The Penrith Panthers have defeated the Canterbury Bulldogs 24-18 at Pepper Stadium in a nail-biter at the foot of the mountains.
Penrith were looking to erase the memories of last years semi final loss to the Bulldogs in the opening round of the NRL premiership. In front of a packed home ground the Panthers played with confidence and class, throwing the ball and pressing the button in attack.
Dallin Watene Zelezniak crossed in the 11th minute after a training move was converted on the right side, with quick hands from the back of a scrum.
Debutante George Jennings was the beneficiary of a Jamie Soward cut-out ball to the left wing inside the Bulldogs 20 in the 27th minute. The spritely winger banged down the ball with great joy as his side jumped to a 12-0 first half lead.
The huge Bulldogs pack was led around the park from the opening whistle. Some quick ball movement from backs and forward alike helped the Panthers to remain in control. With a 60/40 slipt in possession and an offload count of 11-4, the Panters were looking red hot.
James Segeyaro rubbed salt into the Bulldogs wounds, scoring in the first minute of the second half. The hooker picking up where he left off in the first half with some quick dummy half running and, in this case, excellent support play. Segeyaro provided excellent support in the inside of a Jamie Soward run to cross close to the posts.
When Zelezniak crossed for his second try in the 51st minute the Panthers were up by an unassailable 24 points to nil.
Three quick tries to the Bulldogs in the final fifteen minutes had the home fans holding their breaths. Brett Morris’ move to fullback paid dividends as star center made way for his twin brother Josh. Brett crossed in the 77th minute in hope of reigning in the Panthers lead.
It was a charge that was left too late, the Panthers running out winners 24-18.
