Brent Naden has produced a classy performance to help guide Penrith to a confidence-boosting 32-4 win over Wests Tigers in an NRL trial at Panthers Stadium.
Naden scored two tries and was involved in several others as the Panthers produced a dominant second half to give their fans plenty of hope ahead of the 2020 season.
Played in wet conditions at the foot of the mountains, the match was precariously placed at half-time with the scores level at 4-all, but Penrith turned up the class in the second half to run away with the game.
The match also marked the NRL return of Tyrone May, who spent the entire 2019 season on the sidelines after facing police charges. With a new blonde hair cut in tow, May scored a try and was impressive in his return.
Several big names including Nathan Cleary and James Tamou were missing for Penrith, but both are expected to play against the Eels in Bega next weekend.
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.