In a thrilling encounter at CommBank Stadium, Nathan Cleary’s moment of brilliance secured a narrow 8-6 victory for the Penrith Panthers over the Canterbury Bulldogs. Despite the Bulldogs controlling much of the match, a strong Panthers defence and a last-minute error from the Bulldogs proved decisive.
This victory marks the Panthers’ third consecutive win and cements their place within the top eight, making it the league’s lowest winning margin so far this season. The Bulldogs led at halftime, 6-2, but everything changed in the second half when Cleary charged down a kick from Matt Burton, snatched the loose ball, and scored under the posts. The successful conversion brought the score to 8-6.
As the match neared its conclusion, tension escalated. A high tackle by Brian To’o on Bronson Xerri resulted in a penalty for the Bulldogs in a position to threaten the Panthers’ lead. Instead of opting for a goal attempt, the Bulldogs chose to attack. This decision backfired when Blaize Talagi intercepted their first play, allowing the Panthers to regain possession.
With less than a minute remaining, the Bulldogs had one last opportunity to snatch victory. A potential game-winning pass from Stephen Crichton to Marcelo Montoya went awry, sailing out of play and eliciting a mix of joy from home fans and despair from Crichton. Commentary from Mat Thompson captured the moment, describing it as a game that would be forever memorable.
Isaah Yeo, speaking post-match to Jonathan Thurston, noted the semi-final-like intensity of the match. He praised both teams, acknowledging their shared commitment to a gritty style of play, and expressed pride in the Panthers’ resilience. Initially, the Panthers earned a penalty goal before Jacob Preston scored to put the Bulldogs in front, as fullback Connor Tracey showcased his defensive prowess with crucial tackles.
Cameron Smith, during commentary, hailed the game as the best 40 minutes of football this season, while the second half maintained a similar intensity, with the Bulldogs applying constant pressure before Cleary’s pivotal try turned the tide.
Ultimately, the Panthers sit sixth on the ladder after this hard-fought win, while the Bulldogs remain at the top, awaiting the results of the Raiders’ match. This match will likely be remembered as one of the season’s standout moments.