In a gripping encounter at CommBank Stadium, Nathan Cleary’s brilliance secured the Penrith Panthers a narrow 8-6 victory over the Canterbury Bulldogs. Despite the Bulldogs dominating much of the match, solid defence from the Panthers and a critical late error from Canterbury proved decisive.
This win marks the Panthers’ third consecutive triumph and solidifies their position in the top eight, with the scoreline representing the smallest margin of victory this season. The Bulldogs headed into halftime with a slim 6-2 lead, but the turning point came in the second half when Cleary successfully charged down a kick from Matt Burton, resulting in a fortunate bounce that led to his try underneath the posts.
As the clock wound down, the game intensified when Brian To’o was placed on report for a high tackle on Bronson Xerri, granting the Bulldogs a penalty within striking distance. However, in a surprising move, they opted to attack rather than kick for goal, which backfired as the Panthers regained possession after a knocked-down pass.
With less than a minute remaining, the Bulldogs pressed for a last-minute victory but faltered when Stephen Crichton, overlooking an open Marcelo Montoya, threw a wayward pass into touch. This misstep heightened the excitement as home fans celebrated the Panthers’ remarkable achievement.
Post-match, Isaah Yeo reflected on the clash, describing it as a semi-final atmosphere and commending both teams for their fighting spirit. He noted the resilience the Panthers displayed, which has been inconsistent throughout the season.
The first half saw the Panthers take an early penalty goal, but it was quickly overturned by Jacob Preston’s try for the Bulldogs. Bulldogs fullback Connor Tracey showcased his defensive prowess with standout tackles, making the first 40 minutes of play highly regarded by commentators as the best of the season.
Overall, the match highlighted the competitive edge between the teams, with both striving for a similar style of play. As the season progresses, the Panthers sit sixth on the ladder while the Bulldogs remain at the top, awaiting the outcome of the Raiders’ game. This thrilling encounter certainly left a lasting impression on fans and players alike.