Penrith’s class of 2010 was successfully re-united today with Lachlan Coote, Luke Walsh, Michael Jennings and Brad Tighe producing season-best performances in the side’s 28-16 win over the Roosters at a wet Centrebet Stadium.
Coote, Walsh, Jennings and Tighe were the key elements to Penrith’s second place finish two years ago, and today they were back to their best to help the Panthers to their fifth win of the season.
Coote was moved to five-eighth for the first time and produced a stunning performance, with the highlight being a terrific break on the stroke of half-time to send Matt Robinson over for a try that broke a deadlock and gave the Panthers a 10-6 half-time lead.
And Jennings was superb, with a huge involvement throughout the contest and a brilliant 50 metre run to score a crucial try in the 54th minute of play.
But it wasn’t all good news for the Panthers, who now go two points clear of the Eels on the competition ladder, with Travis Burns dramatically sent off eight minutes from full-time for a high shot on Martin Kennedy.
Kennedy left the field with a broken nose and referee Ashley Klein had no hesitation in giving the livewire Burns his marching orders.
Penrith though will just be happy with the win, a convincing one considering Luke Lewis was ruled out prior to kickoff.
Despite dominating possession, the Roosters struggled to crack the Panthers, who were forced to make 58 tackles more than their opponents.
Penrith 28 (Tries: Brad Tighe 2, Matt Robinson, David Simmons, Michael Jennings. Goals: Luke Walsh 4) def Sydney Roosters 16 (Tries: Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Boyd Cordner, Anthony Minichiello. Goals: Braith Anasta 2).
