Penrith have moved to the top of the competition ladder with a stunning 28-2 victory over St George-Illawarra at Panthers Stadium tonight.
The Panthers made a real statement and declared they are premiership potential, delivering the Dragons a football lesson in front of more than 21,500 fans.
It is the second week in a row the Panthers have conceded just a penalty goal after beating Wests Tigers 16-2 last week.
The game was played with a real semi-final intent and it took more than half an hour for the first try to be scored – Nathan Cleary going over for a brilliant individual four-pointer in the 33rd minute.
Penrith took an 8-0 lead into half-time and received a standing ovation from the vocal home crowd.
The Dragons narrowed the gap with a penalty goal early in the second half but it was the closest they got – Penrith producing three unanswered second half to secure the win.
Panthers coach Anthony Griffin said it was the team’s most complete performance of the season.
Troy Dodds is the Weekender’s Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.
