she going to sing at all? That was terrible!'

Local talent: The Aria Award-winner took to the stage in a black Adidas crop top and coordinating skinny jeans, and performed a number of her hits, including Everybody Rise

Local talent: The Aria Award-winner took to the stage in a black Adidas crop top and coordinating skinny jeans, and performed a number of her hits, including Everybody Rise 

In profile: Her brunette locks were styled in relaxed waves, and in a half-up, half-down do, and her makeup was glamorous

In profile: Her brunette locks were styled in relaxed waves, and in a half-up, half-down do, and her makeup was glamorous 

Criticism online: 'I'm not a fan of Amy Shark - and acknowledge she is very talented - but the Triple J vibe really isn't Grand Final entertainment-worthy,' one wrote on Twitter

Criticism online: 'I'm not a fan of Amy Shark - and acknowledge she is very talented - but the Triple J vibe really isn't Grand Final entertainment-worthy,' one wrote on Twitter 

However, it wasn't all negative, with some praising Amy for her 'powerhouse' vocals.

'Y'all are so mean. Amy Shark is a song-writing powerhouse with a voice to match,' one wrote.

'I thought Amy Shark was good!!!' commented another, as well as one who posted: 'You were awesome tonight Amy, well done.' 

The starlet, real name Amy Louise Billings, began her set with her 2020 hit Everybody Rise, not letting the pouring rain dampen her spirits.

She then surprised her fans by belting out the lyrics to her latest track C'MON, released this week, with collaborator Travis Barker playing the drums via video link.

Praise: However, it wasn't all negative, with some praising Amy for her 'powerhouse' vocals

Praise: However, it wasn't all negative, with some praising Amy for her 'powerhouse' vocals 

Hitting out at the haters: 'Y'all are so mean. Amy Shark is a song-writing powerhouse with a voice to match,' one wrote

Hitting out at the haters: 'Y'all are so mean. Amy Shark is a song-writing powerhouse with a voice to match,' one wrote 

 

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