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2 months ago
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Penrith Panthers made history on Sunday evening as they were crowned premiers for the fourth year running after besting Melbourne Storm 14-6 during Sunday's NRL Grand Final.
In front of a crowd of approximately 80,156 at the Accor Stadium, Ivan Cleary's side confirmed their immortality in the sport with yet another premiership victory, with his son Nathan Cleary and Liam Martin dazzling under the lights in Sydney.
Some fans were left scratching their heads with the NRL failing to sell out the 83,500-capacity venue, with tickets still available for the men's showpiece event just hours before kick-off.
But that didn't spoil the party, with The Kid Laroi stepping into the middle of the field to provide the pre-match entertainment before the spectacle got underway.
Between the action on the pitch and the pre-match entertainment, there was plenty of entertainment for fans to enjoy.
Penrith Panthers made history on Sunday evening as they were crowned premiers for the fourth year running
The Panthers celebrated in the changing rooms after beating Melbourne Storm 14-6 at the Accor Stadium in Sydney
Melbourne cut dejected figures at full-time, having failed to win the Premiership since 2020
But it also seems there was a bit of networking going on behind the scenes, with some big names from the worlds of politics, business and sport all in attendance at the Accor Stadium, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.
Perhaps the most notable was Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who alongside his partner Jodie Haydon, enjoyed the match from the Sydney arena's President's Suite.
The Prime Minister was joined by opposition leader Peter Dutton after both had reportedly backed the Panthers to win, per the Sydney Morning Herald.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns and Mark Speakman were also present at the game, alongside NSW Governor Margaret Beazley.
Some big names from the world of sport were also spotted enjoying the padded seats, including ex-AFL chief Gillon McLachlan.
McLachlan ended his contract as the AFL's cheif executive officer at the end of the 2023 season, with the director subsequently handing the reigns onto Andrew Dillon, and has since been appointed as a chief executive at betting firm Tabcorp.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was in attendance at the NRL Grand Final on Sunday
The Prime Minister was accompanied by his wife Jodie Haydon (right) in the President's Suite
Opposition leader Peter Dutton was also in attendance at the Accor Stadium in Sydney
Ex-AFL chief Gillon McLachlan was also reportedly mingling alongside the business figures and politicians in the Stadiums prestigiious suite
The Kid Laroi, who delivered the pre-match entertainment before the final, also poked his head into the suite to say hello
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns was also present alongside the other political figures
Katy Perry lit up the AFL Grand Final at the MCG last week with a sensational pre-match performance, with the US pop star gliding around on a metallic vehicle while signing some of her iconic songs, like 'Roar'.
On Sunday, pre-match performer, The Kid Laroi dazzled on stage, before dropping in to say hello to some of the executives inside the corporate hospitality suites.
Several big names from the world of broadcasting were also spotted in attendance, including Channel Nine's acting chief executive Matt Stanton as well as Catherine West, the broadcaster's new chair Catherine West.
They were accompanied by the NRL's executive officer Rachel Kramer who was, per the Sydney Morning Herald, given a round of applause from those inside the suite, after being announced by NRL CEO Andrew Abdo.
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