Reece Walsh in action for Brisbane Broncos against Penrith Panthers. Photo: AAP / Photosport
Penrith Panthers' dream of an NRL five-peat is over, after they were dispatched 16-14 by Brisbane Broncos in the preliminary final at Suncorp Stadium.
Still trailling with four minutes to go, Brisbane levelled 14-14 with a try to winger Deine Mariner and veteran half Adam Reynolds cooly slotted the conversion from near touch to snatch the lead for the first time in the contest.
Penrith had one last attempt to salvage the result, but star halfback Nathan Cleary was run off his mark, as he lined up a two-point, 40-metre field goal.
Winger Paul Alamoti had two first-half tries, as the Panthers led 14-0 at the break.
Brisbane charged back into contention, with tries to centre Kotoni Staggs and second-rower Xavier Willison bringing them back within striking distance.
Fullback Reece Walsh badly pulled an easy conversion attempt that saw him relieved of goalkicking duties, but threw an outrageous speculator pass to Mariner, who ploughed over for the crucial try.
Penrith had hoped to win their fifth straight crown, despite sitting last on the competition table during an early-season form slump.
Instead, Brisbane will now face Melbourne Storm for the championship in Sydney next week.
Catch up with all the action as it unfolded below:
