Rugby league rivalry: Five classic Panthers wins over the Roosters

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Ahead of Friday night’s blockbuster between Penrith and the Roosters at Panthers Stadium, we take a look at five famous clashes between the two clubs over the years…

5. 2003 Season: A breakthrough win

Penrith looked anything but premiership winners in the opening two rounds of the 2003 season, going down to Brisbane and Melbourne in the opening rounds.

But what turned out to be an unforgettable season would get kickstarted in round 3, with Penrith producing a stunning 23-22 win over the Roosters at the SFS.

Craig Gower landed the match-winning field goal to ensure Penrith secured their first two competition points of the season.

4. 1968 Season: Panthers cook Chooks by a point

The Panthers failed to grab a win against the Roosters in their inaugural season in 1967, but the tide turned at Penrith Park in round 6 of the 1968 season.

The Panthers grabbed a thrilling 19-18 victory, with a Bob Boland field goal proving the difference in the end. David Applebee, Laurie Fagan and Ron Workman scored tries.

A crowd of just over 8,000 witnessed Penrith’s first ever win over the Rooosters.

3. 1989 season: Start of a winning era

The Roosters had largely dominated clashes between the clubs through the 60s, 70s and 80s, but things would change in 1989.

A 24-4 round 12 demolition of the chooks at Penrith Park would start a run of six straight wins against Easts.

It was a stunning performance by Penrith and one of their best wins of the year, highlighted by Greg Alexander bagging two tries.

2. 2014 Finals: Miracle at the SFS

The Minor Premiership-winning Roosters appeared to have won their way through to week three of the 2014 Finals when Mitchell Pearce scored to open up an 18-12 lead with eight minutes left at the Sydney Football Stadium.

But Penrith had other ideas, producing a magical final few minutes that would propel the Panthers to a Preliminary Final.

First Dean Whare scored a miracle try off the back of a freakish Dallin Watene-Zelezniak pass. Then Jamie Soward stood up – landing a sideline conversion then a late field goal to grab the win.

The Panthers celebrate their 2014 Finals win. Photo: NRL Images.

1. 2003 Grand Final: That Tackle

Luke Priddis produces a performance for the ages to help Penrith claim their second ever premiership, claiming an 18-6 win in wet conditions at ANZ Stadium.

Luke Rooney scored two tries but his feats were over-shadowed by an amazing tackle by Scott Sattler on Todd Byrne that will go down in rugby league folklore.

The Panthers won the match 18-6.

Craig Gowerr at the 2003 NRL Grand Final. Photo: NRL Images.

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