It will be the five-minute cameo Jake Arthur never forgets.
Parramatta were comprehensively beaten, but the coach’s son scored a try in the 77th minute of a grand final.
Coach Brad Arthur will struggle to come up with many positives from his first trip to a decider as a head coach – but the sight of his 20-year-old son diving over for a consolation try will be worth celebrating.
Arthur came into the game with plenty of critics questioning why he was even included in the final 17.
The Arthurs have had to listen to the same gibber for most of the season, with some even expressing their displeasure online.
Despite the online abuse at different stages this year, the coach stuck with his son, and young Jake will be a better player for the big-game experience.
Jake Arthur during the national anthem ahead of the 2022 NRL Grand Final.Credit:Getty
Arthur pounced on a grubber kick back in-field from his good friend and former Rouse Hill Rhinos teammate Will Penisini.
The result was well and truly over, but Jake can tell his own kids long after he has retired how he scored a four-pointer in a grand final.
Clint Gutherson also scored a well-deserved try late in the game, but was one of the most heartbroken Eels that slumped to the turf after full-time.
The Eels lose plenty of experience with Reed Mahoney, Marata Niukore and Isaiah Papali’i leaving the club for the Bulldogs, Warriors and Wests Tigers respectively, but youngsters like Arthur and Penisini will be better players.
Speaking of Papali’i, he wore a stray boot to the body from Jarome Luai midway through the first half.
Jarome Luai gives Isaiah Papali’i a nudge with his right boot.Credit:Twitter
Luai was frustrated with Papali’i for a few minutes approaching the half hour, and after Brian To’o was tackled by the Eels back-rower, Luai leaned in and gave him a nudge with his knee.
While it wasn’t as bad as Cameron Munster’s kick to Joey Manu’s head in the 2018 grand final, which resulted in a $1400 fine, the Penrith five-eighth is also a chance to be fined.
Eels officials certainly noticed the incident and were asking about it at half-time.
While it was not to be for Parramatta, their western Sydney neighbours are entering a wonderful era.
The 28-12 NRL victory capped a fantastic season for a club that also won silverware in the SG Ball, Jersey Flegg and NSW Cup competitions.
The reserve-grade team went on to win the State Championship earlier in the day.
They have worked hard for their success, and there is no reason the good times will not continue for many years to come.
Who can seriously tip against Penrith chasing three titles on the trot in 2023?
Even some dubious refereeing calls went their way with claims Mitchell Moses was obstructed by Viliame Kikau when To’o scored a second try. And a Cleary strip on Shaun Lane even finished in their favour.
Penrith will never forget their second title. Nor will young Arthur.
