The Panthers outlasted a valiant Knights outfit to stalk two points closer to the minor premiership – with Newcastle putting on a season best effort despite coming away with a 22-14 loss.
The fixture was full of controversy and penalties as Penrith were slapped with the whistle from referee Adam Gee – who ticked off on some big calls.
Jacob Saifiti was ruled out prior to kickoff with a calf injury, as his brother Daniel barged over for Newcastle’s first try and the games opener. Ivan Cleary would’ve been disappointed with the poor goal line defence, as Scott Sorenson and Mitch Kenny made futile attempts in contact.
Nathan Cleary scores the game winner. (Photo by Brett Hemmings/Getty Images)
Nathan Cleary was rather quiet in comparison to his barnstorming blinder in round 21, as the contest took on a grinding complexion in the second half. Like the grand final of 2023, he was destined to show something late.
Phoenix Crossland was strong in defence at halfback and reliable with the boot – but did push a dicey pass for Tyson Frizell to cross over. The try was confirmed, meaning the bunker had no right to deem over the pass. Fox League commentators Cooper Cronk and Warren Smith both labeled the pass forward.
Newcastle were then saved with a defensive lapse from Panthers centre Izack Tago. Kalyn Ponga threw a no look pass on the left edge, which Brian To’o pounced on to breakaway untouched. The try was stripped from officials due to high contact from Tago moments before.
1. Newcastle hold their own
Despite putting their finals hopes in dire straits due to another loss – Newcastle were superb. They truly put it up to Penrith.
It wasn’t flash and lacked a little experience – shown through a poor late fifth tackle kick from Tyson Gamble that ran dead. The grubber ended all Newcastle hopes.
Their forward pack muscled up in defence, as did Greg Marzhew and Fletcher Sharpe, who both diffused plenty of tough kicks.
Tyson Frizell and Daniel Saifiti were best for the away side, with Frizell battering himself into contact throughout the contest. That man never stops trying.
Sharpe was stopped late from debutant Isaiah Iongi, who pulled off a try saving tackle to keep Penrith six points ahead.
2. Shocking calls all round
While Penrith deserved the win – a flurry of poor calls denied both sides momentum and points.
Izack Tago was barred from a second try with the bunker botching a knock-on call. Throughout the season, many tries have been awarded with a hint of contact or pressure on the ball. Flying through off a Cleary grubber, Tago’s four-pointer was taken away after “clear separation”. It was the wrong decision.
Fast forward into the second half and the Knights were gifted a try off a controversial Crossland pass. Frizell was in front of the ball which didn’t help the case, but the pill seemingly floated towards Penrith’s in-goal.
Kalyn Ponga was then penalised late in the piece for high contact on Izack Tago. The shot had no reason for punishment. A slip from Tago, where he proceeded to lie on the ground – made up Gee’s mind.
Heading into finals, officiating must be refined. It is simply too damaging for one call to ruin cutthroat games, or better still, a sides season.
3. Cleary saves best late
Just when you thought he had a mediocre game by his standards, Nathan Cleary provided.
The halfback was strong in defence and had his opposite number on many occasions, but lacked a little polish in attack.
He dished Iongi a tough inside ball in the first half, where Penrith’s attack looked lost and flustered.
The three-time premiership winner then backed himself – busting through Kalyn Ponga and co to put the game to bed.
Liam Martin had a chance to ice the game minutes before, but had complete tunnel vision. The second rower failed to look for support, where Iongi was flying on his right. Instead, Martin slammed into Ponga which brought the play to a standstill.
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