Penrith have warmed up for the Finals with a 40-6 demolition of Parramatta at Cbus Super Stadium.
The Panthers led 12-6 at half-time and went on with the job in the second half, never really looking troubled on their way to a record 21st win of the regular season.
Brian To’o bagged his first career hat trick while Jarome Luai and Viliame Kikau produced solid performances to ensure Penrith are ready for a showdown with Souths next weekend.
“I thought to Parramatta’s credit they played well, kicked well… they made us pay for our errors,” he said.
“In the second half we were pretty professional and I’m definitely happy with where we’re sitting and how we’re positioned going into next week.”
Cleary said he didn’t want to rest players in the final round, preferring to tighten things up ahead of the Finals.
“We thought it was important to give everyone another game, I’m really happy with what we got out of tonight,” he said.
Penrith finished the regular season equal first, but the Storm claimed the Minor Premiership thanks to their superior points differential.
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.
