Last week, the Panthers got a win over Newcastle after an underwhelming performance, only to lose to the South when they made serious digs.
“Sometimes it’s a brutal game,” Penrith coach Evan Cleary said.
Cody Walker and Isaiah Tass celebrate with their teams after trying in the final two minutes of the game.Credit: getty
“We know that’s what they’re going to do [on that last play], we kind of covered it up, but didn’t completely wrap the ball. I thought they were really good tonight. Their skilled players came up with some big plays. “
The defending champions were under heavy pressure, making nearly 60 more tackles than the South, but ended up losing to six draws. Crichton scored after some handy set-ups from furious prop Spencer Leniu.
A couple of rare errors from Nance in the second half were immediately punished by the two-time Premier, including Mitchell’s knock that paved the way for Clayton’s second goal. Clayton ended again when Jed Cartwright tipped the ball over while trying to squeeze a pass.
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Clayton scored all 18 of Penrith’s points as a groin injury prevented Cleary’s shooting duties.
There was even a little drama in front of the South’s coaching box after some fans went full-time, only for assistant coach and Southern legend Sam Burgess to help calm the situation.
Cleary figured out a bell-ringer to hit Walker, and Clayton was always running out of the defense to put pressure on the South’s left wing — like he did against the Rabbits in the 2021 Finals, where he tried to tackle interceptions on more than one occasion — And Mitchell caused a brief panic when he grabbed his left groin after a tackle.
These two teams will be deep into September. again. It would be great if they could play each other every two weeks.
Penrith travels to Bathurst next week, where the West Tigers await. The Souths head north to take on contending leaders Brisbane.
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