Penrith Panthers have booked an NRL preliminary final against Melbourne Storm, defeating Parramatta Eels 8-6 at Mackay, Queensland.
With both sides only scoring one try apiece, a penalty goal from Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary proved the difference, earning Penrith a chance at redemption against the Storm.
Ivan Cleary's side fell to Craig Bellamy's Melbourne Storm in the 2020 NRL Grand final, ending a 17-match unbeaten run.
Parramatta's Waqa Blake opened the scoring in the 10th minute, before Penrith's Kurt Capewell levelled the scores six minutes later, setting the stage for Nathan Cleary to earn the victory with his boot.
With the halftime scoreline 8-6 in Penrith's favour, a point-less second half saw both defences on show, as the Panthers held on for victory.
"We have had to learn how to win different ways this year and our defence certainly held up tonight," coach Ivan Cleary says.
"You only need to win by one point and I was very proud of the boys tonight. There was a fair bit of pressure on us and we ground out a win, which I think was not a bad thing."
Penrith and Melbourne face off in the NRL preliminary final next Saturday, with the victors to meet either Manly Sea Eagles or South Sydney Rabbitohs in the Grand Final.
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