Eighth-placed Penrith Panthers have secured victory for the first time in four games, hanging on to beat the Sydney Roosters 16-14 at BlueBet Stadium in Round 11 of The Knock-On Effect NSW Cup.
Penrith scored three tries late in the first half to lead 16-0 at the main break, but the Roosters kept the home side scoreless and produced three second-half tries, still trailing by two points.
The Panthers were rewarded for their early dominance when Jack Cogger stepped through the goal-line defence to force his way over next to the posts after just six minutes. The half made the simple conversion for a 6-0 lead.
Penrith doubled their lead in the 29th minute courtesy of hooker Luke Sommerton’s efforts, burrowing his way over to score underneath the posts.
Penrith made it back-to-back tries, scoring in the next set when young centre Samuel Lane finished off a backline movement to lead 16-0.
Repeat sets inside the Panthers’ 20 enabled the Roosters to open their account in the 49th minute, allowing late inclusion Drew Hutchinson to score out wide. With the successful conversion from Smith, the Roosters trailed by 10 points with 30 minutes remaining.
When winger Jade Anderson finished off a slick movement to score midway through the second half, the Roosters were behind by just the converted try with plenty of game time remaining.
Anderson scored his second try to close the deficit within two points with seven minutes left, but despite the Roosters’ best attempts over the closing minutes the Panthers hung on for an important win.
Talking points
Both teams came into the clash trying to put an end to recent losing streaks – the Panthers with three straight defeats and the Roosters with four.
Penrith offset the suspension of John Faiumu with Preston Riki, making his return from injury for the Panthers.
Key moment
While goal-kicking was important in this game, it was Penrith’s back-to-back tries late in the opening half to go ahead 16-0 which proved to be a key period of the match. It ultimately gave the Panthers enough points to hold off the visitors and secure victory.
Match Report provided by NSW Rugby League.
