The Panthers demolish an underwhelming Sharks outfit in the late Saturday game.
Result
Penrith Panthers 28
Tries: (5) Jarome Luai 4th; Isaah Yeo 20th; Brian To’o 29th; Sunia Turuva 48th; Liam Martin 61st
Goals: (4) Nathan Cleary 6th, 21st, 30th, 63rd
Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks 0
Tries: nil
Goals: nil
Report
Whilst the Panthers came into this clash on a high and full of confidence from their 44-18 thumping of the Bulldogs last week, the Sharks ran onto the field on Saturday night with their finals hopes hanging in the balance.
With Penrith comfortably lodged well within the top four and vying for their third minor premiership in four years, this match didn’t hold the same weight for the home side as it did to the Cronulla side, who – whilst still in the fold to play finals footy – sit just a single point clear of both the 9th and 10th placed teams.
The Panthers began their evening by scoring a try early in the match. Jarome Luai scored the try after Scott Sorensen retrieved the ball from a kick made by Nathan Cleary.
Cronulla managed to defend against Penrith’s attacks until halfway through the first half. However, Isaah Yeo scored a try after another accurate kick from Cleary, extending the Panthers’ lead.
Brian To’o, who is known for his excellent finishing skills, also scored a try, making the halftime score 18-0.
Penrith took less than 10 minutes to get back into their groove after the resumption of play, exposing the Sharks’ edge defense through a passage of eyes up footy that sent Sunia Turuva over for a try.
The Sharks would finally catch a break in the 58th minute of play with Panthers’ Tyrone Peachey being sent for a stint in the sin bin for a swinging arm and dangerous contact with the head.
The reigning premiers’ defence stood strong, however, with Cronulla unable to secure any points during this period and leaving their score for the night at a resounding zero.
The Panthers rounded out their evening with yet another stellar kick from Cleary, this time pounced on by Liam Martin, giving them a 28 to nil victory.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR POINTS
Embed from Getty Images3 – Nathan Cleary (Panthers)
2 – Jarome Luai (Panthers)
1 – Sunia Turuva (Panthers)
