Panthers seal minor title with thumping

THE J.J. Giltinan Shield is heading to the foot of the mountains after Penrith secured the minor premiership with a dominant 32-12 victory against North Queensland.

It’s the third time the Panthers have been crowned minor premiers since the Shield was introduced in 1951 having finished first in 1991 and 2003.

The Panthers went on to win the title in both seasons.

For a young side with minimal finals experience, the minor premiership is a shot in the arm to their 2020 title campaign.

“It’s a good thing for this young team to experience a bit of success, before the big game starts. I think a little bit of silverware is very good for their ego and confidence to take them into the next stage,” fourtime premiership winner Cooper Cronk said last night.

Last night’s victory extended Penrith’s winning streak to 14 games.

It took only four minutes for the Panthers to open their account last night with winger

Brian To’o diving over in the right hand corner. Minutes later behemoth forward Viliame Kikau beat three tackles to send try scoring machine, Stephen Critchon, over for his 15th try of the year.

Coach Ivan Cleary’s men have found their mojo in attack in season 2020 and have averaged almost 26 points a game — their best attacking season in 10 years. PARRAMATTA added another chapter to Brisbane’s season of woe last night, routing the hapless Broncos 26-12 at Bankwest Stadium to nudge the Queenslanders closer to their first wooden spoon.

It was not without controversy, with Eels prop Junior Paulo being placed on report for an alleged Hip Drop tackle on David Fifta — which saw the Broncos enforcer limp from the field with a suspected ankle sprain.

The contentious incident, which occurred in the 45th minute, saw Fifita helped from the ground and later returned to the sideline with crutches.

Clint Gutherson was outstanding for the Eels, scoring two tries, passing for a third and making five tackle busts.