Panthers players are seen during the national anthem prior to the NRL Premiership Grand Final Photo: AAP / www.photosport.nz
The Penrith Panthers have claimed their third NRL minor premiership in four years to set up an opening finals match against the Warriors.
The two-time defending champion Panthers ended North Queensland's finals hopes with a crushing 44-12 win in Sydney on Saturday night to pip the Brisbane Broncos on points differential at the top of the table.
"That's four years in a row we're first or equal first at the end of the year so I'm really proud of that, consistency is such a big part of being successful," coach Ivan Clearly said.
"We've worked extremely hard to get here and as they say 'it's a new competition' but I think the habits have formed and the understandings of what works for us will help us in there (finals)."
A dominant first half by the defending premiers, to lead 26-0, was more than enough against a Cowboys who narrowly finished outside the top eight.
Panthers five-eighth Jack Cogger produced three try assists early to set up tries to the outstanding Stephen Crichton, Sunia Turuva and Liam Martin.
In an ominious warning for the Warriors, the Panthers completed at 90 percent and had 60 percent of possession in the first half.
The second-ranked Broncos will face the third-ranked Melbourne Storm in the other qualifying final match.
The winners of both qualifying finals will get a bye heading into the semi-finals.
The two elimination finals will pit the Sharks against the Roosters in an all-Sydney affair while the Raiders must beat a Newcastle Knights side who have racked up nine successive wins.
If the Warriors lose to the Panthers, they will host a sudden-death finals match against the winners of the Raiders-Knights clash.
- RNZ