Penrith are one win away from qualifying for their fifth straight Grand Final after dismantling the Roosters in tonight’s Qualifying Final.
The Panthers farewelled BlueBet Stadium in style with a 30-10 victory in front of more than 21,000 fans.
Nathan Cleary returned with a man of the match performance that will sound a warning siren to the rest of the NRL.
Penrith will have next weekend off and then play in a Preliminary Final in an effort to book a spot in the Grand Final.
The Panthers took a 24-0 lead into half-time after a dominant first half in which Cleary left the Roosters shellshocked with a stunning individual performance.
The Roosters scored the first two tries of the second half to give them a small sniff of a comeback but Penrith always seemed in control.
Panthers coach Ivan Cleary said the first half was probably his side’s best this season.
“To get through to a Prelim in any season is an achievement and it’s nice to get the week off as well,” he said.
“We understand how to play Finals and I think our style is suited to it.”
Roosters coach Trent Robinson said the first 20 minutes was tough to watch.
“They just executed really well,” he said.
“You lick your wounds and you go into next week with positivity.”
Troy Dodds
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.