After Melbourne Storm’s defeat yesterday at the hands of the Paramatta Eels, Penrith Panthers had the opportunity to pull three points clear at the top of the ladder as they took on the Cronulla Sharks who are currently fighting for a play-off position in seventh spot.
The Panthers were looking for their tenth straight victory in what has been a sensational season for them after they finished tenth, and outside the play-offs, in 2019.
The Panthers were unchanged from the side who got a scare last week against the New Zealand Warriors while the Sharks, looking for back-to-back wins after defeating the Titans last weekend, brought in Braydon Trindall for Shaun Johnson (who became a father overnight).
The Panthers were underway after four minutes Isiah Yeo finding Viliame Kikau who brushed away the attempted tackle of Braydon Trindall to go in from ten metres. Nathan Cleary added the simple conversion, an early warning sign for the Sharks.
On thirteen Josh Mansour took a long miss-out pass from Jarome Luai for an unopposed run down the left wing to score by the corner flag. Cleary pulled his kick just left of the uprights.
A superb run by Liam Martin, busting two tackles, saw the second rower pass to Brent Naden who juggled the ball before regaining control and making the last twenty to round towards the posts, giving Cleary a simple kick for 16-0.
The Sharks grabbed one back on twenty-eight after fantastic strength from Jesse Ramien who went from acting half back and wrestled the ball to the ground. Matt Moylan added the conversion, the Panthers lead down to ten points.
Inside the last minute of the half Stephen Crichton jumped above the Sharks defender to take a Cleary high kick and drop over the line for the Panthers fourth try of the half. Cleary added the conversion for a 22-6 half time lead.
The Sharks had a Trindall try ruled out for a knock-on four minutes after the restart.
On fifty Liam Martin further extended the Penrith lead jinking past the first defender and brushing off a last-ditch tackle attempt. Cleary again kicked the goal, the Panthers with a 28-6 lead, the points safely tucked away with thirty minutes remaining.
It was all too easy on fifty-seven as Luai dropped both shoulders to fool the Cronulla defence and go in under the sticks. Cleary added the goal for 34-6.
Mansour got his second, taking a Crichton pass and stepping inside the winger to score on a three man overlap. Cleary was unable to add the conversion from the touchline.
Connor Tracey went from dummy half for a consolation try on seventy-five. Moylan added the conversion to bring up the double figures for the Sharks but it was too little and too late as the Panthers ran out as 38-12 winners.
Penrith Panthers go three points clear at the top of the table as they recorded their tenth straight victory. Their march to the minor premiership looks unstoppable and with only one game against another top eight side in their run in, they are strong favourites to end up as the top side. The Sharks didn’t play too badly, despite the heavy defeat, but they will now be looking over their shoulders at the chasing pack as they look to seal a top eight finish.
Penrith Panthers: Edwards, Mansour (2T), May, Crichton (T), Naden (T), Luai (T), Cleary (5G), Tamou, Koroisau, Fisher-Harris, Kikau (T), Martin (T), Yeo. Subs: Laurie, Lenie, Leota, Tetevano.
Cronulla Sharks: Kennedy, Katoa, Dugan, Ramien (T), Mulitalo, Moylan (2G), Trindall, Rudolf, Brailey, Woods, Talakai, Graham, Sorensen. Subs: Hamlin-Uele, Tracey (T), Williams, Hunt.
Referee: Ashley Klein.
Half-Time: 22-6.
Full-Time: 38-12.
Ground: Panthers Stadium, Penrith.
