In a disappointing turn of events, Isaah Yeo’s 250th game celebration was overshadowed by the North Queensland Cowboys, who handed the Penrith Panthers yet another loss in their troubling season, winning 22-18. Following a recent victory against the Raiders, the Cowboys took advantage of their match in Sydney, turning their momentum against the four-time champions.
Penrith started the second half strong, initially leading 18-12, but a series of minor mistakes quickly undermined their progress. A particularly notable moment occurred when Coen Hess delivered a crushing blow to star player Nathan Cleary, sending a strong message about the Cowboys’ defensive intensity. Despite concerns about the legality of the hit, the referee ruled that the contact was legitimate.
Disaster struck for Penrith as Yeo faced repercussions for a high tackle, further complicating their already challenging situation. With 15 errors and six penalties, they struggled to maintain composure. Paul Alamoti’s attempt to score a spectacular try was thwarted by a call from the Bunker, which confirmed his foot had gone out of bounds before grounding the ball.
Adding to Penrith’s woes, Izack Tago was sent off for a high shot on Murray Taulagi during a crucial moment, leaving the team down to 12 men. Cleary’s efforts to orchestrate a comeback were futile, culminating in a dropped ball as the Cowboys celebrated their hard-fought victory.
Earlier in the match, Yeo received a warm standing ovation from the crowd during the 13th minute in honour of his milestone. His teammates showcased their fighting spirit with Casey McLean and Tago each scoring tries to equalise briefly before the Cowboys regained the lead thanks to Reece Robson’s sin-binning for a high forearm on Daine Laurie.
While players and commentators debated the legality of various tackles, the game ultimately highlighted Penrith’s continued struggles both in mental focus and execution on the field, raising concerns for the remainder of their season.