In a spectacular opening finals clash at BlueBet Stadium, the Penrith Panthers showcased their dominance, overwhelming the brave Warriors with a commanding 32-6 victory.
Both teams entered the match with key players missing in action, as New Zealand halfback Shaun Johnson and Penrith centre Izack Tago were ruled out due to injuries. Despite these setbacks, the stage was set for an electrifying contest.
The scoring commenced in a rather unexpected fashion, with prop Moses Leota taking on an unfamiliar role. He delivered a pinpoint cut-out pass, finding winger Brian To’o in spectacular fashion. Commentator Andrew Voss couldn’t help but label To’o as a “halfback in a front rower’s body” before he engaged in a spirited exchange with Addin Fonua-Blake, his adversary on the field.
The Panthers continued to dazzle, with Nathan Cleary delivering a jaw-dropping moment that left Andrew Voss in awe. In a swift recovery, Cleary regained his footing and orchestrated his side’s second try. Even without one of his boots, the remarkable halfback expertly linked up with Liam Martin, who sliced through the defensive line untouched.
Voss marveled at the feat, exclaiming, “I’m not sure I’ve ever seen the likes of that, a player so quick to his feet. I don’t think a bloke with one boot has ever set up a try in the history of the game.”
Winger Sunia Turuva soon etched his name on the score-sheet, capitalizing on a well-executed play in the corner.
As the second half unfolded, Warriors skipper Tohu Harris found himself on report for a crusher tackle on Luke Garner. Nevertheless, New Zealand managed to put points on the board, thanks to Dallin Watene-Zelezniak’s dynamic run down the right side of the field. A perfectly arcing pass back to the center found former Panther Wayne Egan, who sprinted away for a thrilling try.
However, the Warriors’ euphoria was short-lived as the Panthers retaliated through Turuva, who secured yet another untouched try on the left.
Nathan Cleary, displaying his genius on the field, orchestrated another remarkable play, earning accolades from league legend Michael Ennis. Cleary’s outstanding performance propelled him up the all-time points leaderboard in finals football. In the compulsory finals era since 1954, Cleary now holds the fifth position in points tallied, surpassing renowned names like Hazem El Masri, Johnathan Thurston, Darren Lockyer, James Maloney, and Graeme Langlands.
With 18 points earned on Saturday, Cleary joins the ranks of Graham Eadie, Michael Cronin, Adam Reynolds, and Cameron Smith, with the least number of finals games (only 17) in the top 10.
The Panthers have secured a well-deserved week off, advancing to the preliminary final and edging closer to a third-straight premiership. The break provides Jarome Luai with additional time to recover from a shoulder injury sustained in Round 27.
In this scintillating display of skill and determination, the Panthers have firmly established themselves as a formidable force in the quest for grand final glory.