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Panthers outlast Knights to close gap on Storm

Defending premiers Penrith have closed to within two points of the Storm at the top of the table after a tense 22-14 win over the Knights at BlueBet Stadium.

With big guns Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo and Brian To'o showing the way, the Panthers held off a gutsy Knights outfit who overcame the loss of Jacob Saifiti in the warm-up to push the champions all the way.

The Knights made a statement of intent seven minutes in when prop Daniel Saifiti stormed over from close range before the Panthers settled and hit back through Casey McLean after slick lead-up from Matt Eisenhuth, Cleary and Luai.

With 14 minutes remaining in the half the Panthers produced a long range try down the right edge finished off by Izack Tago, who put To'o into space and then backed up to take the return pass. Cleary's conversion made it 12-6 to Penrith.

Daniel Saifiti Try

Just eight minutes later the premiers looked to have a third try when Cleary grubbered early in the count and the ball sat up for perfectly Tago but the bunker ruled he had lost control as he attempted to ground the ball.

A penalty against Jack Hetherington for a high tackle in the final minute of the half gave Cleary an easy shot at goal and the Panthers took a 14-6 lead to the break.

The sides traded sets for the opening 12 minutes of the second half before a penalty against Cleary for a slow peel put the Knights in good field position and they capitalised through Tyson Frizell in the 57th minute to close within two.

Izack Tago Try

A penalty against Tago for a high shot on Kalyn Ponga in the 64th minute was followed by a penalty against Yeo for a dangerous tackle and the Knights drew level at 14-14.

Just as the Knights were coming to get them it was Cleary who owned the moment with a powerful surge from close range to beat Ponga and Jayden Brailey and it was 20-14 to the Panthers.

With 90 seconds to play Cleary took the line on again and was tackled high by Tom Cant, the ensuing penalty goal sealing the 22-14 victory.

Match Snapshot

  • Knights bench forward Jacob Saifiti suffered a calf injury during the warm-up and took no part in the match. Tom Cant joined the bench and Brodie Jones moved to 18th man.
  • Panthers debutant Isaiah Iongi had 25 runs for 255 metres and broke eight tackles.
  • Panthers winger Sunia Turuva came up with eight tackle breaks.
  • Panthers hooker Mitch Kenny made his 100th NRL appearance.
  • Panthers centre Izack Tago was placed on report for high contact on Kalyn Ponga in the 64th minute.
  • Both sides completed 34 of 39 sets at 87 per cent.

Casey Mclean Try

  • The Panthers have won 14 of their past 16 games against the Knights.
  • The Knights have not won at BlueBet Stadium since Round 23, 2018.
  • Knights hooker Jayden Brailey came up with 43 tackles.
  • Knights five-eighth Tyson Gamble went on report in the 54th minute for high contact on Nathan Cleary.
  • Knights halfback Phoenix Crossland left the field for a HIA with 14 minutes to play which he passed.

Tyson Frizell Try

Play of the Game

Nathan Cleary Try

What They Said

Knights: Round 22

Panthers: Round 22

 

Acknowledgement of Country

Penrith Panthers players and staff respect and honour the traditional custodians of the land and pay our respects to their elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.