2020 NRL Grand Final

The first score came when Storm’s Justin Olam attempted to score in the fourth minute. The referee ruled “no try”, but a video review showed that Penrith’s Tyrone May had kicked the ball out and ordered a penalty try. Cameron Smith converted. In the seventh minute Josh Mansour appeared to have scored for the Panthers, but it was disallowed for a Stephen Crichton obstruction. The Panthers made errors twice and Smith took advantage with two penalty goals. Later Nathan Cleary misdirected a pass which Suliasi Vunivalu intercepted, running 80 meters for a length of field try. With a minute remaining, Smith scored his first grand final try, right in front of the goal posts. It was initially called “no try”, until replays showed Apisai Koroisau knocking it from his hands. Smith hit the conversion, the half finishing 22–0 in favour of the Storm.[22]

Five minutes into the second half, Ryan Papenhuyzen ran 70 meters to score from a scrum. It would be Storm’s last score for the night. When all looked lost for the Panthers, Isaah Yeo kicked and Brian To'o scored in the corner in the 53rd minute. There was controversy over the legality of it, but the try stood. In the 67th minute Papenhuyzen leapt over the touchline to knock a Panther’s penalty kick back into play. Two minutes later, Lee passed to Stephen Crichton, who scored, bringing the score to 12–26. In the 71st minute, Viliame Kikau ran into Jahrome Hughes in attempt to score a try. The ref ruled a professional foul and Hughes was removed from the field. Two minutes later, Jarome Luai threw a long ball to Josh Mansour who scored bringing the scores to 16–26 with seven minutes left. Nathan Cleary missed the conversion. With 20 seconds left in the match Brandon Smith was sinbinned for a professional foul, reducing the Storm’s men to 11. Penrith fought back and scored at almost the 80th minute with a fast try to Cleary. He declined the conversion in attempt to draw level on the last play. From the kick-off, the siren soon sounded. Penrith players passed desperately, but eventually the ball was intercepted by Felise Kaufusi, ending the game.[23]

Ryan Papenhuyzen was judged best afield, winning his first Clive Churchill Medal.[24]